News
Monday, October 7, 2019
Post written by Michelle MacQueen
Monday’s events featured a public talk by Dr. Kaley Mason, titled Food, Music, and Environmental Justice in South India.
Photo credit: Marcia Ostashewski
Kaley is Assistant Professor of Music at Lewis & Clark College. Prior to moving to Portland, Oregon, he was Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Chicago. He is the author of the forthcoming book, The Labor of Music: South Indian Performers and Cultural Mobility (Oxford) and a co-editor for the forthcoming volume, Sound Alignments: Popular Music in Asia’s Cold Wars (Duke). His previous research focused on the entrepreneurial, aesthetic, and socio-political work wedding music specialists perform in the diaspora. Mason also recently co-edited a special journal issue on generational friction in musical ethnography of South Asia.
The presentation focused on the relationship between music and food in environmental justice movements in South India. The first part of the lecture talked generally on the many ways in which music and food connect, overlap, and mutually reinforced a lot of social activities together. He showed us a list of these different gastro-musical intersection.
Photo credit: Michelle MacQueen
The second part drew on some examples on how musicians are mobilizing their art and craft to address food security issues and environmental justice in these times of climate crisis.
After the presentation, the audience talked more about the ways food and music connect including hospitality.
In the evening, we had a film screening by Dr. Svanibor Pettan.
Photo credit: Marcia Ostashewski
He is professor and chair in ethnomusicology at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. His academic degrees are from the universities in Croatia, Slovenia, and the United States, while his fieldwork sites include former Yugoslav lands, Australia, Egypt, Norway, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and the USA. The prevalent themes in his publications are music, politics and war, minorities, multiculturalism, gender, and applied ethnomusicology. Among his recent publications are the documentary with study-guide Kosovo Through the Eyes of Local Romani (Gypsy) Musicians and three volumes of The Oxford Handbook of Applied Ethnomusicology, which he co-edited with Jeff Todd Titon.
He showed us a film called Tidldibab: The Oldest Flute in Ancient Times and Today.
Photo credit: Marcia Ostashewski
It is about about the archaeological find (in Slovenia, 1995) featuring the 60,000-year-old (contested) Neanderthal flute and the role of a Macedonian musician Ljuben Dimkaroski in this story.
Photo credit: Marcia Ostashewski
Ljuben, who is the star of this documentary, passed away a couple of years ago. Ljuben and Dr. Svanibor Pettan were friends and collaborators. This film was made by Television Slovenia, the country’s national television station. Darja Korez Korencan wrote the script for the film, and Divja Baba (pseudonym) was the Director.
Photo credit: Marcia Ostashewski
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Post written by Michelle MacQueen
To start off the series of events for the Songs and Stories of Migration and Encounter Colloquium, we had a concert at the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whitney Pier. The concert featured on one of the world’s premier players of the bandura (Ukrainian lute-harp), Julian Kytasty. A singer, multi-instrumentalist and third-generation bandurist, he has performed and taught instrumental and choral music throughout the Americas and Europe. Born in Detroit, he has a BFA in Theory and Composition from Concordia University in Montreal. Mr. Kytasty is especially recognized for his expertise in epic songs and early bandura repertoire. As a performer, recording artist, composer, and band leader, he has redefined the possibilities of the bandura.
The concert was titled Immigrants, Exiles, and Cultural Missionaries: Bandura Music Outside Ukraine.
The bandura has been considered a national instrument in Ukraine. During the 20th century, the instrument was carried around the world by bandurists caught up in multiple waves of emigration. Some left to find a new home and a better future; others fled Ukraine as political exiles and wartime refugees. For each of these immigrant groups the bandura was a marker of identity and a way of expressing their deepest feelings about the place they left behind, the circumstances under which they left it, and the place they came to. In between songs, Julian taught us about these different moments of people leaving Ukraine and creating new homes elsewhere, and about the songs and stories they created.
Photo credit: Rachael Murphy
(Featuring Sound Communities documentarian Kirk Kitzul behind the camera)
Julian started the concert by playing us some of traditional folk songs that would have been sung by blind singers in Ukraine, Kobzars. He told us about the history of these epic singers who sang stories of the people.
Photo credit: Rachael Murphy
The concert programme focused primarily on the 20th century bandura players who left Ukraine and continued their work elsewhere. Julian taught us about the war in Ukraine after the Russian Revolution and how this caused many prominent bandurists to leave Ukraine. The next large wave of Ukrainian emigrants was after the Second World War. Julian told us about the particular difficulties Ukraine faced during this war, struggling against both Nazi Germany and Stalin’s Soviet Union. We also learned about initiatives by 1960s Soviet Ukraine to get major cultural figures to return to Ukraine.
Photo credit: Michelle MacQueen
Throughout the concert, Julian performed songs by these emigré bandurists and described how they felt a deep sense of cultural mission: to preserve cultural content repressed in Soviet Ukraine, to continue developing the instrument in their new homelands, and to chronicle their own experience and that of their generation.
Julian ended the concert with bandura music that was very personal to him. As a third-generation bandurist, Julian Kytasty has been part of this process of bringing the bandura from Ukraine to North America. He played some of the music that he inherited from his father, grandfather, and other members of his family. He also played some of his own creations, including a completely improvised piece dedicated to this day of our concert.
Photo credit: Michelle MacQueen
The Ukrainian songs and the sounds of the bandura reverberated beautifully throughout the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church. It was a pleasure to learn about the songs and stories of Julian’s family and other immigrant bandurists, the instrumental music they brought with them, and the new music they made for their instrument outside of Ukraine.
Photo credit: Michelle MacQueen
2019 Songs and Stories: ICTM Colloquium
2019 ICTM Colloquium on Songs & Stories of Migration & Encounter
A colloquium for the International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) hosted by The Centre for Sound Communities, Cape Breton University, October 6-12, 2019.
Following the theme ‘Songs and Stories of Migration and Encounter,’ 18 international scholars share their research on this theme and create dialogue among specialists from all over the world. This colloquium brings together artists, scholars, and community leaders from throughout Canada and the United States as well as the United Kingdom, Japan, Armenia, Austria, and Slovenia.
Scholars meet at the Centre for Sound Communities at Cape Breton University, Membertou First Nation at the Heritage Park, McConnell Public Library in Sydney’s Waterfront District, Menelik Hall in Whitney Pier, the Gaelic College in St. Anne’s, and in various community centres in Chéticamp.
The following events are open to the general public:
- Sunday October 6, 7:00pm – Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church
Concert (freewill donation accepted): Julian Kytasty – Immigrants, Exiles, and Cultural Missionaries: Bandura Music Outside Ukraine
- Monday October 7, 4:00pm – Centre for Sound Communities (Cape Breton University)
Public Lecture: Kaley Mason – Food, Music and Environmental Justice in South India
- Tuesday October 8, 2:00pm, Centre for Sound Communities (Cape Breton University)
Film Screening: Julia Byl – Poets in the Living Room
- Tuesday October 8, 4:00pm, McConnell Public Library
Film Screening: Terada Yoshitaka – Crossing over the Arirang Pass: Zainichi Korean Music
- Tuesday October 8, 7:00pm, McConnell Public Library
Film Screening: Terada Yoshitaka – Drumming out a Message: Eisa and the Okinawan Diaspora in Japan
- Wednesday October 9, 4:00pm, Membertou Heritage Park
Workshop/Lecture: Alex Chávez – Sonic Bridges: Home, Intimacy, and the Borderlands
- Wednesday October 9, 7:30pm, Menelik Hall
Public Lecture: Afua Cooper – Fugitive Verses/Sonic Stories: Slavery, the Middle Passage, and the Soundscapes of Black People’s Freedom Quest
- Thursday October 10, 11:45am, Centre for Sound Communities (Cape Breton University)
Dance Workshop: Ameera Nimjee – Kathak Dance in Hindustani Music Culture
- Thursday October 10, 7:00pm, McConnell Public Library
Public Lecture: Gage Averill – Echoes of “Haïti Cherie” in the “Koloni”
- Friday October 11, 7:30pm, Église Saint Pierre, Chéticamp
Concert (freewill donations accepted): Songs and Stories of Cape Breton, with various performers including Colin Grant, Chester Delaney, Robert Deveaux, Julian Kytasty, Marcia Ostashewski, and Le Choeur du Havre
Quick Facts:
- 18 scholars from 6 countries are meeting in Cape Breton to share research about music and migration in communities around the world including virtual spaces
- As part of the Colloquium, several community events will take place across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, including concerts, workshops, film screenings and public talks
- The International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) is a scholarly, non-governmental organization in formal consultative relations with The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. ICTM aims to further the study, practice, documentation, preservation, and dissemination of traditional music and dance of all countries
- Scholars, artists and community leaders are coming from: Cape Breton University, University of British Colombia, Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Alberta, Membertou First Nation, Nova Scotia Rug Hookers (Cheticamp), University of Notre Dame (USA), Indiana University (USA), St. Olaf College (USA), Lewis and Clark College (USA), University of Puget Sound (USA), Royal Holloway University of London (UK), National Museum of Ethnology: Centre for Cultural Resource Studies (Japan), American University of Armenia (Armenia), University for Music and the Performing Arts Vienna (Austria), and University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Additional Resources:
International Council for Traditional Music: https://www.ictmusic.org/26th-ictm-colloquium-2019-cape-breton
Cape Breton University: https://www.cbu.ca
Songs and Stories: ICTM Colloquium
Songs and Stories: ICTM Colloquium
A colloquium for the International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) will be hosted by Centre for Sound Communities, Cape Breton University, October 6-12, 2019.
This colloquium follows the theme “Songs and Stories of Migration and Encounter.” 18 international scholars are invited to share their research on this theme and to create dialogue among specialists from all over the world. This colloquium will bring together artists, scholars, and community leaders from throughout Canada and the United States as well as the United Kingdom, Japan, Armenia, Austria, and Slovenia.
Scholars will meet at the Centre for Sound Communities at Cape Breton University, Membertou First Nation at the Heritage Park, McConnell Public Library in Sydney’s Waterfront District, Menelik Hall in Whitney Pier, the Gaelic College in St. Anne’s, and in various community centres in Chéticamp.
Quick Facts:
- 18 scholars from 6 countries are meeting in Cape Breton to share research about music and migration in communities around the world including virtual spaces
- As part of the Colloquium, several community events will take place across the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, including concerts, workshops, film screenings and public talks
- The International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) is a scholarly, non-governmental organization in formal consultative relations with The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. ICTM aims to further the study, practice, documentation, preservation, and dissemination of traditional music and dance of all countries
- Scholars, artists and community leaders are coming from: Cape Breton University, University of British Colombia, Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Alberta, Membertou First Nation, Nova Scotia Rug Hookers (Cheticamp), University of Notre Dame (USA), Indiana University (USA), St. Olaf College (USA), Lewis and Clark College (USA), University of Puget Sound (USA), Royal Holloway University of London (UK), National Museum of Ethnology: Centre for Cultural Resource Studies (Japan), American University of Armenia (Armenia), University for Music and the Performing Arts Vienna (Austria), and University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Additional Resources:
International Council for Traditional Music: https://www.ictmusic.org/26th-ictm-colloquium-2019-cape-breton
Cape Breton University: https://www.cbu.ca
Singing the Circle Choral Workshop
Date: Saturday, October 21, 2017
Time: TBC
Location: Centre for Sound Communities
Join us on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at the Centre for Sound Communities for Singing the Circle: Choral Workshop, a Multi-generational choral workshop lead by Ardelle Ries, University of Alberta and Cathy Benedict, Western University.
The workshop will be followed by a performance for World Singing Day Concert the Boardmore Theatre, CBU on Sunday, October 22, 2017. Along with performances by youth who participated in “Songs and Stories of Migration and Encounter” a five-week in-community workshop for youth ages 12-18.
Registration and more information to come, check back soon!
Singing the Circle: Educator PD Event
www.singingthecirclepdday.eventbrite.com
Thanks to the generosity of our funding partners, we are pleased to offer this PD day free of charge.
Singing the Circle: Music Education from Birth to Adult
(Boardmore Playhouse, Cape Breton University)
Registration: 8:30-9:15 am
Welcome and Introductions: 9:15-9:30 am
Session I: 9:30-10:30: It All Starts With Singing (Ardelle Ries, U Alberta)
Nutrition Break: 10:30-10:45am
Session II: 10:45-11:45 am : Doing Away With Classroom Management: Teaching for Musical Transitions
LUNCH (NOON to 1pm)
Session 3: 1-2 pm: The Wonder of the Child Voice
Final Plenary Discussion: 2-3 pm
SESSION ABSTRACTS
Session I: It All Starts With Singing (Ardelle Ries, U Alberta)
In late 16th century, British composer, William Byrd (1543-1623) published one of the first English songbooks. Within this book, Byrd wrote of the wonder of singing and reasons why “all ‘men’ would learn to sing.” Designed to address the needs of both classroom music and choral—through songs, games, and dances—this session will focus on the importance of singing for musical, intellectual, and personal development and how Byrd’s ideas, although centuries’ old, remain true today.
Session II: Doing Away With Classroom Management: Teaching for Musical Transitions (Cathy Benedict, U Western Ontario)
Classroom management problems arise when teachers fail to understand that focused musical transitions are essential for successful lessons. What if, rather than managing children, we design lesson plans that flow so tightly music making is all we worry about? Participants will experience a series of elementary lesson plans that demonstrate musical activities and transitions that serve to facilitate safe, creative musical environments. Join us as we say ‘No’ to managing and ‘Yes’ to making music.
Session III: The Wonder of the Child Voice (Ardelle Ries, U Alberta)
Our voices, and especially our singing voices, are miraculous forces of nature designed to help us survive, to communicate, and to create! Children’s voices—flexible, adaptable, and resilient—move through many developmental stages. As we prepare to celebrate World Singing Day, this session will examine the singing journey from early years through to adolescence with suggestions for a sequential vocal curriculum and suitable repertoire.
Songs and Stories of Immigration and Encounter
More Updates Coming Soon
Project Information
Songwriting Workshops: For Youth ages 12 to 18, there are three in-community workshops where youth will be working with singers and artist facilitators to co-create a music piece about immigration and encounter. There will also be mentors (Stewart MacNeil, Bryan Cherwick, and Robert Deveaux) at each of the locations giving information and telling stories of their experience or families experience with immigration to Canada and Cape Breton. For more information please call (902)563-1696. The deadline for registration is June 15th.
Singing The Circle: Music Education from Birth to Adult
www.singingthecircle.eventbrite.comUpdate: Early bird registration: 15 September 2017, $65 + applicable fees
Last day to register in advance: 5 October 2017, $80 + applicable fees
Singing the Circle: Music Education from Birth to Adult
(Boardmore Playhouse, Cape Breton University)
Registration: 8:30-9:15 am
Welcome and Introductions: 9:15-9:30 am
Session I: 9:30-10:30: It All Starts With Singing (Ardelle Ries, U Alberta)
Nutrition Break: 10:30-10:45am
Session II: 10:45-11:45 am : Doing Away With Classroom Management: Teaching for Musical Transitions
LUNCH (NOON to 1pm)
Session 3: 1-2 pm: The Wonder of the Child Voice
Final Plenary Discussion: 2-3 pm
SESSION ABSTRACTS
Session I: It All Starts With Singing (Ardelle Ries, U Alberta)
In late 16th century, British composer, William Byrd (1543-1623) published one of the first English songbooks. Within this book, Byrd wrote of the wonder of singing and reasons why “all ‘men’ would learn to sing.” Designed to address the needs of both classroom music and choral—through songs, games, and dances—this session will focus on the importance of singing for musical, intellectual, and personal development and how Byrd’s ideas, although centuries’ old, remain true today.
Session II: Doing Away With Classroom Management: Teaching for Musical Transitions (Cathy Benedict, U Western Ontario)
Classroom management problems arise when teachers fail to understand that focused musical transitions are essential for successful lessons. What if, rather than managing children, we design lesson plans that flow so tightly music making is all we worry about? Participants will experience a series of elementary lesson plans that demonstrate musical activities and transitions that serve to facilitate safe, creative musical environments. Join us as we say ‘No’ to managing and ‘Yes’ to making music.
Session III: The Wonder of the Child Voice (Ardelle Ries, U Alberta)
Our voices, and especially our singing voices, are miraculous forces of nature designed to help us survive, to communicate, and to create! Children’s voices—flexible, adaptable, and resilient—move through many developmental stages. As we prepare to celebrate World Singing Day, this session will examine the singing journey from early years through to adolescence with suggestions for a sequential vocal curriculum and suitable repertoire.
Digital Interns on the Move at CBU
CBU posted news about soundcommunties.org Digital Intern Program on February 28, 2017. See here for the full article!
Funding for a pilot program from the Provincial Department of Communities, Culture & Heritage has allowed Dr. Marcia Ostashewski of CBU’s Centre for Sound Communities to recently hire ten Digital Interns, including two Coordinators, through the recently launched Nova Scotia Digital Youth Internship Program. The program supports youth in gaining a wide range of digital skills as well as valuable work experience to assist in their transition into Canada’s labour market. (read more)
Excited to be in Kazakhstan at ICTM World Conference!
I’m thrilled to be participating in the International Council for Traditional Music World Conference that opened today in Astana, Kazakhstan at the Kazakh National University of Arts! I’m here with more than 400 delegates from over 100 countries, sharing research and engaging in exciting discussions about music and culture from around the world. We began our first day, welcomed by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister, as well as the Rector of the University who is a world-class violinist! The official opening ceremony was followed by a youth music concert, a plenary on safeguarding musical traditions, afternoon panels of exciting new research, a reception (including a traditional Kazakh drink, horse milk), and a spectacular showcase of students and faculty of the National U of the Arts. Follow me on twitter @m_ostashewski (find my twitter feed on my website at marciaostashewski.ca) to see photos and videos of conference events, and my adventures in Astana – a city that is only 20 years old yet has astounding monumental architecture! I’ve also posted more information and photos about Kazakh bardic performances that were on stage tonight on the singingstorytellers.ca project website!
