Carrera: Music is Life, Life is Music

Music and Us: Our New Playlist! This class has been so enjoyable to be a part of, and I really value the vastly different cultures and musical traditions associated with each country. There is so much to appreciate and learn from regarding these fascinating countries and their music! Now let's get on to the music, shall we? This is "Russian Song" based on a Russian folk song "Nichto v polyushke ne kolyshetsya" (Nothing in the field moves). It is performed by Ekaterina Skliar on the domra, a traditional Russian instrument. I chose this recording because of its haunting melody and lovely sound. Ekaterina has a very special way with the domra. The control she has, the technique, and the expression comes across so powerfully. For the past two years, I have actually had the privilege of working with Ekaterina (who is also a mandolinist) at a festival in New England! She is an amazing person whom I recommend you meet if you are in the Boston area! :) The second video...

Music and Family This assignment for our next blog post was really a joy to put together. I decided to interview my Grandfather, Anthony Stamile (Poppy). Having that musical conversation with him about his past, his memories, and his thoughts on music, was a lovely time that we had together. It reminded me that there was so much that happened, so many stories he has, and so much to appreciate in it.  Below I have attached the video of our conversation. Here and there, you can hear my Grandma chiming in to the conversation :) On asking about he and my Nana's special song, he explained that it was "Unchained Melody," a song released by the Righteous Brothers in 1965. I have heard this song all throughout growing up, as my grandparents have always loved it and dance to it! As Poppy is fully Italian, he has great appreciation for Italian mandolin music -- He specifically referenced the soundtrack of The Godfather.  A few years ago, he and my grandmother went on a trip to Ital...

  Music and Traditions      Music and traditions have so much in common. As we recently learned in class, the people in the Andes Mountains use music for so many of their ceremonies and events. Music has a very special place in traditions, no matter what they may be.  One of the first music traditions that is meaningful for me is the National Anthem at the beginning of orchestra concerts. No, not at the soccer games and inaugurations, but at orchestra concerts. It's not just the orchestra though. When the audience spontaneously joins in and starts singing, I feel so empowered...like I know everyone in that room because we all have something in common: that we love our country and are proud to be Americans. There's just a triumphant quiet that comes over whole audience and something so beautiful about a national anthem. In many orchestras (not all, but quite a few), our US National Anthem is played at the start of the concert. I always love when they do this. Th...

Well here we are... Hello! If I haven't already bumped into you at some point, my name is Carrera Stamile; it's nice to meet you. I am a Freshman at Converse, but have grown up here for what feels like forever...taking lessons at Lawson and going to recitals. It somehow feels like a second home to me. Anyway... I am majoring in Classical Mandolin Performance. Mandolin is my passion and is something I want to go on to do as a career. At the moment, I am planning to finish my degree here and then pursue a graduate degree abroad. The dream is to be a performer and travel around the world! One thing about me you should know:  Music.  Makes.  Me.  So.   Happy. I constantly listen to music, and one of my favorite hobbies is going to concerts (especially house concerts...they are a superbly different experience. If you don't believe me, go to one that you can see the viola's music over his shoulder like I did. Be transformed!) Music has always been a huge part of my li...