I was
recently at a live music event where the music inspired audience participation
in the form of clapping. The people on either side of me looked in puzzlement
when I chose to fist clap. Afterwards, one of them said, “What’s with that?”
For many
years I’ve been involved in the field of aesthetic education where teachers and
students study works of art and find ways to connect them to their grade level
and curriculum. A work of art could be in the field of dance, writing, visual
arts or music. I’ve been fortunate to be able to witness some incredible
performances, none more so than the a cappella Gospel group The Fairfield Four,
from Nashville. My first impression of them was visual: the five members (yes
there are sometimes five members in the Fairfield Four) wore blue jean overalls
with black tuxedo jackets and bow ties, suggesting earthy elegance. During one
song, “Standing in the Safety Zone,” they started swaying rhythmically to the
music while fist clapping on the back beat.
 |
| The Fairfield Four |
So what is
it? The fist clap simply looks like this:
It struck
me as one of the hippest things I’d ever seen. We normally associate the fist
with aggression. In this context it portrayed subtle power and provided just
enough rhythmic backbeat to propel the music but not interfere with the vocal
harmonies. From that day on I was a fist clapper. Next time you’re at an event
where the music inspires clapping, give it a try. Make sure you’re on the
backbeat: 1, 2, 3, 4. Of course it’s best done
while standing and swaying in time with the music. Don’t be bothered by those
around you who might look askance. If they are hip at all, they will get on
board with their own fist claps. As a bonus, it’s easier on the hands.
Just for
practice, try fist clapping with this version of the Fairfield Four’s
“Standing in the Safety Zone.” Feels good, doesn’t it?
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