Many world cultures have their own unique festivals. Music often plays an important role in these cultural practices. Through celebrating festivals, one can experience the vibrant musical
heritage of the culture. In this workshop, participants will learn about World Music Pedagogy
and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy through singing, dancing and drumming to Japanese
music for three festivals. Obon Matsuri commemorates spirits of the dead returning
home. Hinamatsuri is a family celebration of the health and happiness of young girls, also known as Doll’s Day or Girl’s Day. Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is the fire festival where there are parades of large lantern floats. The taiko drumming, songs and dances are typical in expressing the community spirit of Japanese people and creating a bond among all participants during the celebration. By experiencing these festive activities, one can gain insight into the cultural stories of Japan and the symbols that these Japanese festivals represent.
Target Audience
Elementary, Middle and High School General Music
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Lily Chen-Hafteck
UCLA
Lily Chen-Hafteck is currently Professor and Chair of Music Education at the University of California, Los Angeles. Originally from Hong Kong, she holds Ph.D. in music education from the University of Reading, U.K. and received postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Pretoria, South Africa and University of Surrey Roehampton, U.K. She is a Fulbright Scholar, featured in numerous publications, including Oxford Handbook of Music Education, Oxford Handbook of Children’s Musical Cultures and Sage Handbook of School Music Education. She was a keynote speaker at various international conferences in China, Cyprus and the U.K. She provided leadership for the International Society for Music Education as member of its Board of Directors, as Chair of Early Childhood Commission and Young Professional Focus Group, and is currently the Chair of Music in Schools and Teacher Education Commission. Recently, she completed her term as the Global Music Representative of CMEA.
Emily Taylor
UCLA
Emily Taylor is a 4th-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles, studying Music Education with an emphasis on Violin. She started her music journey at age eight participating in ensembles throughout Los Angeles. She has participated in the Montecito International Music Festival and the MusicAlp International French Academy studying under world renowned teachers and performers. She attended Santa Monica High School where she was a member of the Symphony and Chamber Orchestra participating in tours to Argentina, Uruguay, and New York as well as participating in CASMEC. She is currently working towards a Music Education degree with teaching credentials.