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Event 1 Blog: Fowler Out Loud

Science, Technology, and Music: 
           How Are They Related?
Image of Music and Science

I attended this event with the assumption that I would learn, through the contents and theme of the concert, how arts and sciences are intertwined. Contrary to my assumption, I experienced, rather than bluntly learn about, the amalgamation of music (arts) and science that is prevalent around us. More specifically, I was able to witness how the arts and sciences are intertwined, especially through the use of technology, as Professor Vesna taught in Unit 1. 

The event was a simple concert featuring Jungle Rhythm, a local band that performed various hip-hop songs about a wide variety of topics including politics, comedy, and love. Although the performance was very pleasurable, the content of the performance had little to do with what we’ve learned so far in this course. However, the bigger picture concerning the overarching concept of music was what I could relate to the materials we have learned thus far. 

Photo of Performance, Lead Singer with Cello

Firstly, music utilizes science. As the lead singer of Jungle Rhythm played his enormous cello to accompany his singing, I realized that the sounds emanated from his, and all other, instruments would not be possible without the study and application of science. From the chemistry of the materials of the instruments to the physics of sound and vibrations, science is what allows the essence of music to be possible in the first place (OpenLearn). 

Secondly, music is complemented by the use of technology. In fact, I was only able to enjoy the performance at Fowler Museum thanks to the existence of technology in our lives. For example, the musical instruments used by the performers were accompanied by microphones and speakers that intensified the magnitude of the sounds that I was enjoying. Without the presence of this technology, I would not have been able to enjoy the elegant sounds created by the musical instruments and the performers. Additionally, Naziri labels this relationship between music and technology as a marriage. She explains that technology allows musicians to embrace, discover, and innovate the field of music. This is especially relevant in the widely-loved music genre of Electronic Dance Music. 
Overall, this event allowed me to recognize how prevalent, yet not obvious, the connection between arts and sciences are, especially in music. The event was also very interesting to watch, and I would definitely recommend other students to attend events like such if they ever get a chance! It’s free, too! 
Works Cited
Naziri, Jessica. “When Music and Technology Collide.” TechCrunch, TechCrunch, 15 Sept. 2016, techcrunch.com/2016/09/15/when-music-and-technology-collide/.
Openlearn. “The Science of Making Musical Instruments.” OpenLearn, The Open University, 28 Jan. 2008, www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/science/physics-and-astronomy/physics/the-science-making-musical-instruments.
Vesna, Victoria. “Toward a Third Culture: Being in Between.” JSTOR, MIT Press, 1 Jan. 2001, links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0024-094X%282001%2934%3A2%3C121%3ATATCBI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-3.

Bibliography
ArtsEdge, Kennedy Center. “The Kennedy Center: ARTSEDGE - the National Arts and Education Network.” ARTSEDGE: Connections: Science and Music, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts , artsedge.kennedy-center.org/students/features/connections/science-and-music.
“Image of Music and Science.” ArtsEdge, The Kennedy Center, artsedge.kennedy-center.org/students/features/connections/science-and-music.
Naziri, Jessica. “When Music and Technology Collide.” TechCrunch, TechCrunch, 15 Sept. 2016, techcrunch.com/2016/09/15/when-music-and-technology-collide/.
“The Science of Making Musical Instruments.” OpenLearn, The Open University, 28 Jan. 2008, www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/science/physics-and-astronomy/physics/the-science-making-musical-instruments.
Vesna, Victoria. “Toward a Third Culture: Being in Between.” JSTOR, MIT Press, 1 Jan. 2001, links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0024-094X%282001%2934%3A2%3C121%3ATATCBI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-3.

Proof of Attendance

Selfie at performance
Photo of event flier
Photo of Performance

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