Marimba

Sellwood Middle School's Marimba program is offered to students at all grade levels. Marimbas are a user-friendly instrument, requiring no musical background. The music is taught in an aural tradition - usually by a master teacher who comes to the school - and is based on specific patterns and rhythms. Some of the songs include singing in Shona (the language spoken in Zimbabwe). In addition, Marimba students learn about the origins of the music, which is typically from Zimbabwe and Botswana, Africa.

The Marimba band has 13 marimbas, which it takes with it when it plays at community events such as the Rose Festival/World Stage, lunchtime concerts at Pioneer Place, and Earth Day Celebrations as well as local venues such as the Moreland Farmer's Market, retirement homes and school carnivals. The Each year, the Marimba band records a CD with the Advanced Band and Jazz band.