Concentration(s):
Music | Urban Studies
Honors in Music Thesis:
Who is the “community” in Community MusicWorks?
I am working with the local music school Community MusicWorks (CMW) to conduct an internal evaluation of their programming with the aim of bringing CMW into closer alignment with its commitments to “cohesive urban community” and antiracist praxis. Using ArcGIS mapping of the West End and South Providence neighborhoods in which CMW works, data analysis of student completion in the program, and interviews with students and families, this evaluation will inform CMW’s decision-making on tangible policies that can better-support equitable student success. Building on a practice across my undergraduate education that has weaved music and urban studies with relationships off College Hill, this project practices a mode of reciprocal, accountable engagement that leverages my academic resources to meet the research requests of CMW.
Personal Statement:
My name is Elana and I’m studying music and urban studies, which together create a space to explore topics of art-making, place, justice, sound and listening. As a music concentrator, I’ve loved playing in the World Music Ensemble with Professor Obeng, TA-ing a workshop on public sound art with Professor Erik DeLuca, listening to a construction site, and learning so much from everyone in and around the department—with utmost thanks to Professor Kiri Miller, Professor LK, and Professor Sophie Abramowitz for their support on my thesis!
Department Note: Elana is walking in spring 2022 but will complete her studies in the fall of 2022. She will finalize and present her Honors Thesis in Music later this year, and this page may be updated to include new details/media from her project.
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