Countdown
The last RAW session was last Sunday. It went really well, and I'm glad I went regardless of whether or not I am offered an apprenticeship. It ended up being more like a workshop than what I thought an audition would be like.
Some of it was less like a drum workshop and more like a women's workshop. I don't remember the last time I've hung out with or done some kind of workshop-like activity with a bunch of women. It was a neat experience. It got a little abstract and spiritual, but all the women involved are very down to earth and strong at the same time. It was an interesting balance.
Last night I went to my weekly RCM class and found my practice much affected by my experience with RAW. We had a special guest and did a Japanese folk dance for a warm up instead of our usual stretching. I found myself exuberantly yelling out Japanese gibberish (it was a fishing song with words that had no meanings used to keep rythms and inspire good cooperative fishing techniques). My drumming had more energy and instead of playing quietly when unsure, I boisterously made mistakes. Thankfully, we have 5 more classes before the recital.
All in all I'm surprised at the experience with RAW and how much it has affected me in just 9 cumulative hours. Some interesting questions were asked as the members tried to get to know us and see if our values align, and they've got me thinking. The big question was "What does it mean to you to be an Asian woman?" that got me thinking about things that I've never had to think about before. What does it mean to be an Asian woman in Canada? If a Canadian Asian went to Asia, would they still be considered a "proper" Asian? What is it that makes an Asian Asian, an African African, a European European, etc? It makes me want to talk to Mom more. There was an interesting and sadly brief discussion on race and sexism - the idea that Asian women are HOT and are highly sexualized. That was one that I would have liked to continue.
The countdown is on - around next wednesday the group will be announcing their 0-3 picks for apprentices.
Some of it was less like a drum workshop and more like a women's workshop. I don't remember the last time I've hung out with or done some kind of workshop-like activity with a bunch of women. It was a neat experience. It got a little abstract and spiritual, but all the women involved are very down to earth and strong at the same time. It was an interesting balance.
Last night I went to my weekly RCM class and found my practice much affected by my experience with RAW. We had a special guest and did a Japanese folk dance for a warm up instead of our usual stretching. I found myself exuberantly yelling out Japanese gibberish (it was a fishing song with words that had no meanings used to keep rythms and inspire good cooperative fishing techniques). My drumming had more energy and instead of playing quietly when unsure, I boisterously made mistakes. Thankfully, we have 5 more classes before the recital.
All in all I'm surprised at the experience with RAW and how much it has affected me in just 9 cumulative hours. Some interesting questions were asked as the members tried to get to know us and see if our values align, and they've got me thinking. The big question was "What does it mean to you to be an Asian woman?" that got me thinking about things that I've never had to think about before. What does it mean to be an Asian woman in Canada? If a Canadian Asian went to Asia, would they still be considered a "proper" Asian? What is it that makes an Asian Asian, an African African, a European European, etc? It makes me want to talk to Mom more. There was an interesting and sadly brief discussion on race and sexism - the idea that Asian women are HOT and are highly sexualized. That was one that I would have liked to continue.
The countdown is on - around next wednesday the group will be announcing their 0-3 picks for apprentices.