(a recent discussion's)Discussion Summary

Class began with our thoughts on jamboree. We discussed the nature of other FYS class jamboree presentations and what made them good or bad. There were mixed feeling about whether jamboree is worthwhile or not. Someone suggested that a good idea for jamboree presentations is that each class should make it a priority to display what their individual class learned about human diversity. It was then discussed whether “jamboree” is an appropriate name for the FYS presentations. One student’s thought was that “jamboree” sounds like something out of The Berenstain Bears. Nic then informed us that no better name was created so we had to settle with it, although it’s entitlement left many dissatisfied. Mention of the Berenstain Bears turned the discussion onto an extreme tangent having us discuss the sociological nature of the series of childrens books. After a brief mention of The Boxcar Children, we promptly steered back to our agenda. We then discussed the noon sections idea for having current events from newspapers as a basis for future FYS classes. We explored what we could possibly make of a FYS course like that and how attitudes of current events would vary in various papers throughout the world. The class was concluded with the idea that jamboree could be a better thing with some adjustments.

Blog Summary

To clarify which blog entries I am summarizing, I decided to include those that fall between the 18th and the 23rd of September. I started will the 19th, so I may have missed those that were posted late on the 18th (should have thought of that before I finished!). Also, I am referring to the bloggers by their names listed on the “Course Blogroll”, as their seems to be an inconsistency in my eyes as to what everyone goes by between the blogroll, their own blogs, and on the “Student blog posts” link. Or maybe it’s just me that doesn’t understand.

I’ll begin the summary with performance ideas.

Hockey FYS plans to do a kazoo duet and is looking for suggestions as to what song to perform.

The idea of a clarinet solo has appeared a couple of times. Crazy... was I? is pondering the idea, and LS Roots FYS has come to the conclusion that the clarinet idea is a definite “no”. Well, that was my clarinet connection...

Dancing as a performance option seems like a popular idea. SDW Roots has posted an idea for her to learn some line dances and perform them for the class. Culture Jammer has two options; either they would play piano, or will teach the class to swing dance. A suggestion of mine goes out to the class: it seems you all have an OPTION of whether to want to watch or participate. They both sound like cool ideas, I must say.

Magick Flying Toad has a performance idea involving a costume; I seriously hope I’m in that class-- I want to see this. Also, Magick Flying Toad has a lot of interesting thoughts and information posted on their blog. Some ties were made between literature and our Roots Music class.

LZ FYS has posted a thought-provoking question pertaining to the nature of the human voice. Seriously, check it out. I can say it did make me think.

Thoughts on the content of our text have appeared in some blogs. It seems that students are both enthralled and perplexed by chapter 2. SDW Roots has suggested an interpretation of Ch. 2’s ending. She believes the ending appears as a reference to social injustice of the time. MC FYS has found Ch. 2 very interesting, but describes some uncertainty of the why’s behind the appearance of some of the not-necessarily-blues-related history. My impression of these blogs is that these few opinions of Ch. 2 are greatly shared by all Roots Music students.

Why did you sign up for a roots music FYS section?
I decided to sign up for the roots music FYS because I enjoy bluegrass music. I can't believe that I am getting college credit for this! When I was younger, my family danced to waltz and polka music at gatherings. That connection to music most likely fueled my interest in roots music, particularily bluegrass.

If you could take 5 pieces of music with you to a desert isle, what would they be?
"The Lighthouse's Tale" by Nickel Creek
"Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show
"I Am A Rock" by Simon and Garfunkle
"Sweet Baby James" by James Taylor
"A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" by Bob Dylan

What's a piece of music you associate with a parent, grandparent, or someone you know well that's at least a generation older than you.
My grandma used to play "On Top of Old Smoky" on the concertina.

If we all decided to replace the national anthem with a new song, and everyone agreed that you got to choose, what would you recommend?
"This Land Is Your Land" seems about right.

What kinds of music related performance stuff (if any) do you do?
None

Given the readings and what (little) you know about Governor Blanco, if you had a chance to ask her one question, what would it be?
I would ask how growing up with Cajun heritage has affected her and who she is.