The country that sticks out to me the most out of all of the cultures that we studied this month is China. The segments of Chinese opera that we watched were so interesting to me. While they did share some components of the operas that we see in the US, the Chinese operas that we saw were so unique and had their own flare that they considered traditional. What I enjoyed the most about comparing these two similar but very different things is the simple fact that they shared both similarities and differences! I always have a great sense of appreciation for the things I see in other cultures that I know about, that have some vast differences that what I'm accustomed to.
The African work songs are something that I can directly relate to my Jamaican background. In Africa, it is so natural for everything to be in rhythm, both to make work more enjoyable and as a more efficient way to get a job done, AND it is just so natural! In Jamaica, music is a natural and integral part of life as well. It is very rare to go 24 hours in Jamaica without hearing some form of music. It flows through the air at all times and is just as natural as breathing!
I really want to learn more about all of the instruments of the world. It is so cool to think that there are handmade instruments that create sounds that I may have never even heard before! That is somewhat difficult to imagine as well so, I will definitely be doing much more research on instruments and their respective cultures!
-NTP
Thank you for enrolling in this class, Natalia. I'm so glad to hear that you connected with the Chinese opera videos---I had heard that some folks last year were turned off by them, and I almost didn't show them. And I think it's wonderful that you're able to make the connections between your Jamaican heritage and African musics. :-)
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