On Sunday, September 29, Two Ghanaians will perform at the Ohio University Wind Symphony special concert celebrating the martial music of Ghana at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, starting from 4pm.
Titus Kwabena Ofori Arko, a renowned trumpeter, Assistant Divisional Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service Band, Territorial Songsters Leader/Bandmaster and Divisional Music Director of Accra Division of the Salvation Army of Ghana. Dr. Frank Kwashie Kekeli Hukporti, Assistant Commissioner of Police, curator of Band mastership Studies at the Methodist University College, Ghana and a part-time lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon who is also the Director of Bands, responsible for the affairs of all Police Bands nationwide are the two to be at the event.
This concert marks the culmination of a fruitful collaboration between Ohio University and the security bands of Ghana, sparked by last year’s African Brass concert in Ghana. The event aims to broaden perspectives on intercultural music education, compositions, and decolonization in African musical arts.
The concert will feature a diverse repertoire of Neo Ghanaian Arts Music, including martial music arranged and composed by Dr. Hukporti, as part of his Musical Domestication agenda. This concept emphasizes the use of traditional, folklore, and Pentecostal praise songs for symphonic band music, preserving and promoting Ghana’s rich musical heritage.
According to Professor William Talley, director of the Ohio University Wind Symphony, this concert promises to be a transformative experience, enriching the musical experiences of OHIO students, faculty, and audiences. The event will inspire a more open-minded and enlightened approach to music, celebrating the growing partnership between Ohio University and Ghana.
