America is often described as a 'melting pot', but actually a more apt
description may be that of a salad---where every element retains it's own
character, but combines with other elements in a harmonious, or rather,
delicious whole.
Some of the ingredients of American music come from Europe, some were
indigenous, and there are elements from Africa, as well. The African
elements are recognized as African retentions---parts of African tradition
that survived the dreaded 'Middle Passage' (the time spent between capture
in Africa and enslavement in this hemisphere) and are retained in American
and African-American music today.
African retentions in American music include ---
Call & Response: a structure rooted in communal singing in which a solo call is answered
by a group response--adapted to include instrumental responses in Delta Blues, a change
that led to the musical ‘conversations' evident in Jazz, Black (and
subsequently, White) Gospel, Rock 'n' Roll, Heavy Metal guitar solos and much more.
Rhythmic Variation: used as an expressive element in much the same way that
European musicians vary harmony and melody for expressive effect. African musicians
vary meter and beat sub-divisions (especially 3:2 contrasts) in a complex layering of simple
rhythmic patterns to create highly complex soundscapes.
Syncopation: the placing of rhythmic pulses off the established
beat---an extension of the rhythmic variations that drive African- American music and dance styles.
Emotional Singing: which can include shouting, crying, screaming and other speech
sounds not typically found in European singing prior to the 1950's and 60's, when African-based
vocal styles began to be heard more widely. [In your mind, compare Julie
Andrews and Aretha Franklin; Perry Como and Ray Charles; Pat Boone and Little Richard...]
Even the youngest students can identify these characteristics after they
are explicitly presented to them. Kindergarten students have readily
brought in music from home that demonstrates some of these African
characteristics, and, as you might expect, the genres that show up include
Gospel, Country, Heavy Metal, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Rock, Folk, Contemporary
Ballads, Reggae, Ska, World Beat and Funk.