AFRICAN MUSICIAN IS IN RESIDENCE AT ADRIAN COLLEGE posted 9/12/03

Adrian College is pleased to welcome educator and musician Patrick Matsikenyiri to campus this fall.

Matsikenyiri, a retired professor from African University, is a composer and expert on African music. While on campus, he will serve as guest lecturer to music classes, work with the Adrian College Choirs, and take part in activities planned by Adrian’s Multicultural Office.

He will also work with Adrian College’s new African Drumming Ensemble, which was well received at its first performance during April’s spring concert. The group uses several world instruments, including a set of four “kalimbas" (aka thumb pianos) that Patrick sent to the music department last year. Tom Hodgman, chair of Adrian’s music department, hopes that student interest will culminate in a new World Music Ensemble this year.

A native of Rhodesia, Matsikenyiri served as headmaster of several schools there, and later risked his life in the independence movement that led to the creation of Zimbabwe. He was one of the leaders in the founding of African University, the first independent college in Zimbabwe. As a faculty member there, he organized and toured extensively with student choirs.

In 1999, Adrian College presented him with an honorary degree.

Matsikenyiri’s schedule also includes speaking to several area congregations and community organizations. He arrived in late August and will leave mid-October.