Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Just before she got started, Kay noticed a movement out of the corner of her eyes and turned in time to see little Derf took a fall. “Mr Ashburry- Hawthorne!’’ The concerned woman hurried over to him. She held out a hand to help him up. “You didn’t hurt yourself, did you?’’ No scraped knee? Banged head?

SPOILER!!: Americans!

Ding, ding, ding!

We have ourselves some winners!

Though it wasn’t like all the kiddos were winners in her opinion. But these few had hit the nail on the head; the responses were precisely what she was looking for. “Correct! These were all famous either American singers or bands. As we have visitors from Ilvermorny, I thought it was best to continue lessons about their country. It is my hope that should you understand their culture, you will all be able to bond with them.’’ This was her life’s mission, anyway, except that it came in the broader prospect of bridging the gap between wizards and muggles. “There will be more details on America’s music as we progress.’’

SPOILER!!: Popular, Mainstream!

“That is also correct,’’ Kay said with a few bobs of her head in Dora’s and Noelle’s directions. “Multiple of their songs became number one not only in America but also in various countries.’’ She didn’t go into details here either because that was going to happen when most of the class had given their answers.

SPOILER!!: Success!

This was the perfect time to launch into a bit of history about some of the artistes. “Exactly! They were all rather successful in their own way. For example, Taylor Swift was famous for her contemporary songs which narrated her life, more particularly her love life. Her debut album reached its highest spot of number five on the Billboard 200- which is a recording chart for albums in the United States. Her second album became the best selling one of the year 2009 and it earned her the award ‘Album of the Year’, an award which recognised her as the younger person to ever have won it.’’ She could go on about Swift’s success but she needed to move on.

“Next, we have Soundgarden, a rock band. This band is credited for aiding in the development of grunge music which a style of alternate rock. One of their biggest successes is their album ‘Superunknown’ debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. They too received numerous awards and they sold millions of albums around the globe. Their awards include ‘Best Hard Rock Performance’ and ‘Best Metal Performance’.’’

“There are so many artistes that I can go into great detail about but with the time constraint, I will be unable to do so. However, I have compiled information on a variety of singers from many genres and I have it uploaded onto the computers in The Fun Room. Please ensure that you take some time to go through the information as there will be a touch of this topic in your end of term exams. The file is labelled ‘American Music Through The Years’.

"In response to Mr Bronwyn's question, not all of them necessarily won the same awards. Their wins are sometimes categorised by the type of songs which the singer or group puts out.'' Olivia got a smile. "You're welcome, Ms Phillips. Your response is correct. It is safe to say that these artistes would have inspired many future singers with their songs and talent.''

SPOILER!!: Super old/ same timeframe!

Abey was going to be an icicle soon if she didn’t do something for him. Perhaps it was because he was so tiny the weather affected him so much. Whatever the reason was, Kay refused to let him freeze. As everyone knew from previous lessons, there was a fireplace in the classroom. It wasn’t electric but a regular one and she quickly built a fire though not as big as the ones she would make previously; she didn’t want to warm the class too much for those unaffected. Thank goodness for the house elves helping her to store firewood. “Mr Botros, you can sit closer to the fire. Anyone else who wishes to may also do so.’’ Satisfied that Abey would be happier, she returned to the front of the class.

“That's right. These artistes are ‘ancient’ as some of you may say. Some of them originate from the earlier 2000s while others originate from the later 1900s. But there is a particular reason why I chose older artistes as you will find out soon enough.’’

SPOILER!!: Silent kiddos! <3

There were a few silent kiddos and Kay did not miss them. She smiled encouragingly in their directions. Would they think of anything to contribute soon? If they didn’t this time around, then hopefully when she asked the next question because her next one would be an ‘open’ one. That is, there was no right or wrong answer.


Kay smiled but shook her head. “Actually, I have a variety of genres here. Some are rock, pop and soul, among others.’’ Etta made a good guess and the woman appreciated it.


“Quite true! Many artistes seemed to have found inspiration through love, romance and heartbreak. Other topics that are popular inspirations include friendship, childhood and parenthood.''


Kay nodded enthusiastically. “Another excellent point! The majority of them were members of a group. It’s interesting to note that sometimes the singers, when they go solo, become even more popular than the group they were once a part of.’’ It was funny how that worked out. “And yes, they all had at least one memorable song that is still popular even to today.’’


“Some of them wrote their own songs,’’ Kay replied. “At times, musicians would seek help, particularly from other musicians to aid them in doing so. This is known as a collaboration.’’

* * * * * * *

Individual responses complete, Kay turned her attention fully to the entire class. “Before we proceed directly into the subject of today’s lesson, which will deal with the evolution of America’s music, I would like to ask each of you this: How has music helped you, if it has? Do you see it as a universal language? Do you think it’s bad for us? Are lyrics becoming too profound and in turn can influence us in the wrong way? These are just example questions but I want you to share your opinions with us briefly.’’

OOC: You lovelies Thanks for your responses! For this ‘open’ question, feel free to have your charrie expound on their responses if you like even if Kay says to share their opinions ‘briefly’ From the responses, I’ve gathered that a lot of them are fond of music. We shall carry on in the usual 24 hours! Remember, catch up IS allowed! *encourages* <3

Originally Posted by hermygirl

Apparently Sam was still half asleep, as she'd only belatedly noticed that noise that seat she'd taken had emitted. With a frown, she bent down to desk level to see the young Hufflepuff and gasped. "Oh, sorry Derf!" She honestly hadn't seen him there, and could have sworn the seat next to her bestie was free. "Are you okay?"

"No need," Sam said, seeing him going to move elsewhere. Apparently Champion Dora was popular, and that was okay. She could go elsewhere. Sam grabbed her stuff, and gave an apologetic look to both Derf and Professor Stewart before moving to another desk, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Sorry for the interruption and any bruised knees.

And it seemed that the lesson wasn't about to get better. How had music helped her? A universal language? What did she think of the lyrics? Sam frowned, never having thought about it like that. She'd spent most of her formative years without having a choice what she listened too. Only the music playing in shops, which wasn't generally all that exciting, and the buskers around London, who ranged in quality.

It was only recently that she'd her own wireless. Honestly, she liked a whole eclectic mix, but she didn't feel an authority on the subject. She liked different things in different moods. Sometimes she needed white noise for studying, to help block out the conversations going on in the common room, and sometimes she liked more upbeat or rocky stuff. She didn't dance though, or anything like that.

"Some music helps me concentrate," she added to the discussion. "But it can help you get pumped up too. So...I guess I'm saying it can reflect and change our moods more than just words." Whether that counted as a universal language though, she wasn't sure.

Originally Posted by Shanners