Step One: New Beginnings

Thursday's class was pretty intimidating; thinking [rather... attempting to think] of music with a deeper understanding has always been something I've done but never in a discussion with other people. I'm not a fast thinker on my feet, people talk really fast, and the combination of those two make it hard to participate without making stupid or mundane comments. Aside from that fact, it was a very interesting discussion and I look forward to hopefully participating in the next sessions without getting totally steamrolled by those who regularly participate.

As far as the project goes... I've been having some difficulty in choosing what I would like to do where I can conduct field research within the greater san diego area. I have a few music choices:

• Traditional and Modern Japanese music predominantly focusing on Kumidaiko (Taiko Drumming) within the San Diego area. - Currently looking for ways in which I can relate this to some ethnomusicological concept; maybe the increasing scope of the musical artform itself to reach out across racial and ethnic boundaries - - okay this is long winded and I am talking too much.
  
• Irish and Celtic music in the modern day - I had taken MUS111 one year ago and I really found this enjoyable and I do know that there is an Irish and Celtic music scene in San Diego so that shouldn't be too hard to do.
  
• Western Art Music and the modern day performance practice for both the performer and audience - As discusses in class about the dynamics and forces that go on relating to the musicians in their dress attire, the audience and the standard of silence and apathy to a great performance (no clapping after movements end), among other interesting topics relating to this. I do know that there is a great community for western art music (practically anywhere and everywhere) so I am not worried about reaching out in that respect.

Eh, there is still a very brief amount of time to decide, so not all is lost. It's only the first step to a very exciting and fun yet also hectic project.