Making a Go-go Band

0-3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

In this course, students will explore intersections between performance, storytelling, and go-go, DC’s own native genre of music. Go-go is characterized by elements of funk, hip hop, and reggae, with emphasis on percussive instruments such as congas, timbales, and rata toms. The music elicits active audience participation in the form of call-and-response. Georgetown students will collaborate with four young artists-in-residence, all DC residents on their journey to becoming go-go musicians, devising an original performance together. The course is team-led by Natsu Onoda Power (TPST faculty; director/ designer) and Charles “Shorty Corleone” Harris (Go-go musician/ producer/ educator), along with other DPA faculty and guest artists. Performers will be admitted by auditions during the first two weeks of the semester. Students interested in non-performing roles (design/ technical/ dramaturgy/ community engagement, etc.) should contact the instructor for permission.