This evening we attending the Bloomington Old Time Music and Contra-Dance. It was quite the experience. Right when I walked in I felt excitement and passion seeping from those hosting it. You could really tell this dance was something they really enjoyed and were happy to see new comers. It seemed as though most of the folks there had grown up doing this sort of dance, or had at least done it for several years. At times I felt that people would get a little annoyed when we couldn't quite get the steps, but there were also those that were really helpful and understanding towards us. It was so neat seeing some of the dancers get so into it that they would have to apologize because to us it was too fast. Not only did the dancers get into it like this but so did the people in the band. Every time I would look over at them they would have a smile on their face watching every one dance to the music that they were making. This experience was so different of those that I have previously participated in. As a dancer and an avid music listener I have been to so many concerts, conventions, and competitions, but have never participated in something quite like this. I have been through everything from teen fan girls to strict ballet instructors to crazy modern dance teachers, but the dance we learned tonight had a completely different feel to it. Instead of being like strict ballet we had some room for error. If we didn't get the move right, as long as we kept dancing it was okay. On the contrary however, it was not like a crazy concert where you were just allowed to do whatever you want. There was a little structure and that structure had to be followed or the whole group would get messed up. This is what made the participatory aspects apparent. The audience and the participants are not clear, but there is still instruction that anyone can join in. Every level is encouraged to join and follow along. The music was also different when compared to other modern participatory events. This music was not rap or pop, it is people that have spent hours perfecting their instruments and want to share their joy with the community. This was one of the most fun participatory events I have been apart of.
It is very likely that I would attend this event again. I had a way better time than I thought I would, and I think this is because it was more welcoming than awkward. Everyone wanted us to participate and were sad when they realized we were leaving. It was also really fun getting to experience this with my class mates because we are all on the same level, dancing with people that were on a much higher level than us. This again brings us back around to the participatory aspect of the evening. We were able to have such a good time because every one wanted us to dance with them even though they realized we were terrible. I was never made to feel like I was not welcome. There are several benefits to events like this. It is a great way to make friends. I met so many people tonight that I never would have met otherwise. I also got a lot closer with classmates that I had never really spoken to before. We were all able to learn a new dance and meet new people through the course of the evening. This would not be possible without the participatory aspects.
This is an example of a form of music that keeps music going. If we all only went to pop concerts there would never be any new ideas and eventually it would just die out, but with things like contra-dancing in the mix, music and culture are able to keep moving forward, always providing people with new interests and the world with new ideas. Through this we are able to connect with different countries and cultures through a form that we can all understand; music.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
First World Problems?
Oftentimes they phrase "first world problems" is used when a person from The United States (at least where I'm from) complains about something but then acknowledges that it was trivial in comparison to problems other countries may experience. For example if someone were to complain about the WiFi being too slow they may tack "first world problems" on to the end to say they could have it a lot worse. Even though this is a simple joking line it really does go deeper. There are countries that have beyond what we think of when talking about problems that occur in third world countries. There are people in places like Brazil and Indonesia that have close to nothing, but are still able to live and prove a point through what is considered "rebellious" music. What we consider "third world problems" barely scratch the surface of problems that actually occur.
Punk music is often misunderstood as young people just being obnoxious, when in reality people use punk music to get out their anger towards the "system" or, capitalism. We are all connected to the countries represented in the film. They make so many of the products that we pay way too much for everyday. While we are paying 100 dollars for a pair of shoes, they are getting paid two dollars a day. A lot of this also has to do with the intersection of two countries government. It is our government that decides to give them business or not. People, like the ones in the documentary "The Punks are Alright!", work in factories making things like shoes and wires that we use here in America. These people are paid sometimes less than two dollars a day and have to make extensive travel arrangements to get to and from work. If we didn't send our business there however, we would be taking any money possible away from them, so it is really a complicated situation. Without us they would not have such complicated work situations, but they also would not have work at all.
The youth plays a huge part in these third world countries. There are several of them that do not want to grow up and work in the drug business like the rest of the people in their areas have. I honestly did not think about the students that actually wanted to become something. I also did not think about how much pain and trouble these students really have to go through. If they don't get to eat at school, they don't get to eat at all, no part of where they live is safe, and violence and rape are regular. That is a terrible environment for anyone to grow up in, and all one young girl asks is that we stop thinking of ourselves and start thinking of the third world countries This is such a powerful statement, and something that everybody living in a first world country needs to sit back and think about. Even young youth like this can find pleasure in punk music. They are able to scream out their anger and be mad at the life they have had to live without actually hurting anything. This music gives them something to invest in. Instead of being on the streets at night with the drugs and violence, they are in their garages making music that gets their feelings out in a safe and effective way.
The artists in this movie have had very rough lives. Luckily I have been fortunate enough to grow up in a small farm town in Indiana where drugs and violence exist but are not participated in often. But, I still have my own internal conflict that I feel, just like them. Even though the circumstances and styles are different I often turn to music when I need to let my emotions out in a way that does not hurt myself or anyone else. Religion is also something they have to deal with every day. I do not get weird looks when I walk in to my church but there are ladies that are actually rude to these people when they walk into church because of how they dress and the kind of music they play. This is actually a very hypocritical thing for them to do, and I think that probably adds to why they perform punk rock. They have to keep their religion a secret because they do not want to be judged, where as I am very proud and able to talk of my beliefs.
The punks are not out to be rebels and destroy the peace. They simply need a way to let out their emotions without being violent.
Punk music is often misunderstood as young people just being obnoxious, when in reality people use punk music to get out their anger towards the "system" or, capitalism. We are all connected to the countries represented in the film. They make so many of the products that we pay way too much for everyday. While we are paying 100 dollars for a pair of shoes, they are getting paid two dollars a day. A lot of this also has to do with the intersection of two countries government. It is our government that decides to give them business or not. People, like the ones in the documentary "The Punks are Alright!", work in factories making things like shoes and wires that we use here in America. These people are paid sometimes less than two dollars a day and have to make extensive travel arrangements to get to and from work. If we didn't send our business there however, we would be taking any money possible away from them, so it is really a complicated situation. Without us they would not have such complicated work situations, but they also would not have work at all.
The youth plays a huge part in these third world countries. There are several of them that do not want to grow up and work in the drug business like the rest of the people in their areas have. I honestly did not think about the students that actually wanted to become something. I also did not think about how much pain and trouble these students really have to go through. If they don't get to eat at school, they don't get to eat at all, no part of where they live is safe, and violence and rape are regular. That is a terrible environment for anyone to grow up in, and all one young girl asks is that we stop thinking of ourselves and start thinking of the third world countries This is such a powerful statement, and something that everybody living in a first world country needs to sit back and think about. Even young youth like this can find pleasure in punk music. They are able to scream out their anger and be mad at the life they have had to live without actually hurting anything. This music gives them something to invest in. Instead of being on the streets at night with the drugs and violence, they are in their garages making music that gets their feelings out in a safe and effective way.
The artists in this movie have had very rough lives. Luckily I have been fortunate enough to grow up in a small farm town in Indiana where drugs and violence exist but are not participated in often. But, I still have my own internal conflict that I feel, just like them. Even though the circumstances and styles are different I often turn to music when I need to let my emotions out in a way that does not hurt myself or anyone else. Religion is also something they have to deal with every day. I do not get weird looks when I walk in to my church but there are ladies that are actually rude to these people when they walk into church because of how they dress and the kind of music they play. This is actually a very hypocritical thing for them to do, and I think that probably adds to why they perform punk rock. They have to keep their religion a secret because they do not want to be judged, where as I am very proud and able to talk of my beliefs.
The punks are not out to be rebels and destroy the peace. They simply need a way to let out their emotions without being violent.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
The Bloomington Farmers Market was by far one of the most interesting experiences I have ever had. Everyone was so friendly and happy to be selling or buying fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade crafts, and fresh baked goods. I don't know that I have ever seen so much community action in one place. Even though the Market was split into three sections everything and everyone flowed together.
The first section we walked into was the many rows of fruits and vegetables. There were a lot of farmers there selling their produce and flowers, all of which grew they grew themselves. This area was full of eager customers and a surprising amount of children. The excitement that the children displayed was one of the most surprising parts for me. Normally kids aren't super happy around fruits and veggies but these kids acted as if they were at a fair.
The next section we decided to explore was the arts and crafts area. This area was a craft fair that happens once a month at the Bloomington Farmers Market. There were so many intriguing tents full of outstanding artwork; most of which that was made by people that live no more than an hour away. There was a fountain in the corner that attracted several families and small children that wanted to play in the water. Everyone was very accepting and happy to see all of the guests.
The last area that we visited was the baked goods area. As soon as you walked near it the smell of fresh bread was overwhelming. There were so many vendors making gourmet food to sell to the general public. One of my personal favorites was the crepes. I had a BLT crepe and it wasn't like the typical crepes I had at home. I was actually able to taste the freshness of the vegetables. Crepes were not the only fresh made foods available though. There were vendors serving fresh coffee, tamales, and even cooking whole pizzas right there on the spot. Everyone eating had a smile on their face because it was impossible not to. Throughout all three of these sections there were a few musical acts. Nothing more than some talented guitar and drum players, but even though there were only a few they made all of the difference. Because of the rain, there were not as many musicians as there normally are, but the few that were there caught the attention of many shoppers and made the Farmers Market experience that much more enjoyable.
This farmers market is such a great way to bring the community of Bloomington together. This city is so diverse with different ethnicities, ages, and races, but all of these differences can come together in one spot and enjoy the gift of fresh food together. In many ways the Market was just like participatory music events. Just like in musical events, all different ages, classes, and ethnicitites were able to come together and share their excitement without being embarrassed. Everyone at the farmers market, no matter how old was expected to participate, and everyone actually did. Granted there were very limited amounts of singing and dancing, everyone instead was able to buy fresh produce and learn about farming and growing foods together. Much like participatory music, everyone was having a great time, not even the pouring rain could stop this event from coming together beautifully.
The Bloomington Farmers Market has made me rethink how I want to live not only my life, but how I want to raise my family. I want my kids to show the same enthusiasm for fresh produce and hand made crafts as those children did today, all while helping the local farms.
Below is a map of the farmers market.
The first section we walked into was the many rows of fruits and vegetables. There were a lot of farmers there selling their produce and flowers, all of which grew they grew themselves. This area was full of eager customers and a surprising amount of children. The excitement that the children displayed was one of the most surprising parts for me. Normally kids aren't super happy around fruits and veggies but these kids acted as if they were at a fair.
The next section we decided to explore was the arts and crafts area. This area was a craft fair that happens once a month at the Bloomington Farmers Market. There were so many intriguing tents full of outstanding artwork; most of which that was made by people that live no more than an hour away. There was a fountain in the corner that attracted several families and small children that wanted to play in the water. Everyone was very accepting and happy to see all of the guests.
The last area that we visited was the baked goods area. As soon as you walked near it the smell of fresh bread was overwhelming. There were so many vendors making gourmet food to sell to the general public. One of my personal favorites was the crepes. I had a BLT crepe and it wasn't like the typical crepes I had at home. I was actually able to taste the freshness of the vegetables. Crepes were not the only fresh made foods available though. There were vendors serving fresh coffee, tamales, and even cooking whole pizzas right there on the spot. Everyone eating had a smile on their face because it was impossible not to. Throughout all three of these sections there were a few musical acts. Nothing more than some talented guitar and drum players, but even though there were only a few they made all of the difference. Because of the rain, there were not as many musicians as there normally are, but the few that were there caught the attention of many shoppers and made the Farmers Market experience that much more enjoyable.
This farmers market is such a great way to bring the community of Bloomington together. This city is so diverse with different ethnicities, ages, and races, but all of these differences can come together in one spot and enjoy the gift of fresh food together. In many ways the Market was just like participatory music events. Just like in musical events, all different ages, classes, and ethnicitites were able to come together and share their excitement without being embarrassed. Everyone at the farmers market, no matter how old was expected to participate, and everyone actually did. Granted there were very limited amounts of singing and dancing, everyone instead was able to buy fresh produce and learn about farming and growing foods together. Much like participatory music, everyone was having a great time, not even the pouring rain could stop this event from coming together beautifully.
The Bloomington Farmers Market has made me rethink how I want to live not only my life, but how I want to raise my family. I want my kids to show the same enthusiasm for fresh produce and hand made crafts as those children did today, all while helping the local farms.
Below is a map of the farmers market.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
The Four Fields of Music
When thinking of music most people instantly refer back to an album they just bought or have a flashback to a previous concert they saw, without realizing that there are actually two other forms of music that they may not be aware of. The four fields of music are Participatory, presentational,high fidelity, and Studio Audio Art. Each of these play an important role in the concept of music.
First we have Participatory In this form of music there is no distinction between the audience and the performer. Everyone is encouraged, in fact expected to participate This is a great way to boost creativity and hold the interest of those involved. It is also a great way for every one to express themselves without having judgment of those around them. No matter the skill level of the individual they can still participate shamelessly. There are some limitations though. First it is probably not going to be interesting for the people just watching and not participating. There are also limitations as to what the individual can do because they are not able to show their individual talents.
This line dance from footloose is a great way to show participatory music because everyone is participating, even those that do not know how.
Next we have Presentational.
Presentational is what most people would consider to be a concert. This is where the performer or in the case of the video below, the musician, performs for a crowd of people. The audience's job is to sit back and be entertained while the performer does what he or she loves to do. In this field of music the participation of everyone is limited and not required. Another limitation is the fact that unlike participatory there could be some judgement. THis does however allow the performer to move freely with his art form and do whatever he or she desires with no limitations on skill level.
The following song was done by Ed Sheeran for the UK Xfactor in 2012. He performed this for an audience making it presentational.
High Fidelity
High Fidelity is the music that you buy on iTunes. These are recordings of the songs made to seem like they are live, that go through multiple steps of editing, and are then sold to the public. These sounds added to these songs are used to make up for the lack of visuals that are normally seen during presentational performances. These recordings are convenient because the music can be listened to at any time, but it can also make the artist sound different than if they were performing live.
This song is by Mumford and Sons, and is the recording so it is not being performed live for an audience.
Studio Art Production
Studio art production is also a recorded form of music. This form however is made mostly of electronic sounds. This a form of music that cannot ever be performed live because there is little to no human interaction within the actual music. This however is a good way to express yourself in a different way, or to really pump up a crowd in a club.
While this song does have some voice and instruments, it could never be all performed live.
First we have Participatory In this form of music there is no distinction between the audience and the performer. Everyone is encouraged, in fact expected to participate This is a great way to boost creativity and hold the interest of those involved. It is also a great way for every one to express themselves without having judgment of those around them. No matter the skill level of the individual they can still participate shamelessly. There are some limitations though. First it is probably not going to be interesting for the people just watching and not participating. There are also limitations as to what the individual can do because they are not able to show their individual talents.
This line dance from footloose is a great way to show participatory music because everyone is participating, even those that do not know how.
Next we have Presentational.
Presentational is what most people would consider to be a concert. This is where the performer or in the case of the video below, the musician, performs for a crowd of people. The audience's job is to sit back and be entertained while the performer does what he or she loves to do. In this field of music the participation of everyone is limited and not required. Another limitation is the fact that unlike participatory there could be some judgement. THis does however allow the performer to move freely with his art form and do whatever he or she desires with no limitations on skill level.
The following song was done by Ed Sheeran for the UK Xfactor in 2012. He performed this for an audience making it presentational.
High Fidelity
High Fidelity is the music that you buy on iTunes. These are recordings of the songs made to seem like they are live, that go through multiple steps of editing, and are then sold to the public. These sounds added to these songs are used to make up for the lack of visuals that are normally seen during presentational performances. These recordings are convenient because the music can be listened to at any time, but it can also make the artist sound different than if they were performing live.
This song is by Mumford and Sons, and is the recording so it is not being performed live for an audience.
Studio Art Production
Studio art production is also a recorded form of music. This form however is made mostly of electronic sounds. This a form of music that cannot ever be performed live because there is little to no human interaction within the actual music. This however is a good way to express yourself in a different way, or to really pump up a crowd in a club.
While this song does have some voice and instruments, it could never be all performed live.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Man In the Mirror
Choir has always been a huge part of my life, especially these past two years. Countless hours have been spent practicing not only inside the classroom, but outside as well. Between the choreography rehearsals, the vocal sessions and all of the performances, choir had become apart of who we are. All of that slowed down one night a few months ago, but instead of feeling sad and alone the song we sang made me feel empowered and ready to help make a change.
It was the day of my last choir concert where we all had to relive the good moment and hold back the tears That was one of the saddest days of my life up until that point. The show must go on though, and we had to continue to rehearse even while holding back tears. Finally it was show time and we performed all of our songs and dances with smiles because even though we were dreading what was to come we loved what we doing. Eventually the time did come for us to sing our last song.
The song we decided to sing was "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson. Each senior had their own solo and at the end we all came together to sing one last time. The lyrics of that song are already very powerful in suggesting that to make a change in the world we must first look at ourselves. While singing, all of the seniors began to hold hands thus showing our unity not only as a choir but as friends. After this I no longer felt sad about leaving all of the great times behind, but empowered, like I could really do something great, because I have a great group of people standing with me.
The frame of this song was the emotional choir concert. Holding hands through this song was the sign that stood for our unity. The song itself was the object. Than the interpretant was the feeling of empowerment that I felt. The symbol was the powerful lyrics, and the icon was the lyrics and their encouraging words. Now whenever I hear Man in the Mirror I still feel that empowerment because of the co-occurrence. Hopefully this song can make you feel the same empowerment I felt.
It was the day of my last choir concert where we all had to relive the good moment and hold back the tears That was one of the saddest days of my life up until that point. The show must go on though, and we had to continue to rehearse even while holding back tears. Finally it was show time and we performed all of our songs and dances with smiles because even though we were dreading what was to come we loved what we doing. Eventually the time did come for us to sing our last song.
The song we decided to sing was "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson. Each senior had their own solo and at the end we all came together to sing one last time. The lyrics of that song are already very powerful in suggesting that to make a change in the world we must first look at ourselves. While singing, all of the seniors began to hold hands thus showing our unity not only as a choir but as friends. After this I no longer felt sad about leaving all of the great times behind, but empowered, like I could really do something great, because I have a great group of people standing with me.
The frame of this song was the emotional choir concert. Holding hands through this song was the sign that stood for our unity. The song itself was the object. Than the interpretant was the feeling of empowerment that I felt. The symbol was the powerful lyrics, and the icon was the lyrics and their encouraging words. Now whenever I hear Man in the Mirror I still feel that empowerment because of the co-occurrence. Hopefully this song can make you feel the same empowerment I felt.
Monday, August 4, 2014
I am from a small town in a little county that really no one has heard of. I've grown up telling people that I am from a larger city that is near by just to avoid the awkward "oh yeah.." when they obviously have no idea what I am talking about. None of this really bothers me though because that little town is my home and other people's thoughts are not going to change that. I grew up in a middle class family of four with the typical stressed mom, sarcastic dad, annoying little brother, a little lap dog, all the random neighborhood cats we somehow get stuck with, and the assortment of fish we have been able to keep alive. If you have ever seen The Middle, that is my life. But all of these weird little things make me who I am today. The song Don't Forget Where you belong has words that really speak to me, especially these past couple of weeks. This song talks about always remembering where your family is. Moving from quaint Jamestown to diverse Bloomington and away from my family and abundance of pets was a bit of a shock for me. That's why this song really describes how I feel and where I am from. I will never forget where I truly belong even though the world may take me miles and miles away. I know my little hometown is always there supporting me and I will always give them credit for getting me here today.
I like to think of myself as being lighthearted. I try not to get in drama, I always try to make sure people are okay, and I love to have fun, but even with all of these traits I have fears. I am scared to be taken away from home, I am scared to lose the ones I love, I am scared I won't do something right, and I am scared of being alone. In the song "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" there are some very happy lyrics. They are mostly light hearted like I picture myself, but there are some darker undertones. For instance the second half of the first verse talks about how one day we will die but then goes on to talk about how now we are young. Even though I have these fears I still want to have fun and do what I know is the right thing. This song gives a little insight to who I am.
I value my religion and try to always live my life in the same way. Through all of my struggle I try to still live my life in the way that we are told in the Bible. This is a song that I heard during the week I spent at CIY Move this summer. It really touched my heart because it talks about standing in your faith even when there are oceans consuming you. Even though it does not always work out right, I try to always strengthen my faith. Without this hope and this passion I would have nothing in my life therefore I value it more than anything and I always try to make it the focal point of the life that I lead.
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