Wrap Up

1. What is something you learned about another culture this term that surprised or intrigued you?
I was really intrigued by the culture of Indonesia. Their culture seemed so different from our own. They live in cities and in tribes. It's amazing how so many islands can have music that is so similar. The metallic sound, arrangement, orientation, and busy atmosphere of the Gamelan Band was so mystical. They even have dancers to go along with their music. The music and dances are very much ceremonial. The performances have to be as close to perfect as possible. Those are some amazing expectations. I admire them for it. Even though they have to perform a certain way it is still very much art. That is so amazing. I thought it was interesting how some people don't view recitations as a form of song. I also liked learning about tango music. It's so upbeat and catchy. I love catchy tunes.

2. What something that you realized about your own culture through our discussions?
Wow! I was so amazed on how much of our music has come from African culture. I never realized that before our discussions. It seems like such a long journey for influence. It started with the shipping of slaves overseas. Then it started with the evolution of slave songs into country, then into blues, then into jazz, then into rock, and eventually into what we have today. I would have never ever been able to see that if I had not taken this class.

3. What is something that this course has inspired you to learn more about?
 This course has inspired me to learn more about American influence on Japanese music after the occupation of Japan in World War II. I thought it was sad that Japan's culture was modified after they were “defeated” by the united states. Nowadays, I don't think it's so bad because the people get to choose what they want their culture to be like. The occupation kind of forced the people of Japan to adapt to American culture. I think that was unfair. I also became more interested in Scandinavian music. The growling is oddly appealing to me. I don't hear many people who growl in their songs. I also liked the Scandinavian gods. Their system of belief is just so similar to that of the Greek's. Additionally, I would like to look into the hologram concert. That was so incredibly unreal! I really hope I get to go to one someday.