After you've read the readings and listened to "Drums of Passion," add a comment here. Just click on the title of the post, and a box in which you can write a comment should show up.
A reminder that the readings are:
“Change the World” (Interview with Babatunde Olatunji) http://www.drumcircle.com/
“Arthurian Philosophy” http://www.drumcircle.com/
“Rythmaculture” http://www.drumcircle.com/
The "Drums of Passion" album is available on your MUS 130 Moodle site.
First and foremost... Rhythmaculture is pure genius! secondly, I'm so glad that decided to share this with the whole world because, this is something for everyone to experience at least once in there lifetime. Its an uplifting experience..... (and the CD is stunning to say the least)
ReplyDeleteI totally have to agree with Andre... rhythmaculture was amazing! I also found it interesting how much the second article related to the drum circle from Monday. None of us had ever been in a drum circle before and it felt a little awkward at first, but by the end we were totally into it. Everyone walked out of class with a goofy smile because we all shared that spiritual-esque experience that being in a drum circle creates. So much fun!!!
ReplyDeleteAlrighty, so we're supposed to comment on the articles, which were really cool, but it didn't really hit me what the actually meant until I listened to the music. The CDs are fascinating and wonderful and I still haven't figured out how to rip them and get them onto my iPod, but I will, don't you worry. I super excited to learn that African song now. It's going to be something to say Ole! about.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with all of the previous comments. I found rhythmaculture quite fascinating. Just the thought that the people who make them up, are so in sync and aware of everything is great. And I find it really interesting how Olantunji and rhythmacultures really promote it to emphasize togetherness, love, the Earth, and just celebration of life. I feel like people have and could learn a lot from drum circles and rhythm, us included with what we did in class. After reading this I have a better understanding and appreciation of why we did what we did on Monday.
ReplyDeleteIn the Change the World article this quote from Olatunji stood out to me: "Well, they are going back to their roots. We’re people who started with body percussion, with clapping of the hands, stamping of the feet. I guess it’s the way we started to amuse ourselves." This is how I feel when we get to hit the drums and the rhythm that comes from it is so cool because we created it!
ReplyDeleteIn the Rhythmaculture essay this section stood out to me.
"A Rhythmaculture has always had drums or percussion in its history of expression. Rhythmaculture people have evolved their cultures out of an intimate relationship with the earth they live on, and the animals they live with. A lot of their rhythms, songs and dances have been modeled from the movements of the animals, the songs of the birds, and the community’s dance for survival, such as the movements of harvesting, planting, and hunting." It made me think of drumcircles around big fires and people really getting into the beats and loosing their selves and connecting their bodies with the earth.
First of all, I agree with everyone concerning Rhythmaculture! The celebration of life in new forms is always fascinating, especially when incorporating music :). I envy the people who use rhythmaculture to keep in touch with the natural world and the animals and people in existence. I wish the United States had the thought process of Baba's people.
ReplyDeleteIn the "Change the World" article, I enjoyed reading about the spirit of the drum. I can only hope that as a class, we are able to experience the spirit of the drum. I would also love to simply watch a drum circle group the claims ot be experiencing the spirit of the drum. Would the experience be sensual for each individual? Would one even use the world 'individual' when discussing the spirit of the drum? Hopefully we are able to discuss the spirit of the drum in our seminar!
Finally, endrummingment seems to connect to the spirit of the drum. Am I wrong? If endrummingment is described as feeling the music/beat as a whole group, does that correlate to the spirit of the drum?
I really think that what Olatunji said in the interview shows how being part of this culture and working with drum circles can make people more aware of how to be better people. Olatunji said that drumming needs to be part of our culture, "for the simple reason that the world is here in America. And because the world is here, the world has brought its culture here." This is a view that I like because it celebrates the differences we all have and yet allows us to share those differences with each other.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading the interview with Babatunde Olatunji. I agree with his view that we should preserve the culture, and find a way to mesh the past and present together with the future. I especially liked his comment about getting even with the people that inspire you, that add to your life, rather than detract from your happiness. If everyone had that attitude, the society as a whole would be better off!
ReplyDeleteBabatunde's interview was insightful! His mild attitude towards the misconceptions of African people in America at his time astonished me; instead of using a harsh and closed-minded attitude, he commits himself to educate people through music. What comes out of this concept is the fact that music is a strong language, sometimes stronger than ordinary speaking.
ReplyDeleteI love how encourages separation from technology to reconnect with our natural selves. Nature over Nurture for sure. Drumming is truly a great way to get in touch with one's inner self. GREAT!
ReplyDeletei'm still extremely fascinated with the concept of future leaders using drum circles as a leadership tool. To me, this is a brilliant idea; to achieve a goal, it's important that a team of people are able to work together. In a drum circle, the whole group has to be on one beat--if one person is off, it can mess up the entire groove. Being in a drum circle can teach a team how to listen and respond to each other in a manner that can achieve a goal. It also teaches them how to follow a leader--the person conducting the group has the 'final say' in the situation, just like a boss in a business. If I ever become a leader of a large group of people (and I hope I do!) I will definitely use drum circles as a leadership tool.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the interview with Olatunji. The way he explained drum circles is exactly how I've experienced each class so far. It frees your inner self and makes you feel great during and after a session! I also enjoyed the article about Rhythmaculture. I loved reading about American Rhythmaculture and how it is slowly becoming its own. It makes me excited to be part of this amazing cultural revolution of music!
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