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Music & Us: Our New Playlist

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 Even though this is the last blog, it is definitely my favorite for a different reason. While I have enjoyed learning so much about these other cultures, I get to share some of my favorites that were not talked about in class. I wanted to focus on different cultures from Asia and North America. Starting out, I figured I would start with a modern rock band from Mongolia. The Hu is a folk metal band that was formed back in 2016 in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar.  I came across their music while playing the game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. They are in an opening cut scene where the main character is  listening to an original song, Sugaan Essena. Along with this song that was made for the soundtrack of the game, I also enjoy listening to some of their other songs, such as Black Thunder, Wolf Totem, Upright Destined Mongol, This is Mongol, Triangle, and quite a few more. What really captured my attention was the way they incorporate traditional Mongolian musical cultu...

Music & Family

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 After reading the assignment, I knew exactly who I wanted to interview. I knew immediately that I wanted to interview my grandmother on my mom’s side. Starting off the conversation with her, I tried to get a backstory of her connection with music. My grandmother, whom we call Bet Bet, loved to have the grandchildren stay at her house for a month or two over the summer. She would throw us parties and have a variety of activities planned. One thing I always loved and remember about her parties is that she would bring out her record player and would put on her vinyl of Elvis Presley. She loved listening to his music, so that’s why I knew she would be perfect to interview. I started off by asking her what her favorite song of his was. “Well, my favorite song of his would be ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’  because she and my step-grandfather would dance to it, so it keeps his memory close.” After finding out what my grandma’s favorite song was, I wanted to find out what song reminde...

Music & Traditions

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Looking back on my life, my family has made significant use of music on various occasions, such as weddings and funerals. One thing that stood out to me the most would probably be the different song choices for funerals. Traditionally, funerals are a time of sorrow and grief; however, despite that fact, my family has been able to make beautiful, heartwarming moments that we can look back on and include in the family member's memory and honor.  One thing in my life that I am so thankful for is that I was able to meet all 4 of my great-grandmothers. I was able to make memories with all of them before they passed. One funeral that I remember was one of my great-grandmothers on my dad's side of the family. Although we did have a service for her, my dad's side of the family prefers to call them "Celebrations of life." For her, we went to the beach to scatter her ashes in the waves. I remember there was a beautiful sunset, the ocean breeze was calm, and the waves were g...

Music & Me

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Hey everyone! I'm Reece Evans, and I'm a sophomore here at Converse. I'm really excited for this semester and to be in this class with all of you. I'm a member of the Cross Country & Track and Field teams. I've never cared too much about what type of music I was listening to. When I run, I kind of just put on a playlist and really listen to the music. I've grown up in South Carolina my whole life. I was born in Conway and grew up on the beach. I love to surf, play sports, and around middle school age, I taught myself how to play drums. I have an older brother and one dog, Bella. 1. My current go-to :  Recently, when I have been getting in my car to drive somewhere, I noticed myself putting on the song OOWEE by Torey D'Shaun. I love the lyrics and the way the beat flows along with them. When I listen to music, I prefer to listen to a faster-paced and upbeat song. One thing I am fond of is how he layers an acoustic guitar over the production while keeping ...