Ocarran Traditional Music

Ocarran music is made up of the various instruments, tunes, and musical traditions of the Ocarran people.

Ocarran music is rhythm and melody based, with the music itself often being used to accompany dances, rituals, singers, or other performances. There are many rhythm and melody traditions that allow musicians to have some improvisation when creating new music while still producing an Ocarran style sound.

Ocarran folk music tends to stick to the more traditional rhythms and instruments passed down and developed over generations, while the more modern music styles are often influenced by music from other planets, especially pop music from the Coalition.

Instruments

String Instruments

Naj

The Naj is a long necked lute that is played by plucking or strumming its strings. The instrument has three strings with each connected to a tuning peg. The body of the instrument is large and tear shaped with a round back and a long neck attached.

The Naj is typically a lead instrument in an ensemble, as well as being used as a solo instrument. When it is not used as a lead instrument playing the melody, the instrument will typically be used to create a rhythm for the rest of the ensemble. The instrument is one of the most notable instruments in Ocarran folk music, and is even used in Ocarran pop music.

Shuni

The Shuni is a long necked bowed lute that is played by the bow being drawn over the strings. The instrument has two strings -one for melody and one for resonance- each attached to a tuning peg. The body of the instrument is small and tear shaped with a rounded back -quite similar to the Naj but smaller in size- as well as a long neck.

The Shuni is played vertically, resting on or between the player's knees, with the right hand holding the bow. The strings are not pressed fully to the neck, rather the finger pads or nails are pressed along the strings. The instrument is known for making a more raspy sound and is often used in ritual music as well as in ensembles.

Percussion Instruments

Chomba

The Chomba is a single headed frame drum often played using a drum beater, though the hands and fingers may also be used. The back of the drum is open with a cross shape connected to the back of the frame that allows the player to hang onto it securely. The drum beater typically has a cloth tip. Occasionally the player may use their palm or fingers to hit the drum instead of the mallet, producing a different sound.

The sound the drum makes is often a deep booming sound when using the center of the drum, but different sounds can be made by striking the mallet away from the center of the drumhead. The hand may be used to stifle the sound or to control the pitch and tone produced.

The Chomba is often used to provide pulse-like rhythm or beat to an ensemble, especially when accompanying a dance or singing performance. These drums also often are used in ritual music, where they may be the only instrument used.

Ocarran Mouth Harp

The Ocarran mouth harp is a lamellophone consisting of a metal frame, held against the players teeth, and reed, which is plucked to create a sound. The player’s mouth is used as a resonator, making the sound louder. The tone is changed by the shape of the mouth, allowing for a range of notes to be played.

The instrument is known for its repetitive buzzing sound as well as its overtones, and is often used in ensembles and is often used as part of the rhythm.