Beatboxing

Beatboxing is a mainly percussive vocal form in which various technical effects of hip hop DJs are imitated. It primarily involved the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one’s mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. It may also involve singing, vocal imitation, and the simulation of horns, strings, and other musical instruments. Beatboxing today is connected with hip-hop culture, being one of the ‘elements’, although it is not limited to hip-hop music.

Words & Expressions:

percussive – ударный

a drum – барабан

vocal imitation – имитация голоса

horns – духовые инструменты

strings – струнные инструменты

Questions:

1. What are the main youth cultures in your country?

2. Are youth cultures a normal part of growing up?

3. Do youth cultures give young people a sense of identity?

4. What are your personal experiences of youth cultures?

5. What kind of music do you prefer (classical, pop, rock, etc.)?

6. Do you play any musical instrument?

“Music makes the people milder and gentler,

more moral and more reasonable”

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Music genres of the youth

Music is universal and this is the absolute truth. Good music is able to connect people from different parts of the globe.

There are some song genres that are popular among the youth today:

1. Pop songs – every youth from the US to UK to Asia love pop songs. They really enjoy the catchy beat, lyrics and even the singers. The lyrics of the song can be easily learnt. Since people always hear the songs to the radio, to YouTube and other music streaming sites they get to memorize it already. It is truly amazing how you can sing pop songs today.

2. RnB – this genre is perfect for people who love upbeat music. This is something in between ballad and dance music, something that is enough to make people feel groovy. Music of the popular RnB artists is very popular in bars where people go to relax and drink and of course to hear good music. Listening to RnB music can be very relaxing plus a young people can even relate to the lyrics of the songs. If he or she is heartbroken or in love they will surely find a song that will suit their mood.

3. Love songs – mushy songs with dramatic lyrics are still popular among youth today. They look for songs that they can relate to and they keep on listening to this song over and over. People who are heartbroken are fond of listening to love songs to reminisce about the love that they once had. It is also possible that people love listening to love songs to be inspired to find the love that they are waiting for.

These are three of the most popular song genres for youth today. However, there are lots of other genres like rap, rock, alternative, country and even Christian songs which are all great to listen to. With this, we can really say that music makes the world a happier place to live in.

Words & Expressions:

a raver – рейвер (человек, принадлежащий рейв-культуре, ведущий богемный образ жизни)

value – ценность

to emerge – появляться

percussion instruments – ударные инструменты

undying fame – неумирающая (вечная) слава

normality – норма, стандарт

to evolve – развивать, раскручивать

a lead guitar – соло гитара

a drummer – барабанщик

to branch out – разветвляться, делиться

brass instruments – медные духовые инструменты

reed instruments – язычковые музыкальные инструменты

to burst onto the scene – прорваться на сцену

a rebellion – бунт, мятеж

mainstream – основное направление

sincerity – искренность

an amplified guitar – гитара с усилителем

upbeat – радостный, оптимистичный

Questions:

1. What are the main influences on young people’s music tastes?

2. How do young people use music to express identities and emotions?

3. To what extent can today’s youth and their music seem radical and progressive?

4. How is the ‘special relationship’ between music and youth culture played out in everyday leisure, education and work places? 

5. What kind of music do you prefer to listen?

6. What is your favourite composer (music group, singer)?

Exercise. Chose the correct word.

1. John likes hard pop/rock music.

2. This song has got very clever vocals/lyrics.

3. The guitar player does a great solo/tune in the middle of this song.

4. Tom listens to heavy rap/metal music.

5. They have just signed a big recording interview/contract with Sony.

6. I would love to see the band in a live interview/performance.

7. I like reality/soap shows.

8. I’m going to see U2 live/show tonight in concert.

9. I’m sure this musical will become a huge success/effect.

Exercise. Speak about your favourite band or musician.

My favourite band’s … .

They’re from … .

They play … .

Their music … .

I like them because … .

My favourite album is … .

I’ve heard them live … .

My favourite band is Ojos de Brujo. They’re a Spanish group from Madrid. They play a mix of hip hop and flamenco music. Ojos de Brujo’s name means ‘Wizard Eyes’ in English. I love them because their music makes you feel alive. The drums, guitars and bass in the music have a fantastic rhythm that makes you want to dance. The lead singer’s voice is fantastic. I’m seeing them live this weekend. I can’t wait.

Traditional Musical Instruments: Bagpipes

The bagpipe is a very old musical instrument.

The Romans were playing bagpipes in the first century AD. From there it travelled through European countries and reached Scotland. The bagpipe is a wind instrument usually made from sheepskin. It has got four parts; a pipe called a chanter with finger holes, a bag that fills with air, a blowpipe that the player blows through and up to six tubes called drones coming out of the bag. Bagpipes are loud and take a lot of skill to play. In the past, Scottish armies played them in battles to scare the enemy. Today, the army still uses them. You can also hear them at Scottish festivals and celebrations.

Words & Expressions:

a bagpipe – волынка (музыкальный инструмент)

a wind instrument – духовой инструмент

a chanter – чантер (трубка волынки, на которой играют мелодию)

a bag – мешок (резервуар для воздуха)

a blowpipe – вдувалка (трубка, через которую надувают воздух в волынку) drones – дроны (басовые трубы волынки)

Exercise. Which of the following sentences are true about bagpipes?

1. The Romans used bagpipes before the Scottish.

2. It is a wind musical instrument.

3. They use plastic to make it.

4. It has got five parts.

5. Bagpipes are easy to play.

6. The Scottish used them in battles.

Exercise. Write a short text about a traditional musical instrument from your country or any other country. Use the text about Bagpipes as a model.

G LASTONBURY FESTIVAL

Every year the Glastonbury Festival takes place over three days in Somerset, England. It is the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world. Those who are lucky enough to get tickets can enjoy live performances by some of the top bands in the world. There is always a great variety of music including pop, rock, rap and jazz. There are also dance, comedy, circus and theatre performances to enjoy. Almost everyone stays for the whole weekend.

Festival-goers usually camp in tents in fields next to the site. Tickets usually cost around &150 for the weekend. Most of the money raised goes to charities. So you have fun, and at the same time, you help a worthy cause.

Questions:

1. Have you ever heard about the Glastonbury Festival?

2. What greenfield music festivals do you know?

3. Is there a similar festival in your country?

4. Where does it take place?

5. How often does it take place?

6. How long does it last?

Exercise. You friend suggests going to a greenfield music festival. Ask about:

• where it takes place

• what you can see there

• how long it lasts

• where you can stay