Castle of our Skins
Performance-lecture centered around Derrick Skye's "American Mirror" string quartet.
Castle of our Skins is a Black arts institution dedicated to fostering cultural curiosity and celebrating Black artistry through music. In classrooms, concert halls, and beyond, Castle of our Skins invites Black heritage and culture exploration, spotlighting both unsung and celebrated figures of past and present.
The Wellesley College Concert Series is proud to host Castle of our Skins for a powerful lecture-demonstration performance centered around composer Derrick Skye’s American Mirror — a dynamic, cross-cultural string quartet exploring the fusion of musical traditions that shape American identity.
Just under 30 minutes, this two-part work reflects on the coming together of cultures in our society, which consists of many generations and descendants of refugees, immigrants, and slaves, and how intercultural collaborations are essential to the well-being of American society. Melodically, the piece draws from West African, North African, Hindustani, Carnatic, and Eastern European vocal techniques and ornamentations, in addition to modal scales. Underneath these melodies, American Mirror uses open harmonies commonly found in Appalachian folk music, and also includes drones, an accompaniment practice found in many musical cultures.