Inside MENC

MENC Leadership Sets New National Conference Schedule

2008-04-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Check out the announcement on the MENC Web site "News Stand."

Harley's take in his world

2008-04-22T09:43:00.001-07:00

Harley just read the post from April 4 that we may be back. News to him, but hey, the little guy is ready to go after have been on a cruise. He is all rested now and is missin' everyone......

Hello, is anyone out there? Is the world still listening? Oh oh..... Harley thinks he is hearing voices OR is it music?

Who knows.... maybe -- maybe not! Better question, who will find this post....

Stand by...

2008-04-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

We may be back in the future!

The Last One -- Bye Bye

2008-03-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

Today is the last staff blog. A decision was made to end the one-year old Blog on its one year anniversary! Harley has loved sharing his life with you all but it is now time to say, "see you later."

Since four of our five bloggers will be writing for the newly designed MENC web page to be previewed at the upcoming Milwaukee National In-Service Conference, they really really don't have time to also post on the MENC Staff Blog -- and I'm pretty certain you all don't want to only hear from Harley. So Harley along with the other four bloggers wish you all a very happy St. Paddy's day. I am sure at some point in your travels you will run into Harley as well as the other four!

We have LOVED posting for you each week and we will miss you. But, hey, you can always pick up the phone and give us a call! If you like, you can also leave us a comment below. We are not blowing up the site just yet! Harley likes to blow stuff up every once in a while. I know that does not surprise you! Happy Trails to you - until we meet again. Happy Trails to you - keep singing until then......... Happy Trails to you - till we meet again!

:-)

2008-03-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, music education lovers! Today, I leave you with nothing more than the lyrics to one of my all time favorite songs ... and a wonderful tribute to life, and to all things music.

Enjoy!

Sir Duke - by the great Stevie Wonder

Music is a world within itself
With a language we all understand
With an equal opportunity
For all to sing, dance and clap their hands
But just because a record has a groove
Don't make it in the groove
But you can tell right away at letter A
When the people start to move

They can feel it all over
They can feel it all over people
They can feel it all over
They can feel it all over people

Music knows it is and always will
Be one of the things that life just won't quit
But here are some of music's pioneers
That time will not allow us to forget
For there's Basie, Miller, Satchmo
And the king of all Sir Duke
And with a voice like Ella's ringing out
There's no way the band can lose

You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people

You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people

You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people

You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
I can feel it all over-all over now people

Can't you feel it all over
Come on let's feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
Everybody-all over people

Good times are ALWAYS just around the corner -- take care everybody! :-)

Thursday Interlude: Need I Say More?

2008-03-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hmmm. It's Thursday, isn't it? Happy WLC Day! I hope you were able to participate in the World's Largest Concert. I just returned to my office from a staff screening of the 2008 WLC DVD.

Loved it. Really creative staging of songs, from "Music Rocks" to "Hallelujah, Get on Board," to "Fangaa Alafia." When you see kids enthusiastically participating in an event like that you know an energetic music educator is somewhere orchestrating what they do.

NS on our staff here.does such a good job of directing the WLC project for MENC members.

Anyway, with the Vernal Equinox next Thursday, spring officially arrives, but you and I both know it's already spring. (Or I hope is comes soon where you are). My son made it through tryouts for the junior varsity baseball team at his school and in the past couple of weeks, I have seen what beehives high schools can be. Kids playing lacrosse and tennis and baseball, running track.

And then toward the end of last week, his high school also hosted the district orchestra festival, so as sweaty kids headed from the field to the locker room they shared the doors that led into the building with violinists and cellists in dress attire.

It reminded me how great a high school can be for kids, no matter what their interests. A friend in my book club also has a high school freshman and her son, not a musician or an athlete, has found friends and a niche in robotics and animee. Like a variety of restaurants in a shopping mall food court, good high schools offer an array of choices, something to tempt most kids into creating a fuller life inside and outside the classroom.

Well, gotta go. I am working ahead on May Music Educators Journal as well the revamped news we will be able to provide you on the MENC Web site EWL described earlier in the week. Now that will rock.
Til next Thursday,
RF

MMMM 52: Spring Again! Bouquet of Resources....

2008-03-12T06:06:00.000-07:00

SPRING AGAIN! (nearly!)
One year ago next week, the MENC bloggers began this journey into blogdom.....my first post was 3/21/07.....

As EWL mentioned yesterday, we're all gearing up for the NEW MENC WEBSITE....lots to do, and we hope members will like it. There are going to be some great things on there......! Check back in mid - April!

A new report by the Dana Foundation is just out......it may help bolster the discussion on the importance of the arts, discussing how training in the arts might contribute to improved general thinking skills for children and adults. See the write up about the report in EDUCATION WEEK
And here is the actual 146 page pdf report: Insights Gained Into Arts and Smarts

As a way to commemorate a full year of MENC blogging, below I revisit a few favorite sites/entries that have appeared in the Wednesday Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany......I think they're worth a second look.....! I also add a few (just a few!) additional personal favorites for all you arts education fans.

Have a good week, and Happy Music Making! SR (scroll on!)

GREAT MUSIC EDUCATION BLOG, tech oriented, but other issues too:

SEE Catalysts and Connections

Exhibit revives musicologist's work, and African-American Music believed to be forgotten:

see this ARTICLE

America Sings! inspires young people involved in the arts to use their time and talents to help others - see their WEBSITE

Read about American Sings! upcoming participation at the April MENC Biennial Conference in Milwaukee! See their NEWSLETTER

Rock and Roll: Steven Van Zandt, MENC, and Rock 'n Roll Forever Foundation; rock lives on in high school curriculum! Click HERE and HERE

Kennedy Center's lesson plans and resources on ARTSEDGE

Music Alive: great music magazine for middle school/high school, comes with teachers guide and cd, monthly. Good resources on their website, too! SEE!

Sol y Canto, fabulous Latin group playing original and authentic music from Central and South America, the American SW, and Puerto Rico. Great songs, great vocals, great instrumentals, childrens' music, family friendly, sophisticated, playful and intelligent music!

see their WEBSITE

MMMM Blog of 11/14/07 revisits MENC Position papers, advocacy resources, and a short report on areas of concern to MENC music teachers. see this LINK

Pete Seeger inspired song book, RISE UP SINGING - for everyone!

Gov. Mike Huckabee addresses the MENC Centennial Conference, June 2007; see short recap of his talk HERE

Brilliant and inspiring singing from the African Children's Choir - see their WEBSITE

Dana Foundation's ARTS ED IN THE NEWS, a good source for periodic arts education news updates

Interested in the business of the music industry? Check out MUSICAL AMERICA

Making Music magazine (for anyone with a love of making music!). As their website says:
"information/instruction/Inspiration for the amateur musician. Read stories about music makers from all walks of life, learn about the latest medical research into the benefits of making music, discover tips to make you learn better...." see WEBSITE

and last but NOT least..........
our old friend of early MENC blog days, AMERICAN IDOL (even though I'm NOT watching it this year! (at least til the last 6 or so contestants!)

Tuesday Toiling

2008-03-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

On this lovely Tuesday I am immersed in the overhaul of the MENC Web site. We are literally moving, page by page, the old Web site into a new one. Each page has to be stripped of codes and links, entered into a new template, formatted, and then have any links added back in. This is tedious but not particularly difficult. The hard part (for me at least) is keeping straight where the pages need to be placed, and to what and from what other pages they need to be linked. This gets complicated when not all the other pages have been moved yet. The other complicaton is that there are "bugs" that pop up -- images that don't show, bullets that disappear, pages that can't be saved. We're working all this out as we go.

We're racing against the clock to get this site ready for launch the week of the National Conference. I'm very excited to show our members this new, improved music education resource.

Watched the annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony last night (while I was moving pages via my laptop). Parts of it were pretty strange. Instead of performing after she was inducted (and had given an endless acceptance speech), Madonna sat in the audience while Iggy Pop sang two of her hits. It was really weird. Iggy looked in pretty good shape, but he did Madonna's songs in his own punk-rock style which doesn't have much to do with her music. They are both from Detroit -- that's the only connection I could make. There has been some debate online as to whether Madonna should really be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so maybe she wanted to make the case that her music could be performed in a rock and roll style. Tom Hanks gave a somewhat over the top but ultimately moving induction speech for the Dave Clark Five. John Mellencamp and his inductor, Billy Joel, also went on and on and on. But all in all, pretty good background noise for moving Web pages.

Hope you're participating in the World's Largest Concert this Thursday! The MENC staff will join the singing at our monthly staff meeting.

Onward .... EWL

Bundles of Stuff going on in Our World

2008-03-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

Harley is being a "busy little thing" trying to stay out of my way and out from under my feet as we frantically work on the Board Book, mailings to the National Assembly, and whatever other stuff we are up to our ears in! He has decided to read the book, "Hotel Hobbies -- 50 things to do in a hotel room that won't get you arrested." I should by happy he is reading. Should I be happy about this book -- not really sure. Items in the chapters include: 1) Towel Origami; 2) Soap Scimshaw (requires a nail file); 3) Feng Shui Your Room; 4) Minibar Bottle Band (hmmmmm this should appeal to music educators); 5) Dental Floss Pom-poms (for the inner cheerleader in all of us?) 6) Wine Cork Stamps (need a sharp pointy thing to carve with); 7) Coat Hanger Wind Chimes (music again); 8) Tea Bag Puppetry; 9) Olive Golf; 10) Olive Pit Checkers; and my all time favorite -- 11) Blow-Dryer 007. The book suggests that you unplug the blow-dryer before attempting to leap around the room in your tux or black dress (Emma Peel move over)...... this also has exercise possibilities - you too can be James Bond.... WAIT a minute - how about Balcony Scarecrow.

You know Harley needs to get back to work to help me out with the board book. At this rate the little tyke is going to get into trouble and get cutoff from posting. Oh Oh - he is now trying Shower Cap Paragliding. He did have fun with his two girls in here on Friday BUT everyone was so busy he did not have a chance for a photo opt. Poor Thing..... Maybe next time. OH my - he is now so upset he has decided to crash land in the board book copied pages. Stay tuned......

MMMM51: Odds and Ends

2008-03-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

HI Everyone,

Here at mid-week, it's not a very happening place "in my world" (as fellow blogger ML says!)
(I mean, it's happening, it's just not that newsworthy or exciting!), so I'll just leave you with some links to "musical" articles and sound sources you may wish to check out in your "spare" time, and/or share with your students! SCROLL DOWN.......
Hope you have a good week, and see you next! SR

Van Cliburn: 50 years later! Read how the 23 year old piano player from Texas took the Soviet Union by storm, and became the first and only American musician ever to receive a ticker tape parade in the states! Listen to his hit recording (first classical recording to ever sell more than a million copies) of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, recorded just six weeks after winning the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow! Click HERE

Wings Over Jordan: learn about a weekly Gospel program on national radio, created by and for African Americans, at a time when segregation was still strong, when there were very few opportunties for black people in the United States to make themselves heard! Hear the report and read transcript CLICK HERE

12 year old composer: Read about a 12 year old girl who started composing in 3rd grade "because she loved it", "right off the bat", when composition was introduced at her school. She was born in Bangladesh, and her music was just played by the New York Philharmonic in N. Korea!

CLICK

Amateur songwriters for Obama: unknown musicians compose their own odes to the presidential candidate. CLICK

"The Boss" (Bruce Springsteen) discusses his latest album and what inspired him (or not!). Hear the conversation, and read it too. CLICK

Odd Tuesday

2008-03-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

I had four important meetings lined up for today, but a mysterious March bug has descended on the department and four people are out with various ailments. We're limping along without them but will need to reschedule meetings for when they can be present.

We released the March 2008 "Why Music?" PSAs last Friday for Music In Our Schools Month, and it is great to already hear from so many radio stations and members about using them on the air and at school events.

I had the pleasure of attending a concert by the Ahn Trio on Sunday here in Reston. These three brilliant sisters will be performing an evening concert at the MENC national conference in Milwaukee next month. I will be at the conference and hope to get the chance to listen again -- I thought they were fantastic. The program was all music that had been written for them, with some unusual jazzy inflections, at least to my ears.

We are hurtling along toward the launch of new Web site at the national conference. I must get back to work on it. 1700+ pages must be moved over to the new site, and that includes reformatting them and making sure all links are corrected. Fortunately I do not have to do this all myself. When PF, DP, and I finish this project, we are going to have to figure out how to take long vacations. Or... at least few hours off. (It's actually very exciting and I can't wait for you to see the results in April!)

Onward!
E

Pretzel Brain 2

2008-03-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

Brain in a pretzel? HUH - nope, Harley and I hate to admit it but we know what our buddy CW was talking about below. WOW oh WOW was that an episode of LOST or not! Harley is usually lost most days. He heads out and wanders around the office in search of whatever trouble he can find. It seems he gets wanderlust when it is time to work on the board book. AND he is way too excited right now. You see - his two most favorite lady-gals in the world are coming to visit him on Thursday (please, don't tell him they are coming to see the Dr. M ... o.k.?) He loves President Brinckmeyer and he is growing quite fond of President-Elect Geer as she gets ready to take over the helm on July 1.

The changing of the guard is an interesting time around here. First of all - thank you letters from the outgoing President is mailed to all whose term comes to an end when the national president term ends. The other is that all Task Forces appointed by the President also ends on June 30. So there can be up to 100 thank you letters that will be sent out. THEN, at the NEB meeting appointments are made as an outcome from the meetings of the Executive Committee of the Societies, Editorial Committees, and standing committees. All of these letters are sent out right after the NEB meeting. This year the meeting will be June 12-15, 2008. Although the meeting is held in June it is still considered the "Summer" meeting - or the first meeting of the fiscal year. President-Elect Geer will be in charge of that meeting and also the Finance Committee meeting scheduled in May.

So the question is -- does MENC have a "lame duck" period - like when President Bush gets ready to vacate the White House on January 20, 2009. He is considered a lame duck from election day, November 4, until January 20. A lame duck is defined as, "person holding office after his or her replacement has been elected to the office, but before the current term has ended." This isn't quite the case with MENC since the President-Elect of MENC serves a term of two-years before becoming the national president. However, over the years, the period between the last day of the national in-service convention and July 1 in an "even" number year is considered the MENC Lame Duck period.

Harley would never call President Brinckmeyer a Lame Duck during this time - he might quack but he wouldn't call her that. As you can see - he is once again LOST in his pretzel brain and must now leave you. His head hurts tied up in knots. So my little duckies, you have a good week and next time we will see Harley's photo with his two favorite girlfriends!

Brain in a Pretzel!

2008-02-29T13:44:00.000-08:00

Phew!

Hello there, everyone!! You'll have to forgive me, my mind is still a bit topsy turvy from watching last night's episode of LOST, you see. If you're a fan, then CERTAINLY you know what I'm talking about today!! What an AMAZING show! (forgive my picture tribute above! haha) Ok, no more derailing now, I promise...

On to more important matters! Like aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaappropriations!! Waahoo! That's right ladies and gentlemen, as of today, MENC is officially seeking a brand new appropriation request (for something very, VERY exciting!) through the congressional office of Virginia Representative Jim Moran! Congressman Moran has been a big education supporter in the past, and as many of you probably already know, MENC resides in the Congressman's district (Virginia's 8th), so hopefully he will have a very special little place carved out in his heart for music education! Sorry to be so secretive, I promise that there will be more to report on this exciting new government relations project in the near future, but you'll have to stay tuned to MENC Legislative ALERTS for more on that! (ooooooh what a tease! haha)

One final note for today as the wind howls outside my window here in Reston: At today's staff social I realized something kinda neat. This month marks my one year anniversary here at MENC.

Wow.

A YEAR has flown by?? Incredible! And what an awesome year it was! I've made so many terrific new friends, gotten to be a part of so many inspiring projects and initiatives, and I get to come to work every single day fighting for a truly amazing cause! Thank you to everyone who has made this such a very special year for me, I can only hope and look forward to more of the same in my future!

Ok, well have a wonderful weekend everyone, and if you're out on the roads, be careful not to get "LOST!" haha

P.S. This week marked our favorite little red friend's (Harley!!) b-day! A happy happy to MENC's most beloved (and only) animal staff member! ;-)

MMMM50: Music Everywhere!

2008-02-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

HI Everyone,

No doubt you've heard that the New York Philharmonic just played a concert in N. Korea.

If you haven't had enough of this news, you can read more about it at the links below! And they will be broadcasting the concert Thursday Feb. 28 on PBS. It will also be available on the NY PHIL website - read all about it and get links below!

I'm also blogging ecstatic about PBS' "Month of Music"! Their musical offerings for MARCH are diverse! Check THIS LINK for your local listings, and the additional links below for details about the programs I list here!

Coming to PBS in MARCH!
American Masters: Pete Seeger

American Soundtrack: Doo Wop's best
My Music: Doo Wop love songs
My Generation: The 60s

Bruce Springsteen with the Session Band: Live in Dublin
The Clash Live: Revolution Rock
Celtic Women
The Gospel Music of Johnny Cash
The High Kings
Hollywood Singing and Dancing: a musical treasure
Osmonds 50th anniversary reunion
Sarah Brightman

Great Performances:
Andrea Bocelli
James Taylor One Man Band
Peter and the Wolf

Great performances at the Met: Great Moments, Viewers' Choice:
Hansel and Gretel

Live from Lincoln Center: NYCity Opera: Madama Butterfly

Hope your week goes well, and see you next! SR

NY PHIL articles:

Washington Post

New York Times

Wall St. Journal

Bloomberg

ON PBS

ON NYPHIL site

Busy Time for the Little Guy

2008-02-25T07:09:00.000-08:00

Harley is gearing up for a number of tasks this week and next. He is working hard at “starting” the Board Book. Just remember “starting” is the operative word here. Although the NEB meeting is not until April 5-7, the Board Book has to be mailed no later than March 10. Deadline from NEB members for information going into the board book is Friday, February 29 – LEAP DAY! (Harley is anticipating that a number of his lady friends will be asking him out since it is Leap Year!) He remembers the last time he worked on the Board Book and to make sure all the papers stayed in numerical order and then he had to not let anyone near them in case they might fall on the floor and his trusty ally PS go off widely in search of the perpetrator responsible for this gross ugly situation (He’s been watching way too many crime shows no cable). He loves his PS since she is the one responsible for all that copying and copying and copying…… Harley thinks she dreams about copying during the time surrounding the board book creation. Lucky it only happens three times a year – Spring, Summer, Fall.

Next Wednesday, March 5, President Brinckmeyer visits MENC along with President-Elect Geer. They will be meeting in the office discussing a range of topics and meeting with a variety of individuals including the executive director of the National Art Education Association, MENC legal counsel, various staff members, etc. Discussion will be held on the upcoming 2008 National Assembly meeting.

Registrations for the 2008 National Assembly meeting to be held April 8-9, 2008, are “rollin’” in like crazy. There will be a good showing of the state and national leadership in Milwaukee. Right now (of course, subject to change) topics will include a session on the “State of the Association,” breakout groups on Advocacy; Curriculum and Assessment in Music Education; Serving the Profession; Organization and Governance; and Long-Term Financial Stability of MENC and Alliances, Partnerships, and Sponsorships. Division Board Meetings are scheduled to take place the evening of April 8. On Wednesday, April 9, there will be additional breakout sessions by state size, and information on the new MENC Website and Performance Events Department. Harley thinks it sounds like a really exciting meeting. Well off the little pup goes off to work with PS. Have a great week.

Ice, Ice, Not So Nice!

2008-02-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

Good morning all!

Much of MENC's staff is missing in action this Friday A.M. as the greater D.C. area was walloped last night with a messy ice storm! We're all kind of waiting with bated breath now to see if the worst of this sucker is over, or if there is even more drive time madness to come! We seem to have a habit of getting hit with ice instead of snow around these parts lately, which can be very pretty, but also VERY VERY unsafe. NOTE: All MENC staffers be extra careful out and about today! How about some snow Mother Nature?!?! Give us a break!!

Anyways, today is a crazy day with lots of work to get done in spite of the outside conditions, so I'm going to have to keep this short! Let me leave with a really interesting article on campaign music recently tracked down by MM, however, to keep you in the "primary" season! haha It's definitely worth the read! Have a great weekend everyone! Stay warm!

MMMM49: Diversionary Musical Notes!

2008-02-20T05:55:00.000-08:00

HI Everyone,

Nothing real eventful or newsworthy in my neck of the woods at the MENC national offices, so, let me move RIGHT on to a few bits and resources I found of interest, perhaps you will too!

Hope your week goes well, and see you next! SR

Travels with Music: Ran across this item by accident, I personally thought it sounded like a cool resource for learning about world musics...(in other words, this does not mean MENC endorses or recommends this product...it's this blog writer's two cents!). The website says: "a comprehensive educational tool for all grades, but for entertainment and music enthusiasts as well. " CLICK to watch a demo and preview 2 units!

There is a wonderful article about COMMUNAL SINGING and Pete Seeger's influence on group singing....(it's worth taking a moment to do the free registration on the NYTIMES website.)

According to the article: "communal singing isn’t a class or a choir; the singers, not the leaders, choose the tunes. " Community sings, or singalongs, "draw together the average-voiced and bring old songs into common memory." (SEE NYT SOURCE LINK BELOW!)

The article goes on to say: "Pete Seeger...... championed the cause of group-singing for more than 60 years." ...... Seeger says: "I think that singing together gives people some kind of a holy feeling. And it can happen whether they’re atheists, or whoever. You feel like, ‘Gee, we’re all together.’ "

The NYTimes continues: "In 1945 Mr. Seeger founded the People’s Song collective, which disseminated its own songbooks, thereby helping to popularize songs like "We Shall Overcome."

" In 1943, when he was in the Army, Mr. Seeger conducted an experiment on his fellow soldiers, asking them to write down the names of the songs whose words and tunes they really knew. In his own memory file he counted about 300, but he was impressed by the competition. "

More recently, Mr. Seeger explained that he believes the number of popular, common songs known by the average person today is far less than what the average person of 1943 knew. Seeger still leads sing alongs every month, and loves hearing kids sing in the group - read the article to hear how he describes kids singing!

CLICK HERE for the FULL ARTICLE

For more info on PETE SEEGER, click HERE

"COMPANY" is coming!
on PBS great performances..... you can find out more about the "show that broke the traditional rules of musical theater", and see excerpts of this current revival, see the song list, and other helpful info about Sondheim and theater, at THIS LINK

For your local listings, CLICK HERE!

CLICK HERE for more info on musical theater!

Finally, heard one of my favorites over the weekend, incredible beat, horns, live crowd whooping it up...for a real musical treat, learn more about LOUIS PRIMA, "The King of Swingers" and his crazy, delicious singing and instrumentals at THIS LINK and THIS ONE

SEE Prima on YOU TUBE: Just a Gigolo/I ain't got no body Medley
and Oh Marie! (1957)

Read about "ANGELINA, the Waitress at the Pizzeria" , HERE!

Tuesday Update

2008-02-19T13:40:00.000-08:00

The day is almost gone and I have not found a moment til now to think about blogging! That's what happens when Monday is a holiday.

So, quickly, check out Sunday's 60 Minutes report on Gustavo Dudamel, the new conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I found it a fascinating profile. He is a product of "El Sistema" -- the Venezuelan innovation that takes children (a quarter of a million so far, almost all from poor neighborhoods), and teaches them how to play instruments. This has now led to hundreds of youth orchestras sprouting up all over the country.

El Sistema has been mentioned in the MENC blog before so I felt very well informed as I watched the segment!

Onward -- EWL

It's a Holiday in Our World - Mr. President!

2008-02-17T18:00:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow (Monday) the MENC offices are closed for the Presidents' Holiday, otherwise known as George Washington's Birthday! Mr. Harley will be taking the day off to sleep in. He knows that after Monday there are no holidays until the end of MAY! Yes, he will survive -- the little guy always does! Here is wishing you a happy day wherever you may be - at work, at play, at home.

Thursday Interlude: Stating the Obvious

2008-02-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

Happy, you know what. I know some people love, love, love Valentine's Day while others believe it is a day that is a worldwide conspiracy promoted each year by greeting card companies, florists and chocolatiers. I personally love Valentine's Day, because I think it is a great time to let people know you care about them, whether significant others or others in your world at large. That said, I hope you have a good day, whether you celebrate or not. Every day is great when you get to do something you like. Hopefully like me chatting with you on the blog today (shameless pandering).

I really liked SR's posts yesterday about songs. I have mentioned previously that I love all kinds of music. I don't know a lot about many of them and that is when I need to do some research. Opera is one of those genres.

I found the Aria database Web site a while back where you can find information. The Web site includes a description of the opera plot, characters and links to where you can buy sheet music or recordings. My favorite operas are Aida , Carmen
and A Midsummer Night's Dream?

We have talked the past week or so about our new MENC Web site and our Web writing training. I am so psyched that I will be able to give you news more quickly than I do now. I will continue to provide the news for our two magazines, Teaching Music and Music Educators Journal, though, which also will be fun.

The discussions have been fun and we have a great group of MENC staffers working on the Web project. I already enjoy working with this enthusiastic group.

Oh, before I forget, are you getting into American Idol yet? I find it slowly reeling me in. Comment and let me know what you think about this year's crop of singers. Among the top 24, my favorites so far are Amanda Overmeyer, Syesha Mercado and Colton Berry, who is 17. He is from Staunton, Virgina, where he has performed in community theater productions like :"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

Gotta go. April Teaching Music looms, as to do various other projects related to the MENC Conference in Milwaukee in April. Visit the conference link to see the cool array of events and sessions.

Til Next Thursday, Happy Hearts Day
RF

MMMM 48: Musical Valentines: Popular song in America, an amazing band leader, and Darla!

2008-02-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone is busy these days, but here's something that made me stop and pause and absorb for more than a minute!

A headline in our local paper jumped out at me:

"Gabriel's Music Heard Round the World: from D-Day to musical Hall of Fame - a life of ying and yang"

The article is worth a read (HERE)......you'll learn about a still very active 82 year old, WWII veteran of Omaha Beach, who earned his music ed degrees at Ithaca after the war, and lead the USAF band, Symphony Orchestra, and Singing Sergeants from 1964-1985, bringing it to military and civilian events in all 50 states and 50 countries.

Ran into a copy of the the Stephen Foster poem/song, "Beautiful Dreamer", which seems appropriate for Valentines day.....to read the lyrics, CLICK HERE!

For those curious about Stephen Foster, (1826 - 1864, known as the "father of American Music"), there are some links below, as well as links to American Popular song.....

To whet your interest, PBS calls Foster "the first great American songwriter". PBS goes on to say: "His melodies are so much a part of American history and culture that most people think they're folk tunes. All in all he composed some 200 songs, including "Oh! Susanna" "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair," and "Camptown Races." Though he virtually invented popular music as we recognize it today, Foster's personal life was tragic and contradiction-riddled. His marriage was largely unhappy, he never made much money from his work and he died at the age of 37 a nearly penniless alcoholic on the Bowery in New York." (SEE REFERENCE LINK BELOW)

Alas, while Foster's music is to be honored, all I could think of after reading "Beautiful Dreamer" was ALFAFA, from the Little Rascals (Our Gang). Alfafa singing (warbling) "Beautiful Dreamer."...which lead to images/sounds of Alfafa warbling "I'm the Barber of Seville" as as way to show off to Darla to lure her away from Butch! (if my memory serves!).

(that's tall, bow tied-Alfafa, next to horn playing Spankie; and skeptical Darla with the chalkboard to Spankie's right)

Have a look at the links below, and have a good week too - see you next! SR

RESOURCES

PBS American Experience: Stephen Foster
time line, teachers guide, listen, sheet music

Many additional Stephen Foster links and info: see WIkipedia

Public domain music: midi music and lyrics to Foster's songs

Collection of American Popular Music

Kingwood College Library: A Chronological Subject Guide To AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC BEFORE 1900

Kingwood College Library AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC 1900 to 1950

Making Sense of American Popular Song

Icy & Rainy & Ugh in our world

2008-02-13T06:24:00.000-08:00

Be patient today trying to get in touch with us! It is awful out there - brave Harley made it in but as you can see from his ventures the trees are bent with ice and the plants are caked in it.

Just wanted to let you know, some of us are here and others aren't. Hope your day is going well!

In our world, “the fragrance always remains

2008-02-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

In the hand that gives the rose.” Although a few days away, Harley just wants to send his love to everyone out there. Harley is feeling the season’

On to mundane stuff in the real world – or not so mundane – in our world we leadership state reports for the upcoming National Executive Board meeting are due online by Feb. 15. At that point Division Presidents will review all of the reports and write their very own division one to be included in the Board Book. The Board Book deadline is February 29 (LEAP YEAR) and the book will be mailed out on March 7. This gives the NEB a chance to review all materials well in advance of the meeting on April 6-8 at the national convention. Whewwww, Harley better get his nose out of them thar roses before a thorn pricks him……..

It is an exciting time in our world: 1) Lost; 2) Survivor; 3) Project Runway; 4) Jericho and the DVR in perfect working order. What more can you ask for – not much in our world.

Homework for the week: Give a rose to someone who is not expecting one and do it anonymously! Spread the fragrance……………….

Mad Season

2008-02-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

Hello there music education lovers!

I hope that everyone is doing well today! I am particularly excited for this evening, when my girlfriend Emily and I will be attending a Matchbox Twenty concert at George Mason University's Patriot Center. I've actually seen Matchbox Twenty several times now (note: I've never actually seen them as Matchbox 20, only as Matchbox Twenty -- there is a difference, you see) and they never fail to impress! I'm personally the biggest fan of Rob Thomas and the boys' second album, "Mad Season," which was an orchestra pop/rock record, with a heavy tinge of jazziness mixed in -- good stuff!

On the work front, Government Relations Department assistant HLS recently attended a fascinating multi-day web writing training class designed to prepare us both for a brand new day of MENC advocacy hoopla upon the launch of our new web site (we're all pretty durnn excited about the new site, new stuff rocks!!) Anyways, HLS learned a ton during the web writing class, and has now taken it upon herself to correct my supposedly "antiquated and longwinded" writing style at every possible opportunity. I FEAR CHANGE!!! Nah, but seriously, this is going to make us all MUCH MUCH better writers, and help to provide YOU (our members) with an even better quality batch of music education support materials in the future! WOOHOO! What could be better??

Let me close by giving you a brief "2008 Prez Primary" update:

Well, Mitt Romney dropped out. And he did it in surprising fashion too. That leaves John McCain and Mike "I can wail on a guitar" Huckabee remaining as the only big time choices in the GOP field (with apologies to the Ron Paul supporters). Maybe Huckabee should start playing guitar at campaign events. Maybe he could give his stump speech in a song. That would actually be pretty cool... I'm not sure how John McCain could compete with that. After all, who doesn't like a person that can play guitar? I don't know about you, but when I was in college, if you could play a guitar, you definitely had about a million friends. And about a million requests to play Dave Matthews Band’s “Crash Into Me.” Gag. I'm just sayin'.

As for the Democrats... the battle royale continues! No more John Edwards, but Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton (look at me! it's like I'm writing for The New York Times!) continue to duke it out in several upcoming weekend primaries and then... (drum roll please!)... THE POTOMAC/CHESAPEAKE/BELTWAY/WHATEVERYOUWANNACALLEM’ PRIMARIES!! YAAAAY FOR ALL THINGS LOCAL! Note to all local Democrats: THAT MEANS THAT THIS YEAR, YOUR PRIMARY VOTE REALLY WILL MEAN SOMETHING! SO GET OUT AND VOTE!

*If you’re a Republican, you should remember to vote too, because if this race has taught us one thing this year, it’s that it ain’t over til’ it’s over!!

OK, well I guess that's all for now! I'm still working on patching things up with Harley, who as ML reported, recently contracted my horrible bout of the black plague (poor little guy!). I couldn't feel worse. In my defense, however, Harley is already red, so it can be pretty hard to know when he's burning up!!

Hmph.

Have a musical weekend everyone!!

Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany 47: WEBifying....and, HEALTH!

2008-02-06T04:24:00.001-08:00

Three of the MENC bloggers (SR, EWL, RF), and seven other MENC employees have been in a four day training session this week learning to write for the web. The new MENC website will have staff written "articles", and we're learning the ins and outs of how to succinctly provide MENC members with information they can use. Stay tuned in late spring to see how we're doing, at http://www.menc.org/!

Below are a few helpful tips from MENC members responding to January's Question of the Month on Health for Musicians (for full results, write info@menc.org).

Also, see below a few links to resources on health for musicians.

Have a good week, see you next! SR

Comments on health in music education, from MENC members:

I taught general and choral music for more than twenty-five years, and my voice range drastically was lowered. I had been a soprano in college, but became an alto. . . very gradually. I often had colds and sore throats which also affected my singing. Because of this, I began to include more directed listening lessons. I created lessons using all styles and genres, while still of course using instruments, creating, reading notation, etc. I saved my voice and I know that the students appreciated the lessons.

I find that using a wireless microphone attached to my stereo system is a wonderful voice saver, especially since I am singing in a difficult part of my range while teaching (in the area of my break).

Every music educator should have the availability of a sound meter and teach their students the nature of and effect of loud sounds upon their hearing.

Teachers who teach large groups of students should use an amplification system to make it less stressful to speak in classrooms.

I teach at the elementary level. Modeling good vocal technique is imprtant at this young age. Explaining vocal qualities so that they are conscious of using their singing voice when singing vs. speaking, whispering and shouting is also important. We work on breathing for both singing and speaking. We often warm-up with a brain dance -- technique learned at an Orff conference. It relaxes them and me while also engaging the different hemispheres of the brain. We discuss the importance of drinking water for vocal and overall health and the PE teacher stresses this too.

If children are not afforded the opportunity to perform alone when they are very young, it seems to be much more difficutlt for them to perform when they get older. Over the years I have learned that having students begin the practice of performing alone as young as possible helps to alleviate much of the performance anxiety they begin the experience as they become older solo performers. The less fuss or "big deal" YOU make of it, the less inhibited they will be too.

Do some warming up before playing as you would if you were going to do any exercise, not playing warm up but physical, ex. roll shoulders forward and back gently roll neck etc. also for clarinet, oboe and english horn players use the straps and stands available to support your instruments as you play.

Taping yourself singing, demonstrating a song, etc., when you are needing to teach Concert songs to elementary-aged students. This way, you do not have to sing every class period. My voice really took a dive this winter season when every grade level (class), was preparing for something musical (concert, musical DVD greeting for troops, caroling for shut-ins, etc.) I literally had to rest my voice when Winter Break came. I could have saved my voice if I would have just taped myself singing and had the students sing with my tape recording. Sometimes you learn the hard way...

If I feel my class is high stress (end of the quarter with lots of tests) or needs they need to focus I say, "stop and breath." This means close your eyes. Sit relaxed in your chairs and clear your minds. I avoid words like mediation and yoga, because when I first tried this techniques telling them it was mediation, the middle school response was giggling. Instead, I tell them it is a time to calm themselves, to stop everything- all thoughts of test anxiety and performance woes etc. and just feel their breathing. Over time they have grown to enjoy these short moments of doing nothing.

SCROLL UNDER Dr. Duck for HEALTH RESOURCES!

RESOURCES ON HEALTH for MUSICIANS/MUSIC EDUCATORS

Performing Arts Medicine Association

U. N. Texas Center for Music and Medicine

George Mason U. (VA) Center for Arts and Wellness

U. North Carolina Greensboro

MENC Position statement on Health in Music Education

January Music Educators Journal features articles on vocal health for singers; musculoskeletal health for instrumentalists; preventing music-induced hearing loss; and stress in the lives of music students (including performance anxiety).

Surprise Visit

2008-02-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

Last week we were pleasantly surprised to get a visit from MENC member Janette Harriott, of the University of Nebraska-Kearney, who is also chair of college/university affairs for Nebraska Music Educators Assocation.

Marketing manager BS snapped these photos of Janette with yours truly, fellow blogger RF, and executive assistant CW (aka SW). It was so nice to get the chance to chat with a member for a few minutes right here in the office!

Have been in an intensive Web writing seminar for the last three days (what, you can't tell???) so must push on to the work that is piling up.

Onward!

EWL

L O S T and sickly in our world.... OH NO

2008-02-04T07:31:00.001-08:00

Yes, Harley and I have joined the ranks of sickly employees. Poor CW. He was really sick. In fact the more we think about it the more we think we got a little bit of his gunk since we went out to coffee with him prior to our horrendous sore throat, upset tummy, cold-like flu-like symptons' hit. Yes, when in doubt blame CW. Harley was out the same time as CW -- last Monday, Tuesday, had to leave early on Wednesday, and just kind of floated through work on Thursday and Friday. This is not good since it is a busy time of year. BUT, we are both feeling a lot better today (Harley and me) and I am sure a good dose of LOST helped last Thursday.

Ballots are rollin' into the office. Have you voted? Remember the deadline (altho a while off) is March 21. Yes, folks we are talking about the MENC elections -- not the other (and not to be confused with "the others" on Lost). Yes it is easy to place that ballot aside and then BAM - the deadline is past and you did not have a chance to have your say. Kind of the same with national elections in the United States. If you don't vote, don't criticize the leadership. If you did vote, have at it! Been my philosophy since I voted in my first election (no that wasn't when Moses was running for whatever......).

The board is working on developing an agenda for the upcoming National Assembly meeting to be held in Milwaukee, WI, prior to the convention. Delegates to the Assembly will begin meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, and end their meeting on Wednesday, April 9, at noon time.

WHICH REMINDS ME -- February 15 is the deadline to get the Early Bird special rates for the convention. Go to the MENC web site now and register. Take care this week and stay well. The cold bug is rampaging around so you need to keep up your defenses. You will be happy to know, Harley has been declared well and able to work the rest of the week. Take care!

L O S T and found...

2008-02-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

Hello again everyone!

Wow what a crazy week! I seem to have kicked off 2008 with some sort of nasty, nasty mutant virus, so I spent most of Monday and Tuesday trying to fight that sucker off. Alas, I am now back in the saddle, however, and excited to be back at work!

This week has also been very exciting for a number of reasons:

First, and most importantly, on Thursday morning I attended an NCLB panel discussion on Capitol Hill entitled "Improving No Child Left Behind: The Cost of Waiting." More on this in an upcoming MENC Legislative ALERT (please tell me that you've signed up for them by now riiiiiight?? ;-)), but for the time being, please just trust me when I say that this was several hours of my time very well spent.

The panel featured opening remarks from Secretary Tommy Thompson (Co-chair, Commission on NCLB and former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Also speaking was Governor Roy Barnes (Co-chair, Commission on NCLB and former Governor of Georgia). These two gentlemen set the tone for a conversation that would proceed to feature various high level majority and minority level staff members brought in to discuss the "ongoing" (try to excuse me if I'm a bit if a cynic at this point) reauthorization efforts.

Following the first panel discussion and a lively Q&A session, the audience was then treated to a series of local education reports as delivered by a host of bright, articulate, grassroots level education leaders. Eduardo Angulo, Chairman of the Salem/Keizer Coalition for Equality, and a local education advocate in the state of Oregon, was particularly impressive in his remarks. Overall, the dialogue was upbeat and inspirational, and it gives me (as it should give you) hope that perhaps 2008 won't be a lost year after all in the fight to reauthorize America's most important education bill. Hope is the message to be had here!

Now, on to only slightly less relevant fare...

The presidential primaries!

Phew! These babies have really heated up since last time we left off (and things were starting to bake back then too!!). Just to recap, we're pretty much down to two candidates in each of the major parties, Senators Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton on the Democratic side, and Senator John McCain and Governor Mitt Romney on the Republican side, respectively. A brief side note: Mitt Romney's son's name is Tagg. Tagg Romney. Oh what I would give to come from a family that named people things like Mitt and Tagg. Awesome.

Anyways, to make a long story short, all of the candidates duked it out in their respective party's California debates this past week (hopefully you caught some of the action on CNN!) and are now waiting with fingers crossed for Super Duper Tuesday next week when voters in 22 states (a record amount) will all cast their votes or caucus on the same exact day (absolute HEAVEN for political junkies like me!).

Once all of the dust has settled, we FINALLY may very well have our two presidential nominees. If not, however, then it will be on to "Chesapeake Tuesday," when those of us in Reston and elsewhere in the greater Washington, DC region will have OUR chance to play a role in this seemingly never-ending soap opera that is the 2008 presidential nomination process! WHAT FUN.

Ok, and now lastly, on to some COMPLETELY unrelated but totally awesome fare...

L O S T returned this week. DUN DUN DUN.

Yesssssssssssss.

For those of you who follow this drama-filled island mystery (and as several of us loyalists here at MENC can safely attest to, you don't just watch L O S T, you sleep, eat, and breathe L O S T), its return has seemed like a long time coming. And with absolutely ZIPPO (other than those wonderful presidential debates!) else on TV right now, what could be better than a heapin' helpin' of this consistently amazing Robinson Crusoe meets Swiss Family Robinson meets Survivor meets the X-Files tropical brain cramp?!?!

The answer?

NOTHING! (Tune in next Thursday night for more of the action!!)

Ok, well that’s all for now gang… have a wonderful weekend and blog with you soon!!

Thursday Interlude: Some MENC Staffers to Learn Web Spinning

2008-01-31T07:24:00.000-08:00

John Mayer, a 1998 alumnus of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, is nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance Grammy Award. Scroll down for the other Berklee grads or faculty members who were nominated. This photo and the one below are by Phil Farnsworth.

And a happy Thursday to Y'all. Actually, I have trouble believing today is Thursday. Busy, busy week. What? You've heard me say that before? When, I guess, you are wondering, is it not busy around here. Um, let me get back to you on that.

A lot of us are trying to clear the decks because we have a Web writing class coming up the next few days that will take up a chunk of time. As EWL and SR told you in their blogs earlier in the week, we have a really cool Web redesign coming up in a few weeks, so we are getting ready for that.

I do spend a lot of time writing stuff for the Web (like my blog stuff, for example), but I have never really had instruction in it. My goal once we have the new Web site in place is to update my news online as frequently as possible. I am looking forward to learning something new.

Right now I update the news once a month. I basically take the news that is printed in the magazine for the upcoming month and add stuff. I include information there wasn't room for in the print version. I include tons more photos, that kind of stuff. That is what I spent a lot of time on this week, preparing the February online news, the text and photos. I think I have mentioned that DP then takes all of that stuff and creates my online version. He is wiz. The February news will be up sometime next week.

I am sure you are aware of the the tug of war that is going on between print and Web right now. I grew up with print, worked for a daily newspaper and this is my second magazine job. I really think both mediums have strengths and weaknesses.

I love the immediacy of the Web, the fact that you can link video, audio, photos and text for a complete multi-media experience. On the other hand, it is all so instant gratification. There isn't as much time for reflection and context. The 24-hour news cycle has been a reality for quite some time now.

My husband is a newspaper editor and his reporters cover politics. Throughout the day they are writing for the paper's Web site, updating when necessary and writing for print. It is almost a never-ending job, if you want to get it right.

Now, am I saying I will be updating my MENC news around clock once our new Web site is up and running? Uh, no. But I want to make it fresher and more-up-to date, so look for my news once the Web site is launched in the spring.

Hmm. Music stuff I discovered this week. I found this cool story ab0ut Beethoven's lost opera on the NPR music site this week. Actually, the story discusses whether Leonore is a first draft of Fidelio its own piece. Check out the arguments and the music.

Also recently I received a press release from the Berklee College of Music headlined:

Berklee Alumni and Faculty Earn 24 Grammy Award Nominations

Nominees include John Mayer, Steve Vai, Howard Shore, Diana Krall, Juan Luis Guerra, and Quincy Jones. Click here to read Berklee's press release.

As for Berklee, the photo below, right is of Oscar Stagnaro, one of the nominees for best Latin Jazz album, is a professor of bass at Berklee. He performs Funk Tango in the Paquito D'Rivera Quintet along with Diego Urcola '90, Pernell Saturnino '95, Alon Yavnai '95,

and Mark Walker, a Berklee associate professor of percussion.

The 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place live on Sunday, Feb. 10 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. And yes, they will take place, despite the strike by the Writer's Guild. The Grammy folks were granted a waiver for writers to "script" that witty chatter presenters utter before they hand out those cute little grammophones the nominees are dying to get their hands on. I can't wait.

Nominees Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley and the casts of "The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil" and Across The Universe in a special Beatles segment are the latest performers announced for the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast by the Recording Academy.

Two summers ago, my husband, son and I saw "Beatles LOVE" in Las Vegas. It was so fabulous, both the reworking of the Beatles' music and the Cirque du Soleil performers. Can't wait to see that on Feb. 10. I am an awards show geek. Truly. And especially for the Grammys.

For a complete list Grammy nominees, click here.

I include the snippet below from the Grammy press release. Click here to read the whole thing.

Well, as they say in France, C'est tout for this week.

Hope things around your neck of the woods (as weather man Al Roker says) are going well. Let's chat next week about the music performances at the Super Bowl this Sunday. You know you want to.

Til Next Thursday. RF

Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany xxxxvi: Endings, and Beginnings!

2008-01-30T04:39:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the end of January, and I say whew! Seems like the longest month of the year to me every year, most likely because of the cold, dreary drab weather, the post holiday let down, the disappearance of holiday decor and cheer, and reality fully back on one's plate in the form of work, taxes, exercise, and general "no more holidays on the horizon for a while!". (One colleague at MENC, however, did a very smart thing - she spent two weeks just after the holidays in HAWAII on a well deserved vacation....talk about a good way to spend the first two weeks of January!! Here's a quick view to help you forget winter gloom!)

Now, don't you feel better!?

I for one am glad the short and sweet month of February is upon us! Days are longer, birds are starting to chirp (at least in Virginia!), and you get a good sense that Spring IS On the way....

(candy always helps, too!)

And speaking of short and sweet, this will be a short and sweet blog today....!

A quick update to last week's (1/23) posting about the MENC Social.....On Friday 1/25, Dr. M hosted the MENC Monthly staff social. The Theme? Ice Cream Sundaes!
You may think it strange to have ice cream in January....but, it went down WARMLY and WELL thanks to the wonderful member who made a Christmas gift of her state's famous hot fudge sauce. A VERY big thank you to member RAK for her generous "donation" ! The large can of the milk chocolate sauce was gently heated in a pot of warm water, until just the right consistency for spooning and drizzling.......here's one of the finished creations....(although, it seems to be missing a cherry!)

And here are three happy MENC staff (2 of the super hardworking mail room/handyman/know how to get it done guys...and one staffer who I'm sorry I'm not able to identify..... ) pausing from their labors to have the treat:

There were several other interesting photos, particularly of Dr. M drizzling the sauce from on high like a chef........and another of him sitting with staff with a diet soda in his hand! Many other photos (courtesy of BS, super photographer!) of staff in various states of ice cream enjoyment and concentration as they constructed their sundaes...but, you will have to imagine these scenes........Overall, staff enjoyed and got the appropriate sugar high to see them through Friday afternoon on a dreary winter day!

As for the endings, in addition to the month disappearing........today we say goodbye to MENC Teaching Music Managing Editor, BP. She has been a real boon to MENC. BP contributed to MENC not only with her fine managing editorship, but she co-directed, and performed in the MENC Recorder ensemble (playing AND singing!), and one summer she even ran a yoga class for interested staff! BP is also a licensed pilot, an accomplished singer and choral conductor, and Mom! She will be missed!

And, a new beginning: this week, a handful of staff will be receiving special "write for the web" training, as soon, the MENC website will be completely converted with a new look for members (sometime late spring, early summer), and it will have a new technical interface for staff, so staff can post materials directly to the website themselves, instead of having to rely on our production/web team. Stay tuned!

Hope to bring you, in coming weeks, comments and segments from our monthly on-line survey, The Question of the Month, most recently about musicians and health. Some good suggestions and feedback received in January from members! February's question of the month topic will be TECHNOLOGY in the music classroom, and, separately, RETIRED MUSIC EDUCATORS..... Please take a look after 2/1! (and see below for some TECH in MUSIC links!)

Knowing you are all busy, so below are just a few bits and pieces of resources/interest. Hope your week goes well, and til next week, SR

BITS AND PIECES/RESOURCES

TECHNOLOGY
MENC's Opportunity to Learn Standards for Music TECHNOLOGY

The Technology Institute for Music Educators (TI:ME)

Music Tech Teacher

VERMONT MIDI PROJECT

WHY TECH ENHANCES STUDENT SUCCESS

write to info@menc.org if you would like a few more sites with useful info about classes and other tips!

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

NAEP: National Assessment of Educational Progress, Arts Assessment 2008

How I Won the Meeting

2008-01-29T07:29:00.000-08:00

I go to a lot of meetings here at MENC. Not as many as do some other people, but still, a lot. Meetings are ok, even good, when they are productive and the participants have good attitudes. Coming out of a meeting with a lot more work to do can be a little discouraging if the goal of all the new work hasn't been made clear. A meeting where someone drones on and on, saying the same thing over and over, is the worst. (I'm probably guilty of that, so I try to be careful.)

Sometimes, however, a meeting can be quite fun. Just now, I had a very fun meeting with the Web team. Our project list is really long right now, and while we're doing everything on the list, we're also dealing with the gigantic project of overhauling the whole Web site for a spring launch. We spent a good portion of the meeting chuckling about the staff members who think they are going to bypass procedure to get their project done before any others (i.e., "cut in line"). We also discussed how great it would be to be a judge on "Iron Chef" and how a little office gossip isn't always a bad thing. We prioritized and set deadlines and had good attitudes. Fun, productive, and not too long. (Because I had another meeting to get ready for!)

I was watching a DVD of the first season of "30 Rock" recently and I liked the way Liz Lemon called for "two minute dance break" during a long brainstorming meeting. The characters instantly cranked up the boom box and started boogie-ing around the conference room. I thought this was a great thing to add to any long meetings at MENC. Of course on the show, Liz Lemon's boss showed up in the middle of the dance break and didn't seem to think it was that great of an idea! I'll have to check MENC's policy on dancing during meetings.

Last weekend's Dilbert comic strip was about how to know when you've "won a meeting" -- I thought it was hilarious!

After lunch, two more meetings. So I'll leave you with a link to the Web site of one of my all-time favorite musicians, Richard Thompson. I saw him for the manyith time last week in DC. He tours frequently, either with a four-piece electric band or solo acoustic, performing his wonderful catalog of songs dating back to the late 60s and his days with the group Fairport Convention. Last week's show, however, was his "1000 Years of Popular Music," a tongue-in-cheek performance of the best pop songs of the last millennium. Highlights included music from the Mikado, "Shenandoah," tunes from Abba, the Korgis, the Beatles, the Kinks, and Nelly Furtado (!), some Cole Porter and Ella Fitzgerald, an English madrigal, an Italian renaissance song, and much more -- all performed "shamelessly" by RT on acoustic guitar/voice, Judith Owen on keyboards/voice, and Debra Dobkin on percussion/voice. (Harry Shearer, a voice from "The Simpsons" and "This is Spinal Tap," was sitting just in front of us. He is married to Judith Owen.) Highly recommend you check "1000 Years" out on CD or DVD.

Onward -- EWL

Thursday Interlude: Takin' Care of Business

2008-01-24T05:34:00.001-08:00

Hi,
If you read my blog post last week, you may recall that I was on my way to the Midwest to visit my family for a long weekend. We celebrated my mom's birthday and my parents' wedding anniversary with a party and it was nice seeing my parents, as well as my sister and brother and assorted nieces and nephews. The weather there was cold to put it mildly. I don't think the temperature got much above 20 or so the whole time I was there and at night the temps were below zero.

I know, I know, I grew up there, but Northern Virginia, with its relatively mild winters, has turned me into a wimp. I readily admit that.

Anyway, before I forget, I want to express my appreciation to airport workers everywhere. Last Thursday it started snowing as I headed to Dulles Airport and I sat in there terminal watching the snow fall and inside the airport beleaguered gate agents were trying to placate upset passengers ("What do you mean all of the flights to Denver are full!"). Outside as the snow fell, workers labored in the cold, blustery weather to keep runways clear, plane wings deiced and and help planes to take off. Those people work really hard to keep all of us going where we are going, whether it is a business trip or a family reunion.

There are some kind of new rules about how long people sit on planes, how many planes can be in line to leave when the weather is bad. So, we got on our plane, we got off our plane, we got on the plane, we waited on the plane and finally five hours later, after the de-icing and watching a stuck plane get towed back to the gate, we took off.

Personally, I had a good book to read (and a book club meeting coming up) and since I spend so much time rushing about, I was perfectly happy to just sit and read. In fact, most of the people on my plane took it all in stride, talking, calling whomever to say they were being delayed or reading like I was.

When we finally landed, the flight attendant actually got on the intercom and thanked everyone for being so nice and polite and not yelling or throwing things at the crew. I was immensely proud of all of us.

Anyway, since returning to the office, I worked on finishing up final revisions for March Music Educators Journal stories and catching up on a gazillion emails. Oh, and I made flight reservations to head out to Bismarck, North Dakota for the North Dakota Music Education Association conference in March. (And, no, I am not skittish about getting on a plane again. I know in March, they can still have snow in the upper Midwest, but hey, I know those people know how to clear runways.

I just wanted to pass along a link for a story I heard last weekend on Weekend America, the American Public Media show. The story is called "An Architect's Morning Music." It is a interview with architect Daniel Libeskind, who says "I don't think I would have a good day if I wasn't able to start by listening to music." It is a fascinating story about how closely he links music and creativity.

His projects include the Jewish Museum in Berlin and in February 2003, Studio Daniel Libeskind's design study was chosen as the master site plan for the rebuilding of the World Trade Center Site in New York City.

Oh, and Ameican Idol? I didn't see it last night because of my aforementioned book club meeting. Feel free to add a comment if anyone has touched a nerve for you during the competition thus far.

Well, gotta go. My day job calls.
Til next Thursday
RF

Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany XXXXV: Sunshine, Moons, Music Man and Puccini!

2008-01-23T08:03:00.000-08:00

Well, today is as bright, sunny and blue as yesterday was gloomy and grey. This is a nice respite before another dose of winter dull daze tomorrow!

(*and we have had, the last few nights, the MOST HUGE, BRIGHT, silvery, beautiful dollar coin sized full moon beaming down from 5am - 7am lighting the commute and early morning risers! Amazingly beautiful! If you ever saw the 1980's movie "MOONSTRUCK", you will get it....and there's even a musical tie in to this BELOW!)
(looked like this, only SILVER, not yellow)

In honor of winter (or perhaps to make us think "SUMMER!"), on Friday this week, Dr. Mahlmann is treating MENC staff (during our monthly "socials") to ice cream sundaes!

As explained before, these "socials" give busy staff a brief respite from the computer and phones and meetings and moving the mail, to enable us to have some "face to face" time and remember staff birthdays and anniversaries of working at MENC.

The fudge sauce to be served on the ice cream is the motivation for the social's theme, as Dr. M was gifted the fudge sauce from one very wonderful and involved MENC member at Christmas time. Thank you, RAK! (and Dr. M of course for sharing the bounty!).

So, the Exec dept (ML, CW, MJ, PS, LE, and me tagged on as an orphan department) will be hosting and setting up and all - come Friday.....

Ice cream and of course, the MENC staff "social" always remind me of .....ICE CREAM SOCIALS!!! You know (if you're of a certain age), those "old fashioned" gatherings families, churches, and schools used to have to bring folks together.....it was always a treat when I was a kid, all the ice cream you wanted! MENC still holds over from those times the old word "social"....I love it! keeps me connected to childhood!

(trivia: It's official - Two Rivers is recognized by the Wisconsin State Historical Society as the REAL birthplace of the ice cream sundae. There is a Sundae Week every summer, and the city gathers in Central Park for an old fashioned band concert and ice cream social during the annual Sundae Thursday. (courtesy of THIS SITE

Speaking of ice cream socials....THAT always reminds me of THE MUSIC MAN! (Meredith Willson, you know, the musical, starring Robert Preston and Barbara Cook in the original broadway version, Shirley Jones in the 1962 Movie ...click HERE for more details!

That scene of the ice cream social...the footbridge.....Class of "aught five", and "Pick a little talk a little.... Chaucer..Rabellaise...BALZAC!"....Marian the Librarian.....76 Trombones......

and the Salesmen Train Conversational Song about "But ya gotta know the territory!"; Gary Indiana, The Sadder but Wiser girl for me, Goodnight my someone, Lida Rose/Dream of Now, Trouble (in River city!).... need I say more?! (well, guess who played my brother Winthrop when I was Marian in 8th grade? 7th grader Paula Poundstone! She was GREAT!).

And speaking of LIDA ROSE/Dream of now - (my absolutely all time favorite song in the entire show, it was a joy to sing against that full barbershop harmony!)......this brings me back full circle to "ICCCEEE CREEEEAMMM!" - the first words sung by Jacey and his fellow town managers after being beguiled into harmonizing by the conniving Prof. Harold Hill, as he distracted them with their vocal chops and made his escape onto conning more townspeople of River City Iowa into buying band instruments and uniforms!

Now that I've had my little nostalgia trip (how many of YOU have been in the Music Man, either as a musician, or cast member on stage? Comment below!)......(and wasn't it at LEAST a bit more interesting to read than hearing about how I'm slogging through survey #2 sent to 2000 members, and the about to start sorting another 2000 names for sending for survey #3?)..........let me leave you with a few resources on China, barbershop singing, civil rights (in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King's recent birthday/holiday), and a wonderful 6 minute video/sound clip for those who love Puccini (and maybe were intrigued by my mention of Andre Rieu in the last few blogs).... this is something special, worth seeing! SEE BELOW!

Hope you have a good week, and see you next! SR

RESOURCES:

SPEBSQUA: Society (for the) Preservation (and) Encouragement (of) BarberShop QUartet (singing in) America; AKA Harmony Foundation (singing valentines! only three weeks away!)

One of the most beautiful renditions ever: Carmen Monarcha of Brazil, in Cortona, Italy, singing "O Mio Babbino Caro" ( Oh my dearest daddy) with Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra...click HERE

Synopsis of the Puccini opera Gianni Schicchi, from which O Mio Babbino Caro comes

With the world's largest population and an exploding economy, China may represent the future for international touring artists. Click HERE

Eyes on the Prize/ PBS/History of Civil Rights movement (saw this again after many years, SO worth seeing and sharing with others!):

PBS SITE

WIKIPEDIA description

RIVER CITY IOWA: AKA as MUSIC MAN SQUARE, Mason City Iowa - click HERE

(and did you know MENC's first meeting in 1907 was also in Iowa? see www.menc.org and go to the INDEX and click on CENTENNIAL!)

Gray Tuesday

2008-01-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

A little depressing today -- as I plug away at my projects, I can see out my window a construction crew clearing a formerly lovely spot of forest in which to build a new office building. Too bad.

It's already mid afternoon and I have so much to do that I must leave it at that! Back next Tuesday!

Onward -- EWL

Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday

2008-01-21T06:07:00.001-08:00

Follow your dream

MLK did

You can too

Of "Primary" Concern

2008-01-18T13:38:00.000-08:00

Oh wow. I really should write for a supermarket tabloid, shouldn't I? Sorry, that headline was just too easy. It was ripe for the pickin! ;-)

But seriously, what a BLAST these presidential primaries have been so far!! I've been involved in politics and government relations for quite a while now, and I can't remember an election season so wrought with endless campaign drama and intrigue!

Given the importance of the 2008 election, and what it's results will ultimately mean for music education, NCLB reauthorization, and the American education system generally, I feel that the outcome of the Dem and GOP primaries, respectively, should be of particular interest to all of us as music advocates.

If you're a Republican, oh man, where do you even start? If you are to trust CNN, Fox News, or any of the other major cable news pundit-lands, you would have THRICE thought that your party had nominated its candidate:

First, Iowa --> Mike Huckabee surprises (it must be Huckabee!)

Second, New Hampshire --> John McCain rebounds from out of nowhere (we were wrong, it's McCain all the way to 1600!)

Third, Michigan --> Mitt Romney has arrived! (reports of his death were GREATLY exaggerated, Mitt Romney will win the nomination for sure!)

Sigh.

Woweeeeeeeee. Can we all just pleeeeeease take a deep breath? None of this is to say anything of former front-runner Rudy Giuliani, former Senator and one-time TV star Fred Thompson, or even of... (yes, that's right, you knew it was coming!!) Representative Ron Paul, who believe it or not, is STILL running for president (and not out of it quite yet, either, by some accounts!!)

All of this leaves Republicans with their first legitimate chance to head into a brokered convention in many, many years. For those of you who are curious, a brokered convention (while it would make for incredibly CAPTIVATING television) would truly horrify GOP leaders.

They fear that it would display a fractured, frustrated Republican party, unable to unify behind one candidate, wildly debating the issues of the day (just like the good old days!!) for countless hours on end in front of a mesmerized national TV audience (seriously, that sounds like SO much fun to me!! haha I love it!). Old school politics at their BEST!

Hey, maybe they'd even discuss music education!! I'm all for it ;-)

Now on to the Democrats.

Man alive has this been exciting to watch! Both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are running landmark, historically significant presidential campaigns, and if either one of them is to ultimately win the nomination (which seems highly likely at this point), it would be a tremendously significant event for America (even if you don't like either one of them at all!).

For now, however, neither Hillary nor Barack can seem to pull away in this race (each having netted one primary, thus far, respectively), and in spite of the media's insistence that the Democratic contest has become nothing more than a two candidate show, former North Carolina Senator John Edwards still remains very much alive and kicking, elbowing his way back into the conversation whenever possible, and continuing to remind Democrats that this race truly ain't over yet!

My opinion on this one? Don't be so quick to assume that the nomination will ultimately come down to a direct choice between Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama. If I've seen this kind of thing once, then I've seen it a thousand times: John Edwards may or may not still have a legitimate chance at the Democratic crown (see his finish in this Saturday's upcoming Nevada caucuses for more on his realistic chances...), but even if he does begin to slowly but surely fade away, he may still not be even be close to done raising havoc and chaos for the other two candidates.

Should John Edwards enter the Democratic convention in Denver with a heapin' helpin' of delegates himself (a VERY likely scenario), Edwards could effectively play kingmaker, deciding at his leisure and discretion whom to award (Barack or Hillary) with the remainder of his committed delegates and hence, effectively swinging the Democratic nominating contest to the candidate of his choice (can anyone say back room VP deal in exchange for the keys to the White House ?!?! haha).

Sorry, I never could deny myself the pleasure of a juicy conspiracy theory! ;-) Plus, stranger things have certainly happened in the course of American politics!!

Anyways, in the meantime, make certain to stay tuned to these epic races! The next President of the United States will have a LOT to say about the role of music education in this country, and we, as music advocates, need it to be someone who cares and will listen to what we have to say!

And now, for a final, light-hearted look at what goes into the sometimes amusing process of "presidential campaign music" song selection, check out this super cool Washington Post article tracked down by the equally awesome SR!! Enjoy!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/16/AR2008011604152_pf.html

Thursday Interlude: Leavin' on a Jet Plane (I Hope)

2008-01-17T05:17:00.000-08:00

Hi
Just a quick note here. I leave in a few hours for a visit with my family in the Midwest for a few days. I am thinking positive, though, because snow is on the way here and it is already snowing out west where I am headed. My friend BS here at the office told me to think positive and I am doing that. I.will.be.airborne.this.afternoon!

So did you catch Amercian Idol on Tuesday and Wednesday night? Apparently fewer of you did. The ratings were down. I watched on Tuesday from Philly. Seemed like a nice mix of zanies, really good singers who also looked like pop idols (whatever they look like), and tear jerker stories. Yes, that was me boo-hooing when the 16-year-old female linebacker sang in tribute to her (sniff, sniff) got a group hug when Paula and Randy and Simon had to tell her that, well, she can't sing. Her Mom and dad were sad, too. I gotta give her props for trying out.

I also liked the guy named Joey who has lost a gazillion pounds and also was told by Randy, "Dude you can definitely blow. Welcome to Hollywood, dog!) He did a Maroon 5 song, which sounded pretty good.

My week this week was pretty crazy, as I continued to work on both March Music Educators Journal (stories finished, thank you very much) and February Teaching Music pages (finished
ditto).

I also started to make plans to go out to North Dakota in March for the NDMEA conference where I will do the MENC resource shop. I went out there two years ago and really enjoyed it so I am looking forward to going back. Hi North Dakota folks!

Well, fellow blog babies, I shall leave you two neat stories I heard Tuesday on the NPR story Fresh Air, about a German photographer from Hamburg who photographed the Beatles before they were the Beatles. In the same show there was a story about Vee-Jay Records, a blues and R&B label done in by its own success. This link will take you to both stories.

Well, til next Thursday.
RF

Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany XXXXIV: Studies and More Studies!

2008-01-16T06:56:00.000-08:00

Short and sweet, as I'm still trying to catch up/ keep head above water with students surveys, and now a rash of advocacy (Help, our program is threatened! Help, my teaching situation is being squeezed...) and parent requests!

Let's see....
....got one survey out finally to 2000 members (on assessment)
.... two more to go: one more to 2000 different members on general music, and 2000 different members on special needs...
....despite good intentions, never did get around to unpacking from my move to a new office....boxes boxes everywhere!. Maybe this MLK Day holiday on Monday 21st will be the day I face them, as MENC Offices will be closed......

In response to the member requests that came in this week, below please see some of the resources we dug up in response to ....a teacher asking about resources to help her teach a deaf 2nd grader....a parent asking about resources/research she can share with the band director at the school her son will be attending, to help the teacher work more effectively with her son, who has dyslexia and motor planning challenges....

And after the resources, you'll see some links to articles/info which may or may not be of interest to you, in general....a study of seven different countries examines cultural consumption, and divides culture consumers into four "Types" (see which one YOU are!)......Aretha Franklin wins yet ANOTHER award.....an unusual "Globalfest" of music....and ....an 83 year old puts out an album!
Have a good week - see you next! SR

RESOURCES
(click on the word/line)
GREAT list of resources/websites about deaf musicians and resources for deaf musicians

TEACHING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TO DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS

Teaching Strategies in Inclusive Classrooms With Deaf Students

Resources for Teachers of Deaf Students

Hearing Impairments and Music therapy/List of internet articles

DYSLEXIA resources:

Music as a Second Language; article in the 11/07 NH MEA journal reprinted from the ND MEA journal of 10/07

CASE STUDIES and resources for teachers

DYSLEXIA in adults, resources

Another Dyslexia Resource site

(Articles on general issues BELOW)

ARTICLES of possible interest

ARETHA FRANKLIN To Receive 2008 NAACP VANGUARD AWARD on FEBRUARY 14th "The NAACP VANGUARD AWARD is presented to a person whose groundbreaking work increases our understanding and awareness of racial and social issues. Read more HERE

CULTURAL STUDY: Social Status, Lifestyle and Cultural Consumption
article about

summary of study

GLOBAL FEST: a five-hour, 12-band showcase of world music .....a MOST Unusual mix of talents, acts, musical offerings......

83 year old records album! CLICK HERE to read about him, and hear two audio clips!

Tuesday, Tuesday

2008-01-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

I'm back from FMEA, where the weather was warm and sales were brisk. I probably spent about 30 minutes total outside, but they were very pleasant minutes! It was great to meet a lot of members at the conference and get a chance to talk to them about the upcoming World's Largest Concert, our plans for the overhauled MENC Web site, what's happening at the MENC National Conference in April, and the many new books MENC has recently published and that are coming up.

Coming back yesterday was a little intimidating due to the looming e-mail build up, deadlines, and meetings. But it was a productive day. I have two volunteers helping me this week with Music In Our Schools Month kit preparation. There was an interesting staff meeting about what ideas we had for making our time at the Milwaukee conference really count for our members, and another about writing assignments for new Web content plan (coming in April). Today, there is a meeting about membership promotions; there is the weekly Web meeting of course; and now, I also have a weekly production meeting -- that's our graphic designers and production assistant meeting with me to go over the project list, prioritize, and assign. So it's basically the Web meeting ... without the Web projects or the Web guys.

I was just catching up on my fellow bloggers' recent posts and I see that Harley the Tri-M Dog is getting more and more important around here. Apparently now he is hanging out on conference calls with MENC leadership and rock stars! I feel I must finally disclose that Harley has a rival ... Coda, the MusicFriends Bear.

Adorable as Harley is, he was outsold at the FMEA resource shop by Coda 4-2!! I was relieved, because I don't really like seeing my yellow friend sitting there in a sealed plastic bag.

Coda doesn't actually do as much as Harley, but he's very cute. He likes to hang out with the Web guys. Here he is helping Web assistant DP with ... something. (I probably need to find something more productive for him to do.)

If you'd like your own Coda, or your own Harley for that matter, or your very own MusicFriends t-shirt! ... you can order them from MENC!

Onward -- EWL

GLORY BE in our world

2008-01-14T10:09:00.000-08:00

Hello boys and girls, can anyone tell me where the Glory Be is on Harley? Well if you look closely at the photos of Harley this week you will be able to know where the Glory Beeeee is.... Yes, Harley has been one busy little bee.

To begin with, last week he helped moderate a conference call with our Deputy Executive Director for Development on the Rock and Roll High School. As you will remember (Harley and Steven Van Zandt hang tight with each other) MENC is involved with Little Steven's Rock and Roll High School project which is also supported by Scholastic. President Lynn Brinckmeyer has appointed a Rock and Roll curriculum committee who are now beginning to work to oversee the materials.

Harley was also involved in getting out the monthly newsletter to the MENC Leadership. Of interest in the newsletter is additional information on the November 2007 national poll on the correlation of music education experience with lifetime educational attainment and financial success. This time Harris conducted a survey of 150 senior executives in Fortune 1000 companies. The results basically support the earlier data, which strongly imply that music education contributes to individuals' success. Further data will be posted to the MENC web site.

Be sure to preregister for the upcoming national in-service conference in Milwaukee, WI by February 15th for the early bird special. Let's see is it the early bird that gets the worm or the bee..... Hmmmmmm. Harley will have to consider that one. (# 2 Hmmmm, Harley digresses and wonders if it won't be the Green Bay Packers vs New England Patriots in the Super Bowl in February?) ALSO, volunteers are needed to preside at sessions. Yes, we need YOU! You are us! # 2 Also -- be sure to vote when you receive your ballot. Some of you will be voting for division presidents-elect (those of you in the Western, North Central, and Southern divisions), everyone will be voting for a national MENC president-elect, and everyone will be voting to amend the MENC Bylaws. We will need your ballots back in the MENC office on March 21. Stay in touch. If you need anything, you can reach us by mail, e-mail, or phone. We are here for you! ; )

Have you found Harley's Be? It certainly isn't in his bonnet! Talking about a bee in his bonnet -- shame on some of those Dallas Cowboy football players headed to Mexico with a well known blond singer on the arm of Tony during the "bye" week before their playoff game. Guess it was a bye bye kind of week - they lost to New York - no kidding, Sherlock! Even Harley knows they should have been concentrating on the game - of football. Oh well, have a Harley kind of glory bee kind of week y'all.

...It's Back To Work We Go!

2008-01-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

Happy 2008 everyone!!

What an exciting year we have in front of us! An MENC National Conference in Milwaukee to look forward to! A presidential election steamrolling down the tracks! Arts Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill JUST around the corner! And a million exciting projects coming down the pipeline! Ah yes, I can feel it... 2008 will be a GOOD year for music education. Plus, I just really like even numbers much better than odd ;-)

My new year kick started off in an interesting fashion. For starters, I've been sick as a dog for about two weeks now (finally starting to get better!), but alas, music education advocacy breaks for NO one -- and so, I have continued my visits to Capitol Hill (hopefully not infecting anyone in the process) on behalf of our great cause!

It's been a really exciting week, actually. On Tuesday I attended the Education Sector's "Missing Link in the Teacher Quality Debate" event at the National Press Club , on Wednesday I sat in on Education Week's release of the "2008 Quality Counts Report" addressing state level educational performance (also at the National Press Club), and on Thursday, I attended Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings' address on NCLB and federal education policy generally, at... you guessed it -- the National Press Club AGAIN. I practically could be considered a member at this point! (see upcoming Legislative ALERT for more details on ALL of these exciting events!!)

In the meantime, SKJ and HLS have been hard at work on a relaunch of MusicFriends Challenge, a really cool MENC corporate support program that we've decided to bring back! They're also working on a number of other great projects, so stay tuned for more info on that soon enough!

Here at MENC, we're all keeping a close eye on the upcoming election (and watching the primaries because GOSH they're fun!!), but all that matters to us is that which ever candidate ultimately wins the general makes music education a TOP priority! That's our most important job. To make CERTAIN that Congress understands the importance of increasing its support for MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC!

...Until next time music fans! :-)

Thursday Interlude: When Months Collide

2008-01-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

MENC's U.S. Army All-American Marching Band performed on Saturday January 5
at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Photos by Pierre Beelendorf

When you read this, I assume it will be January something. Maybe not January 10 as it is as I toss together my blog entry this week, but January something.

Here in my office here in Reston it is January, February and March. January because the 2008 serenity calendar on the wall opposite my desk tells me it is. February because I spent a good portion of the week sorting through photos from MENC's U.S. Army All-American Marching Band, which performed last Saturday at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, (see EWL's post on Tuesday.) They will appear in the February TM, out in a few weeks.

March because I have been working on news stories for the March issue of Music Educators Journal, including interviews with high school seniors designated as marching All-Americans who talked about what a great experience they had at the Alamodome last week. They talked about several days of hard work with amazing instructors and how pleased they were to master an intricate marching routine and challenging music.

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl, produced by SportsLink, is the premier high school football game in the nation. It features the nation's top 80 high school senior football players and for the first time this year, the 91 finest high school senior marching musicians.

Bob Buckner currently in his seventeenth year as the Director of Athletic Bands at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC, directed the band operation, putting together a high respected staff of marching band experts for MENC.

Bob Buckner (center) on the Alamo Dome field during the halftime show.

One student I interviewed this week said it was the hardest he had ever worked in his life, but added. "It was so great being challenged like that. I learned so much, not only from the instructors, but also from the other musicians. It was great meeting kids from all over the country. I will never forget what a great experience it was."

If you will be a high school senior in January 2009, or if you have an excellent student who would benefit from a life-changing experience, not to mention an all-expenses paid trip, visit this MENC site to learn about the application process for the 2009 band.

Look for more USAAAMB interviews and photos in the in February Teaching Music and March Music Educators Journal.

MENC President Lynn M. Brinckmeyer addresses Marching All-Americans in San Antonio (above)

I talked to a lot of other people for March stories this week as well, including a college professor who is leading an educational trip with students to South Africa to bring the beginnings of a music program to a school beset by AIDs and poverty and a general music teacher whose students performed a video that will be part of the World's Largest Concert DVD.

I guess I need to get writing. Oh, right and reviewing those February news pages. Months colliding. I hope the new year is treating you well.

Til next Thursday
RF

Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany XXXXIII: New Year's Spirit lives on!

2008-01-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

Thick in the middle of many surveys (see last week's blog)...and requests from members and others back after the holidays. So will try to keep this short! (and I'm sure YOU are busy too!)

Trying to prolong the holiday feeling....I decided on New Year's day to write in the blog about this....hope it will give you the uplift it gave me!

On New Year's day, while taking care of things at home post -holiday, I had PBS on most of the day....our local PBS station out of Maryland. They were running a fundraiser, and were showing a marathon of concerts. These were not ordinary orchestral symphony hall concerts. What I saw was a middle aged but youthful looking slender man with curly long hair, a twinkle in his eye, in a tux, playing a violin, while moving around the stage, making eye contact with the audience, the orchestra, and smiling as he played. He even turned his back to the audience from time to time, as he conducted his orchestra......

The orchestra was a smaller version of a full orchestra, it was more like a chamber group.....yet a full orchestra....all the ladies were dressed in pastel colored satin evening/party dresses evocative of the late 1800's, and men in tuxes/formal evening wear of that time. The members of the orchestra were smiling and making eye contact with one another and obviously enjoying themselves. They were playing a waltz; and then they moved onto some folk music.

The audience and setting? The scene revealed a packed town square, hard to tell what country it was, but clearly European.....a crowd was standing shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, linked into one mass of swaying, happy, attentive, enraptured humanity....even old ladies in black dresses hung out their upper story windows on the perimeter to catch a glimpse of the goings -on.

I couldn't turn away at this point....obviously, it was entertaining, and not really serious, but the juxtaposition of classical music to folk, formal concert wear to the informal outdoor setting, the theatrical nature of the orchestra to the reality of the modern day audience, the joyous countenance of the orchestra and crowd.....it all kept me enthralled, enough to wait until the fundraising break to find out who this person was, and where this concert was, and what he was doing.......

The mystery conductor/violinist/orchestral leader was ANDRE RIEU and his Johann Strauss Orchestra. I had never heard of them, but apparently, they are like rock stars in Europe and have been for years. Through the day, I witnessed Rieu addressing his different audiences in Italian, Dutch, German, English, French and Spanish.....so at first, I was unsure what nationality HE was! Turns out he is Dutch. He travels the world with his orchestra, performing in different countries, in different venues, performing music of Strauss and other waltz composers, as well as music of whichever country he is visiting. His mission is to bring the joy of music to all. Sounds simplistic, but really, when you see these concerts, you will have to agree it is different than anything you've ever seen (aside from maybe the British PROMS).

I hate to admit it, but after the first 1/2 concert I saw (Tuscany), I kept the TV on through fundraising break after fundraising break to see his Maastricht (Homecoming) concert, concert in France, I believe, one in Germany at Christmas, and finally, I had to see him at Radio City Music Hall! He regularly showcases local talent, and in NY, he featured the Harlem Gospel Choir. He speaks sincerely of, and affectionately for, each of the showcased talents, as well as the city in which he is a guest. His orchestra is a true ensemble and the interactions and lively repartee keep it interesting. The members are nearly all youthful, and I witnessed several antics during these concerts (blowing whistles, the staid cello player during one folk number; timpani player taking a vocal solo; all male members of the orchestra leaving their instruments behind to don top hats and canes to do a vocal number at Radio City....).....

None of it was campy, everything done was done gracefully, with sincerity, and beauty and joy.

Yes, the music is easy listening classical and show music and such, (pops), but, it was perfect for being transported from day to day drudgery and reality to the beauty and joy that music brings. If you go to Rieu's website, you can read how he started this unusual orchestra/group/mission.....as a young boy, he could not understand why the audience at the orchestra concert he was attending was not dancing and moving to the music, which was bringing him such joy. He could not understand why everyone in the audience was sitting there motionless.....CLICK HERE to READ MORE.....

I wish I could show you a picture of this orchestra/event, but technically and legally speaking, I'm not sure I can. So please just CLICK HERE to see his site and get more info about this amazing group! And to see articles and video excerpts of concerts....

Whether or not you may think this kind of music is "good" music, I pass it along to you as a potential resource especially perhaps for younger kids, and even those in high school, in case they've become jaded or thought there was only "one" way to play music. There are many avenues to take musical skills once out of school......kids should be encouraged to explore them! Contact MENC at info@menc.org for some career resources you may want to share with your students, and/or see THIS SITE!
(see more below....)

I leave you with a few articles you may want to read in your free (haha!) time, below!
See you next week! SR

RESOURCES

MUSIC TECH LAB for high school students who are not performers

STRADIVARIUS MARKET

CONCERT GOERS, "please shout or clap anytime!" A short history of concert-going...how the audiences of old used to be much more animated than we are today! Worth signing up for a free NYTimes on-line subscription for access to this article!

Tuesday Back in the Office

2008-01-08T07:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! We're off to a bustling start for 2008. I have only two days to cram everything in this week, as I depart tomorrow for the Florida Music Educators Association conference to staff the MENC resource shop. Ironically, it's about 75 sunny degrees here today, so I'm not really escaping any winter chill by going to Florida. MENC marketing manager BS, on the other hand, is leaving for Alaska tomorrow for the Alaska MEA conference. I think her bags will be quite a bit heavier than mine!

Over the weekend I checked out the All-American Bowl on NBC, hoping to see our wonderful first-ever All-American Marching Band at halftime. Alas, while I could see the students in the background performing their choreography and faintly hear the music while commentators discussed the game and the athletes, the AAMB wasn't really spotlighted by NBC. Hope that changes next year. The students got great exposure in the offical program book of the game, and I heard from MENC staffer PB that it was a fantastic experience for the band members.

I got to catch up with my nephew over the holidays. He's playing alto sax in his middle school jazz band! Here's a photo of him with his teacher, MENC member Wendy Milstead of Autry Mill Middle School in Alpharetta, GA. Warren also got a guitar for Christmas. I'm very happy he is so interested in music!
Well, our centennial year is officially over! And we've made some (semi) final updates to the MENC Centennial Web site, including photos and reports from the Keokuk symposium and the Orlando celebration. Please visit if you haven't already.

That's all for today! I'll have a report from FMEA next week.

Onward -- EWL

Where oh where did the Holidays Go? And when did they Go?

2008-01-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

Why are we at work and not at home? Who knows. It seems like it has been forever since Harley and I visited with you. Harley was very very busy over the past weekend putting away all of the holiday decorations and getting the condo back into normal living quarters. He was such a good little worker trying not to get in the way. And over all he did pretty good! Except we have a little secret which I can't tell right now, maybe at the end of the post.

After being out of the office for two weeks, we have done pretty well in getting back into the groove of things. The election ballots should be in the mail by Friday, Jan. 11. They will be sent out bulk so keep your eye on the snail mail box. Please be sure to vote!

A couple of other housekeeping items: 1) Be sure to pre-register for the upcoming National In-Service Conference in Milwaukee this coming April. Deadline for early preregistration is February 15; 2) If you are a state leader, don't forget the upcoming National Assembly meeting April 8-9, 2008, just prior to the national convention; 3) The next NEB meeting will be April 6-8, 2008, just prior to the national assembly meeting which is prior to the national convention (I just love prior stuff); and 4) Ballots will need to be returned into MENC Headquarters by March 21.

Hope you all have a good week while Harley and me still try to get a few more things done today. Harley is having a little bit of a tough time right now. He hated to see all his "buds" get packed up into boxes and put under the stairs. He knows he won't get to see all the little holiday criters until next year and so he was having a tough time coming out of the box we were trying to pack up. By next week I'm sure he will be fine. It is going up to 70 degrees here tomorrow and I promised him that he could go play tennis with me. Yes, he is starting to cheer up and looking for those yellow tennis balls.

Thursday Interlude: Everything Old is New Again

2008-01-03T07:11:00.001-08:00

I don't know if I ever mentioned it, but I am a huge fan of the late, great Bob Fosse, love his loosey-goosey choreography, the languid limbs of the dancers, the nonchalance and the same time furious precision of his dance steps. Cabaret, Sweet Charity, Chicago, Pippin! Oh, my gosh, Pippin. Anyway, I to0k a bit of time off for Christmas and New Year's and I decided to watch a couple of movies I hadn't seen in a while. One was All That Jazz, in which the brilliant but self-destructive, workaholic (and other-aholic) Fosse is played by Roy Scheider (probably better known for Jaws). Hadn't seen that movie in ages, but in most ways it held up for me.
Not so much the subplots about the Gideon and his various dalliances, but the dancing and the music.

Now as the new year has begun, there is a song, Everything Old is New Again, (Written by Peter Allen and Carole Bayer Sager) that for me sums up the beginning of every year. In part the lyrics say:

"Don't throw the past away
You might need it some rainy day
Dreams can come true again
When ev'ry thing old is new again"

My philosophy is that you keep the stuff that worked and jettison the rest.

As we begin the year there so many things I am looking forward (baseball spring training before too much longer and by association, spring!). In March, I am going to North Dakota to work at the Resource Shop held during their all-state conference. MENC's biennial conference is in Milwaukee in April. Check out the conference Web site if you haven't already. Good stuff.

Oh, and yes, my annual obsession with American Idol (cannot believe it is time for that already.) January 15 and 16. And by the way, did you see Jordin Sparks on the 30th Anniversary of the Kennedy Center Honors? CBS broadcast the event, on December 26. I look forward to that ever year, an after Christmas present
The 2007 honorees were Leon Fleisher, Steve Martin, Diana Ross, Martin Scorsese and Brian Wilson. Jordin sang a tribute song for Diana Ross and not only did she sound great, she looked great, too. But then ditto for another favorite of mine Vanessa Williams.

Hope the time off allowed you to recharge your batteries, jettison what doesn't matter and look forward to finding out what does.

Hope the new year brings you good things.

Til Next Thursday
RF

Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany XXXXII: Back in the Saddle!

2008-01-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 2008!
Hoping your holiday break was a good one!

Right to business -
An MENC member and faculty member at Elizabethtown College has embarked on a project with her students to secure donated musical instruments that they will ship to South Africa to start an instrumental music program at a historically black disadvantaged school. Most schools still do not have basic necessities including running water and electricity. During March 2008, faculty and students will travel to S. Africa and spend a week setting up the program and teaching students. They need help securing donated musical instruments and supplies: wind, small percusssion, method books, folding music stands, supplies (reeds, valve/slide oil) and very easy concert arrangements. If you have instruments or supplies you no longer need, or know others who do, please contact: Dr. Karendra Devroop, Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Music Education, Department of Fine and Performing Arts Elizabethtown College, One Aplha Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2298; (717) 361-1532 office (717) 361-1187 fax; devroopk@etown.edu

Last week I mentioned there were four graduate students who had contacted MENC about sending a survey to MENC members for their graduate thesis work. Three of these surveys will be sent out in the first two-three weeks of January, each to a different select sample. The survey topics vary - - one on assessment, one on a capella singing and one on how prepared elementary music teachers feel to handle severe student behaviors. A fourth survey will go out in February to just Maryland elementary members, regarding composition.

MENC facilitates small student surveys when the research will have a benefit to the profession. We do not give out member contact information; MENC pulls a sample list for the grad student based on their survey requirements, and once the student's survey and proposal has been approved by their academic committee AND by MENC, MENC sends out an email to the select members with a link to the survey. Stay tuned for survey madness in weeks ahead!

Hoping the coming new year is a good one for you!
See you next week! SR (SEE RESOURCES BELOW!)

RESOURCES/ARTICLES
(click on each title)

Where has all the protest music gone?

Technology and how music sounds these days

The Met. goes to school

(more below)
Just before Christmas, I happened to listen to the latest From the Top show (more below), which featured a 12 year old harp player, Tess of Montana. Her playing was just amazing, and listening, I was reminded what a good show this is and what a great resource for teachers and students!

From the Top, with host Christopher O'Riley, "is a weekly radio series that showcases the nation's most outstanding young classical musicians. Each one-hour program presents pre-collegiate musicians whose stunning individual performances are combined with lively interviews, unique pre-produced segments, lighthearted sketches and musical games".

See THIS LINK for:
Show Archive; info about the Young Performers (their musical beginnings, their non-musical interests and their hopes and dreams); Meet the Cast; The Hall of Fame is the place where you can learn more about some of the fabulous guest artists who have appeared on From the Top as well as other professional musicians; Radio Stations - Find out when and where you can tune in to hear radio broadcasts of From the Top; Live Concert Tapings - From the Top may be coming to a town near you! Please check back frequently as dates, times and venues are all subject to change; PBS Television Series - Learn about From the Top: Live from Carnegie Hall, a series of 13 half-hour programs aired on PBS stations across the country; Be On the Show : From the Top is always looking for talented pre-college age soloists and ensembles who would like to perform and be interviewed on the air'; Music Library : An archive of the musical performances heard on the From the Top radio program. Bits Library : An archive of many of the skits, parodies, games, special interviews and audio diaries heard on the radio program; Buy CDs : This is where you buy From the Top highlights CDs as well of recordings featuring Christopher O'Riley.

2008 "In and Out" List

2007-12-28T11:56:00.000-08:00

Hi again everyone!

And welcome to what feels like a veeeeery low key Friday edition of "Inside MENC." Our Reston headquarters is fairly quiet today, with many staffers off enjoying their winter vacations or just generally out milling about in preparation for the new year to come. Nonetheless, those of us here in the building are holding down the fort 'til the weekend, and looking forward to the return of normalcy (and a full house!) in the weeks and months to come (well, sort of anyway, we will definitely miss the razzle dazzle of the holidays!!).

So today, in honor of 2008, I thought that I'd have some fun and provide the loyal "Inside MENC" readers with an all-important (no, not really) 2008 "in and out" list for music education advocates! Ready? Ok, here goes:

Out.
Quietly expressing your passion for music education to your close friends and relatives.
In.
Screaming your love for music education at the TOP OF YOUR LUNGS to anyone and everyone who will listen!
Out.
Seriously considering partaking in one of the advocacy ideas listed on the MIOSM Advocacy Calendar.
In.
Making a firm decision that advocacy is a full contact sport and resolving to engage in SEVERAL of the MIOSM Advocacy Calendar ideas during the upcoming new year!
Out.
Thinking about how terrific your child's music teacher really is.
In.
Actually taking a moment out of your day to tell them!!
Out.
Failing to even TRY to connect or understand that cRaZy music that your children are so obsessed with playing at 3a.m.
In.
Making an outright fool of yourself by brazenly dancing to the new hit single from "Panic! At the Disco" right in front of your kids, but giving them a million belly laughs in the process.
Out.
Never having actually visited MENC headquarters in Reston because it just seems sooooooooooo far away.
In.
Taking a road trip. We're nice people!! :-)
Out.
Telling one or two people about a wonderful music education advocacy event that you recently attended.
In.
Tell us!!! We LOVE to hear about productive state news, and better yet, we'll put your story in the MENC Legislative Memo and share it with as many people as possible!
Out.
Being a fussy eater.
In.
Eating your fruits and vegetables. It just makes good sense!!

Happy New Year everyone!! See you in '08!!

Thursday Interlude

2007-12-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

Hi,
I was in the office today to catch up on a few things and now will be off again until next week. I did want to wish you a Happy 2008 and I also wanted to pass along a story I heard on NPR that I found fascinating.
Do you remember the movie from several year ago, Awakening? According to the International Movie Data Base, the 1990 movie starring Robin Williams was about "the victims of an encephalitis epidemic many years ago have been catatonic ever since, but now a new drug offers the prospect of reviving them."

The film was based on a book by writer and doctor Oliver Sacks. He has a new book, called Musicophilia. You will find more about the book at the NPR link.
In the book he discussed such mysteries of the brain, like why songs get stuck in our brains and why some people actually find it painful, physically, to attend a concert.
Anyway it is a fascinating listen (and read).
Hope you had yours have a wonderful beginning to the new year. Blog at ya in 2008.

Til Next Thursday.
RF

Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany XXXXI: Almost 2008!

2007-12-26T09:31:00.000-08:00

Hoping your Christmas (if you celebrate) was a happy one!

Today in Britain (as well as in Canada, and several other countries) is what is commonly know as BOXING day, which is the first weekday after Christmas, usually December 26. It coincides with the Feast of St. Stephen. The tradition has it that the upper class brought boxes of food to their "Lower class" servants the day after Christmas, although there are various other versions and interpretations of what is done....see alternative explanations for the origins and history of this interesting holiday, HERE and HERE and HERE!

Stuck on what to do for Boxing Day? Click HERE!
ALL I know is, it's a GREAT day for taking a walk in the woods after Christmas when you live in the UK, to walk off all that Christmas pudding!

Here at MENC, the week between Christmas and New Year is usually pretty quiet, with a lot of staff taking well-earned leave time.

Some stalwarts are still here, though, manning the phones and taking care of business as usual.
In my case, I'll be trying to finally unpack the boxes from my office move a few weeks back, so as to TRY to start the new year in a more "finished" mode, and getting into the meat of helping about 4 graduate students who all recently have been in touch about sending a survey on their thesis topic to MENC members....(more about that NEXT week!)

For now, a short and sweet send off to 2007, below!

A highlight of the holiday season, for me (courtesy of the Public Television) is the annual broadcast of the New Years Day Concert from the Vienna - check your local PBS tv listings for when it'll be on in your area! And see descriptions of some other great new years music shows on December 31 and January 1!

Great Performances: From Vienna: The New Year's Celebration 2008 Great Performances visits to Vienna's Musikverein for its 24th annual New Year's Day celebration with the Vienna Philharmonic. Georges Prêtre leads the world-renowned orchestra in a selection of Strauss family waltzes. Also featured are festive ballets danced by the Vienna State Opera Ballet. Walter Cronkite hosts
It is such a pleasure to listen to the beautiful Strauss Waltzes and see the dancing!

See this LINK for the History of the Vienna Phil, and THIS for SOME VERY INTERESTING NOTES On the use of different "Vienna model" instruments the Vienna Phil uses, vs. the standard versions used by most orchestras!

Also, Live from Lincoln Center: New York Philharmonic New Year's Eve: Joshua Bell Romantic Violin December 31 and January 1
New York Philharmonic music director Lorin Maazel conducts a program of romantic violin showpieces featuring Joshua Bell. The New Year’s Eve gala concert includes several arrangements for violin and orchestra: Kreisler’s Liebesleid and Liebesfreud, Ravel’s Tzigane, Schubert’s Ave Maria, and more.
AND
ELLA! A TRIBUTE TO THE FIRST LADY OF SONG
Dubbed "the First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald consistently ranked among the most popular female jazz singers in the United States for more than half a century. An all-star tribute to Fitzgerald's enduring legacy in American song. Monday, December 31 at 10:00 pm (ET) on PBS

HAPPY 2008 Everyone!

See you next week! SR

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

2007-12-21T10:34:00.000-08:00

Season's Greetings from SKJ and HLS, your guest bloggers this holiday weekend! Since CBLW is busily working on important legislative matters, he has asked us to fill in.

So, we, SKJ and HLS, will be heading to distant locations as well as other MENC employees to spend the holidays with our loved ones. Yes, we will be leaving CBLW for a week! We did give him a Christmas photo of the two of us together, taken last week by BS. Each season BS and the third floor ladies get together and take a photo opportunity according to the season. Here is our most recent winter photo for this year, our color theme was silver and gold.

MENC employees have been very generous this holiday season, with candy, cookies, and other small gifts (which provides us good snacking food for our long drives this weekend). Weight Watchers will have at least two new clients come Jan. 1.

We are gearing up for a new exciting MusicFriends advocacy effort in March, which will coincide with Music In Our Schools Month. It has taken a lot of preparations this week on our part. We will give you more info as March approaches, so stay tuned!

HLS and I will also begin working on our next Caitlin Classic golf tournament, which will be happening in June 2008. Lots of new and exciting plans are in store for us this coming year.

SKJ will be involved in the Lowell Mason Fellows selection process come January. She will be working with three former Lowell Mason Fellow recipients to select the Class of 2007.

Well, I guess that's it for our guest blog for 2007. Hopefully, CBLW will be busy again so we can share with you in 2008.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday season from the Government Relations and Outreach department!

DISCLAIMER: HLS and SKJ are not responsible for CBLW's actions next week. ***CBLW is taking a break from writing the Legislative Memo to announce that he does not condone of the previous statement! But Happy Holidays everyone!!***

And now... in conclusion... here are the LAST 2007...

"Government Relations & Outreach Department Album Picks of the Week!!!"

SKJ: Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (complete)/Symphony No. 4 (complete)
HLS: Il Divo: The Christmas Collection
CBLW: Anything Christmas related!!!

Thursday Interlude: Christmas Songs Cover to Cover

2007-12-20T08:04:00.000-08:00

Hi,
I am blazing through a ton of work right now in anticipation of a few days off (MENC is closed on Monday and Tuesday next week for Christmas). I am ping-ponging between the online news for January and the February news for Teaching Music and happily both are nearing completion so I will be good to go.

I had a fun experience on Sunday during my son's basketball game. During a timeout, I was glancing around the other folks in the stands for his team and happened to notice a woman sitting a few rows down from me reading a magazine. I did a double-take when I realized she was reading the December issue of Teaching Music.

Now, my husband is an editor at The Washington Post and when he rides the Metro (our subway) to work and just about every day he sees people reading stories he has edited so it is not a big deal for him. Me, on the other hand, I don't see TM just anyplace, so I was both excited and intrigued to see it out in the wild, so to speak. And, ok, I was nosy, so as the game was ending, I asked her if she was a music teacher. Eureka! She is the band director at a nearby school and her son and mine are on the same team. It was only the second game and I haven't met many parents yet.

Anyway, we chatted a bit about the magazine. She said she avidly reads the band stuff and even tears out articles to file from time to time. And she told me a me a little bit about the band, which was neat. She was very nice and I look forward to talking to her at other games during the season.

Do you ever get songs stuck in your head? I discussed that the MM here at the office this morning. For the past couple of weeks I have the song "Mary Did You Know? " with me. It was which was written by singer/comedian Mark Lowry" and recorded by Clay Aiken and others including Wynonna Judd. I like Aiken's cover a lot. He is one of my favorite former American Idol contestants. Click on their links and you can compare the two versions if you like.

Sometimes when I listen to Christmas music, I think it is interesting to listen to the different versions singers produce. For example, I love Mariah Carey's version of "All I Want for Christmas is You." According to Wikipedia, show band Vince Vance and the Valiants first recorded the song in 1989 with then-lead singer Lisa Layne. That version is great, too and the video is pretty campy and fun. Visit the link to watch the video, which came a few years later.

I have 50 or so Christmas CDs at home, and hey, I am old school, a few cassettes I pull out from time to time.
My husband and I have a friend who every year makes a mix CD (f0rmerly mix tapes) of Christmas music for friends, and we have them going back nearly 15 years. She very cleverly mixes music genres.

My favorite was 2001 when she included the theme song from the "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" animated Christmas special; "Early on One Christmas Morn" by Bruce Cockburn; "Christmas Canon" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra; "This Christmas" by Donny Hathaway (Chris Brown sings this version out in the new movie by the same name, and "Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon.

Her CD's have gotten me through many a late night gift-wrapping, card writing session.
Anyway, better get back to my news.

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. As John Lennon says, "And so this is Christmas, and what have you done? Another year over, a new one just begun." More on the new year next week. As my 14-year-old son says when bidding goodbye to friends: "Peace."

Til Next Thursday
RF

Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany XXXX: Solstice Season, Holiday Delights, and Santa's Twin!!

2007-12-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

WINTER IS HERE!!!!

Well, despite recent national weather trying to advance the calendar, Saturday is the official "start" of winter! Our longest night of the year, our shortest daylight....the deepest dark days of the year......the Winter Solstice (click those words!).....just right for music and lights!

Although I promised all of December's Wednesday posts would be about singing and caroling, I must veer a moment from that course to express my complete delight at the listening of (instrumental) The Skaters Waltz (or Les Patineurs) written by Emile Waldteufel in France in 1882 where, according to WikiPedia, Waldteufel was inspired by the Cercle des Patineurs or 'Rink of Skaters' at the Bois de Boulogne in Paris . I heard the piece on our local public radio station on my way home from work last Friday, and despite my fatigue, the waltz's lyricism and lilting rhythm perked me up and reminded me of how I enjoyed practicing it even in its "intermediate" level piano form (thanks, Thompson's!). Click HERE to see what version I heard! I challenge you to play a waltz anytime you're feeling down!

Speaking of public radio......(and here's where we pointedly veer back to our singing theme!).....growing up, public radio's music seemed to always be on in our home, not only daily (Santa's Twin on Boston public radio... SEE HIS PHOTO HERE; LEARN MORE about this Renaissance man HERE!), but especially around Christmas time!

I'll never forget how my first hearing of the Kings College Chapel's "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" made me stop completely and revel in the ethereal harmonies of those boys reaching notes in what seemed like the stratosphere. The purity of their voices! When I spent my junior year in London and sang with the University of London Union community choir, I was again exposed to the richness of the British holiday choral tradition....the beautiful harmonies, wonderful arrangements, and articulate lyrics! Once In Royal David's City, Ding Dong Merrily on High, the brilliance of the arrangements and compositions by John Rutter and David Willcocks ....something about Christmas in England....you just feel part of an "olde" tradition! (Dickens, anyone?!). The Brits DO know how to do Christmas in a grand manner....check out some British Christmas tidbits in the RESOURCE section below

So, back to boys choirs - as I mentioned in last Wednesday's blogs, I was going to highlight a few fab boy singing groups (of the choral variety!).

I'm sure most of you are familiar with The Vienna Boys Choir, The Boys Choir of Harlem, the Kings College Choir ("perhaps the most famous choral foundation of its kind. It is made up of fourteen adult male Choral Scholars and sixteen boy Choristers" ), Libera, and I'm sure many others, but did you know about this RALEIGH GROUP? A member kindly wrote in to let us know about her boys' choir, saying:

I find that exposure to music sung by Boychoirs, including Harlem, Libera, St.Thomas, and of course, our boychoir helps boys enjoy and "find" their treble voices. As well, we hear Men's singing groups including University of NC Cliffhangers, Chapter 6 men's acapella group, Lettermen, etc., to expose our students to men's choral sound. When solo opportunities are available for programs/assemblies I find 50% of my boys audition or volunteer. I'm hooked on boy treble voices!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's such a joy to have a local public radio station that will play a plethora of Christmas and holiday music....see how the DC station does it - click HERE For WETA's seasonal playlist, and click HERE for WETA's Holiday programming on Christmas Eve day and Christmas day! The Nine Lessons and Carols, Messiah, The Nutcracker Suite, and the Bach Christmas Oratorio all will be aired! Check with your local public radio station see if these stellar concerts will be broadcast in your area! (see more about this below).

RESOURCES

AMERICAN PUBLIC RADIO links/list

MORE MESSIAH!
(more below!)

Carol of the Bells Warm Up from Kathee Williams, MENC mentor

BRITISH CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS: Woodland Kent School, UK
(more below!)

Oldest Christmas Carol; just for fun, I decided to look:

Origin of Christmas Carols

What is the Oldest Christmas Song?
and

THIS TOO!

Home for Christmas Carols

Top Ten Carols, U.K.

More Carol history
(more below!)

History of Gingerbread !!

MORE ON SANTA's TWIN, Public Radio's Robert J. Lurtsema (click)

Here's an excerpt:
John Harbison, the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, noted that Mr. Lurtsema stood out in a radio environment where individual taste and commitment to music are increasingly made to defer to homogenized programming.
''Morning Pro Musica,'' Harbison said yesterday, ''was one of the last bastions of playing complete, challenging pieces from beginning to end. We'll miss him.''
Lurtsemaheld a truly impressive array of jobs: lumberjack, construction worker, trapeze artist, carpenter, encyclopedia salesman, diving instructor, commercial artist, and for five years presided over a folk music program on WCRB. He lived in New York for three years, working in advertising and publishing, and managed a national chain of teenage discotheques, the Hullabaloo Clubs.
In 1968, he returned to Boston and took up painting. He was in his studio one day when he heard a WGBH announcer misidentify a Mozart composition. Phoning in a correction, Mr. Lurtsema was informed there was an opening for a weekend classical music announcer. He got the job and began at the station in June 1971. Asked to switch to a Monday-Friday schedule, Mr. Lurtsema proposed he handle the announcing chores for all seven mornings. He thrived on the resulting 70-hour work week.

Mr. Lurtsema would generally take five hours to prepare each five-hour program, doing the scheduling three months in advance. He tended to program the early hours chronologically, with music of the medieval, Baroque, and Classical eras predominating (''Nothing too jarring before 9 a.m.,'' he liked to say). He would key his programming to composers' birthdays, holidays, historical events, the change of seasons, and the like. Sunday mornings he would broadcast a Bach cantata and he delighted in programming various musical cycles - each of Haydn's symphonies, say, or the complete works of Mozart played in the order of their composition

HEAR LURTSEMA's SONOROUS VOICE! (click this!)

"Hearing the news read in Mr. Lurtsema's magisterial tones - The New York Times once described his voice as having ''the texture of warm fudge'' - was a unique experience. Indeed, a listener once wrote him, ''If the end of the world were coming, I'd want to hear it from you. I can hear you saying, `Well, there has been an announcement that the world will end in 28 minutes. That gives us just enough time to hear Telemann's Sonata in F for Recorder, Oboe and Continuo.''

(Taken from THIS site HERE!)

Santa's Twin Reads Christmas Stories! (click here!)
(just a little more, below!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Enjoy your holidays and til next time, SR

Tuesday Tornado ... of Work!

2007-12-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

Things are just not slowing down at MENC this holiday season! I guess it's actually been years since I remember any kind of "holiday lull." We are really swamped with marketing, PR, and other projects, plus moving along with our Web overhhaul. Many of these projects aren't due til spring ... but that will be here before we know it, and so many unusual things will pop up between then and now, we really have to book to get stuff done as soon as we can.

After being in the same office for 6 years, an all time record for me, I have moved to another part of the building -- new yet familiar -- I was over here from 1996-1998 or so ... so it's not totally a new experience. Miss my awesome former officemates but am glad to be amongst the truly groovy Web, marketing, news, and production folks I supervise. This is my 8th office here at MENC headquarters. It is a pain to move, but a majorly great opportunity to THROW STUFF OUT.

But the incoming and ongoing projects just won't let up! So, I'll just say to one and all, Happy Holidays! Blog to you in 2008!

Onward -- EWL

Harley's Up A Tree - Ho Ho Ho

2007-12-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

Since Harley is off on annual leave through Jan. 1, he wanted to be sure to send all of his fans (yes he thinks he has a lot - don't burst his bubble, please) his kisses and the best for the Holiday Season. For most of us, this time of the year is a time of a some stress (!), a lot of joy, and a time for reflection.

May you always remember one of the most important messages of this season (for all faiths around the world) is one of peace on earth! May you be blessed and loved. Harley will be checking in and will try to blog while on vacation at home. Remember to breathe and enjoy the season! HO HO HO! 2008 will be here soon enough.

Won't You Be My Neighbor!

2007-12-14T02:57:00.000-08:00

Tear.

What a crazy last couple of weeks it's been here at MENC! On top of tons of exciting and interesting new work on behalf of music education, the staff has also been experiencing... the moving blues!! That's right, big changes have been happening here in Reston, VA. Here's how they affect our department:

1. My long time neighbor (if you count 5 months or so!) EWL has moved to the other side of the third floor. "A whole new wooooooooooooooorld..." I'm very sad. EWL was my go-to for editing and deadline madness counseling, so without her, things are going to be very hard. The good news is that we're now working (slowly) on building a phone relationship, because let's face it, I'm probably too lazy to walk across the entire floor to go talk to her. I also lost the lovely BS, who, alas, moved on down to EWL's new neck of the woods. So needless to say, it's very weird to see BS's old office having gone completely dark :-(

2. The wonderful SR has recently replaced EWL as my new neighbor! SR and I get along very well, and often work together on local advocacy projects, so this too, is a terrific situation! SR is currently buried in boxes (I really feel for her) from the move, so for the time being, her office somewhat resembles a really neat fort or something!

3. I have lost HLS. Well, not REALLY. But she did move from her half-cubicle to her very own office down the hall!! (my first office by the way, so I have wonderful memories!) I'm very happy for HLS, but SR and I are pretty quiet when we're by ourselves down at the end of the building, so without HLS and EWL around, it's going to take some getting used to. HLS also has TONS of jelly beans, and now they're not going to readily available to me. Curses!

4. JR isn't in our department, but she IS super cool, and also just got her own office (TRIPLE ABANDONMENT!!), so that's definitely worth sharing as well. JR and HLS are now neighbors on their own. They probably don't even remember that I exist anymore. Sigh. Maybe Harley will pay me a visit sometime soon so that I'm not so lonely down here...

Won't YOU be my neighbor?

Ok, and now to lighten the mood...

here are the Friday...

"Government Relations & Outreach Department Album Picks of the Week!!!"

SKJ: Various Artists - August Rush: Music from the Motion Picture
HLS: Ingrid Michaelson - Girls & Boys
CBLW: Dave Pirner - Faces & Names

Thursday Interlude:Aren't We Social?

2007-12-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

Hi
Busy day. I am writing stories for February Teaching Music, which kept me busy this week. Among my stories are an interview with Dr. Robert Pace, who developed group piano pedagogy, among other accomplishments and will be inducted into the Music Educators Hall of Fame next April at the MENC National Biennial Conference in Milwaukee. He was a fascinating interview. More than a hour flew by as we talked. Look for his profile in Feb '08 TM and in the online news in late January.

Other stories include practical information music educators can use from model music programs, a story about how music educators and MENC will continue to use The National Anthem Project as an advocacy tool next June with the NAP event takes place around Flag Day.
And don't forget the World's Largest Concert is coming up in March

There is also a cool story about MENC's U.S. Army All-American Marching Band at the All-American Bowl Jan. 5 in San Antonio. The game will be televised on NBC. MENC's first-ever national honor band will rehearse with top band instructors from around the country. Bob Buckner, the director and show creator talked with me about how much he excited he is to be part of this inaugural process.

Our monthly birthday and anniversary social just took place take place and the gathering in December always included a medley of Christmas carols, from "Deck the Halls" to "Joy to the World." MENC staffer and violinist NS played, as did the MENC Recorder Ensemble. As you know, our staff includes talented musicians, from choral directors to vocalists to musicians.

Speaking of NS, several MENC staffers attended a concert by the McLean Va. Symphony. NS plays with them and it was a wonderful program, that includes lot of holiday pieces, a children's choir and a great sing-along.

Well, gotta go. Hope your holiday season is filled with music. On second thought, how could it not be?

Stay Warm
RF

Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany XXXIX: Singing Surveys and Sacred Comments!

2007-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

As last week's Wednesday's weather was cold and snowy, this Wednesday decided to be balmy in the 60's! Such is the weather in Virginia.......

Referencing last Wednesday's blog of 12/5, you will see the theme for this month of Wednesday's is SINGING and CAROLING! (as there seems, in my mind, no other month when choral music is given such prominence on the airways and in the schools...but I could be wrong!)

Below are the results from three questions that were asked in the MENC on-line Question of the Month. (and beneath all the survey results are a few interesting articles/resources.....) In the November Question of the Month, we asked folks if they participated in choirs in their schooling. Here are some of the results out of 468 responses:
Did you participate in school choir at any stage during your k - 12 schooling? 89% yes; 8% no
If so, why? 83% loved to sing; 43% for camaraderie; 3% needed to take a music class, it was the best choice; 4% had to.

If you did not participate in choir, why? 2% too busy, other electives/courses took precedence; 7% was mostly an instrumentalist and my course choices reflected that; 1% didn't think I had a good enough voice; 1% shy/not certain about trying out/joining; 2% never had an interest in choral singing; 0% couldn't get into the choir, although I did try

If you participated in a school choir, do you still sing in any sort of group now? 26% yes, adult community ; 54% yes, church or other religious group; 13% yes, show/theater group; 12% yes, other: 20% no
If you did NOT participate in school singing groups, do you now, or did you ever, after graduating high school, participate in a singing group? 22% yes 1% no
If yes, what kind? 19% : a. church or other religious group 12% : b. community 18% : c. collegiate 2% : d. other: We also asked in the November survey about working with boys in choir in grades 6 - 9:
Have you worked with boys in grades 6 - 9? 87% yes; 12% no
If so, have you noticed a drop in boys' participation in chorus during these grades? 69% yes ; 17% no
To what do you attribute any drop off in participation? 50% stigma of singing in a group; 50% embarrassment about voice and changing voice; 61% competing activities; 14% other

If you teach/conduct a choir at the middle school grade levels (grades 6 - 9), what percentage of your choir(s)/groups are boys? 18% of respondents said 0 - 10% of their choir was boys; 13% said 11 - 15% were boys; 8% said 16 - 20% were boys; 9% said 21 - 30% of the choir was boys ; 8% said 30-40% of the choir was boys; 5% said 40 - 50%; 1% said more than 50%; 2% have a boy's dedicated choir/singing group
If you teach/conduct a choir at the high school level (grades 9 -12), what percentage of your choir(s)/groups are boys? 9% 0 - 10%; 7% 11 - 15%; 8% 16 - 20%; 8% 21 - 30%; 4% 30-40%; 3% 40 - 50%; 0% more than 50%; 2% have a boy's dedicated choir/singing group

Stay tuned for next week's Meanderings when we highlight some amazing boy singers!
Continuing with some new comments from this Month's Question of the Month, here are some more thoughts sent in by members regarding Sacred music in the schools and holiday concerts:
Although I would like to have the option of including a sacred number on my program to give the children a more balanced experience; I fear that if I push this issue that I won't even be able to do a holiday concert. All the holiday and winter programs at the elementary level in my city seem to get a great deal of scrutiny. There were even letters to the editor of our local newspaper concerning the inclusion of sacred music in an elementary program two years ago! It is amazing however that when children move from the mandatory elementary chorus to an elective audition chorus in my city at middle and high school, this problem goes away! When I taught Middle School, I could include a sacred choral piece on my programs with no complaint from any parents or administrators. This is still true today for the current secondary level chorus teachers. My theory on this is that most of the parents of students who continue with a performance organization at the secondary level either participated themselves when they were young and thus know what to expect on a secondary level program and/or that they are better informed musically and want to hear their children perform a higher quality of repertoire on concert programs.

I have had no problem with using Christmas music, both sacred and secular as long as it is used for teaching purposes and I include other holiday music for Hanukkah and other December holidays. When a parent asked why can you tell the story of Hanukkah but not that of Christmas, I realized I was erring on the side of caution. Now I include both parties and have received quiet praise from Christian parents who are so glad to hear the story being told along with other faith's stories.

The curriculum states that we teach and perform both sacred and secular music, because all music in the schools can be utilized for useful instruction!

I feel that my district has pushed us so far into being politically correct (our "rule of thumb" is to avoid any mention of Jesus, Mary, or the manger) that the music has become quite watered down. This is especially noticeable at the high school level, where if there is any focus on Christmas, it is on the commercial aspect (Santa, etc) instead of Christ. Many excellent choices become void due to the rules imposed on us.

We are painfully careful to discuss whether the music is sacred, secular, or seasonal, and to focus on the history of each piece. Children are told that if they are not allowed to sing a certain piece, they do not have to do so, but are still expected to listen to the lesson. We try to speak about customs for many different holidays around the world, not just Christmas/Chanukah.

I think it depends on the area. In this rural community, it is not a problem to incorporate sacred songs at any time- and most students that are non-Christian have parental permission to learn the songs. Sacred music is such a wonderful resource, especially with rich harmonies. It is so sad that many schools/teachers do not have the ability to utilize it. We have a very diverse student and staff population. From Muslim to Catholic to Jews, everyone unites to perform our winter concet. We sing all types of songs from year to year including some more religious pieces at times. Luckily, we look at these pieces as works of art rather than a religious evperience in our school.

I have several students whose religious preference prevents them from singing anything that is seasonal or mentions various names of God. I worked out with the parents and students that they could self monitor and when it was not appropriate for them to sing in class or in a concert, the student could step to the hall with a book or put on a pair of earphones and listen to music that was appropriate for that student. This has encouraged all the students to try chorus.

I talked with one of my principals about this issue. He contacted the state and they said that if I was teaching the music as music ie. notes; rhythm; pitch; history etc. then there would be no problem with the music selection.

I try to be sensitive and inclusive to all religious backgrounds-some conservative Christian parents want MORE religious repertoire included--some school staff told me they don't like Kwanzaa songs--my black principal wants more "multicultural" songs--so I just keep juggling each year

It is easy to find great music that is not religious in nature, that celebrates the seasons, world cultures, and the human longing for peace. I work for variety in my programming for my public school, and I believe we succeed in reaching out to every student and family.

Program needs to be carefully and sensitively selected so all audience members feel respected. I still perform Christmas music along with everything else. Particularly for high school students, choral repertoire of the Western world is Christian in nature and should be performed. What is the alternative, setting it aside forever?????

I'm actually getting a bit tired of programming an annual December "HannuKwanzaaMas" concert. (No, we don't call it that; I'm being facetious.) I'd rather just program quality literature, period. If works happen to have a holiday association, fine. If not, also fine. But that's in my "ideal world". In the real world, if I choose a "Christmas" piece, then I'd better also choose a "Hannukah" piece and a "Kwanzaa" piece. Balance the whole shpiel with some secular winter songs and *poof* a politically-correct concert is born. Ugh.
If you think about it and wish to do a Christmas program and don't want to "offend", because there wouldn't be a holiday at this time if it wasn't for Christmas, have it as a history of music for this time of year. History works for me.

About three or four years ago, my district convened a Sacred Music Committe comprised of administrators, music educators, and community leaders, and it was decided that no songs mentioning a specific deity would be performed at elementary concerts during the months of December and January. I felt that was stupid and arbitrary -- literally limiting it to two months. Either ban sacred music from performance, or don't. Being Jewish, and growing up as the only Jew in my entire school district, performing all kinds of sacred and secular Christian music, I feel that NO sacred music belongs in concerts -- at least not at elementary level. I can understand the need to study & perform the masterworks at an older age, for the sake of the music, but I firmly believe in the separation of church and state. If you want your choir to sing sacred Christmas songs, direct a church choir. That said, I jokingly refer to my December concert as the "non-denominational, all-inclusive holiday concert", because that's what I strive to make it. This year's chorus concert includes two Hanukkah songs, a winter song, two non-denominational holiday songs, a Kwanzaa song, two secular Christmas songs (one in Spanish), and a combination Christmas/Hanukkah song. If I could find a Feast of Eide song, I'd include that, too -- but the Muslim community feels about sacred songs the way I do: they belong in the house of worship, not in public places.

I choose repertoire that is balanced and inclusive of many cultures (including Christianity, although that seems to be out of vogue). If I choose music that is religious in nature, it is for the artistic and/or educational value.
ARTICLES/RESOURCES

Berklee School of Music Blog: The Berkleemusic blog network brings together music industry professionals, music educators and Berklee online school faculty members to discuss current events relating to the music business, music production, songwriting, music theory, performance and online education

British Campaign to RETUNE YOUR EARS, in the "HEAR HERE!" movement! 12 months to "refocus attention on the ear, in a society increasingly dominated by the eye". Daniel Barenboim: "We live in a culture where we are bombarded with imagery and information, and are neglecting our ears in favour of our eyes".

MEET the energetic, brilliant young musicians who make up a good portion of the LA Philharmonic..... The principal oboe player says "Playing with this orchestra is extraordinary - really singular in terms of the level of enthusiasm - and dare I say it, enjoyment...the audiences that come to our concerts tend to be a lot younger and appreciate intelligent music. I've been astounded by the mind-set here".

HAVE A GOOD WEEK, SEE YOU NEXT! SR

Harley Holds Court

2007-12-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Harley has found a bunch of really really cool guys and the guys fell in love with the little really cool critter. What can you say.

After a mini-concert for the MENC staff in the recital room, The King's Singers sat down for a light meal and Harley was the toast of the room. He got himself all dressed up in his holiday finery (thank you JG for hat and scarf) and proceeded to make lasting friendships with the guys. It did get a little out of control after Harley gulped down a cup of peppermint tea and ended up having to cover his eyes for a photo opt by the Christmas tree. He is learning that music performers are a really interesting breed. He noticed that all of these chaps had funny British accents. It will be a long time before Harley forgets this very special day and what a treat The King's Singers provided for everyone. WE LOVE YOU guys! Thank you for making our holidays a little brighter and taking time out of your busy schedule to drop by MENC!

As a post script, they were so taken with Harley that they all received a complimentary red dog to take home - some to their children, some to travel with, and some to just love. As they drove out of the MENC parking lot hanging out the car windows- they all waved their Harleys high in the air! They were headed to Fairfax where they were preparing to do a night concert at George Mason University. Do you think they know to drive on the right side of the road? Should Harley be concerned? Will Harley have to hold court again and dismiss all traffic violations they receive in his world? Guess it is too late to ask!

"Kings" of the Hill ... and Harley!

2007-12-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

Hello from wintry Reston, VA, where the snow has begin to fall, and the holiday cheer is out in full force!

Yesterday was an EXCEPTIONALLY special day here at MENC. You see, staff had spent most of the previous day wondering about the meaning behind a strange, cryptic e-mail referencing the need for an all staff meeting (but giving no reason why!) sent by MJL. WELL. When we FINALLY learned the reason behind the e-mail...

Employees were amazingly surprised and THRILLED with a short impromptu performance, coordinated by MJ, from the world-renowned King's Singers!!! Ahhh! The King's Singers were started in 1968 by six Choral Scholars from King's College Cambridge. They quickly became a prominent musical force in the UK. The rest of the world soon followed so that today the group's engagements are spread throughout the four corners of the globe. This branch of their repertoire now comprises well over 200 pieces ranging from medieval to renaissance, romantic to contemporary, folk and pop.

Their impromptu MENC performance included two holiday songs, Jingle Bells and Little Drummer Boy. The King's Singers arrived in the U.S. yesterday to begin a short tour of the states. They will be performing tonight at George Mason University's Center for Performing Arts; concert begins at 8:00 p.m.

Anyways, the long and short of it is that it was an absolutely INCREDIBLE performance, and we all felt sooooooo lucky to have gotten to hear it! SO much fun! I'm rushing around madly today, so I wish that I could say more about this right now, but no worries, I have a feeling that Harley will cover it thoroughly next week, so be sure to check that out!! That's all for now I'm afraid--have a wonderful, merry weekend everyone!!!

Until next time!!

Thursday Interlude: Winter Wonderland?

2007-12-06T06:51:00.001-08:00

Greetings from Snowy Reston, VA. We had about three inches of snow yesterday, a tad more than a dusting and enough to back up roads for miles. I know, I know. We're wimps around here when it comes to winter weather.

Wow. I can't believe it's been two weeks since I checked in with you guys—first Thanksgiving and then last Thursday my real job here at MENC ping-ponged from one thing to another and I didn't get a chance to dive into the blogosphere. My apologies. Actually last Thursday I worked on getting a last minute story into January Music Educators Journal. That will be a special issue, all about Musicians and health issues, so look for that before the end of the month.

That same day I recorded my second ever podcast, this time with Dr. William Dawson. The December issue of Teaching Music, which is out now, includes an interview with him and a story about his new book Fit as a Fiddle: The Musicians Guide to Playing Healthy. Dr. Dawson is hand surgeon and a concert bassoonist, so he knows a lot about both worlds and he discussed both preventative measures and actions to take when medical conditions prevent musicians from playing as they normally would. His Podcast isn't up yet, but check out other MENC Podcasts here. A few weeks ago I recorded a Podcast with Don Ester about the Society for Music Teacher Education conference and that is up for your listening pleasure.

I would imagine many of you are busy with holiday concerts, performing, conducting or both. As you can imagine we have fellow staffers here at MENC who perform. CA sings with the Reston Chorale and they performed their holiday concert last Saturday, while violinist NS will perform this weekend with the McLean Symphony here in northern Virginia.

We all try to support our performing colleagues as much as possible and this time of year there are so many wonderful concerts, including ones at churches. View Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration (On You Tube the 2004 video is described as "A tremendous crescendo to a glorious event, headed by Godfrey Gayle. Introduced by Pauline Maturi and backed by IASO, the Nottingham Community Gospel Choir and other choirs, Nathan Bray's Brass Ensemble and the IGM Chorale). I am really looking forward to a performance of "Soulful Messiah" at my church in a couple of weeks.

Of course if you prefer your Hallelujah chorus more traditional, visit here for a December 2006 performance by the Trinity Church, Broadway at Wall Street, New York City, NY.

And last, but certainly not least this You Tube offering is "the reprise of the Hallelujah Chorus with the conductor ecstatically including the audience as well. This rendition of Handel's Messiah was performed in Hebrew for the first time ever, April 4th and 5th, 2007."
Well, gotta go. I am headlong into February TM news stories. More on that next week. Hope your holiday planning/performing is going well.

And Happy Hanukkah to those of you in the middle of the Festival of Lights.

Til Next Thursday (I promise)

Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany XXXVIII: Festival of Lights, and Festive Fa-La-La-ing!

2007-12-05T04:39:00.001-08:00

I heartily concur with CW in his blog of 11/30 ! Winter, Christmas and holiday time is fast approaching, and Hanukkah is here! (today and next 8 days). The doublebarreled northern gusts have dropped our temperatures to respectable December numbers, and we're even having our first snow fall of the season today!

Christmas lights are going up steadily in neighborhoods, the radios are blaring the seasonal songs, and decorations are popping up everywhere! (almost enough to make me forget I have to pack and move my office this week!)

Before I forget! CHECK OUT this SYMPOSIUM occuring December 14 - 16 at Northwestern University School of Music in Evanston, Illinois: Building Bridges, Improvisation as a Unifying Agent in Education, Arts and Society

You may note a theme running through this blog today and through the remaining Wednesday blogs in December.......

This time of year always brings back indelible memories of the joy of singing in holiday concerts in school.......so yes, you guessed it- the theme will be singing, holiday songs, and carols! I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea, so I appreciate your forebearance, those of you who prefer instruments you hold vs. the instrument of the body (the voice).....

From "One Little Candle" in 6th grade with our flashlights covered with blue cellophane, to "Dona Nobis Pacem" in 8th grade, to Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols" in high school, (and read more about how this amazing piece was written! HERE) December was always, and still is for me, about song! I'm sure it's still a special time for many student singers and instrumentalists today as well. The thrill of getting dressed in long formal black skirts and white blouses, the darkened auditorium, the hush that fell over the audience, the beautiful strains of the piano and other instrumental accompaniment, and the utter joy of connecting our voices into one supernova of colorful harmony, creating an Aurora Borealis of heavenly sound! (for more on this concept, read about South African UBUNTU: "a person is a person through other people" - and why we need choral music!

One of the holiday songs which made an early impression on me is one that most will recognize, as it's been usurped into all formats of interpretation. But in its original pure form - "The Carol of the Bells" - is one of the most delicate and shimmering of winter carols. How unique and challenging it was to a 7th grader who had only really sung traditional carols until then! Read HERE for how this Ukrainian Carol made its way to America, and a little bit about the genesis of its singing since! Back in 7th grade, I felt so accomplished once we'd learned the piece, and were ready to perform it.....skipping easily through the up tempo pace, the different parts, and staccato lyrics!
What is a carol, exactly? Have a quick read at this interesting site, which will also give you the history of many favorite Christmas carols and holiday songs!

HERE are a few comments sent in so far, in response to this month's QUESTION of the MONTH, which asks about the use of Sacred music and "holiday" concerts. Many other comments were also submitted thus far, but space and time limitations preclude them all being listed here....I'll share more of these survey comments in subsequent December Wednesday blogs.....and hopefully, in the last December Wednesday blog, I'll feature a short comparison of the numerical responses to this survey from 2004, 2005, and this year! (Click HERE to read MENC's Sacred Music Position Statement) And this just out! NASSP "December Dilemma" and other resources CLICK HERE

Our school system has guidleines regarding the use of "holiday" and sacred music in school. Many times, the music specialists get together and review each other's programs for material that may raise a red flag for a concert or just check the balance. It seems that everyone is quite happy when you honor all traditions. The music must also be based on curriculum and quality. Historical significance is also something to be considered. The key is repertoire selection.

I've taught is schools in PA, CT and NY. I find that every school and community reacts differently to the use of "sacred/religious" music in choral concerts. In my current situation I was told by the principal that I couldn't use a spiritual, "Over My Head" with my third grade chorus unless I changed the text to take out the word "God". Apparently parents have called in the past and she wants to avoid any conflicts. It is important to note that the song is in our district approved textbook. I am getting more and more frustrated with this whole issue because so much of the classic choral music to which students should be exposed come from a variety of religious/cultural traditions. Why can they tell me I have to use Hannukah songs and Kwanzaa songs in programs but I better not have the children sing the beloved carol, Silent Night! All types of music should be included in a music program especially as children today are growing up in a global community.

Once, back in 1971, I had a problem with some parents about my students singing Dona Nobis Pacem - not because it might have been considered sacred, but rather because we were at war (Viet Nam) and how dare I do a song about peace!!! How times have changed. I did it last year, and it was one of everyone's favorites!

I once told an older student with complaints "I'm not asking you to believe it, I'm telling you to sing it!" How much of our musical repertoire would we eliminate if we were to stop singing songs of a religious nature. It's part of our history and culture. If it is ok to study other cultures and their music, what about the Christian tradition?

Winter concerts in Decembers past have usually included a variety of music for several winter holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the New Year) including sacred and secular texts, as well as generic winter themes. I've never had a complaint in twenty years of teaching in a large public school system (15,000+ students).

Okay, hang in there, just a few more mentions of choirs and singing! (sorry to any instrumentalist purists!)
Below are a few resources and links to various music ed and singing related topics plus a couple of links to Christmas music sources and a few articles of interest......and of note, we received a call this week from a member asking "Where in the world is the Christmas and Hanukkah and holiday music on your site?" How refreshing that was to have someone assume we should or would have holiday music posted!

SOURCES/NEWS/RESOURCES/ARTICLES
Here is paper discussing the benefits of singing in a choir:
CHORUS AMERICA paper - CHORUS IMPACT STUDY

CLASH OF THE CHOIRS" - Calling all choirs: here’s your chance to be featured on TV during "Clash of the Choirs," a four-night competition featuring five celebrity choir directors (Nick Lachey, Patti LaBelle, Blake Shelton, Michael Bolton and Kelly Rowland) that will begin airing on NBC December 17 at 8 pm. NBC invites you to submit a video recording of your choir performing for the chance to be featured in a special "Holiday Moment" each night of the broadcast. For complete information and rules, visit "Clash of the Choirs Deadline: December 10!

SONGS for Teaching: find the Christmas ornaments on the RH side of page, "Celebrate the holidays" for songs of different holidays - CLICK!

STEVEN VAN ZANDT's ROCK 'n ROLL FOREVER FOUNDATION: sign up to be kept informed of the status of this curriculum, and to have it sent to you! CLICK

CONCERT ETIQUETTE (MENC)

CONCERT ETIQUETTE news article about school concerts

more below......

Why Singing "achieves miracles" in UK school National Singing program: click HERE
to learn more about this national effort to get all school children singing, the National Singing Programme, and the on-line database of music they're compiling. According to the article:
"Get schoolchildren singing together regularly, and something miraculous happens. They concentrate better, they're happier in themselves, and the school takes on a real cohesive sense of identity. This isn't just the subjective impression of starry-eyed music teachers: it's hard fact. Every single one of the top 30 primary schools in England has a singing programme involving all pupils."....

And I leave you with this quote!

"I always loved music; who so (ever) has skill in this arts is of a good temperament, fitted for all things. We must teach music in schools; a schoolmaster ought to have skill in music, or I would not regard him; neither should we ordain young men as preachers unless they have been well exercised in music. Music must be supported by the King and the princes, for the maintenance of the arts is their duty no less than the maintenance of the laws." attributed to Martin Luther

TIL NEXT WEEK.......(more below).....

STAY WARM AND SEE YOU THEN! SR

Tuesday Update

2007-12-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

It's a busy day so I'm just going to post a bit of fun news for those who are interested in this sort of thing. Back in the 80s I first heard about a band called Midnight Oil from Australia. Last week, their leader, Peter Garrett, was named Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts in the cabinet of the new prime minister of Australia. Here's a video of the band performing the song "The Dead Heart" with not-your-usual pop music instruments.

Have a great week!
E

Harley's Crushed in Our World

2007-12-03T07:25:00.000-08:00

Man oh Man oh Man - Harley is devastated! Poor little guy - I can't console him. You see, last week he happened to peek on my computer and saw an electronic photo I was sending President Lynn Brinckmeyer (don't tell him I told you but he has such a crush on her!) and he collapsed. Seems President Brinckmeyer was spotted kissing a frog, do tell! Nope, frog didn't change into anything BUT she was seen kissing a frog. Harley has been pining away for her. He takes on jobs just to be around her like the NEB Parliamentarian (he has no idea what to do but he just loves the job). Oh well, let's hope the little guy gets it together in time for the holidays. He needs to get his bottom out there and shop for a holiday gift for me..... like who does he thinks brings home the bacon - the frog

I am happy to report that I sent off the draft minutes last Friday to President Brinckmeyer. She gets first stab at them before the draft is sent to the NEB members to vote on them. After they edit, vote, etc, they are then put up on the web so that the MENC state leadership can get a looksee. These minutes dealt with some heady topics: 1) MENC Strategic Plan; 2) MENC Governance; and 3) Guidelines for Relationships By Outside Organizations with MENC. The last item needed to be revisited since MENC is now moving into the arena of "Sponsorship" and "Licensing Program" -- you can find this "amended" document on the MENC web site ..... The NEB Governance will be a Bylaw change and voted on by the membership in January.

The NEB approved the addition of four members to the current make-up of the NEB. It was the consensus of the NEB to propose changes to the current make-up in order to balance MENC's needs for better membership representation and to remain fiscally responsible by retaining the four division presidents who are off the board on June 30. What this boils down to is that the three division immediate past presidents from the largest divisions (active and retired members) will remain on the NEB for two additional years. One division president from the three smallest divisions (active and retired members) will rotate on a yearly basis among those three divisions. What does this really mean according to me -- well, it means -- if approved by the membership -- the three division presidents slated to "go off" the NEB on June 30, 2008, will remain. Southern Division President Jane Morlan, North Central Division President Joyce Patch, and Western Division President Barbara McLain will remain. Morlan and Patch for two years; McLain for one; and Eastern Division Immediate Past President Earl Groner will be asked to come back for one year. Whewwwwwww. Sounds a little confusing but it really isn't once we get into the swing of things.

I have one sad note for all of you readers of the MENC Staff Blog. Gene Morlan (former staff long long long time staff member) lost his wife of 67 years yesterday. Betty Morlan passed away with loved ones gathered round her - she was 90 years old. We (MENC staff) were so blessed to have her and Gene out for the 100th Birthday of MENC on April 12. We are keeping Gene and the Morlan family in our thoughts and prayers.

A Long December...

2007-11-30T15:06:00.000-08:00

... and there's reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaason to belieeeeeeeeve, maybe NEXT year NCLB will FINALLY get reauthorized! la la la!

Grr. Charlie Brown is accurately representing how I feel about NCLB's chances of getting reauthorized anytime soon (shameless plug: see the latest MENC Legislative Memo for more on this!)

Anyways, afternoon, music education lovers!!

I hope that everyone is doing well on this lovely, but chilly (at least here in the Commonwealth) Friday! 'Tis officially the season!! MENC is full of holiday cheer! This week, each staff member received a lovely mini holiday tree for our desks, complete with bulbs and little snowmen! I'm extremely excited for my tree, but also TERRIFIED of killing it (much like the plants in my office which HLS swooooooooooore that she would help me take care of), so i'm definitely soliciting "tree care" advice!

I do music education advocacy people, horticulturist I am not.

In addition to the holiday trees, this has been an exciting week here at MENC for other reasons as well! I spent some more time on Capitol Hill discussing the new music education Harris Poll results and our legislative recommendations for NCLB with a number of congressional staffers. It's absolutely critical that we continue to take full advantage of the Harris Poll's impact and publicity in order to remind Reps and Senators that if and when they finally, FINALLY decide to tackle NCLB again, music education should be at the top of their lists (no Christmas pun intended)!!

It's also been a good week for the Government Relations & Outreach Department because the braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand new MENC Legislative Memo is out! Woohoo! Be sure to check it out when you get a chance--if you're a subscriber, it should be in your e-mail already!

HLS and SKJ have been hard at work this week as well, HLS playing congressional scheduler, setting up and coordinating meetings with Hill offices and preparing leave behind materials for me, and SKJ researching away on the new MusicFriends newsletter and working on various other important outreach projects. We're a busy bunch indeed!

Well, that's all for now gang! Enjoy the festive spirit and snow (if you've got it already where you are!, if you're somewhere warm... well, then we're jealous!)

And now... here are the Friday...

"Government Relations & Outreach Department Album Picks of the Week!!!"

SKJ: Josh Groban - Noel
HLS: Various Artists - A Very Special Christmas 3
CBLW: Sufjan Stevens - Songs for Christmas

Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany XXXVII: Lite!

2007-11-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

Due to the last two week's Miscellany columns being rather long, this week's will be relatively short! Lots to do, so, will just share a few thoughts and info with you!

A member wrote to MENC in response to the November question of the Month, regarding boys in middle and high school choir.....this member has elementary choirs, and the survey hadn't asked about elementary level....so, in the December Question of the Month, we WILL ask about boys' participation in elementary level ensembles and music classes (as well as about the Sacred music/holiday issue!).

This very active and dedicated member shared all about his music program - see THIS LINK,
and check out The Eagle Orff Ensemble (scroll down the page for photo!), 4th and 5th graders who practice and perform songs on xylophones, metalophones, glockenspiels, and other non-pitched percussion instruments!

A colleague at MENC found this question in a blog..... If you could save only 7 pieces of music from any time on any level, what 7 pieces would you choose?
As one comment said, "if you ask me again in 5 minutes, the list will change!" Read the short article and see what pieces some people have listed! What would YOU list?

Recently, MENC announced the results of a Harris poll, and mentioned that Steven Van Zandt had created a Rock 'n Roll curriculum - read more about it, below. Curriculum will be available for the school year 08!
Little Steven (Van Zandt) Rock and Roll High school curriculum-

and MORE INFO.....and the MENC Press Release

Finally, just for fun.....
In several of the Wednesday blogs, I've mentioned "El Sistema", the Venezuelan Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra. One graduate of that program, Gustavo Dudamel, (who currently leads the Youth Orchestra) has been chosen to be the conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic starting in 2009/2010. See his bio/story HERE
On his website, in his(click this link: "personal/FAQ") section you can find:
Marcel Proust's questionnaire
Bernard Pivot's questionnaire

If you've ever watched James Lipton's Inside the Actors Studio on Bravo, you will be familiar with Bernard Pivot's short survey. Try it, if you need a break from the stress!

The last question always asked in the Pivot questionnaire is: If God exists, what would you like to hear him say to you after your death?

And Dudamel answers he'd like to hear God saying: "Wake up, you have to assist the annual composers' and conductors' reunion, headed by Mozart and Mahler... and by the way, hurry up, your grandpa is waiting for you! "
Read just a bit more below.....

If you're interested in a LISTENING LIST suggested by teachers back in August (i.e. pieces/artists recommended music students listen to), please write info@menc.org and we'll send the list of input!
Have a good week, and see you next Wednesday! SR

Tuesday after Thanksgiving

2007-11-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

And now ... More "Famous Student Stories!"

I recently received this great message from Dr. David Ashcraft, MENC Life Member, Past President of AzMEA, and Past Editor of AZ Music News. He writes:

"During my 33 years as Choral Director at Sahuaro High School in Tucson, Arizona, I was privileged to teach a number of brilliantly talented students, many having gained positive notoriety since graduating. Five former students immediately come to mind:

"Danyelle Bossardet – A singer, dancer, actor, choreographer and director throughout high school, Danyelle participated in Sahuaro musical theatre productions, playing the role of Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes. A graduate of the University of Arizona Theatre Arts Department, Danielle has appeared in numerous shows in the United States and Canada, most recently charming audiences as Belle in the American national touring company production of Beauty and the Beast.

"Ben Crawford – A member of the Sahuaro Concert Choir and Advanced Vocal Ensemble, Ben was highly involved on stage as well as on the volleyball court. He played the role of Tevye in Sahuaro’s Fiddler on the Roof that led to other musical theatre pursuits. A graduate of the University of Arizona Theatre Arts Department, Ben has followed his dream by recently accepting the parts of Factory Foreman and understudy for Jean Valjean and Javert in the Broadway production of Les Miserables.

"Shawn James – A member of the Sahuaro Concert Choir and Advanced Vocal Ensemble, Shawn handled the role of Mayor Shinn in Sahuaro’s production of My Fair Lady. He also competed as a member of the school’s varsity basketball team. Shawn graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis where he sang in the Glee Club, participating in several performances including concerts at the White House. Following the completion of his career as a Naval Intelligence Officer where he served on active duty as director of intelligence for the Naval Special Warfare Development, he was appointed group vice president of maritime security and domain awareness for Lockheed-Martin prior to working for BAE Systems North America as president of Business Development for the Technology Solutions Sector.

"Steve McLaughlin – A member of the Sahuaro Concert Choir and Advanced Vocal Ensemble, Steve also appeared in school productions in the roles of Arab in West Side Story and Andrew Carnes in Oklahoma. A standout on the school’s football team, he went on to serve as place kicker for the University of Arizona Wildcats. Steve set several school records, received All-Pac 10 and All-American honors and helped the team to a Fiesta Bowl victory over the University of Miami. He was later named to the Lindy’s Collegiate Team of the Decade. As the top place kicker in the nation, the broadcast journalism major received the coveted Lou Groza Award and was subsequently drafted by the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. Also a kicker for the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens, Steve ended his football career with the Arena Football League where he captured leading scorer honors prior to retiring. He was later inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame. Off the field, Steve’s passion for music has manifested itself in his continued association with Pet the Fish, a rock band he formed in college for which he has served as lead singer and guitarist. The band enjoyed touring the Western United States and once opened for Dave Matthews. Steve said he always had a favorite tune running through his head as he envisioned the ball splitting the uprights.

"Paul Whitthorne – A member of the Sahuaro Concert Choir, Advanced Vocal Ensemble and varsity soccer team (where he captured a state championship) Paul had leading roles in school productions including Freddy in My Fair Lady, the title role in Snoopy and Tony in West Side Story. Continuing on to UCLA’s renowned Film and Theatre School, he subsequently received theatrical training as part of Julliard’s Group 24. Having starred in Young Riders and Critters 4, Paul appeared as Bradley in Guiding Light as well as in several other television shows and commercials. Broadway credits include The Tempest. His extensive Off-Broadway work has included the New York Shakespeare Festival at Central Park’s Delacorte Theatre where he shared the stage with Star Trek’s Patrick Stewart. "

Thank you, Dr. Ashcraft! If you have a "Famous Student Story" to share, please email it to ElizabethL@menc.org.

It's another busy week here at MENC, so that's it from me today. Onward! -- EWL

Harley Gives Thanks in our World

2007-11-26T07:11:00.000-08:00

Well, Turkey Day came and went. In our world we were thankful for: 1) sharing a day together with family and friends; 2) having a great time with my brother and nephew who come every Thanksgiving Day; 3) cooking a full dinner and not poisoning anyone (Harley is the taster); 4) enjoying a week off and sleeping in. We hope your holiday was blessed with happiness and abundance. What went on around the hallways of MENC last week -- I'm not sure! We did have a number of staff off for the holidays. Guess what -- I did manage to decorate for Christmas on Saturday so as my nephew said, "We arrived for one season (Thanksgiving) and woke up to another (Christmas)."

This morning I woke up at 3:30 AM in order to get brother and nephew off on their car trip back to St. Louis (a 14 hour drive) so my perkiness today is starting to wear off. Last week, EWL sent an email out to the membership reminding all that this holiday season, online shoppers can make a big difference to music education by making purchases at Amazon.com through the MENC web site (http://www.menc.org/) and clicking on "Make Purchases on Amazon.com via MENC's Associate Link." MENC will receive a small commission on any purchase of books, music, movies, and more. Have a great week!

Here is my brother and me on Thanksgiving Day -- (Harley was too busy gobbling to get in the photo):

Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany XXXVI: Turkey Trot to the Future!

2007-11-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

This turkey knows HIS future! But, do Music Educators know THEIRS?

In this month's Question of the Month survey, we asked members how optimistic they were that music education will continue to be offered in K - 12 schools over the next 20 years. As of 11/19, the answers showed:

26% very optimistic; 31% optimistic; 27% somewhat optimistic; 9% not optimistic; 3% very pessimistic

Is this what the music student of the future will look like?!

We asked members to elaborate on their answers. Again, as of 11/19, here are a few choice responses (and there were many more describing the effects of the NCLB act on their deteriorating programs...)

Money Talks...if it's funded well (school system/booster organization), it will survive.

Schedules of students, teachers, and extra curricular activities are taking a toll on time. I find that many students want to be in extra groups, sectionals IF it is during the school day. I must blame much of it on television and video games, I find that guitar hero is very popular with students, I'm not sure that "Oboe Hero" would have the same effect.
As long as the world needs music, music will continue to taught in schools.

The last principal I worked under told me not to bother teaching the curriculum (sight singing, vocal technique, music history, etc.) just to make it fun for the kids as a release from their academic stress - needless to say, after banging my head against the wall for 7 years with that lack of cooperation by the administration, I quit and now teach privately!

If music education is not offered, students will loose out on so many brain and thinking and human expression opportunities, the social fabric of the country will just crumble. Oh wait, that's already happening. Seriously, at some point (hopefully, not too late) decision makers will see that test to oblivion is not serving our nation and will make steps to swing the curriculum back to the arts and social studies instead of just math and science. Skills taught in music education are already sought after. Eventually, political leaders will see this too and fund arts education.

We've been dumbed down as a nation. We now have people in charge who think that anyone who can speak in complete sentences are "elite," let alone anyone who knows about music and the arts... If music is not valued, music education won't be funded. And music is not valued in our society; it's seen merely as another consumer product, not as a natural means of expression, not as our heritage, not as our birthright. When I look at music education in countries like Finland or Germany, I could weep...Have you seen the Bobby McFerrin video, where he sings the piano part to the Schubert "Ave Maria," and the entire audience (thousands of people in a city square) sing the melody together, all the way through? Can you imagine that happening anywhere in our country? We're swimming upstream, and it's a mighty fierce current that's flowing in the opposite direction.

I have retired from public school music teaching and am now teaching music education classes at the college level. The young men and women who are teacher candidates are as enthusiastic as ever about their profession. If we help them in their early years of teaching by mentoring and by modeling good teaching practices, I have no doubt that the future of music education is secure. Whether it will remain an integral part of the public schools is more questionable, however. It is essential that the public make its expectations for continuing arts education known to those who fund and legislate education.

I feel as if I have been fighting "for music" for the last 43 years. Maybe that's the only way to keep it.

American education will not survive without music ed.

As long as there is football, there's a need for a band show at halftime.

Band linked to sports will never go away....keep it connected to athletic contests, community celebrations (parades), awards events (graduation), etc.

Administrators love to use musical groups as a public relations tool.

Humanity's love for music will not die - it is part of who we are. The only reason I would worry is because there seem to be less and less people pursuing music education as a career, partially because it is so demanding, and largely because of the dismal pay scale in most places, especially in the early stages of teaching.

Music education has deteriorated over the past fifty years. As a result, school administrators generally have not had a rich music education, and so equate music with entertainment rather than as a deep and intellectually powerful discipline. The sheer number of skills developed by a musical education outstrips that of any other subject by far; yet it is the most undervalued subject. It is considered a "special" subject, a "minor" subject, an "elective" subject, but certainly not an academic subject. This ignorance is what we must deal with every day as music educators.

They will always need coverage for prep time for "core" ( I use that loosely) subject teachers

As teachers, we have been too limited. Music in American society is not as much about art as it is about making money and fame. Most has little to do with making good choices about meaningful, edifying use of the musical elements. Colleges need to teach our future teachers more about how to reach the musical soul.

We still have fathers forbidding sons from taking vocal music because it's wussy. (Even though my group has traditionally had a slew of football players, wrestlers, basketball players, etc.

I thought that this was a battle I could eventually stop fighting. I was wrong. I've been teaching 35 years. This one will be my last.

Music is part of the very fabric of life. I believe today's parents appreciate the quality and quantity of musical information/performance experiences offered now as opposed to when they were in school. Unfortunately, those who make budgetary decisions regarding public musical education often are non-musicians. It may be helpful to poll children on this, as they are the ones directly affected by these decisions. They have no agenda and can very succinctly get to the point of how much they would miss it.

This leads me to mention yet again (past posts....), the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra from Venezuela, "El Sistema", currently directed by Gustavo Dudamel, a 26 year old graduate of the program, who will soon lead the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In the last few weeks, as the Youth Orchestra has received much press and media attention during its U.K. and U.S. tour (recently playing Carnegie Hall), MENC received a few calls and emails, asking whether such a system could be sustained in the U.S., and why our music education "system" is so pale in comparison to the robust reach of the Venezulan organization. For the last 30 years, (to quote MB of MENC): "El sistema" has had a positive and pretty widespread effect in Venezuela, using music education as a vehicle both for music itself and for social equity." (for more info on El Sistema, see Dudamel's site HERE)

When answering a constitutent's question on why the U.S. education system does not seem to value music education, MB continued: "The comparison (of "El Sistema") with school systems in the U.S. is apt in that it throws into relief the question of why we, in a prosperous nation, are unable to provide all our children with the benefits of music education. Our system's solution to the problem will doubtless be somewhat different from that in Venezuela, but we all need to work for the goal of universal access to music programs -- a goal we share with our colleagues in Venezuela. "

What do YOU think? Comment below!

(And see theYouth Orchestra play "Mambo" from West Side Story at the Proms in London (their encore; they don red, yellow and blue Venezuelan flag colored jackets over their concert dress), and then the Shostakovich 10th Symphony);

and READ MORE about their performances HERE and HERE!

In future weeks, we'll be sharing more results from Question of the Month surveys, so keep an eye out! (eventually, hope to have a new Question of the Month Answer Archive page on the coming NEW OVERHAULED MENC website!)

Please see below for some interesting reads and a few hopefully fun and useful resources for your post-Turkey perusal!

Hoping your Thanksgiving is thankful and peaceful. Thank YOU for being part of MENC!
See you next week! SR

RESOURCES

Little Steven's underground garage: Rock n roll via Van Zandt of E. St. Band

Thanksgiving songs

Holiday and other songs for classroom use

Music for All Seasons: Live music performances to neglected communities
READ "THROUGH the EYES OF MUSICIANS" professional musicians' reactions to playing for the needy

THE ISRAEL PHILHARMONIC 70TH ANNIVERSARY GALA CONCERT TONIGHT, NOVEMBER 21 on PBS

(check local listings!)
Founded in 1936 by Polish violinist and Zionist Bronislaw Huberman, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra -- known at thattime as the Palestine Orchestra -- was established to save Jewish musicians in Europe from the imminent Holocaust. For a brief description of the program and highlights of what's included on its companion Web site at CLICK HERE

SCHOOL of ROCK EXPANSION (with a video on line too! click HERE)

NO MUSIC DAY (in honor of SAINT CECILIA, the Patron Saint of Music and Church Musicians, whose day is NOVEMBER 22!)

Article about No Music Day

BRAIN on MUSIC: The love of music is a human need for social interaction, says Clive Robbins

BLOG on the FUTURE of CLASSICAL MUSIC: should musicians MOVE while they play?

Tuesday News

2007-11-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

Last week's media blitz coinciding with the release of the Harris Poll connecting music education with advanced studies and higher education is still reverberating! If you haven't already, check out MENC"s "social media" site with photos and video from the November 12 event at the National Press Club. We've had print, radio, and TV mentions galore in the last week, and lots of Web sites are picking up the story.

We had some great reaction in the blogosphere to the poll. The American Bar Association Law Journal "Law News Now" picked up the story with an article called "How Did Music Education Influence Your Life, Career?" The comments posted by lawyers are revealing and gratifying! (Thanks to former MENC staffer PK for the heads up on that article.)

I was very excited to go on Capitol Hill visits last Tuesday. MENC and Steven Van Zandt were checking in with important decision makers (Edward Kennedy, Mitch McConnell) to encourage them to consider our requests for the NCLB reauthorization and to tell them about Steven's music education foundation and curriculum plans. Steven was stopped by staffers, security guards and Senators at every turn, and it was cool to be in the halls of Congress, where I had not been since a stint as an intern many, many, many years ago.

I enjoyed spending some time with MENC member Joe Pignato, who is writing the curriculum for "Little Steven's Rock & Roll High School," and Warren Zanes, musician, educator and head of Steven's Rock & Roll Forever Foundation. Both very interesting fellows. That's Joe on the left, Warren on the right, as we made our way through a Senators' lunch gathering.

Here's a photo from our meeting with the two Senators from New Jersey. Lots of professional photogs and reporters. You can see fellow blogger CW, MENC Deputy Executive Director MB, Warren Zanes, and Joe Pignato behind NJ Senator Robert Menendez and Steven Van Zandt.

Now I'm back in the office trying meet a million deadlines before we break for Thanksgiving. I'll leave you with more music education in the media! MENC staffer LB alerted me to the following and I thought you might find it interesting. In Frank Deford's segment on NPR's Morning Edition last week, he mentioned that he had been criticized for suggesting that sport should be held in the same high regard as art. He shared some of the more restrained comments he received. We wonder if any of them were from MENC members?

Onward! -- EWL

Harley Rocks in My World

2007-11-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

Harley did it with the help of EWL.... YES, Harley and Steven Van Zandt sat down to discuss serious matters regarding music education and the newly released Harris Poll which you have been reading about on these pages. As a matter of fact, today Harley and I are not at work but are out trying to catch the illusive turkey for our upcoming Thanksgiving Celebration. Turkey doesn't want to be caught - do tell. Have a glorious Thanksgiving! MENC offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday (11/22-23).

Magic!

2007-11-16T15:36:00.000-08:00

I think that one word says it all.

What an AMAZING week for music education, AND for music lovers generally (which amounts to everyone who works here at MENC!). This week started with the release of a truly exciting new music education Harris Poll highlighted by a splashy press event at the National Press Club here in D.C. Steven Van Zandt of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and "The Sopranos" fame was on hand for the Harris Poll unveiling (he was a huge hit) and the entire press conference received glowing media attention (SO cool!).

As if all of that weren't enough already though, the next day myself, MB and EWL attended a series of energy-filled, engaging Hill meetings with several prominent U.S. Senators and one truly amazing Congressman (Steven Van Zandt accompanied us). While it was obviously BEYOND cool to get to spend the day with a true rock legend (it also reeeeeeeeeeally doesn't hurt your advocacy cause to bring one along with you FYI--people seem to like you a LOT more ;-)), the absolute highlight of the day for me was the half an hour spent in the office of Georgia Congressman John Lewis...

For those who may not already know, Congressman Lewis is a true American hero. It was terrific to get to engage Mr. Lewis in a meaningful conversation about music education, but it was absolutely AMAZING to get to listen to him describe his many ordeals and experiences during the civil rights movement. Congressman Lewis showed us photo after photo of himself, Dr. King, and many other prominent civil rights leaders and politicians of the time period. I was absolutely shocked. Many of these photos I had actually seen before, but most likely my attention had previously been entirely focused in on Dr. King, so never had I viewed the images from this perspective...

I'd never noticed that Mr. Lewis was there too... standing tall, right alongside the others. What a remarkably strong, dedicated and brave man he was, and still is today. Steven Van Zandt was just as impressed as the rest of us. It was a stirring, memorable experience for all involved. I won't soon forget it.

As for the rest of the week... it's been a whirlwind of follow-up excitement for the Harris Poll results! Newsletters, alerts, PR and more! We've all been running ragged to get the message out to everyone about all of this fascinating new information! Whew! I'm kinda thankful that Friday is finally here ;-)

No new albums this week... sorry gang... half of our department is out of town, so it just doesn't seem like it would be right! If you're looking for something good to listen to this week though, put on some Bruce Springsteen--it should put you in the mood to celebrate music education ;-)

Take care!!

Thursday Interlude: Music Education Rocks!

2007-11-15T05:25:00.000-08:00

A photo from a rock concert at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. on November 12 because everyone knows cameras are not allowed. Cell phones are ubiquitous, though.

Let me say just one thing here. If you ever, ever sit behind me at a concert or a play, or even at a church service, you have hit the lottery, my friend. Unless you happen to be a five-year-old child, you are pretty much guaranteed a clear view of whatever is in front of you. That is because I am 4 feet 11 inches tall, a height I have proudly maintained since I was in 6th grade.

On Monday night when I went to the Bruce Springsteen/E Street Band concert at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC, my scratch ticket came up empty. Sort of. I had the double whammy of a really tall guy with a really big head right in front of me (no offense to those of you out there with large noggins).

It was such a fun concert, though. I had never seen Springsteen on stage before, nor the E Streeters and I was excited to see both, especially since earlier in the day I met Steven "Little Steven" Van Zandt of E Street and Little Steven's Underground Garage fame. He is now our new MENC friend and on Monday along with our own Dr. M. he spoke at MENC's mega super duper, standing room only press conference as EWL reported on Tuesday. More on that later. Seeing Little Steven up on stage with his guitar was pretty cool after having chatted with him about kids' views of and rock and roll and music programs earlier in the day.

And actually back to my tall friend, we were oddly in sync, when I popped up to dance, he was often sitting down. When he was standing, I craned my neck toward the video screen, so it worked.

As I am sure you know, Springsteen concerts usually draw people (like my sister-in-law C out in California) who has seen Springsteen and E Street in concert more than 50 times. I did my best to play my part like any good citizen of the Back Streets Nation. fist pumps at the right time. dancing, waving my arms. Alas, I felt a bit out of it, though, when people started singing songs like "Badlands" and "Born to Run." The only song I knew by heart was "Dancing in the Dark" so I did sing that at the top of my lungs.

And I felt like we were in a cell phone commercial when everyone held up lighted cell phones to signal, yes, we knew the encore of several songs was coming. I really don't miss the lighters with their tiny flames.

But back to the press conference, which was held at the National Press Club in the National Press Building in DC. As a newspaper reporter and magazine writer I have covered a lot of press conferences, but not so much since I have been at MENC.

It was interesting to see how press conferences have evolved over the years though. Back in my olden days, print journalists, armed with pen and notebooks were the rule, but now even the print folks are writing, as well as recording audio and video so everyone comes equipped with laptops and digital recorders and video cameras. The room was filled with people and stuff, but EWL, who watched from the control room said it made for one slick, high definition television feed. In fact, EWL just gave us a link here that you can use to view the press conference and photos of the event.

Plus we were savvy enough to schedule a press conference on the Veterans Day holiday when there wasn't a lot of other news going on. We got a lot of local media, newspapers like The Washington Post as well as national magazines like Mother Jones as well as local radio and television stations and NPR. Nice to be the only game in town. The press conference here generated local coverage in other parts of the country as well, as this story in The Kansas City Star demonstrates. Immediate Past MENC President David E. Circle shared the story with Monday MENC blogger ML. Thanks David.

The main part of the press conference was the release of a new Harris Poll about music education and its lifelong career benefits whether you pursue a music career or not. You can read the survey findings here if you like. SR covers this issue in great detail in yesterday's post, how music education is being "left behind" in the No Child Left Behind legislative debate. Scroll down for more on that.

Well, gotta go. I am finishing up January Music Educators Journal and not surprisingly the Harris poll, press conference and visits to Capitol Hill this week by Van Zandt and MENC staff to discuss the No Child Left Behind and its implications for music education are my lead stories. Look for MEJ in late December.

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving ahead of time. MENC is closed next Thursday and Friday, so I will not be posting . I will be wrist deep in turkey giblets and stuffing next Thursday (and I mean cooking of course) Hope you have a great holiday and a little break from the everyday.
Til Next Time
RF