"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.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, June 22, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
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)
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)
Sunday, June 17, 2012
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!
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!
Friday, June 15, 2012
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!
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!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
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)
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)
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