https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqq3U_mydv0I really found Carlos Nakai's music very interesting when we listened in class. I know that a lot of instrumental music can have great meaning, even though there are no words, but it fascinated me that Nakai's songs each have their own significance that greatly affect the Navajo people. Not only is his music absolutely beautiful, but it is also very pure and soothing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYrTyJBoAmk
I decided to look up "Navajo children" on youtube and came up with this video. The description says "Navajo school children compete in a Native American singing competition". In the many elementary schools that I had the great pleasure of attending, there was never a competition held for the students. There were always talent shows and talent showcases, but students were never put up against each other for a price or reward. I find it very interesting that everyone is included in the Navajo community; kids, adults, males and females, everyone has the opportunity to participate in a large setting and competition is looked at as great fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV0kgidzGqY
This video is a little bit cheesy, but I have always been very interested in other languages and comparing them to the languages that I do know. While this seems very silly to watch, I find great value in this video as it allows me to learn simple words in another language.
I completely agree Carlos Nakai’s music is so amazing and soothing. It is very interesting how every song has a specific normally ritualistic or religious meaning to every song. Isn’t it weird that in today’s school they don’t do competitions? I never really understood why because I always thought it would be fun to work towards a reward, like wining the talent show. So I think the Navajo people have the right idea, there is nothing wrong with a little completion!
ReplyDeleteI loved the video of the Navajo children singing. In the video we watched in class, the Navajo men really stressed their belief that everyone is born wiht the gift of song. The children in the video you shared were also super adorable, and it makes me happy to see that they continue to carry on their culture of song and dance.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was researching Native American music I listened to Carlos Nakai's videos many times. I love the one you chose! The music is so calm and meaningful and I love listening to it. I like how you described it as "pure". I think that is a good adjective to use to describe it. I also enjoyed the video of the Navajo children. It shows that they have been exposed to their culture and take pride in their roots. Great post!
ReplyDeleteou know, it's interesting to think about competitions in elementary schools. My daughters school actually had several competitions: a school-wide spelling bee, art competitions for inclusion in the year book, music competitions for parts in the school musical, and, of course, All-region band, orchestra, and choir for the older elementary kids. It's interesting to hold those up against the Native American competitions----what do all of these competitions say about what our culture holds to be important?
ReplyDeleteAlso, a request: for future Cool Stuff blogs, try to embed the videos rather than just link to them. It makes your blog more visually appealing and allows folks to listen and read at the same time.
ReplyDelete