Although I had experienced several different aspects of music from some different cultures, I never imagined the extent to which some cultures truly value the use of music. The part of this class that intrigued me was definitely the concept of the work songs. Throughout our journey through other cultures, I realized that each culture had a form of a work song, or something that seemed to have the same concept behind a work song. I’m sure that we must have some type of a work song in our culture, I hope. It just seems that the work songs can really be a driving force in “enjoying” the completion one’s daily job.
I have realized much about our own culture. For instance, what we consider “normal” here may very well be “odd” to someone who is not originally from this culture. Therefore, it is much easier for us to explore music of other cultures when keeping this in mind, and instead of viewing their music traditions as “odd”, we should just try to approach everything with a bit more of an open mind. I’m not sure if this really makes sense, but basically, I am trying to say that to “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” musically, we should try to push out what our culture presents as the “norm” (which is easier said than done in some cases). I also realized that far more of our “popular” music has been heavily influenced by music from other cultures than what I originally noticed. I also think that other cultures seem to be able to express their emotions through music much easier than what we are able to do in our own culture. For the most part, our culture seems to be more reserved in this department compared to other cultures.
This course has inspired me to learn more about the use of music in other countries as a healing practice. I have always been interested in politics, and attempt to keep up with the politics of not only the United States but also of other countries around the world. Having already known some background information regarding the Music Therapy program in Jordan, I am now more interested in how the politics of that country are playing into the development of their program. On a more musical side of future exploration, I am interested in exploring more Chinese music. I just really love the pentatonic sound of the music, and find the use of the pentatonic scale and some rhythmic differences very unique within the structure of each piece (I.e. the use of turns, trills, syncopation).
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Cool Stuff #3
This first video is of DAM, which is a Palestinian rap group. I was first introduced to this group my Freshman year here at Converse through Dr. Lipe in my Intro. to Music Therapy class. She had recently discovered this group in a trip overseas. The group's music is mainly politically driven. DAM is translated to mean "forever", and this particular video also includes a English translation.
I had to include this video, simply because this little girl is amazing. I am assuming that this is a clip from some form of televised competition, especially since there appear to be judges present. This video is a little girl playing the Erhu, she is eight-years-old, and from what I have read online this piece is apparently very difficult. She seems so comfortable on stage.
Ok, this video kind of has something to do with Indonesian culture, but not really at the same time. This video was just too cute to pass up. I have no idea what the children are singing, but it appears to be something about the importance of brushing your teeth. I hope you find this video as cute as I do, plus check out their dance moves...so cute!
This is a really interesting video of the first electric sitar, with the inventor playing. It is a older video, from 1967. I had to include it though since we have seen so many sitar players this week.
And, then there is this amazing video of a sitar performance...with a "blues" feel/sound. Enjoy!
I had to include this video, simply because this little girl is amazing. I am assuming that this is a clip from some form of televised competition, especially since there appear to be judges present. This video is a little girl playing the Erhu, she is eight-years-old, and from what I have read online this piece is apparently very difficult. She seems so comfortable on stage.
Ok, this video kind of has something to do with Indonesian culture, but not really at the same time. This video was just too cute to pass up. I have no idea what the children are singing, but it appears to be something about the importance of brushing your teeth. I hope you find this video as cute as I do, plus check out their dance moves...so cute!
This is a really interesting video of the first electric sitar, with the inventor playing. It is a older video, from 1967. I had to include it though since we have seen so many sitar players this week.
And, then there is this amazing video of a sitar performance...with a "blues" feel/sound. Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Music Field Study
For this field study, I interviewed my mom. I think a few important things that I should tell you (since yes, it does affect some of her answers) are the following: my grandmother was very ill when my mom was growing up (she had diabetes and lupus, and consequently several other health issues), my mother grew up during Vietnam and her brother served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was MIA for part of his second tour, and my grandfather was part German (yes, this is also important…both to some responses and the fact that my mother suffered through school for years with the last name “Linkenhoger“).
Me: What kind of music did you listen to as a child?
Mom: Oh, wow. I listened to basically anything. There was always some form music being played in the house growing up, it always helped my mother when she was sick. I think that mostly I listened to the soundtrack of Mary Poppins, The Beatles, and The Supremes. Basically, I listened to whatever was on. If it counts, I use to run home from my bus everyday after school just so I wouldn’t miss the intro theme to Batman…it just wasn’t the same if you missed that opening theme.
Me: How did you listen to the music (technology)?
Mom: Well, clearly we didn’t have Cds or anything like that. I mostly listened to the radio player or a record player, and then cassette tapes. I still have all of my records, and I still listen to them every now and then. Some songs seem better with the somewhat “crackling” sound of the record player needle.
Me: When you listened to music, was there any dancing involved? Where did you go to listen to and enjoy the music?
Mom: Of course there was dancing, except in church of course. Two places that I can really remember going to when I was a teenager and listening to and dancing to the music were the Peppermint Beach Club and the Pungo Beach Club. At the Peppermint Beach Club they would open the doors and you could actually dance on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. At the Pungo Beach Club there was an area at the very top of the building, out on the roof, where you could see the beach and dance to the music. I use to love these places. Also, every Friday night at the local Roller-skating rink we would go and “roller-dance” to all of the music, that was always a blast.
Me: How did your parents or teachers feel about your choice of music?
Mom: Well, my parents and teachers really didn’t seem to care about my choice of music. For my mom and I that was a way that we could bond since she was often in the hospital. I would take a small black radio with me and we would scan through the radio stations stopping to listen to things I liked and then things she liked.
Me: I think I already know the answer to this question, but, did you play an instrument or sing yourself? How was that for you? What was the environment like?
Mom: Haha. Of course you already know the answer to this. I did not, and still can’t sing…your dad could though. I did, however, play the guitar when I was little…at least as good as my six to seven year old self could. I received the guitar for Christmas that year. As it turned out, I really didn’t like to play the guitar, I could never get it to sound right, so I’m pretty sure that I decided then that I was more of a “music-listening” type of person.
Me: Why did you listen to music?
Mom: Because I liked it.
Me: Well, a lot of people just “like” music. Were there any other reasons, like did some music mean more to you than other music?
Mom: Well, I guess so. I always listened to my mothers favorite Elvis Presley song every night before bed, even when she wasn’t in the hospital. I think this made me feel more comfortable. Later when my brother was in Vietnam, there were always songs that I would listen to and think of him.
Me: During that time, did you ever find that in some songs the lyrics were more important to you, whereas in other songs the music was all that you needed?
Mom: Definitely. Growing up during the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam, and having a brother pulling two tours of duty and being MIA for part of the second tour really changed some of my musical preferences. There were some songs about things like the death of JFK, and MLK Jr. where the lyrics just said everything that we were all feeling. I think one of the songs had lyrics something like “Did you hear of my old friend John…”, I could be wrong about that though. There were songs that were supporting the soldiers overseas, and often, even if I didn’t like the music, I still listened simply because of the lyrics. I can’t really think of any exact songs where I only liked the music. For the most part, I didn’t like any of the lyrics that were downgrading the soldiers, but it was in songs like this that I loved the music only.
Me: Were you ever exposed to music outside of your own culture?
Mom: Oh yes. When I was growing up we would take summer vacations to visit the Cherokee Reservations and I was always exposed to the Native American heritage and culture. I love the Native American Flute and the drumming. Does being exposed to the Blues count?
Me: Yes, I think so. We had a class on the Blues, I guess maybe it depends.
Mom: Well, my neighbor use to always sit on his front porch and play and sing the Blues. Once my dad even sat and played the Harmonica with him. It was the first time I realized that my dad could play a instrument. When I was growing up we would also go to the Appalachian Mountains and I would hear the “mountain music”, or Bluegrass. To this day I still love the sound of a Bluegrass band.
Me: Where and who was your first concert that you went to on your own, with your dad, and with your mom?
Mom: The Guess Who. That was the very first concert that I went to on my own. It was something about their music that really drew me in. The first “performance” or concert-like place I went with my dad was to an Opera. I was around eight or nine years old, so I didn’t really like it. I loved the costumes, but I couldn’t understand anything. Of course my dad would take me to a German Opera! The first concert or event I went to with my mom was something for Elvis Pressley. I remember that I loved this event, I mean, who doesn’t love Elvis?
Me: What do you think about the music being produced now?
Mom: Um, well, there are some great things being produced, but a lot of it just doesn’t seem to have a true meaning. Or at least a meaning that I can relate to.
Me: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Mom: Not really. I guess I just have to point out that music has really always been a part of my life. When y’all were growing up, I tried to expose y’all to anything that I could. I never knew where any of y’all would end up, but I did know that there would always be one constant in life, and that’s music. I mean it’s used everywhere and can happen anywhere.
Me: What kind of music did you listen to as a child?
Mom: Oh, wow. I listened to basically anything. There was always some form music being played in the house growing up, it always helped my mother when she was sick. I think that mostly I listened to the soundtrack of Mary Poppins, The Beatles, and The Supremes. Basically, I listened to whatever was on. If it counts, I use to run home from my bus everyday after school just so I wouldn’t miss the intro theme to Batman…it just wasn’t the same if you missed that opening theme.
Me: How did you listen to the music (technology)?
Mom: Well, clearly we didn’t have Cds or anything like that. I mostly listened to the radio player or a record player, and then cassette tapes. I still have all of my records, and I still listen to them every now and then. Some songs seem better with the somewhat “crackling” sound of the record player needle.
Me: When you listened to music, was there any dancing involved? Where did you go to listen to and enjoy the music?
Mom: Of course there was dancing, except in church of course. Two places that I can really remember going to when I was a teenager and listening to and dancing to the music were the Peppermint Beach Club and the Pungo Beach Club. At the Peppermint Beach Club they would open the doors and you could actually dance on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. At the Pungo Beach Club there was an area at the very top of the building, out on the roof, where you could see the beach and dance to the music. I use to love these places. Also, every Friday night at the local Roller-skating rink we would go and “roller-dance” to all of the music, that was always a blast.
Me: How did your parents or teachers feel about your choice of music?
Mom: Well, my parents and teachers really didn’t seem to care about my choice of music. For my mom and I that was a way that we could bond since she was often in the hospital. I would take a small black radio with me and we would scan through the radio stations stopping to listen to things I liked and then things she liked.
Me: I think I already know the answer to this question, but, did you play an instrument or sing yourself? How was that for you? What was the environment like?
Mom: Haha. Of course you already know the answer to this. I did not, and still can’t sing…your dad could though. I did, however, play the guitar when I was little…at least as good as my six to seven year old self could. I received the guitar for Christmas that year. As it turned out, I really didn’t like to play the guitar, I could never get it to sound right, so I’m pretty sure that I decided then that I was more of a “music-listening” type of person.
Me: Why did you listen to music?
Mom: Because I liked it.
Me: Well, a lot of people just “like” music. Were there any other reasons, like did some music mean more to you than other music?
Mom: Well, I guess so. I always listened to my mothers favorite Elvis Presley song every night before bed, even when she wasn’t in the hospital. I think this made me feel more comfortable. Later when my brother was in Vietnam, there were always songs that I would listen to and think of him.
Me: During that time, did you ever find that in some songs the lyrics were more important to you, whereas in other songs the music was all that you needed?
Mom: Definitely. Growing up during the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam, and having a brother pulling two tours of duty and being MIA for part of the second tour really changed some of my musical preferences. There were some songs about things like the death of JFK, and MLK Jr. where the lyrics just said everything that we were all feeling. I think one of the songs had lyrics something like “Did you hear of my old friend John…”, I could be wrong about that though. There were songs that were supporting the soldiers overseas, and often, even if I didn’t like the music, I still listened simply because of the lyrics. I can’t really think of any exact songs where I only liked the music. For the most part, I didn’t like any of the lyrics that were downgrading the soldiers, but it was in songs like this that I loved the music only.
Me: Were you ever exposed to music outside of your own culture?
Mom: Oh yes. When I was growing up we would take summer vacations to visit the Cherokee Reservations and I was always exposed to the Native American heritage and culture. I love the Native American Flute and the drumming. Does being exposed to the Blues count?
Me: Yes, I think so. We had a class on the Blues, I guess maybe it depends.
Mom: Well, my neighbor use to always sit on his front porch and play and sing the Blues. Once my dad even sat and played the Harmonica with him. It was the first time I realized that my dad could play a instrument. When I was growing up we would also go to the Appalachian Mountains and I would hear the “mountain music”, or Bluegrass. To this day I still love the sound of a Bluegrass band.
Me: Where and who was your first concert that you went to on your own, with your dad, and with your mom?
Mom: The Guess Who. That was the very first concert that I went to on my own. It was something about their music that really drew me in. The first “performance” or concert-like place I went with my dad was to an Opera. I was around eight or nine years old, so I didn’t really like it. I loved the costumes, but I couldn’t understand anything. Of course my dad would take me to a German Opera! The first concert or event I went to with my mom was something for Elvis Pressley. I remember that I loved this event, I mean, who doesn’t love Elvis?
Me: What do you think about the music being produced now?
Mom: Um, well, there are some great things being produced, but a lot of it just doesn’t seem to have a true meaning. Or at least a meaning that I can relate to.
Me: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Mom: Not really. I guess I just have to point out that music has really always been a part of my life. When y’all were growing up, I tried to expose y’all to anything that I could. I never knew where any of y’all would end up, but I did know that there would always be one constant in life, and that’s music. I mean it’s used everywhere and can happen anywhere.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Cool Stuff #2
This is simply more of an informational video that I found about the Venezuelan Youth Orchestra. I wanted to include this video because it gives more background information regarding the Orchestra. I found this video while searching for young performers in the Latin America area. These young performers are amazing, and yes I realize that these instruments are not traditional instruments, but I love how music is a form of a social movement in the area. Even if you do not watch this entire video (especially since it is very long), at least watch the one immediately after...
This video is a performance of the Venezuelan Youth Orchestra. I have included the video simply because everyone needs a little Bernstein in their life...especially when performed like this.
And now for the more "traditional" somewhat "cool" videos.
This is a video of, yes, about one-thousand Charangos. I could not resist including this video. I had no idea that there were gatherings with this many Charangos. Since the video title is not in English, I have included an English translation that I found online. Thankfully, most of the Charangos seem to be more "modernly" made, so judging by that I would say that perhaps a few armadillos were saved in the making of this video...maybe.
This video is a bit of a jump forward to the Blues. I thought this was really cool that the instrument is a hand-made guitar, made from a cigar box. I especially love the true "bluesy" sound that the instrument produces.
This next video is of a arpero, without the golpeador. Since most of the clips that we watched in class, or listened to, seemed to have both aspects of the Imbabura I thought I would include a video that features only the arpero. This video is of a performance at the Latin American Harp Festival.
This video is a performance of the Venezuelan Youth Orchestra. I have included the video simply because everyone needs a little Bernstein in their life...especially when performed like this.
And now for the more "traditional" somewhat "cool" videos.
This is a video of, yes, about one-thousand Charangos. I could not resist including this video. I had no idea that there were gatherings with this many Charangos. Since the video title is not in English, I have included an English translation that I found online. Thankfully, most of the Charangos seem to be more "modernly" made, so judging by that I would say that perhaps a few armadillos were saved in the making of this video...maybe.
| Viva mi patria Bolivia una gran nación por ella doy mi vida también mi corazón. Esta canción que yo canto la brindo con amor a mi patria Bolivia que quiero con pasión. La llevo en mi corazón y le doy mi inspiración. Quiera mi patria Bolivia como la quiero yo. | Long live my homeland Boliva a great nation; for her I give my life as well as my heart. This song I sing I dedicate with love to my homeland Bolivia which I passionately love. I bear her in my heart and give her my inspiration.May you love my homeland Boliva as I love her. |
This video is a bit of a jump forward to the Blues. I thought this was really cool that the instrument is a hand-made guitar, made from a cigar box. I especially love the true "bluesy" sound that the instrument produces.
This next video is of a arpero, without the golpeador. Since most of the clips that we watched in class, or listened to, seemed to have both aspects of the Imbabura I thought I would include a video that features only the arpero. This video is of a performance at the Latin American Harp Festival.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Music and Gender
Gender inequality has consistently been a large topic of debate for several years, and the world of music has yet to fully escape this continuing issue. Although some of these debates are more obvious ( i.e. the question of “Girls really can play tuba?”), there are also reversed gender inequality issues within the music world.
When I was in Middle School and High School I can remember the “norm” regarding the instrumentation and gender question in our band was simply that the girls were to play the upper winds, and guys were to play the lower winds/brass (ironically, there never seemed to be any “non-written” rules governing the percussion section…). This seemed to continue for a while until the unspeakable happened, a male student entered our High School band, and against all the “non-written” laws of the band, played flute. I never saw anything odd with this (I had been in ensembles in the area with plenty of male flutists), but our school seemed to be in an uproar. Eventually this student quit due to obnoxious remarks and insults that were regularly handed out to him. This was probably the first time that I ever thought about the gender inequality that exists in the world of music.
This experience with gender inequality amongst music was simply a brief encounter with a much larger issue. I fully believe that a lot of the stereotypes regarding instrument choices and gender are practically forced upon us from a young age. I know that this is a bit of a stretch, but for the most part a lot of aspects of media ( i.e. movies, television shows, books, etc.) seem to portray varying degrees of stereotypes regarding this subject. I can remember commercials from years ago centered around music stores and sure enough every child playing a high wind instrument was a dainty female, while the low wind player was inevitably a bright-eyed male. In most cases this interaction with aspects of media is a first glimpse that a child has of musical instruments. Like I mentioned before, I know this is a stretch, but in most every Middle School as children are lining up to sign up to play a particular instrument the adult at the front table handling the “signing-up” process can probably predict what instrument each child will request, simply by gender (and if a child chooses something outside of the “norm“, this adult will more than likely express their shock in some outward way). In our modern society, this should not happen, and thankfully seems to be occurring less and less with every year.
I know that I have slightly strayed away, but in all actuality I have only witnessed aspects of gender inequality amongst music in small doses (I mean, I am female, and I play flute and oboe… the only gender inequality I have experienced personally is that people predict I play one of these instruments before I ever say anything). With regards to my experience of music here at Converse, all I can say is that clearly we are proof of the lasting effects of gender inequality. Simply put, how many female brass instrumentalists have you witnessed in any Converse ensemble? Not many. However, I do not think that this has greatly altered my musical experience.
When I was in Middle School and High School I can remember the “norm” regarding the instrumentation and gender question in our band was simply that the girls were to play the upper winds, and guys were to play the lower winds/brass (ironically, there never seemed to be any “non-written” rules governing the percussion section…). This seemed to continue for a while until the unspeakable happened, a male student entered our High School band, and against all the “non-written” laws of the band, played flute. I never saw anything odd with this (I had been in ensembles in the area with plenty of male flutists), but our school seemed to be in an uproar. Eventually this student quit due to obnoxious remarks and insults that were regularly handed out to him. This was probably the first time that I ever thought about the gender inequality that exists in the world of music.
This experience with gender inequality amongst music was simply a brief encounter with a much larger issue. I fully believe that a lot of the stereotypes regarding instrument choices and gender are practically forced upon us from a young age. I know that this is a bit of a stretch, but for the most part a lot of aspects of media ( i.e. movies, television shows, books, etc.) seem to portray varying degrees of stereotypes regarding this subject. I can remember commercials from years ago centered around music stores and sure enough every child playing a high wind instrument was a dainty female, while the low wind player was inevitably a bright-eyed male. In most cases this interaction with aspects of media is a first glimpse that a child has of musical instruments. Like I mentioned before, I know this is a stretch, but in most every Middle School as children are lining up to sign up to play a particular instrument the adult at the front table handling the “signing-up” process can probably predict what instrument each child will request, simply by gender (and if a child chooses something outside of the “norm“, this adult will more than likely express their shock in some outward way). In our modern society, this should not happen, and thankfully seems to be occurring less and less with every year.
I know that I have slightly strayed away, but in all actuality I have only witnessed aspects of gender inequality amongst music in small doses (I mean, I am female, and I play flute and oboe… the only gender inequality I have experienced personally is that people predict I play one of these instruments before I ever say anything). With regards to my experience of music here at Converse, all I can say is that clearly we are proof of the lasting effects of gender inequality. Simply put, how many female brass instrumentalists have you witnessed in any Converse ensemble? Not many. However, I do not think that this has greatly altered my musical experience.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Cool Stuff #1
This video is of Fishermen singing (as well as playing percussion instruments) while working in Ghana. I found this video after I decided to search for other "working songs" similar to the one we discussed in class. If you look closely at the men while they are pulling the ropes you will notice that they are all moving together to the rhythm of the music, which I found really interesting. (As a side note, the recording is very quiet so you may have to turn the volume of your computer up a bit more than usual to hear everything.)
As a Music Therapy major, I have realized how cherished the song Amazing Grace is to a majority of people. It is because of this that I decided to see if I could find a recording of Amazing Grace performed by Native Americans. Although I really did not expect to find a recording, I did. What I found to be the most interesting is that I can still hear the English version of Amazing Grace, even though the recording is in Cherokee. As you listen, you will have no trouble hearing the melody in the vocal line, and even recognizing the tune. I know this really is not "cool", but it does show how the Native American people have been influenced.
I found this next video while trying to find a modern day use of the Kora. The result of my search brought me to this West African Rap group, NeedOne. This group combines the use of traditional African instruments (the percussion instruments & of course the Kora!) with modern rhythms to create their songs. Their songs combine African language with some English lyrics and each of their songs address different important social issues that are occurring in Africa.
As a Music Therapy major, I have realized how cherished the song Amazing Grace is to a majority of people. It is because of this that I decided to see if I could find a recording of Amazing Grace performed by Native Americans. Although I really did not expect to find a recording, I did. What I found to be the most interesting is that I can still hear the English version of Amazing Grace, even though the recording is in Cherokee. As you listen, you will have no trouble hearing the melody in the vocal line, and even recognizing the tune. I know this really is not "cool", but it does show how the Native American people have been influenced.
I found this next video while trying to find a modern day use of the Kora. The result of my search brought me to this West African Rap group, NeedOne. This group combines the use of traditional African instruments (the percussion instruments & of course the Kora!) with modern rhythms to create their songs. Their songs combine African language with some English lyrics and each of their songs address different important social issues that are occurring in Africa.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Music and Religion
Religion was never a constant in my childhood, and I was never expected to observe any religion on a regular basis. Instead I was encouraged to explore religions before “making a decision“ regarding the path that I would choose. This opportunity to explore different religions allowed for me to experience connections between music and religion.
Growing up, my Dad (although really being Southern Baptist) attended a Pentecostal Church, and so I sometimes attended church with him. I found that music played a large role in this faith, and not in a very traditional way. Typically I would participate in a branch-off group for children where I would hear, and sometimes participate in, very lively music. I never observed any governing rules regarding the music and honestly, I never understood the point of such lively music and dancing in church, but I suppose that to those of the Pentecostal faith then the point behind the music is to express their love/commitment to Jesus.
My Mom is a different story. She was Methodist by birth, but Wiccan by choice. So when I was younger I would also attend a Methodist Church. In my experience attending the Methodist Church the music seemed very subtle as we mostly sang hymns, and we were expected to stand and sing in unison. The choir sometimes began the hymns, with the rest of the congregation joining in. Although there were not any “written” rules governing the music and behavior in the Methodist Church, it was obvious that everyone was expected to remain quiet if the choir was singing and to only join in when directed to do so. Later on, when I realized that my mother was Wiccan I began to explore that concept of religion. While I have never attended any of the Wiccan ceremonies with her, I have done considerable reading (and after the unit on Native Americans this week, I have realized that the Native American culture and religion is very similar to that of Wicca). I have experienced the music of Wicca, and have discovered that everything is greatly related to the Earth and our surroundings.
Personally, I am atheist. So at first I was a little uncertain how to approach this blog. Even though I have attended a Synagogue, Methodist Church, Pentecostal Church and have experienced aspects of Wicca, it can sometimes be difficult for me to truly notice the “real” connection between music and religion. For the most part I have a general understanding that music seems to play a supporting role in religion and allows for those in a certain religion to feel a connection between whomever or whatever they believe in.
I feel as if the values of religion do not necessarily influence what is aesthetically pleasing in a musical experience. The connection I can make is between the quietness/respect given to the choir and remaining quiet throughout most of a recital.
I though I would include this video, it's a Wiccan song for the Winter Solstice celebration.
Growing up, my Dad (although really being Southern Baptist) attended a Pentecostal Church, and so I sometimes attended church with him. I found that music played a large role in this faith, and not in a very traditional way. Typically I would participate in a branch-off group for children where I would hear, and sometimes participate in, very lively music. I never observed any governing rules regarding the music and honestly, I never understood the point of such lively music and dancing in church, but I suppose that to those of the Pentecostal faith then the point behind the music is to express their love/commitment to Jesus.
My Mom is a different story. She was Methodist by birth, but Wiccan by choice. So when I was younger I would also attend a Methodist Church. In my experience attending the Methodist Church the music seemed very subtle as we mostly sang hymns, and we were expected to stand and sing in unison. The choir sometimes began the hymns, with the rest of the congregation joining in. Although there were not any “written” rules governing the music and behavior in the Methodist Church, it was obvious that everyone was expected to remain quiet if the choir was singing and to only join in when directed to do so. Later on, when I realized that my mother was Wiccan I began to explore that concept of religion. While I have never attended any of the Wiccan ceremonies with her, I have done considerable reading (and after the unit on Native Americans this week, I have realized that the Native American culture and religion is very similar to that of Wicca). I have experienced the music of Wicca, and have discovered that everything is greatly related to the Earth and our surroundings.
Personally, I am atheist. So at first I was a little uncertain how to approach this blog. Even though I have attended a Synagogue, Methodist Church, Pentecostal Church and have experienced aspects of Wicca, it can sometimes be difficult for me to truly notice the “real” connection between music and religion. For the most part I have a general understanding that music seems to play a supporting role in religion and allows for those in a certain religion to feel a connection between whomever or whatever they believe in.
I feel as if the values of religion do not necessarily influence what is aesthetically pleasing in a musical experience. The connection I can make is between the quietness/respect given to the choir and remaining quiet throughout most of a recital.
I though I would include this video, it's a Wiccan song for the Winter Solstice celebration.
Monday, January 3, 2011
My Musical Autobiography
Growing up in a small town on the far Northeastern coast of North Carolina has really shaped my experiences with music. My parents, having both grown up living on the beach, had what some would call a more “free-willing” attitude towards music and we would often spend our summers exploring different music festivals as well as events held on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Three of the large events I can remember my parents taking me to were the Strawberry Festival, the Riverbanks Festival, and the Drum Circles that were held at Kitty Hawk and Nags Head on the Outer Banks.
The Strawberry Festival and the Riverbanks Festival both contained more “folk-like” music and often showcased local performers, and yes, the Strawberry Festival even contained a competition of sorts where people could enter (and attempt to play) instruments that they made out of random “things” to look like a strawberry. Sadly, these festivals are no longer held regularly. However, the Drum Circles I use to attend as a child with my parents are still held each summer. Every Friday night during the summer a group of “drummers” assemble out on the beaches, with random drums and percussion instruments, far enough from the Ocean, and begin to play in any “style” that they desire. These Drum Circles are one of my favorite parts of my summers spent at the Outer Banks.
Another advantage about where I live is my somewhat close proximity to Williamsburg, Virginia. I can remember one summer when I was around the age of eleven that my family and I traveled to Historic Williamsburg, Virginia. I will never forget seeing and hearing the traditional Fifes and Drums as the performers marched across the fields, and how I loved the sound of all of the Fifes playing at one time (oddly enough, this sealed the deal of me learning Flute, after all, the Flute was as close to a “Fife-like-instrument” as I would ever get to).
My first experience I ever had with music that was extremely different from my culture came when I was in the sixth grade. I vaguely remember everything, but I do remember the huge drums that were played by some men from Japan wearing what appeared to be some form of Japanese garb, but like I mentioned I vaguely remember this event that was held at my school.
As everyone knows, High School is a time where most new experiences occur (with the exception of college), and it was around this time that I was introduced to a group named Rammstein. This group is a German Heavy/Industrial Metal/ group, and yes by German I mean everything is sung in German. Although I, for the most part, have no clue what everything means that they are singing, I still find that I enjoy their music.
Here at Converse I have been introduced to more “Mountain” instruments. I was able to learn how to play the Dulcimer in my Music Therapy class, and also had my first encounter with the sounds of a Didgeridoo.
I suppose, overall, that music has always played a large part in my life. Growing up I can remember hearing Country music when in my Dad’s car, and Southern Rock/Classic Rock music in my Mom’s car. I was never censored when it came to music, and every genre was accepted in our house. I have been attending concerts since before I was born, and can easily remember dancing in a small grassy clearing at a Marshall Tucker Band concert at the age of five. Furthermore, I can remember listening to Opera whenever my Grandfather came for his monthly visits. Personally I prefer to listen to Heavy Metal or Punk Rock, but I also still enjoy and appreciate several other genres and will listen to anything at least once.
The Strawberry Festival and the Riverbanks Festival both contained more “folk-like” music and often showcased local performers, and yes, the Strawberry Festival even contained a competition of sorts where people could enter (and attempt to play) instruments that they made out of random “things” to look like a strawberry. Sadly, these festivals are no longer held regularly. However, the Drum Circles I use to attend as a child with my parents are still held each summer. Every Friday night during the summer a group of “drummers” assemble out on the beaches, with random drums and percussion instruments, far enough from the Ocean, and begin to play in any “style” that they desire. These Drum Circles are one of my favorite parts of my summers spent at the Outer Banks.
Another advantage about where I live is my somewhat close proximity to Williamsburg, Virginia. I can remember one summer when I was around the age of eleven that my family and I traveled to Historic Williamsburg, Virginia. I will never forget seeing and hearing the traditional Fifes and Drums as the performers marched across the fields, and how I loved the sound of all of the Fifes playing at one time (oddly enough, this sealed the deal of me learning Flute, after all, the Flute was as close to a “Fife-like-instrument” as I would ever get to).
My first experience I ever had with music that was extremely different from my culture came when I was in the sixth grade. I vaguely remember everything, but I do remember the huge drums that were played by some men from Japan wearing what appeared to be some form of Japanese garb, but like I mentioned I vaguely remember this event that was held at my school.
As everyone knows, High School is a time where most new experiences occur (with the exception of college), and it was around this time that I was introduced to a group named Rammstein. This group is a German Heavy/Industrial Metal/ group, and yes by German I mean everything is sung in German. Although I, for the most part, have no clue what everything means that they are singing, I still find that I enjoy their music.
Here at Converse I have been introduced to more “Mountain” instruments. I was able to learn how to play the Dulcimer in my Music Therapy class, and also had my first encounter with the sounds of a Didgeridoo.
I suppose, overall, that music has always played a large part in my life. Growing up I can remember hearing Country music when in my Dad’s car, and Southern Rock/Classic Rock music in my Mom’s car. I was never censored when it came to music, and every genre was accepted in our house. I have been attending concerts since before I was born, and can easily remember dancing in a small grassy clearing at a Marshall Tucker Band concert at the age of five. Furthermore, I can remember listening to Opera whenever my Grandfather came for his monthly visits. Personally I prefer to listen to Heavy Metal or Punk Rock, but I also still enjoy and appreciate several other genres and will listen to anything at least once.
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