Introduction
Side Show: The Musical performance I attended took place on a cool evening as I scurried along at 8:01 p.m. arriving at the University Theatre’s doors. I arrived late, wanting to bring a friend again to this performance, but he wasn’t in his apartment. When I was lead in by an usher to my seat, I noticed that the performance room was quite dark and pact, since getting to my seat posed a minor challenge. I was shocked to find the performers all dressed up in strange clothing and one half naked as his costume, which was quite different from the Shakespeare and Song. As I soon settled in I noticed that the music wasn’t coming from a prerecorded speaker, but a small band of instruments in the back, mainly consisting of a synthesizer, brass instruments, guitar, and clarinets. Though all the instruments were in the back, the performers did all the singing, thus a musical.
Music
Western styles, timbres, and keys were used thoroughly throughout the entire performance. Multiple strange electronically layered sounds were most likely produced from the synthesizer adding to the tension and feel of the acting while singers were taking breaths and shifting the stage around. The voices also like the Shakespeare and Song used many thick textures and harmonies. Harmony was at the end and very heavy on the end of every song. Most of the songs contained a duple meter and simple meter. The music contained mainly heterophony textures with the band as support, but occasionally would contain monologues, soliloquies, and dialogues. Some songs would be sung solo also to show the thoughts of one character or two, while the rest of the performers were often off stage or frozen. Timbres mainly consisted between deep diaphragm choir harmonizing sounds and deep diaphragm talking pitched sounds that created a great deal of carol like sounds combined with a the musical aspect. The dialogue was much easier to follow making the plot easy to understand and creating a more engaged audience. Some songs were jolly while others were melancholy, depending on how the characters were feeling and the event the characters were suppose to play a role in. Like most music, the more melodramatic songs had a slow minor tone along with slower smoother dance moves, while the joyful songs were faster rhythmically and the dance moves were more acute and jagged. The music seemed to never stop, though there were occasional pauses for a line in between scenes. The strangest song was Come Look At The Freaks, which had Bryan Thompson playing Jake, a Cannibal King, who was wearing a sacked cloth and jumping on the front row chairs, creating an engaged atmosphere with the audience as if we were part of the musical.
Performers
The performers had many costumes and changed based on the scenery. Unlike the last performance I attended, the people playing the instruments had no costumes.
Audience
The audience contained more of an elderly senior population with fewer students than the previous performances I have attended. I didn’t recognize any students or adults in the audience, although I did recognize Eli the “Geek” who seems to be a performer in every performance I attended.
Time and Space
The space didn’t have much room for many to wiggle around, but sufficient enough for one to enjoy the performance. The spacing on the stage was constantly changing as large props were taken on and off and turned to create a change in environment. Though the instrumentalist didn’t move at all, the stage was quite dynamic.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Blog Post 12
The group I posted is the Talking Heads from the subgenre of the new wave from Rock.
This subgenre developed in the early 1980s.
Music Elements of Rock
The main elements of rock that can be seen from this video are the prominent uses of electric guitar. In the 1940s amps and strings were set up to optimize their sound they could produce, and since the new wave rock was prominent in the 1980s guitars are well adapted for the rock concerts and loud speakers.
Also another element that can be seen from this subgenre is the use of small ensemble which consists of a few performers. In this video there are four performers, one on the drum set, acoustic, one electric, and one base guitar. There is a strong emphasis on singing which is unique to rock music, separating jazz pieces. Another element is the use of strong beats in a four-beat cycle. The rhythm in this piece is not syncopated or complex like jazz and some other styles of music, making it very distinctly rock. Although much is simple in the rock type of music, the use of technology is quite complex in comparison to many other genres of music since this type of music was developed within the last century. Making unique electronic sounds made the new wave subgenre extremely diverse though they only used four instruments, which one would fine much less of in the punk rock music.
The last two elements are the use of simplified harmonic progressions and use of emotion. Although emotion is generally rebellious in rock music, in comparison to the punk rock music, the new wave expression of emotion seemed more mature and robotic. The harmonic progression was relatively the same to many other types of subgenres of rock music.
This subgenre developed in the early 1980s.
Music Elements of Rock
The main elements of rock that can be seen from this video are the prominent uses of electric guitar. In the 1940s amps and strings were set up to optimize their sound they could produce, and since the new wave rock was prominent in the 1980s guitars are well adapted for the rock concerts and loud speakers.
Also another element that can be seen from this subgenre is the use of small ensemble which consists of a few performers. In this video there are four performers, one on the drum set, acoustic, one electric, and one base guitar. There is a strong emphasis on singing which is unique to rock music, separating jazz pieces. Another element is the use of strong beats in a four-beat cycle. The rhythm in this piece is not syncopated or complex like jazz and some other styles of music, making it very distinctly rock. Although much is simple in the rock type of music, the use of technology is quite complex in comparison to many other genres of music since this type of music was developed within the last century. Making unique electronic sounds made the new wave subgenre extremely diverse though they only used four instruments, which one would fine much less of in the punk rock music.
The last two elements are the use of simplified harmonic progressions and use of emotion. Although emotion is generally rebellious in rock music, in comparison to the punk rock music, the new wave expression of emotion seemed more mature and robotic. The harmonic progression was relatively the same to many other types of subgenres of rock music.
Extra Credit Blog Post:- Side Show: The Musical
Side Show: The Musical takes place in the past; it addresses many issues that still go on today. The musical focuses particularly on discrimination against the disabled and odd balls in society. Although college has come along way in America, issues pertaining punishment and rewards based upon outward appearances are just another daily routine everyone runs through. Punishment and rewards in a more indirect subtle way through comments and complements. Though teasing is no longer usually a main source of harassment, the lack of similar treatment that the disabled and “odd people” still poses as a prominent cause for depression and anxiety. Side Show: The Musical demonstrated this in a more literal blatant sense due to the love dilemma themes between the business men and Siamese twins.
Another sad part in society that this musical reveals is that many college students share similar worries about finding a future mate with unknown genetic disabilities. I find many people saying “I don’t know what I would do if my kid ended up genetically impaired”. This issue ironically though it’s bluntly insensitive, it is a realistic concern. The “Freaks” could be described in today’s standards as these people who are oppressed in society. The oppression that the protagonists Daisy and Violet experienced resulted in their anxiety and depression, which in the real world is quite realistic also.
Another sad part in society that this musical reveals is that many college students share similar worries about finding a future mate with unknown genetic disabilities. I find many people saying “I don’t know what I would do if my kid ended up genetically impaired”. This issue ironically though it’s bluntly insensitive, it is a realistic concern. The “Freaks” could be described in today’s standards as these people who are oppressed in society. The oppression that the protagonists Daisy and Violet experienced resulted in their anxiety and depression, which in the real world is quite realistic also.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Blogged Performance Reports 1: Shakespeare in Song
Introduction
The Shakespeare in Song event I attended happened on Friday at 8 p.m. in the Jonsson Performance Hall. The performance room had a stage with a choir stand and a grand piano on the right accompanying the singers. In addition there were four music stands in the front for some of the performers to speak lines from different plays and sometimes sing a solo.
Music
The music texture over all had many western styles of timbres and keys. Multiple layers of voices created a thick texture. Most of the songs contained a duple meter and simple meter. The music also used heterophony textures with the piano as support, sometimes with monologues, soliloquies, or dialogues inserted between pieces. Occasionally on two or three songs there was a monophony, but was usually afterward accompanied by the rest of the choir. Timbres mainly consisted of deep diaphragm choir harmonizing types of sounds that created an over all sense of unity. The old English language used for the Shakespeare in Song along with a play like quality of dialogues put the audience in the time period of 1500-1600’s during the Victorian Era. Some songs ranged from being somber to being jolly. The somber music had a more slow darker tone, while the more joyful songs had a more upbeat with faster rhythms than the sadder ones. The music seemed to never stop other than the intermission, which gave an almost musical like quality to it. The most humorous thing was in Act II, Scene 4: Orsino’s court, Duke Orsino played by Andrew Pham had a role into shouting “FOOL”. Though it went with the script it seemed out of place. Over all the music was generally harmonious and fluent throughout the performance.
Performers
The performers were dressed in what seemed to be Shakespearian clothing, some of them had hats. Even the pianist was dressed in Shakespearian clothing, adding to the atmosphere of Shakespeare’s time. Performers entered the stage with normal choir conduct, with the choir singers in single file with the conductor at the end. People from the choir would then enter the front where they would lead a solo or recite verses from the plays to start off the song, sometimes accompanied with the choir at different moment to add to the soundscape of the performance.
Audience
The audience didn’t seem to be abnormal from any other performance I have attended mainly consisting of senior citizens, parents, and fellow students. Oddly enough I stumbled across one brought a friend who was a previous student at UTD and lived on my street, who also told me that he attended the performance to support a friend. He along with some others and one friend I brought I’ve noticed at this performance. The crowd was relatively smaller than other performances, since it was easy to spot people I knew, and also I find it strange, because I’ve never went to an event at UTD where I know more than three people.
Time and Space
The space was large for plenty of leg room. The space on the stage however was used quite frequently due to the amount of moving and role taking of different speeches and roles throughout the performance. Most of the singers didn’t move other than one to four singers at a time for dialogues and solos, but the cheers over all were quite reluctant in the audience. At the end surprisingly there was a standing applause since the performance ended on a high note.
Conclusion
Leaving the Johnson Performance Hall, dress ups, and music, I felt I was leaving the Victorian Era and back to modern day. Away from rehearsed song and continuous harmonious melodies and back to normal comprehendible English speaking UTD of the 21st century.
The Shakespeare in Song event I attended happened on Friday at 8 p.m. in the Jonsson Performance Hall. The performance room had a stage with a choir stand and a grand piano on the right accompanying the singers. In addition there were four music stands in the front for some of the performers to speak lines from different plays and sometimes sing a solo.
Music
The music texture over all had many western styles of timbres and keys. Multiple layers of voices created a thick texture. Most of the songs contained a duple meter and simple meter. The music also used heterophony textures with the piano as support, sometimes with monologues, soliloquies, or dialogues inserted between pieces. Occasionally on two or three songs there was a monophony, but was usually afterward accompanied by the rest of the choir. Timbres mainly consisted of deep diaphragm choir harmonizing types of sounds that created an over all sense of unity. The old English language used for the Shakespeare in Song along with a play like quality of dialogues put the audience in the time period of 1500-1600’s during the Victorian Era. Some songs ranged from being somber to being jolly. The somber music had a more slow darker tone, while the more joyful songs had a more upbeat with faster rhythms than the sadder ones. The music seemed to never stop other than the intermission, which gave an almost musical like quality to it. The most humorous thing was in Act II, Scene 4: Orsino’s court, Duke Orsino played by Andrew Pham had a role into shouting “FOOL”. Though it went with the script it seemed out of place. Over all the music was generally harmonious and fluent throughout the performance.
Performers
The performers were dressed in what seemed to be Shakespearian clothing, some of them had hats. Even the pianist was dressed in Shakespearian clothing, adding to the atmosphere of Shakespeare’s time. Performers entered the stage with normal choir conduct, with the choir singers in single file with the conductor at the end. People from the choir would then enter the front where they would lead a solo or recite verses from the plays to start off the song, sometimes accompanied with the choir at different moment to add to the soundscape of the performance.
Audience
The audience didn’t seem to be abnormal from any other performance I have attended mainly consisting of senior citizens, parents, and fellow students. Oddly enough I stumbled across one brought a friend who was a previous student at UTD and lived on my street, who also told me that he attended the performance to support a friend. He along with some others and one friend I brought I’ve noticed at this performance. The crowd was relatively smaller than other performances, since it was easy to spot people I knew, and also I find it strange, because I’ve never went to an event at UTD where I know more than three people.
Time and Space
The space was large for plenty of leg room. The space on the stage however was used quite frequently due to the amount of moving and role taking of different speeches and roles throughout the performance. Most of the singers didn’t move other than one to four singers at a time for dialogues and solos, but the cheers over all were quite reluctant in the audience. At the end surprisingly there was a standing applause since the performance ended on a high note.
Conclusion
Leaving the Johnson Performance Hall, dress ups, and music, I felt I was leaving the Victorian Era and back to modern day. Away from rehearsed song and continuous harmonious melodies and back to normal comprehendible English speaking UTD of the 21st century.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Blog Post 11
Aspects of Gullah Culture
The ideas of this culture are mainly to remember the Gullah people’s heritage and their ancestor’s voyage across the Atlantic Ocean from West Africa to Georgia. The fact that they came over as slaves shipped by the tens of thousands, many Gullah people find this part of their heritage very important. The reason that this culture is bringing their . Activities involved speakers, stepping, dance, and music with a polyphonic rhythm with many membranophones. Their repertoires include mainly just different variations of beats and overlapping rhythms. The materials of the Gullah culture are intricate dresses that have repeated striped patterns, flags, sometimes walking sticks, and drums with a djembe kind of structure.
Aspects of Gullah Music Performance
The time and space is located on the coast of Georgia time is in recent years. The audience consists mainly of other Gullah people and sometimes local residents. Performers are decedents from black slaves who some sing, some dance, and some play the drums. The music itself has a talking type of quality sometimes with a broken voice and other sounds. Many times it gives off a gospel like type of singing, but far from it, because it has not melodic forms from instrumentation. All the melody comes from the singers while it over laps typically many drums playing in a polyrhythmic way.
The ideas of this culture are mainly to remember the Gullah people’s heritage and their ancestor’s voyage across the Atlantic Ocean from West Africa to Georgia. The fact that they came over as slaves shipped by the tens of thousands, many Gullah people find this part of their heritage very important. The reason that this culture is bringing their . Activities involved speakers, stepping, dance, and music with a polyphonic rhythm with many membranophones. Their repertoires include mainly just different variations of beats and overlapping rhythms. The materials of the Gullah culture are intricate dresses that have repeated striped patterns, flags, sometimes walking sticks, and drums with a djembe kind of structure.
Aspects of Gullah Music Performance
The time and space is located on the coast of Georgia time is in recent years. The audience consists mainly of other Gullah people and sometimes local residents. Performers are decedents from black slaves who some sing, some dance, and some play the drums. The music itself has a talking type of quality sometimes with a broken voice and other sounds. Many times it gives off a gospel like type of singing, but far from it, because it has not melodic forms from instrumentation. All the melody comes from the singers while it over laps typically many drums playing in a polyrhythmic way.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Blog Post 10
I was asked to analyze an opera piece on youtube, so I chose…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrMN8pJbxT4
This opera piece by Stabat Mater Rossini, took place on a stage with a full orchestra with many western membranophones, chordophones, and brass aerophones. It was conducted by an oriental conductor and the main opera singer was Lella Cuberli, who had support from a large choir in the back. All the performers are well dressed in western dress up clothes with suits and dresses. The choir in choir garments. The opera singer was off to the front and center, obviously making her the center of attention.
The song has a homophony quality, since the musicians accompanied Lella the opera singer. The song has a duple meter with a simple meter. The music started with a big entrance, but then had a drop off and then crescendo-ed over time as Lella Cuberli developed the song. She seemed to have an ornamental quality to most of her singing. Her voice seemed to vibrate and waver in pitch, which is known as vibrato. Her timbre seemed to be in an upper register but using a lot of air from her diaphragm to create the sound. In this particular piece there was no male singer, but also there seemed to be no interaction between the opera singer and the conductor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrMN8pJbxT4
This opera piece by Stabat Mater Rossini, took place on a stage with a full orchestra with many western membranophones, chordophones, and brass aerophones. It was conducted by an oriental conductor and the main opera singer was Lella Cuberli, who had support from a large choir in the back. All the performers are well dressed in western dress up clothes with suits and dresses. The choir in choir garments. The opera singer was off to the front and center, obviously making her the center of attention.
The song has a homophony quality, since the musicians accompanied Lella the opera singer. The song has a duple meter with a simple meter. The music started with a big entrance, but then had a drop off and then crescendo-ed over time as Lella Cuberli developed the song. She seemed to have an ornamental quality to most of her singing. Her voice seemed to vibrate and waver in pitch, which is known as vibrato. Her timbre seemed to be in an upper register but using a lot of air from her diaphragm to create the sound. In this particular piece there was no male singer, but also there seemed to be no interaction between the opera singer and the conductor.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Blog Post 9
After watching the film Avatar, I looked into the film score and Na’vi music types. Although having some similarities, the film score and Na’vi are quite different. Both music types used membranophones, chordophones, vocals, and aerophones. The music in the Na’vi contains European wordless vocals, combined with Asian and African timbers. Also a main difference is that the Na’vi language was chanted and sung in the native language, while the film score was sung in English with only Western timbers.
In the examples the Avatar theme song can be heard with only western female timbers with a more sound from the diaphragm, while the “Gathering all the Na’vi clans for battle” song contained a short segment with multi cultural timbers of shouting, rather than a western singing like quality. The film score also had more of an up beat pop-like rhythm that was fairly simply with a simple melody, while the Na’vi music had a polyrhythmic scheme as the music escalated like some African music cultures. Although the music from the Na’vi has a few African qualities, they also contain many western music styles of instrumentation that reveals a similar quality to that of World of Warcraft music.
The mix of cultures throughout is what most likely what gives this movie the out of world feeling due to the inability of the viewer to point down to the source of the music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsM6iK_OBFU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEFlJKvBc8s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgkPAxiKkiI
In the examples the Avatar theme song can be heard with only western female timbers with a more sound from the diaphragm, while the “Gathering all the Na’vi clans for battle” song contained a short segment with multi cultural timbers of shouting, rather than a western singing like quality. The film score also had more of an up beat pop-like rhythm that was fairly simply with a simple melody, while the Na’vi music had a polyrhythmic scheme as the music escalated like some African music cultures. Although the music from the Na’vi has a few African qualities, they also contain many western music styles of instrumentation that reveals a similar quality to that of World of Warcraft music.
The mix of cultures throughout is what most likely what gives this movie the out of world feeling due to the inability of the viewer to point down to the source of the music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsM6iK_OBFU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEFlJKvBc8s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgkPAxiKkiI
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Frisco Community Bible Church Youth Worship Team Ethnography
Introduction
The Dallas music-culture I have observed, analyzed, and participated in was the Frisco Community Bible Church Youth Worship Team. If the music culture is referred to as “the worship team” it is because the musicians decided that “it would be easier to call it that until a new name can be decided upon” (Anonymous). This blog will focusing on Ideas About Music, Activities Involving Music, Repertoires of Music, Material Culture of Music, and the Preservation of Music of this particular music culture. Although these aspects of music-cultures will reveal shared characteristics to other Christian music cultures, the aspects will also illustrate unique characteristics which set it apart from other music cultures in the Dallas area.
Methodology
The methods I used to collect my data and information about this music culture was by attending one of their monthly performances and interviewing some members of the culture. Most of the information I received from two college members, but I also noted and in my field work at the event. One interviewee was Rebecca Yu, a college student and Collin County Community College and the other one asked to stay anonymous. Contrary to the two college students I interviewed, most of the musicians are in high school, but my sources were sufficient enough to obtain the information needed grasp a strong understand of the culture.
The event I attended for my field work took place on a Sunday morning at 11:00 in a large sanctuary room in the Frisco Community Bible Church. The room had great acoustics and with rows upon rows of large red cushioned chairs. The stage had a large carpeted platform with a podium in the middle and grand piano on the left. Sharon, a high school girl, lead the “worship” section the Sunday service I attended. Each performer, dressed in suites and dresses, sharing microphones. In the congregation and I was able to participate in singing along with the performers because the words were displayed through a projector. In the back there were AV guys in charge of the over head projector, setting up the microphones, and making sure the performance runs smoothly.
Aspects of This Music-Culture
Ideas About Music
The beliefs in this music culture are based on an Evangelical denomination of Christianity. This church is a sister-church off the Dallas Chinese Bible Church (DCBC) in Richardson, Texas, a church I use to attend years ago. Apparently, the “church underwent a name change from Frisco Chinese Bible Church to Frisco Community Bible Church to give off a more accurate name based on the church’s doctrine” (Anonymous), thus leading to the Frisco Community Bible Church Youth Worship Team. Although, FCBC sprung from DCBC, a traditional style against Christian rock, rap, and use of drums, in both cultures music “plays an important role in our cultures. Music at our church is through any format that comes from the heart and its only intention is to glorify God” (Yu). This music culture shows a more liberal progressive form of music in contrast to other music cultures in the Dallas area.
Activities Involving Music
The music that is performed can be found on iTunes, Youtube, stores, and occasionally performed live at concerts, but most “music sources are mostly found on the web and played by the worship team” (Yu). Although these students do this out of free will, “they enjoy the events as a hobby, but with a professional attitude” (Yu).
I had the opportunity to join a few of their practice sessions and witness “music in the making” so to speak. Although some of the members compose music competitively or as a hobby, they don’t compose any music for the Sunday services, due to time constraints.
Repertoires of Music
God of this City: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk
Above All: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Sn5rV
Nothing But the Blood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvURm3k36IA
Enough: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pl-FWskj5U
You Never Let Go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuVQWhCAu4A
Radio Stations: 90.9 FM, 91.3 FM, 94.9 FM
Frisco Community Bible Church Youth Worship Team: http://crazy2idiot.xanga.com/audio/
These are the types of music that the worship team performs. All the song choices are composed by Christian musicians, who are mostly still composing and releasing new songs on the CD’s and radio. “The song choice usually is based on the leadership’s tastes combine with the audience’s preferences, since this can’t usually be done in one song, five or six songs are chosen to appeal to the different age groups” (Yu). On top of the importance of choosing songs, the lyrics have significant meaning in this culture. The last song in the event I attended, the interviewee who wants to keep anonymous, gave a brief speech to connect the song to the sermon. Although, most of this aspect is similar to other Christian music cultures, what makes this one different is that the students are given 100% control over song choice and decided on as a group, which in other music cultures, usually on person or the pastor/reverend/priest requests that the songs be centered around the sermon.
Material Culture of Music
There isn’t much material other than the actual instruments and technology used to create the music. A piano, guitar, violin, drum set, jambe, and microphones are the general tools used in the performance. What makes this unique from many other churches, like DCBC, is that this music church permits drums and jambes. Also another thing unique that sets this culture apart from other professional churches and music cultures is that the team consists of all students in high school or college. “The music itself is stored in a music software program. The tech/AV guys in the back have headphones and large amplifiers and adjusters to tinker with the voices and adjust them to the right volume and tones” (Anonymous). Although most churches have the same team in some vicinity either in a black room or in the back, this church is unique in the fact that the team consist of all teenagers. “No surprise many of these kids are very well experienced and also played instruments. This gives them the edge needed to contribution to the worship team in feedback and other methods to improve” (Anonymous).
Preservation of Music
This music culture is preserved through the kids that grow up in Frisco Community Bible Church who decide to step up with the “intention […] to glorify God” (Yu). As many college kids go off, the middle school and high school students take their place. “If they know how to play an instrument, most of the kids who want to serve are eager to learn” (Yu). Most of the children know at least one to two instruments. If they still want to be involved, but don’t have the money for the instruments, they can still sing and add vocals to the worship team. This method creates a specific age and music background to all the future musicians of this culture. “Unlike other similar Christian music cultures, we aren’t hired, professional, or even good at times; we just care about the heart and giving the people the umph they need to ‘get in the zone’ when the pastor starts preaching” (Anonymous).
Conclusion
The Frisco Community Bible Church Youth Worship Team is a unique music culture with specific attributes that make it different from all other Church singing groups. The aspects of music include Ideas About Music, Activities Involving Music, Repertoires of Music, Material Culture of Music, and the Preservation of Music.
Works Cited
Anonymous, Anonymous, current eldest remaining member. Personal interview. 1 Mar. 2010.
English Worhsip. Texas: Frisco Community Bible Church, 2010.
Yu, Rebecca, current counselor teacher performer. Personal interview. 5 Mar. 2010.
The Dallas music-culture I have observed, analyzed, and participated in was the Frisco Community Bible Church Youth Worship Team. If the music culture is referred to as “the worship team” it is because the musicians decided that “it would be easier to call it that until a new name can be decided upon” (Anonymous). This blog will focusing on Ideas About Music, Activities Involving Music, Repertoires of Music, Material Culture of Music, and the Preservation of Music of this particular music culture. Although these aspects of music-cultures will reveal shared characteristics to other Christian music cultures, the aspects will also illustrate unique characteristics which set it apart from other music cultures in the Dallas area.
Methodology
The methods I used to collect my data and information about this music culture was by attending one of their monthly performances and interviewing some members of the culture. Most of the information I received from two college members, but I also noted and in my field work at the event. One interviewee was Rebecca Yu, a college student and Collin County Community College and the other one asked to stay anonymous. Contrary to the two college students I interviewed, most of the musicians are in high school, but my sources were sufficient enough to obtain the information needed grasp a strong understand of the culture.
The event I attended for my field work took place on a Sunday morning at 11:00 in a large sanctuary room in the Frisco Community Bible Church. The room had great acoustics and with rows upon rows of large red cushioned chairs. The stage had a large carpeted platform with a podium in the middle and grand piano on the left. Sharon, a high school girl, lead the “worship” section the Sunday service I attended. Each performer, dressed in suites and dresses, sharing microphones. In the congregation and I was able to participate in singing along with the performers because the words were displayed through a projector. In the back there were AV guys in charge of the over head projector, setting up the microphones, and making sure the performance runs smoothly.
Aspects of This Music-Culture
Ideas About Music
The beliefs in this music culture are based on an Evangelical denomination of Christianity. This church is a sister-church off the Dallas Chinese Bible Church (DCBC) in Richardson, Texas, a church I use to attend years ago. Apparently, the “church underwent a name change from Frisco Chinese Bible Church to Frisco Community Bible Church to give off a more accurate name based on the church’s doctrine” (Anonymous), thus leading to the Frisco Community Bible Church Youth Worship Team. Although, FCBC sprung from DCBC, a traditional style against Christian rock, rap, and use of drums, in both cultures music “plays an important role in our cultures. Music at our church is through any format that comes from the heart and its only intention is to glorify God” (Yu). This music culture shows a more liberal progressive form of music in contrast to other music cultures in the Dallas area.
Activities Involving Music
The music that is performed can be found on iTunes, Youtube, stores, and occasionally performed live at concerts, but most “music sources are mostly found on the web and played by the worship team” (Yu). Although these students do this out of free will, “they enjoy the events as a hobby, but with a professional attitude” (Yu).
I had the opportunity to join a few of their practice sessions and witness “music in the making” so to speak. Although some of the members compose music competitively or as a hobby, they don’t compose any music for the Sunday services, due to time constraints.
Repertoires of Music
God of this City: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk
Above All: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Sn5rV
Nothing But the Blood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvURm3k36IA
Enough: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pl-FWskj5U
You Never Let Go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuVQWhCAu4A
Radio Stations: 90.9 FM, 91.3 FM, 94.9 FM
Frisco Community Bible Church Youth Worship Team: http://crazy2idiot.xanga.com/audio/
These are the types of music that the worship team performs. All the song choices are composed by Christian musicians, who are mostly still composing and releasing new songs on the CD’s and radio. “The song choice usually is based on the leadership’s tastes combine with the audience’s preferences, since this can’t usually be done in one song, five or six songs are chosen to appeal to the different age groups” (Yu). On top of the importance of choosing songs, the lyrics have significant meaning in this culture. The last song in the event I attended, the interviewee who wants to keep anonymous, gave a brief speech to connect the song to the sermon. Although, most of this aspect is similar to other Christian music cultures, what makes this one different is that the students are given 100% control over song choice and decided on as a group, which in other music cultures, usually on person or the pastor/reverend/priest requests that the songs be centered around the sermon.
Material Culture of Music
There isn’t much material other than the actual instruments and technology used to create the music. A piano, guitar, violin, drum set, jambe, and microphones are the general tools used in the performance. What makes this unique from many other churches, like DCBC, is that this music church permits drums and jambes. Also another thing unique that sets this culture apart from other professional churches and music cultures is that the team consists of all students in high school or college. “The music itself is stored in a music software program. The tech/AV guys in the back have headphones and large amplifiers and adjusters to tinker with the voices and adjust them to the right volume and tones” (Anonymous). Although most churches have the same team in some vicinity either in a black room or in the back, this church is unique in the fact that the team consist of all teenagers. “No surprise many of these kids are very well experienced and also played instruments. This gives them the edge needed to contribution to the worship team in feedback and other methods to improve” (Anonymous).
Preservation of Music
This music culture is preserved through the kids that grow up in Frisco Community Bible Church who decide to step up with the “intention […] to glorify God” (Yu). As many college kids go off, the middle school and high school students take their place. “If they know how to play an instrument, most of the kids who want to serve are eager to learn” (Yu). Most of the children know at least one to two instruments. If they still want to be involved, but don’t have the money for the instruments, they can still sing and add vocals to the worship team. This method creates a specific age and music background to all the future musicians of this culture. “Unlike other similar Christian music cultures, we aren’t hired, professional, or even good at times; we just care about the heart and giving the people the umph they need to ‘get in the zone’ when the pastor starts preaching” (Anonymous).
Conclusion
The Frisco Community Bible Church Youth Worship Team is a unique music culture with specific attributes that make it different from all other Church singing groups. The aspects of music include Ideas About Music, Activities Involving Music, Repertoires of Music, Material Culture of Music, and the Preservation of Music.
Works Cited
Anonymous, Anonymous, current eldest remaining member. Personal interview. 1 Mar. 2010.
English Worhsip. Texas: Frisco Community Bible Church, 2010.
Yu, Rebecca, current counselor teacher performer. Personal interview. 5 Mar. 2010.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Blog Post 8
Analyzing the Frisco Community Bible Church Youth Worship Team, I had some issues with various tasks in my endeavors to obtain information. Although their receptive culture and approach made this assignment fairly accessible, the reality of them mostly being in high school made it difficult to arrange convenient interviews. Most of the performers had homework due to AP classes and assertive parents. Another issue was that some of the performers had other activities were arranging a meeting would conflict with other activities. Sometimes distance was became a large obstacle. A few of the musicians lived in far of various cities. The interview was luckily fairly simple itself to conduct, although one of the musicians in this music culture reacted very awkwardly in person. I say this because it was an icebreaker oddly enough to the interview. The previous performances were not posted or recorded, which made it hard to find more info to share to the class about the music culture. Many of the AV guys in the back were busy helping set up and take down things, so interviewing them was impossible. Different personalities varied, but they were all still joyful and helpful in my endeavors to learn more about their music culture.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Blog Post 7
The music culture I have been studying is the Frisco Community Bible Church Youth Worship Team. Some aesthetic qualities are the willingness to help and being well dressed, usually in suits, dresses, and other formal attire. The role for these musicians is to prepare the congregation of the English Frisco Community Bible Church hearts and minds for the sermon. Usually they perform monthly on Sundays at 11:00am.
Much of the music choices can be found online, on iTunes, at live concerts, and in stores. The performers mostly perform as a hobby, though they know and perform with other instruments competitively. There are no restrictions on who participates, in the audience, but who serves has a limitation. The limitation is one must be a Christian in order to serve, because in order to serve he/she must do it for the right reasons. No one actually makes their own music in this culture, but they meet to arrange the order and way the music will be performed. The performance is open to all to sing along, so there is a substantial amount of audience participation. This music culture has a separate session where they welcome the whole congregation.
The text has the purpose of bringing the congregation to sing and get us in the right mind set. The last song is usually used to reflect the sermon. Various Christian composers’ songs are picked, but usually the leadership’s tastes combine with the audience’s preferences are kept in mind, also. Since this can’t usually be done in one song, five or six songs are chosen to appeal to the different age groups.
I was lucky to have one of the AV members show me where the performances are displayed online in his Xanga page.
http://crazy2idiot.xanga.com/audio/
Much of the music choices can be found online, on iTunes, at live concerts, and in stores. The performers mostly perform as a hobby, though they know and perform with other instruments competitively. There are no restrictions on who participates, in the audience, but who serves has a limitation. The limitation is one must be a Christian in order to serve, because in order to serve he/she must do it for the right reasons. No one actually makes their own music in this culture, but they meet to arrange the order and way the music will be performed. The performance is open to all to sing along, so there is a substantial amount of audience participation. This music culture has a separate session where they welcome the whole congregation.
The text has the purpose of bringing the congregation to sing and get us in the right mind set. The last song is usually used to reflect the sermon. Various Christian composers’ songs are picked, but usually the leadership’s tastes combine with the audience’s preferences are kept in mind, also. Since this can’t usually be done in one song, five or six songs are chosen to appeal to the different age groups.
I was lucky to have one of the AV members show me where the performances are displayed online in his Xanga page.
http://crazy2idiot.xanga.com/audio/
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
This particular video is on the Japanese Noh style of music. There are some distinctive classical consistencies and elements in Japanese music. This particular clip is taken in Tokyo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Klww4AerPgw
The music overall has pitches that differ from Western pitches and tones. These can be heard throughout this clip, although not all are tones different from the Western tones. These tones that differ are called semitones.
The tempo seem to quite fast for Japanese music which is generally slow in nature and almost nonpulsatile in sounding, but the Japanese Noh style clearly has a moderate speed.
Other Elements of Japanese music is a sense of space between the notes, known as a ma. This allows the listener to get a sense of balance and equilibrium.
One particular thing that can be noted is the stage room. The performers are playing cues for a actor who wears a mask. The actor sings, speaks, and dances to the rhythm and chant of the five musicians in the background. There seems to be five actors also, one main character with a role as a warrior of some sort.
The division between musicians and actors is clear due to clothing attire. The musicians are playing mainly rhythmic percussive instruments, although there is one outcast that happens to play a reed like instrument. Most likely this instrument is a sho, hichiriki, or ryuteki, but due to quality it is hard to pin down which one it is.
The audience takes a small role during the performance, like a many Western plays.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Klww4AerPgw
The music overall has pitches that differ from Western pitches and tones. These can be heard throughout this clip, although not all are tones different from the Western tones. These tones that differ are called semitones.
The tempo seem to quite fast for Japanese music which is generally slow in nature and almost nonpulsatile in sounding, but the Japanese Noh style clearly has a moderate speed.
Other Elements of Japanese music is a sense of space between the notes, known as a ma. This allows the listener to get a sense of balance and equilibrium.
One particular thing that can be noted is the stage room. The performers are playing cues for a actor who wears a mask. The actor sings, speaks, and dances to the rhythm and chant of the five musicians in the background. There seems to be five actors also, one main character with a role as a warrior of some sort.
The division between musicians and actors is clear due to clothing attire. The musicians are playing mainly rhythmic percussive instruments, although there is one outcast that happens to play a reed like instrument. Most likely this instrument is a sho, hichiriki, or ryuteki, but due to quality it is hard to pin down which one it is.
The audience takes a small role during the performance, like a many Western plays.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Blog Post 5
Tihai, a North Indian Hindustani classical trio band, performed a traditional Indian style that revealed most of the elements of Indian classical music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puqqTPCmnKU
Digital Pill only featured three pieces, but the first piece had two performers featured with their own improvisations, one playing the saxophone like instrument and the other on a chordophone that might be a sitar. Although, the saxophone isn’t a traditional Indian instrument, the sitar and talbla are.
The tabla is a drum that is played with the hads and fingers to create elaborate patterns, another element of Indian music. Accompanied by the drummer in the second and third pieces, more elements are visible.
The improvisation was based on a raga melodic style, which is there are hundreds of unique ragas with their own ornaments, scales, pitches, and melodic lines which create the mood for the music. I could only hear the melodic movements, which didn’t move much, but the ornamentation in between seem to create the spirit of the music.
The tala, or long rhythm cycles, were too complex to follow, but seemed to be somewhat consistent for the musicians to follow together in the second and third pieces. Ironically, it seemed like the tabla player was following the sitar player rhythmically which contrasts from the contemporary style of music, where the drum is the metronome for the band.
Strangely I didn’t notice a drone until I read that it was a tonal foundation for the raga. This band also had a drone in the background.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puqqTPCmnKU
Digital Pill only featured three pieces, but the first piece had two performers featured with their own improvisations, one playing the saxophone like instrument and the other on a chordophone that might be a sitar. Although, the saxophone isn’t a traditional Indian instrument, the sitar and talbla are.
The tabla is a drum that is played with the hads and fingers to create elaborate patterns, another element of Indian music. Accompanied by the drummer in the second and third pieces, more elements are visible.
The improvisation was based on a raga melodic style, which is there are hundreds of unique ragas with their own ornaments, scales, pitches, and melodic lines which create the mood for the music. I could only hear the melodic movements, which didn’t move much, but the ornamentation in between seem to create the spirit of the music.
The tala, or long rhythm cycles, were too complex to follow, but seemed to be somewhat consistent for the musicians to follow together in the second and third pieces. Ironically, it seemed like the tabla player was following the sitar player rhythmically which contrasts from the contemporary style of music, where the drum is the metronome for the band.
Strangely I didn’t notice a drone until I read that it was a tonal foundation for the raga. This band also had a drone in the background.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Blog Post 4
When Googoosh sung at the live concert in Malaysia, the Iranian elements of music could be heard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtiTG7Gcb7A
The melody was definitely complex. Some syllables had several different notes sung, many which sound very strange and almost flat or almost sharp at times. I believe she used quarter-tones in this manner, but I do not have perfect pitch.
The basic melody was sung by the crowd at times. This allowed me to understand the basic melody but also contrast it to Googoosh’s voice. During these short periods when the crowd could be heard, she would vary away from the melody with her own improvisation and kick to the song.
The music had heterophony textures. The melody and some instruments played the melody at different times. Googoosh would frequently waver away from the melody, another hint of heterophony texture. Although, there were clear uses of western instruments and homophony textures at infrequent occasions, one can tell this is not a western style of music.
The rhythms seem to be very simple but different between different instruments; which is another aspect of Middle Eastern music. Also, the language that was sung was in Farsi or the Iranian Language.
She has become an iconic figure ever since the Iranian government let her perform and leave the country. Although I am not used to listening to Middle Eastern music, she has a nice quality to her voice. Her style serves as an Art Music type since she is mainly doing this out of her passion for her country and culture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtiTG7Gcb7A
The melody was definitely complex. Some syllables had several different notes sung, many which sound very strange and almost flat or almost sharp at times. I believe she used quarter-tones in this manner, but I do not have perfect pitch.
The basic melody was sung by the crowd at times. This allowed me to understand the basic melody but also contrast it to Googoosh’s voice. During these short periods when the crowd could be heard, she would vary away from the melody with her own improvisation and kick to the song.
The music had heterophony textures. The melody and some instruments played the melody at different times. Googoosh would frequently waver away from the melody, another hint of heterophony texture. Although, there were clear uses of western instruments and homophony textures at infrequent occasions, one can tell this is not a western style of music.
The rhythms seem to be very simple but different between different instruments; which is another aspect of Middle Eastern music. Also, the language that was sung was in Farsi or the Iranian Language.
She has become an iconic figure ever since the Iranian government let her perform and leave the country. Although I am not used to listening to Middle Eastern music, she has a nice quality to her voice. Her style serves as an Art Music type since she is mainly doing this out of her passion for her country and culture.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Extra Credit Blog Post 4
The Chinese New Year Celebration was an unexpected pleasure. My mom was also excited to attend since it was an open to the public, when we arrived at 7:00, there were 700 people all crowded in and outside the Conference Center Auditorium. Depressed, but determined to take notes, I befriended the bouncers and helped them bounce the frustrated parents and tourists.
The audience consisted of mainly Chinese people, some even came from china. The eager attendees ranged from little boys and girls to grandparents. There were also the regular elders and college kids, but my Asian brethren outnumbered them with a 100:1 ratio.
The performers occasionally between scenes had to change costumes. The men wearing Chinese white silk and red sashes. In the begging act they carried red fans. The girls who performed next were wearing teal and white dresses, some using masks as part of the act. Most of the girls in this act had claws of some sort and the main actress had a beautiful white dress.
This class was my way in to talking to some of the performers. I mainly talked to the Turkish fellow Ali. He wrote down some of the instruments that I heard (thanks Ali).
The instruments that I heard were the “Rewup, duttar, and timbur” (Ali). On top of these instruments I heard an idiophone and a drum. The music that I was listening to had a Duple and Simple Meter. Even with the buzz of the crowd, the music was still amazing, reminded me of my last vacation in China. Although I didn’t sit among the audience, my time that night was still an adventure. I hope next year they have more seats.
The audience consisted of mainly Chinese people, some even came from china. The eager attendees ranged from little boys and girls to grandparents. There were also the regular elders and college kids, but my Asian brethren outnumbered them with a 100:1 ratio.
The performers occasionally between scenes had to change costumes. The men wearing Chinese white silk and red sashes. In the begging act they carried red fans. The girls who performed next were wearing teal and white dresses, some using masks as part of the act. Most of the girls in this act had claws of some sort and the main actress had a beautiful white dress.
This class was my way in to talking to some of the performers. I mainly talked to the Turkish fellow Ali. He wrote down some of the instruments that I heard (thanks Ali).
The instruments that I heard were the “Rewup, duttar, and timbur” (Ali). On top of these instruments I heard an idiophone and a drum. The music that I was listening to had a Duple and Simple Meter. Even with the buzz of the crowd, the music was still amazing, reminded me of my last vacation in China. Although I didn’t sit among the audience, my time that night was still an adventure. I hope next year they have more seats.
Extra Credit Blog Post 3
The music that the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin with Emanuel Borok performed was like going to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, but shrunken down into the UTD auditorium. It took place on Friday 8:00 p.m., February 5th at the Success Center Auditorium which had a strong resonating sound that could be heard from late comers and bathroom breakers.
The seats were more filled than the last concert I attended, but never the less audience consisted of mainly seniors, students, and oddly enough middle aged men and women who seem to be actively dating. I never thought dating at college programs was the convention people, but I guess its part of the college experience to learn this.
The performers consisted of both male and female, with guys in blue collared shirts and ladies with blue blouses. The uniformity in a way added to feeling that you were hearing one thing when in actuality there were about seventeen performers. The stage was arranged so that the conductor was in the center and all the instruments were grouped with similar instrumentation.
One of the movements in their first piece seemed to have a waltz like quality. I think it was in Triple Meter with a Simple Meter. But most of the songs had a Duple and Simple Meter. The music overall was soothing, although some pieces seem to be quite tense and interesting. The music had different styles when varying between movements. This is a type of Art Music, which I wouldn’t mind listening on the radio.
The seats were more filled than the last concert I attended, but never the less audience consisted of mainly seniors, students, and oddly enough middle aged men and women who seem to be actively dating. I never thought dating at college programs was the convention people, but I guess its part of the college experience to learn this.
The performers consisted of both male and female, with guys in blue collared shirts and ladies with blue blouses. The uniformity in a way added to feeling that you were hearing one thing when in actuality there were about seventeen performers. The stage was arranged so that the conductor was in the center and all the instruments were grouped with similar instrumentation.
One of the movements in their first piece seemed to have a waltz like quality. I think it was in Triple Meter with a Simple Meter. But most of the songs had a Duple and Simple Meter. The music overall was soothing, although some pieces seem to be quite tense and interesting. The music had different styles when varying between movements. This is a type of Art Music, which I wouldn’t mind listening on the radio.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Post 3
The music at the N'Awlins Gumbo Kings event on Friday 8:00 p.m., January 22nd was truly a night of relaxing swinging jazzy music. It took place in the Success Center Auditorium with good acoustics. The audience consisted of mainly seniors who are out and about for social regular gatherings, students who are taking this music class. There were some outliers, but the age dividing line was apparent. The performers were suited up with all black attire with a casual laidback approach into speaking to the crowd and playing their pieces of work. The supporting instruments were arranged so that the full drum set was placed in the back left, while the base was in the back center, and keyboard in the back right. At the foreground the trombone was in the left, trumpet in the center and a guy with a hat playing the Clarinet. Their second song, like the majority of their music, was syncopated. It had a duple meter and simple meter as some of their other songs. This second piece was an arrangement of soloing instrumentation showing each musician’s character and the unique sounds that each instrument had to offer to the group. It was mainly homophonic, with a monophonic section with the clarinet. The trumpet took the melody in the beginning, then the trombone came in with the melody, then the clarinet did a complete solo, and they all came back together in the end for a larger finish. Between the first two songs there was almost no pause, but after the second song they completely stopped and had the drummer count off for the next piece. The music had a great beat with well coordinated singing in some of the other pieces. This is a type of Art Music, which I enjoyed and hope others can enjoy in the future.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Post 1
Christmas Music is filled with the “Christmas spirit”, which is thought of today in two perspectives. One perspective originated from Christianity, consisting of caroling on streets and singing about the birth of Christ. Much of the Christmas music is about the Birth of Jesus, much of the Christmas music in the 21st century now promotes a religious neutral position, such as “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” and “Jingle Bells”. This perspective is based off a more modern American approach, which is the acceptance all religions. The 12th episode of Community makes clear that religion has become an awkward subject, and that American idea of Christmas is now changed with a more diverse nation [http://www.hulu.com/watch/113574/community-multi-religion-christmas-party]. Now around Christmas time the public schools banned teachers from saying “Merry Christmas” due to their “religious affiliations”. While America is changing, Christmas music on the other hand is stable for the most part. Some of the songs are sung by different artists to their own minor changes to make the Christmas music more Christians, particularly the younger generations, such as the Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone), [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXV6HJxUebg], based of the traditional song Amazing Grace [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvO1P4gt5Lo]. Although Christmas music has persevering through the years, the music is usually performed and sung with added ornaments and variations, such as the clip of David Archuleta singing Amazing Grace.
The Culture of Christmas Music has molded me to who I am today. I grew up listening to Christmas music ever since I was still in my mom’s belly. Being that my parents are the first generation of Americans in our family, they grew to like and sing the basic Christmas Songs, and it became their favorite American songs. The Christmas Music brought me and my family closer together. A month ago I turned the television on to my mom’s favorite channel 13 PBS, and we watched Andrea Bocelli perform at the Nokia Theatre. Although technology puts many families away from the table and to their cell phones and computers, Christmas music seems to have the inverse effect on our family. One of me and my mom’s favorite songs was when Andrea Bocelli sung What Child Is This with Mary J. Blige [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlrKQqyM4l0].
The Culture of Christmas Music has molded me to who I am today. I grew up listening to Christmas music ever since I was still in my mom’s belly. Being that my parents are the first generation of Americans in our family, they grew to like and sing the basic Christmas Songs, and it became their favorite American songs. The Christmas Music brought me and my family closer together. A month ago I turned the television on to my mom’s favorite channel 13 PBS, and we watched Andrea Bocelli perform at the Nokia Theatre. Although technology puts many families away from the table and to their cell phones and computers, Christmas music seems to have the inverse effect on our family. One of me and my mom’s favorite songs was when Andrea Bocelli sung What Child Is This with Mary J. Blige [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlrKQqyM4l0].
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