Fieldwork Project

For my fieldwork project, I plan on researching a 35-piece brass band from Rome, Italy called “Titubanda” that will be performing here in Providence on October 13-14. They are described as “playing everything from traditional Italian village songs to avant-guard jazz via Latin American rhythms and Arabic melodies; it’s a musical journey from Cuba to Bombay, through Cairo and the Balkans, reinterpreting classics and inspiring original compositions.”

Prior to coming here however, they will be performing in Cambridge, Massachusetts (Davis Square) for this year’s third annual Honk! Festival. Many large street bands from all over the world will gather at Davis Square to engage in a music street party where who knows what will happen. A band that prides itself on stirring up crowds and having a great time, Titubanda is one of many bands that is sure to make a bold and enlivening impression. There is, however, a “method to their madness”, so to speak. That is to say, despite the seemingly chaotic portrayal of large street bands, many of them, including Titubanda, perform to emphasize the causes they support. Many believe that their performances are “the best way they know how to protest a world of violence and oppression.” I am most interested in not only finding out about the inspiration that drives these diverse street bands, but how music plays a role in communicating their beliefs.

I had originally decided that I would study the Brown University Jazz Band; however, when Professor McGarrell mentioned this unique opportunity, I thought this was too novel of an experience to pass up. I have very little experience and knowledge of Italian culture and the ideology of this band, but through interviews, concerts, and hopefully being able to spend some time with the band members during the Columbus Day weekend, I hope to learn much about not just Italian culture, but what it is that makes this band “honk its horns”.