|
Event
Percussing Difference: new access to Asian voices in America through taiko and gamelan music
Free and open to the public, all ages and abilities.
Do you ever feel like an outsider? Do you feel silence about ethnicity even though you notice it every day? Ever wonder why Asian and immigrant practices of interdependence, reliance, and a humble attitude of openness give way to Orientalist stereotypes of as meekness, silence, and submission in discourses of power?
Classically-trained composer Qian Li invites you to a workshop giving voice to experiences and perspectives of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. The program features a collaborative work-in-progress incorporating Balinese gamelan, Japanese taiko, and Western contemporary styling with guest artist Joe Small. Performances will be followed by a Q&A and hands-on demo. In the discussion, we will delve into topics of perceived gender, family roles, cultural norms of independence and community support, political responsibility, and intercultural transformation through art.
For participation in the hands-on portion, please wear comfortable clothes for moving around in. No experience or ethnic, racial, or cultural identity required! All ages welcome. Please email Qian at gamelantaiko@gmail.com with questions. This project is funded by a Leeway Foundation Arts and Change Grant.
Schedule:
1. Performances of three new works 2. Discussion 3. Hands-on demo
Refreshments will be served.
Space is limited; RSVP is recommended.
About the Artists
Qian Li is a transmasculine, 1.5-generation Chinese immigrant and agent of transformation. He holds a B.A. in Music from Swarthmore College where he first encountered gamelan, studying with Thomas Whitman, and further studied with I Made Terip in Bali, Indonesia. He participated in the 2009 Oregon Bach Festival Composers Symposium in Eugene and 2010 Communities Conference at Twin Oaks Intentional Community, VA. He founded and runs Feedback Circle, a national, multidisciplinary, peer feedback group.
Guest artist Joe Small, an MFA candidate in Dance at UCLA, is ethnic Chinese and Jewish, completed his apprenticeship with taiko-drumming group KODO in Japan, and has performed in the US and Switzerland as a member of the NYC-based professional group Taikoza.
|
|
|
LocationAsian Arts Initiative
1219 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
United States
Categories
Kid Friendly: Yes! |
Dog Friendly: No |
Non-Smoking: Yes! |
Wheelchair Accessible: No |
|
Contact
|