My Musical Culture
January 11th, 2021
Hi everyone! My name is Chelsea J. Durrah and I am a junior music education major (choral). My ultimate goal is to become a choral conductor for advanced and competitive choirs. Speaking of choirs, if I had to choose one word to describe the musical aspect of my childhood, "choirs" would be it. As the daughter of an executive pastor and a minister living in one of the Bible belts of the Carolinas, a lot of my time as a child was spent in church services, preparing for church events, singing in church choirs, and attending a private Christian school. Seeing as my dad's side of the family is more musically inclined, as a child I found my purpose in the choir stands. From the time that I was able to sing to about the age of 9, my parents had fairly strict rules about music. My sister and I were only allowed to listen to Christian music like: 106.9 The Light FM, 107.3 JAMZ (until 12pm on Sundays when the music abruptly switched from gospel to r&b) and 89.3 His Radio. I was also expected to be involved in all of the church choir functions and youth praise teams. And if there was a solo opportunity, you can bet my mom did not let me hear the end of it if I didn't audition.
Needless to say, my musical culture was steeped in that of my faith as a child. However, at the age of 9 (and 16 for my sister) my parents moved us all into a much nicer neighborhood and enrolled us in what seemed like the scariest place on earth...PUBLIC SCHOOL! *cue Wilhelm scream sound effect* The transition from a conservative Christian school to a salad bowl of cultures and music in public school quite literally had me shook! However, over time, awkward hair phases, puberty, a little teenage rebellion, sprinkles of independence that are now turning into mounds, oh- and college...I can now say that my musical culture is one that I am proud of it. Let's talk about it!
An example of music that has meant something to me for a while: Around this time last year, I was feeling lots of contrary emotions. I had finally made my tiny dorm room into a place that felt like home. I had relaxed into a routine that worked for me and that made me feel at ease and intune with my mind and body throughout the day. However, I was also in an unhealthy relationship, which inevitably poured negativity into other aspects of my life. I remember discovering Chet Baker, a jazz artist from around the 1950's to 80's, and feeling like I had found music that reflected my emotions almost exactly. It was smooth yet rocky, mellow yet frustrated, and vast yet narrow. I am working towards better everyday, but I still love to play this type of music in the background of my day-to-day life. During that time I also discovered one my favorite songs, "In a Sentimental Mood" by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane. Take a listen below!
An example of music that I am not a fan of: I'm just going to say it, Alicia Keys. Before you say anything...I know, okay? I know I just got my Black card revoked. But let me explain! I blame it on "Girl on Fire"! Radio stations, shopping malls, boutiques, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. WORE. THAT. SONG.OUT! It got to the point where if I even heard Alicia Keys' voice I had a "Girl on Fire" flashback and had to change the song. I appreciate her artistry and I still love her debut songs. And if you love this song, by all means, fire it up! (pun intended-let me have this one) But if I am being honest, whenever the song comes on I need some personal time to get my attitude together. Now I've said my piece. If you care to indulge, click on the video below...but please do not do it around me...kindly...respectfully :)
I love your passion for blues/Jazz/soul music it really can be uplifting and calming especially if your going through a rough time or just need some time to relax. Sentimental and Gospel music can also be motivational from getting through day to day. It's also very important to keep a close relationship with God and one of the ways you can do that is through music!
ReplyDeleteJulia, music is definitely one of the ways that I connect with God and I can honestly say that the motivational content has gotten me through some dark seasons. Thank you for your comment!
DeleteJazz music and blues music has a near and dear place for me in life as well. I’m still exploring the world of jazz, but I agree that it really does an amazing job at reflecting emotions. My favorite artist that I have looked at so far is Nat King Cole, but I’m so glad you showed me more jazz artists! I really love how In a Sentimental Mood makes me feel, and I love how it really takes me to a place of tranquility. Thank you Chelsea!
ReplyDeleteI love Nat King Cole! Glad you enjoyed!
DeleteDo you feel as if your experience in church/gospel music had any negative or positive effect on you? I've heard people who grew up in that tradition say that they now can't stand it and those that say they couldn't imagine life without it! Lake Street Dive is one of my best friend's favorite bands, and I think their stuff is really groovy. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHey Taryn! Thanks for your comment. I will admit that as a child I was frustrated and felt as though I was being held back from an exciting world of music. But as I got older I realized that my parents were just trying to help me establish a foundation in my faith and once we made the big switch to public school they gave both my sister and I space to identify our own ways of living out that faith as individuals. I also attribute their temporary sheltering to my fondness of artists who are great lyricists. Religious music often has reflective and meaningful lyrical elements and that became my standard for "good music" from an early age. So, in a nutshell my early experiences with church/ gospel/faith have been one of those rocky patches of my life that I now understand and appreciate more as an adult and that have shaped me and my musical culture. Also, s/o to your friend! LSD is super groovy!
DeleteI agree that the Alicia keys song is over used. What do you think about how often a song should be played to reach the market without saturating it?
ReplyDeleteIf I am being 100% honest, if I was the artist behind a hit single that admittedly had an uplifting message like "Girl On Fire", I would want my label or my team to push radio stations and streaming services to keep playing my music for as long as it was hot! So, I don't blame them...but we were hearing that song for 2 years and it still plays frequently on certain stations. So, I think that after that long its' due for a timeout. But if it helps pay her bills, play it on! I just won't tune in lol. Thanks for your comment, Zelena!
DeleteI love your blog it's super cute! I also went to a small private school and then all of a sudden was pushed into public it was a true eye opener and was really scary. But it helped me grow as a musician.
ReplyDeleteJah, I agree. That big push definitely opened my ears aaall the way! After my first day of public school, I quickly realized that some things were about to change. Those kids were wild!! Thank you for commenting!
DeleteChelsea, Super cute and entertaining way that you went about this blog! I found it very fascinating how jazz and blues helped you through such a hard time! I think this is a first of me hearing that before! Jazz to me usually is my jam when I am happy! How did you discover that Jazz and blues positively effected you?
ReplyDeleteHi, Kaylyn! I think that during that time I just needed a reminder that you'll never go through something that someone else hasn't gone through before. So being able to hear stories and melodies that seemed to match what I was feeling is what really helped me. That's where the "positivity" came in; through that reassurance. There's happy elements of jazz that I love and listen to as well. It's such a versatile genre, which is another reason why I love it so much. My immediately positive experiences with jazz and blues occur in the summer time when I go to lots of blues festivals in and around the upstate. I love getting together with friends and dancing to the music. Plus blues and barbecue have become common pairings at festivals . Can't ask for much more than that! Thanks for reading!
DeleteYour blog is amazing! You have such a good way with words. I can completely relate to only being allowed to listen to certain radio stations as a kid, the radio was a big no no in my family other than the Christian Rock stations and NPR. I've never been a big fan of blues music myself but to my surprise I actually liked Lake Street Drive. Thank you for opening another door for me to grow in my musical preferences!
ReplyDeleteSabrina, I have definitely grown to appreciate that aspect of my childhood and I actually love NPR radio now! It's how I discovered some of the funky bands I listen to now. I don't think that I'll be doing things quite the same with my kids but we'll see a little while from now when they get here, ha! Thank you for your comment!
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