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Kambuyu Marimba Ensemble of Syracuse has been together since 2004. The roots of the music played comes from Shona people of Zimbabwe. Many of the tunes played originate in traditional mbira songs and melodies of that region. Seven marimbas of four sizes are usually played in the arrangements for this music: a bass, baritone, two tenors, and three sopranos. Traditionally this music is accompanied by gourd rattle percussion (hosho) and sometimes hand drums. The marimbas were built by group members using various tonal woods for the keys. Resonators were fashioned from PVC pipe cut to length, tuned, and sealed. Pieces of cellophane are placed over small holes in the tubes to create a unique buzzing that is like a voice.

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