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Housekeeping / Introductions

American Association of University Women (Waverly Branch)
City of Waverly Human Equity and Diversity Commission
Wartburg Multicultural Student Services
EMBRACE

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Norms / Agreements for Sessions

Listen/observe for understanding

Monitor airtime

Assume positive intent

Experience discomfort

Come prepared

Be civil

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Icebreaker

Who are you?
What music has had an impact on you? Has it changed over time?

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“American Popular Music:

by Wesley Morris

Pgs 60-67

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Discussion:

1a. How have popular musical and performance trends throughout history used traditions and styles developed by Black Americans?

-You may want to reflect on historian Ann Douglas’ comment, “Since the 1830’s American entertainment, whatever the state of American society, has always been integrated, if only by theft and parody.”

1b. How does the author describe Black music and Blackness in music?

-Wesley Morris mentions the mixed emotions of pride and chagrin he feels whenever he encounters “a white person inhabiting blackness with gusto.” What was he referring to and how did this tie into what you learned from this reading?

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Large group:

What ideas are surfacing at your small tables?

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Prof. Jeff DeSeriere, Wartburg College

They Were Never With You: A Cultural Survey of Black Wind Composers and Reasons for Falling Into Obscurity (Keep on Learning, Wartburg College, Sept. 2022)

-“William Grant Still began about twelve years ago as the composer of somewhat esoteric music for voice and a few instruments. Since that time he has completely changed his musical speech, which has become popular in tone. He has a certain natural musicality and charm, but there is a marked leaning toward the sweetly saccharine that one should like to see eliminated.” Aaron Copland in Modern Music Magazine

-”It is unfortunate that very little serious music by Negroes is available on recordings. The major commercial companies have given only token recognition.” William Grant Still, Music Educator’s Journal (1970)