Music and Family Field Study

 A word about "family." My definition of family consists of a variety of people. Whether blood related or platonic friendship, my family is whoever I see fit to call as such. One thing my mother always told me is that we are supposed to love everyone because that is what Jesus Christ did for all of us. If I'm close with anyone person, it is my mom. Both my parents are amazing and hey have gave me many life lessons that I will cherish and pass on. My mother and I were always close but recently these days I start to see more of myself in her more than ever. My parents have truly been my backbone outside of home. 

I find it fascinating to listen to the older folks talk about their lives as youngsters. It really brings the feeling of patience. It also gives a look into a world much different from mine today. It inspires wisdom and gives opportunity to appreciate the little things. I absolutely love talking to my parents about their childhood to teenage years because it is so cool. Their lives were so different yet so similar in simplicity. They both had different experiences with music. I decided to chat with my mom the other night about some of her musical interests and here is what I found. I will set the scene for you

Interview Question #1 "First memory of music/experience"

My ma was about four or five years old when her first music experience happened. Her uncle (my great uncle) Robert Lee babysat her cousins and her. On most mornings back in the day, people cleaned their houses while listening to music very early (sometimes my mom does this with me). A song called "Double Dutch Bus" played. It was a song that started off with a school bell ringing signaling that school was out for the day. You then heard a bus pull up and then the magical bus ride begins to happen. My mother talked about this song like it was a fun dance tune. It brought people together because of it being about bus rides mixed with music. 

Interview Question #2- "Impact of music on life/Involvement"

My mother was involved in a lot of extracurricular activities. Among those, she was involved in sports, marching band and chorus. She played the trombone in the band. She mentioned that she tried clarinet (after I laughed at her for playing trombone) but it did not suit her well. She was more interested in how the trombone worked because it was just a slide instrument. This gave her a sense of community among everyone who played music. She talked about how people were empowered. People learned to love and introduced them to all types of music like Disco. 

My mother also grew up Christian and still practices it today. Christian music taught her the love of God. One thing I know for sure, Church was NOT optional. She tells me all about how my grandma did not play when it came to church. My mother also talked about how "she loved to hear the old folks in the church sing and march." Plenty of times in my life I have experienced exactly what she meant. I can remember every Sunday being tired and just wanting to sleep in but my cousins and I couldn't because our grandma would force us up and out. I can only imagine how it was for my mother back in the day. I am thankful for these strong Christian women in my life though. I really feel the love of God through my family. 

Interview Question #3- "Popular Music/Technology/Meaning of Music"

My mother grew up during the 80s and 90s. Most of her influential years were from 1985-2000. She mainly listened to Rhythm and Blues of the 80s and 90s. Most 80s she listened to were from Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross. She used a Walkman and a portable CD player to enjoy her favorite music. She mentioned that high school was where she was most impressionable. I can relate to that because high school is the time where you find yourself searching for who you are. Music to her back then meant having a good time. "When you get off of work after a hard week, you could just unwind and have fun with your friends at the club." She has the same mentality besides clubbing lol. She would rather listen to music than watch tv because it relaxes her thoughts. I can not tell you how many times I have come home and there is no tv on, only music from her heavy duty speakers. One song in particular that I would hear would be "Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey. 

To bring everything full circle, I asked my mom what was her connection to music and to my surprise she said.... FAMILY lol. Everyone's family is different. Music influences everyone. My musical taste has spilled over from my parents. Thanks to them, I feel like I have an old soul. Now let's give thanks to the woman behind the interview, my mom and one of best friends, Mrs. Catherine Suber.