Chinese Culture Club to present Asian Interest Week
Jessie Gable
Staff Reporter, Crimson White (University of Alabama)
Published: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Updated: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Due to a growing interest in Chinese culture by the students at the University, the Chinese Culture Club has decided to host the first Asian Interest Week from March 28 through April 7 on the UA campus and several nearby locations. All events are open to all UA students and the public. The week will showcase cultural events from China, Japan, Tibet and India.
Susan Gorin, a junior majoring in history and president of the Chinese Culture Club at the University, came up with the idea for Asian Interest Week after studying abroad in Beijing in 2008. Crossroads Community Center, Creative Campus, SGA, Steven Ramey of Religious Studies, Gloria Tham of the Music School and. Anthony Clark of the history department will also be contributing to the events of the week, Gorin said.
The number of students enrolled in Asian language and culture classes at the University and the number of students interested in the UA study abroad program in China has grown to the point where additional majors and minors are being considered.
“This semester, 70 students are enrolled in Chinese, 94 in Japanese, 15 in Korean, and seven in Thai,” Gorin said. “There are also numerous classes offered throughout the year on Chinese and Tibetan History, Japanese film and literature, Chinese art and Asian religions. In fact, there are so many classes pertaining to Asia that Dr. Steven Ramey of the religious studies department is in the process of establishing an Asian studies minor.”
In addition, the number of Asian exchange students at the University continues to grow.
Gorin said after her study abroad, she realized just how much help students need getting acquainted with the United States and the UA campus.
“When I lived in Beijing, all the students at my university went out of their way to help me get adjusted. I just want UA students to show the same initiative,” Gorin said.
Katie Barzler, a senior majoring in journalism and minoring in Chinese, said Asian Interest Week will be a good opportunity to bring a little piece of Asian culture to the students at the University.
“If you see a lecture that sounds interesting, go to it. You have nothing to lose. In a way, it’s just bringing a little piece of their culture here,” Barzler said.
The first event will be the Sakura Festival of “Matsuri in the Mall” to be held at McFarland Mall in the center court from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. The festival will include different Japanese cultural exhibits and performances.
On Monday, March 30 at 6 p.m., Anthony Clark, history professor at the University, will be presenting the film, “Master Killer: 36th Chamber” and a lecture following the movie. This will be shown in 205 Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library.
‘“Master Killer: 36th Chamber’ is considered by many to be the greatest Kung Fu cult film ever produced,” Gorin said. “This 1978 movie about the famed Shaolin Temple was produced by the Shaw Brothers tycoon, Sir Run Shaw, at his Hong Kong studios, and is set during the fall of the Ming dynasty. One critic said that Master Killer contains ‘the most exciting training sequences ever committed to film.”’
On April 2, the Chinese Culture Club will continue Asian Interest Week by presenting a lecture titled “Hindu God or Muslim Saint? Creating a Public Identity with a Contested Figure in India” at 3 p.m. in 205 Smith Hall. Ramey has researched contemporary Sindhi Hindus and other communities whose stories and practices do not fit the standard definitions of Hinduism, Gorin said.
On April 2 at 7 p.m., the club will be showing the film “Kundun,” directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the life and writings of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet.
Then, on April 4, Gloria Tham will be presenting a piano recital, “Chinoiserie at the Piano,” at 2 p.m. at the Moody Music Building.
The last event will take place on April 7 when Crossroads Community Center presents the UA in China Photography Exhibit and talk. This event will take place in 232 Ferguson Center at 5 p.m. and will show photos from some of the 21 students who traveled abroad to China in the fall 2008.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Last DMA recital
I finished playing my last DMA recital a couple weeks ago. It is rather surreal that it is over because I didn't feel like I was prepared for this series. I did not manage to have full practice recitals prior to the official recital on April 4. On top of that, I fell pretty sick with a bad cold and cough five days before the recital. I was thankful it wasn't the flu or tonsillitis but I was taking a good cocktail of drugs to get me through the week.
I had planned a rather ambitious program for the recital. Here is the order of my program:
Lin Yue Pei, Kang Ding Love Song
Antonio Soler, Sonata in E minor and Sonata in G major
Beethoven, Sonata in E minor, op. 90
Chopin, Barcarolle op. 60
Grainger, Beautiful Fresh Flower
Tcherepnin, "Chant" from Five Chinese Concert Etudes, op. 52
Schumann, Papillons, op. 2
Stephen Hough/Deng Yu-Sian, Pining for the Spring Breeze
Arensky, Etude on a Chinese Theme, op. 25 no. 3
April 4 did roll around and it was the first afternoon recital I had played. I felt like abandoning my own recital and crawling back into bed. I'm not sure whether this was due to being sick, having a hangover from the cough medicine or not feeling ready. I really did not want to be in the spotlight that afternoon. I had planned the recital fairly meticulously - posters, flowers (stage and foyer), program & notes, display (foyer), reception venue and menu, dress and everything. I had friends who helped and sponsors for the reception. I could feel the effects of the drugs as I felt my brain was not as alert. I just played the recital for me, if not for anyone else and just told myself "you can do this, one piece at a time". I am pleased with the recital, mistakes and all. When I walked out after the last piece, I said to myself, "It's over, it is finally over".
I played at Southwestern College in Winfield Kansas on April 13. I had a great time playing for my Winfield family although I was fairly worn out from writing my document. Never write a document/dissertation and play a recital at the same time. I was an introvert that evening, and again just played for me. I noticed the hall was dead silent and I knew I had their attention. It's easy and difficult to play at SC. They've heard me since my junior recital, so I better have improved or bring something new to the table each time. I think I played with better control, tone production and expressivity, but I will need to review the video and see.
I learned a lot from the recitals, maybe not really about piano playing as much as I learned about myself. I love performing now and have overcome my fear of being on stage. My perfectionism is surrendered and I am comfortable with my shortcomings. There is and always will be room for improvement. There is and always will be someone who plays better (and there are many out there!). I am just called to be a good steward of the measure which has been given to me, no more and no less.
With that said, I'm disappearing from the stage for some time. I may take the opportunity to retrain and fix some of my basic problems. It would alleviate the frustration I have had at the piano and allow me to reassess my piano playing. Don't worry, I'll keep playing at home!
I had planned a rather ambitious program for the recital. Here is the order of my program:
Lin Yue Pei, Kang Ding Love Song
Antonio Soler, Sonata in E minor and Sonata in G major
Beethoven, Sonata in E minor, op. 90
Chopin, Barcarolle op. 60
Grainger, Beautiful Fresh Flower
Tcherepnin, "Chant" from Five Chinese Concert Etudes, op. 52
Schumann, Papillons, op. 2
Stephen Hough/Deng Yu-Sian, Pining for the Spring Breeze
Arensky, Etude on a Chinese Theme, op. 25 no. 3
April 4 did roll around and it was the first afternoon recital I had played. I felt like abandoning my own recital and crawling back into bed. I'm not sure whether this was due to being sick, having a hangover from the cough medicine or not feeling ready. I really did not want to be in the spotlight that afternoon. I had planned the recital fairly meticulously - posters, flowers (stage and foyer), program & notes, display (foyer), reception venue and menu, dress and everything. I had friends who helped and sponsors for the reception. I could feel the effects of the drugs as I felt my brain was not as alert. I just played the recital for me, if not for anyone else and just told myself "you can do this, one piece at a time". I am pleased with the recital, mistakes and all. When I walked out after the last piece, I said to myself, "It's over, it is finally over".
I played at Southwestern College in Winfield Kansas on April 13. I had a great time playing for my Winfield family although I was fairly worn out from writing my document. Never write a document/dissertation and play a recital at the same time. I was an introvert that evening, and again just played for me. I noticed the hall was dead silent and I knew I had their attention. It's easy and difficult to play at SC. They've heard me since my junior recital, so I better have improved or bring something new to the table each time. I think I played with better control, tone production and expressivity, but I will need to review the video and see.
I learned a lot from the recitals, maybe not really about piano playing as much as I learned about myself. I love performing now and have overcome my fear of being on stage. My perfectionism is surrendered and I am comfortable with my shortcomings. There is and always will be room for improvement. There is and always will be someone who plays better (and there are many out there!). I am just called to be a good steward of the measure which has been given to me, no more and no less.
With that said, I'm disappearing from the stage for some time. I may take the opportunity to retrain and fix some of my basic problems. It would alleviate the frustration I have had at the piano and allow me to reassess my piano playing. Don't worry, I'll keep playing at home!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Summer Plans 2009
Things I look forward to when I finish everything at UA:
1. Job applications: Quite a few decisions to make on what career path I would like to take. I'm looking for a job combining music, cultural studies or Chinese studies. Very few can claim to have lived in and taught the Hokey Pokey to two remote villages in China!
2. Read: I'm more interested in non-fiction so I will probably keep reading books on Chinese history and Beethoven. Maybe I'll start some work on tracing Beethoven in Chinese music history?
3. Piano: I want to attend Barbara Lister-Sink's workshop but that depends a lot on $$ and transportation. I'm toying with the idea of playing through more Beethoven stuff or I'll return to Bach.
4. Chinese: I have all my Chinese textbooks with me and I can't wait to dig into them again. I will continue translating Madame Mao's speeches and possibly prepare them for publication. I have several Chinese versions of English texts I would like to start working on like the "History of Western Music" Palisca-Grout and the bible.
5. Car: Yes, it's time to let go of my car or I can attempt to fix it again on my own with a friend's help. Distributor cap, I officially dislike you! Where's the lifetime warranty? I'm getting around in a borrowed vehicle these few weeks (or months).
6. Beading: I'm thinking of expanding jewelry making to beading embroidery. I'm a little concerned as the last time I did such intricate work, I inflamed a nerve in my right wrist. No permanent effects, but it sure hurt! I long to work on stained glass again.
7. Dance as much as I can.
8. Secret! You'll find out when it happens.
1. Job applications: Quite a few decisions to make on what career path I would like to take. I'm looking for a job combining music, cultural studies or Chinese studies. Very few can claim to have lived in and taught the Hokey Pokey to two remote villages in China!
2. Read: I'm more interested in non-fiction so I will probably keep reading books on Chinese history and Beethoven. Maybe I'll start some work on tracing Beethoven in Chinese music history?
3. Piano: I want to attend Barbara Lister-Sink's workshop but that depends a lot on $$ and transportation. I'm toying with the idea of playing through more Beethoven stuff or I'll return to Bach.
4. Chinese: I have all my Chinese textbooks with me and I can't wait to dig into them again. I will continue translating Madame Mao's speeches and possibly prepare them for publication. I have several Chinese versions of English texts I would like to start working on like the "History of Western Music" Palisca-Grout and the bible.
5. Car: Yes, it's time to let go of my car or I can attempt to fix it again on my own with a friend's help. Distributor cap, I officially dislike you! Where's the lifetime warranty? I'm getting around in a borrowed vehicle these few weeks (or months).
6. Beading: I'm thinking of expanding jewelry making to beading embroidery. I'm a little concerned as the last time I did such intricate work, I inflamed a nerve in my right wrist. No permanent effects, but it sure hurt! I long to work on stained glass again.
7. Dance as much as I can.
8. Secret! You'll find out when it happens.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
DMA: The most important thing I learned
It hit me about twenty minutes ago. I think the extrovert in me is back in full. I've been an introvert for all eleven years of higher ed. My DMA taught me that I am not an introvert! Priceless, right?
Earlier this evening, I danced on the Quad alone, while others watched. Never did that before in my life! I have never hated being at home, in front of my computer all day than these few weeks. Tonight is tough for the extrovert in me. There's ballroom and salsa dancing on the Quad. My China gang is out for dinner and more dancing at El Rincon. What do I have to do? Edit the document so the "first" draft can be submitted tomorrow. I would prefer planning tomorrow's guest lecture on Cultural Revolution art and music for HY 504. That is way more exciting.
Yes, I found out about more red tape than I wish to care about concerning committee meetings and the like. Duh, I should have known there must be a meeting for the first draft but nobody said anything and it isn't posted anywhere. I wish the School of Music had its own checklist for graduate students writing documents. I found out more about the process through the women's support group I'm in. (Yes, I joined a support group and it's been very informational. No one has been emotional or just complaining. We share all the information we have about research, shortcuts, computers and the like. I heard some guys want to join us but they should start their own.)
It's almost done. Two more weeks of this and I'll put my dance shoes back on!
The answer to your question about what I am going to do next? I'll exaggerate on what I said on my master's commencement since this is the doctorate: I join the ranks of the unemployed, but I have an even brighter future!! (Now I should print that on t-shirts and sell it at commencement ceremonies come May. Could make a buck or two *wink*)
Earlier this evening, I danced on the Quad alone, while others watched. Never did that before in my life! I have never hated being at home, in front of my computer all day than these few weeks. Tonight is tough for the extrovert in me. There's ballroom and salsa dancing on the Quad. My China gang is out for dinner and more dancing at El Rincon. What do I have to do? Edit the document so the "first" draft can be submitted tomorrow. I would prefer planning tomorrow's guest lecture on Cultural Revolution art and music for HY 504. That is way more exciting.
Yes, I found out about more red tape than I wish to care about concerning committee meetings and the like. Duh, I should have known there must be a meeting for the first draft but nobody said anything and it isn't posted anywhere. I wish the School of Music had its own checklist for graduate students writing documents. I found out more about the process through the women's support group I'm in. (Yes, I joined a support group and it's been very informational. No one has been emotional or just complaining. We share all the information we have about research, shortcuts, computers and the like. I heard some guys want to join us but they should start their own.)
It's almost done. Two more weeks of this and I'll put my dance shoes back on!
The answer to your question about what I am going to do next? I'll exaggerate on what I said on my master's commencement since this is the doctorate: I join the ranks of the unemployed, but I have an even brighter future!! (Now I should print that on t-shirts and sell it at commencement ceremonies come May. Could make a buck or two *wink*)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Back in the USA
Yes, I've been silent for a long while on the blog. Doesn't mean that nothing is happening in my exciting life. In short, my last two weeks in Beijing were great. I managed to get copies of all the scores I needed, shipped about 40 lbs of books back to the USA and managed to get home in one piece. I came down with the most awful cold before leaving Beijing and was sick through Christmas. I had to pay around 1000 yuan for my excess baggage and I just did it. There was a little surprise on my flight home, as I was upgraded to business class because the flight was overbooked. I guess the money I spent was well-worth it.
I'm working 25% of what I used to last year. I teach "Music in World Cultures" and one private piano student. It is nice to have some time to myself and I am still keeping very busy, but this time on my own terms. I am practicing for my upcoming recital and writing my dissertation. Today the one month countdown to my recital starts. I have just finished the poster and program notes for the recital. Next would be the invitation cards.
I will play the recital on Qing Ming festival. This will be my final doctoral recital and will be part of Asia Interest Week activities. The recital will be featuring some Chinese pieces and will relate music to the history of China. I have five settings of Chinese folksongs, three in miniature forms and the other two in concert etude style. There will be a display in the lobby of scores and concert programs I brought back from Beijing. A photo exhibit preview will be held. A reception will follow the recital, provided by Creative Campus. I'm thankful for all the assistance, because I cannot afford all this this semester.
I am juggling preparing for job applications at the same time while this is going on. I am a little surprised that there is little career guidance or counseling in music schools. I'm wading through the process myself, very likely making mistakes but it's live and learn. There's always something new to find out.
The most exciting thing now is having a new set of friends - my China gang! I've been to the student center more often in the past couple weeks than I have the whole three years. :) I'm still actively dancing with the contra group here and in Birmingham. I may be giving the ballroom club a miss now and then. I've discovered, I just like to waltz and contra. I like the other dances too, but going to ballroom without a partner is a waste of time (I feel) because if I go to a dance, I expect to dance. If I'm not dancing, I'd rather be doing something more productive like practicing, reading or writing. Sleep is getting to be a precious commodity, much harder than the economy in my books.
Alright, back to the 88 keys for now....
I'm working 25% of what I used to last year. I teach "Music in World Cultures" and one private piano student. It is nice to have some time to myself and I am still keeping very busy, but this time on my own terms. I am practicing for my upcoming recital and writing my dissertation. Today the one month countdown to my recital starts. I have just finished the poster and program notes for the recital. Next would be the invitation cards.
I will play the recital on Qing Ming festival. This will be my final doctoral recital and will be part of Asia Interest Week activities. The recital will be featuring some Chinese pieces and will relate music to the history of China. I have five settings of Chinese folksongs, three in miniature forms and the other two in concert etude style. There will be a display in the lobby of scores and concert programs I brought back from Beijing. A photo exhibit preview will be held. A reception will follow the recital, provided by Creative Campus. I'm thankful for all the assistance, because I cannot afford all this this semester.
I am juggling preparing for job applications at the same time while this is going on. I am a little surprised that there is little career guidance or counseling in music schools. I'm wading through the process myself, very likely making mistakes but it's live and learn. There's always something new to find out.
The most exciting thing now is having a new set of friends - my China gang! I've been to the student center more often in the past couple weeks than I have the whole three years. :) I'm still actively dancing with the contra group here and in Birmingham. I may be giving the ballroom club a miss now and then. I've discovered, I just like to waltz and contra. I like the other dances too, but going to ballroom without a partner is a waste of time (I feel) because if I go to a dance, I expect to dance. If I'm not dancing, I'd rather be doing something more productive like practicing, reading or writing. Sleep is getting to be a precious commodity, much harder than the economy in my books.
Alright, back to the 88 keys for now....
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