Remixing the U.S. National Anthem: To\Nard 'Plastic' Concepts of American Identity
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Authors
Scarlato, Mya
Issue Date
2023-03-24
Type
Other
Language
en_US
Keywords
US national anthem , Plasticity , Patriotic Music
Alternative Title
Abstract
"The Star-Spangled Banner" (U.S. national anthem) has long been viewed and performed as a 'closed form' (Allsup 2016) in the United States: Artists and audience members are expected to adhere to a variety of norms related to participation in the anthem and the margins for expressive freedom (the pursuit of 'open musical forms') afforded to performers in exploring such are narrow. In his framework for music teacher quality, music education philosopher Randall Allsup (2016) suggests that quality music teachers are those who are able to navigate both open and closed forms in their teaching, moving between such with plasticity: responding to traditional art forms while also making space in classrooms for the emergence of new and socially-responsive musical expressions. In the present chapter, the author narrates a project undertaken by a group of undergraduate musicians who re-imagined the U.S. national anthem for a university-wide commencement ceremony through opening up the song's form. In the context of narrative reflections on the project, the author examines the concept of plasticity, as developed by philosopher Catherine Malabou, and wonders in conversation with Allsup, what 'plastic' engagements with patriotic music might look and sound like in music classrooms.
Description
UB RISE 2023, College of Science and Society, College of Engineering, Business and Education Music/Music Education, University of Bridgeport.