Abigail Hobart 13F
Hampshire College student Dineen O’Rourke 13F sits down with Abigail Hobart 13F to discuss her Division III (senior) project.
- What is your Division III?
My study is in two parts: a thesis paper in which I analyze folk festivals using the socio-political framework of the Commons, and the production of a folk festival on campus, called the Red Barn Folk Festival: A Community Exploration of New England Folklife. It combines my studies of food systems, ethnomusicology, folk music, community building, and sustainability.
- How did you get from where you are now from when you entered Hampshire?
I entered Hampshire with no clear idea of what I wanted to study. I knew that I liked people, music, food, and folk dance, but I didn’t think these were things I would end up studying. I originally wanted to pursue computer animation. It took one class to make me realize that while I’m creative, I have no talent for computer animation, nor the desire to spend that much time in front of a computer. Not to knock the Computer Animation Department here—the professors are fantastic.
I’ve been a music concentrator throughout most of my time at Hampshire. When I switched my focus from performance to ethnomusicology it was liberating. It helped me realize that as much as I love playing, studying performance was not the right thing for me at the time. I started running a monthly contra-dance series in the Red Barn the fall of my second year. This was a crucial experience for me, as it helped set me on my path as a folk organizer and facilitator.
There wasn’t a specific event that led me to my Div III. I settled on a festival at the last minute possible because it seemed like a project I could get into, and a natural extension of my interests and talents. As my adviser can attest to, I entered Div III kicking and screaming (sorry Becky!). I didn’t feel ready. It took making the decision to do a festival to help me settle into the process, relax, and understand the fact that Div III was here.
- What has the “Hampshire philosophy” meant for you personally?
It gave me the time and the liberty not only to pursue what I wanted, but to figure out what that was. I’m a hands-on learner, and it meant that my experiences interning at a local soup kitchen and organizing the contra dance series were considered a valid part of my education.
- What do you do when you’re not studying?
I contra dance, play fiddle, sing. I love riding my bike, and intend to take some long bike trips after graduation. I spend a lot of time being goofy with friends—and eating cheese.
- Future plans?
I have a part-time job lined up as a member of the field crew at Crimson and Clover Farm in Florence, and I’m all set to live in Northampton this summer with some amazing folks. I think I’ll move back to my native Pacific Northwest at some point over the next year. I miss the rain. I also hope to travel and indulge my wanderlust. Graduation gives me an opportunity to re-explore what it means to be me, something I’m looking forward to.
Abigail’s Div III, The Red Barn Folk Festival: A Community Exploration of New England Folklife, took place March 29th.
