Elizabeth Moore Interview

I now realise that the Arts, including music, creates opportunities to engage, inspire and enrich our lives. Music making and responding can challenge, provoke responses and enrich our knowledge and understanding of ourselves, our communities and the world.

Billy Joel said, “I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music” (Music Quotes). Whether we realize it or not, music affects our lives greatly. The only thing for us to question is how. How does music impact your life and the lives of others? What does music do for us? People of all ages benefit emotionally, physically, and academically from music.

Living in a world surrounded by noises and sounds, one cannot deny that music lives all around them. Schools, street corners, sporting events, there is one thing you will always find: music. Music education is quickly becoming defunct in schools, as many try to decry its many benefits. A growing emphasis on the concrete subjects of math and science, whose benefits are more immediate, are pushing the creativity and imagination of music classes to the back of the budget. Music education is no longer described as stimulating and exciting, but rather unnecessary and distracting. But the benefits of having an education in music is undeniable. Simply being around music can have a positive impact on life. Music enables the human race to discover emotions that they have never uncovered before. The human mind is refreshed by music; “our imagination and memories are stimulated by the sounds, and summon feelings and memories associated with the musical sound” (Wingell 15). Without music, the world would be silent. Lifeless. No matter what language one speaks or what culture one is from, music is a universal language, connecting the hearts of people around the entire world. In schools throughout the nation, that connection is being severed because of budget cuts and lack of funding, but the benefits of music education are clear. The benefits of having an education in music are not only present in the classroom; a lasting impact is also left on the social and emotional growth of a person, though the gains may not be evinced immediately. Participating in musical education programs in schools can give students the opportunity to form lasting friendships and to gain skills that will last them their entire lives. Music education can be beneficial to students because it enhances students’ performance in the classroom, aids in improving student’s interest and engagement in school, and advances students’ social and emotional growth.

This reference shows how music lays a foundation of teenage values beyond school or parental teaching. A musical artist can influence a young mind by the chosen lyrics with greater effectiveness than formal education. Music can control or enhance moods. A good mood can get better or a bad mood can be worked through with the choice of music. A bad mood can also be enhanced by lyrics about suicide or violent behavior. Teens can also use music to gain information about the adult world, to withdraw from social contact, facilitate friendships and social settings, or to help them create a personal identity. (O'Toole, 1997)

For as long as mankind has walked on this earth, music has been an important part of our culture and lifestyles. Each walk of life beats to a different drum. Different cultures use music for many aspects of their lives; for religious purposes, for celebrations, for comfort, for sorrow, for relaxation, for sports, for dances, for energy, for learning, for sleeping, and for sexual experiences. Everyone uses music for something. Music connects with people and reaches them in ways that words simply cannot. Music is a representation of what feelings sound like. It expresses emotion and brings that characteristic out from within us; it tells us a story. Every generation has its’ own sound and different music styles have emerged and become

Music is a very powerful expression of emotions that come together as a whole to morph your psychological feelings into a sub-reality vision. Over the many years, history has been able to capture the moments at which music has made an impact on human lives. We can start with Manu Chao the artist that sings about left-wing messages and portrays his concerts as “collective therapy”. Or Juan Gabriel the young man that rose out of poverty to become the world’s most beloved artist/songwriter and whose music carried a resonate flamboyant style. Music is a way of communication that is used in many realms such as entertainment, tradition religion and sporting events. So far this semester, Chic 316 has influenced me to seek a more coherent relationship

On September of 2016, I did an oral interview with Vanna Moore about her military past and Vanna’s ties to Texas. Over the whole interview I asked her questions about her experience in Afghanistan and along the way I asked her questions about Texas. To the best of my knowledge Vanna answered “who are these people, these Texans”, what do Texans tell us about America, and what she thought of Texas. We talked about how her military experience shaped her conceptions of Texas. In a setting such as this one and her experiences combined she had moments where she seemed more comfortable and opened, and other moments that were difficult to get through. After this oral interview experience I feel as though I know how I could use oral histories in my classroom.

On September of 2016, I did an oral interview with Vanna Moore about her military past and Vanna’s ties to Texas. Over the whole interview, I asked her questions about her experience in Afghanistan and how it shaped her views of her state of Texas. Through her interview, Vanna touched on her feelings about Texas, the military, American culture, and life after military. At times, she seemed comfortable and at ease sharing her thoughts, and other moments seemed more difficult to get through. This interview helped me to understand that military service can really shape a person’s world view, both abroad and at home. Additionally, after this oral interview experience I feel like I know how to effectively use oral histories in my future classrooms.

Also some early influences were, number one her parents. The reason for this was that they taught her right from wrong. They also helped her and her siblings in any way that they could. Some things that they taught her where loving, life, and family, and they were the role models in the way that she is raising her kids. Another influence in Linda's life

Ms. Moore is an outsider; she is isolated from the rest of her community. The narrator says, “This lady moved on our block with nappy hair and proper speech and no makeup. And quite naturally we laughed at her…” (Bambara 1). Ms. Moore does not incorporate the significant influence of the white community in her everyday life, unlike others in her community. For example, she wears her hair natural and does not try to tame it. Her knowledge and her peculiar look caused people to think strangely about Ms. Moore. The narrator states, “Which is just one of the things the grownups talked about when they talked behind her back like a dog” (Bambara 1). This infers that the adults are most likely intimidated and jealous of Ms. Moore’s refinement; however,

Abbey shared with me that her biggest role model is her Grandma. She explained to me how her grandma led her towards her passion for reading. One inspiring quote that Abbey shared with me, quoting Albert Einstein, was, "Logic gets you from A to Z. Imagination gets you everywhere.”

She was a combination of sweet, happy and a little bit angry, all at the same time. I remember that when I met her she was so shy, but then we start talking and she just became an extraordinary person in my life. Lizeth was a great leader, she wasn't to patience, but she tried everything for always doing everything perfect.

“This is the story of a little girl with a powerful mother who instilled in her the powerful mother who instilled in her the values of hard work and honesty.” D Audrey Hepburn’s mother shaped her to be hardworking in life, put others before herself, and inspired others everywhere. Even though her early life was tough, her rise to fame was slow, and she had many setbacks, she reached many achievements and left a full, rich legacy. Audrey Hepburn inspired thousands, not only through her acting, but through her perseverance and character.

Music is one of the greatest human creations (DeNora, 2000). It plays an integral role in human society worldwide irrelevant of race, gender, age, wealth or well-being (Kemper & Danhauer, 2005). Indeed according to Batt-Rawden (2010), playing different music in diverse situations can introduce listeners to the desired and relevant atmosphere. In most circumstances, music is played to entertain people, but it can also form part of an accompaniment in sad situations. Music is often the fulcrum that influences the listener by creating a unique ambience and atmosphere (Bernatzky, Presh, Anderson, & Panksepp, 2011). Chamorro-Premuzic and Furnham, (2007) adds that music can be a medium to enhance communication,

The role of music in society can be best imagined when one thinks of a world without music. Music serves as a personal