The Paraguay River: Environmental Awareness and Global Jazz

The Paraguay River: Environmental Awareness and Global Jazz

Abstract

In recent years, the Paraguay River has experienced a historic drought caused by climate change and ineffective environmental policies. Inspired by this ecological crisis, my project uses global jazz as a medium to raise awareness about the importance of preserving this vital natural resource. To inform the creative process, I researched the drought through academic and journalistic sources, analyzed an interview with a local fisherman, and explored bird sounds through digital sound libraries. Drawing on BGJI concepts, I composed original music that integrates motifs inspired by birdsong and rhythmic speech patterns derived from the interview. After rehearsing the material with my ensemble, I recorded the project in the studio. Through this process, I gained a deeper understanding of the Paraguay River’s significance to Paraguay and its connection to the country’s cultural identity. By combining traditional Paraguayan musical elements with global jazz practices, this work seeks both to promote environmental awareness and to expand the expressive possibilities of the musical field.

Publication Date

7-1-2026

Campus

Boston Campus

Keywords

paraguay river; climate crisis; drought; climate change; paraguayan music

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