Native Indian folk music filled the Student Center Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Sam Price, junior in interdisciplinary studies, presented Sounds of India, a presentation of photos and music he studied while traveling to India during his winter break in 2013.
Price's project is called Global Icaro, which is based off of a song sung by shamans in South America, where Price wants to travel to next.
During Price's trip to India, he visited Kolkata, a busy Indian city; the Sundarbans, wetlands in rural India; Poush Mela, a Baul music festival; and Kutch Indian wetlands where he observed wildlife.
Price said he saw a diverse amount of animals while traveling, including monkeys, deer, various types of birds, crocodiles and camels.
Although Price can not pinpoint his best experience, he said he preferred the rural life to the city life.
"The transition from the chaos in Kolkata to getting out to the Sundarbans and getting to the village with the clean air was by far the best," Price said.
After Price's presentation of photos from his travels across India, he and three of his friends played two Indian songs.
"Typically my approach to Indian music has been more of a percussion standpoint, but I started out playing music on guitar and bass," Price said. "I can pick up and mess around with some string instruments."
Zach Watson, junior in mechanical engineering and music, played an original piece with a citar at the event.
"The emotions (music) puts in you are amazing," Watson said. "When you play the (instruments) you're supposed to evoke a certain mood."
Another classical Indian instrument that was played during the song was the veena, a stringed instrument.
"I love the way music makes me feel and how it takes you to another world," Rasika Ramesh, graduate student in forest and wildlife sciences.
Price said he plays with a group almost everyday.
"I live in a house with a bunch of people and we all play music," Price said "Particularly we get together with Chaitra [Gururaj] once a week and practice. We've played at the art museum with the Indian Music Ensemble."
Price said the main thing he learned during his trip to India was that nothing ever goes as planned.
"I learned to adapt to my environment, to be flexible and just know that chaotic situations are always going to arise, but having a positive mindset radiates to the others around you," Price said.
To learn more about Price's travels and future plans visit GlobalIcaro.com.
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