MUS 109 People's Liberation Music

Can music “model” alternate social realities? In this class we will compare musical collectives envisioned as utopian communities with ensembles that join(ed) protest movements, from the late 60’s to the current day. We will study and perform improvisation-based pieces from 1960’s “avant-garde” scenes including Cornelius Cardew’s amateur Scratch Orchestra, alongside songs from his People’s Liberation Music group; we will study open-form works by student-activist musical collectives as well as performances staged by composers, workplace bands, and political performance troupes in support of people’s liberation movements around the world. We will analyze and adapt pieces and create some new ones. What political lessons can we learn by studying amateur music ensembles that attempt(ed) public social interventions? Participants from all/any [musical] backgrounds are welcome. [H, GM1, GM2, V]

Instructor

Zamcheck