I can honestly say the only complaint I have had about my entire experience with this course is that it definitely did not last long enough. I learned magnitudes of new musical information in 3 short weeks, and I would love to continue my musical journey. One musical aspect that intrigued me the most was the entire concept of the Indonesian Music Culture. Upon entering this class I knew every culture on this vast planet had its own separate concept of aesthetically pleasing music but after studying the music of Indonesia I was totally blown away and left wanting more. The unique music created by the Gamelan remotely reminded me of calypso music and the samples included on the CD only further peaked my interest. I have never listened to music that is so, for lack of appropriate words, busy. Indonesian music contained so many diverse instrumental components that worked together as one. I found the music very relaxing and soothing. This course has inspired me to complete more out of class study on Indonesian music.
Only after studying the blues in class did I realize the true connection between music and society and my own culture. As a child I grew up listening to traditional blues music but I was never introduced to the historical and cultural knowledge that accompanied it. I found it really fascinating how this genre of music was named after an ordinary color and how it was born. This class had made me stop and become conscious of how interconnected Western music is to the entire world. Everything is connected and the world really does work in circles.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Cool Stuff #3
I feel really lucky to have stumbled across a website containing a full description of Indonesian Music, with a functioning video! This website answers all your questions concerning Indonesian music, even philosophical questions about Balinese Gamelan Music. I hope you enjoy this website as much as I have.
http://trumpet.sdsu.edu/M345/Indonesian_Music1.html
I am pretty sure the title of this video will explain everything. While I was searching YouTube for videos I ran across one titled Indonesian Idol 2008 Grand Final Aris 3rd Song! I was pretty speechless as I watched the video, but then I thought, the world is round so concepts from everywhere has been shared and molded to fit everyone’s unique culture and this is a prime example. I wonder who won.
And last but not least, please check out this website, it’s great and contains multiple working links! Its well worth your time, trust me.
http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/country/content.country/indonesia_10
http://trumpet.sdsu.edu/M345/Indonesian_Music1.html
I am pretty sure the title of this video will explain everything. While I was searching YouTube for videos I ran across one titled Indonesian Idol 2008 Grand Final Aris 3rd Song! I was pretty speechless as I watched the video, but then I thought, the world is round so concepts from everywhere has been shared and molded to fit everyone’s unique culture and this is a prime example. I wonder who won.
And last but not least, please check out this website, it’s great and contains multiple working links! Its well worth your time, trust me.
http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/country/content.country/indonesia_10
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Music and Society
It took me quite a while to think of ways in which genres of music have been influenced by various aspects of society. Ideas such as social and economical revolutions and wars raced into my mind but I wanted to discuss a topic that I was passionate about. After several hours of research, I finally found valuable information I would like to share. There has been a point in many of our lives when we have been watching television and have fallen victim to one of the many commercials displaying heart-wrenching images of starving or disease ridden children in Africa. Even though I cannot financially help fight famine in Africa there must be others who dedicate aspects of their life to this momentous cause.
Bono has dedicated the latter half of his career, beginning in 1980, to performing songs to help end hunger, poverty, and disease in Africa. He has traveled to Lesotho, Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Mali, and Ghana peacefully protesting the corrupt government and deficient support systems in Africa that have contributed to these major problems. One of the most known philanthropists, Bono has established many organizations and raised billions of dollars to help fund this mammoth cause. For example, he launched the DATA organization (debt, aids, trade, Africa) in 2002 which main mission was to eradicate poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa. After meeting with numerous government officials, he also convinced former United States President George Bush, to create a five million dollar aid package, which helped replenish resources in the destitute villages of Africa.
After reading all this information only one question in my mind is left unanswered. Bedsides numerous large donations, how does he fund all these “renovations"? But surely as I re-thought my question, the answer was clear as day, music. Bono has performed countless concerts, in which 100% of the funds go to his charitable causes. His songs have transcended all ages, races, and status levels, to unify people to get together and help end this predicament. Bono’s most influential songs about his travels to Africa are "Where the Streets Have No Name" and “Bullet the Blue Sky", from U2's "Joshua Tree" album. They are simply remarkable and great examples of how music is influenced by aspects of a society.
Bono has dedicated the latter half of his career, beginning in 1980, to performing songs to help end hunger, poverty, and disease in Africa. He has traveled to Lesotho, Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Mali, and Ghana peacefully protesting the corrupt government and deficient support systems in Africa that have contributed to these major problems. One of the most known philanthropists, Bono has established many organizations and raised billions of dollars to help fund this mammoth cause. For example, he launched the DATA organization (debt, aids, trade, Africa) in 2002 which main mission was to eradicate poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa. After meeting with numerous government officials, he also convinced former United States President George Bush, to create a five million dollar aid package, which helped replenish resources in the destitute villages of Africa.
After reading all this information only one question in my mind is left unanswered. Bedsides numerous large donations, how does he fund all these “renovations"? But surely as I re-thought my question, the answer was clear as day, music. Bono has performed countless concerts, in which 100% of the funds go to his charitable causes. His songs have transcended all ages, races, and status levels, to unify people to get together and help end this predicament. Bono’s most influential songs about his travels to Africa are "Where the Streets Have No Name" and “Bullet the Blue Sky", from U2's "Joshua Tree" album. They are simply remarkable and great examples of how music is influenced by aspects of a society.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Cool Stuff #2
The first item in my Cool Stuff Blog that I want to present is a video of an African troupe performing and dancing to traditional Atsiagbekor music. As the video progresses watch the intricate dance, it’s really fascinating and ornate. This video can be found on YouTube under the title Kopeyia Bloomfield Cultural Troupe performs "Atsiagbekor".
My second item is a short video of traditional Oud music performed by Ali Hassan. A lot of the content in the video closely relates to the presentations given today in class. This video can also be found on YouTube under the title Oud Music by Ali Hassan.
And last but not least, my last tidbit of information is a website that details how to tune an Oud. After watching the presentations today, I couldn’t help but wonder how do you tune a fretless instrument with double strings? Luckily, this website has the perfect answer. The address for this website is:
http://www.oud.gr/tunic.htm
I hope you enjoy my cool stuff!
My second item is a short video of traditional Oud music performed by Ali Hassan. A lot of the content in the video closely relates to the presentations given today in class. This video can also be found on YouTube under the title Oud Music by Ali Hassan.
And last but not least, my last tidbit of information is a website that details how to tune an Oud. After watching the presentations today, I couldn’t help but wonder how do you tune a fretless instrument with double strings? Luckily, this website has the perfect answer. The address for this website is:
http://www.oud.gr/tunic.htm
I hope you enjoy my cool stuff!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Music and Rites
I haven’t had much personal exposure to music in the form commemorating a rite. Music used during rites, albeit a rite of passage, death, birth, etc, is utilized in all world customs, but sadly I don’t have much personal experience with this subject matter. Of course I do understand that celebrating birthdays, parades and national holidays, for example, are illustration’s of rites that utilizes music, but I think the most note worthy personal examples I remember are my baptism, high school graduation and my uncle’s funeral. The music used at these specific rites were all diverse and encompassed different emotions. Now that I relive these recollection’s, I have also noticed that the tone of the music utilized during these rites were different according to the occasion.
At my baptism, which occurred at the age of 10, celebratory gospel music, such as hymns and psalms were performed. The music was upbeat, lively and very engaging. The music dealt with the subject matter of washing away pervious sins and giving your life to God. That was a very important and joyous day in my life. On the other hand, Pomp and Circumstance was performed during my high school graduation. The music was stiff and constricting, and didn’t leave much room for very much celebrating, until after the event. The music performed during my uncles funeral was very melancholy, slow paced and somber, as is most music at funerals. Now as I think about these rites and the music used to facilitate them, I see that there is a correlation between the music performed and the specific rite but also the type of emotional reactions expected to be by the listeners. Upbeat music is performed at a baptism or birthday party contrary to the sad and somber music performed at a funeral. But as I sit and think about other rites and the music that accompany them, one specific event came to my mind: our first broken heart. This is a rite that occurs in everyone’s lifetime at least once and is usually accompanied by various amounts of sad music. Wow, I never noticed the connections!
At my baptism, which occurred at the age of 10, celebratory gospel music, such as hymns and psalms were performed. The music was upbeat, lively and very engaging. The music dealt with the subject matter of washing away pervious sins and giving your life to God. That was a very important and joyous day in my life. On the other hand, Pomp and Circumstance was performed during my high school graduation. The music was stiff and constricting, and didn’t leave much room for very much celebrating, until after the event. The music performed during my uncles funeral was very melancholy, slow paced and somber, as is most music at funerals. Now as I think about these rites and the music used to facilitate them, I see that there is a correlation between the music performed and the specific rite but also the type of emotional reactions expected to be by the listeners. Upbeat music is performed at a baptism or birthday party contrary to the sad and somber music performed at a funeral. But as I sit and think about other rites and the music that accompany them, one specific event came to my mind: our first broken heart. This is a rite that occurs in everyone’s lifetime at least once and is usually accompanied by various amounts of sad music. Wow, I never noticed the connections!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Music and Religion
This honestly is the hardest topic for me to write about, so I hope you can understand my ramblings. The relationship between music and religion is apparent in every culture, and as a member of the African American culture the association among music and religion has been vital since my ancestors arrived in the New World.
I attend the typical Southern Baptist church nestled in the woods only to be found at the end a long dirt road. Living in the Bible belt makes it nearly impossible to be blind to the connection between music and religion. In my life music and religion are synonymous but I also focus on the emotional tie of the two. The importance of a healthy balance of all three aspects has been instilled in me since I was young and it wasn’t until I was older and more mature that I noticed its true spiritual magnitude. During church services, music is seen as the traditional form of communication between the person and higher being, usually in the manner of gospel. We praise and worship God by singing of his mightiness and once the true spirit is within the person the emotional outbreak can range from yelling, shouting, jumping, shaking or chanting. I really feel the true tie between music and my religion when I am singing with the choir and actively engaging in the song. I know it may sound confusing but when I am in church and I can relate to the religious message of the song, which then is accompanied by music that emphasizes its significance of the spoken work, is when I can feel and see the tie between music and religion.
I attend the typical Southern Baptist church nestled in the woods only to be found at the end a long dirt road. Living in the Bible belt makes it nearly impossible to be blind to the connection between music and religion. In my life music and religion are synonymous but I also focus on the emotional tie of the two. The importance of a healthy balance of all three aspects has been instilled in me since I was young and it wasn’t until I was older and more mature that I noticed its true spiritual magnitude. During church services, music is seen as the traditional form of communication between the person and higher being, usually in the manner of gospel. We praise and worship God by singing of his mightiness and once the true spirit is within the person the emotional outbreak can range from yelling, shouting, jumping, shaking or chanting. I really feel the true tie between music and my religion when I am singing with the choir and actively engaging in the song. I know it may sound confusing but when I am in church and I can relate to the religious message of the song, which then is accompanied by music that emphasizes its significance of the spoken work, is when I can feel and see the tie between music and religion.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Cool Stuff
After aimless hours of surfing numerous internet sites, I can finally say I have found three interesting pieces of information that I am anxious to share. My first piece of treasure is an internet site, which is an online radio station that only plays music from Native American Powwows. The site also provides viewers with a calendar that is updated daily with the sites, locations, and titles of up and coming Powwows, which I think is pretty phenomenal. The internet site is:
http://radio.powwows.com/
Another interesting tidbit of information I found, dealt with traditional Powwow attire for women. I am very interested in fashion and have always wondered how the female dancers create such elaborate and delicate appearing ensembles. I found an online article, titled Interview: Powwow dancer Brinder Jacobs. This article outlines all the steps it takes to manufacture the bright and colorful clothes the women wear during the Powwow ceremonies. The internet site for is:
http://www.topics-mag.com/meet-people/powwow/brinder-jacobs.htm
My last pieces of information are a collection of online tutorials teaching eager learners how to play the African drums. I watched the videos and I would definitely recommend them. The title of the tutorial is “How to Play African Drums: Learning New Sounds on a Djembe Drum” and they are really entertaining. The website is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW6XwxFCH14
http://radio.powwows.com/
Another interesting tidbit of information I found, dealt with traditional Powwow attire for women. I am very interested in fashion and have always wondered how the female dancers create such elaborate and delicate appearing ensembles. I found an online article, titled Interview: Powwow dancer Brinder Jacobs. This article outlines all the steps it takes to manufacture the bright and colorful clothes the women wear during the Powwow ceremonies. The internet site for is:
http://www.topics-mag.com/meet-people/powwow/brinder-jacobs.htm
My last pieces of information are a collection of online tutorials teaching eager learners how to play the African drums. I watched the videos and I would definitely recommend them. The title of the tutorial is “How to Play African Drums: Learning New Sounds on a Djembe Drum” and they are really entertaining. The website is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW6XwxFCH14
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Music and Movement
When I interpret the simple words music and movement so many ideas rush into my mind. Actually, movement and music are more powerful than simple words; they are entities that are essential to daily life. I view the succession of these entities as a complex series of cause and effect. The production of music, no matter how simple, in effect causes a reaction, i.e. a movement. In my opinion movements cannot function without music and music can’t function without movements. They are quintessentially linked with one another and when they are separated or forgotten we will notice the deterioration of an essential entity necessary to all human beings. This really makes me wonder, where would we be without music and the movements that accompany it? As a whole, our society would be lost.
I remember my first experience when I finally realized how crucial music and movements where to my life. It all began when the mixture of harmonious vibrations from multiple steel drums hit the air, which caused a sort of chemical reaction within me. The pulse of the pounding drums began to quicken the pace of my heart, my feet began to move without command and before I knew it I was dancing and it was one of the most powerful moments of my life. As the song progressed, the once seated drummers where now up out of their seats jumping and shouting as they continued to perform. It is my personal opinion that dancing only heightened my experience which is why I believe music and movements are an unbreakable union. Dancing is one of my favorite activities and I don’t think it would be possible if I didn’t incorporate music into my life. Listening to music and expressing how I feel with movements ranging from jumping, running, clapping or swaying is my personal form of musical expression.
As a matter fact, I’m listening to vintage Marvin Gaye, swaying as I write this blog response. Music is powerful!
I remember my first experience when I finally realized how crucial music and movements where to my life. It all began when the mixture of harmonious vibrations from multiple steel drums hit the air, which caused a sort of chemical reaction within me. The pulse of the pounding drums began to quicken the pace of my heart, my feet began to move without command and before I knew it I was dancing and it was one of the most powerful moments of my life. As the song progressed, the once seated drummers where now up out of their seats jumping and shouting as they continued to perform. It is my personal opinion that dancing only heightened my experience which is why I believe music and movements are an unbreakable union. Dancing is one of my favorite activities and I don’t think it would be possible if I didn’t incorporate music into my life. Listening to music and expressing how I feel with movements ranging from jumping, running, clapping or swaying is my personal form of musical expression.
As a matter fact, I’m listening to vintage Marvin Gaye, swaying as I write this blog response. Music is powerful!
Monday, January 5, 2009
My Musical Biography
Since I was young I was taught to take pride in my culture and heritage. And oddly, it really wasn’t until I was given this assignment that I thought, “wow I have the perfect entry for this blog”. In fact, if you ever visited my grandparent’s house everything would be clear.
My father was born and raised in Port of Spain, Trinidad and since I was little I’ve been immersed in this culture. It’s a family tradition that everyone gathers together at my grandparent’s house for Sunday dinner and afterward we would all listen to vintage recordings of calypso and soca music. Calypso music is traditionally slow, (even though now most of this genre of music is recorded at a faster tempo that is easier to dance to) accompanied by political lyrics about everyday life in 1940’s Trinidad with percussion supplied by steel drums and guitars. In contrast, soca music is a transformation of calypso that is accompanied by vigorous dancing. This type of music is fast paced and infused with element s of calypso but is more energized due to electronic percussion, brass and usually social or humorous lyrics. Someday I hope to learn how to play the steel drums and guitar. It’s a sight to see my family dancing around in circles to loud soca music, especially those with two left feet!
If you want to listen to quality samples of calypso and soca music, Lord Kitchner is a great artist. His song titled Kaka Roach is really funny to listen to and will give you a taste of something I have grown up with all my life. Besides listening to modern popular music and calypso/soca music I have been doing a lot of research on the music performed during the indie film Slumdog Millionaire. The movie was set in India and uses the popular music of Indian artist A. R. Rahman. Most of the music is infused with elements of traditional Indian music which makes it very unique and catchy.I highly recommend listening to the song titled Jai Ho. This is a great movie suggestion for anyone who loves watching new age love stories.
My father was born and raised in Port of Spain, Trinidad and since I was little I’ve been immersed in this culture. It’s a family tradition that everyone gathers together at my grandparent’s house for Sunday dinner and afterward we would all listen to vintage recordings of calypso and soca music. Calypso music is traditionally slow, (even though now most of this genre of music is recorded at a faster tempo that is easier to dance to) accompanied by political lyrics about everyday life in 1940’s Trinidad with percussion supplied by steel drums and guitars. In contrast, soca music is a transformation of calypso that is accompanied by vigorous dancing. This type of music is fast paced and infused with element s of calypso but is more energized due to electronic percussion, brass and usually social or humorous lyrics. Someday I hope to learn how to play the steel drums and guitar. It’s a sight to see my family dancing around in circles to loud soca music, especially those with two left feet!
If you want to listen to quality samples of calypso and soca music, Lord Kitchner is a great artist. His song titled Kaka Roach is really funny to listen to and will give you a taste of something I have grown up with all my life. Besides listening to modern popular music and calypso/soca music I have been doing a lot of research on the music performed during the indie film Slumdog Millionaire. The movie was set in India and uses the popular music of Indian artist A. R. Rahman. Most of the music is infused with elements of traditional Indian music which makes it very unique and catchy.I highly recommend listening to the song titled Jai Ho. This is a great movie suggestion for anyone who loves watching new age love stories.
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