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
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Friday, January 27, 2017
Cool Stuffs #4
With every Cool Stuff Blog, I have tried to find that culture or country's version of American Idol to compare the similarities and differences. I always found it so interesting that some of the contestants would sing their songs in English, and wouldn't even seem to have an accent at all! While this contestant's performance wasn't in English, her voice was absolutely captivating and you could definitely tell that the judges were in love with her sound!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PYrAFVYNhw
When I was younger, I was absolutely fascinated with how important and symbolic dragons are in Asia. I was enamored with the vibrant colors and the animated movements of said dragons whenever we watched videos or saw pictures of them. Here are a few that I absolutely adore.
When I was in the forth grade, we had an assembly where a group of "yo-yo-ers" came in and demonstrated what they did for a living! They had the traditional rolling yo-yo that you put on one finger, and they had Chinese yo-yos as well. The things that they showed us and the way they moved their bodies in synch with the yo-yos is something I will never forget. I wish to see something like this in person again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4_AaZwv-mo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PYrAFVYNhw
When I was younger, I was absolutely fascinated with how important and symbolic dragons are in Asia. I was enamored with the vibrant colors and the animated movements of said dragons whenever we watched videos or saw pictures of them. Here are a few that I absolutely adore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4_AaZwv-mo
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
my mom's pretty cool
For this blog, I decided to interview my mom. Seeing as though she had her own radio show when I was younger, and she owns hundreds of CD's, I always knew that my mom had a very special connection with music, but I never questioned "why" or "how". After interviewing her, I have a greater insight on her love for music.
My mom is from Jamaica and, as we have seen in many of the countries that we've studied, music is simply a natural part of the culture of Jamaica. No matter where you go or who you meet, the relevance of music is all the same. Music is what has greatly helped Jamaica gain popularity and strive as a whole.
I asked my mom if there was anything significant that drew her closer to music; if there was a specific moment in her life where music truly spoke to her. Her response was no, because in Jamaica, listening to music is just as natural as breathing, walking, and talking. She explained that it is simply a part of the culture and there isn't anything that one can do to escape it (if they wanted to).
My mom also explained that since Jamaica is a very classist country, Jamaicans viewed American R&B as "higher class" music. American R&B was the most played genre in her household growing up, but not because of classism. It was because my mom's uncles felt as though American R&B spoke to the soul. Groups like The Temptations, The Shi-Lites, and The Originals were what my mom was accustomed to listening to in the house. But, when there were no adults around, her music of choice was dancehall.
I have always been greatly involved in music ever since I could walk, and as soon as I had the opportunity to play an instrument, my mom made sure that I did so. She said that she regrets not taking up any instruments and learning how to play anything passionately, and because of that, she invested in me and my musical career.
With regard to American music, she doesn't really understand or connect very well with the music of today. But "old-hits" from the 70's-80's are the songs that hold very near and dear to her heart.
In Jamaica, there is music constantly being played on people's veranda's so loudly that everyone in the neighborhood can hear it, and it is rarely a problem. On the weekends, the Christians in the neighborhood would play their music in the morning, and as the day progressed, the music gradually became more and more (for lack of a better word) raunchy. Now, I don't mean raunchy in terms of utterly vulgar, but the genres of music would slowly turn away from gospel and transition into ska, then reggae, and then late into the night, dancehall.
In Jamaica, the music itself has a greater influence on the people of the country than the people have on the music. It is the way of life as it has been since the first slaves stepped foot onto the island.
:)
-NTP
My mom is from Jamaica and, as we have seen in many of the countries that we've studied, music is simply a natural part of the culture of Jamaica. No matter where you go or who you meet, the relevance of music is all the same. Music is what has greatly helped Jamaica gain popularity and strive as a whole.
I asked my mom if there was anything significant that drew her closer to music; if there was a specific moment in her life where music truly spoke to her. Her response was no, because in Jamaica, listening to music is just as natural as breathing, walking, and talking. She explained that it is simply a part of the culture and there isn't anything that one can do to escape it (if they wanted to).
My mom also explained that since Jamaica is a very classist country, Jamaicans viewed American R&B as "higher class" music. American R&B was the most played genre in her household growing up, but not because of classism. It was because my mom's uncles felt as though American R&B spoke to the soul. Groups like The Temptations, The Shi-Lites, and The Originals were what my mom was accustomed to listening to in the house. But, when there were no adults around, her music of choice was dancehall.
I have always been greatly involved in music ever since I could walk, and as soon as I had the opportunity to play an instrument, my mom made sure that I did so. She said that she regrets not taking up any instruments and learning how to play anything passionately, and because of that, she invested in me and my musical career.
With regard to American music, she doesn't really understand or connect very well with the music of today. But "old-hits" from the 70's-80's are the songs that hold very near and dear to her heart.
In Jamaica, there is music constantly being played on people's veranda's so loudly that everyone in the neighborhood can hear it, and it is rarely a problem. On the weekends, the Christians in the neighborhood would play their music in the morning, and as the day progressed, the music gradually became more and more (for lack of a better word) raunchy. Now, I don't mean raunchy in terms of utterly vulgar, but the genres of music would slowly turn away from gospel and transition into ska, then reggae, and then late into the night, dancehall.
In Jamaica, the music itself has a greater influence on the people of the country than the people have on the music. It is the way of life as it has been since the first slaves stepped foot onto the island.
:)
-NTP
Monday, January 23, 2017
3 cool. so cool.
Not very many of my friends know any other national anthems other than the Star Spangled Banner. Jamaica's national anthem is very special to me because as a 7 year old, I took the time out to research and learn the meaning behind the national anthem, so as to have a connection with my mother and my Jamaican family. It's funny to think that my mom, an immigrant from Jamaica, thinks that the Star Spangled Banner is one of the most beautiful and liberating songs that could ever grace one's ears! I feel such pride whenever I hear Jamaica, Land We Love.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMdaY0j4bMI
Carnival/Bacchanal is a very well known parade that takes place in the majority of the Caribbean and some South American countries. There is an annual Carnival in Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Jamaica, to name a few. Carnival is a parade of celebration, dancing, drinking, and pure fun. Everyone on the streets are moving to the music in whatever way they can and it is a beautiful festival that brings many people together. The word Bacchanal means a time of drunken festivities, but I think this Trinidadian Soca song can explain it far better than I.
https://youtu.be/1m9FNP25vM0
(lyrics if you can't understand)
Yeah, baby you know how we do
You, me
You tell your friends
I'll tell mine
It's dat time again
[verse 1: Destra]
Carnival in T and T
Is so special to all ah we
Like we need blood in we vain
Dats how we feel about Port-of-Spain
When de posse dem come in town
Beating pan and ah bongo drum
Is madness everywhere
Carnival is ah true freedom
Make ah noise or ah joyfull sound
And jump up in de air
So...
[Chorus:]
Everybody take ah jump, take ah jump, take ah jump up now
Start to wave, start to wave, start to wave up now
Start to wine, start to wine, start to wine up now
Because, it's Carnival
[Bridge 1:]
So put yuh rag dem in de air, in de air, in de air
Stomp yuh foot dem on de ground, on de ground, on de ground
And lemme see you jump around, jump around, jump around
And let dem know we comin' down, comin' down, comin' down
Yeah ya
[verse 2: Destra]
All de pettiness have tuh down
We is de soca vagabonds
Is madness everywhere
Marinating under de sun
Dis is how we does all come one
And jump up in de air
[Chorus x2]
[Bridge 2:]
So put yuh bumper like ah truck, like ah truck, like ah truck
And lemme see yuh push it back, push it back, push it back
And now yuh ready take ah jump, take ah jump, take ah jump
Well lemme see yuh jook it up, jook it up, jook it up
And lemme see yuh roll
[verse 3: Destra]
Seasons come and seasons go
But Carnival will last
From Port-of-Spain straight to S'ando
Take it out, take it out and play ah mas'
[Chorus x2]
[verse 4:]
Carnival when I comin' down
Jumpin' to dis crazy song
People spreading rumours in town
Machel is ah mad man
You know you love bacchanal
Is part of dey festival
All dat is Carnival
[Bridge 3:]
So put yuh flag dem in de air, in de air, in de air
Stomp yuh foot dem on de ground, on de ground, on de ground
And lemme see you pull yuh rag, pull yuh flag, pull yuh rag
And let dem know we comin' down, comin' down, comin' down
So push yuh bumper like ah truck, like ah truck, like ah truck
Well lemme see yuh push it back, push it back, push it back
And when yuh ready take ah jump, take ah jump, take ah jump up now
Because, it's Carnival
[Outro:]
Watch de ride...
Push it, push it, push it
And everybody take ah, take ah, take ah
And lemme meh see yuh push it, push it, push it
And everybody take ah, take ah, take ah
And lemme meh see yuh now
Like ah truck, like ah truck, like ah
And lemme meh see yuh take ah wave, take ah wave, take ah
And lemme meh see yuh take ah jump, take ah, take ah
And when yuh ready push it, push it, push it
Yeah, ha
It is amazing to me how there is so much talent in EVERY single country on this planet. I looked up "Brazilian Idol" to see if there were any shows similar to American Idol, and I found this video from Brazilians got Talent"of this WONDERFUL young man who goes by the name Jotta A. This video speaks for itself but his voice is absolutely outstanding. It's great that there are opportunities like "idol" shows or "got talent" shows that allow people to create a name for themselves! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_tb2KKjUpM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMdaY0j4bMI
Carnival/Bacchanal is a very well known parade that takes place in the majority of the Caribbean and some South American countries. There is an annual Carnival in Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Jamaica, to name a few. Carnival is a parade of celebration, dancing, drinking, and pure fun. Everyone on the streets are moving to the music in whatever way they can and it is a beautiful festival that brings many people together. The word Bacchanal means a time of drunken festivities, but I think this Trinidadian Soca song can explain it far better than I.
https://youtu.be/1m9FNP25vM0
(lyrics if you can't understand)
Yeah, baby you know how we do
You, me
You tell your friends
I'll tell mine
It's dat time again
[verse 1: Destra]
Carnival in T and T
Is so special to all ah we
Like we need blood in we vain
Dats how we feel about Port-of-Spain
When de posse dem come in town
Beating pan and ah bongo drum
Is madness everywhere
Carnival is ah true freedom
Make ah noise or ah joyfull sound
And jump up in de air
So...
[Chorus:]
Everybody take ah jump, take ah jump, take ah jump up now
Start to wave, start to wave, start to wave up now
Start to wine, start to wine, start to wine up now
Because, it's Carnival
[Bridge 1:]
So put yuh rag dem in de air, in de air, in de air
Stomp yuh foot dem on de ground, on de ground, on de ground
And lemme see you jump around, jump around, jump around
And let dem know we comin' down, comin' down, comin' down
Yeah ya
[verse 2: Destra]
All de pettiness have tuh down
We is de soca vagabonds
Is madness everywhere
Marinating under de sun
Dis is how we does all come one
And jump up in de air
[Chorus x2]
[Bridge 2:]
So put yuh bumper like ah truck, like ah truck, like ah truck
And lemme see yuh push it back, push it back, push it back
And now yuh ready take ah jump, take ah jump, take ah jump
Well lemme see yuh jook it up, jook it up, jook it up
And lemme see yuh roll
[verse 3: Destra]
Seasons come and seasons go
But Carnival will last
From Port-of-Spain straight to S'ando
Take it out, take it out and play ah mas'
[Chorus x2]
[verse 4:]
Carnival when I comin' down
Jumpin' to dis crazy song
People spreading rumours in town
Machel is ah mad man
You know you love bacchanal
Is part of dey festival
All dat is Carnival
[Bridge 3:]
So put yuh flag dem in de air, in de air, in de air
Stomp yuh foot dem on de ground, on de ground, on de ground
And lemme see you pull yuh rag, pull yuh flag, pull yuh rag
And let dem know we comin' down, comin' down, comin' down
So push yuh bumper like ah truck, like ah truck, like ah truck
Well lemme see yuh push it back, push it back, push it back
And when yuh ready take ah jump, take ah jump, take ah jump up now
Because, it's Carnival
[Outro:]
Watch de ride...
Push it, push it, push it
And everybody take ah, take ah, take ah
And lemme meh see yuh push it, push it, push it
And everybody take ah, take ah, take ah
And lemme meh see yuh now
Like ah truck, like ah truck, like ah
And lemme meh see yuh take ah wave, take ah wave, take ah
And lemme meh see yuh take ah jump, take ah, take ah
And when yuh ready push it, push it, push it
Yeah, ha
It is amazing to me how there is so much talent in EVERY single country on this planet. I looked up "Brazilian Idol" to see if there were any shows similar to American Idol, and I found this video from Brazilians got Talent"of this WONDERFUL young man who goes by the name Jotta A. This video speaks for itself but his voice is absolutely outstanding. It's great that there are opportunities like "idol" shows or "got talent" shows that allow people to create a name for themselves! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_tb2KKjUpM
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Cool Stuff #2
As a child, I really enjoyed watching American Idol because I have always loved music and I loved seeing the different levels of talent that was tucked away all over the country. I looked up Arab Idol Auditions on Youtube and came across this video. On American Idol, you can always almost immediately tell whether or not the singer would be going to Hollywood, either by their voice or by the judges' reactions. Unfortunately, since I have absolutely no knowledge of Arab music or how it "should" sound, I had no clue how well this young man performed. Judging by some of the judges faces, some seems very pleased while others tried to hide their laughs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT5B3vHb2Io
While looking for blues music on youtube, I decided to search my high school's jazz band to see if there were any videos on there, and surely enough, there was a video of my band performing at an outdoor concert during my junior year. The song is called "Blues-Bari Pie" and it features a baritone saxophone solo (my friend Willie). (I am in the second row on the far right if you were wondering)
When I first discovered the didgeridoo when I was younger, I was absolutely amazed. I learned about this instrument many years before I began playing the trumpet in 6th grade, so it confused me as to how a hollow cylinder could produce such a sound! After learning about buzzing, embouchure, and the different methods of playing instruments, I then completely understood the science of the didgeridoo. Here is a 10 hour video of the wonderful music of the didgeridoo.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Music and Gender
In my seven years of being involved with music, I have noticed that there aren't very many gender divisions regarding who played what instrument. It seemed as though most students only wanted to play the instrument with which they had the most talent and produced the most enjoyable experience. I remembered hearing that there aren't very many female conductions in the world of classical music, and while that is true, it isn't the same within middle and high schools, as I had both male and female band directors all throughout my grade-school years and they were each equally as talented and knowledge as the next.
I was in marching band from 7th-12th grade and was the drum major my senior year and the only gender separation that I have noticed within my middle/high school marching band is that there weren't very many female students playing the bigger brass instruments. Not because they weren't able to, but because the instruments were simply too heavy for them to carry while marching smoothly AND playing a crisp sound. There were still boys playing the flute and clarinet and girls playing the baritone and bass drum in the marching band and my friend Anna Kate and I both took turns playing the drum set in our jazz band. Each of the students played the instrument that interested them and had no care in the world that it may have been "too masculine" or "too feminine. I find that music is music no matter who is playing it. The gender of the person holding the instrument doesn't change the sound that they are producing. the only thing that is different at Converse in comparison to what I have experienced at my previous schools is the singing. Not very many boys/men sing like the women here. That would be strange. Beautiful, but strange.
-NTP
I was in marching band from 7th-12th grade and was the drum major my senior year and the only gender separation that I have noticed within my middle/high school marching band is that there weren't very many female students playing the bigger brass instruments. Not because they weren't able to, but because the instruments were simply too heavy for them to carry while marching smoothly AND playing a crisp sound. There were still boys playing the flute and clarinet and girls playing the baritone and bass drum in the marching band and my friend Anna Kate and I both took turns playing the drum set in our jazz band. Each of the students played the instrument that interested them and had no care in the world that it may have been "too masculine" or "too feminine. I find that music is music no matter who is playing it. The gender of the person holding the instrument doesn't change the sound that they are producing. the only thing that is different at Converse in comparison to what I have experienced at my previous schools is the singing. Not very many boys/men sing like the women here. That would be strange. Beautiful, but strange.
-NTP
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
This Stuff is Pretty Cool! #1
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.
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.
Friday, January 6, 2017
Music and Religion
For me personally, music is the most important aspect of my religion. I am a Christian, and my favorite way to feel close to God is through praise and worship, or just listening and studying gospel music. Here are a few of my favorite songs:
https://youtu.be/rFNHmA9a2gI
https://youtu.be/W7zwlHZ4fxU?list=RDrFNHmA9a2gI
Music is my favorite form of worship because it is also something in which I have great skill, so, if I ever wanted to create a worship song of my own, I feel as though I would be fully equipped to do so. Music I generally used in church services the traditional form of worship through hymns and/or praise bands. This time allows church goers to send praises to the Lord before and after hearing His word.
I have found that many gospel artists have attempted to make their music sound more secular so as to reach out to and attract younger listeners. These artists are beginning to focus more on how the music sounds rather than what the words are saying, therefore defeating the purpose of the song and I think that this is the wrong method of taking things from society and applying them to music. One rule that should be followed within the realm of gospel music is that the lyrics of the song should do nothing other than tell a story of God's grace and mercy, rather than attracting more people solely for the style of the music. When the focus of a song is taken away from The Lord and placed upon the singer or the audience, it is no longer gospel music. It is selfish to try to classify songs that have little to nothing to do with God as gospel.
My Global Music Autobiography
My parents and siblings were all born in Jamaica while I had the pleasure of arriving on earth in Bridgeport Connecticut, a melting pot of cultures. Growing up, my mom worked on the radio where she played a wide array of music from reggae and dancehall to the Temptations and the O'Jays. As a child, whenever I was asked what my favorite genre of music was, I would always reply, "Anything but country music and rock. I can't stand either of those genres. They don't make sense to me." I grew up listening to reggae artists like Gregory Isaacs and Jah Cure, gospel artists like Mahalia Jackson and even some of Elvis' gospel, "old hits" artists like Dionne Warwick, The Jackson Five, and Celine Dion. From the young age of even three years old, I was singing songs that people generations above me listened to in their teen years. In high school I was introduced to more jazz songs than I'd ever imagine I'd know by heart as I was a part of the Jazz band for two years.
Now, as an eighteen year old, I feel as though my musical palette is slightly more broad than my close friends because I was introduced to such a wide selection at a young age. This has allowed me to be more open to new types of music as I have a newfound love for soca, bachata, and afro beat music and I have taken the time out to learn about these new cultures.
As I am creating music of my own, and somewhat focusing on R&B and hip hop beats, I am finding ways so incorporate my favorite genres into my own music. Many of my friends point out that my songs have a "bachata twist" or "reggae vibes" throughout them, and that inspires me to find more genres that I can somehow transform into my own.
-NTP
Saturday, November 19, 2016
FINALMENTE
Before coming to Converse, I was just a baby.
I actually thought that maybe
I’d grow out of that name.
Seeing that we are all adults and are viewed as the same,
I actually hoped and prayed that I’d grow out of that name.
Unfortunately, I didn’t.
It’s my own fault, I couldn’t keep it hidden
That I was only 17.
But I am 18 now.
It’s been exactly one month but I’m still shocked at how
I was able to fly home by myself and celebrate the day of my birth
With the things i go through mentally,
my experience could’ve been worse.
Every day is still a slight struggle,
some days better than the last.
As time goes past I think it’s going too fast.
I still don’t know why I’m at Converse, but I know its for a good reason
every trial and tribulation, I know there’s a reason for this season.
In these few short months,
I have grown and matured.
While my anxiety isn’t cured,
I constantly look forward
to the day I am able to look back on this time of my life
and say with pride, “I appreciate that strife”.
During my time at Converse,
I have been able to use my sense of independence
I have learned to manage my time wisely and take care of myself.
I’ve learned that not everyone will like you, and not to take it to heart,
not everyone deserves to be a part
of your life, and that’s fine. To each her own.
I hope they all know, they can always contact me by phone,
or email, or in person.
I’d never be one to worsen someones day with any sort of negativity.
I’m still not sure where I’m going
But i know my future is glowing.
I hope to graduate knowing that I did my part
I hope to help everyone, no matter who you are.
My life Is still unclear and I know that’s normal.
I hope that in the future, if you forget these words,
that you remember my face, and know my troubles are with the birds.
I feel as though my "poem" does a great job of explaining my transition into college over the last few months. I did mention in class that I would share a lot more about myself in my blog, and I apologize but, I don't really feel comfortable doing so yet. There is a lot to know about me, and there are many things that I can share with you all. But for now, just know that I have experienced many things in my short life and I am continuously growing, evolving, and learning from those things. I have an amazing mom and a wonderful best friend (who I call my brother) who both give me constant support on a daily basis.
The character that I'd most like to emulate in my own life is George I, but not to the fullest extent. His work ethic is something that I admire and would like to be able to acquire for myself. Although he was constantly painting and neglected his social life, he truly became one of the best artists of his time and I personally believe that that is because of his attention to detail and perfectionism. I would love to have the drive that he has in order for me to be the best that I can be in whatever it is that I decide to do with my future.
(Backstory on my best friend and I)
We met in 9th grade (I'd already been attending our school since 7th grade) and I was going through a huge change in my life. I'm a really, really shy person and the other kids at my school were extremely judgmental and pretentious and I figured that I had nothing to lose by going to him for advice. Little did either of us know that that one moment of advice would turn into nearly four and a half years of a bond that many of our friends, students at our high school, and some of the teachers truly admire. We have honestly become siblings more than anything else and we have taught and continue to teach each other A LOT. And, as expected, many people assumed that we were dating, but that was never the case. He is an only child and I grew up being the only child in the house so it has been good to have an older brother who I can look up to, and he has enjoyed having a little sister to look after. :)
(I hope this video works. It was the day after our graduation and we'd gone to so many grad parties over that weekend)
PS, my mom is AMAZING. I would add a picture of her but I truly cannot find any recent ones of us together.
PS, my mom is AMAZING. I would add a picture of her but I truly cannot find any recent ones of us together.
-NTP
Thursday, October 20, 2016
My First Love
My taste in music may be "contradictory" to some as it ranges from gospel to hip hop to reggae and many genres in between. Some may believe that it isn't possible to like gospel music and still listen to secular music because of the differences in the lyrics but I personally see music as a form of someone expressing themselves. If I want to worship and praise God, I will listen to gospel. If I want inspiration for my own music or connect with one of my favorite artists through their work, I will listen to rap. There are many reasons as to why I listen to certain music beyond the fact that it's just background noise or vibrations that fill up the empty space in my room. With every song that I choose to listen to, I feel a connection that not only inspires me to continue to make music of my own but it also allows me to somewhat more understand the artist, if their lyrics are true to their lives.
One of my very favorite songs is Pray by The Game featuring J Cole(my favorite rapper). When my friend first told me about this song, I was in 9th grade, experiencing a very difficult time in my life as my mom moved to Connecticut to work and I stayed in Georgia and moved in with my aunt. During this time, (my then, new friend and now, best friend) introduced me to new genres of music that I'd never consider listening to before. Almost every day he gave me one or two new songs to listen to after school as a way to distract myself and to keep my mind off of the struggles of my life. Along with these songs, he told me the importance of prayer, although I'd already known its power. My mind was filled with such negativity that it pushed me away from God and I'd almost completely forgotten about His grace and mercy. Because of this, my friend also used music as a test to see if it would in any way change my mindset and outlook on the things I was experiencing. The lyric that he told me to focus on was "Stressed out, parents getting divorced/ Girl love 'em worth, she ain't try'n to sit in court/ She a square so it's hard to see the angle/ And that's why God gave her a guardian angel/ It's me, and I'm here for her, swear to God that I'm here for her". While I wasn't experiencing those exact things that The Game mentioned, it still had a very magnetic connection to my heart. Seeing as though I was only 13, I'd just started high school and I only saw my mom about once a month, I felt completely different than my classmates and felt that I had no one to talk to about my problems. But this new friend of mine pretty much "adopted" me, checked on me and essentially became my guardian angel, even though we were in the same grade and he is only seven months my senior. Listening to that song made me realize that I actually did have someone to talk to, someone who truly cared about me and my well being and still cares to this very day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7vN_mHnGq4
Another of my favorite songs is a gospel song called Encourage Yourself by Donald Lawrence. Whenever I go on a spurt of listening to gospel and gospel only, this is usually the very first and very last song I listen to because not only do I love the feeling of the song itself, but I just love the very first verse that says "Sometimes you have to encourage yourself./ Sometimes you have to speak victory during the test./ And no matter how you feel, speak the word and you will be healed;/ Speak over yourself,/ encourage yourself in the Lord." I brought myself to the lord when I was 4 years old and again when I was 7. Although I knew exactly what I was doing and fully understood what I was saying as I prayed for God to be in my life, as I got older, it was sometimes difficult for me to understand that everything in my life was a part of His plan and even though it didn't seem ideal at the time, it was necessary for me to appreciate the beauty that was to come in the future. This song helped me understand that sometimes I just have to continue to praise God and thank Him even when my life isn't clear and I don't necessarily feel happy. Speaking good things into existence will cultivate these things and it I learned that it is important to always have a positive outlook on life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFNHmA9a2gI
Seeing as though I am Jamaican, I felt as though it were only right for me to have a reggae song in my list of favorites. No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley is one of first songs I remember listening to in the car as a child, along with Smooth Operator by Sade (which I knew all the words to as a 2 year old but that's another story for a different time). This song is special to me because it reminds me of my mom's radio show that she hosted when I was between the ages of 4 and 7. Her show was called "Natural Vibes" and she played a range of songs from artists like The Temptations and Dionne Warwick to Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Her involvement in music sparked my immediate love for the art and being able to go to the studio with her, watching the process of radio and listening to the calls that came in, it showed me how much music can have an impact on people, especially my great uncle. My great Uncle Val is currently suffering from Alzheimer's but has always had an enormous love for music, especially that of The Temptations. When my mom was preparing for her radio shows during the week, she would call Uncle Val to come over and help her find music to play. Before our family knew that he was suffering from Alzheimer's, we all thought that he was just very forgetful and his stuttering was just his speech. But as time went on and he could no longer remember the names and artists of songs, my family could tell there was a problem. Although he has lost his ability to speak, he still shows signs of remembering certain songs when my family plays them for him. This in itself proves that music can have an eternal impact of its listeners and that is what I strive for in my own music: having a strong influence on those who listen to my art.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x59kS2AOrGM
If you took the time out to read all of this, thank you. Music clearly means a lot to me.
-NP
One of my very favorite songs is Pray by The Game featuring J Cole(my favorite rapper). When my friend first told me about this song, I was in 9th grade, experiencing a very difficult time in my life as my mom moved to Connecticut to work and I stayed in Georgia and moved in with my aunt. During this time, (my then, new friend and now, best friend) introduced me to new genres of music that I'd never consider listening to before. Almost every day he gave me one or two new songs to listen to after school as a way to distract myself and to keep my mind off of the struggles of my life. Along with these songs, he told me the importance of prayer, although I'd already known its power. My mind was filled with such negativity that it pushed me away from God and I'd almost completely forgotten about His grace and mercy. Because of this, my friend also used music as a test to see if it would in any way change my mindset and outlook on the things I was experiencing. The lyric that he told me to focus on was "Stressed out, parents getting divorced/ Girl love 'em worth, she ain't try'n to sit in court/ She a square so it's hard to see the angle/ And that's why God gave her a guardian angel/ It's me, and I'm here for her, swear to God that I'm here for her". While I wasn't experiencing those exact things that The Game mentioned, it still had a very magnetic connection to my heart. Seeing as though I was only 13, I'd just started high school and I only saw my mom about once a month, I felt completely different than my classmates and felt that I had no one to talk to about my problems. But this new friend of mine pretty much "adopted" me, checked on me and essentially became my guardian angel, even though we were in the same grade and he is only seven months my senior. Listening to that song made me realize that I actually did have someone to talk to, someone who truly cared about me and my well being and still cares to this very day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7vN_mHnGq4
Another of my favorite songs is a gospel song called Encourage Yourself by Donald Lawrence. Whenever I go on a spurt of listening to gospel and gospel only, this is usually the very first and very last song I listen to because not only do I love the feeling of the song itself, but I just love the very first verse that says "Sometimes you have to encourage yourself./ Sometimes you have to speak victory during the test./ And no matter how you feel, speak the word and you will be healed;/ Speak over yourself,/ encourage yourself in the Lord." I brought myself to the lord when I was 4 years old and again when I was 7. Although I knew exactly what I was doing and fully understood what I was saying as I prayed for God to be in my life, as I got older, it was sometimes difficult for me to understand that everything in my life was a part of His plan and even though it didn't seem ideal at the time, it was necessary for me to appreciate the beauty that was to come in the future. This song helped me understand that sometimes I just have to continue to praise God and thank Him even when my life isn't clear and I don't necessarily feel happy. Speaking good things into existence will cultivate these things and it I learned that it is important to always have a positive outlook on life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFNHmA9a2gI
Seeing as though I am Jamaican, I felt as though it were only right for me to have a reggae song in my list of favorites. No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley is one of first songs I remember listening to in the car as a child, along with Smooth Operator by Sade (which I knew all the words to as a 2 year old but that's another story for a different time). This song is special to me because it reminds me of my mom's radio show that she hosted when I was between the ages of 4 and 7. Her show was called "Natural Vibes" and she played a range of songs from artists like The Temptations and Dionne Warwick to Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Her involvement in music sparked my immediate love for the art and being able to go to the studio with her, watching the process of radio and listening to the calls that came in, it showed me how much music can have an impact on people, especially my great uncle. My great Uncle Val is currently suffering from Alzheimer's but has always had an enormous love for music, especially that of The Temptations. When my mom was preparing for her radio shows during the week, she would call Uncle Val to come over and help her find music to play. Before our family knew that he was suffering from Alzheimer's, we all thought that he was just very forgetful and his stuttering was just his speech. But as time went on and he could no longer remember the names and artists of songs, my family could tell there was a problem. Although he has lost his ability to speak, he still shows signs of remembering certain songs when my family plays them for him. This in itself proves that music can have an eternal impact of its listeners and that is what I strive for in my own music: having a strong influence on those who listen to my art.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x59kS2AOrGM
If you took the time out to read all of this, thank you. Music clearly means a lot to me.
-NP
Thursday, September 29, 2016
In my two years at Converse, I have learned a lot, experienced a lot, and fought many battles but most importantly, I have overcome a lot. During this time I have contemplated giving up far more times than I can count on my fingers and toes. This thought arose when I felt like I didn't fit in. When things got "too tough" for me. When I felt that I couldn't do it. Clearly, I "did it" because I have made it this far and am very happy to have experienced everything that I have.
My advice is to know how important it is for you not to stay in your room in fear of the people around you. You need to understand that all of the freshmen on campus are new, just like you. They each have their own fears and apprehensions, whether or not they show them. You are not alone and it is quite obvious! There are young women just like you every where you go! Go out and introduce yourself with hopes of building a strong friend group that will ultimately evolve into a family. You cannot survive college by yourself because you need to interact, make social connections and grow with the people around you. I would also suggest that you join clubs that interest you as a way to somewhat force you to interact. While doing all all of this extra curricular activity, you have to remember to manage your time very wisely. Don't overload yourself with the fear of not doing enough but be sure to involve yourself in things around campus. You can neither be in 15 places at once nor be a hermit. Balance is key. Finally, remember to have fun. Yes you will be stressed, that is inevitable but you have to allow yourself peace of mind every once in a while. I know you can do it. Good luck!
-NTP
My advice is to know how important it is for you not to stay in your room in fear of the people around you. You need to understand that all of the freshmen on campus are new, just like you. They each have their own fears and apprehensions, whether or not they show them. You are not alone and it is quite obvious! There are young women just like you every where you go! Go out and introduce yourself with hopes of building a strong friend group that will ultimately evolve into a family. You cannot survive college by yourself because you need to interact, make social connections and grow with the people around you. I would also suggest that you join clubs that interest you as a way to somewhat force you to interact. While doing all all of this extra curricular activity, you have to remember to manage your time very wisely. Don't overload yourself with the fear of not doing enough but be sure to involve yourself in things around campus. You can neither be in 15 places at once nor be a hermit. Balance is key. Finally, remember to have fun. Yes you will be stressed, that is inevitable but you have to allow yourself peace of mind every once in a while. I know you can do it. Good luck!
-NTP
Friday, September 16, 2016
Time. There never seems to be enough time in the day to accomplish everything that our schedules entail. Sunday in the Park with George opens up with George and Dot in the park as Dot models and George paints her. George makes use of every millisecond that passes as he closely analyzes the scenery in front of him, dips his paintbrush in his paint and very carefully strokes it across the canvas. Dot, on the other hand, spends every opportunity she has complaining about the fact that modeling is pointless and boring and how she wishes George would pay more attention to her instead of focusing on his art. Seeing as though she is ignorant to the way of art and doesn't understand the time it takes for a masterpiece to be presentable to the artists' eyes, Dot continues to whine and complain about the entire process. This is one of the worst ways you can spend your time. Complaining does nothing but waste your energy on something you may not be able to change.
I often times find myself in George's mindset where I am so focused on perfecting one part of my work that I forget that there are other people around me (or even other work) that may need my attention. I sometimes become short with people as they break my concentration and force me to place my focus into something other than my work, ideas and creations. While it is important to be and stay focused on a particular thing whether it is a recital, homework, or making music or art, it is also important to allow yourself not to become too wrapped up in that one thing, as you force yourself to disconnect from the world around you. And as George learned the hard way, his intense focus on perfection resulted in his losing the love of his life.
Something that I have found slightly tricky is knowing how much time to spend on material or homework that I'm not immediately understanding. I sometimes feel as though I give up too quickly and turn my focus to something else. And other times, I feel that I am spending too much time worrying about what I'm working on, which stifles my ability to be able to understand and complete the assignment. It has been slightly difficult to figure out how to manage my time when it comes to longer and/or more difficult assignments but I am taking it step by step as I am sure many of my classmates are as well.
Until next time,
-ntp.✌🏾
I often times find myself in George's mindset where I am so focused on perfecting one part of my work that I forget that there are other people around me (or even other work) that may need my attention. I sometimes become short with people as they break my concentration and force me to place my focus into something other than my work, ideas and creations. While it is important to be and stay focused on a particular thing whether it is a recital, homework, or making music or art, it is also important to allow yourself not to become too wrapped up in that one thing, as you force yourself to disconnect from the world around you. And as George learned the hard way, his intense focus on perfection resulted in his losing the love of his life.
Something that I have found slightly tricky is knowing how much time to spend on material or homework that I'm not immediately understanding. I sometimes feel as though I give up too quickly and turn my focus to something else. And other times, I feel that I am spending too much time worrying about what I'm working on, which stifles my ability to be able to understand and complete the assignment. It has been slightly difficult to figure out how to manage my time when it comes to longer and/or more difficult assignments but I am taking it step by step as I am sure many of my classmates are as well.
Until next time,
-ntp.✌🏾
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Why Converse College? A question that I received from many of my peers and even my teachers at my high school. The most simple answer is, it's closest to home. As I applied to schools throughout my senior year of high school, my goal was to get as far away from my home, Atlanta, as possible. I wanted to experience new things, see new parts of the country and just embark on the new journey of college being completely independent and away from anyone I knew. But as the college decision deadline of May 1st slowly crept up, I realized that my ideal picture of this new chapter of life wasn't the most ethical as finances and travel were a very important factor to my decision.
Music has always been a vital part of my life seeing as though my mom had her own radio show when were lived in Connecticut starting when I was about 3 or 4 years old. Through her, I got to experience a world of music and technology that not very many people my age knew about. I came to fall in love with music and it's power and developed an ear and overall talent for it myself, and I know that through Converse, my talent will only be used for the better; to push me beyond my mental limits and to guide and encourage me to use my gift to my full potential.
Design. Personally, I feel as though my way of thinking and executing my thoughts and ideas is a lot different than those around me. I often times find myself purposely doing things the complete opposite way that others do, just to see if I can achieve the same outcome. I find that as we were all designed differently and we each have unique ways of processing and producing our thoughts and creations, my creations are seen as "exceptionally different" or something that others wouldn't imagine. I like the fact that my music, poetry, lyrics and art make people think. I like that we were all designed differently but I love that many see me as far different than the rest.
Balance is something that I have always struggled with. My dreams and my current capabilities don't ever coincide with each other and it always leaves me extremely frustrated. One moment I will have a dream of producing a plethora of albums and winning Grammys for my hard work and dedication but the next moment when I go to my computer, I'm not be able to put a simple beat together. It discourages me. Infuriates me. It makes me want to give up. But then I realize, there isn't really much else that I am good at. I need to work on balancing my emotions when I am faced with my reality. I need to work on turning my anger into a drive to work for what I and not allow it to take over my entire body. Balance between my dreams and my capabilities is what I need to work on the most.
Music has always been a vital part of my life seeing as though my mom had her own radio show when were lived in Connecticut starting when I was about 3 or 4 years old. Through her, I got to experience a world of music and technology that not very many people my age knew about. I came to fall in love with music and it's power and developed an ear and overall talent for it myself, and I know that through Converse, my talent will only be used for the better; to push me beyond my mental limits and to guide and encourage me to use my gift to my full potential.
Design. Personally, I feel as though my way of thinking and executing my thoughts and ideas is a lot different than those around me. I often times find myself purposely doing things the complete opposite way that others do, just to see if I can achieve the same outcome. I find that as we were all designed differently and we each have unique ways of processing and producing our thoughts and creations, my creations are seen as "exceptionally different" or something that others wouldn't imagine. I like the fact that my music, poetry, lyrics and art make people think. I like that we were all designed differently but I love that many see me as far different than the rest.
Balance is something that I have always struggled with. My dreams and my current capabilities don't ever coincide with each other and it always leaves me extremely frustrated. One moment I will have a dream of producing a plethora of albums and winning Grammys for my hard work and dedication but the next moment when I go to my computer, I'm not be able to put a simple beat together. It discourages me. Infuriates me. It makes me want to give up. But then I realize, there isn't really much else that I am good at. I need to work on balancing my emotions when I am faced with my reality. I need to work on turning my anger into a drive to work for what I and not allow it to take over my entire body. Balance between my dreams and my capabilities is what I need to work on the most.
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