Series Ending

I'm sorry. I was not getting enough comments to warrant the continuation of the "Submit"series.

But, if you think that I should continue it, let me know.

In the meantime, I have a quick question for you: What could you not live without? Answer this by Sunday, July 1. I'll be writing a post about this topic.

Have a great Friday!

Another Quote

"There is no feeling,
except the extremes of fear and grief,
that does not find relief in music."
~ George Eliot (1819-80) ~

So, although I've already done a music quote, I think I'll continue posting them.

This quote says a lot to me. I find sanctuary in music. When you cannot turn anywhere else, music is always there. When friends and family seem distant, music is always familiar.

If you find a quote you think illustrates your take on music, please, leave it in the comments below.

Also, I'll be adding s link to my Tumblr any day now, so be looking for that.

The Future of Music?

All of last week, I attended a composition camp at MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis. No where have I ever seen so much talent in one room before.

I can't name names (unless you identify yourself in the comments) but I can share stories.

On the second day, I sat down at the piano and began to play a composition I call "For Sarah". As I finished the piece, a boy we'll call Forrest, asked me to stop and start again, this time with guitar accompaniment. Not missing a beat, two boys, José and Israel, began to beatbox to the song.

The next day, Forrest got out his violin and fiddled to the tune of my song. José jumped onto the nearby drum set and another boy, Paris, started strumming on the guitar.

As I said, no where have I ever seen so much talent and dedication to music in one room before.

One girl, Cameron, composed, in my humble opinion, the best piano, violin, and cello piece I have ever heard. The humility of these people astounded me. I don't believe she understood how amazing, beautiful, and emotional her piece was. She simply shrugged off praise. So, Cami, if you're reading, know that your piece touched my heart.

Another girl, Georgiana, was sick and was unable to finish her piece before the concert. It was vocal and some parts of the text had to be spoken. It was stunning and very dramatic. She was embarrassed by the piece. I can say, it was one of the best pieces there.

Why am I going on and on and on about this? Why am I not writing some deeply thoughtful post about my experience? Because, the kids I'm writing about are 8-10 graders. I'm older than most of them. And yet, these composers created music that rivals some of the best, professional works I've heard.

If this is what the future of music holds, I am extremely proud to be a part of this era. But I am more proud to call these amazing people my peers.

Submit Pop

I'm sad. I got absolutely no submissions for baroque music. I'll give it one more try.

SUBMIT POP

There, now I've given you the genre for this week. Please, don't let me down.

By the way, my "Fave Five" would be as follows
-Solfegietto(?)
-Bach' Prelude and Fugue in D minor
-Bach Prelude in E Major
-Handel La Folia
-Pachabel Canon in D

Remember, you have 6 days.

A quote...

"Music does bring people together.
It allows us to experience the same emotions.
People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit.
No matter what language we speak, what color we are,
the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith,
music proves: We are the same."
~ John Denver ~

What have I been saying in my blog? Haven't I stressed the fact that music is a key part of coexisting with one another? Haven't I said that music dispels our petty differences? All I believe to be true about music is summed up within this quote. (Actually, no, I have plenty more to say)

I think that this quote, among countless others, accurately expresses my convictions about music. Music is so much more than a unified series of sounds. Music is an overwhelming torrent of pure emotion, allowing the participants, both performers and listeners, the opportunity to escape for a moment. I cannot think of another man-made experience similar to music.

So, here's today's question/quest: Find a quote, doesn't have to be related to music, that expresses your beliefs about a certain topic. I chose music because that's my passion. (Also, because this blog is called MUSIC is Beautiful)

Happy Father's Day

Although this post has absolutely nothing to do with music, I think it's important to recognize the "holiday".

To all the fathers in the world, we owe a huge thank you. You help us to be stronger and to grow. You aren't given given the appreciation you deserve every day.

Thank you so much.

Happy Father's Day!

New "Series": Baroque

So I've decided to make a "series". It will go something like this:

I'll post a genre of music on Friday. You, my readers, have exactly six days to submit your favorite songs from that genre.

I'll try to go in somewhat chronological order, starting with baroque. I realize that I've skipped medieval music and gregorian chant, but I'll do those another time.

After you submit your favorite songs from the era, I'll listen to them and compile a list of my "Top Five".

I think this is a great way to get people to listen to other genres.

So, the posts' titles will be, except today's, "Submit..." and then the name of the genre. I encourage you to look up the genre even if you don't particularly care for it. Leave a title or YouTube link or something in the comments below!

The Minnesota Boychoir

I was thinking yesterday about what else I could post about and then it hit me: the Boychoir.

I couldn't believe I didn't say anything sooner!

So, if you've read my blog a little, you'll notice references to the Minnesota Boychoir scattered throughout my posts. The Minnesota Boychoir is an organization where boys who live in and near the Twin Cities region can go to sing. This year, on August 5, will mark 50 years of existence for the Boychoir. It is the oldest children's chorus in Minnesota and is known and tours internationally.

(For the non-Minnesotan readers: Minnesota is a state in the middle of the United States. The Twin Cities are Minneapolis and our Capitol, St. Paul.)

I have been a member of the Boychoir for 8 years. There is no organization like it. When I first joined, I fidgeted and had very little knowledge of music. Now, 8 years later, I can stand for hours on end without fidgeting.

Not only is the choir a musical experience but also a family experience. I'll tell my stories about this but, if any readers are Minnesota Boychoir singers or Alumni, please share your experiences.

Often, in today's society, we are too absorbed in our own lives to realize what is going on around us. Our jobs, cars, phones, and televisions pull us away from what really matters: relationships. The choir challenges this fact by creating a community of friends, singers, and ultimately brothers. I have a sister and about 120 brothers because of the Minnesota Boychoir. I'm not going to mislead you and say I get along perfectly with every one of them, but I feel a close bond between myself and each of the boys.

Our director, Mark Johnson, is something like a second father to me. When I was diagnosed with diabetes, he called me to see how I was doing. When I directed for the first time in eighth grade, he came to support me. When I got West Nile, he visited me in the hospital.

All in all, the Boychoir is far more than a choir. Far more than an organization. Far more than anything money can buy. It is a separate family, a safe place, and above all a place of growth. I can think of nothing I would rather have spent half of my life doing.

If you'd like to learn more about us (and see a picture of me!), check out our web page: www.boychoir.org

(I'm in the picture of our logo juxtaposed over choir boys)

Car Music

When I'm in a car, I have to be listening to music. I have only a few guidelines as to what I listen to: no rap, no hip-hop, and as little country as possible.

(If you'd like to convert me to these genres, leave a link to YouTube or leave some song names)

What I've found is that, as in most cases, the music that someone listens to in the car reflects a lot about who they are. I was recently picked up from an end-of-the-year party by a friend's brother. What told me it was okay was the fact that he was listening to a classical guitar network, at midnight. Obviously, this boy was not "scary" or violent.

Similarly, when I'm in a car, driving or riding, I prefer to listen to moderately upbeat music. Nikki Manaj and Lady Gaga also hold a special place for my car music. I think that the music you listen to really impacts your driving/riding experience and mood.

So, the question is: Did I get it right? Or am I way off? How does the music you listen to in the car effect you?

What Are Your Goals?

Today is the first official day of summer for ISD194 kids! I'm excited for the next three months of relaxation, music making, and hanging out with friends.

If you read my 16 Years of Music post, you'll know that my last summer was cut short due to West Nile.

So, this summer, I'm going to strive for quite a lot of stuff.

It's my summer of "Social Life Augmentation". Meaning that on planning on going out with friends more this summer. In fact, I've gone out with friends for the past three nights.

Also, it's my summer of music. I've got a composition camp, All-State choir, and several Minnesota Boychoir events. Furthermore, I'm going to *try* to learn the violin, banjo, and work harder on the guitar.

I think it's good to plan out things. That way, you'll be able to feel fulfilled afterwards.

So, here's the question (and, seriously, if you answer it, your name doesn't show up anywhere and I won't contact you, so please answer!): What are your summer plans? Do they involve music? What would make you feel fulfilled at the end of August?

Also, please, let me know what songs you want to see reviewed, or what you'd like me to discuss!

Equal Treatment

The cruelty of high school astonishes me sometimes. How people can be utterly heartless amazes me. I cannot understand why people hurt one another. We all share this world. Why make it unenjoyable for each other?

You know, I often post about the power of music and how music could bring about peace. I truly believe this: there is nothing more powerful than collaboration. Yet, I feel disheartened and I lose faith in humanity when I see instances of bigotry, racism, discrimination, and bullying.

I pride myself in being accepting of other people. I realize that not everyone gets along with everyone else. That's not wrong. What's wrong is that people see things they don't agree with, people they view as outsiders, and opinions they do not share and choose to impose their ideas upon others. This can come in many ways.

I'm a music kid. I'm teased all the time. I completely understand where victims are coming from. I, too, know how hopeless it can feel. But what I cannot understand is where the bullies come from. I've heard that their self confidence is diminished and to make up for their insecurities, they put down others.

All I ask is that the world be a better place. A place where people from every life can celebrate who they are. Where no one discriminates. No one judges. No one hates.

I honestly think music is part of that mission. If we can sing together, we can grow together.

I'm Yours- A Cover by Me

So if you're friends with me on Facebook, you've probably already seen the link for this video. I just wanted to put this on the blog because it pertains to music. Watch it if you'd like. Leave a comment on YouTube or here. Thanks for supporting me!

I'm Yours by Jason Mraz Cover