Arthur Hull wasn't searching for a good drummer. What happens to fascinate me is the surprising irrelevance of quality/talent when the heart takes the front seat. Reading Babatunde talk about his culture is motivating. I'm sure I am not the only one who wanted to know more about African culture because of this class! Like I mentioned before, the heart of Olatunji's drumming is an outward depiction of his inner-self. He's got music pegged - a gateway to one's heart and soul, literally. This quote, from the article describing the Arthurian Philosophy, really says it all for me - how convenient: "This concept is so simple that most of the time we’re not aware of it, but life is rhythm and rhythm is life. Everything that lives, moves and has being, vibrates. When all cells of our bodies vibrate in harmony, we are in good health. When our cells are not vibrating in harmony, we are in dis-ease."
Listening to Babatunde's rhythmically soothing music was in a strange sense, cleansing. The repetition, while it could be viewed as unnecessary, is a way of diving deeper and deeper into the inner self that we see through Drums of Passion. The audio clips were unique to the culture and even more descriptive of the people making music. Perhaps not as much insight as would be ideal, but still a thought.
The Bill of Musical Rights needs to be blown up, color coated and hung up in the SOM. Particularly, the ninth "law" of sorts: "There are no "unmusical" people, only those with no musical experience." From vibrations to emotions to body movement, music is not a solitary field of study - it is diverse and spans across all walks of life. Improvisation was mentioned as an inclusive activity; i.e. something for everyone. I really appreciate the truth which stands firmly behind the art of improv.
Between all of the articles/websites, one thing in particular stood out to me: music is not merely external but rather, is an internal process connected to external sources. It is physical, emotional, powerful, and joyful and is purely soulful. The word vibrations was impressively addressed in both the bill of musical rights and the Hull articles regarding physical vibrations which transfer into the other aspects of music making. When I am able to connect the science of music, the kinesiology of music, and the emotional nature of all things musical, music becomes that much more real to me. It becomes the heart and soul of my life. The heartbeat of Mo.
I like how the word "vibrations" stood out to you. Many people feel vibrations from music and can do two things: ignore them or embrace them. When we embrace them, I think that is when music is really made. I also liked how you talked about the different sciences of music. That was an interesting view point that I hadn't thought of.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you pointed that word out. It is such a great word, almost poetic. At least for me, when I think of vibrations I think of electricity, electric pulses in our brains, vibrations from strings or air. I would really love it if we can learn more about the science of music, it seems almost sad not to.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with you Sarah. It is a poetic word that is used and thought of in a scientific way. Vibrations should be used for expression more than they should for science. Waves and vibrations was my favorite section in my senior physics class last year because it was the one I could relate to and utilize more.
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