African-American Instrument Adoption and Adaptation: Evidence from Music Archaeology and Ethnomusicology

African-American music is arguably the greatest contribution the United States has made to world culture. Unfortunately, much of its origins are shrouded in innuendo and myth. To investigate its true source, Howell examines the evidence from the ground up. He holds a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology with a specialty in music archaeology. His lecture incorporates music and visual examples in its search for the roots of African-American music.

Speakers Expertise:

Dr. Mark K Howell has been the Director of the Winterville Mounds Park since 2006. He is an American musician, composer, ethnomusicologist, and music archaeologist. Prior to his position as the Director of Winterville Mounds, he taught Music History at Fordham University and Hunter College.  Prior to his academic career, Dr. Howell was a working musician-composer based in New York City.