Wednesday, May 9, 2007
MIDWEEK MEANDERINGS and MISCELLANY VIII: EUREKA! EUREKA!
EUREKA! EUREKA!
No, sorry, no grand discovery, just the name of the survey company that's helping MENC with a preliminary study of how/if members use the national standards in the classroom! The survey went out last week, with some going out this week, and we've had a bunch of responses directly to MENC with feedback/reactions to the survey. This survey is only a preliminary look MENC will be taking/making regarding use of standards, so stay tuned in coming months for notices of additional surveys on this topic!
In addition to fielding the queries from the survey respondents, I've also been immersed in another component of that project - going through the arts/music standards for every state to see how they align to the national standards, comparing to the state standards information Eureka put together last November. I've been in touch with many state supervisors of music, and have been drilling down through state DOE websites... See the RESOURCES below for an easy quick way to get an overview of what's going on in the standards in the states!
Speaking of Surveys - have you seen the MENC Question of the Month for May? click here!
This particular survey always gets a lot of response. We've asked these same questions in December 2004 and 2005; I get the feeling these are topics members like to talk about! Add your thoughts!
RESOURCES
Did you know there was a EUROPE chapter of MENC?
CLICK HERE for a link to all the state MEA affiliates of MENC, and scroll down to E to get to the link for the European MEA!
STATE STANDARDS and other ARTS ED POLICY info:
AEP
ECS
AROUND THE WATER COOLER
I predict major withdrawal symptoms in two weeks as AI goes into the finale....but then again, will be nice to
not be so tied down to Tuesday and Wednesday nights! (why can't I be this disciplined for OTHER pursuits?!)
What a waste of a show to have BeeGees music sung by the contestants.... Sorry, just not a fan of Mr. Gibb at all!
See you next week! SR
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
The Rock-a-Thon
My nephew Warren plays alto sax in the band at Autrey Mill Middle School in Alpharetta, GA. His teacher is MENC member Wendy Milstead. Last month, the music department hosted a fundraiser called a Rock-a-Thon. The kids came up to the school one evening with their rocking chairs and rocked for four hours to raise funds for the music program.
Nearly $3000 was raised! And at the end, the highest fundraisers got to throw pies at the music teachers! Here is a photo of them before getting splattered. True professional music teachers -- they obviously know that being prepared is the key to success. (Left to right: Amy Creamer (drama/general music), Cristy Ray (chorus), Tim Anderson (orchestra), Wendy
Milstead (band) -- all are MENC members.)
Of course it's too bad that these kinds of fundraisers are necessary, but perhaps a silver lining is that they do serve as team-building experiences for the kids, parents, and teachers. Last year, in Fulton County, GA (where Warren lives), all the elementary band programs were scheduled to be cut. Parents, students, and teachers worked together to get that decision reversed, which thankfully it was. (MENC and Georgia Music Educators Association also lent a hand in the effort. Here at MENC, we try to help our members and the parents in their communities by providing them with the information they need to show school boards how kids benefit from being part of a strong music program -- check out "Advocacy Central" for links to our resources.)
Band has been a wonderful experience for Warren. I never played in a band (I was a piano and chorus kid), and I'm in awe of band and orchestra instructors. The idea of taking little kids and molding them into an ensemble, and knowing enough about so many different instruments to be able to do that, is just amazing to me!
Have a good week -- EWL
P.S. I have a photo of my nephew rocking with some of his buddies, but I don't quite have time to pursue getting the permissions to publish it -- if those come through, I'll add the photo later on.
Nearly $3000 was raised! And at the end, the highest fundraisers got to throw pies at the music teachers! Here is a photo of them before getting splattered. True professional music teachers -- they obviously know that being prepared is the key to success. (Left to right: Amy Creamer (drama/general music), Cristy Ray (chorus), Tim Anderson (orchestra), Wendy
Milstead (band) -- all are MENC members.)Of course it's too bad that these kinds of fundraisers are necessary, but perhaps a silver lining is that they do serve as team-building experiences for the kids, parents, and teachers. Last year, in Fulton County, GA (where Warren lives), all the elementary band programs were scheduled to be cut. Parents, students, and teachers worked together to get that decision reversed, which thankfully it was. (MENC and Georgia Music Educators Association also lent a hand in the effort. Here at MENC, we try to help our members and the parents in their communities by providing them with the information they need to show school boards how kids benefit from being part of a strong music program -- check out "Advocacy Central" for links to our resources.)
Band has been a wonderful experience for Warren. I never played in a band (I was a piano and chorus kid), and I'm in awe of band and orchestra instructors. The idea of taking little kids and molding them into an ensemble, and knowing enough about so many different instruments to be able to do that, is just amazing to me!
Have a good week -- EWL
P.S. I have a photo of my nephew rocking with some of his buddies, but I don't quite have time to pursue getting the permissions to publish it -- if those come through, I'll add the photo later on.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Countdown in My World
Where in the world and in mine is WaKeeny, Kansas? I don't have a clue -- except that George Heller in his 1982 Reflection on MENC's 75th Anniversary Perspective looking toward the 100th states, "In reflecting on the seventy-five year history of the Music Educators National Conference and projecting toward the centennial in 2007, it is clear that music education in America has a firm 
foundation on which to build its future. . . .In sum, it seems likely that surface problems such as economic hardship, political controversy, and changing structures will cause difficulties for the profession in general and MENC in particular. On another level, however, music will go on, it will have to be taught, and music teachers will want to share their experiences with one another. An organization which has survived World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, Sputnik, Vietnam, and Watergate will celebrate a richly deserved centennial in WaKenny, Kansas, in 2007." I looked up WaKenny (on the map it was WaKenney) off of Interstate 70 and found the following stats: Population 3319; population over 25 is 2342. Interesting factoid is that those 3319 are living in 1258 households. The good news is there is a bed and breakfast built in 1906 which, of course, would be available for an MENC convention?
Yes, the countdown is under way for two events: (1) Keokuk II Symposium in Keokuk, Iowa (May 31-June 2) -- which by the way also has a bed and breakfast and is an absolutely charming community as seen from photos that MENC Immediate Past President David Circle took when visiting the community last year; (2) MENC Centennial Celebrationb (June 25-28) at the Coronado Springs Resort Hotel & Convention Center. If you have not made plans to attend, do so now. You can find information on the MENC web site.
foundation on which to build its future. . . .In sum, it seems likely that surface problems such as economic hardship, political controversy, and changing structures will cause difficulties for the profession in general and MENC in particular. On another level, however, music will go on, it will have to be taught, and music teachers will want to share their experiences with one another. An organization which has survived World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, Sputnik, Vietnam, and Watergate will celebrate a richly deserved centennial in WaKenny, Kansas, in 2007." I looked up WaKenny (on the map it was WaKenney) off of Interstate 70 and found the following stats: Population 3319; population over 25 is 2342. Interesting factoid is that those 3319 are living in 1258 households. The good news is there is a bed and breakfast built in 1906 which, of course, would be available for an MENC convention?Yes, the countdown is under way for two events: (1) Keokuk II Symposium in Keokuk, Iowa (May 31-June 2) -- which by the way also has a bed and breakfast and is an absolutely charming community as seen from photos that MENC Immediate Past President David Circle took when visiting the community last year; (2) MENC Centennial Celebrationb (June 25-28) at the Coronado Springs Resort Hotel & Convention Center. If you have not made plans to attend, do so now. You can find information on the MENC web site.
As with any celebration, the planning started a long time ago in a galaxy far far away -- OK, I'm daydreaming -- it seemed like a long time ago. We are putting together agendas, notebooks, background materials, along with getting ready for a National Exe
cutive Board meeting that will take place a few days before the actually Centennial meeting June 25. Oh my, it should be so much fun and I would hate for you to miss it. Harley has made several trips to Orlando to check out the places we are going to have you meet. Here he is in the lobby of the Coronado Hotel. And don't forget the MENC Centennial Dessert Blast on Thursday, June 28, at Epcot. Come and have dessert and then be treated to the fireworks at Epcot. Harley also loves Epcot and made many friends one year.
cutive Board meeting that will take place a few days before the actually Centennial meeting June 25. Oh my, it should be so much fun and I would hate for you to miss it. Harley has made several trips to Orlando to check out the places we are going to have you meet. Here he is in the lobby of the Coronado Hotel. And don't forget the MENC Centennial Dessert Blast on Thursday, June 28, at Epcot. Come and have dessert and then be treated to the fireworks at Epcot. Harley also loves Epcot and made many friends one year.Looking forward to meeting you in Keokuk and Orlando. Make plans now and go to the MENC site to register for BOTH events. Thank goodness, I did discover where Wakeeny, Kansas was today. Also did you know that they have a "Threshing Machine Canyon" that you can visit. Harley just might have to jump a plane and go see where in 1867 a party of travelers were transporting three threshing machines belonging to Brigham Young along the Smoky Hill Trail and while encamped..... sorry you will have to wait till next week to find out what happens.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Interviews and Parking
Hello all!
Well this has been quite a busy week for the Government Relations and Outreach Department. We've also been interviewing for an assistant and have narrowed the field!
All of this interviewing made me reminisce back to when I interviewed for MENC. I remember that when I came the beautiful cherry blossoms were in full bloom and greeted me when I arrived excessively early. As I sat in my car waiting for a more appropriate time to come inside, I thought, "What a beautiful place to work," and knew I would like it instantly. Of course the fact that my parking space was in full view of my interviewer's office didn't strike me until AFTER I started the job. And we all know who drives what car...there may be 58 of us, but we still know when an "new" car arrives... ;)
People definitely have their favorite parking spaces, too. The most controversial is which "side" you park on. When you drive into our parking lot, you can either park on the right side or the left side. People are very particular as to which side they park on. I, along with several others, have theorized that where you park is a direct result of where you parked for your interview. In fact, I have found few exceptions--except me. But I have a good reason! I changed sides after someone kept hitting my car with their door and leaving marks. I'm sure they didn't realize they were doing it, but regardless, my car is happier on the "other" side. This picture is of the "right" side.
Also interesting (and maybe only to me) is the incidence of the "pull-through" and the "back-in." Because we have somewhat staggered hours at MENC, the "pull-through" works well. Those arriving earliest (and therefore leaving earlier) pull through to the front spaces so they can leave in a forward manner. Then those arriving later park behind them, but can pull through when they leave because the early employee cars are now gone. The "left" side, as pictured here, are clearly "pull-through" people as evidenced by every... single...car in the picture. The "right" side adheres in the morning, but I've found more people on the "right" side leave the office for lunch and so disorder follows in the parking lot as employees are forced to use reverse when leaving.
There is also one car lover who truly loves his car and his parking reflects it. So much so that it begs mention. He parks in the same space every day in the back row so no one will park by him. He also always backs into his space to give a clean start every time. Just in case anyone considers parking next to him, he's started parking in the middle of two spaces to clearly say, "Stay away!" It makes me smile. And not park in the back row.
Isn't it amazing how much you can tell just from a parking lot? Thankfully we have a wonderfully maintained and well-kept parking lot (thank you JR) and we are a rather flexible bunch!
Around the Water Cooler: I'm so proud of Blake. I was really worried about him after last week and frankly, disheartened. I LOVED his rendition of "You Give Love a Bad Name" and think it is the most orginal version of a song on American Idol over all six seasons. Really. I think he is a true artist that belongs in today's pop music scene. GO BLAKE!!
Well this has been quite a busy week for the Government Relations and Outreach Department. We've also been interviewing for an assistant and have narrowed the field!
All of this interviewing made me reminisce back to when I interviewed for MENC. I remember that when I came the beautiful cherry blossoms were in full bloom and greeted me when I arrived excessively early. As I sat in my car waiting for a more appropriate time to come inside, I thought, "What a beautiful place to work," and knew I would like it instantly. Of course the fact that my parking space was in full view of my interviewer's office didn't strike me until AFTER I started the job. And we all know who drives what car...there may be 58 of us, but we still know when an "new" car arrives... ;)
People definitely have their favorite parking spaces, too. The most controversial is which "side" you park on. When you drive into our parking lot, you can either park on the right side or the left side. People are very particular as to which side they park on. I, along with several others, have theorized that where you park is a direct result of where you parked for your interview. In fact, I have found few exceptions--except me. But I have a good reason! I changed sides after someone kept hitting my car with their door and leaving marks. I'm sure they didn't realize they were doing it, but regardless, my car is happier on the "other" side. This picture is of the "right" side.
Also interesting (and maybe only to me) is the incidence of the "pull-through" and the "back-in." Because we have somewhat staggered hours at MENC, the "pull-through" works well. Those arriving earliest (and therefore leaving earlier) pull through to the front spaces so they can leave in a forward manner. Then those arriving later park behind them, but can pull through when they leave because the early employee cars are now gone. The "left" side, as pictured here, are clearly "pull-through" people as evidenced by every... single...car in the picture. The "right" side adheres in the morning, but I've found more people on the "right" side leave the office for lunch and so disorder follows in the parking lot as employees are forced to use reverse when leaving.There is also one car lover who truly loves his car and his parking reflects it. So much so that it begs mention. He parks in the same space every day in the back row so no one will park by him. He also always backs into his space to give a clean start every time. Just in case anyone considers parking next to him, he's started parking in the middle of two spaces to clearly say, "Stay away!" It makes me smile. And not park in the back row.
Isn't it amazing how much you can tell just from a parking lot? Thankfully we have a wonderfully maintained and well-kept parking lot (thank you JR) and we are a rather flexible bunch!
Around the Water Cooler: I'm so proud of Blake. I was really worried about him after last week and frankly, disheartened. I LOVED his rendition of "You Give Love a Bad Name" and think it is the most orginal version of a song on American Idol over all six seasons. Really. I think he is a true artist that belongs in today's pop music scene. GO BLAKE!!
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Thursday Interlude: Rattle Those Pots and Pans
Hi Everyone,
I know you are never, ever, ever guilty of this, putting off something you kept meaning to do until it is too late to actually do it? A few months ago my good friend BS here began asking staffers and MENC members for recipes to include in cookbook to commemorate MENC’s April Centennial.
I immediately thought of a recipe to submit—"African Chicken Peanut Stew," a recipe I found a couple of years ago. My 13-year-old son Matt and my husband Steve are always happy when this dish shows up on the dinner table. The Africa Guide
I love to cook and on Sundays I often put together dishes that take a bit more time. The stew is great the day you eat it, but is even better the next day if you have leftovers. It is quite yummy, especially if you like peanut butter.
Any who, I never got around to submitting my recipe and you guessed it, the cookbook came out this week MENC Centennial. (Thanks for converting the book cover to a JPEG, MB.)
It is great fun to read and the recipes cover lots of different cooking styles. It is item #1000, $12.50/$10.00 for MENC members. You can also call MENC at 800-336-3768 for more information. KR did a great job of design and layout and the tasty recipes are accompanied by mouth watering photos from the aforementioned BS but alas, no recipe from yours truly.
The cooks who actually responded to call for recipes include Nancy K. Olson, a 12-year-member from Bottineau, North Dakota, who offers a recipe for Butter Horns or Scones that she says, “ are always big hit a bake sales,” and Karl Glenn, a 33-year member from Ann Arbor, Michigan, who submitted a recipe for “Perfect Restaurant Steak.”
And save some room for dessert. Candace Cook’s Raspberry
Chocolate Cake looks yummy, for instance. She is a retired member from Mesa, Arizona.
There are lots of great recipes in appetizer, bread and rolls, breakfast foods, cookies and candies, desserts, main dishes and other categories. Many of the recipes are accompanied by little stories and suggestions for music to listen to when you dine.
So, to make myself feel better for (sigh) missing the deadline, I present my little story, music suggestions from my son and the recipe itself.
My Story: A couple of years ago when my son was getting picky about food, I searched for recipes based on ingredients he liked. Peanut butter and chicken topped his list at the time and when I found a recipe for African Chicken Peanut Stew, I thought I had winner. I knew I was right when he asked for seconds, as did my husband and it has become one of my go-to recipes when I plan menus for the week.
Recipe for Success in the Classroom: Last year when Matt took Teen Living in seventh grade, he had to cook a meal at home and it was the first thing he thought of cooking for his project. We took pictures of him chopping and stirring various ingredients. His teacher was impressed that he had chosen a recipe that required a lot of chopping, but it’s really not a hard recipe to make. He got an A on his project!
Suggested Music: Matt believes anything by Bob Marley would be great, as would “Big Rock Candy Mountain” from the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. Of course the latter is just because he likes that song and the soundtrack. He also suggested "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley .
Try the stew and let me know what you think. You can now post comments by clicking on Reply below. What is your favorite recipe? What kind of music do you like to listen to during dinner?
African Chicken Peanut Stew
One and a half hours cooking time, including 30 minutes of prep
8-10 servings, 12 cups
1 tablespoon peanut oil
2 lbs boneless chicken, cubed
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped carrots
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 sweet potato or yam, cubed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2/3 cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy, your choice)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 bell pepper, any color, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1. In a large, heavy pot, heat the oil on med-high. When hot, add the onions and sweet potatoes, stir and cook until onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add chicken, cook til opaque.
3. Stir in the garlic, curry powder, coriander, cumin, and crushed red chiles. Cook 1 minute.
4. Add the carrots, celery, ginger, cinnamon, bay leaf, salt, chicken broth, and tomato paste.
5. Bring the liquid to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 45 minutes.
6. When the stew has cooked for 45 minutes, stir in the peanut butter. Cook another 3 minutes, uncovered for the flavors to blend.
7. Stir in the chopped tomato and bell pepper. Simmer until the tomatoes and pepper are softened but still retain their shape, 3 to 5 minutes.
8. Stir in lemon juice. Serve with the chopped cilantro on the top, and additional red pepper flakes on the side, if you like.
Around the MENC Water Cooler: Or should I say, in the third floor kitchen. I have kitchen duty this week. Every two months or so we each are assigned to take responsibility for the kitchen for a week, loading a dishwasher, restocking supplies, swiping down surfaces, etc.) It just takes a few minutes to keep the yuck to a minimum.
One day this week while on chaos control in the kitchen, I ran into TH, our intrepid tech guru here at MENC. “How is your family?” I asked, and he shared the great news that his wife is
expecting their third child in October.He has a pre-teen daughter and a younger son and said he isn't concerned about gender, just wants a healthy baby. Given the fact that he urges everyone here at MENC to “have babies,” I was happy to know he is following his own advice.
He suggested I put his news in “that thing you do,” so here it is. Congratulations TH and more importantly, Mrs. H!
One quick note about American Idol, last night. So relieved that Jordin was spared, despite her screeching performance on Tuesday. Hey, she's allowed one misstep, ok. She is 17, for Pete's sake. She has been so fab all season, and I still think she can win. Phil and Chris. Eh. For those of you who are fans, see them on tour this summer. As for me, I was happy with the way things went.
See you next Thursday
RF
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Midweek Meanderings and Miscellany VII: Tra La, It's May, or, Why I work at MENC!
Every day when I come into MENC, I step across a walkway of bricks inscribed with names of folks who taught
music, love music, work for music, or are remembering how music played a part in their lives (The Walk of Fame)
I've often thought of buying a brick to honor those in my life who introduced me to music and made it possible for me to enjoy, learn and perform music.... I try to commemorate them/honor them in each day I work at MENC. Sounds corny, I know, but it's true. The people who gave me my love for music are the ones who opened up the door to what I consider to be one of the best things going on this planet.....these folks are kind of my Fairy God People who are with me and come out whenever I listen to, sing, play, or otherwise engage with music or music learning/activities.
It'd be too long to go into detail about each of them - suffice it say that each in their own way was incredibly influential, made an indelible impression on me, and inspired me to keep learning, trying, doing, engaging with music. I could write a chapter on each, but due to lack of space, time and fear of boring readers (whom I sure have their own inspiring Fairy GodPeople of Music), I'll just list them as briefly as I can - (must say SOMETHING about them!) - in lieu of buying a brick for each which would cost me a fortune (which I'm sure MENC could use, but, sorry, so could I!) It's a bit self -indulgent of me, but as this is what's on my brain this week, lucky you all get to hear about it!
Lest this sound like an Oscar Award acceptance speech....ummm....well, it kinda does. My apologies. Get your gagging done now or just skip over this section. The point of all this is - without these folks, I'd not have a clue about music and therefore would not appreciate or WANT to work at a place like MENC. Working at MENC is my way of giving back to the field, to help perpetuate and preserve it so others can experience some of what I had the fortune to.
There's of course first and foremost, my parents. touchstones: the Weavers, Dad singing his old choral music around the house (Stenka Razin, Gospodi Pomilui, Russian choir stuff.....and of course, one that tickled us kids, from his army days, I think "OH porkchop, you shall be free, with gravy on them!"); Artur Rubenstein at Symphony Hall in Boston with Mom; five years of Saturday lessons in piano, theory, voice and children's choir at the New England Conservatory; records for my birthday and Christmas; my constant friend, the old red piano in the basement; the ever present support and encouragement... and memories of Mom teaching me at age 5 how to sightread (generally speaking), "Mighty Lak a Rose" in our old folk song book on the couch, and her praising me for being able to make my voice go up when the notes went up, and down when the notes went down.......singing to my infant brother in his cradle...falling in love at age 4 with Mary Poppins and vowing to be like Julie Andrews! Who says kids don't know what they want to do at an early age?
My first piano teacher Linda Hawes, who taught me theory and the basics; scales in each key written out in pencil in my composition book, helping me (albeit begrudgingly at age 7!) learn my ABCs, the building blocks of theory....my elementary Music teachers Ms. Daniel in 3rd grade, Mrs. Farmer in 4th and 5th who opened up the wonders of group singing to me and recorder and harmony and descants....
Mrs. Edna Geary in 6th, with her exacting standards and very professional conducting. My first exposure to the "real" world of professional music! (she was a little scary, but boy did I learn a lot!)
Then in 7th grade - oh dear, a man! But not just any man (Little did I know at the time! how we 7th grade girls dreaded class with this "old" man!). William Rice, father of Tim Rice of Jesus Christ Superstar fame; Mr. Rice shared with us the first recording of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which had just opened in London; he also taught us (what patience he must have had!) music that was more than kid stuff - sophisticated contempory harmonies and choral pieces - "The Summer Knows" from the Summer of 42 - we thought it was sappy and soupy but did it ever linger in my mind and did I ever realize the haunting beauty of it later in life. He was a genius we did not appreciate!
Martha Dahl in 8th, who was the idol we all ascribed to be/know, the dream teacher, beautiful and talented and funny and fun and fair and who gave us so many opportunities....her voice like gold crystal, her concern for us, we all wanted her to be our Mom! She was and is awesome! what crushes we had on her!
Lo and behold, thinking a new world of choral wonders awaited us in high school - sequestered and relegated to the 9th grade GIRLS CHOIR, deemed not "old" enough to be part of the elite "SELECT" Mixed choir - what frustration! and to make it worse - who was leading it, but our old nemesis (so we thought!) Mr. Rice from 7th grade! How had THAT happened?! Ugh. We were merciless on him. But he put up with us yet another year, teaching us despite ourselves...and then we were allowed entrance into the auditions for the ELITE SELECT Mixed choir having "done our time" in the 9th grade girl's choir!
AH! SELECT CHOIR. The legendary choir that went to Russian, Europe, the most talked of group in the school....led by the wonder of the school, Robert "Bob" Wentworth - shaggy golden beard, trim lithe build, long blondish hair reminscent of a lion-like Rasputin - he was a character and half - and he commanded the choir - you WANTED to sing for him - everyone loved Bob and he loved everyone back - he had a way of making EVERY SINGLE person feel like THE most important person in the world TO HIM, and yet, he could bring you to tears of shame when the choir acted up and he'd walk out on us to get us to realize he meant business. It was no easy task conducting up to 70 high school students each morning (yes! we had choir FIVE DAYS A WEEK! WHAT LUXURY!) at 7am.... the music he got us to make, the opportunities, how they filled us...when we found out he lost his hearing a few years after we graduated, how we cried! But it was nothing like the tears that flowed and the outpouring of alumni who came and sang the beloved Alleluia (Randall Thompson) at his memorial service when he died too young of a heart attack, those d..n cigarettes he constantly smoked!). No one was like Mr. Wentworth....
(More about him, I'm happy to provide....concerts with Randall Thompson conducting us as we sang his music; Michael Colgrass' premiere at Boston Symphony Hall of the contemporary choral piece "The Earth's a Baked Apple"; Thompson's "Alleluia" at Graduation; "Wimbawe" as we left the risers at springthing (see below); Mah-may-me- moh- moo every morning warm up and how Mr. Wentworth would vary it to keep us on our toes; the lecture hall (Earth's only paradise); Carmina Burana; Vivaldi's Gloria.....it was heaven on earth, the only thing that made coming to school really something to look forward to, starting out each day feeling fantastic and alive......nothing has ever come close....)
Of course, select choir would not be complete without Dean Aldrich and his wonderful piano accompaniment and quirky ways; and Dean handled the ultra select "special" choir, we did mostly madrigals, he was so good at working with a small bunch....quiet and quirky, he knew his stuff. Mrs. Putukian came to play one year when Dean was not around; she was great!
Those long Saturdays in Boston - I could not forget the lady who taught me all I know about singing - Ms. Afrika Hayes, daughter of the famed African American tenor Roland Hayes....at age 12, what did I know about life, music? But she was patient and giving and knew how to get me to relax and find my voice; I stayed with her til age 22...... what a presence, what a voice, what a beautiful lady......thank you thank you thank you Ms. Hayes!!
Then there was scary, Ichabod Crane looking Mr. Devries, piano maestro extraordinaire, whom I sure was exquisitely frustrated at having to teach such a slow stubborn study as I.....yet, through his introducing me to Czerny, Bartok and other contemporary/Eastern European piano greats, I learned technique and history I never thought I'd be able to..his scary pushing did something after all!
There was also the lovely and shy theory teacher, I've forgotten her name, but so dear and gentle and smart, teaching me all about theory, harmony, sightsinging and dictation, what a challenge and what a fascinating skill! I had to give up Mr. Devries as I could not practice as much as he would have liked me to (after all, I was a singer and into theater!). So we found wonderful Mrs. Balekdjian, private piano in town, whose passion for her instrument, music and down to earth way of teaching and talking kept me at the keyboard another two years despite my flagging interest. Thank you!
And at college - James Olesen, music professor/choir director MASTER,at Brandeis - another superstar, amazing talent, caring, high standards, taught us fantastic vocal technique, gave us such challenges, his artistry and passion, his love for music and way with people - just someone incredible.....what a sound he got us to produce!! I was never prouder than being in the choir under his direction! He was and is a pro......
SO...why "Tra La It's May? the Lusty month of may, the lovely month when everyone goes blissfully astray,
It's time to do a wretched thing or two, and time to make each precious day one you'll always rue!"
Camelot as sung by Julie Andrews
While in high school, every May the school put on a "Spring Thing". Back in the 70's, this meant plenty of batik, silk screen printing posters, art work, outdoor musicians, food, sports, and raffles....plus events, concerts and theatre (no plastic moonwalk bounces for us, thank you very much! it didn't even exist then!). The kids of the school ran it and planned it. The center piece was the spring choral/band/orchestra concert, and the theatre department's spring musical. My freshman year, the musical was Camelot. As a lowly freshman, I was allowed to be only in the chorus....but that didn't matter. Watching the upper classpeople perform was a gift. May became a magical time, not just due to Spring Thing's festive air, but because performing in Camelot in our headbands of flowers and long dresses, secretly swooning over the guys playing Lancelot and Arthur, and pining to be the gal who played Guinevere, "The Lusty Month of May" became our anthem for May and spring and all things wonderful associated with music....it rings in my head every May since!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WORK RELATED (just so you know I do work!)
Catching up on back requests, as the school year is winding to a close, people are contacting us for resources on curriculum for next year, budget issues, sacred music issues, cut backs to staff issues, materials for courses they're planning next year, and students with their final papers. Eureka has sent out the survey this week, and I've got to get on the stick updating the info on state standards that Eureka will use in the analysis of the results!
RESOURCES
Latest SBO survey on use of music tech in the classroom
MUSIC ED on line
AROUND the WATER COOLER
Very effecting, this girl can SING! Not the complete video, can't find - from Idol Gives Back, Jeff Beck and Kelly Clarkson
You like Idol? You like to vote? Help pick the song the finalist sings/records!
American Idol songwriting contest
See you next Wednesday! SR
music, love music, work for music, or are remembering how music played a part in their lives (The Walk of Fame)
I've often thought of buying a brick to honor those in my life who introduced me to music and made it possible for me to enjoy, learn and perform music.... I try to commemorate them/honor them in each day I work at MENC. Sounds corny, I know, but it's true. The people who gave me my love for music are the ones who opened up the door to what I consider to be one of the best things going on this planet.....these folks are kind of my Fairy God People who are with me and come out whenever I listen to, sing, play, or otherwise engage with music or music learning/activities.
It'd be too long to go into detail about each of them - suffice it say that each in their own way was incredibly influential, made an indelible impression on me, and inspired me to keep learning, trying, doing, engaging with music. I could write a chapter on each, but due to lack of space, time and fear of boring readers (whom I sure have their own inspiring Fairy GodPeople of Music), I'll just list them as briefly as I can - (must say SOMETHING about them!) - in lieu of buying a brick for each which would cost me a fortune (which I'm sure MENC could use, but, sorry, so could I!) It's a bit self -indulgent of me, but as this is what's on my brain this week, lucky you all get to hear about it!
Lest this sound like an Oscar Award acceptance speech....ummm....well, it kinda does. My apologies. Get your gagging done now or just skip over this section. The point of all this is - without these folks, I'd not have a clue about music and therefore would not appreciate or WANT to work at a place like MENC. Working at MENC is my way of giving back to the field, to help perpetuate and preserve it so others can experience some of what I had the fortune to.
There's of course first and foremost, my parents. touchstones: the Weavers, Dad singing his old choral music around the house (Stenka Razin, Gospodi Pomilui, Russian choir stuff.....and of course, one that tickled us kids, from his army days, I think "OH porkchop, you shall be free, with gravy on them!"); Artur Rubenstein at Symphony Hall in Boston with Mom; five years of Saturday lessons in piano, theory, voice and children's choir at the New England Conservatory; records for my birthday and Christmas; my constant friend, the old red piano in the basement; the ever present support and encouragement... and memories of Mom teaching me at age 5 how to sightread (generally speaking), "Mighty Lak a Rose" in our old folk song book on the couch, and her praising me for being able to make my voice go up when the notes went up, and down when the notes went down.......singing to my infant brother in his cradle...falling in love at age 4 with Mary Poppins and vowing to be like Julie Andrews! Who says kids don't know what they want to do at an early age?
My first piano teacher Linda Hawes, who taught me theory and the basics; scales in each key written out in pencil in my composition book, helping me (albeit begrudgingly at age 7!) learn my ABCs, the building blocks of theory....my elementary Music teachers Ms. Daniel in 3rd grade, Mrs. Farmer in 4th and 5th who opened up the wonders of group singing to me and recorder and harmony and descants....
Mrs. Edna Geary in 6th, with her exacting standards and very professional conducting. My first exposure to the "real" world of professional music! (she was a little scary, but boy did I learn a lot!)
Then in 7th grade - oh dear, a man! But not just any man (Little did I know at the time! how we 7th grade girls dreaded class with this "old" man!). William Rice, father of Tim Rice of Jesus Christ Superstar fame; Mr. Rice shared with us the first recording of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which had just opened in London; he also taught us (what patience he must have had!) music that was more than kid stuff - sophisticated contempory harmonies and choral pieces - "The Summer Knows" from the Summer of 42 - we thought it was sappy and soupy but did it ever linger in my mind and did I ever realize the haunting beauty of it later in life. He was a genius we did not appreciate!
Martha Dahl in 8th, who was the idol we all ascribed to be/know, the dream teacher, beautiful and talented and funny and fun and fair and who gave us so many opportunities....her voice like gold crystal, her concern for us, we all wanted her to be our Mom! She was and is awesome! what crushes we had on her!
Lo and behold, thinking a new world of choral wonders awaited us in high school - sequestered and relegated to the 9th grade GIRLS CHOIR, deemed not "old" enough to be part of the elite "SELECT" Mixed choir - what frustration! and to make it worse - who was leading it, but our old nemesis (so we thought!) Mr. Rice from 7th grade! How had THAT happened?! Ugh. We were merciless on him. But he put up with us yet another year, teaching us despite ourselves...and then we were allowed entrance into the auditions for the ELITE SELECT Mixed choir having "done our time" in the 9th grade girl's choir!
AH! SELECT CHOIR. The legendary choir that went to Russian, Europe, the most talked of group in the school....led by the wonder of the school, Robert "Bob" Wentworth - shaggy golden beard, trim lithe build, long blondish hair reminscent of a lion-like Rasputin - he was a character and half - and he commanded the choir - you WANTED to sing for him - everyone loved Bob and he loved everyone back - he had a way of making EVERY SINGLE person feel like THE most important person in the world TO HIM, and yet, he could bring you to tears of shame when the choir acted up and he'd walk out on us to get us to realize he meant business. It was no easy task conducting up to 70 high school students each morning (yes! we had choir FIVE DAYS A WEEK! WHAT LUXURY!) at 7am.... the music he got us to make, the opportunities, how they filled us...when we found out he lost his hearing a few years after we graduated, how we cried! But it was nothing like the tears that flowed and the outpouring of alumni who came and sang the beloved Alleluia (Randall Thompson) at his memorial service when he died too young of a heart attack, those d..n cigarettes he constantly smoked!). No one was like Mr. Wentworth....
(More about him, I'm happy to provide....concerts with Randall Thompson conducting us as we sang his music; Michael Colgrass' premiere at Boston Symphony Hall of the contemporary choral piece "The Earth's a Baked Apple"; Thompson's "Alleluia" at Graduation; "Wimbawe" as we left the risers at springthing (see below); Mah-may-me- moh- moo every morning warm up and how Mr. Wentworth would vary it to keep us on our toes; the lecture hall (Earth's only paradise); Carmina Burana; Vivaldi's Gloria.....it was heaven on earth, the only thing that made coming to school really something to look forward to, starting out each day feeling fantastic and alive......nothing has ever come close....)
Of course, select choir would not be complete without Dean Aldrich and his wonderful piano accompaniment and quirky ways; and Dean handled the ultra select "special" choir, we did mostly madrigals, he was so good at working with a small bunch....quiet and quirky, he knew his stuff. Mrs. Putukian came to play one year when Dean was not around; she was great!
Those long Saturdays in Boston - I could not forget the lady who taught me all I know about singing - Ms. Afrika Hayes, daughter of the famed African American tenor Roland Hayes....at age 12, what did I know about life, music? But she was patient and giving and knew how to get me to relax and find my voice; I stayed with her til age 22...... what a presence, what a voice, what a beautiful lady......thank you thank you thank you Ms. Hayes!!
Then there was scary, Ichabod Crane looking Mr. Devries, piano maestro extraordinaire, whom I sure was exquisitely frustrated at having to teach such a slow stubborn study as I.....yet, through his introducing me to Czerny, Bartok and other contemporary/Eastern European piano greats, I learned technique and history I never thought I'd be able to..his scary pushing did something after all!
There was also the lovely and shy theory teacher, I've forgotten her name, but so dear and gentle and smart, teaching me all about theory, harmony, sightsinging and dictation, what a challenge and what a fascinating skill! I had to give up Mr. Devries as I could not practice as much as he would have liked me to (after all, I was a singer and into theater!). So we found wonderful Mrs. Balekdjian, private piano in town, whose passion for her instrument, music and down to earth way of teaching and talking kept me at the keyboard another two years despite my flagging interest. Thank you!
And at college - James Olesen, music professor/choir director MASTER,at Brandeis - another superstar, amazing talent, caring, high standards, taught us fantastic vocal technique, gave us such challenges, his artistry and passion, his love for music and way with people - just someone incredible.....what a sound he got us to produce!! I was never prouder than being in the choir under his direction! He was and is a pro......
SO...why "Tra La It's May? the Lusty month of may, the lovely month when everyone goes blissfully astray,
It's time to do a wretched thing or two, and time to make each precious day one you'll always rue!"
Camelot as sung by Julie Andrews
While in high school, every May the school put on a "Spring Thing". Back in the 70's, this meant plenty of batik, silk screen printing posters, art work, outdoor musicians, food, sports, and raffles....plus events, concerts and theatre (no plastic moonwalk bounces for us, thank you very much! it didn't even exist then!). The kids of the school ran it and planned it. The center piece was the spring choral/band/orchestra concert, and the theatre department's spring musical. My freshman year, the musical was Camelot. As a lowly freshman, I was allowed to be only in the chorus....but that didn't matter. Watching the upper classpeople perform was a gift. May became a magical time, not just due to Spring Thing's festive air, but because performing in Camelot in our headbands of flowers and long dresses, secretly swooning over the guys playing Lancelot and Arthur, and pining to be the gal who played Guinevere, "The Lusty Month of May" became our anthem for May and spring and all things wonderful associated with music....it rings in my head every May since!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WORK RELATED (just so you know I do work!)
Catching up on back requests, as the school year is winding to a close, people are contacting us for resources on curriculum for next year, budget issues, sacred music issues, cut backs to staff issues, materials for courses they're planning next year, and students with their final papers. Eureka has sent out the survey this week, and I've got to get on the stick updating the info on state standards that Eureka will use in the analysis of the results!
RESOURCES
Latest SBO survey on use of music tech in the classroom
MUSIC ED on line
AROUND the WATER COOLER
Very effecting, this girl can SING! Not the complete video, can't find - from Idol Gives Back, Jeff Beck and Kelly Clarkson
You like Idol? You like to vote? Help pick the song the finalist sings/records!
American Idol songwriting contest
See you next Wednesday! SR
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
May Day
It's May 1st! Busy week as usual. Budget meetings every day. Yesterday, former MENC staff member Harriet Mogge came into the office to be interviewed for the MENC podcast, Notes from the Clef (should be posted in a few days). Harriet had spoken to the MENC staff at the 100th birthday party we had for MENC on April 12, and her stories about her past connections with MENC were so enjoyable that I asked her to share them with everyone through our podcast. I also enjoyed chatting with Harriet about the olden days (that would be the early 90s when I came to work at MENC) when we worked together in a building down the street from where we are now.
Had an interesting note in the MENC Suggestion Box this morning: "I am a professional musician ... My wife and I recently had our first child and thus are being inducted into that world of baby stuff and early childhood entertainment/education. Amidst all of the tv shows and dvds meant to teach young children about music, I've noticed a disturbing trend. Many of these productions aimed at teaching children to identify musical properties and even the sounds of instruments use synthesized sounds, rather than real brass, wind and string instruments. Although this might seem like a benign trend, these are the sounds shaping the perspectives of the next generation of musicians and music appreciatiors. If their ears are conditioned to accept those as the appropriate sounds of trumpets, violins, saxes and even pianos we are doing a grave disservice to the continuation of live musicians." I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed this?
Our blog is now open for comments! We'd like to hear what you think of "Inside MENC." Click the "comments" link below to post. 
Happy May! -- EWL
P.S. Here's a picture of the gorgeous, friendly cat I visited last Friday! (See last week's post -- I had a lot of fun with his family, too!)
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