Music and sound have a lasting impact on individuals worldwide. This is because music can be viewed as an additional language—one that fosters a sense of belonging, something not easily shared across all environments. For hundreds, or rather thousands, of years, humans have used music and sound to depict both the unfortunate and the bountiful realities of life.
During session five of the Diversity Symposium, I witnessed the versatility of music and sound as they pertain to collegiate life here at Bucknell. The presenters were four scholars: Molly Manholf ’25, Athaliah Elvis ’26, Reid Orphan ’25, and Barbara Wankolie ’26. The first presentation evoked a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere as Molly Manholf interconnected the Filipino community with both modern and traditional expressions of culture through student-led projects. Here, I noticed how music connects groups of individuals who may initially feel divided by their identities, something Molly refers to as the Fil-Ann identity. For example, the Asian Gala featured the traditional “Tinikling” song while also showcasing a remixed version of the piece, representing a harmonious blend of traditional and modern music.
I greatly appreciated the delivery of this presentation, and hearing about how music fosters inclusive communities reinforced my existing beliefs. One quote that stood out to me was: “Ethnic identity is not marked by the instruments used or the costumes worn. It is marked by the performers.”
Athaliah’s presentation on the racialization of sound here at Bucknell was equally fascinating. She posed an empowering question that, I believe, many have neither sought to ask nor answer. She also mentioned the striking disparity in the geographic makeup of Bucknell’s campus: uphill areas being more desirable and equipped with greater attractions, while downhill areas are less desirable and lack similar resources. Additionally, her presentation introduced the concept of “volume watching,” where students of color feel compelled to police their own behavior to avoid consequences during campus events.
Barbara’s presentation, “Africancene,” offered a unique perspective by examining sound and its impact on the world and the climate. This, combined with Reid Orphan’s discussion of “race realism,” shifted my understanding of the effects of music and sound.
Overall, these presentations illuminated how multifaceted music and sound are. They can either invite space for more voices or suppress them, depending on how they are utilized.
–Jeremiah Charles ’26