Phantom Of The Contra

     

      When hearing about my mandatory participation in the contra-dance I was a bit thrown off, but extremely interested in the concept. I've never had the opportunity to engage in such a participatory event, and I must say it is one to be remembered. Contra-dancing created such a sense community not only through the humorous learning experience with the other beginners, but through the actual engagement in an unified effort to accomplish a single goal. Modern concerts would not engage in such community oriented practices. The differences in these two scenarios are those that define the lines between high-fidelity, and participatory performances. The contra-dance created a scene in which it was hard to determine the performer, and the audience, but clearly outlined the traditions of this dance.

       

      The contra-dance was possibly one of the most fun dance events I've ever attended. If the opportunity to attend the contra-dance ever presented itself again I definitely would attend. The contra-dance opened my eyes to tradition, and organized dance. Attending this event sparked a sense of curiosity towards other participatory events that still may have a place in the present. These factors all point towards my inevitable attendance at another contra-dance which will undoubtedly be a great evening.

      Participatory events, and social action have an infinite amount of beneficial results. The most common, and in my opinion most beneficial result would be a sense of community. Participatory events bring people together to accomplish a single goal. This would naturally create bonds between individuals which creates a closer community. Also, actions carried out by the community will most likely last longer since it was created by a consensus among community members, and possibly community leaders.

"Punks Are Alright"

        After viewing the documentary entitled "The Punks Are Alright" I have gained a new spectrum through which I can comprehend this revolutionary genre of music. "The Punks Are Alright" outlines the rise of Punk Rock, a genre well noted for it's rebellious lyrics, and aggressive tone. The documentary shoots in Brazil, and Indonesia, each with its own obstacles, and resolutions. This documentary brings light to the poverty, domestic abuse, and the hardships of a third world country. With the ongoing war around them, the youth found comfort in Punk music. The obstacles that plagued   these kids ultimately shaped the culture that would then be associated with Punk.
        I can relate to the artist in several ways from the struggle of working for less than what your owed to, coming from a diverse group of people with different backgrounds. The documentary presented the lives of Dolly, and Henrik. Dolly is a teacher in Brazil, he often speaks of the troubles that torment his students on a regular basis. Some of the reoccurring issues that Dolly brings up are relatable to my own upbringing (on a much smaller scale). Crime, domestic abuse, and homicide all plagued my hometown for quite some time. Henrike has to work to survive, earning less than a living wage, and lacking a proper form of transportation. While living in Indianapolis I did not personally experience the burdens of working multiple jobs, and still not having enough to thrive, but I did see these things going on to my parents.
        From a political, economic, and cultural perspective my life seems to resonate with the artist portrayed in this film. The environment in which I was raised was struck with economic misfortune. As a result of this crime rates grew tremendously over the course of time. Dolly, and Henrike both experienced the unfortunate circumstance of trying to survive in an economically unbalanced area. Culturally speaking I have used hip-hop to mold my values, and shape my own path to happiness. The artists portrayed in this film used Punk as a means to get their voice out in the open, and find their on way to success, and happiness.

Farmer's Market

       I have recently had the opportunity to take part in the Bloomington Farmer's Market a place where culture, and agriculture are the main attraction. There were several booths set up, and it appeared that sections had naturally formed. The areas were divided up as DIY, Produce, fast food, and music. The specialty division of the market attracts different groups of people each of them obviously, with similar intentions.

       As a group we observed, and made several connections between the options each area offers, and the type of people that take advantage of these offers. Family are prevalent in all of the distinguished areas, possibly by their drive to entertain the younger of the bunch. It was not uncommon to find more Adults than kids more towards the fast food seeing as thought adults typically indulge the food of a celebration, and not to much its practices. As we explored there gradually was an increase in kids towards the DIY/crafts section of the Farmer's Market. Finally, from in-depth analysis you can even conclude that certain areas actually attract pets, and pet lovers as well. From this I conclude that Families are often in attendance of the Farmer's Market just for the frame in which a bond may for, youth find their entertainment in new crafts, and innovative items, adults typically base their thoughts of an event around the catering, and even that pet owners typically locate themselves on the outskirts of the events possibly as pure sight seeing.

       There are numerous ways in which the foundation of the Bloomington Farmer's Market align with the enjoyable qualities and traits of participatory music. When considering participatory music it is broken down as commonly known music that when performed it is interactive between the performers, and the audience. The farmer's market is taking the commonly practiced model of the average superstore layout, and replacing the mass producer with many small business, and independent vendors.  By taking the broader job of the performer or "store" in this scenario and dividing it between the "audience" and the "performer" the market has now created a situation in which the entire "performance" is community based, interactive, and a bonding experience.

Four Fields Of Music

Participatory:



         In this video you'll notice the dancers as well as the "village people" taking part in a ceremonial song & dance. This falls into a participatory field of music because of it's community sense of enjoyment in the performance. This particular performance has no direct beginning or end. This is also a performance that could include intensive variation.

Presentational:




         This is considered presentational seeing as it is a minor a variation on a longer performance. This performance can contain minor script differences from the original version of the song. Although not completely planned, this song definitely has a scripted nature.

High Fidelity




        This is a clear example of high fidelity. This song is a variation on the style Mac Miller typically applied  to build his fan base. "Party On Fifth Ave" was purely for monetary gain. Financial beneficial outcomes are typically the motivation behind creating high fidelity music.

Studio Art-Audio





        This song is a perfect example of Studio Audio-Art this is a track completely composed of electronic sounds that could not be performed live. This is a piece of music that in no shape or form can be performed in a live setting unless playing back the original audio track (which defeats the purpose of concerts). Any for of music that meets the conditions of High Fidelity music, but lacks the ability of being able to be performed live is Studio Audio-Art.

A Walk In The Park

       Around the young age of fourteen I lived on east 31st street with my Mother, Grandmother, Uncle, and older cousins. We never exactly saw eye-to-eye. Every once in a while there would be an altercation that resulted in an unsettled domestic environment, but I remember there was time I had reached my boiling point. After arguing with my oldest cousin over an ( now) insignificant issue I stormed out my house ( obviously angry, because my street was not one you could walk down scowling) with my headphones blasting a new mix-tape I had downloaded minutes before the altercation. I intended to just clear my head, but I discovered the song that would always have a place in my iPod.

       Continuing on my power-walk, I passed the park my sister, and I would play at as children back when my father lived with us.  Ironically, there were a pair of kids (a big sister, and little brother) playing with what appeared to be their mother as if the cycle of life had replaced my sister, and I with new young spirits. Seeing these children have fun on the very playground I did as a child drove me to go sit on the swing set my sister had pushed me on all those years ago. In the midst of me just relaxing, it was as if Raven ( my big sister ) was there actually pushing me on the swing, and I could hear her telling me to "Pump my legs".  Before I knew it I was in the air, however nothing could bring me out of the rage I was in until I heard the song "The Prayer" by (then) Kid Cudi. Before I knew it I was walking home with a new outlook of my situation, it was then that I understood that one day when I walk away it would be for good just as my sister did when she embarked on her own journey.

       The children acted as a sign placing the object in my mind of my sister, and I playing together. The iconic mother played a role as well barring the task of playing with "the kids" as my father did for Raven, and I. Without the family in the park I possibly wouldn't have had the proper framing to experience the interpretant of going to take a seat on those very grounds. The indexical experience of that childhood memory was brought about by actually seeing kids, and the playground simultaneously. Below you'll find the song that drove me on this walk in the park. Thanks for Reading!

Descriptive Playlist

                           A Set-list of songs that answer "How I got here?" , "Who I am?" , "How do I identify my music?" , and "How does my music identify me?".

1. I Get Up - J. Cole : When analyzing how I got here at IU I had to first ask myself why I wanted to leave the situation I was in before this. In the opening of this song Jermaine goes into a basic overview of how his day is typically laid out. From this lay out you get an understanding that he is in a position that is unpleasant, however it’s avoidable. This picture he paints is similar to my situation in numerous ways.

The hook in this song speaks of Cole looking to a brighter future with countless obstacles in his path. Growing up I had the same mentality that my present situation is filled with wrong turns, however my future is completely created by my actions. In the second verse of this song Cole goes into spiel about his potential, basically creating the image that he’s too good for his situation. Throughout my time in the area I grew up in I knew I was meant for more.

In the final verse Jermaine has ascended passed his obstacles of the previous day. Cole has not only won the battle against poverty he also speaks of how he will implant these lessons into his sons so that the future may thrive. Since being accepted to IU I have found myself in a moment of triumph over my past, but it won’t stop here i’ll pass these lessons to generations to come.

2. One Mic - Nas : Who am I? As a person I feel as though I can be defined by what I hold most dear, which is my voice, and my music. In this song Nas actively defines a scenario in which survival is ultimately unattainable, but Nas does not take no for answer he fights back. Nas utilizes Music to combat day to day obstacles, and overall create the person he wants to be identified as. As a person I’d rather not show a person who I am.  I’d rather tell you without telling you.

3. Sickology 101 - Tech N9ne : I identify my music in a variety of ways seeing as though art has a very versatile nature. Although the content of this song is irrelevant to the way in which I identify my music, it is the literal the way in which I identify my music. In “Sickology 101” Tech & his featured artist all had verses that could be used as teaching methods for certain styles of creative expression. Personally I identify my music as a teacher, and a teaching method.

4. Real - Kendrick Lamar : My typical playlist can depict me in numerous ways whether it’d be funny, or stern I feel as though I am never more serious than when music is incorporated. In this song Kendrick lists the natural distraction that often come about in life. Lamar goes on to say how even though he has attained all these ostentatious possessions, and attracted more attention than some will ever get in their life none of that makes him real. The trait the outlines how real Kendrick tends to be is his music.