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메아리 (Mae-A-Ri, pronounced “meh-Ah-Ree”), Korean for “echo,” is a Michigan State University student group that plays Korean traditional percussion music, usually referred to as “Samulnori” or “Poongmul.” First formed in fall 2006 with only 6 members, Mae-A-Ri has continued to perform at various cultural events in local communities. Now with more than 15 active members, the group is playing a crucial role as ambassadors for Korea and Korean culture in Michigan, not only promoting and spreading Korean culture awareness, but also volunteering with, working for, and deeply bonding with local communities by the magical power of music.

Samulnori (사물놀이) is a popular style of music, developed in the 1970s, that is both modern and historical. Samulnori takes traditional rhythms played by four traditional Korean instruments that have been used throughout hundreds of years of Korean history and presents them in artistic ways that highlight the virtuosity of the musicians on stage. These instruments are:

  • Kkwaenggwari (꽹과리) – small metallic gong
  • Jing (징) – large gong
  • Janggu (장구) – hourglass-shaped drum
  • Buk (북) – barrel-shaped drum

This style heavily emphasizes rhythms and is typically performed with a high level of energy. Derived from Poongmul, its root lies in Nong-Ak (농악, roughly interpreted as “farmers’ music”), a Korean folk genre comprised of music, acrobatics, folk dance, and rituals, all of which were traditionally performed in agrarian, rice-farming villages to ensure and celebrate good harvests. Nong-Ak culture had a strong emphasis on shamanism and traditional animism, which can be seen in the four instruments of Samulnori as they depict different aspects of the weather: Janggu representing rain, Kkwaenggwari thunder, Jing wind, and Buk clouds.

Mae-A-Ri Facebook page