Welcome back to ArtBeat Radio! You’re listening to episode 11 of Quarantunes, where quarantine can’t stop our creativity! Today, we hear musical expression from CECA (Cultural Education Center for the Arts).
0:18 “Heavenly Colors” - World Music class
"Heavenly Colors" is a short instrumental piece composed by the members of CECA's World Music class. Though the Philippines have a diverse range of musical stylings, the students primarily focused on traditional Filipino folk music from the 1950s and 60s for this piece. It makes use of the 3/4 time signature that many Filipino folk songs explore, as well as the nylon string guitar carrying the melody which can be heard in songs such as "Cariñosa" the national dance of the Philippines and "Katakataka" by Eva Eugenio. Students made all choices regarding the melody, the key, the tempo and the length of the song.
3:13 “Tiger Strength Affirmations”- Music and Mindfulness class
The students of “Music and Mindfulness” class at CECA collaborated in creating an original “Tiger Strength Affirmations” project. Students collectively decided on writing positive affirmations with an overall theme of “strength” and decided to use a “tiger” to more specifically symbolize inner strength and individual uniqueness. In the project recording, student voices and instrument playing, which were recorded live during class, can be heard. Students collectively decided on: words, phrases, and concepts of each affirmation line, order of affirmations, and stylistic and compositional details of the ambient background music. Students also assisted the music therapist in the recording and engineering process throughout the making of the project.
I am tiger
My seaheart courageously drifts across the sea
I am unique
My resilient roar can be heard from miles away
My fangs are tough as diamonds
I swim powerfully through the lava river
I am fierce
I am tiger
4:54 “Going back to program” - Creations class
Composers of this piece wanted to emphasize the great work they’ve accomplished while learning virtually as well as look forward to the future with hope and excitement to one day return to program in-person. The students in CECA Creations chose the tempo, key, drum track, hand percussion instruments, and lyrics that were sung in the song. You can also hear four of the students’ voices throughout the song as well as some students clapping.
It’s been one year, thirteen whole months!
One day we’ll go back, it will be such a happy day.
Going back to program, it will be a happy time!
Going back to program, I just can’t wait!
We hope to go back soon, we miss playing our instruments.
The garden still grows and caterpillars turn into butterflies there!
One day we will return! One day we will return!
We worked hard in virtual classes but we miss taking the bus!
And helping out with chores and excited to see our friends!
Going back to program, it will be a happy time!
Going back to program, I just can’t wait!
6:51 “Apple Loop Jam” - Together We Music class
Students worked together to select the genre, tempo, and structure utilizing Garageband. Then they chose instruments from their selected genre to find apple loops for. Loops are pre-written repeating sections of sound. Students listened to various examples based on their selected instruments and hand-picked the ones they wanted to include in this song. After picking loops, they adjusted the lengths to arrange a cohesive instrumental piece. On behalf of Together We Music, we hope you enjoy the hip-hop/R&B sounds of "Apple Loop Jam".
Thank you to CECA for your beautiful work on this episode and amazing album artwork!
Thanks for listening and tune in next time!
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