Tonight, my orchestra was rehearsing Symphony No. 5, by Beethoven. What a gas! I love conducting Beethoven. I really can't think of anything better. His passion and fire are evident every time I jump into his music as a player, listener, or conductor. I am privileged to participate in it.
I just love it when a student group begins to feel the emotion of a work. That happened tonight. The moment was near the end of the 1st movement when the strings play a unison half note, tied to an eighth and then three separate eighths. This pattern repeats several times. We spent a few minutes going over the correct bow placement and bow-lifting routine and then put it together. I explained that the tied eighth really sounds like a rest. It was fantastic to see their reaction when they heard it really work. And, you could see it in the faces of the wind section as well. They knew it, too! For the rest of rehearsal, they just got it. I'd like to take some credit for it, but I can't. It is the magic of Beethoven, the power and passion of Beethoven.
This performance can't come soon enough. I just can't wait.
I had a busy day today and am glad it ended with this!
Peace.
Scott
Thoughts of a String Educator
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Why do we "do" music?
This past weekend, I had two opportunities is make some great music as part of a group. First, on Saturday night, the NCSSM String Quartet (4 of my students) were scheduled to play for an alumni function at Hope Valley County Club. One of the violinists had a last minute schedule conflict and it was too late to prepare another student for the event. I agreed to play. We played for almost 2 hours and did primarily Mozart String Quartets. I played first violin and really enjoyed myself. It had been quite a while since I had played really good string quartet music with an ensemble that wasn't just playing the standard gig or wedding music. What a pleasure it was to play Mozart String Quartets that actually required preparation and practice to pull off in a musical and expressive manner. There was a real feeling of satisfaction as we finished up for the night. We had played a fine performance.
On Sunday, I put on my improv hat and headed out to a gig at the Piedmont Restaurant to play for Sunday Brunch. I work at Piedmont regularly with Willie Painter and Keith Guile. This week, Willie was out of town and Keith invited his friend and bassist, Robert Truesdale to sit in. We played a fair amount of music that was new to me and I had an opportunity to test my aural and improv chops for a couple of hours. Much like Saturday night, it was a blast. We had such a good time making music and I walked away from the gig with such a great feeling of satisfaction.
This brings me to my thought for today. What is it about music that keeps bring us back as both players and listeners. It certainly fills avoid in our lives and thoughts. Something quite satisfying happens when we listen to great music, when we play music. People are compelled to spend billions of dollars each year on recorded music, concert tickets, and musical instruments. We invest hundreds of hours each year in practicing, listening, and discussing music and performers. And, I am not talking about professionals. Let's take the pros out of the equation. Something is definitely going on in the brain when we play and listen to music. What is it that compels us to invest so much in the pursuit?
Certainly, music is different than most other activities. It requires study, practice, and preparation much like any other worthwhile pursuit. One thing that makes it unique is the fact that it is timed. If we are performing music, there is no time for pondering or considering our next move. The pulse will not wait. The closest activity to which I can compare this is timed sports. In football, the play begins and the player must hit every mark in order to be successful. In track and field, the gun goes off and the runner must perform every move perfectly in order to win or even complete the race. The athlete must prepare ahead of time in order to do these things at the tempo required for success. Just like the musician.
Here is another thought. I teach a course in piano and guitar. This course attracts students from all ends of the experience spectrum. Some of my students are quite experienced in the discipline of piano or guitar and take the course to build practice time into their busy schedules at NCSSM. But, a greater percentage of my students in that course are beginners. They are kids that just want to learn the skill of playing an instrument and they are starting from scratch. Some of them are brilliant kids that struggle to play little tunes such as Jingle Bells and Merrily We Roll Along. But, they invest the time in the pursuit. the are drawn to the complexity of the activity. They are drawn to the notion that they can't just "learn" it by reading the concepts in a book. they have to first comprehend the activity and then, they must perform it. And, not only perform it, but perform it in time, in rhythm. Most of them succeed. Certainly, they succeed in varying degrees, but succeed they do. Regardless, I am always amazed by theri degree of determination and drive. Very few give up. There must be something there that they need as humans. There is some extra bang for the academic buck that you get from music. Otherwise, why would so many be willing to invest ther time in it?
My son has the bug. He comes home from school every day and goes straight for the instruments. Some days it is his violin and others it is his bass. Still others, his brother's drums. but, he goes to music most days. I did it, too, as a kid. I would wear out the piano after school nearly every day. I would wear out my LP records nearly every night. I would go to sleep listening to WDVD in Pittsburgh every night and wake up to it in the morning.
I have an old frind that is a brilliant scholar. He made his career in music, however. He told me once that, "Music is the only thing that I ever really had to work at to be good." I think of that statement frequently and wonder if that is part of the appeal. I am certain that it isn't the whole story. Part of it, at least, is much deeper. It is emotion. It is connection to feelings. It is aesthetics. But, i am sure that part of it is what it does to our brains. There is so much there to process.
I read a book this summer entitled, This is Your Brain on Music. Let me encourage you to read it. It really sheds some insights into what is going on in our brain during the pursuit of music. It definitely gives some answers. but, for me, it also creates new questions. How cool is that?
Until next time....
Peace,
Scott
On Sunday, I put on my improv hat and headed out to a gig at the Piedmont Restaurant to play for Sunday Brunch. I work at Piedmont regularly with Willie Painter and Keith Guile. This week, Willie was out of town and Keith invited his friend and bassist, Robert Truesdale to sit in. We played a fair amount of music that was new to me and I had an opportunity to test my aural and improv chops for a couple of hours. Much like Saturday night, it was a blast. We had such a good time making music and I walked away from the gig with such a great feeling of satisfaction.
This brings me to my thought for today. What is it about music that keeps bring us back as both players and listeners. It certainly fills avoid in our lives and thoughts. Something quite satisfying happens when we listen to great music, when we play music. People are compelled to spend billions of dollars each year on recorded music, concert tickets, and musical instruments. We invest hundreds of hours each year in practicing, listening, and discussing music and performers. And, I am not talking about professionals. Let's take the pros out of the equation. Something is definitely going on in the brain when we play and listen to music. What is it that compels us to invest so much in the pursuit?
Certainly, music is different than most other activities. It requires study, practice, and preparation much like any other worthwhile pursuit. One thing that makes it unique is the fact that it is timed. If we are performing music, there is no time for pondering or considering our next move. The pulse will not wait. The closest activity to which I can compare this is timed sports. In football, the play begins and the player must hit every mark in order to be successful. In track and field, the gun goes off and the runner must perform every move perfectly in order to win or even complete the race. The athlete must prepare ahead of time in order to do these things at the tempo required for success. Just like the musician.
Here is another thought. I teach a course in piano and guitar. This course attracts students from all ends of the experience spectrum. Some of my students are quite experienced in the discipline of piano or guitar and take the course to build practice time into their busy schedules at NCSSM. But, a greater percentage of my students in that course are beginners. They are kids that just want to learn the skill of playing an instrument and they are starting from scratch. Some of them are brilliant kids that struggle to play little tunes such as Jingle Bells and Merrily We Roll Along. But, they invest the time in the pursuit. the are drawn to the complexity of the activity. They are drawn to the notion that they can't just "learn" it by reading the concepts in a book. they have to first comprehend the activity and then, they must perform it. And, not only perform it, but perform it in time, in rhythm. Most of them succeed. Certainly, they succeed in varying degrees, but succeed they do. Regardless, I am always amazed by theri degree of determination and drive. Very few give up. There must be something there that they need as humans. There is some extra bang for the academic buck that you get from music. Otherwise, why would so many be willing to invest ther time in it?
My son has the bug. He comes home from school every day and goes straight for the instruments. Some days it is his violin and others it is his bass. Still others, his brother's drums. but, he goes to music most days. I did it, too, as a kid. I would wear out the piano after school nearly every day. I would wear out my LP records nearly every night. I would go to sleep listening to WDVD in Pittsburgh every night and wake up to it in the morning.
I have an old frind that is a brilliant scholar. He made his career in music, however. He told me once that, "Music is the only thing that I ever really had to work at to be good." I think of that statement frequently and wonder if that is part of the appeal. I am certain that it isn't the whole story. Part of it, at least, is much deeper. It is emotion. It is connection to feelings. It is aesthetics. But, i am sure that part of it is what it does to our brains. There is so much there to process.
I read a book this summer entitled, This is Your Brain on Music. Let me encourage you to read it. It really sheds some insights into what is going on in our brain during the pursuit of music. It definitely gives some answers. but, for me, it also creates new questions. How cool is that?
Until next time....
Peace,
Scott
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Extended Weekend/ Energy
It is Extended Weekend at NCSSM. These are weekends that are built into the NCSSM calendar that permit students to get home for an extra day over the weekend to rest up, see family, visit with friends, and generally reconnect with home. I noticed that my classes on Friday were particularly distant and clearly, the students were already letting their minds wander to the events of the weekend, rather than the tasks at hand. I understand that. It is normal to anticipate a long weekend a little early.
The thing is, I have noticed a large number of unresponsive students this year. Don't get me wrong. They are not disrespectful, unprepared, disruptive, or unwilling to work. Quite the contrary. They couldn't be nicer. But, in many ways, there is a wave of unresponsive students. I am really not sure why. But, here is my best guess. I think they are tired. Actually, we are all tired. I am convinced that we are all just exhausted in many ways. We are physiclaly exhaused from lack of sleep and busy schedules. We are mentally tired from working hard and thinking hard from the time we wake up to the minute we go to bed at night. We are emotionally exhaused from trying to do our best in all that we do. We all want to achieve and it takes energy. It takes physical, emotional, and mental energy.
So here is my thought for the day. Even when we are tired, we have to find the energy for every activity of the day. We have to approach everything as if we are rested and ready to go. Even if we aren't. After all, if we don't give it our best, with our best effort, what will we really get out of the activity. There are many days that I get going and just feel like I need another hour of sleep. But, by the time I get to work and my first class, I give it all that I have. I find the energy. I approach the class with the same energy that I expect to receive in return from my students. this doesn't happen without effort. One must make a conscious effort to be energetic.
I see it in orchestra the most. In order to make a wonderful sound, the musician must play with energy. It can be seen in theri posture, bow use, left hand, and can be heard in their tone and facility. Even if the players don't feel energetic, they must still play with energy. They must still rehearse with physical, mental, and emotional energy.
So, as you return to school on Tuesday, or to work on Monday, find your energy. Prepare yourself to give it everything. Give it your physical energy, mental energy, and emotional energy. Without it, you are short-changing yourself. And, trust me, your teachers, coworkers, and family will appreciate the effort.
Have a great week! May you find your energy.
Peace.
The thing is, I have noticed a large number of unresponsive students this year. Don't get me wrong. They are not disrespectful, unprepared, disruptive, or unwilling to work. Quite the contrary. They couldn't be nicer. But, in many ways, there is a wave of unresponsive students. I am really not sure why. But, here is my best guess. I think they are tired. Actually, we are all tired. I am convinced that we are all just exhausted in many ways. We are physiclaly exhaused from lack of sleep and busy schedules. We are mentally tired from working hard and thinking hard from the time we wake up to the minute we go to bed at night. We are emotionally exhaused from trying to do our best in all that we do. We all want to achieve and it takes energy. It takes physical, emotional, and mental energy.
So here is my thought for the day. Even when we are tired, we have to find the energy for every activity of the day. We have to approach everything as if we are rested and ready to go. Even if we aren't. After all, if we don't give it our best, with our best effort, what will we really get out of the activity. There are many days that I get going and just feel like I need another hour of sleep. But, by the time I get to work and my first class, I give it all that I have. I find the energy. I approach the class with the same energy that I expect to receive in return from my students. this doesn't happen without effort. One must make a conscious effort to be energetic.
I see it in orchestra the most. In order to make a wonderful sound, the musician must play with energy. It can be seen in theri posture, bow use, left hand, and can be heard in their tone and facility. Even if the players don't feel energetic, they must still play with energy. They must still rehearse with physical, mental, and emotional energy.
So, as you return to school on Tuesday, or to work on Monday, find your energy. Prepare yourself to give it everything. Give it your physical energy, mental energy, and emotional energy. Without it, you are short-changing yourself. And, trust me, your teachers, coworkers, and family will appreciate the effort.
Have a great week! May you find your energy.
Peace.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Seating Auditions are Traumatic
Seating auditions are traumatic. Anyone that has ever played in an orchestra knows it. A musician's seating is a concrete expression of a musician's "rank" in the ensemble and one really can't hide from the number. (1st chair, 2nd chair, 14th chair, etc.)
I have to constantly remind my ensembles that auditions are like a snapshot. Sometimes photos give a very true impression of a person's image. Sometimes our eyes are crossed and we look horrible. Other times, we see a shot a person that just makes them look fantastic. They are all the same person, but that snapshot can go either way. Auditions are similar. Sometimes we go into an audition, get nervous, and end up being the subject of an audition "photo" that depicts our eyes crossed and hair totally messed up. Other times, we show better that we actually are. but, in the long run, generally speaking, the image is still us and we give some kind of general impression of the player that we are.
The beauty of the ensemble is this: once the auditions are over, we all have the same responsibilities - to prepare our parts, participate in rehearsals, lead from any chair, and work to be as intagral a member of the group as everyone else. Seating order ultimately does not matter. Yes, it provides a tangible "rank." But it really doesn't change anything. We are an ensemble. And, by definition, it is all about the entire group. Ensembles are only successful when everyone understands their importance to the sum and committs to that concept. (Just think of the last time you watched a dance ensemble performance where one of the dancers didn't operate at the same level as the rest of the group. Ruined the effect - didn't it.) He is where I usually go into sports analogies and the need for team play, but I will spare you that sermon today.
My orchestra received their seating on Wednesday right before rehearsal. It was a weird rehearsal that day. Players were getting used to their new stand partner, adjusting to the reality of that new "ranking" that they had just received, and generally getting comfortable. I really hope that today is better. This is such a fantastic group of musicians and I have such high expectations for the year.
For now, we move on as an ensemble. Seating doesn't matter. That is the first key to success as an orchestra. A chain is only as strong as the weakest link. Now we get to the real work of developing musicianship, artistry, technique, repertoire, and a commitment to the goals at hand. I will enjoy the journey!
Peace.
Scott
I have to constantly remind my ensembles that auditions are like a snapshot. Sometimes photos give a very true impression of a person's image. Sometimes our eyes are crossed and we look horrible. Other times, we see a shot a person that just makes them look fantastic. They are all the same person, but that snapshot can go either way. Auditions are similar. Sometimes we go into an audition, get nervous, and end up being the subject of an audition "photo" that depicts our eyes crossed and hair totally messed up. Other times, we show better that we actually are. but, in the long run, generally speaking, the image is still us and we give some kind of general impression of the player that we are.
The beauty of the ensemble is this: once the auditions are over, we all have the same responsibilities - to prepare our parts, participate in rehearsals, lead from any chair, and work to be as intagral a member of the group as everyone else. Seating order ultimately does not matter. Yes, it provides a tangible "rank." But it really doesn't change anything. We are an ensemble. And, by definition, it is all about the entire group. Ensembles are only successful when everyone understands their importance to the sum and committs to that concept. (Just think of the last time you watched a dance ensemble performance where one of the dancers didn't operate at the same level as the rest of the group. Ruined the effect - didn't it.) He is where I usually go into sports analogies and the need for team play, but I will spare you that sermon today.
My orchestra received their seating on Wednesday right before rehearsal. It was a weird rehearsal that day. Players were getting used to their new stand partner, adjusting to the reality of that new "ranking" that they had just received, and generally getting comfortable. I really hope that today is better. This is such a fantastic group of musicians and I have such high expectations for the year.
For now, we move on as an ensemble. Seating doesn't matter. That is the first key to success as an orchestra. A chain is only as strong as the weakest link. Now we get to the real work of developing musicianship, artistry, technique, repertoire, and a commitment to the goals at hand. I will enjoy the journey!
Peace.
Scott
Tour to Tanglewood
Last weekend, 23 students and 8 faculty and parents participated in the Tour To Tanglewood MS Bike tour and had a great ride. Hurricane Hannah put a damper on the Saturday portion of the ride, so we just had one day on the bikes. Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day and eveyrone had a great ride. Most of our crew rode 50 miles in the rolling hills of the Greensboro/Winston-Salem area. A few of us opted for the 75 mile route.
On a personal note, I had a great ride. It was a great day. I felt fantastic through the first 60 miles. If I am totally honest, the last 15 was a little more work. It started to get hot about that time and my legs started to cramp a bit after our last rest-stop with 10 miles to go. I was glad to see the finish line.
This weekend, after Family Day on NCSSM on Saturday, I am heading to New Bern to ride in the 2nd day of their event and plan for another 75 miles. The New Bern ride is much easier be cause of the flat terrain. I can't wait to get there!
To all who are supporting my efforts with the MS society, thanks so much. It is important work and your support means so much!!
Thanks and ride safe!
Peace
Scott
On a personal note, I had a great ride. It was a great day. I felt fantastic through the first 60 miles. If I am totally honest, the last 15 was a little more work. It started to get hot about that time and my legs started to cramp a bit after our last rest-stop with 10 miles to go. I was glad to see the finish line.
This weekend, after Family Day on NCSSM on Saturday, I am heading to New Bern to ride in the 2nd day of their event and plan for another 75 miles. The New Bern ride is much easier be cause of the flat terrain. I can't wait to get there!
To all who are supporting my efforts with the MS society, thanks so much. It is important work and your support means so much!!
Thanks and ride safe!
Peace
Scott
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Orchestra is My Favorite Class
This week, my son started middle school. He is 11 years old and in the 6th grade. He has been so excited to get started and finally, the big day came on Monday. I thought about him all day as imagined what kind of exciting things must be going on for him. Did he get lost in the hallways? Was he late to any classes? Did he like his teachers?
He called me as soon as he got home from school on Monday. It had been a great day! The first things I heard about were the larger portions of food in the cafeteria than the elementary school had. And choices! He had Salisbury steak and rice! Yum! Also, the locker was a big deal. He mastered the art of opening a combination lock on day 1.
But the kicker was this one. I asked what his favorite class was. He immediately responded, "Oh that's easy. Orchestra." Well, wasn't I proud. Of course it was orchestra. So, I decided to press on a bit. "Why?" I asked. "Because the teacher let me go to the restroom without a hall pass!"
Here we go. Middle School is upon us. I really used to feel like I understood the kid. But, if I have learned anything as a teacher in the last 20 plus years, I know this. The next couple of years will be an adventure. For him and for me. Bring it on. Let's have this adventure together!
He called me as soon as he got home from school on Monday. It had been a great day! The first things I heard about were the larger portions of food in the cafeteria than the elementary school had. And choices! He had Salisbury steak and rice! Yum! Also, the locker was a big deal. He mastered the art of opening a combination lock on day 1.
But the kicker was this one. I asked what his favorite class was. He immediately responded, "Oh that's easy. Orchestra." Well, wasn't I proud. Of course it was orchestra. So, I decided to press on a bit. "Why?" I asked. "Because the teacher let me go to the restroom without a hall pass!"
Here we go. Middle School is upon us. I really used to feel like I understood the kid. But, if I have learned anything as a teacher in the last 20 plus years, I know this. The next couple of years will be an adventure. For him and for me. Bring it on. Let's have this adventure together!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Cycling to Make a Difference
This fall, I am, once again, riding in the MS Bike Tour to raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Many of you know that about 3 years ago, I started at bike team at the NC School of Science and Math as part of that effort. Over the past 3 years, our team has raised over $30,000.00 for the MS society and over 75 students, parents and faculty members have gotten involved. This year, Team NCSSM will have team members at two different MS rides. One is in the Greensboro, NC area (Tour to Tanglewood) on September 6-7 and the other is in New Bern, NC on September 13-14. I will be riding in both of these events.
As many of you know, MS has touched my family and we have certainly benefited from the ongoing research that is supported by fund raisers such as the MS Bike Tour. About 10 years ago, shortly after my oldest son was born, my wife began having trouble with her vision. She was quickly diagnosed with MS and we found ourselves completely unsure of exactly what that meant for her longterm health, our "plans" for more children and our future as a family. Over the past 10 years, Barbra has been fortunate to have very few major difficulties and our family life has remained vibrant, exciting, and healthy. We now have 3 sons and you would never know that Barbra had MS to see her. We feel very blessed to be in this situation. Not all MS patients are so fortunate. Much of that health that Barbra enjoys can be attributed to the medications that she takes (Beta Seron) and the research that is ongoing in the area of Multiple Sclerosis. I can tell you first hand that the MS medications that have been developed in the past 10 years have done wonders for folks that are afflicted with the disease. Beta Seron wasn't around when Barbra was initially diagnosed.
Initially, as the spouse, I felt very helpless. I knew that I would support her in whatever she encountered. (Although, I didn't really know what that might be.) But, there wasn't much else that I could do. A former student, who was an avid mountain biker, came to me and told me that he wanted to ride in an MS 150 bike tour in support of Barbra. I had never done any distance riding at that point, but I had a bike and felt like that was something that I could do. I knew how to ride a bike and at least I would be doing something. Students and parents from my former school stepped up and that spring, with their support, I raised over $5000 and rode in the event with my friend and former student, Mike Gray. I remember that we were riding mountain bikes with knobby tires that made a loud whirring sound as we flew down the road and all of the road cyclists kept remarking about our overall speed and determination. I think I had tears in my eyes for well over half of that ride. I can't tell you how important that ride was to me as the husband of a newly diagnosed MS patient. Over the years, I have participated in at least one MS Bike Tour event every summer and sometimes two or three. I have graduated to road cycling as well as mountain biking and have logged thousands of miles over the years.
As many of you know, MS has touched my family and we have certainly benefited from the ongoing research that is supported by fund raisers such as the MS Bike Tour. About 10 years ago, shortly after my oldest son was born, my wife began having trouble with her vision. She was quickly diagnosed with MS and we found ourselves completely unsure of exactly what that meant for her longterm health, our "plans" for more children and our future as a family. Over the past 10 years, Barbra has been fortunate to have very few major difficulties and our family life has remained vibrant, exciting, and healthy. We now have 3 sons and you would never know that Barbra had MS to see her. We feel very blessed to be in this situation. Not all MS patients are so fortunate. Much of that health that Barbra enjoys can be attributed to the medications that she takes (Beta Seron) and the research that is ongoing in the area of Multiple Sclerosis. I can tell you first hand that the MS medications that have been developed in the past 10 years have done wonders for folks that are afflicted with the disease. Beta Seron wasn't around when Barbra was initially diagnosed.
Initially, as the spouse, I felt very helpless. I knew that I would support her in whatever she encountered. (Although, I didn't really know what that might be.) But, there wasn't much else that I could do. A former student, who was an avid mountain biker, came to me and told me that he wanted to ride in an MS 150 bike tour in support of Barbra. I had never done any distance riding at that point, but I had a bike and felt like that was something that I could do. I knew how to ride a bike and at least I would be doing something. Students and parents from my former school stepped up and that spring, with their support, I raised over $5000 and rode in the event with my friend and former student, Mike Gray. I remember that we were riding mountain bikes with knobby tires that made a loud whirring sound as we flew down the road and all of the road cyclists kept remarking about our overall speed and determination. I think I had tears in my eyes for well over half of that ride. I can't tell you how important that ride was to me as the husband of a newly diagnosed MS patient. Over the years, I have participated in at least one MS Bike Tour event every summer and sometimes two or three. I have graduated to road cycling as well as mountain biking and have logged thousands of miles over the years.
This post is not intended to be a request for donations. I simply want you know know about the efforts and the background behind my commitment to the MS Bike Tours. Of course, if you want to donate, you are welcome to do so through the linked pages and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If your are interested in tracking my progress with fund raising or the efforts of Team NCSSM, I have a separate page for each of the events in which I am riding. Our team page is linked to my personal pages. They are:
Tour to Tanglewood: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=2060771&pg=personal&fr_id=9011
and
New Bern: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/NCTBikeEvents?px=2060771&pg=personal&fr_id=8760
Many of you have contributed to this effort in the past and I so appreciate your ongoing support.
I am so excited to be riding with students at NCSSM. It is my mission to get them involved in supporting the National MS Society and introducing them to the joys and health of cycling. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to e-mail me or comment on this post and I will occasionally be posting notes about my training and the events here.
Thanks to all of you for your continued support and friendship and your support for the MS Society.
Peace.
Scott
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