Music and Movement in Nature and Culture
Fall, Winter and Spring quarters
Faculty: Andrew Buchman (F,W) music composition, Kabby Mitchell dance, Sean Williams ethnomusicology
Fields of Study: cultural studies, dance, music and theater
Fall: CRN (Credit) Level 10141 (16) So - Sr; 10668 (1-16)
Winter: Enrollment Accepting New Students CRN (Credit) Level 20100 (16) So - Sr; 20392 (1-16) So - Sr Conditions New students are expected to do the following preparatory reading: chapters 1-8 in The Study of Ethnomusicology by Bruno Nettl and chapters 1-6 in Moving History/Dancing Cultures edited by Ann Dils. New students must provide a sample of their writing (an integrative essay or research paper) at the first class meeting. No prior training in any of the performing arts is expected, but it IS a plus in the program, which includes regular in-class performance projects. This winter we will be studying urban ethnmusicology, jazz history and theory, and music and dance cultures of Ireland and Indonesia. Contact Drew Buchman for more information at buchmana@evergreen.edu.
Spring: Enrollment Closed CRN (Credit) Level 30107 (16) So - Sr; 30276 (1-16) So - Sr
Credits: 16(F); 16(W); 16(S)
Class Standing: Sophomore - Senior
Offered During: Day
Academic Website: http://blogs.evergreen.edu/musicmvmt/
Description
This performing arts program explores societal concepts, artistic behaviors, and reactions to music and dance in cultural and physical contexts. Themes include the exploration of music and dance in relation to the natural world, and the intersections of music and dance with gender, spirituality, urbanization and social change. After establishing a firm base of concepts, skills and approaches together in the fall, we will emphasize thematic and/or regional work and individual or small group projects during the winter term. Spring quarter offers the opportunity for students to engage in individual fieldwork studies with performing artists off campus. With some serious preparatory reading and listening, students may join the group in winter on a space-available basis, but not in spring.
A deep interest in music and/or dance is expected, and prior study, formal or informal, will help. Students will be expected to do significant reading, writing and study of musical texts and choreography—especially field recordings, videos and ethnographies. Knowing how to read music will help you; if you do not, we will teach you. We will engage in critical listening and viewing (analyses of what we hear and watch), and transcription—simple, quick ways to write music and dance movements down so that you can look at them in different ways. Those with previous training will do work at their level, but such training is not expected. If you're a serious student, you will do well in this program.
Other activities are likely to include choreography, composition, field trips, instrument building, research projects, papers and presentations. If funds are available, we will have workshops by visiting artists. We will have periodic performances and critiques of work by students in the program. Expect to work hard on developing your performance skills in a musical instrument or dance genre, practice regularly and perform. The goal of this study is not necessarily a performing career, but rather the development of insights into the performing arts that only hands-on, experiential work can provide. We cannot subsidize private lessons, but we will provide a steady, challenging and safe forum for performance, critique, and creative and intellectual growth.
Maximum Enrollment: 75
Required Fees: Fall $225 for performances and books; Spring quarter expenses will vary depending on the fieldwork site chosen by each student.
Preparatory for studies or careers in: anthropology, cultural studies, dance, ethnomusicology, and music.
Campus Location: Olympia
Online Learning: Enhanced Online Learning
Books: www.tescbookstore.com