Marimba Band
Harp
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Marimba
Marimba is a musical instrument used by the Mayas for entertainment,
dance, drama, special activities and ceremonies. It produces the most unique
sounds, especially when sacred music is played during rituals offered in
ceremonies by Maya shamen. This sacred music, Marcha, is the Mayas'
Anthem. It is Marcha in Mopan and Ixbenil Son in Ke'kchi.
A Marcha is a sacred song played when a ritual is taking place.
About one hundred and fifty or even more rhythms of music can be played
on this musical instrument. The marimba is made from a combination of wood
known locally as qku'tej and sankil che. Qku'tej is
a tree that resembles the rosewood tree and is known for the color of the
heart. Sankil che's heart is colored dark red; this tree is used
mostly for firewood to produce charcoal. The heart of this wood is cut
in thin lengths to suit the key that produces this mystical music. Used
also are the local beeswax and the thin membrane of a pig's intestine.
Each key produces different pitch.
The music is played by three to four men, who have the
options to play soprano, alto, tenor and the bass. This decision is made
according to the music chosen.
Harp
Harp is a musical instrument made by the Mayas and used
for entertainment, religious ceremonies, cultural dances, drama, and other
special activities. It is played with two other instruments. A four-string
guitar and a violin are used to blend the music produced by the harp which
contains about 50 lyres. The music is played by four men; one plays the
harp, one the violin, one the guitar, and one the bass.
A harp is made out of mahogany or cedar. Symbols of snakes,
eagles, tigers and other brave animals are carved on the neck of these
instruments. These symbols go back in history to the Gods of Peace called
KuKue. Harps are set up when a lot of music will be played. It is set up
to make the music really enjoyable.
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