George W.K. Dor

George Worlasi Kwasi Dor, holder of the McDonnell-Barksdale Chair of Ethnomusicology and associate professor of music (department of music and honors college), holds a 1977 diploma in music education from Ghana National Academy of Music, a 1986 B.Mus. and 1992 M.Mus. from the University of Ghana, and a 2001 Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the University of Pittsburgh. He taught as a part-time faculty member (2000-2001) and teaching fellow (1996-2000) in the department of music, University of Pittsburgh, and as a lecturer (1993-1996) in the University College of Education, Winneba, Ghana. Dor was also the resident conductor for the Ghana National Symphony Orchestra (1996), national choir director of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (1996), and music director of Community of Reconciliation Church, Pittsburgh (1999-2001). His research interests include creative processes in Sub-Saharan African music, systematization and explication of African music theory, African continuities in the diaspora, and music and community development. In Ghana, Dor is widely recognized as a composer of contemporary Ghanaian art music with over forty choral pieces, one symphonic suite, and five one-movement orchestral and other works to his credit. As a performer, Dor plays African drums, cello, alto saxophone, and keyboard, and has founded and directs the University of Mississippi African Drum and Dance Ensemble. His creative interests include the musical production of studio sound recordings.