Submitted by Jasmine Anthony on the 2015 winter session program in Barbados sponsored by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the Department of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management…
I know it is such a cliché thing to say that I am “learning something new every day.” However, I cannot think of a more accurate and appropriate phrase to use to describe my time in Barbados. Each week has brought a refreshing and enriching wave of knowledge. This week’s theme was one of my favorite topics, music.
Because I love to dance, I have taken advantage of every opportunity to go out to the clubs that has come my way. Thus I have heard a lot of new music. And when I say “new” I mean that the music in Barbados sounded completely different than what I am used to. As someone who was raised on Hip Hop and R&B, to hear steel drums or cow bells in a song, was foreign to me. This did not stop me from dancing, but I had to learn to dance to a different rhythm. I then became curious as to why Caribbean music and African American genres such as Hip Hop, sound so different. Thankfully, this week’s lectures were on music.
Dr. Stefan Walcott, a prominent musician in Barbados, came and spoke to our class about the origins of music in the Caribbean. Through these lectures, I learned about the variations of Caribbean music across islands. For example, in the French speaking Caribbean islands such as Martinique or Haiti, the music sounds more romantic. The majority of songs are ballads or conducive to partner dancing. Conversely, the music of Barbados or Soca is fast paced and full of energy. Dr. Walcott taught this to the class by having us play each type of music. He brought instruments and instructed us on how play the instrument in the appropriate rhythm. For example, the selected drummer would play one type of rhythm while playing Soca and a completely different rhythm while playing Son, the music of the Spanish speaking islands.
However, the most exciting part of this lesson came when Dr. Walcott brought in the steel drum. He asked for volunteers to play the instrument however, everyone seemed intimidated by it for no one raised their hand. I personally was fearful of playing the drum because it is such a massive instrument. But the next thing I know, I raised my hand to volunteer and Dr. Walcott called me up to the front of class. Although Dr. Walcott is a musical genius, he was very patient and friendly with me as I butchered playing the steel drum. I eventually got the hang of it and he taught me how to play “Mary had a Little Lamb.” I was so proud of myself for I did not think I could learn to play the steel drums. I am glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to learn something new and different. However, that is my purpose in studying abroad.
After class, Dr. Walcott told us of some music festivals coming up that week. He would be performing with his band at one of them. Therefore, a few of my friends and I bought tickets to go and see Dr. Walcott perform. As I mentioned before, he is an incredible musician and I did not want to miss a chance to see him in his element. And I am so glad I did! His performance at the Naniki Music Festival was extraordinary. His solo got the crowd excited and clapping. Dr. Walcott lives up to his title of the “music man.” There were several other performances at the festival and they were all incredible. Everyone was dancing and singing, despite their age. There was this one couple, who had to be at least in their 70s, out on the floor “wuking” it up. Thus in Barbados, fun has no age limit and does not disappear as one grows old.
I thought last week would serve as the pinnacle of my trip however, week two has brought another enlivening wave of adventures. Like the music of this island, this week had been vibrant and lively. And it is through these adventures that I am able to immerse myself into the culturally rich island that is Barbados. I am looking forward to what next week will hold.