Wrap-up

This course has provided me with a great deal of exposure to cultures unlike (and in some cases like) my own. Some things that I have learned about other cultures that have surprised/intrigued me include: I was not aware that music was considered a direct link to God/the Gods (as in African culture); I found it very interesting that the majority of music from various cultures has been transmitted almost wholly via rote method; I was surprised to learn that there were entire instruments made of animals, I had always been aware that guitar strings were made from intestines, and membranes were used for percussion instruments, but never whole animals; I was intrigued by the fact that China was so censored in terms of the music they were "allowed" to produce; I was pleasantly surprised when learning about the Native Americans that they were not at all "savages" as has been portrayed for so many years, rather very gentle souls in touch with nature--simple mimicking 'animal behavior'.

I am thankful to have taken this course, because--in the process of learning so much about other cultures--I was able to learn something about my own culture. First, I learned about the music culture at Converse--and was able to see firsthand the passion that some of my classmates have for their craft, which made me place more importance on it as well. Second, I learned about the music culture of my community, through listening to various presentations and personal stories I was able to understand that our culture (the surrounding area) is privy to so many influences and opportunities (such as the Greek festival, etc) that can expand our knowledge and experience with different cultures. Most importantly, this class made me evaluate the importance that I place on music. And, interestingly enough, I do place importance on music. I suppose I had never been inclined to think of it prior to this class--but music is important to me. Through my evaluation of music's importance to my family, my gender, and myself I have come closer to understanding the brevity of music itself. I equate music with freedom. I equate music with individuality and creative expression. I equate music with religion. I equate music with so many more things than entertainment--and it took this class for me to realize that. It makes you wonder what a good day's reflection would uncover on any given subject. I know what I will be doing this weekend!

This class has certainly inspired me to learn more about cultures in general. The better you understand yourself the better you can understand other people, and vice versa. I am inspired to learn more about people in general. This is an excellent class for people to take because you learn to respect other cultures because you are able to see the back story for a lot of the practices and rituals that might seem off putting at first. This class also inspires me to listen to a wider range of music, and really listen to the music--not just have it on in the background. I find it fitting that on this, the last week of class, I opened a fortune cookie (after a very nice meal at Monsoon Noodle House by the way) and it said "you are a person of culture". Well, thank you. I guess I am now. :)