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1.) I chose ABC by the Jackson 5 because it is one of the most recognizable songs by one of the most recognizable groups ever. ABC was a number one hit single and was on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970 and was nominated as Best Contemporary vocal performance by a group or duo in 1971. By hitting the Billboard Hot 100 at that time it means their music was touching a board audience.

2.) The lyrics. "ABC it's as easy as 123, as simple as Do-Re-Mi..." The Jackson 5 incorporated the American alphabet and numerical system into a popular song. While Do-Re-Mi solfege isn't American in origin, it is used to teach Western music and is just as recognizable even from people who may not have a musical background.

3.) The Jackson 5 were considered a pop group but the song ABC is considered one of the 500 songs that shaped Rock and Roll.- Bronson

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Bone Music (2004)by Pamela Z (Choice #2)

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Bone Music (2004)by Pamela Z (Choice #2)

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This piece is interesting. I still believe that American music is defined as music that came from an original framework of music that evolves and change on American soil. This particular music reflects on the experience and times of the artists and the intended audience.

This particular piece is very modern. The composer and artist, Pamela Z, created this piece by using her sounds from her voice (no words), electronics and a 5 gallon water bottle. Even though the piece is extremely modern and incorporates electronic from the day and age, the song sounds almost tribal. The song feels like it came from or mirrors African tribal music which became the foundation for a lot of American genres such as spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, rock n' roll, funk and etc. While listening to the haunting piece, it made me wonder if this could be tribal music for the modern age American. Our day and age revolves around electronics whether for entertainment, communication or for assistance for everyday things.

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I believe I am somewhat bias to the complex question of "What makes American music", I believe that if the music came from an original framework of music and slowly but surely evolved on American soil,  into the genres we know today than it is truly American Music.  For example, the genres, blues and jazz evolved from Spirituals sang by African American slaves during the 1600s-1800s. While the African American experience was changing so was the music.

Strange Fruit was originally a poem written by a Jewish teacher from New York City named Abel Meerolpol. Meerolpol  wrote the poem as a protest to lynching in America. The song was made famous by jazz songstress, Billie Holiday. The song expressed the current experience of African Americans especially in the South. The song exposed the harsh and inhumanity of racism in the South to ones in the North who were unaware.  The song became on a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement.

Even though the song began as a poem written by a Jewish person, Meerolpol set the music to a blues and jazz sound. The opening is brings a haunting feeling with the piano, double bass and trumpet. Billie's voice comes over with so much emotion and pain. The song has been covered by many notable artists.

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This piece was composed for a ride that runs in different versions at four different Disney theme parks around the world. The one I am familiar with is “Soarin’ Around the World” at EPCOT, which I grew up visitng on vacation and still love this attraction to this day! This ride is a flight simulator that takes guests to scenes around the world with 4D applications- scents, wind, movement, etc. I think this song is American firstly because it is extremely enthusiastic and hopeful, expressed by the use of brass and strings. Secondly, the ride imaging that accompanies this music includes scenes from known places around the world. The composer used small motives in the changing music to express hints of those cultures, which I believe reflects Huizenga’s point in his article about American music being “a melting pot” or “borrowed.” Finally, I think the climactic cadences throughout this piece that grows anticipation in the build, which shows the American characteristic of expectancy and hope.

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Soarin' (From "Soarin' Over California")

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Eckman #1- 76 Trombones by Meredith Wilson 

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Eckman #1- 76 Trombones by Meredith Wilson 

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I chose this piece because it is familiar to me, as I grew up watching the musical “The Music Man” by Meredith Wilson with my father and it was a favorite of mine. I perceive it to be American because firstly, this song is brass-heavy as it is a marching band song. Secondly, to me, it also just has a heroic or victorious feel to it, which seems to be the perfect way to end the musical- on a tone of excitement for the future as well.  Finally, the song in the lyrics mentions a parade, which is a classic American pastime. The musical itself is about a man coming to a small-town America as a conman, trying to sell band instruments to the naïve members of their community. The conman grows to love the town, along with the town librarian and regrets his actions, and the town accepts him. The musical shows typical small-town antics which helps shape the American attitude of this piece, and it makes it relatable in feeling and understanding.

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1.) It's Superman! This is easily one of the most recognizable themes across America. Someone could play this theme anywhere and even if a person isn't big into comics they could hear this playing and think "Oh yeah that's Superman"

2.) For anyone who is a fan of Superman, they know he stands for "Truth, Justice and the American Way" and the music ultimately reflects that. The fanfare in the beginning, big brassy sound and the very triumphant ending.  It almost sounds like an American march with the accented eighth notes in the low brass around the 2:54 mark.

3.) From a theory standpoint, there a variety of chords which can be considered very American. Tertian and quartal harmony and I did some further digging on filmmusicnotes.com which discusses how the "triplet rhythms provide a militaristic quality that suggests something powerful" Additionally, heroism, stablizing presence and strength are used to describe the music here. What's more American than the military?-Bronson

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Work Two: Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber

I am not sure what exactly it is about Adagio that strikes me as particularly American, but like Copland, Barber’s compositional style is remarkably American and Adagio has a simplicity and minimalistic quality that evokes images of the US. The first thing I think makes Adagio quintessentially American is how it projects openness, freedom, and hope while remaining melancholy and down to earth. Secondly, I think part of my bias that has nothing to do with its composition, is for some reason its performance at the BBC 2001 Proms on September 15th, 2001 (the linked performance here) and that performance’s dedication to the victims of 9/11. Something about Adagio for Strings feels made for that moment. Lastly, Adagio is intangibly American to me. I can’t explain it, and again it is possible that it is my preconceived bias, but it just feels American to me.

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Work One: Strange Fruit by Abel Meeropol (1937) recorded by Billie Holiday (1939)

I also chose this work to write my essay on, and it is one of the first songs I thought of in reading works that are uniquely American and innately political. I believe Strange Fruit is a stark song of American reality. It was inspired by the photograph of a 1930 lynching and evokes a grim, morbid, but real picture of the American fight for civil rights. While every country has had and does have social struggles, I believe the fight for civil rights and social progress is still immensely in the forefront of American society. Strange Fruit, while it doesn’t mention lynching by name, draws attention to an incredibly difficult past and to a still challenging path forward. Beyond the lyrics, the musical setting of Strange Fruit is quintessentially American with a slow, solemn New Orleans style blues, almost like a jazz lament. Lastly, Strange Fruit is absolutely an American song of protest, similar to the likes of Jimi Hendrix’s performance of the National Anthem or Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind. While protest songs are found in all cultures, the protest songs of mid-20th century America are especially unique to the music of the United States

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My second choice of American Music comes from the Hip-Hop genre. Hip-Hop is an art from that was created in American by combining different forms of art, culture, fashion, and dancing. The "melting pot" nature of this genre speaks to what is means to be an American. The song "Rapper's Delight" is one of the first hip hop songs that tells a story. Many of these songs would follow. However, this song gives so much credence to what hip-hop was to become in the future. From, 90's Gangster Rap all the way the Trap Music and Mumble Rap we listen to today. The music in essence takes disco breaks and uses them as the backdrop for the story that is being told by the Sugar Hill Gang. This sets the stage for how music will be created in the later years with re-mixes and samples. The mesh of music and culture from American life makes this music extremely American and this is why I chose this as my example.

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The Sugar Hill Gang - Rapper's Delight ( HQ, Full Version )

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-7XWhyvIpE

While this may be cliche, when I think of American Music I automatically think about the great American marches from John Phillips Sousa. This is his most famous work and synonymous with the Fourth of July and other great American celebrations. This is also known as our "national march." Many Americans can hum or sing a line from this march and will do so with pride. Coupled with the fact that this march was composed for and played originally by our military bands of the time, this makes this music extremely American. Stars and Stripes Forever is a parade tune for many band program across America as well. In the interview, Alsop says this about American music, "It's highly energized, rhythmic music derived from the blurring of lines between popular and "serious" styles." All of this is prevalent in many of Sousa's marches but definitely heard in "Stars and Stripes Forever. "

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

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The two pieces that I consider to be American are “This Is America” by Childish Gambino and “Rhapsody in Blue”   by George Gershwin. The pieces are just shy of 100 years apart and I feel they portray just as vast of a difference in the feelings towards America. American music was influenced by so many different backgrounds because of many different people moving here. Eventually, music genres started to evolve as strictly American, but are still influenced by the entire world today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynEOo28lsbc

Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin comes to mind because of the jazz influences behind the phrases that are truly American. More recently, Disney’s Fantasia 2000 showed a busy city scene to go with the music of Gershwin. The melodies from Rhapsody in Blue are famously known by most Americans. It is rhythmic, textured, and has a lot of contrast throughout while still bringing back familiar themes. This can also reflect on the busy life in America at the time it was composed. I also think the use of the piano is important in tying the background of classical influences from Europe mixed with the jazz phrases developed in America. Rhapsody in Blue has moments of Rhythmic complexity while also having slower moments as well. I think syncopated rhythms can be linked to being known as American.

“This is America” by Childish Gambino, also known as Donald Glover, has a lot of modern music influences of what we know to be ‘Today’s America”. While this song is very political, on the surface, you don’t really pick up on all of the references to terrible events referenced in the song. If you watch the very graphic music video, you can pick up on more of the dark hints of what Glover thinks is America. This proves that there are many different interpretations of America. I teach music technology and so I often hear the rhythms from this song and they are very similar to rhythms that my students like to make in their projects. This song is a combination of many different styles referenced in the vocals singing, the rapping lyrics, and the beat under the song. Every aspect of this piece is very American in style.
-Brooke VanKempen

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Childish Gambino - This Is America (Official Video)

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I decided on “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus as my second choice.  Now, this is an interesting choice for me as she is not a musician that I would typically listen to.  However, this fact is a perfect example of why I believe “Party in the USA” is quintessentially “American”.  America is surrounded by diversity, especially in music.  I consider myself to be an eclectic listener and can appreciate a vast assortment of genres and styles of music.  “Party in the USA” even references this diversity in her lyrics as she mentions “the Jay-Z song was on” and the “Britney song was on” as she listened to the radio.  Secondly, the music represents a good time, with the simple electric guitar riffs, the beat that makes my head bop, and those harmonies in the chorus that drive me to guiltily sing along.  Now what isn’t American about having a good time?  Lastly, “Party in the USA” represents the idea of having a dream and chasing it, despite fears and failures.  It encompasses the possibilities of following one’s vision for themselves and ideas of success with the realities of failure and the scariness of change.  This not only gives a nod to the “American dream” but recognizes the uncertainty brought on by taking risks in America and the anxiety it can cause.  But, there is that catchy hook that follows to bring back the feel-good pop groove. - Joseph Martin

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

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America the Beautiful (Arr. Carmen Dragon)

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America the Beautiful (Arr. Carmen Dragon)

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When thinking of the possibilities for music that is quintessential “America music”, I immediately began to think of music that I have previously performed.  Carmen Dragon’s arrangement of “America the Beautiful” for wind band came to mind first for an assortment of reasons.  This work is performed frequently during patriotic concerts and festivals, esteemed political events such as the Presidential Inauguration, and is typically performed by military ensembles such as “Pershing’s Own” United States Army Band or “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.  Although this is an instrumental work, the song itself contains lyrics discussing the diversity of America’s land, or “spacious skies”.  From the amber-colored farmlands of grain to the majestic mountains of the country, this song portrays a visual representation of the beauty in America.  Dragon’s arrangement further crafts this beauty with delicate, expressive sonorities that allow me to reflect on the best and most beautiful presentations of America.  In addition, the dramatic conclusion, surrounded by brass fanfare and percussive colors, highlight the themes of brotherhood and appreciation for those Americans who valiantly serve and protect the country day in and day out. - Joseph Martin

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America the Beautiful (arr. C. Dragon for wind ensemble)

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My first thought, when thinking about American Music, is very mixed. There is not much that you can say about music in America that makes it stand out. However, when I first read the question, without hesitation, I said, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing." This piece features many of the troubles and triumphs of America, more specifically those of the African Diaspora.  Named the Negro National Anthem, several years before the Star Spangle Banner was deemed the national anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" embodies all the sounds and contextual parts of American Music. The composition of the piece is major yet features chromaticism that changes the feel of the piece. Many of the pieces that are considered "American" sound happy and in a major, forward moving key. This piece is no different; however, where it differs is the use of chromatism without modulation. Blues, gospel, and jazz characteristics, originating in America, are featured as a contrast to the triumphant feel of the piece. The concept of a Dream is intertwined in the lyrics of the piece. This version of an American Dream is written from the perspective of African American Civil Rights activists. Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing tells of the hardships faced by those of the African Diaspora prior to the Emancipation Proclamation, during the era of Jim Crow Laws and Civil Rights movements, to the current state of Police Brutality and Black Lives Matter Movements, and the future of America and its Civil Rights. Although written by African Americans and initially meant for that population, in today’s age, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing is for all those who have been oppressed, suppressed, and depressed by the injustices and discriminations of America. The ends of each verse feature the triumph of reaching the American Dream of justice, equality, and equity for all. Lastly, its American Music because, not to sound cliché, but it was written by an “American” loosely stated. Born within the first decade of African American emancipation, James Weldon Johnson a lawyer and educator is one of many African Americans who have helped advanced our people post-Slavery. Many persons of the African Diaspora are not as well-known as many of those in American Music Literature today. He, like many African Americans of the past and present, believe in a country where equality is at the forefront of everything, especially for him literature and the arts. It just so happens that his country was America. -Jazmin Hunt

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The second piece I chose, was Terry Riley’s In C. Written in the late 1960s, this piece is one I learn of in Music Theory 3 and never forgot. The 20th century-era of Music Theory was one of the more memorable pieces from class. We discussed pieces like In C, Come Out, and 4”33’; all piece I will never forget. For this assignment though, I am choosing In C for its contrast, texture, and meaning. This piece, on the surface, makes many first time hears question, “is this even music?” This was the question I asked myself as we listened to three minutes in class. This piece, like so many other things in American history, was written during a time when composers wanted to “Stand Out” and create something new. This is the spirit of America, or the New World as it was called prior to 1492. Any point in time in history, America can be seen trying to be the best, fastest, smartest, and most advance country in the world. This piece is no different. Although wanting to stray away from traditional writing and create something new. It’s a layer mixed of musical ideas that like America, stand out and eventually blend together and separate again to stand out. Compositionally, this piece is made of layers of sounds together to create the piece and keep it moving. American Nationalism is not black and white, it is layers of history, some discovered, some lost, and some waiting to be discovered. This piece gives the ability to focus on one sound then become lost in another sound, while still wondering what that sound was that went by, America is the same way, everchanging, constant, and yet still being discovered. Lastly, In C is a collective idea that can bring together professionals and amateur musicians. America is a land where you can have opportunity to learn something new, start a new craft, and refine your entrepreneur skills to become a professional. American is designated as the land of the free and the home of the brave. Terry Riley was certainly brave in his creation of this piece. The peace is also written to be performed freely.  -Jazmin Hunt

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This rock tune, to me, is quintessentially American. There are only so many things that America can claim as its own, but rock and roll is definitely one of them. Yes the lyrics of this are a commentary on American culture. However it is the musical elements that put the track into this category. The driving groove created by the drums and bass, combined with the repetitive (yet catchy) chord progressions capture the spirit of 60s-70s rock. There is certainly irony within the lyrics, as the song was a popular anti-war anthem. Really, I think that only adds to the American-ness of the song – the ability and freedom to speak out against mainstream culture or the government.

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Creedence Clearwater Revival: Fortunate Son

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I would say the other piece I’d include is Wynton Marsalis’ Abyssinian Mass. To talk about American music without talking about jazz feels wrong, as jazz does encapsulate a lot of what America is, and is a musical form that is rooted from American tradition. Marsalis takes jazz and blues and marries them with African-American gospel tradition, which in a lot of ways created the backbone to a lot of the music we hear today. The musical roots that stemmed, and the powerful messaging that grew from these traditions are also identifiably American, and to me answer the call of defining American music.

The two piece are quite different, but equally representative of the musical culture we get to enjoy as American music.

ps. you can find a full video of the mass here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=544888842968151&ref=watch_permalinkhttps://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=544888842968151&ref=watch_permalinkhttps://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=544888842968151&ref=watch_permalink

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While it has been said, I think it worth mentioning Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring as a truly American piece. For so many historical reasons, Copland as a composer contributed greatly to legitimizing what we consider American music in the orchestra, ballet, and other “legitimate” art circles. His presence as a renowned composer made his voice more easily heard and recognized, and his writing in this piece established a lot of the sonorities we hear in American classical music.

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Michigan State University | College of Music

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Copland: Appalachian Spring | MSU Symphony Orchestra

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W.C. Handy- St Louis Blues (1914) (Start around 0:30)

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

Aaron Copland- Symphony No. 3,  IV. Molto deliberato (Fanfare) (1946)

Symphony No. 3: IV. Molto deliberato (Fanfare) - Allegro risoluto

When I started thinking about “American” music, my mind immediately went to Jazz. Jazz was born in the southeast of the United States, with roots in African American spirituals. Jazz also had a huge influence on the later genres of rock & roll, hip hop, and pop music. I chose “St. Louis Blues” by William Christopher Handy as my example. Both instrumental and vocal versions of the tune have been recorded. You can hear standard indicators of a jazz/blues number in the flattened third, seventh, and ambiguity between major and minor at times.

As the NPR article mentioned, Copland was a key composer in the trend of “American” music. His music often contains widely spaced intervals, representing the literal wide-open space of the American West. Copland uses melodies that sound optimistic, often with simple folk melodies that capture the character of the landscape or culture. In Symphony No. 3, he quotes his own Fanfare for the Common Man melody. Copland wrote with the goal of unifying American’s opinion of what American music is, and I think this symphony is a great example of how he achieved that.

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W.C. Handy "St. Louis Blues" On The Ed Sullivan Show

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When I think of “American Music,” even without thinking about the what or why, my mind goes straight to Aaron Copland. Copland is of course known as one of (if not the single) most prolific American composers. I agree with Alsop’s belief that the imagery of freedom and possibility contribute to what we consider “American”-sounding music. Copland creates this in his music through folk-like melodies, which are bold, triumphant, and uplifting. In my opinion, this is most evident in the famous Shaker theme played by the trumpets.

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Brooks & Dunn are one of the most successful country music duos of all time. Their song, “Only In America”, represents American music in the lyrics and instrumentation (standard, uptempo, country song). Brooks and Dunn sing about American dreams and the diversity of different Americans lives (“Only in America. Dreamin' in red white and blue. Only in America. Where we dream as big as we want to. We all get a chance. Everybody gets to dance. Only in America”). The duo’s music is well known with country music lovers and used in many different events throughout history. “Their 1992 single "Boot Scootin' Boogie" helped repopularize line dancing in the United States, and 2001's "Only in America" was used by both George W. Bush and Barack Obama in their respective presidential campaign” (Wikipedia). The song being used by a Republican and Democratic candidate reiterates it’s importance to American music and how anyone can relate (no matter the political opinion). Brooks & Dunn’s music represents true country music, which is also very American. Their classic country vocals and guitar playing only add to the tradition of quality country music in American history.

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Brooks & Dunn - Only In America (Official Video)

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Symphony No. 1 in E Minor (Florence Price)

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Symphony No. 1 in E Minor (Florence Price)

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I think that it is really difficult to pin down “American Music” because it is so broad and is influenced by such a wide diversity of artists and musicians. Recently, I have become interested in the music by Florence Beatrice Price, an African American woman who’s music was performed by the Chicago symphony in 1933 (The first African American woman to have her music played by a major Symphony). I think that this piece really demonstrates the intersection of western art music and the various cultures that make up the American population (in this case, Price incorporates aspects of Jazz and African music). The sweeping melodies in this piece remind me of Copland’s music. For what ever reason, the persistent reliance on woodwind instruments (double reeds especially) gives me the distinct impression of American Music. This piece also relies on folk-like melodies that often make use of the pentatonic scale that, in this context, also add to the feeling of American music. - Austin Ridout

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Florence Price: Symphony No. 1 in E minor

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One musical work I affiliate with “American” music is Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag”. This piece is one of the most famous (if not the most famous) ragtime pieces of all time. Ragtime shaped American Music History in many ways through it’s jazzy, syncopated style. “Maple Leaf Rag” was published in 1899 and made Joplin the “King of Ragtime”. This piece feels very American due to it’s energetic, bouncy tone. The uptempo rag carries an uplifting tune throughout the whole piece. The piece was made famous from a solo piano orchestration in a club. “Maple Leaf Rag” has been orchestrated for brass bands and dance bands as well, allowing the song to live for centuries after Joplin’s death. It is an American Jazz Standard in repertoire books and a common tune among listeners.

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Another musical work that I also believe to be “American” is “Pink Houses” by John Cougar Mellencamp, but for very different reasons. This song is not patriotic, but rather a feel-good song solely based on the overall sound. It can be initially interpreted as acknowledging and accepting the US for what it was intended to be, based on him singing, “ain’t that America, home of the free”. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he says that the song is actually anti-American and that “‘the American dream had pretty much proven itself as not working anymore’”. Although the song comes across as positive and optimistic at first, the lyrics actually describe the harsh and unfortunate realities in this country. Even though this songwriter claims this song to be “anti-American”, it is American because he was able to use freedom of speech in his lyrics. His song was played on radio stations across the country, and is still being played today, despite its true meaning. Released in 1983, almost a century after “Stars and Stripes Forever”, this song is well known in the classic rock world, perhaps due to the instrumentation of an acoustic guitar strumming, lead vocals that have a rock style with an influence of soul, soulful backup vocals, twangy phrases in the vocals and lead guitar parts at times, claps in the background, and perhaps bass and drums too, but are not as prevalent. As a result, this song overlaps with folk, country, and R&B at times, reaching a broader audience. - Allie Balducci

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Stars and Stripes Forever (John Phillip Sousa)

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Stars and Stripes Forever (John Phillip Sousa)

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One musical work that I consider to be “American” is “Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa. Composed in 1896, this piece became the official National March of the United States in 1987. This song is typically played after a presidential speech is given at an event. With the typical instrumentation of a march, including woodwinds, brass, and percussion, this piece is not uncommon to be heard in parades. Besides the title that is patriotic, the song also has patriotic lyrics, although the instrumental version is more well-known. Words in the lyrics such as, “liberty”, “flag”, “brave”, “red and white and starry blue”, “freedom”, “eagle”, “patriotic”, and “free” are quite American, specifically pro-American. Because this song is pretty bold and boisterous throughout (although the dynamics relax at times), is in a major key, and has a tempo that is at walking pace, suitable for marching, this is the epitome of American in my opinion. - Allie Balducci

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Stars and Stripes Forever - John Philip Sousa