Abstract This paper examines how drumming historically has been used as a means of communication and how marching percussion has followed suit. It looks at how marching percussion has evolved in large part from the military drum lines of history; drummers were used during the Revolutionary War and Civil War to keep armies in line and to signal friends. It shows how the marching percussion has evolved from a simple group of military drummers to a group of civilian musicians that pound out orchestral quality music, still communicating to the public, whether in the form of a school's cheer, a warrior's status or cheer, or public message information.
From the Paper "The marching percussion can now be found in schools, universities, organizations, federal establishments and still in the military. The formation of the marching percussion has changed from the simplistic 10 man line up of early military times. The most basic marching percussion section now has 5 areas that incorporate the following: snare drums, tenor drums, bass drums, cymbals and a "pit" or area on the sideline with any other related musical fare (Rhythmspice, 1999). The equipment used in marching percussion has also changed with time. The heads of snare drums are typically bulletproof and made of very durable material that is durable, because the plastic head of old used to stretch and cause problems with sound quality (Rhythmspice, 1999)."
Abstract This paper chronicles the journeys of self-discovery taken by the title books' protagonists and their different approaches to them. Touched-on, is whether the illumination gained is worth the price paid, and whether the ends of discovery justify the means taken to discover.
From the Paper "Self-discovery is often an important theme in western literature. There is something about watching characters figure out the workings of their souls through a torturous story that appeals to readers who perhaps wish they knew their own inner needs as well as the characters they read about know theirs. African-American literature in particular deals with the issue of self-discovery"or, more correctly, self-revelation. W.E.B. DuBoise spoke of the double-consciousness of the Negro, and all of the books read this semester have focused, in one way or another, on penetrating into the double-consciousness and releasing the caged portion of it, the portion that society never gets to see"the portion that is the most human. "
Abstract Members of the peyote religion use a small hallucinogenic cactus, known as a peyote, during a very intricate ceremony to induce visions or gain insight to cure illness, gain knowledge, and seek guidance. The paper begins with a brief history of the religion and proceeds to explain how it was founded and by whom, in which area it was founded and is practiced, and how it spread so quickly. The relationship with Christianity is explained, and a detailed and accurate description of the peyote ceremony is given. The paper also looks at the current state of the religion in the United States.
From the Paper "To some it is as if this 'divine cactus' were actually transporting part of them to another world. In the ceremonies of the Native American Church, peyote is the prime element or sacrament whereby the participants can communicate with God." (Anderson 79) Peyote is a small cactus, also referred to as a button, found mainly in northern Mexico, (Marriott 37) and is a hallucinogenic plant used for divination, curing, meditation, and for the relief of hunger and physical comfort. For members of the Native American Church, "Peyote is sacred and not to be used for curiosity or amusement, nor casually by people who are not members of the church. It is to be taken ritually, in the right place, at the right time, in the right manner, and for a purpose. It is a sacrament." (Aberle 18) Members of the peyote religion take peyote during a very intricate ceremony to induce visions or gain insight to cure illness, gain knowledge and seek guidance (193-194)."
Abstract This paper explains that "The Doors" were formed in 1965 by Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison, later adding guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore. The author points out that Jim's lyrics and poetry were very dark and disturbing pieces; he was a symbol of rebellion and turned his rebellion into a movement with his dramatic, mesmerizing stage performances, which accompanied his deep songs: The concerts would change from a musical performance to a political rally in minuets. The paper concludes that, against censorship, authority and "the norm", Morrison was on a destructive path of drugs and an early death but the 27 year hurricane that was Jim and "The Doors" left a permanent stamp on society
From the Paper "Although out of hands at times, in his younger years, Morrison was also a very bright student, and scored high in mostly all of his classes, especially English. He ended up attending Florida State University for a semester and when that didn't work out he transferred to UCLA where he studied subliminal films. Growing up in the L.A. area exposed Morrison to a diverse way of life. This was the time period when he formed many drug addictions from "experiments" to further his creativity. He finished up his college years in Venice Beach, California where he met a fellow subliminal film student from UCLA named Ray Manzarek. One day one the beach before sunset Ray asked to read some of his poems and lyrics in a journal Morrison kept the rest... is history."
Abstract This paper analyzes the characters and plots in John Le Carre's novels, "The Honourable Schoolboy" and "The Little Drummer Girl" to shed some light on the author's view of international affairs. The paper explains that, from Le Carre's point of view, international affairs are dehumanizing from all sides concerned and offer no justice.
From the Paper "John Le Carre's perception of international affairs is one of intense disillusionment. Through the novels, The Honourable Schoolboy and The Little Drummer Girl, Le Carre shows the reader that the world is devoid of a political ideology. In these novels, international affairs arise from the encounters between Smiley and Charlie and the raging forces of international affairs. These encounters resonate a sadness and empathy for the human condition. A few critics have labeled Le Carre's view of international politics as "baroque." With his character George Smiley, Le Carre holds a clean mirror to the face of the secret intelligence agency, illuminating a turmoil. George Smiley tries to uphold a degree of principles as does Charlie, but they are no match for the rising flood that pushes them toward losing their principles. Both Smiley and Charlie are the outsiders, who continually attempt to do the right thing. Since there have been many times duty to country or group beliefs have caused many atrocities, Le Carre makes clear that it is more important to have individual principles than any duty to anyone or anything. Through Smiley and Charlie, Le Carre shows how international affairs are demoralized and perilous."
This paper reviews Susan Gordon Lydon's novel "The Knitting Sutra - Craft as a Spiritual Practice" and also delves into the private life of the author.
1,005 words (approx. 4 pages), 0 sources, 2006, $ 35.95
Abstract This paper examines the novel "The Knitting Sutra - Craft as a Spiritual Practice," written by Susan Gordon Lydon. The writer of this paper also discusses personal details of the author's background and describes how the art of knitting wove its way through Lydon's life and helped her get off drugs and stay sober. For Lydon, the craft is an obsession, a meditation, a challenge, a chance for peace of mind and a way to quiet the mind. This paper explores the novel's vivid imagery and spirituality. This paper discusses the author's firm refusal to just blindly follow anything, even the patterns for her knitting projects, which makes her a thinking person's rebel. The book is peppered with quotes from an astonishing range of sources including Sitting Bull, singer Boz Scaggs, author Clarissa Pinkola Estes and Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart.
From the Paper "The Knitting Sutra is a story of a woman, as women are rarely seen, one who owns herself. Her humor and passion shine throughout. If you would like to spark your mind and get it swirling with ideas, no matter if you read this through the eyes of a knitter or not, give this thought-provoking, richly written book a try. Susan's insatiable need for enlightenment and spiritual truth may wear you out at times, but it may also challenge your perspective on many, many things. You may even find yourself revisiting that unfinished sweater in your closet or that unfinished story in your desk drawer. The lesson - you never stop learning and you must never stop living...the two are inevitably intertwined."
Abstract This paper describes the author's ancestral history, beginning with three hundred years ago when his ancestors lived in Senegal. The paper relates the entire saga of his family history from their lives in Senegal, to the kidnapping of one of the family members by another African tribe to be sold as a slave to a British slave trader, to the arrival of that slave to North Carolina. The paper continues by describing subsequent generations born in the US and ends with the writer's birth in 1925.
From the Paper "Great-grandfather Louis was very intelligent - and had a talent for music. Maybe that was from old Mbiti, who was forbidden to play drums as a slave. Louis was trained to be what they called a "house negro" - sort of a butler for a highbrow family. Well, old Pete Devereaux was a drunk, and his affairs caught up with him. Eventually, everything was sold off - including my great-grandfather."
Tags:drummer plantation light-skinned, first freeborn black, ragtime
