The Music teacher will explain the purposes and meanings of calypso, reggae, salsa, and merengue. Music is used as a means of communication and expressing political and philosophical views. Songs are also sung as work songs, market songs, wake songs, lullabies, or Spanish dance songs. The lyrics of calypso music poke fun at people during festival celebrations or carnivals. Caribbean carnival, celebrated before Lent, bears much resemblance to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. One can guarantee that there will be much music, singing, dancing, and elaborate float parades. A well-known calypsonian, Sir Lancelot, who was also an actor and composer, became popular from the 1940s onward. He starred in the in the 1943 movie
I Walked with a Zombie
. Two examples of Sis Lancelot’s calypso songs are,
If you want to be Happy,
and
Shame and Scandal in the Family,
both of which are available on CD. Further exploration will allow students to examine the works of Bob Marley (reggae), and Harry Belafonte (calypso). Many will quickly identify some of Belafonte’s songs--Jamaica Farewell and the Banana Song. Listening to and discussing the music of Tito Puentes and Celia Cruz will expose some students and remind others of salsa and merengue. The Band teacher will incorporate the Caribbean influence in music in Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad, and other Caribbean islands.