Saturday, January 21, 2006

One student's research idea and CJS response

Jordan wrote:
I was considering conducting my research on the differences between
regional musical styles. I've looked into it online, and I think it
would be a good topic, but I'd like to make sure the differences between
the regional styles are large enough to compare and contrast. From what
I've read, I think they are, but I'm just making sure.

CJS replied:
Yes, there certainly are contrasts b/w different regional styles,
particularly as regards certain instruments, most notably the fiddle:
Sligo fiddling is very different from Donegal fiddling which is in turn
very different from Clare fiddling. The differences are nearly as
evident b/w regional flute styles or "accents", but less pronounced with
piping styles (pipes, flute, and fiddle are the core instruments in the
tradition). Could you find ways to tie these researched contrasts to
other factors, like regional linguistic accent, topography, contrasts of
regional lifestyles or professions, history, and so on? (I think yes).

I'm taking the liberty of posting your query and this reponse to the
blog, as it's a good idea and one which others may be able to spin off
from (though of course you have first dibs on this particular issue).

Friday, January 20, 2006

Cool people, shared interests

Folks:

Nice responses on the "partner portraits"! I'm posting a chart I made just to help myself recognize various persons' shared interests. By all means read these offer, click on the links, and think about ways in which one or more of your own interests might overlap or collaborate with those of colleagues. Remember that you are very free (in fact very much encouraged) to collaborate, share interests, combine research or performance presentations, and so on. Let me urge you to be in touch with one another and help one another brainstorm ideas.

The chart's below. Am also posting to WebCT (look under "Materials - Week 02 - Links") so you can download if you wish to do so.

Slan.

Blog profiles and shared interests

Name

Self introduction and portrait by partner(s)

Initial areas of interest expressed

Shannon

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/another-shot-at-pre-first-assignment.html

http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/preliminary-assignment.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/looking-into-shannons-eyes.html

Genealogy, food, folkways, music,

Becky

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/its-all-mystery-to-me.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/nicks-partner-intro.html

Catholicism/religion, storytelling, dance, rural life

Nick

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/do-you-have-song-to-sing.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/nicks-partner-intro.html

Community, participation, music

Jordan

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/pre-first-assignment.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/impressions-of-partners-jordan-and.html

Poetry, genealogy, music, “crack” (enjoyable social interaction)

Valerie

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/my-first-real-session-experience.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/little-about-valerie-little-about.html

http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/partner-response.html

Horses; storytelling; culture, music

Esther

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/harmony-realized-amidst-tribulation.html

http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/part-3-why-ireland.html

http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/poem-open-rose.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/introduction-of-esther.html

Dance, religion, culture

Taiyo

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/introduction-of-esther.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/session-and-beyond.html

Music, society, many cultural aspects

Sarai

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/koffee-kup-on-slide-road-seems-like.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/partner-intro.html

Ethnography, dance, photography, music

Lauren

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/my-first-real-session-experience.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/laurens-partner-intro.html

Instrumental music, community, social contexts

Michelle

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/this-is-picture-of-horse-drawn-milk.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/impressions-of-partners-jordan-and.html

http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/partner-response.html

Literature, poetry, verbal/oral art, photography

Ash

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/grab-mug-and-enjoy-company.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/robin-and-ashley.html

http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/ash-and-robin.html

Language; ballads, sessions, genealogy

Ashley

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/swim-anyone.html

http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/pre-class-assignment.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/robin-and-ashley.html

Instrumental music; pub life and musical community

Robin

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/pre-assignment_11.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/robin-and-ashley.html

http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/ash-and-robin.html

Horses, nature knowledge, natural environment

Abi

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/preassignment-ramblings.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/robin-and-ashley.html

Very wide, but includes many aspects of music and culture

Kelli

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/giants-causeway.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/partner-intro-kelli.html

Travel, friends, history, music, folktales, legend cycles?

Eric

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/just-bit-of-good-fun.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/partner-intro-eric.html

Music, culture, sessions, community, artistic intensity

Amber

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/story-to-tell.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/ambers-partner-intro.html

Folktale, folk process, folklore as history and cultural identity

Prathibha

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/irish-culture.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/partner-assignment.html

participation; Celtic spirituality; cross-cultural elements

Ames2007

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/introductory-assignment_10.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/partner-intro_18.html

Fishing; nature lore; genealogy; music; legend cycles? Catholicism

Alex

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/sailing-poetry-and-culture.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/partner-intro-alex.html

Narrative, folktale, seafaring; N European culture; voyage epics?

Ryan

Self: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/intoductory-assignment.html

Partners: http://hons3304.blogspot.com/2006/01/partner-intro-ryan.html

Polytheism, nature knowledge, song, genealogy; place names

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Becky

Becky’s post included a photo of an abandoned church on the coast of Ireland, the lyrics of a song by Thomas Moore called “The Last Rose of Summer”, and a very in depth description of what interests her about Ireland. She notes that the picture of the church is very old, “older than America”, which she finds to be particularly interesting because of her fascination with people and cultures. In describing the lyrics of Moore’s song, Becky comments that the longing for relationship in the song is a desire for color in one’s life, another reflection of her interest in people and their interaction with each other. She explains her desire to learn about Ireland because of genealogical reasons, because of her hope to gain knowledge of other cultures, and because of a curious fascination with the Irish (what she feels may be a curious fascination). Her post did an excellent job of allowing the reader to understand her motives.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Partner Intro - Eric

Eric’s blog entry really interested me. He states that while he is interested in Ireland’s rich history and beautiful scenery, what captivates him the most is the traditional pub life and music. The picture he chose is of a group of musicians in a pub in Dingle, Co. Kerry, which supports this. Also, his writing excerpt was by the band Flogging Molly. He says he chose it because it is reflective of the band members’ childhood spent in pubs. Eric likes the idea of the sense of community people get from such a lifestyle. Flogging Molly’s Rock/Trad Hybrid music was able to reach out to Eric in such a way that he feels connected to such a community just from listening to it. I actually feel like I have something in common with Eric in this aspect. He didn’t grow up being exposed to traditional Irish music and has a strong desire to pry his way into that world and, to quote him, “earn the right” to say that he is passionate about Irish culture. I feel this way sometimes, too. People who play traditional music or do Irish dance are already in a community with each other. To say you feel strongly for something when you’re not a member of the community is kind of awkward. At first, I was a little surprised to see a Flogging Molly song posted on the board, but I completely understand why he used it. Because of their pop-culture influence and their knowledge of Irish trad, they are able to bring completely new audiences to the genre because they relate it to something that more young people (especially in the States) understand. Eric has obviously made this connection.

A little about Valerie, a little about Jordan...

Valerie

Valerie made some very interesting comments in her blog. Basically, she seems to be most intrigued by the ancient culture and history of Ireland. One of her goals is to put forth her best effort to study the clash between the Catholic and Protestant, Pagan and Christian, and natives and immigrants of Irish culture. The picture that she chose of Kylemore Abbey is very appropriate, because it illustrates what she wants to explore in the duration of this class. In addition, the writing excerpt of The Easter Proclamation is also demonstrative of her interests. This excerpt reflects an important part of Irish history; a part of history that Valerie is eager to explore in more depth. Valerie’s entry wet my curiosity. I have no real knowledge of the conflicts in Irish history, but I would like to learn more about them. I believe that the picture and the writing excerpt that she chose are good sources to portray a small bit of Irish culture. I am able to connect with her in the way that history itself appeals to each of us. I am also “taken in by the ghost stories, mythical characters, and superstition” of Ireland.

Jordan

Jordan also made some very interesting comments as well. For the most part, he is mainly focused on learning about Irish culture as a whole. One of his goals is to learn more about his “roots” and connect with the heritage of his family. For the caption of his picture, Jordan said that “although it is possible that I have a stereotypical view of Ireland, I have always thought that the Irish love to have a good time.” This is somewhat similar to what I sometimes think about Irish culture as well. The picture of the pub illustrates Jordan’s visualization of Ireland—the community inside and outside of the pub itself. For his writing excerpt, Jordan chose “Easter Day” written by Oscar Wilde. I am not familiar with this poem, but I was moved in the same way that Jordan was, perhaps. He chose this poem based on the images that it evoked in him, and I have to agree with him. Basically, the main point that he makes is that he wants to learn more about Ireland to draw connections with his roots. He points out that Irish culture isn’t normally a topic that is explored in depth, so this is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a class like this.

Don't forget to add partner profiles to the blog!

Folks:

See header. You should add the partner profiles to the blog, IN ADDITION to uploading them to WebCT.

Sample questions/topics for our seminar guest

Folks:

As mentioned on WebCT email, I am asking you each to be prepared with 1 question or topic you'd like to hear addressed by our seminar guest, Dr Nat. Please refer to that email for details about his background, and then frame questions similar or related to those examples below:

  • You grew up on the Shankill Road in Belfast in the post-WWII period. How did most people make a living? Where did your relatives work?
  • What sorts of music and other folklore did you encounter as a child? In what settings or from what sources?
  • In America we often have heard stories about the "Troubles" and the difficult relationships between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, but can you give us a more nuanced or personal description?
  • What do you look for when you pick a song to sing? Are there certain topics, types of songs, or situations which you prefer?
  • Are your perspectives about "back home in Ireland" any different after having lived in the US for so many years?
[Et cetera...]

Partner Intro

My partner is Sarai. She chose an image depicting a band called Trippin’ Up the Stairs just playing some tunes and having what looks like a fun session. I myself very much enjoyed this picture, and I feel that Sarai and I both have an appreciation for how these musicians create an atmosphere of relaxation as well as intensity. Sarai explains that the fiddler isn’t playing this round because perhaps she is either being polite to the piper or she simply does not know the song. Whether it is one or the other, Sarai says it does not matter because the other musicians know what to do and the session continues.
The writing excerpts that Sarai chose were from two authors, Cahill and Webb. I am so glad that she chose two pieces, and I love how they are so relative to each other! I think that the picture and poem I chose has a slight connection to this particular part of Sarai’s assignment. She talks about the “uncivilized” approach that most people stereotype with the Irish. But, on the other hand, the perseverance of these people’s stubbornness and the positive influences they provide, as in history and music, allows the world to redefine their seemingly rude accusations toward the Irish.
I am discovering that Sarai and I share several things in common, especially our background previous to taking this class. She explained that she never really studied Irish aspects, specifically music, before doing independent research under her mentor, Dr. Smith. I’ve always been fascinated with the Irish tradition, and until about three years ago, I had never engaged myself in any events concerning Ireland. Also, I feel that with the image and excerpts Sarai chose, she realizes that assumptions about the Irish tend to occur in the realms of spontaneous, wild, and rugged. However, just by reading her comments makes me understand that she does not place the Irish culture next to aristocratical standards that the world often does. She admires the Irish for who they are, what they have done and what they have overcome to make their precious mark in history. I feel the same way.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

nick's partner intro

Nick chose for his image a group of people having a session in the street. He liked this image because it looked like a very informal setting with people playing music anyone could join in, without the need of sheet music. I'm thinking he plays classical music of some kind. My impression of this image is a bit different than nick's, but i think it's interesting to hear how someone from a different perspective sees things. I think it looks like a session at which I would rather be than one in a pub because it is one that, in some undefineable way, brings closer that feeling of community and comraderie that leaks into the music and blows your mind away. The written excerpt he chose is a poem called "the new remorse," by Oscar Wilde. I think perhaps he chose it because it resembles the troubles of Ireland and that the people never lost hope and eventually, things got better again. Nick says in his personal statement that he likes the music and the history behind it. He likes the friendship and fellowship of the ceili. He seems like a very nice person to me, whose interests are expanded beyond one area. I think it's really cool that he wants to learn more about the traditional music, as it's something I want to also.

Scientists discover most fertile Irish male

Using DNA to trace heredity in Ireland. Niall of the Nine Hostages was both an historical person and a hero in the pre-Christian Ulster cycle.

Scientists discover most fertile Irish male

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Beginning to think about the projects

Beginning to think about the research project

Folks:

As you’ll recall, there is a research project requirement in this class; we spoke about it briefly in first seminar meeting, and there is a more detailed description in the WebCT syllabus. A few supplementary comments, though:

· Although the research project is separate from the “participation” project (e.g., learning a few minutes of song, music, storytelling, dance, poetry or other participatory art-form), it is perfectly permissible to link the research project and the performance element. For example, if your performance piece is going to be a memorized story, it is completely permissible to make your research project a formal academic paper on the background, sources, versions, connotations, and meaning of the story. The same could be true of a song, an instrument or instrumental tune, a poem, or a set of dance-steps. If you would like to link your research project with your performance project, by all means feel free to do so.

· In all cases, I can supply detailed suggestions about sources, directions, specific pieces, authors, time periods, illustrations, etc. But first I need to know what you think you want to focus on. Just to give you an idea, here is a short, very incomplete list of various folk idioms that could be the topic of the research project:

o Genealogy, either formal or (better) the version carried in stories;

o Food folkways: recipes; where raw food comes from; associations of certain foods with seasons, events, or people; etc.;

o Religious traditions: both Catholic and Protestant; both in the Republic (an independent nation) and in Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom);

o Storytelling of all kinds: mysteries, histories, ghost stories, funny stories, love stories; etc;

o Poetry: its hundreds of forms in different time periods; preferred meters and types of imagery; who performed it in what contexts; what the Irish themselves say and believe about poetry’s place in life; etc

o Magic and the supernatural: supernatural beings, places, experiences, objects, behaviors, animals, professions; etc

o Nature lore: place names; sacred places; the lore of trees and plants; “magical”; wise or symbolic animals; seasonal events or festivals; agricultural wisdom, etc

o Pre-Christian Ireland and the stories told about it; how those stories were passed on in the oral tradition; mythical heroes, etc

o Historical events as they have been carried in the oral tradition: wars, rebellion, fame, emigration, heroic figures, etc

o Instrumental music: instruments, players, regional styles, types of music (“laughing, sleeping, and weeping music”); the symbolism and power of instrumental music

o Songs of all types: Irish and English; love songs, narrative songs, lyric or vision songs; singing styles; songs for certain occasions; songs as history

o Storytelling of all types: English and Irish; mythical and historical; comic and sad; war and peace; purposes of storytelling; contexts for storytelling; how storytelling has been retained in the modern world; transformations of storytelling;

o Folk theater: mumming, Wren boys; folk rituals;

o Travel and transformation: songs or stories of physical or spiritual travel and transformative experience; music/folklore as a tool for transformation and identity


· As you can see, the above partial list only scratches the surface of the range of folkloric material available for you to investigate. It is not too soon for you to start thinking about the kind of research topic you might be interested in investigating. Here are a few suggestions to help you narrow the choices:

o This is a topic you will be dealing with for the whole semester. By all means make it a topic that is interesting to you, and/or that has links to other personal interests or studies you may have.

o Try to find ways to personalize and narrow the topic. In other words, don’t decide to write a research paper on “Ghost stories in Ireland,” because it’s such an enormous topic you’ll never reach the end of it. Instead, decide to write a research paper on one particular ghost story (or song, or recipe, or story, or nature tale, or folk play, or dance, and so on), and make the research project as detailed and specific as you can. Greater detail over a narrower focus will make for better and more original work.

o Remember that you can also link the research project to your performance project. So, perhaps you might like to write the research project on one particular folk song in your developing repertoire, detailing where it came from, what if any historical events or folk beliefs it refers to, who has performed it and how those performances have varied, and so on.


· Over the next couple of weeks, I will be setting up short meetings so that we can talk one-on-one about your individual projects, but in the mean time, I’ve placed an assignment on WebCT, opening 1.17.06 and closing 1.24.06. Please look at the above lists, think about topics (perhaps surf the web or our readings for more ideas) and then look at the assignment.

further to 1.12.06 class; prep for 1.17.06

Folks:

As you do the readings (in Glassie and Carson) assigned for next Tuesday, think about and be prepared to respond to the following questions:

• What are the differences in the two experiences being described? What is the significance of those two contrasting experiences?

• What is the relationship between “insider” and “outsider”, and how/why might music and folklore help cross those boundaries?

• Do “outsiders” use music and folklore to cross boundaries? Do “insiders” use music and folklore to cross other kinds of boundaries?

• What do we have to say about the language and rhetoric of these two writers? How might that shape our experience of reading them?

Slan.