Appreciation Essay

Cultural Appreciation or Appropriation? Aztec pattern sweaters, moccasins, henna tattoos, lip fillers, tiki themed products, do these trends sound familiar? These have become some of the most popular trends over the past ten years, unfortunately they are all forms of cultural appropriation. One of the most popular controversies to face this generation is the point where cultural appreciation becomes cultural appropriation. The definition of cultural appropriation is “the adoption or use of…

soldiers. There have been a great many wars in the history of the United States of America, and these loyal, hardworking and ageing soldiers have come to be called veterans. These veterans are memorable, worthy of our praise and contemplation. In our appreciation of their brave service, we recognize that war veterans are of a special group. When a war starts, many are afraid. Many of our veterans were afraid as well, but they answered the call of duty, and rose up to fight for our nation. Many…

played during my high school years and my perspective on life. When I first started high school, my cousin (who was one year above me) told me to join beginner's band, because it's an "easy ninety-five". He also told me I didn't have to take music appreciation if I took band. There was nothing to lose, so I took my cousin's advice. A few days into band, we finally had to pick our instruments. There were only two instruments that I recognized - the clarinet and the flute, and they were all…

As a music educator, I believe that student learning happens in several ways; many that are transferable to education in general. Based on the philosophies set forth by Reimer (2003), Elliot (1995), and Small (1998), students should be able to learn through high quality aesthetic experiences, praxial experiences where application of acquired knowledge and skill sets that are central to school to everyday life, and social experiences inside and outside the classroom to best interact with society…

If someone would say to me six months ago, let’s plan a trip to the museum I would gladly say no as art is not something that peaks my interests. However, my perception has changed after registering for Art Appreciation this semester. The class has proven the point that judging anything that one doesn’t understand is wrong. Thus, it has opened my eyes not just to the artwork itself, but also to the life and legacy of the artists. In that same token, art is truly the window into the people’s…

Music has been a passion of mine for many years, and recently I was given the opportunity to further use this talent to help others. Almost a year ago, the lead pianist at my church moved, and I was asked to assume the post. Although I had been playing for the children and teen services for a few years, this new volunteer position—usually held by an adult with a music degree—required much more responsibility and maturity. I decided to accept the offer, and despite the challenges, the job has…

“Eingang” opens the cycle Traumdunkel (Darkness of Dream), the fifth part of George’s Der siebente Ring, which counterbalances the growing emotional intensity that characterises the book up to the Maximin-cycle by sinking into the lingering darkness of dreams. The cycle consists of fourteen poems and was written between the spring of 1902 and the end of 1905, but mostly after Maximilian Kronberger’s death in April 1904. The heading “Traumdunkel” was first used as the title of a poem in autumn…

The Boundaries of Appreciation and Appropriation Have you ever had something that was yours taken? It is not a pleasurable feeling and its negative impact is increasingly more severe when something that has belonged to you and your culture has been seized. At some point in every African American child’s life they are immersed in hip-hop culture. I was practically raised off Run-D.M.C., Missy Elliott, and DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. When “Rock the House” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh…

I believe that I should receive this scholarship because I have an appreciation for our Veterans and what they give up for our freedom and country. My Grandpa and Great Grandpa were in the Air Force. My Great Grandpa was involved in the Korean, Vietnam and World War II. He has many stories he will not tell because of the things he does not want to remember. He spoke of being trapped in places with very little food and eating what they could find when that food ran out. I understand the the…

Throughout this course I have gained more of an appreciation for artwork and the artists that create them. I have also gained an appreciation for the people that try to define what art is in general or more specifically what makes good art. We have read great thinkers and their philosophies on this, and the fact that even people of such great intelligence can disagree on the subject proves how challenging it can be. By reading the opinions of these great thinkers, and by discussing their…