On Tuesday night, students and the public had the opportunity to experience elements of Chinese music composition with the “Music in China” event held in Fox Labs.
Sponsored by the Office of International Affairs and the Confucius Institute, the event was one of many in the continuing celebration of International Month at N.C. State.
From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the “Music in China” lecture explored international musical culture and taught students about various Chinese musical instruments, styles, genres and contexts.
Led by N.C. State music professor Jonathan Kramer, the lecture, which is the first of two, highlighted the historical perspectives of Chinese musical culture, the origin of instruments and the use of music in social and political settings.
Kramer said his lecture focused on Chinese music, because it has been a deeply rooted force of collective unity for 2000 years.
“Patriotic music is very important in the Chinese culture because it fosters social cohesion,” Kramer said.
In his effort to promote different musical perspectives, Kramer said he drew attention to the background of Chinese music and the many diverse ways it has been utilized.
“My interest is the way music is used. The context of the music,” Kramer said.
While discussing particular uses of music during his lecture, Kramer showed personal videos of his study of Chinese music. He said the videos showed events like weddings, funerals and social gatherings, and how music plays a fundamental role in defining the context of a situation.
Jeff McCormick, a senior in sports management who is half Chinese, said he thinks it very important for students to get exposed to different cultures, especially the musical culture of China. He said too many people only see an “Americanized” version.
McCormick said many aspects of differing cultures don’t get the spotlight and understanding they deserve.
“Most Americans don’t get proper exposure to true Chinese culture and music [especially] is something we don’t get any exposure to at all,” McCormick said.
With November celebrated as International Month, N.C. State continues to commemorate the importance of diversity and differing cultures. The series of events and lectures throughout the month is a springboard for learning.
Mary Hassinger, a senior in history, said she’s a supporter of cross-cultural promotion and plans to attend the next “Music in China” lecture.
“People overlook these kinds of things but they’re actually pretty interesting. I don’t mind learning more and exposing myself to different cultures,” Hassinger said.
With music at the heart of the lecture, Hassinger said, more students and people are able relate and form an interest in the subject.
According to Kramer, the second “Music in China” lecture is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Kramer said the upcoming event will feature his social perspective of Chinese musical culture and the roles music played in major social upheavals.
The registration fee for the lecture is $30 for the general public and $15 for students.
