Join us for URCAD "25" Online, April 19-25th at:
URCAD.umbc.edu
Mark Beachy is an Asian Studies major, and a returning student. He will perform traditional Chinese folk songs at URCAD, a must-see performance from one of UMBC's URA Scholars!
Abstract
Mentor: Meredith Oyen (Asian Studies)
Learning about performing traditional Chinese folk songs is a window into China’s rich history and culture. In my project, I not only gather information about the historical and cultural context behind Chinese folk songs, but I also challenge myself by implementing what I have learned by performing some of the songs, some of which are hundreds of years old. What is more, I also give readers the opportunity to learn how to sing a folk song. In my video instructional guide, I teach viewers to learn a Chinese folk song in an easy, step-by-step format. I share my personal journey with an in depth, behind-the-scenes look at the making of me singing China’s most popular traditional folk song, “Jasmine.” To accompany my vocal performance, I gather musicians Yang Ling on guzheng and Blake Hodgetts on piano. Together, we combine our instruments as one and display them on a series of music videos. Additionally, I put myself under a microscope by having Michael Rose of TV’s “The Voice” fame record a video evaluation my performance of the song “Jasmine.”