Making a Difference Through Music: Meet Mark Parselelo

Mark Parselelo, joining CBU as an instructor this January, has dedicated his life to the art of music. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and an International Master’s in Dance Knowledge, Heritage and Practice. Mark is also an Ethnomusicology PhD candidate at Memorial University, pursuing research on the impact of migrant musician workers on certain sub-genres of music. Having worked with CBU’s Centre for Sound Communities for the last four years, Mark is now transitioning to Instructor for the new Black Music Traditions course that will be offered at the University next month.

Originally from the Narok region of Kenya, Mark is thrilled to make the move to Cape Breton and begin his new journey as an Instructor with CBU. “I look forward to meeting my students and exploring select musical ideas with them that connect Western and Central Africa with music found in the Atlantic part of the world,” says Mark. “It was Dr. Marcia Ostashewski who challenged me to dip my foot into the water; I think it’s going to be a fun time!”

Mark has previous experience as an Instructor, working within Kenyatta University for the last six years, but he gives a lot of credit to CBU’s Centre for Sound Communities for helping him fine-tune his skills. “The Centre has helped me build my coordination, collaboration, research and instructing skills,” he says. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with many distinguished knowledge holders, professors and experts in numerous fields. It’s been incredible; I just love being involved with the CBU community.”

As CBU continues to expand and diversify its course catalogue, Mark says he admires the work that is already being done by the University. “Diversity in course offerings is vital to building students’ cultural appreciation, competency and world perspective,” he begins. “These things help people build relationships, increase understanding and create different ways of knowing. I am truly honoured to help create and instruct the first Black Music course to be offered at CBU.” 

The new Black Music Traditions course will focus on musical ideas that connect Western culture genres with their African roots. Students will learn about the individuals responsible for helping establish these genres, like Bob Marley, Tupac and Drake, as well as discussions about the social, economic, religious, political and technological factors that have shaped the music and its core critical themes. 

Music continues to hold a very special place in Mark’s heart and he feels this course is the perfect opportunity to share that passion with interested students. “Music possesses a unique ability to bridge cultures and foster appreciation for diverse perspectives and knowledge systems,” he says. “This new course embarks on a global journey through music, exploring various themes intertwined with the rich traditions of African and African-American peoples.”

To learn more about the Black Music Traditions course, please reach out to Mark at mark_parselelo@cbu.ca.