Ethnomusicologists, that is those who are interested in the way in which a society musically defines itself, play a huge role in world music pedagogy. The early ethnomusicologists can be credited with bringing an interest of world musics to the United States. The desire to learn about other cultural musical identities has brought a variety of musical interests into music education. For example, I would love to start an after school steel pan ensemble for students in my school, with no music reading prerequisites. Videos, such as this group from Trinidad, would become quite useful in introducing the music to my students.
Sources:
Nettl, B. (2005). The study of ethnomusicology: Thirty-one issues and concepts. Urbana: University of Illinois Press.
Stefanie,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the video you posted! I think it is amazing how different performing ensembles across the world gather together to share their music. I think that in America, we normally see groups in more formal settings with matching uniforms perhaps, however in this video, it looks like a very relaxing environment where people have just gathered together informally. I also notice the performers don't seem to be reading music of any kind, but just playing from memory. I too have a steel drum set at my school, and would love more knowledge about the instrument to be able to start an ensemble. I agree that enthomusicologists play a large role in the understanding of world music pedagogy. Each culture has unique musical characteristics that may be foreign to those of us in the American culture, but in their culture certain characteristics are normal. It was fun to see the excitement and joy on the performers' faces during this piece.
Stefanie,
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome video. I love steel drum percussion. It has always interested me how so many different notes could be hammered into metal.
I also think you made a great point about ethnomusicologists bringing the interest of other music cultures to America. Without those contributions, I feel our exposure to multicultural music would be much more limited.
I love the idea of starting a steel drum ensemble. Let me know if that ever becomes a reality! Great post!
Your post has met all criteria, Stefanie. Nice job!
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