Toward a model for the evaluation of the cultural strength of various musics
Overview of the model
The model proposed in this article is presented here in outline form.
Step 1: Define boundaries of study.
- What are the geographical boundaries?
- Which ethnic groups are involved?
- What subcultural domain(s) will be studied?
Step 2: Determine and describe musics involved.
- What musics exist within the boundaries chosen?
- What level(s) of visibility does each music enjoy?
- How is each music transmitted or maintained?
- What are the power relationships between the different musics?
Step 3: Evaluate the cultural strength of each music.
Step 4: Use results to inform strategies for encouragement of musics.
At appropriate points during the elaboration of the model, each step will be exemplified through application to Ubangi Protestant church music.