My favorite part of all the Arthur Hall articles was definitely the interview he had with Babatunde Olatunji. Rhymaculture and the Arthurian Philosophy were both good articles but I really felt the most could be learned from anecdotes of the man himself. Olatunji wanted to teach more then just lessons concerning the drum spirit. He also wanted to indirectly teach people to be better as is described when he speaks of "getting even" with people. I thought the interview with Olatunji was the most interesting and there is a lot more to learn from this man then just things concerning the spirit of the drum.
I really enjoyed the "Drums of Passion" music. It was something new to listen to, but I thought it was very interesting. That word sure is used a lot in this seminar.. I really liked how none of the drummers ever took control, and the flow of the music was incredible. The chanting was something, although in another language, that really added to the pieces and made them more original. I thought the songs, even the long one "Chant to the God of Thunder" were very good. And they held my interest and showed a new perspective of music.
The "Bill of Musical Rights" described music simply and efficiently. The one that spoke to me the most was definitely the right that no one is not musical, but are instead lacking in musical experience. As a Music Education major I see this as why I'm shooting to educate. Everyone has the music inside them, it just needs a little prodding and maybe a little training to let it emerge and possibly change the world.
I see the Hull articles as a perfect example of the "Bill of Musical Rights." Olantunji lives by these rights and makes sure people know of them (in some way, maybe not the exact same rights). Olantunji spoke of how everyone can be a musician, and advocated for dancing. He also demonstrated how there are multiple sides to music. There is an obvious reliance between Olantunji and the "Bill of Musical Rights." Olantunji teaches the rights because it is how he believes music can be formed, and the rights depend on teachers such as Olantunji to make sure they're implemented and perfected. I believe our drum circle seminar with Professor Edburg will help us not only learn about drums, but will help us embrace the spirit of the drum and become better, stronger musicians and educators.
Matt Skiba
Great insight! Olantunji's sense of ethics was definitely the most striking part of the interview for me. Music does seem to play a part in unity and having people get more in touch with one another, which must lead to their becoming better people to some degree. :) Olantunji's vision transcended music and touched upon organic communication, and, through that, the heart of humanity. This I thought gave the interview even more of an earthy feel that complimented the topic of drum circles (which have a very similar quality). It's a very simple, fundamental yet profound philosophy. Drat. Now I'm going to lose sleep over it. See you tomorrow, or on the flip side of insomnia! :P
ReplyDeleteYour statement about the Bill of Rights article and how you are going to use it in your future career was awesome. Keeping that in mind through all of our education classes and student teaching is going to help us all so much. I look forward to embracing the spirit of the drum in our drum circles as well. You are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThat "article" in the Bill of Musical Rights is one that I liked as well. My parents always say they have no idea where I got any musical ability, because no one else in my family has such an ability. But truthfully, I suppose, it's just that none of them have ever pursued music. They don't have the experience. Anyone can really be musical, they just have to pursue it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a cool point: musicality isn't genetic, it just is there whether or not you use it.
DeleteI like how you mentioned "getting even" in your post. I thought a lot about that statement after I read it and it is not very often that I think of "getting even" in a positive way. I think that we should all apply that to each other. I really do hope that we can all embrace the spirit of the drum because it seems like of we do, there is much more that comes along with it.
ReplyDeleteMatt, I can tell that you're going to be a great teacher. :)
I think I mentioned somewhere in my blog that we should blow up the Bill of Musical Rights and make a giant poster - sounds like you're going to need one come teaching time! I loved your insight on the "nobody is not musical" law - because it is perfectly accurate; and so misunderstood. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with on the "Drums of Passion". I loved the chanting! It made it feel that much more awesome! I do think that everyone has some sort of musical talent in them. They just need to dig deep and find it. And a little help never hurt anyone.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your "Musical Bill of Rights" statement. Out of the list (I agreed with everything, of course) that particular bullet point spoke to me the most because the "Oh, but I'm just not a musical person at all" excuse I've heard on numerous occasions. It makes you realize that even if you don't consider yourself as a musical person, there will be something that speaks to you. It doesn't have to be through an instrument such as the piano or trombone, but can also be through your voice (which everyone uses on a daily basis).
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