TExES Music EC-12 (177) Practice Exam

The pairing of claves and drum ensembles accurately identifies African percussion instruments due to the integral role these elements play in many African music traditions. Claves, which are a pair of wooden sticks struck together, are often used to provide a rhythmic foundation and are essential in various African genres. Drum ensembles typically consist of a variety of drums that work together to create complex rhythmic patterns and textures, reflecting the communal and interactive nature of African music.

Conga drums and tambourines, while related to percussion, do not exclusively represent African musical traditions, as congas stem from Afro-Cuban music, and tambourines are found in many cultures worldwide. The other options, which include instruments like the violin, flute, guitar, and harmonica, are primarily associated with Western music genres and do not represent the rich and diverse landscape of African percussion instruments.