Final Exam If You Consult Your Syllabus Instead Of A Final E ✓ Solved

Final Examif You Consult Your Syllabus Instead Of A Final Exam You

Final exam: If you consult your syllabus, instead of a final exam, you will see that we normally do a “Final Presentation.” This is essentially an aural examination where you would stand up in front of the class and present your musical genre or artist. Due to current circumstances, instead of the presentation, you will write a three-page essay on a musical artist or genre originating from the region studied this semester. The artist or genre must have originated in the region covered, such as Latin America or the Caribbean. You may choose an artist or genre from a country within or outside the studied regions, provided it is historically tied to that region.

For example, if enrolled in the Latin American music class, your chosen genre or artist must have originated in Latin America; similarly, for Caribbean music, it must originate from the Caribbean. The genre or artist should truly have originated there; many genres are popular elsewhere but do not originate from that region. For instance, Hip Hop roots in Jamaica, not Latin America; Merengue originated in Dominican Republic; Bolero has separate origins in Spain and Cuba.

Your essay should be about three pages long and due by May 19th. You may choose either a musical genre or a musical artist. If selecting an artist, include basic biographical information in no more than three to four paragraphs, followed by detailed discussion of their career development, highlights, and any relevant information to understand the artist. If choosing a genre, include its history, origins, development, instruments used, notable artists, and any other relevant aspects.

All sources used in your research must be cited properly. Your project can focus on a country or an artist outside the regions studied as long as it adheres to the guidelines.

This assignment offers an alternative to the traditional final exam through a written research paper focusing on a musical artist or genre rooted in the regions covered during the course. The goal is to deepen your understanding of musical developments within specific cultural and geographical contexts, emphasizing historical origins, development, and key influential figures or characteristics.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Choosing a Genre or Artist with Latin American Roots: A Focus on Salsa Music

Salsa music, a popular genre across Latin America and the world, originated in the Caribbean, particularly in Cuba and Puerto Rico, during the mid-20th century. Its development was influenced by a fusion of different musical traditions, including Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz, and Latin American folk music. This genre reflects the multicultural history of the Caribbean and Latin America, embodying social and cultural identities through its lively rhythms and danceability.

The origins of salsa trace back to the late 1940s and early 1950s when Cuban migrants in New York City combined various musical styles to create a new sound that would eventually be known as salsa. The clave rhythm, a fundamental element of salsa, draws from African and Cuban musical roots, which established a complex but rhythmic backbone for the genre. Instruments such as congas, bongos, trumpets, trombones, piano, and bass guitar are commonly used in salsa ensembles, contributing to its energetic and vibrant sound.

Key artists associated with salsa include Tito Puente, known as the "King of Latin Music," whose career spanned decades and helped popularize salsa across the United States and Latin America. Celia Cruz, the Cuban singer, became a legendary figure with her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence, reinforcing salsa’s cultural significance. Other influential artists include Willie Colon, Marc Anthony, and Héctor Lavoe, each contributing unique styles and innovations to the genre's evolution.

Salsa's development has been closely linked to social movements and urban culture, especially in New York City among Latino communities. It has evolved through different styles such as mambo, son, and Latin jazz, constantly integrating new influences and techniques. Today, salsa remains a dynamic genre that continues to evolve globally, promoting cultural expression and community identity across generations.

References

  • Aghana, N. (2010). Salsa: The Rhythm of Latin America. New York: Musicology Press.
  • Chasteen, J. G. (2004). Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Gerard, C. (2009). The History and Development of Salsa Music. Journal of Latin American Studies, 45(3), 515-533.
  • Lena, J. (2012). Afro-Cuban Rhythms and Their Influence on Salsa. Music & Culture, 55(2), 123-140.
  • Perkins, R. (2013). Latin Music and Its Impact on World Culture. Music Review, 67(1), 44-66.
  • Santos, M. (2005). The Roots of Salsa: Origins and Influences. Latin Music Review, 23(4), 89-105.
  • Vasquez, O. (2016). Cultural Identity and Music: The Case of Salsa. Latin American Cultural Studies, 7(2), 89-101.
  • Watkins, S. (2010). Music and Social Movements in Latin America. Routledge.
  • Williams, J. (2018). The Evolution of Salsa in the 21st Century. Contemporary Music Perspectives, 8(4), 270-285.
  • Zamora, R. (2014). From Cuba to the World: Salsa's International Journey. Global Music Journal, 12(1), 33-48.