ABOUT THE
cascas
This page contains information about the Irie Tones cascas. Although
we don't claim that it is exhaustive, we hope it gives you a solid basic
understanding of your instrument. If you need clarification or have something
you feel would be useful to add, please contact us. We'd be happy to help!
How
To Play Your Cascas
Position and Technique - The cascas can be played
while seated, standing, singing, or dancing. At first the sound of the
cascas seems complicated, but by following these steps, and practicing
for a bit, you too will be able to master the unique rhythms.
Step 1: Holding the hand palm-up, place Gourd 1 between
the pointer and middle finger, and wrapping the rope around the back
of the hand, hold Gourd 2 in the palm along with Gourd 1, making a fist.
Step 2: Shake the cascas back and forth perpendicular
to the body, as if you were hammering a nail in the wall, still holding
on to both gourds. This is the motion you will maintain for steps 3
and 4.
Step 3: Release Gourd 2 while maintaining the shaking
motion, allowing it to swing around the hand and clack against Gourd
1. If you keep an even shaking rhythm Gourd 2 should naturally swing
back around the back of the hand, where you will catch it again in the
palm, like in Step 1.
Step 4: Repeat this shaking and clacking motion. Play
with different combinations of shaking, clacking, and pausing to create
unique rhythms. You can even use a cascas in each hand for counter-rhythms!
Caution - Although the gourds and rope are quite
sturdy and well attached, do not attempt to pull them apart or disassemble
- they may not be as strong once taken apart then reassembled. Don't
hit the gourds against any hard surface.
How To Care for and Maintain
Your Cascas
- Transport and Exposure - Although the gourd is quite
durable you should avoid exposing it to the elements (dampness, rain,
snow, etc.). Changes in climate, humidity, and altitude will not affect
the instrument. Make sure your cascas is well padded for transportation.
Avoid dropping it from any height.
- Cleaning - Your cascas may be cleaned with a damp
cloth, but don’t apply cleansing agents or other cleaning tools.
Avoid playing with dirty hands or leaving your shekre exposed to sand
or soil.
- Maintenance - Yyour cascas does not require any oils
or treatment to keep it in shape.
Brief
History of the Cascas Drum
Quite frankly we have had a hard time tracking down a
reliable source for the history of the cascas. This instrument has been
in use for a long time in western Africa, but we're not sure if it originated
there. The cascas is used to accompany djembe ensembles and choirs,
but is often played indivudually or in pairs.
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