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Blog Entry: Our Playlist

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Japan (Asia) — Traditional: Gagaku Court Music This traditional Japanese court music, called  Gagaku , is one of the oldest orchestral styles in the world. I chose it because it sounds calm, slow, and almost dream-like, almost as if you’re meditating. The instruments are very different from what we usually hear, especially the  shō , which makes a soft, airy sound that feels spiritual. What interests me most is that this music wasn’t made for entertainment. It was used in ceremonies for the royal court, meant to create a peaceful mood. When I listen to Gagaku, it feels like stepping back into ancient Japan and experiencing a completely different musical world. Jamaica (Caribbean/North America) — Modern: Koffee “Toast” For my modern Jamaican selection, I chose  Koffee’s “Toast”  because it’s positive, clean, and shows a newer style of reggae-dancehall fusion. The song has an upbeat rhythm, smooth vocals, and lyrics focused on gratitude and success, which makes it feel...
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Music & Traditions

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when i think about music and tradition the first thing that pops in my head honestly isn’t anything super deep  it’s cookouts. like real family cookouts where the food smells crazy good, somebody’s uncle is dancing with a drink in hand, and there’s always that one speaker playing the same songs every time you already know what i’m talking about   "to the right to the right to the left to the left”  the  cupid shuffle  comes on and suddenly everybody turns into backup dancers. and then boom   “watch me two step”  and people forget they were mid-plate just to hop in the circle and vibe. it’s funny but it’s also low key one of those unspoken traditions in my family and honestly probably in a lot of other people’s too that kind of music just makes people move. no one cares how good they are at dancing or how old they are. it’s just about having fun and being together. it’s tradition without even trying to be but on the flip side lately i’ve found myself ge...
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Music and Me

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 September 13th 2025         Hey, my name is Isaac Gilmore. I’m twenty-one years old, and I’m a part of the Men’s Track and Field program here at Converse. Being on the team is a big part of who I am because sports have always given me discipline, structure, and a way to push myself beyond what I thought I could do. Track is not just a sport for me, but a lifestyle that has helped me stay focused, competitive, and goal-driven. The lessons I’ve learned on the track about patience, hard work, and consistency carry over into every part of my life. Family is also something that has shaped me. I have about seven siblings combined between both of my parents. Growing up in a big family has taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of supporting each other even when things aren’t perfect. I also experienced a tough loss when my brother, who was around the same age as me, passed away a long time ago. That loss still impacts me today, but it also motivat...
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