1. Describe the role of music in African and African American communities. Give examples.
Music has been used as a form of expression and escape by African Americans since slavery was prominent. The role of music in African communities is to introduce rhythm and instruments that will allow one to feel express themselves in an upbeat manner. While African American communities role of music is similar, beats and lyrics introduce a different feeling to the music. Both roles allow each community to practice self-expression while contributing to the “new” music influence and togetherness of one another.
2. Describe the way music is created, performed, and experienced in African and African American communities.
The way music is created, performed, and experienced is by Call & Shout, clapping, and dancing. Both artists and listeners typically love the feel the beat and rhythm to enjoy the music. A lot of the music in African and African American communities usually create music to express ones feelings and emotions, and create music that other can relate to. This forms a sense of unity between the communities.
3. Describe the ways in which the desired timbre in African and African American music differs from that of European-derived traditions.
The desired timbre in African and African American music differs form European-derived traditions because the Europeans didn’t like the African sound of the timbre. Their music was viewed as strange due to African/African Americans using altering pitch instruments to imitate their voice during singing; an instrument used to create the imitation would be the Djembe.
4. Identify the two most common musical structures found in African and African American music. In what ways do they reflect the communal and interactive approach to making music?
The two most common structures found in African and African American music are Call & Response, and repetitive rhythm. Call & Response is usually used to allow engagement between the community. Repetitive rhythm is used to heighten the power of songs which makes a song unforgettable. They reflect the communal and interactive approach to making music by allowing interaction between listeners and creates. These creates unity within the communities.
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