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Kevin Medina- Taylor Swift 'Shake it Off' 

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Kevin Medina- Taylor Swift 'Shake it Off' 

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-Taylor Swift makes headlines anytime she shares new projects and is known as the most famous American artist in the 21st century.

-A common theme found in her music is feeling confident and empowered to take on any obstacles in life. Her music also promotes female empowerment.

-Any song she produces usually reflects American values and ideologies that make her music relatable and popular.

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Kevin Medina- John Coltrane 'Giant Steps' 

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Kevin Medina- John Coltrane 'Giant Steps' 

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-Jazz is considered "America's Classical Music", and I believe John Coltrane is the one of the top jazz artists one cant think of.

-Jazz is a genre that borrowed from so many cultures and styles that reflects the melting pot of cultures America is known for.

-John Coltrane was born in Hamplet, North Carolina and experienced segregation. He later used his music as a response to the racial violence happening at the time.

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John Coltrane - Giant Steps (2020 Remaster) [Official Audio]

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I agree that this song feels distinctly American. Regardless of what is going on, most Americans remain very proud of their country, and they look to focus on the good.

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Hey Hannah, I definitely agree that country music has a distinct American feel to it, and this song details a lot of what Americans still go through today.

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Hancock-Response to "Fanfare for the Common Man"

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Hancock-Response to "Fanfare for the Common Man"

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I do not know how I didn't know this was written for the WWII effort. It makes complete sense now that I know. This piece feels as close to American propaganda as I've ever heard. However, before knowing the background, I interpreted it as inspiration to all the blue collar workers in the Americas. It does a great job of feeling important without having any sparkle or something extra. And I think that aspect is what keeps it as a classic American piece 80 years after the war.

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I absolutely agree. I used a different Kendrick song but I think both are perfect examples. The Kendrick and Drake beef is as close to the East and West Coast rivalry as I think we will every get again. And Kendrick creating such a perfect West Coast anthem was a perfect way to end the battle. I'm very excited to hear all the marching band arrangements this season!

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I love this song and agree it is so American. CCR's sound is so iconic and American. I think the song also represents Freedom of Speech and protest, which is such a fundamental part of the American people.

Also, I don't who said this, but I remember hearing an interview where someone said, "if you need an audience to know you are in Vietnam and the American is the good guy, you put Fortunate Son as the opening track."

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Stanford Hancock-"Alright" by Kendrick Lamar

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Stanford Hancock-"Alright" by Kendrick Lamar

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Alright was released in 2015 on Kendrick's "To Pimp a Butterfly" album. The song is a dichotomy of American music. On one hand, the instrumental is a perfect fusion of Jazz and West Coast Rap. Live saxophone and heavy drum machines are featured and makes the song exciting, even when Kendrick isn't rapping. While the instrumental itself is a celebration of two great genres of American music, Kendrick is rapping about his experience as a Black man in America in 2013-2015. This time period is heavily influenced by the Black Lives Matter movement, George Floyd being killed, and the general distrust in police. Kendrick raps about his struggles with success, feelings of guilt, and makes reference to previous tracks off the album about trying to uplift his community. The chorus was the anthem of the year as Kendrick told his community everything was going to be "alright." I think this song embodies the American experience from all sides, good and bad.

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Stanford Hancock-"Hoe-Down" from Rodeo by Aaron Copeland

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Stanford Hancock-"Hoe-Down" from Rodeo by Aaron Copeland

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When I think about great "American" music, I think of Aaron Copeland. The Hoe-Down is an American folk dance found in many parts of the U.S. but is most well known in Appalachia. The dance, just like the Copeland version, is fast and in a jig style. Outside of the obvious musical terms, this movement sounds American. Much like blue grass and the Mississippi blues, I don't think that sound exists anywhere else on Earth.

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NYO-USA Performs Copland’s “Hoe-Down” from Rodeo

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Scharfenberg- Response to "Party in the USA"

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Scharfenberg- Response to "Party in the USA"

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This song is a super fun reflection of American pop and country music. I agree that it is a good representation of what music Americans are currently listening to, and is not as overly esoteric as more traditional compositions can be.

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“Deep River” by Moses Hogan is a somber reflection of American music and history. This piece is a prime example of the uniquely American tradition of African American spirituals, which combine African and European influences to create beautiful pieces that speak of freedom, heartbreak, and hope. This blend of cultures and styles aligns with the American “melting pot” mentality, in which a blend of people from around the world come together to create a diverse and beautiful whole. This piece is also a paradigm of American music because it was arranged by the esteemed composer, Moses Hogan. Hogan was originally from New Orleans, Louisiana and had a rich career in arranging traditional spirituals into choral arrangements. These pieces are now performed around the world as a showcase of a uniquely American style. Lastly, I chose a traditional spiritual because songs of the genre inspired so many other American musical traditions. From spirituals we evolved to creating blues music, then jazz, rock n’ roll, pop, etc. The foundations for each were laid by the spirituals sung by the enslaved people of the south. There are many more excellent examples of American music to be heard, but I find that the two I mentioned above together showcase the humor, eccentricity, history, and originality of the music of this nation.

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Deep River - Prairie Voices (arr. Moses Hogan)

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Scharfenberg- Response to "Dos Oroguitas"

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Scharfenberg- Response to "Dos Oroguitas"

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I absolutely adore this song! I also think that it is a good representation of American music, even though it is inspired by Colombian music because what is America if not a melting pot of different styles and influences? Great work!

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The two pieces I find encapsulate my view of American music are “Godzilla Eats Las Vegas!” by Eric Whitacre and “Deep River” by Moses Hogan. These pieces, while contrasting in sound and style, align with Marin Alsop’s view that American music is both “boisterous and not always refined” and “ecumenical, embracing, inclusive, and absolutely thrilling”.

I chose to include the campy and somewhat outrageous piece “Godzilla Eats Las Vegas” because I feel that it aligns with the view that American music often has a sense of humor. As someone who has witnessed this piece be performed in a very serious concert venue, I found that I was laughing loudly with the rest of the audience by the end of the song. This ability to not take oneself too seriously feels tremendously American, as our country has always been freer from the confines of tradition than our European counterparts. Within this instrumental piece, the band members are also encouraged to use their instruments and voices in unconventional ways to depict this over-the-top scene. This type of originality and fearlessness in trying new things is a pillar of the American ideal and frequently makes its way into its music. Lastly, “Godzilla Eats Las Vegas” is reminiscent of classic Hollywood movies with its antics and over-dramatized storyline. The movie industry has long been dominated by America, and this song calls back to the long-held tradition of storytelling in our country.

In contrast, “Deep River” by Moses Hogan is a far more somber reflection of American music and history. This piece is a prime example of the uniquely American tradition of African American spirituals, which combine African and European influences to create beautiful pieces that speak of freedom, heartbreak, and hope. This blend of cultures and styles aligns with the American “melting pot” mentality, in which a blend of people from around the world come together to create a diverse and beautiful whole. This piece is also a paradigm of American music because it was arranged by the esteemed composer, Moses Hogan. Hogan was originally from New Orleans, Louisiana and had a rich career in arranging traditional spirituals into choral arrangements. These pieces are now performed around the world as a showcase of a uniquely American style. Lastly, I chose a traditional spiritual because songs of the genre inspired so many other American musical traditions. From spirituals we evolved to creating blues music, then jazz, rock n’ roll, pop, etc. The foundations for each were laid by the spirituals sung by the enslaved people of the south. There are many more excellent examples of American music to be heard, but I find that the two I mentioned above together showcase the humor, eccentricity, history, and originality of the music of this nation.

YouTube Links:

Deep River https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AvuEme5KQ8

Godzilla Eats Las Vegas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpSo0qm-9zY

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Eric Whitacre - Godzilla Eats Las Vegas! (1996) [Score-Video]

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I find it extremely difficult to find classical pieces of music that sound “American” because there is no definitive way of describing the “American” sound and characteristics. Tom Huizenga and Marin Alsop both gave valid points and I find it difficult to stand with either argument definitively. Tom’s argument that American music has a boisterous sound and can easy stand out from a French composition is true at times; However, Marin’s point that American sound is a “melting Pot of styles” is not wrong either. In regards to “classical” I will agree that American composers can blur the lines, but outside of classical music there is definitely a distinct difference in sounds. If I had to step outside of the classical realm and pick two pieces that give an American style after reading both sides, I would pick: Summertime from Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin and Death by Triple Fiddle by Edgar Meyer, Joshua Bell, and Mike Marshall.

Summertime – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2bigf337aU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii_YKr5UhAU

Death by Triple Fiddle – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rN4c-AjsEc

Jazz and Bluegrass/Country are two very distinct American styles in my opinion. In both Summertime and Death By Triple Fiddle there are liberties allowed in the music that are not specifically written but are accepted. Specifically, with Summertime I included 2 links to show the differences of how the same piece could be performed in a way that one is more structured while the other is a looser style. Also sliding into pitches as a singer is much more accepted than with other styles and genres. The choice of instruments in the ensembles make a very distinct sound for jazz. In Death By The Triple the string ensemble is not standard. It’s 3 violin, double bass, and banjo. The banjo definitely adds a unique American quality. Also, a large portion of this piece is completely improvised, which is not an element commonly used in classical Western composition.

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Hannah Cavender - "Take the A Train" Response

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Hannah Cavender - "Take the A Train" Response

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Great choice! Duke Ellington's discography is insanely large. He is responsible for writing so many great "standards" of the jazz genre. Jazz is one of the most "American" genres.

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Hannah Cavender - "Hypotheticals" Response

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Hannah Cavender - "Hypotheticals" Response

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Lake Street Dive is one of my all-time favorite bands. I agree that their sound feels very American, as it is a blend of so many different genres. So many of their songs could be a great answer for this prompt as they just talk about typical American experiences. Great band!

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Hannah Cavender - "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton

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Hannah Cavender - "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton

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Country music feels particularly American and Dolly Parton is the epitome of that.

The song is about how we are so focused on working to make a living that we aren't able to enjoy the living we make.

It also points out how hard it can be to climb the ladder and make a decent wage in America (especially as a woman in 1980). The song also inspired a movie musical, starring Dolly.

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Hannah Cavender - "American Guernica" by Adolphus Hailstork

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Hannah Cavender - "American Guernica" by Adolphus Hailstork

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Written in remembrance of the 1963 fire-bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL, in which 4 young girls were killed and 22 others were injured. This was a hate crime against the black community committed by members of the KKK.

The name of the piece was inspired by Picaso’s painting “Guernica” about the 1937 bombing of the Spanish village by Nazi German and Fascist Italian planes in  which many women and children were needlessly killed.

I believe this piece is very American because of the direct relation to the racial turmoil and violence so deeply embedded in our country.

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American Guernica - Hodgson Wind Ensemble

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Lino-Raye Saenz - "Concerto for Wind Ensemble" 

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Lino-Raye Saenz - "Concerto for Wind Ensemble" 

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I remember following this piece being put together at UGA on their social media accounts. I think it is very unique that there is so much variety in the music. It reminds me of the melting pot that America is considered to be since there are so many cultures/ways of life here. Dr. Hartenberger is an excellent educator who has always been very mindful of how she and her ensembles approach this type of music.

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Lino-Raye Saenz - "This is America" response

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Lino-Raye Saenz - "This is America" response

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I remember when this song came out, and it significantly impacted American culture. I agree that it is a very American song, as it targeted the social climate of the time and promoted an active discussion on these issues.

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David Knight - "Overture to Candide" - Leonard Bernstein

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David Knight - "Overture to Candide" - Leonard Bernstein

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"Overture to Candide" was of course written by an American and features American themes we experience everyday, such as social and political issues. Socially, Candide provides a critique of the oppression of women at the time, which to this day is still an issue modern women face almost 70 years later. Politically, Candide provides a critique of how money corrupts politics and how the political party in power will oppress those not in power, which is again an issue we face 70 years later still.

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Candide Overture: Leonard Bernstein conducting

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David Knight - "R.O.C.K. in the USA" - John Mellencamp

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David Knight - "R.O.C.K. in the USA" - John Mellencamp

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The lyrics tell a story of how people used to give up everything they had for the musical version of the "American Dream". Moving from their homes, selling all their possessions, and meeting strangers with the same goal in an effort to make a living making music. On the other hand, the song also is a critique of how corporate greed has corrupted the musical landscape to the point where people aren't gambling their lives on the "American Dream" for the love of music anymore and they are just trying to become famous as quickly as possible. My family used to listen to this song (and many others like it) when we were out on the lake during the summer or while shooting off fireworks during the 4th of July, so it also has an ingrained patriotism to it for myself personally.

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R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A. (A Salute To 60's Rock)

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Response to Ray Charles- “America the Beautiful”

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Response to Ray Charles- “America the Beautiful”

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This truly is a classic, patriotic American piece.  And, who better than Ray Charles to sing it?  I agree that this is a perfect example of a piece that not only sounds American, but also portrays American history through the song lyrics.  Great choice! :)

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Response to Duke Ellington and John Coltrane “In a Sentimental Mood”

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Response to Duke Ellington and John Coltrane “In a Sentimental Mood”

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I absolutely love Duke Ellington and John Coltrane.  I agree that they were two of the best American jazz music artists.  I particularly love their harmonies and improvisation in this piece.  Thank you for sharing! :)

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The jazz composer Duke Ellington helped American jazz music soar.

Jazz music originated in America and Duke’s compositions helped set the bar for other American jazz composers to follow.

This piece is high-energy and full of life, which makes it great American music!

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Duke Ellington and his Orchestra - Take The A Train (1962) [Official Video]

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Country is a genre that originated in America, so this is a top pick for me!

According to Marin Alsop in his interview with Tom Huizenga, American music is highly upbeat and energetic, both of these characteristics are portrayed in Lynryd Skynrd’s song “Sweet Home Alabama”.

I remember singing this song at the top of my lungs as a child when my family would go on road trips, especially if we happened to be crossing through Alabama. Lynyrd Skynyrd is the epitome of American music artists.

Sources:

Huizenga, T. (2011, June 30). What Makes Music American? NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2011/06/30/137527038/what-makes-music-american

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Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd - High Quality - Lyrics

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Lake Street Dive is a group whose music, I believe, blends genres. I think of this song as American because of the artists, sound, and I believe there’s an attitude in the lyrics that is American. First, the band hails from Boston, Massachusetts, where the original members met during their time at the New England Conservatory of Music. Next, the song blends elements of Funk, Jazz, and R&B, all American genres that stem from Black American traditions. Lastly, to me, there is just something about the attitude from the lyrics that feels like someone would deem it an American way of thinking. The song speaks in “hypotheticals,” saying let’s give this a try because I know we’ll like it. It’s just an odd certainty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGQWnWgr8Nk

Of Our New Day Begun – Omar Thomas

This has become one of my favorite band pieces! Whenever I hear it, talk about it, or think about it, the best word I can use to describe it is "heavy." The reason I believe it to be American (in no particular order) is because it was written to commemorate the nine lives lost in the mass shooting at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (known as "Mother Emanuel) in Charleston, South Carolina. Next, the piece relies heavily on the sounds of Gospel and Blues music, which are inherently American because of their ties to Black music traditions tied to slavery and the church. Lastly, the piece incorporates "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the Black National Anthem, all throughout. I think this piece is excellent at showing through the different moods that our country endures with the constant, unnecessary violence we continue to see in our communities, whether it be racially motivated or not. In our country, we are constantly dealing with shock, awe, pain, anger, loss, and hope as we are all subjected to these historical events, and we see little or no action afterward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uumlUtrAimk

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Sarah Quayle - "This Is America" response

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Sarah Quayle - "This Is America" response

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I remember when this song and music video first came out. It felt like an isolated moment in American history where Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) was calling out all of the corrupt aspects of America. While the patriotic songs are a proud aspect of American history, I believe this song and others like it are just as representative. Being able to express your own opinion on your country is a privilege that not every country has. Thus, this song is truly American.

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Sarah Quayle - "Rhapsody in Blue" response

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Sarah Quayle - "Rhapsody in Blue" response

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I appreciate this post, as I also believe it depicts America's culture. The creation of this piece was inspired by the melting post of different cultures in America. The piece's appearance on several important American occasions continues to support the idea that this piece is representative of American culture.

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I find this song to be American because it is created by an American artist. Additionally, it depicts how marginalized groups experience America. The emphasis on money gives insight into how pervasive capitalism is in this country.

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Childish Gambino - This Is America (Official Video)

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I find this piece to be American because it is our national march. The title also references the American Flag. The title’s inclusion of the word forever also references the pride that average Americans have when it comes to their country.

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SOUSA The Stars and Stripes Forever - "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band

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1. It is in the Jazz genre, which originated in America.

2. “Jazz Pizzicato” was composed by a composer born in Massachusetts, Leroy Anderson.

3. Leroy Anderson had a great career with the Boston Pops.  The Boston Pops brought classical music to many people in America.

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1. This is a classic patriotic song that celebrates America.

2. Ray Charles is an American artist that sings Jazz, Soul and Blues, which are styles that are considered to originate in America.  This rendition of “America The Beautiful” is very bluesy and filled with emotion.

3. The verses talk about American history and the unity of the nation.

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Ray Charles - America The Beautiful (Official Video)

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"Fanfare for the Common Man" - Aaron Copland

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"Fanfare for the Common Man" - Aaron Copland

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Aaron Copland is an American composer born in Brooklyn, New York

The piece was written to honor the “common man” who had to go to war during WWII

The piece was written as a contribution to the “war effort” during WWII

Aaron Copland + fanfare for the common man. The Kennedy Center. (n.d.). https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/music/aaron-copland--fanfare-for-the-common-man/

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Fanfare for the Common Man - “The Presidents Own®” U.S. Marine Band®

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Hip-hop rivalries are a very prominent part of the American rap scene. This was popularized from the 1970s to the 1990s with the rivalry between the East Coast and West Coast hip-hop scenes, but it has had a pretty stark revival amongst artists in the past 10 years, such as in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” song, which is in response to Drake’s “6:16 in LA.”

It has a very distinctive West Coast (California) hip-hop style and flow.

This song has been widely accepted in American culture, including performances by numerous HBCU marching bands and performances at numerous American sporting events.

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JT Lonzanida - Party in the U.S.A. Response

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JT Lonzanida - Party in the U.S.A. Response

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I like that the lyrics of this song can be interpreted as distinctly American when we think about it through the lens of the Huizenga article. It's not just about a party and having fun, but about being comfortable in an unfamiliar place. What's more American than exploring new frontiers and making ourselves at home in those places?

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JT Lonzanida - Appalachian Spring Response

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JT Lonzanida - Appalachian Spring Response

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Even though this is a theme and variations, I like that the variations keep perfect intervals in the accompaniment. My saxophone professor in undergrad told me that these intervals are characteristic of American folk music. While experimenting with the compositional possibilities of this old American Shaker hymn, this piece stays true to the compositional core to keep it sounding distinctly American throughout.

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The composer, Kevin Day, utilizes his knowledge of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and gospel music to create this masterpiece. This blend of genres is reminiscent of American culture as the country is often referred to as a melting pot of different cultures.

In the composer notes, Day discusses how his intention of the composition was to "to write something that reflected my upbringing as a young black man and the musical culture that I grew up in, which hasn’t always been represented in concert band music." This encompasses the idea of the American dream - being able to express yourself fully and unapologetically.

This piece was premiered by the Hodgson Wind Ensemble at the University of Georgia. The piece was conducted by Jackie Hartenberger.

“Concerto for Wind Ensemble.” Wind Repertory Project, www.windrep.org/Concerto_for_Wind_Ensemble_(Day). Accessed 21 Aug. 2024.

Huizenga, Tom. “What Makes Music American?” NPR, NPR, 30 June 2011, www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2011/06/30/137527038/what-makes-music-american.

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Kevin Day: Concerto for Wind Ensemble - UGA Wind Ensemble, Jackie Hartenberger

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This song was written in response to an American invasion of Iraq in March of 2003. The music video highlights the country's negligence towards their own citizens and focus on wars overseas. This song details political issues occurring in the United States of America in the lyrics:

"Overseas, yeah, we tryna stop terrorism

But we still got terrorists here livin'

In the USA, the big CIA

The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK"

This specific cover was recorded in Manchester. Ariana Grande, an American artist, had recently had a shooting at one of her concerts in Manchester. To help cover medical bills of those affected by the shooting, Ariana hosted a fundraiser and brought in several famous American artists. America's resilience and ability to band together in another country after adversity is shown through this performance.

This song fits into the rap genre, which originated in the United States in the late 20th century.

Huizenga, Tom. “What Makes Music American?” NPR, NPR, 30 June 2011, www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2011/06/30/137527038/what-makes-music-american.

“Where Is the Love?” University of Pittsburgh Library System, Voices Across the Line, voices.pitt.edu/TeachersGuide/Unit10/Where%20is%20the%20Love.htm. Accessed 21 Aug. 2024.

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Black Eyed Peas and Ariana Grande - Where Is The Love (One Love Manchester)

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Thomas' celebration of culturally black American music is an example of mixing popular (in this case, blues, jazz, R&B, and gospel) and "serious" styles (not just music composed for a wind ensemble setting, but also music inspired by Bach) (Thomas, 2018). Marin Alsop claims that this mixture, while perhaps a stereotype, is a characteristic of American music (Huizenga, 2011).

On Thomas' website, he writes about this piece, "To all the black musicians in wind ensemble who were given opportunity after opportunity to celebrate everyone else’s music but our own - I see you and I am you. This one’s for the culture!" (Thomas, 2018). This statement represents the values of access and inclusion that Marin Alsop claims are American values (Huizenga, 2011).

I think this particular performance would be what Huizenga describes as "boisterous and not always refined," (2011), which I think is appropriate in light of the American history of independence and departing from tradition.

References

Hizenga, T. (2011, June 30). What Makes Music American? NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2011/06/30/137527038/what-makes-music-american

Thomas, O. (2018). Come Sunday. https://www.omarthomas.com/come-sunday

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FAMU Wind Symphony | "Come Sunday" (2023)

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Though the music from "Encanto" was inspired by Columbian genres (Flores, 2021), "Dos Oruguitas" was written by an American composer - Lin-Manuel Miranda - who wrote lyrics about creating one's own future and embracing the unknown in the chorus. This has a direct correlation with Marin Alsop's claims that American music 1.) melts styles and themes together and 2.) is tied to ideals such as possibility and overcoming life's challenges (Huizenga, 2011).

In the movie version of the song (linked above), the music ends on an augmented chord without resolving. Along with the lyrics, the fact that an augmented chord has the potential to resolve in different ways highlights the idea of possibility (Ho, 2022).

The tone painting of the point above is also an example of Miranda mixing the popular Columbian genres with the "serious" nature of Western classical music, another claim that Marin Alsop made about American music (Huizenga, 2011).

References

Flores, G. (2021, November 22). Inside the Music of Disney’s ‘Encanto’ With Lin-Manuel Miranda: ‘Anytime We Lean Into Authenticity, We Win’. Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/disney-encanto-music-lin-manuel-miranda-interview-1235001473/

Ho, H. [Howard Ho]. (2022, February 5). The Secret Meaning of Encanto's Dos Oruguitas & Why It's Amazing. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lntYjsU8KkI&t=892s

Huizenga, T. (2011, June 30). What Makes Music American? NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2011/06/30/137527038/what-makes-music-american

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Sebastián Yatra - Dos Oruguitas (From "Encanto")

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When this song was recorded, it had all of the best American artist's of the world performing in it.

The different voices and genre types of the singers created a unique blend identical to how America has a unique blend of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds.

"We Are The World" is the American counterpart to "Do They Know It's Christmas" which was a charity song performed by british superstars a year prior.

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USA for Africa We are the World Response

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USA for Africa We are the World Response

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I think that this is a great piece that was very "American" in nature. Having all the best and most popular artists join in for this song was very influential. It not only shows the different types of voices (cultures and actual stylistic voices), but how America, especially music at the time, held a lot of weight in the way people did contribute or were asked to contribute to humanitarian efforts.

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George Gershwin - Rhapsody In Blue

On a train ride to Boston, Gershwin first came up with the idea of this piece while listening to the sounds all around. The sounds were described as a musical melting pot of America.

Disney's "Fantasia 2000" animates the piece to tell the story of different classes of American citizens.

In 1984, when the summer olympics were hosted in Los Angeles, the ceremony "Music of America" came to a climax with Gershwin's piece performed on 84 pianos at the same time.

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Mattson- Response to Gershwin "Rhapsody In Blue"

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Mattson- Response to Gershwin "Rhapsody In Blue"

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I think this is a great example of American music. It is a classic jazz piece that is fast pace. It always reminds me of riding on a subway.

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-This is a Pop song. The mood is bright and fun. It has a very simple melody and chord progression.

-The song is by Miley Cyrus who is a very popular American pop star.

-This song mentions American artists and things that are in America like Hollywood and the LAX airport in California.

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Miley Cyrus - Party In The U.S.A (Lyrics)

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Duke Ellington and John Coltrane "In a Sentimental Mood"

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Duke Ellington and John Coltrane "In a Sentimental Mood"

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-This is a Jazz song and the Jazz genre originated in America.

-This song is written and performed by Duke Ellington who is a Composer and Pianist. John Coltrane is a Saxophonist and Band Leader who is also playing. They are very popular Jazz Musicians in America.

-There is use of improvisation and complex harmonies that started in African American Communities.

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Duke Ellington & John Coltrane - In a sentimental mood

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"Appalachian Spring: VII Doppio movimento (Variations on a Shaker Hymn - Simple Gifts) 

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"Appalachian Spring: VII Doppio movimento (Variations on a Shaker Hymn - Simple Gifts) 

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Aaron Copland is a well known American instrumental music composer

Shaker Hymns were written during the Christian Shaker Movement in America and Simple Gifts is a fairly well-known hymn today

Appalachian Spring is one Copland's popular suites that was written for an American ballet that related to and was about American Life and culture

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Appalachian Spring: VII. Doppio movimento (Variations on a Shaker Hymn - Simple Gifts)

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Mattson- response to "Appalachian Spring"

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Mattson- response to "Appalachian Spring"

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I really enjoy the music of Aaron Copland. I do agree that this music has a distinctive American sound, with the Shaker melody as the main theme.

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"Fortunate Son" (Creedence Clearwater Revival)

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"Fortunate Son" (Creedence Clearwater Revival)

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Even though considered an anti-war song, the discussion of the sons of America being a part of the war is a highly American-ized concept.

Protesting during the Vietnam war was a common theme in music composed by American bands and songwriters

Creedence Clearwater Revival is a quintessential American Roots Rock Band as described by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

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Henry Filmore was an American march composer

This march was written for an Automobile show, featuring cars from all over the world, which screams American for me

Has the basic associated sound of American marches

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I think that this piece does in fact provide the specific sound of American marches like that of Sousa. I like the anecdote of the car show as that also feels very American to me, showing off cars and then having a march played to celebrate it. This style of music, especially during war times or when people were very involved in military efforts, was highly popularized.

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Talks about the struggles of being a female in the United States.

The song mentions American symbols like the Kennedys and Coca-Cola.

Alternative rhythm

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Olivia Rodrigo - all-american bitch (live from rehearsal)

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Ragtime Symphonic Suite (Stephen Flaherty)

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Ragtime Symphonic Suite (Stephen Flaherty)

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A suite that explores all the musical themes of the show, a musical that goes over immigration, class disparity, and racism.

The idea of musical was established as an American artform.

From despair to hopes and dreams, this show goes over multiple experiences that are all American.

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The Ragtime Symphonic Suite (Bonus Track)

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-        This song is sung by a winner of American idol.

-        It describes the stereotypical life of an American girl.

-        Country music screams America to me because it is an important part of our western culture.

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Carrie Underwood - All-American Girl (Official Video)