Sunday, January 24, 2016

Module 4 Reflection Post: The Landfill Orchestra

The video of the Landfill Harmonic Orchestra has several interesting components. The young girl who describe feeling butterflies while listening to a violin also stated “it’s (music) a feeling that I don’t know how to explain.” I think that is exactly why the people of Cateura began creating the instruments and organizing an ensemble. They realize that music makes them feel in a way not possible through anything else. Although there are not funds to purchase new violins (that are valued higher than a house), they citizens recognize the need for music in their society in order to “live” instead of “exist.” Additionally it should be noted that they ensemble played songs from the “past.” The small town in Paraguay that is built upon a landfill has a 40% school dropout rate, but yet they seem to be stretching to reach all four components of the role of music education (minimum competencies, cohesive society, learning from the past, and a richer life). I think it is especially incredible given that this town does not likely have the funds or technology to enjoy music through listening to replicated music. The statement “my life without music would be worthless” could be viewed as youthful exaggeration however it appears that this individual is existing with barely having basic needs met and therefore the removal of music from her life may very well make it feel worthless to her. 

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