“It’s only rock n roll, but I like it,” is not really a good answer in Washington State University’s popular history of rock music class.
Hundreds of WSU students learn how to really dig into the tunes. They study how rock ‘n’ roll is tied into American society, history, and culture, by analyzing lyrics and music styles from over the decades.
A.J. Miller is the main instructor of the rock ‘n’ roll history class through the WSU School of Music. He talks with magazine associate editor Adriana Janovich about the class, why it matters, and what students get out of it.
Washington State University’s A.J. Miller teaches a popular history of rock ‘n’ roll class. Here Miller, assistant director of Cougar Marching Band, explains six steps for analyzing lyrics.
One: Listen to the song and note your gut reaction. How does it make you feel? What do you think the artist is trying to communicate? Do you like it? Do you dislike it? What are your personal reactions?
Two: Listen to the song while also reading the lyrics. Try to find examples of word play. Are there words that might have a double meaning or multiple meanings or exaggeration or allusion or any kind of … » More …
Washington State University seniors Natalie Valdez and Daniela Alpire went to high school and played mariachi music together in Wenatchee, Washington.
At WSU, they missed the music and the camaraderie associated with being in a mariachi band, so the pair formed one of Washington State University’s newest musical groups: Mariachi Leones del Monte—loosely translated by its members as Cougar Mariachi.
Now, the distinct sound of mariachi—an infectious blend of singing, trumpets, violins, and various guitars—brings joy and danceable tunes to the WSU Pullman campus.
Reanne L. Nakapa’ahu (’14 Music Ed.) was a member of the Cougar Marching Band drumline from fall 2009 to spring 2011, when she became drum major. She held that leadership position until she graduated in spring 2014. Here, she answers some questions about her time with CMB.
What instrument did you play?
I played tenors on the drumline and was also a drum major for three years.
How many years were you in CMB?
Five years.
Were you in band in high school or middle school, too?
Yes! I started my music and journey in 2003 at King Intermediate School in Kaneohe, Hawai’i … » More …
The WSU Fight Song, the roaring crowd, the electric atmosphere.
Washington State University’s Cougar Marching Band is often the heart and soul that connects WSU alumni and fans at these games.
In this episode, new Cougar Marching Band director Jon Sweet takes magazine associate editor Adriana Janovich behind the scenes. He talks about the music, the marching, the fans, and the incredible Coug spirit in the band.
This episode’s music is from the Cougar Marching Band at a November 2023 football game.
The Cougar Marching Band is raising money for new uniforms. Learn more or donate for the uniforms.
