Admittedly, most people in the world claim to be, and I have no reason not to believe them, visual learners. Not entirely sure what this means but students have often told me they respond better to pictures or visual descriptions than just hearing. Obviously this augers against what it means to be a musician in that music is an auditory endeavor. Yet it is true that many musicians are "locked" into the printed music and how to translate that into sound. Despite the push toward more improvisatory experiences, this is difficult for many musicians who prefer to interpret that which is precisely presented on the printed page.
All this to say, I have never felt entirely obligated to stick to the printed page of music and, instead, have often felt the personal freedom to expand sound when needed or at least inspired. Does this make me an auditory learner more than a visual one? I believe so. I continue to be fascinated with sound in all its complexity and I am well attuned to different sounds I hear around me whether indoors or outdoors. Sounds of birds, wind, cars, laughing, scraping, steps, all intrigue me and I find myself quickly processing sounds and categorizing them. It is my way of learning my world.
I guess this provides the best explanation for my lack of interest in Christmas Lights. Going back to childhood, I recall the inevitable night of driving around El Paso looking at Christmas Lights. Ooing and Aahing while marveling at the effort and the beauty. Many houses went all out for this including luminaries, various colors, yard lights, trees, rooftops, and every type of lights available. I recall my Dad working hard to put lights on our house and many years later I became my Dad! And now driving around Abilene, Brownwood, and San Angelo I still see lights everywhere. We recently took a trip to San Angelo to see their city display of the 12 days of Christmas along the Concho river. Beautiful lights and shapes and fun ways of presenting the Christmas story adorned the banks of the river and we drove slowly in admiration while smiling and expressing pleasantries.
Knowing this is important to my wife, family, and friends, it seems to happen every year. Drive around the city and look at lights. Being a "team" player, I have taught myself to drive slowly and ooh and aah with the best of them. But I really do not get it and do not really enjoy it that much. Disdain is not exactly the term for my emotion but it does come close. No, this does not make me a Grinch or a grouchy Christmas person. I actually love Christmas and am always glad for the festivities and family time. Decorations are special and give Christmas a shine and an aura, making it a wonderful time for everyone. Trees, bulbs, garland, and lots of jingles and jangles along the way. Although slightly weary of the same Christmas music, I still do enjoy it and find much of it to be nearly magical.
But I really do not enjoy driving around looking at Christmas Lights. Just not my thing. I can think of 100 things I would rather do. Apathy is a negative emotion and the word "indifference" is a little more palatable; yet whatever word one chooses, in the end I really do not care about the lights. Whether there are few, none, thousands, many colors, big, small, high or low, I don't have any emotion for them. They are there, most people love them and they serve a purpose of making people happy. In that respect, I am glad we have them. But I still would prefer to do something else with my time.
Next year? Probably will drive around looking at lights. After all, it is a time of year to think about others and to sacrifice our selfishness. It is the least I can do. But I think I will retain my auditory learning approach and let others be the visual learners.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Escaping the Race, finding comfort
Recently visiting a remote part of Texas, I enjoyed conversations with several local residents. I set out to learn how long they had lived in their locale, what brought them to the area, and any plans for the future. Unlike those in cosmopolitan and urban areas, people seemed comfortable with their environment and lacking in direct and dramatic goals, at least from my goal-oriented perspective. They did not seem overtly happier than their counterparts but they did seem somehow more content in general. Although difficult to define objectively, they did appear to be comfortable with themselves. Many of them had lived there several years, some since birth, others recently arrived. Mostly they loved their world and were not anxious to leave it.
Simpler is the word that we use to describe a life portrayed on the Andy Griffith show or Leave It to Beaver but I am not sure simpler is the right word. After all, no human being I have ever met is "simple" and no life I know is without goals. A surgeon may have goals we deem as profound but are they any more significant that one's own life goals? In other words, the perception we tend to have of ourselves is that our lives are generally complicated.
That said, it is true that the race for acceptance, for money, for status, for constant improvement is negligible in remote parts of Texas. I found it refreshing. No discussions about the stock market, about serving on boards, about the problems of the educational system or the judicial system and, amazingly enough, very few political discussions or religious disagreements. Most conversations dealt with the immediate issues such as the weather or the traffic (funny!) or the local environment including animals, trails, even the pollutants in the air. There were brief mentions of food and some talk about road conditions related to dirt or pavement. In general most discussions were rather mundane at least by my standards. Yet I liked it.
I can understand the need to escape the race, to find solace in nature, to think freely and act without societal constraints. There is comfort in low pressure situations and joy to be found in low expectations. Not that life is normally filled with pressure to succeed but it is nice to give it no thought whatsoever.
Now back to the race and the goal to win. But on the horizon is not a pot of gold, for the pot of gold is found within ourselves. To those who live in small remote towns, stay and enjoy. I may join you one of these days!
Simpler is the word that we use to describe a life portrayed on the Andy Griffith show or Leave It to Beaver but I am not sure simpler is the right word. After all, no human being I have ever met is "simple" and no life I know is without goals. A surgeon may have goals we deem as profound but are they any more significant that one's own life goals? In other words, the perception we tend to have of ourselves is that our lives are generally complicated.
That said, it is true that the race for acceptance, for money, for status, for constant improvement is negligible in remote parts of Texas. I found it refreshing. No discussions about the stock market, about serving on boards, about the problems of the educational system or the judicial system and, amazingly enough, very few political discussions or religious disagreements. Most conversations dealt with the immediate issues such as the weather or the traffic (funny!) or the local environment including animals, trails, even the pollutants in the air. There were brief mentions of food and some talk about road conditions related to dirt or pavement. In general most discussions were rather mundane at least by my standards. Yet I liked it.
I can understand the need to escape the race, to find solace in nature, to think freely and act without societal constraints. There is comfort in low pressure situations and joy to be found in low expectations. Not that life is normally filled with pressure to succeed but it is nice to give it no thought whatsoever.
Now back to the race and the goal to win. But on the horizon is not a pot of gold, for the pot of gold is found within ourselves. To those who live in small remote towns, stay and enjoy. I may join you one of these days!
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Snobbery, but why not?
About to sing in yet another performance of the Christmas portion of George Fredrick Handel's Messiah, a profound oratorio often regarded as one of his greatest works. The famous Hallelujah Chorus usually results in the audience standing as a part of the tradition of the performance. The story goes at the first performance that the King was tired of sitting and stood when Hallelujah Chorus began which caused the entire audience to stand. I have played the French horn in 5 performances, conducted it 12 times, attended 8 performances, and am now singing in the choir for the first time.
Becoming convinced that Handel could not have composed the magnificent work in the rumored 28 days without a great deal of help, I went to the British Museum to study the manuscript. Several hours later, I determined that indeed one person had completed the manuscript and that person was Handel himself. It is certainly a masterpiece and deserves to be performed over and over across the world.
But why do the performers become "snobby" about it? Normal everyday nice musicians when asked to perform Messiah undergo a personality change. They get an odd facial expression with a stiff body language, and a marked entitlement persona. String players expect their chairs and stands to be in the precise spot for rehearsal and performance. They are paid musicians and want to see the contract that spells out all details correctly such as times, expenses, and expectations. Vocal soloists are placed in special chairs in front of the orchestra slightly to the side. When their solo comes, they lift their heads high and gently strut to the front for their diva moment. Their eyebrows rise a little, their mouths slightly altered and they appear to be constantly judging the tempos and the style. The arias in Messiah are truly wonderful and a great singer makes them even better. While their almost excessive arrogance is not a great characteristic, frankly I do not want to hear a soloist who is not confident. The aura around the soloist somehow makes the solo even better. To take it another step, being a musician is difficult and demands years of dedicated effort for high achievement. They need to display great pride and belief in their moment.
The Christmas portion of Messiah always ends with Hallelujah Chorus and the soloists are often asked to join the choir singing. But they generally do not want to do so. After all, they are the soloists. Sing with the choir? How mundane. Yet the excitement of the work usually carries forth to the soloists as well and they often find themselves singing in spite of their elitist preferences. Underneath the persona, they are just like the rest of us with normal emotional responses to great music.
The orchestra musicians demand their alloted breaks and expect to be treated as the professionals they are. While not quite as pretentious as the soloists often are, they have their own degree of elitism and pretension. It is as though an invisible snob fairy infects all people involved in Messiah and gives them an air of superiority by virtue of having the opportunity to perform the great work. I have experienced the same snob dust covering me when I have conducted it. Now as a choir member, I am feeling it again. I see the dust on every person involved and I like the dust. A shimmer of glitter and gold surrounds the musicians and why not? Great music performed by outstanding musicians...does it get better than that?
In my humorous criticism of elitism, of entitlement, of pretension, in a way I am comfortable with the attitude. After all, shouldn't we have occasional opportunities to be snobby, and what better time than performing a masterpiece of music, Handel's Messiah? Perhaps rather than criticize the elitism, we should embrace it. Sure, it is fleeting, temporary, and somewhat disingenuous, but why not? The music is glorious, the performers are amazing, the environment special. The music by Handel is inspired and deserves our very best. If that means we take a few hours to be lofty, bourgeoisie, refined, and classy, then it is worth our efforts.
To all of you Messiah snobs out there...keep up the great job. As for me and my house, we will join you in snobbery. Tomorrow, normal life. Today Messiah.
Becoming convinced that Handel could not have composed the magnificent work in the rumored 28 days without a great deal of help, I went to the British Museum to study the manuscript. Several hours later, I determined that indeed one person had completed the manuscript and that person was Handel himself. It is certainly a masterpiece and deserves to be performed over and over across the world.
But why do the performers become "snobby" about it? Normal everyday nice musicians when asked to perform Messiah undergo a personality change. They get an odd facial expression with a stiff body language, and a marked entitlement persona. String players expect their chairs and stands to be in the precise spot for rehearsal and performance. They are paid musicians and want to see the contract that spells out all details correctly such as times, expenses, and expectations. Vocal soloists are placed in special chairs in front of the orchestra slightly to the side. When their solo comes, they lift their heads high and gently strut to the front for their diva moment. Their eyebrows rise a little, their mouths slightly altered and they appear to be constantly judging the tempos and the style. The arias in Messiah are truly wonderful and a great singer makes them even better. While their almost excessive arrogance is not a great characteristic, frankly I do not want to hear a soloist who is not confident. The aura around the soloist somehow makes the solo even better. To take it another step, being a musician is difficult and demands years of dedicated effort for high achievement. They need to display great pride and belief in their moment.
The Christmas portion of Messiah always ends with Hallelujah Chorus and the soloists are often asked to join the choir singing. But they generally do not want to do so. After all, they are the soloists. Sing with the choir? How mundane. Yet the excitement of the work usually carries forth to the soloists as well and they often find themselves singing in spite of their elitist preferences. Underneath the persona, they are just like the rest of us with normal emotional responses to great music.
The orchestra musicians demand their alloted breaks and expect to be treated as the professionals they are. While not quite as pretentious as the soloists often are, they have their own degree of elitism and pretension. It is as though an invisible snob fairy infects all people involved in Messiah and gives them an air of superiority by virtue of having the opportunity to perform the great work. I have experienced the same snob dust covering me when I have conducted it. Now as a choir member, I am feeling it again. I see the dust on every person involved and I like the dust. A shimmer of glitter and gold surrounds the musicians and why not? Great music performed by outstanding musicians...does it get better than that?
In my humorous criticism of elitism, of entitlement, of pretension, in a way I am comfortable with the attitude. After all, shouldn't we have occasional opportunities to be snobby, and what better time than performing a masterpiece of music, Handel's Messiah? Perhaps rather than criticize the elitism, we should embrace it. Sure, it is fleeting, temporary, and somewhat disingenuous, but why not? The music is glorious, the performers are amazing, the environment special. The music by Handel is inspired and deserves our very best. If that means we take a few hours to be lofty, bourgeoisie, refined, and classy, then it is worth our efforts.
To all of you Messiah snobs out there...keep up the great job. As for me and my house, we will join you in snobbery. Tomorrow, normal life. Today Messiah.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Celebrating the Part-time Performer
The problem of being a part-time performer or performing as a hobby is that it is next to impossible to achieve excellence. Unlike many disciplines where knowledge is finite or where individual achievement matters very little, music is a discipline with a public face. A performer is judged not only by a standard but also by public response. Part-time works well for many areas of life, but not so well in the arts. Let's examine several other disciplines or at least interest areas.
Cooking: The greatest cooks have dedicated their lives to the culinary arts and have achieved acclaim for their results. But it is okay to be an amateur. I may not cook as well as a master but I can still come up with some tolerable dishes to enjoy. Besides that, everyone has to eat...it is a basic need.
Sports: The finest athletes have spent their lives perfecting their skills and their bodies to win and be successful. But we can all benefit from staying in good physical condition. I may not get a call to compete in a professional running sport, but I can still run on my own. Whether fast or slow, I can run, enjoy it, and not affect anybody else one way or another.
History: Historians have a remarkable knowledge base and keep learning more. Owning 40 biographies of Theodore Roosevelt, I continue to marvel at the excellent research and writing style of a high quality historian. Yet I can benefit from their work and can do my own research or study of history. Whether good or bad at it, it doesn't really matter. I can be a part-time historian, even a poor one, and can continue my poor work without it mattering to anyone.
Tasks: Mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, pulling weeds, fixing sprinkler systems, painting the fence are all tasks that can be improved with practice. And while there is a certain amount of accountability for these and other tasks, there is also a finite goal to each one. Once the lawn is completed, it does not need to be done again. Once the weed is pulled, no need to pull it again. One can keep pulling weeds and perhaps the skill can become quicker, more efficient, more complete, but in general it does not require endless practice for high achievement.
Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000 hour theory has merit but does not address what happens after 10,000 hours. In the arts, 10,000 hours may help reach a high level but, sadly, that is not the end and ability can diminish or it can grow. For the artist, 10,000 hours feels like the beginning of success and another 10,000 hours is probably required. When Pablo Casals, the great cellist, was asked why he kept practicing at age 93, he responded, "I'm beginning to notice some improvement...". Such is the dilemma of the arts and music in particular. It is never quite good enough and requires dedication to the art form unlike almost every other discipline. The amateur performer has almost no role in the professional world.
Fortunately, the market does in fact embrace the part-time performer for certain types of events: community bands and choirs, church choirs and orchestras, clubs, casual events, family gatherings, and the list continues. Maybe it is time for society to embrace the idea that music can be grand, appealing, joyful, emotional satisfying without having to be "perfect." Maybe there is a place for the part-time performer who is not finest artist in the world but still can contribute to a community and to an event.
Rather than criticizing the amateur, let us celebrate that the arts allows for all people to participate, and regardless of the level of the performer, there is a place for the average. Or maybe no performer is truly average and that can only be determined by public response? If so, and it is possible, then the success or failure of a musician could ultimately be the economics of the response. As we rethink the role of amateur, we also should examine ourselves. There is a place for the part-time music performer and it is time to support that role in our society. Fortunately music is the discipline that can serve all constituencies from the professional to the amateur. A call to the community: support your local musician!
Cooking: The greatest cooks have dedicated their lives to the culinary arts and have achieved acclaim for their results. But it is okay to be an amateur. I may not cook as well as a master but I can still come up with some tolerable dishes to enjoy. Besides that, everyone has to eat...it is a basic need.
Sports: The finest athletes have spent their lives perfecting their skills and their bodies to win and be successful. But we can all benefit from staying in good physical condition. I may not get a call to compete in a professional running sport, but I can still run on my own. Whether fast or slow, I can run, enjoy it, and not affect anybody else one way or another.
History: Historians have a remarkable knowledge base and keep learning more. Owning 40 biographies of Theodore Roosevelt, I continue to marvel at the excellent research and writing style of a high quality historian. Yet I can benefit from their work and can do my own research or study of history. Whether good or bad at it, it doesn't really matter. I can be a part-time historian, even a poor one, and can continue my poor work without it mattering to anyone.
Tasks: Mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, pulling weeds, fixing sprinkler systems, painting the fence are all tasks that can be improved with practice. And while there is a certain amount of accountability for these and other tasks, there is also a finite goal to each one. Once the lawn is completed, it does not need to be done again. Once the weed is pulled, no need to pull it again. One can keep pulling weeds and perhaps the skill can become quicker, more efficient, more complete, but in general it does not require endless practice for high achievement.
Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000 hour theory has merit but does not address what happens after 10,000 hours. In the arts, 10,000 hours may help reach a high level but, sadly, that is not the end and ability can diminish or it can grow. For the artist, 10,000 hours feels like the beginning of success and another 10,000 hours is probably required. When Pablo Casals, the great cellist, was asked why he kept practicing at age 93, he responded, "I'm beginning to notice some improvement...". Such is the dilemma of the arts and music in particular. It is never quite good enough and requires dedication to the art form unlike almost every other discipline. The amateur performer has almost no role in the professional world.
Fortunately, the market does in fact embrace the part-time performer for certain types of events: community bands and choirs, church choirs and orchestras, clubs, casual events, family gatherings, and the list continues. Maybe it is time for society to embrace the idea that music can be grand, appealing, joyful, emotional satisfying without having to be "perfect." Maybe there is a place for the part-time performer who is not finest artist in the world but still can contribute to a community and to an event.
Rather than criticizing the amateur, let us celebrate that the arts allows for all people to participate, and regardless of the level of the performer, there is a place for the average. Or maybe no performer is truly average and that can only be determined by public response? If so, and it is possible, then the success or failure of a musician could ultimately be the economics of the response. As we rethink the role of amateur, we also should examine ourselves. There is a place for the part-time music performer and it is time to support that role in our society. Fortunately music is the discipline that can serve all constituencies from the professional to the amateur. A call to the community: support your local musician!
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Truth and Feelings
Because I feel it, it makes it true. This morning as I ran through the park and saw the trash spilling out of the trash cans and saw various cups, cans, and empty bags, I felt that it was a busy weekend. Not only that I felt that people were not respectful to each other and there must have been a lot of arguing. I decided that the park's general disrepair contributed to the anger and that the city of Abilene did not care about the problems of both the condition of the park and the mean, rotten people. As I continued to run I felt that the politicians in Abilene and probably all politicians did not really care about the good, productive citizens of the world and did not feel any kind of responsibility toward caring for the park's condition nor providing an environment for families and people who get along. Because these were my feelings as I ran this morning, they must be true. But of course the assumptions I made were completely false and an entire fabrication of my own fanciful thinking. Truth is that the park is a welcoming environment where most people are careful to throw away their trash and the leaders of Abilene deeply care about its citizens.
How often do we allow our feelings, our emotions, our mood govern our perception of the truth? Too often, I'm afraid. The human experience is one of emotional reaction to a stimulus, and in spite of claiming objectivity, we allow our feelings to govern our thoughts. Not that all feelings are wrong, often they dictate are actions and our perceptions. Over the years, I have learned to appreciate and honor the feelings of people around me, particularly family members. Although she occasionally overstates a situation, my wife is usually correct about her perceptions of others and circumstances. It is hard to admit, but I was completely wrong when my son's stomachache turned out to be appendicitis. Had she not insisted we go to the hospital...I cannot continue this thought except to say I am thankful she insisted.
But a mother's instinct aside, in my academic world I am surprised how many times people base truth on how they feel at the moment. One could argue this is the natural human approach and to disparage it is to dehumanize others, but in the end truth should win the race and those seeking after truth will be the leaders of tomorrow. Fanciful thinking is fun and can be parlayed into novels, stories, drama, and great art, but creativity should not replace accurate reporting or truth.
How often do we allow our feelings, our emotions, our mood govern our perception of the truth? Too often, I'm afraid. The human experience is one of emotional reaction to a stimulus, and in spite of claiming objectivity, we allow our feelings to govern our thoughts. Not that all feelings are wrong, often they dictate are actions and our perceptions. Over the years, I have learned to appreciate and honor the feelings of people around me, particularly family members. Although she occasionally overstates a situation, my wife is usually correct about her perceptions of others and circumstances. It is hard to admit, but I was completely wrong when my son's stomachache turned out to be appendicitis. Had she not insisted we go to the hospital...I cannot continue this thought except to say I am thankful she insisted.
But a mother's instinct aside, in my academic world I am surprised how many times people base truth on how they feel at the moment. One could argue this is the natural human approach and to disparage it is to dehumanize others, but in the end truth should win the race and those seeking after truth will be the leaders of tomorrow. Fanciful thinking is fun and can be parlayed into novels, stories, drama, and great art, but creativity should not replace accurate reporting or truth.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Disabled Adults Dancing
Middle son Joel, disabled adult age 27, reminded me of the dance at his recreation center. Not remembering whether the dance started at 6 or 6:30, he was ready by 5:00. This is not atypical of Joel, autistic, precise about certain things, demanding about things he likes, stubborn, frustrating, wonderful, kind, compassionate, and people-oriented. He loves seeing people he knows, he enjoys making new friends, and mostly enjoys the experience of dancing. While I suspect he does not like the music, preferring instead to listen to classical symphonies, he is willing to accept the loud, drum beat for the sake of the others.
This particular dance was a pre-Halloween costume dance and Joel wanted to be a Ninja Turtle. Not going all out, we did get him a shirt and a mask for the occasion. I dropped him off at the center a little before 6:00 and decided to run some errands while he was dancing. Returning at 8:00, I entered the door, heard the music, and headed up some stairs. Looking first for Joel among the nearly 50 occupants, I began to take in the environment. The music was not overly aggressive and seemed to lean on the pop side of music with a teenage almost roller-rink sound. Not being a big fan of hard rock, I appreciated the light fun sounds and found myself grooving with the beat. I soon found myself giving way to a new type of freedom.
Being "Dr. Tucker" has its ups and downs, its expectations and its own set of intrigue at times. As a semi-public figure, I often feel scrutinized for not only my decisions but my actions as well. While this is paired with a certain amount of accountability it can also feel stifling in its presentation. As a 56 year old man with 4 degrees and the title Dean, my dignity must be upheld in all situations, at least that is what others prefer from me I suspect. This can also contribute, although I resist it, to a type of narcissism, even selfishness over time. It results in excessive caution, loss of creativity, boredom, and fear. Live life to its fullest as long as it is within the constraints that have been imposed by others.
Among those imposed inhibitions include the stifling of unbridled laughter, expressed joy, adventuresome spirit, and a myriad of emotions and actions that might be judged extreme. The youthful behavior of taking a risk or embracing one's own fear becomes squelched with aging and with societal expectations. Over time we internalize our inherent creativity and cautiously react with conservatism under the guise of wisdom or even elitism.
The dance was fun. Couples did not dance and there was no effort to "hook-up" with anyone, remaining single yet collective. All were dancing as they felt without judgment and without expectations. They were simply moving their bodies to music and expressing the joy of the moment. They were not watching each other nor reflecting on their presentation. They did not carry their sensitivity on their sleeves and they did harbor suspicions toward others. They did not furtively glance about, wondering who was criticizing them and neither did they make the slightest criticism of anybody else. They did not fear their reputation, their dignity, or other people's expectations. They had fun without remorse and without building up layers of problems for themselves or others. Their apathy about what people were thinking gave them the utmost dignity.
As I watched the group of disabled adults, I realized that joy is not about fulfilling somebody else's dream for you, but it is about fulfilling the emotional joy within yourself. Disabled adults and those with special needs are not bound by the constrictions of societal norms and are not harnessed by their own inhibitions. Instead they freely express what is in them which in some cases could be anger or sorrow or in other situations great happiness or surprise. If the music plays, so goes the body response. This is not the only way to express the feelings that music releases but it is a great way. Watching them dance and have fun provided a balance to my otherwise complex day.
Their disabilities are the ticket to freedom while so-called normal adults live in a strait jacket of fear, suspicion, and doubt. Who wins in the race for joy and happiness?
This particular dance was a pre-Halloween costume dance and Joel wanted to be a Ninja Turtle. Not going all out, we did get him a shirt and a mask for the occasion. I dropped him off at the center a little before 6:00 and decided to run some errands while he was dancing. Returning at 8:00, I entered the door, heard the music, and headed up some stairs. Looking first for Joel among the nearly 50 occupants, I began to take in the environment. The music was not overly aggressive and seemed to lean on the pop side of music with a teenage almost roller-rink sound. Not being a big fan of hard rock, I appreciated the light fun sounds and found myself grooving with the beat. I soon found myself giving way to a new type of freedom.
Being "Dr. Tucker" has its ups and downs, its expectations and its own set of intrigue at times. As a semi-public figure, I often feel scrutinized for not only my decisions but my actions as well. While this is paired with a certain amount of accountability it can also feel stifling in its presentation. As a 56 year old man with 4 degrees and the title Dean, my dignity must be upheld in all situations, at least that is what others prefer from me I suspect. This can also contribute, although I resist it, to a type of narcissism, even selfishness over time. It results in excessive caution, loss of creativity, boredom, and fear. Live life to its fullest as long as it is within the constraints that have been imposed by others.
Among those imposed inhibitions include the stifling of unbridled laughter, expressed joy, adventuresome spirit, and a myriad of emotions and actions that might be judged extreme. The youthful behavior of taking a risk or embracing one's own fear becomes squelched with aging and with societal expectations. Over time we internalize our inherent creativity and cautiously react with conservatism under the guise of wisdom or even elitism.
The dance was fun. Couples did not dance and there was no effort to "hook-up" with anyone, remaining single yet collective. All were dancing as they felt without judgment and without expectations. They were simply moving their bodies to music and expressing the joy of the moment. They were not watching each other nor reflecting on their presentation. They did not carry their sensitivity on their sleeves and they did harbor suspicions toward others. They did not furtively glance about, wondering who was criticizing them and neither did they make the slightest criticism of anybody else. They did not fear their reputation, their dignity, or other people's expectations. They had fun without remorse and without building up layers of problems for themselves or others. Their apathy about what people were thinking gave them the utmost dignity.
As I watched the group of disabled adults, I realized that joy is not about fulfilling somebody else's dream for you, but it is about fulfilling the emotional joy within yourself. Disabled adults and those with special needs are not bound by the constrictions of societal norms and are not harnessed by their own inhibitions. Instead they freely express what is in them which in some cases could be anger or sorrow or in other situations great happiness or surprise. If the music plays, so goes the body response. This is not the only way to express the feelings that music releases but it is a great way. Watching them dance and have fun provided a balance to my otherwise complex day.
Their disabilities are the ticket to freedom while so-called normal adults live in a strait jacket of fear, suspicion, and doubt. Who wins in the race for joy and happiness?
Sunday, October 02, 2016
Orchestras on Strike
Read yet another article about a professional orchestra going on strike. The issue is the same, different city, different musicians, different audience, but still the same. Not enough revenue and excessive expenses resulting in lower pay than the musicians believe they deserve. It once again demonstrates the complete and utter disregard that gifted classical musicians have for the market. It is not due to poor management, weak marketing, bad lighting, missed notes, lack of parking, poor governance, bad programming, or all the ways people blame others. Rather it is a lack of significant interest by patrons to support live orchestras as reflected by the reduction of donations and low attendance at concerts.
The musicians are emotionally distraught as they watch their careers decline in spite of their immense talents and hard work. Many of these remarkably talented people have families, homes, car payments, medical needs, and all the normal challenges of living today. Nothing unusual about wanting to make enough money to pay the bills and lead a life free of the financial pressures that all of us face. But somehow it does seem different in that these musicians believe they deserve more by virtue of their calling and the years of hard work not to mention the investment in instruments.
Is this any different from the recent closing of Hastings? The workers lost their jobs meaning they will need to find a way to support themselves and in some cases their families. Retail is struggling right now particularly in the areas of books, music, and videos. The shocking growth of online purchasing combined with digital downloads, availability of the product, and maybe a lack of interest in what was once valued, have all contributed to the closing of Hastings. We have all seen businesses come and go, change, give up, expand, move, use different marketing methods, add products, take away products, all this and more to grow revenue and/or reduce expenses. There tends to be a product life cycle for goods and the market ultimately dictates what will happen to the product. Such is true of the arts as well.
But perhaps I am wrong in my assessment of orchestral music and classically trained musicians. Maybe it is unfair to expect the invisible hand of the market to support orchestras, musicians, and orchestral music. Should quality art simply speak for itself without having to depend on financial support? Why does everything depend on the dollar for its own survival? The answer to this question requires an examination of money itself. Money is not real...it is a fabricated substitution for value to others. No item, in and of itself, has any inherent value. Not even gold. Nothing. We assign value to all things, people, ideas, if we find the product to be beneficial to us in some way.
Does a trained, classical, performing musician have inherent value? Perhaps from a humanistic view, we would argue that yes all people have value by virtue of their humanness. But a skill or ability is only as valuable as it is acknowledged by others. I may have great skill writing a letter but unless I monetize it or earn money with my skill, then it does not have monetary value as a skill. I may own an antique that I deem as worth a lot of money, but it is actually financially worthless unless it is purchased by someone else. The acting of the "trade" assigns value. Granted, the antique may have value to me in that I was willing to pay someone for the item, but it does not have inherent value for its existence. Should I decide to sell it but never find a buyer, then the antique has no monetary value.
Back to the musician. A French Horn player may indeed be the finest player in the world, but if nobody is willing to pay to hear the player, then the skill has no financial benefit. Luckily, there are still people willing to pay to hear the French Horn player, but there are fewer than there used to be. Unfortunately there are more outstanding players trying to be paid by a shrinking audience. The musicians may be the greatest in the world, and they may have spent hundreds of hours perfecting their skill and mobilizing their talents, but their time, gifts, and abilities are not sufficient if there is no market willing to pay for their skills.
What we are seeing is not bad management but simply a market decline. Expenses for a live orchestra are higher than the revenue. Result? Inability to support the orchestra at the same level. I predict we will continue to see bankruptcies, canceled concerts, angry musicians, confused patrons, and further erosion of live orchestral music. Are there solutions? I believe there are but the process will not be easy and the result will not look the same as it today. It is time to recognize a changing world and declining market interest. Let's rethink the orchestra, the programs, the philosophy, and the purpose. The good news is that many orchestras are doing this very thing and are finding great success, higher revenues, and new audience members.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
It always starts with Bach, but should it?
Our music curriculum more or less grows out of a Bach framework. Johann Sebastian Bach, often regarded as one of the greatest of composers, set the standard whereby we tend to judge music and how we reference foundational knowledge. We have arbitrarily chosen a single composer and his music to dictate or at least be the springboard for all of music knowledge. In a way, this is not unlike drama where Shakespeare reigns supreme or art where DaVinci seems to own the medium, but is it entirely fair or right? Is excellence in art and music not a compendium of determined quality over a period of time, an amalgamation of styles, expert opinion, public demand, and respect for variety?
As an aside, my love for the music of Bach is difficult to express. Through brilliant crafting of musical line, harmony, complexity, balance, and emotional depth, Bach's music demonstrates unequaled beauty and form. It is certainly understandable why trained musicians would gravitate toward the music of Bach and use his craft as a model example of music excellence. This makes logical sense as well to point to one of the finest historical composers who has made and continues to make an impact on the musical world.
Yet there are problems with these assumptions. No doubt there is a place for Bach in our music curriculum, but should Bach's music be the absolute? Have we fallen into a trap of treating his music as the end rather than the journey?
What would happen if we landed on the music of Stephen Foster instead? Using his melodies, his lyrics, and his musical form as a springboard and model example for excellence, could we trace the lines leading to his music onward to music of today? Or would this, God forbid, take us on a pathway to popular and commercial music? Or were we to build our music foundation on the sounds of folk music of the past or perhaps give a nod to the past and land on the music of Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein. Maybe a radical departure from art music and use the Beatles as the model. Or embrace the philosophy of the juice of life through sound and use Far Eastern music as the almost mystical example.
The central problem of relying on the music of Bach as the model for excellence and the catapult for all of music training, is that only a small sliver of the population looks to Bach for musical meaning. Maybe it smacks of a populist position, but should not the masses have a right to determine quality in the arts? Do we as trained academic musicians retain the sole rights to decide what kind of music is to be studied and what kind of music should be foundational? Granted, we trained musicians would like to be respected for our ability and our knowledge, but by the same token, should we in turn respect those without the skill or training, at least to an extent.
We must be mindful about the problems of denigrating artistic taste since our own artistic taste would then deserve the same treatment. Therein lies the problem of starting music training based on the music of Bach. Are we in fact preparing our students for a world that does not really exist except for in a small sliver of the population? Frightening thought.
As an aside, my love for the music of Bach is difficult to express. Through brilliant crafting of musical line, harmony, complexity, balance, and emotional depth, Bach's music demonstrates unequaled beauty and form. It is certainly understandable why trained musicians would gravitate toward the music of Bach and use his craft as a model example of music excellence. This makes logical sense as well to point to one of the finest historical composers who has made and continues to make an impact on the musical world.
Yet there are problems with these assumptions. No doubt there is a place for Bach in our music curriculum, but should Bach's music be the absolute? Have we fallen into a trap of treating his music as the end rather than the journey?
What would happen if we landed on the music of Stephen Foster instead? Using his melodies, his lyrics, and his musical form as a springboard and model example for excellence, could we trace the lines leading to his music onward to music of today? Or would this, God forbid, take us on a pathway to popular and commercial music? Or were we to build our music foundation on the sounds of folk music of the past or perhaps give a nod to the past and land on the music of Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein. Maybe a radical departure from art music and use the Beatles as the model. Or embrace the philosophy of the juice of life through sound and use Far Eastern music as the almost mystical example.
The central problem of relying on the music of Bach as the model for excellence and the catapult for all of music training, is that only a small sliver of the population looks to Bach for musical meaning. Maybe it smacks of a populist position, but should not the masses have a right to determine quality in the arts? Do we as trained academic musicians retain the sole rights to decide what kind of music is to be studied and what kind of music should be foundational? Granted, we trained musicians would like to be respected for our ability and our knowledge, but by the same token, should we in turn respect those without the skill or training, at least to an extent.
We must be mindful about the problems of denigrating artistic taste since our own artistic taste would then deserve the same treatment. Therein lies the problem of starting music training based on the music of Bach. Are we in fact preparing our students for a world that does not really exist except for in a small sliver of the population? Frightening thought.
Sunday, August 07, 2016
Jealousy and Hatred: Othello
The oft told tale of Othello, masterfully told by William Shakespeare, is a powerful story of lies, betrayal, hatred, and jealousy. Manipulated to the point of murder followed by suicide, Othello reminds us to seek the truth and avoid the misdirection and falsification that tends subvert honesty and redirect people into hatred, bitterness, and ultimately pain. Can it be that the Othello effect is just as rampant today in our complex culture as it has always been?
Nearly everyday someone says something to me that is not accurate and is based on feelings, impressions, suspicions, and misinformation. I believe this is due to the idea that creativity and imagination are much more interesting than reality. Throw in a mix of paranoia, hatred, weakness of character, and a strong dose of limited vision and it all forms painful dishonesty and gross deception. Granted much of this is, of course, self-deception and not intended as anything malicious. Certainly there are those inflicting lies with the decided goal of causing pain and suffering, but my experience in general is that most people have the best of intentions. But often they simply lack in accurate information or, in some cases, prefer not to know the truth.
Most of the time this is due to fear, hatred, and/or jealousy of someone or something. Knowledge is the acquisition of truth and the application of wisdom. When we know and understand, we usually acquire a healthy respect or even disdain for the situation, person, or animal. Regardless of the emotional response, it should be based primarily on knowledge and truth rather than irrational conclusions based on falsehood.
Rather than share criticism, negativity, lies, and dishonesty, we should all be mindful of how our words and our actions are being accepted. Even a small lie about another person can compound into serious pain for others.
Nearly everyday someone says something to me that is not accurate and is based on feelings, impressions, suspicions, and misinformation. I believe this is due to the idea that creativity and imagination are much more interesting than reality. Throw in a mix of paranoia, hatred, weakness of character, and a strong dose of limited vision and it all forms painful dishonesty and gross deception. Granted much of this is, of course, self-deception and not intended as anything malicious. Certainly there are those inflicting lies with the decided goal of causing pain and suffering, but my experience in general is that most people have the best of intentions. But often they simply lack in accurate information or, in some cases, prefer not to know the truth.
Most of the time this is due to fear, hatred, and/or jealousy of someone or something. Knowledge is the acquisition of truth and the application of wisdom. When we know and understand, we usually acquire a healthy respect or even disdain for the situation, person, or animal. Regardless of the emotional response, it should be based primarily on knowledge and truth rather than irrational conclusions based on falsehood.
Rather than share criticism, negativity, lies, and dishonesty, we should all be mindful of how our words and our actions are being accepted. Even a small lie about another person can compound into serious pain for others.
Monday, August 01, 2016
Arts and Personal Tension
Just read yet another syrupy justification for the arts in society and the value of musicians in the community. I am no longer convinced we can justify the arts based on nebulous and subjective emotions. We in the arts must provide concrete evidence of why and how the arts are a significant economic force in our culture. We cannot arbitrarily decide that our own preferences for something automatically make it valuable for others or for society. Just because I have a strong preference for the music of Mozart and his Horn concertos in particularly does not give me the right nor the power to force others to support my preference. Should I lobby in Washington for more tax dollars (your money that I am taking out of your wallet and your purse) to provide more performances of the Mozart Horn Concertos, simply because I want this to happen?
We cannot continue to fabricate an economy and a market that is obviously in decline. If the Mozart Horn Concertos are that important to me, I am welcome to gather musicians, form an orchestra, rent a performance hall, hire recording engineers, and make a recording or have a performance. Since I do not have the financial resources for such an endeavor, I have to make some choices. I can buy a recording and listen or I can find an orchestra somewhere who happens to be performing a Mozart Horn Concerto or I can write impassioned letters to politicians asking for public funds to support my desire.
The absurdity of coercing others to love what I love reminds me of the personal tension that lives in me everyday. So many things that I enjoy are not popular enough to be economically supported by others. Such is true of everyone. We make decisions all the time about what to support, what to attend, what to buy, and ultimately what to value. This morning I am having a medical procedure that will be expensive because I value my health and my quality of life. I attended a Frank Sinatra tribute concert on Saturday night because I was willing to spend some money to hear the music. Fortunately for the singer, the band, and the venue, the concert was enjoyed by over 300 people all willing to pay for the experience.
Please do not misunderstand. I love the arts and "classical" music in particular. I find great joy in the music of Brahms, Wagner, Beethoven and Mahler. I am often moved by a phrase in the music of Bach and am thrilled by the power of the music of Sibelius. But, again, while I thoroughly love art music, that love does not make it economically feasible to transmit into live performances. Joy is intangible and infectious but it cannot be codified in and of itself. It can, however, be demonstrated through the marketplace.
All the "love" in the world for a professional orchestra and all the respect that can be mustered for a "classical" performer cannot pay the light bill nor put food on the table. It is the invisible hand of the market that advances or rejects the arts. It is not labor unions, poor management, bad performances, poor halls, bad parking, low wages, lack of knowledge, bad marketing, poor programming, out of tune oboe or weak percussionists, poor seats, inadequate lighting, boring concerts, more pops concerts, less pops concerts, or any number of things on which to place the blame. It is the market that determines the success or failure of the orchestra. While this may be shaped by the factors mentioned above, it can only be measured by ticket sales.
Love the arts, support the arts, but do not expect your love alone to shape or even save the arts. In the end the people will decide what remains, what disappears, and what grows. For those of us who love the canon of great literature, let us hope and pray the people will share in that love and demonstrate it.
We cannot continue to fabricate an economy and a market that is obviously in decline. If the Mozart Horn Concertos are that important to me, I am welcome to gather musicians, form an orchestra, rent a performance hall, hire recording engineers, and make a recording or have a performance. Since I do not have the financial resources for such an endeavor, I have to make some choices. I can buy a recording and listen or I can find an orchestra somewhere who happens to be performing a Mozart Horn Concerto or I can write impassioned letters to politicians asking for public funds to support my desire.
The absurdity of coercing others to love what I love reminds me of the personal tension that lives in me everyday. So many things that I enjoy are not popular enough to be economically supported by others. Such is true of everyone. We make decisions all the time about what to support, what to attend, what to buy, and ultimately what to value. This morning I am having a medical procedure that will be expensive because I value my health and my quality of life. I attended a Frank Sinatra tribute concert on Saturday night because I was willing to spend some money to hear the music. Fortunately for the singer, the band, and the venue, the concert was enjoyed by over 300 people all willing to pay for the experience.
Please do not misunderstand. I love the arts and "classical" music in particular. I find great joy in the music of Brahms, Wagner, Beethoven and Mahler. I am often moved by a phrase in the music of Bach and am thrilled by the power of the music of Sibelius. But, again, while I thoroughly love art music, that love does not make it economically feasible to transmit into live performances. Joy is intangible and infectious but it cannot be codified in and of itself. It can, however, be demonstrated through the marketplace.
All the "love" in the world for a professional orchestra and all the respect that can be mustered for a "classical" performer cannot pay the light bill nor put food on the table. It is the invisible hand of the market that advances or rejects the arts. It is not labor unions, poor management, bad performances, poor halls, bad parking, low wages, lack of knowledge, bad marketing, poor programming, out of tune oboe or weak percussionists, poor seats, inadequate lighting, boring concerts, more pops concerts, less pops concerts, or any number of things on which to place the blame. It is the market that determines the success or failure of the orchestra. While this may be shaped by the factors mentioned above, it can only be measured by ticket sales.
Love the arts, support the arts, but do not expect your love alone to shape or even save the arts. In the end the people will decide what remains, what disappears, and what grows. For those of us who love the canon of great literature, let us hope and pray the people will share in that love and demonstrate it.
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Thinking while Running
An average runner at best, I often find my most perceptive thoughts occur during the activity. If I could capture those fleeting thoughts I might could rule the world, or at least my own small corner! I run to stay in shape and keep the heart healthy but I also enjoy being outdoors and hearing the birds, the sound of the wind in the trees, and even the occasional car.
But I have become concerned with the trash left at the park. Noticing brand new trash cans strategically placed around the park, why do people not use them? It is very difficult for me to run by trash on the ground and not pick it up. So I have started doing that more often in spite of having to stop in order to pick up the trash. There really is no excuse for throwing cups, napkins, paper bags, food containers on the ground. Not necessarily an environmentalist, I still find it disgusting that people cannot respect nature enough to keep the trash off the ground. Walk over and put it in the nearby trash can.
Politics: Really seems to be a mess this election year. The distinctions between the two parties are not as clear as I remember from years ago. There was a time when the Democratic Party seemed to embrace a liberal concept of using tax dollars to equalize all people and provide opportunities for economic, personal, educational, and philosophical growth. While this is a noble position, it sometimes reeks of elitism. A few people making decisions they deem best for the whole. Kind of tastes bad in my mouth when I encounter the attitude. Yet Republicans once embraced the idea of opportunities for all without excessive government interference. Reduce the tax burden, lessen the role of the government, and encourage self reliance. Use public funds for defense but keep the economy healthy through fewer government programs. My libertarian side prefers the classic Republican position although my liberal, compassionate side questions the beneficial reality of such a platform. These issues make me a political moderate in general...a balanced view in my opinion although some might say it is called walking on a fence.
But I cannot see that distinction any more and it leaves me in a quandary. A champion for the underprivileged and the disabled in particular, I wonder which party and which candidate will serve that population the best...keeping in mind that government funding cannot and should not solve all problems. Which party exemplifies Christianity the most? Which will serve our nation the best? Which is the most honest, compassionate, sensitive to needs? Which will put an end to the violent madness that pervades our world? Not being an isolationist, I have this constant naive view that through education, tolerance, compassion, and global cooperation, we can one day end violence, poverty, and imperialistic driven pain.
Okay, enough of that. Plenty of fodder for further blogs but let's move on. Yesterday I stopped by a small Chinese food place for a bite. When I went to get napkins out of the dispenser, they were so tightly crammed into the dispenser that I had to maneuver around to get one out. Getting frustrated I ended up with about 12 in my hand after pulling hard. This makes no economic sense for the restaurant. Too many napkins in the dispenser actually results in excessive usage by patrons. A silly problem for sure. So to all fast food restaurants: Stop putting too many napkins in the napkin dispensers, you are not helping your bottom line at all.
Fast drivers: why do people get behind the wheel of a car and become maniacs? This morning while running, I had to jump on the grass two times due to the speed of the cars. My first thought was, "crazy kids," but then a closer look revealed middle-aged drivers. Just go the speed limit and all will be well. Oops...just revealed my liberal side. A true libertarian would say to get rid of the speed limits. But I really have no confidence that the world would be better without laws. Laws are there to provide equal protection and opportunity for all. Yet we have laws that are not followed. Obey the speed limit...it is there for a good reason: to protect runners!
I guess this is enough ranting for now. Thanks for listening.
But I have become concerned with the trash left at the park. Noticing brand new trash cans strategically placed around the park, why do people not use them? It is very difficult for me to run by trash on the ground and not pick it up. So I have started doing that more often in spite of having to stop in order to pick up the trash. There really is no excuse for throwing cups, napkins, paper bags, food containers on the ground. Not necessarily an environmentalist, I still find it disgusting that people cannot respect nature enough to keep the trash off the ground. Walk over and put it in the nearby trash can.
Politics: Really seems to be a mess this election year. The distinctions between the two parties are not as clear as I remember from years ago. There was a time when the Democratic Party seemed to embrace a liberal concept of using tax dollars to equalize all people and provide opportunities for economic, personal, educational, and philosophical growth. While this is a noble position, it sometimes reeks of elitism. A few people making decisions they deem best for the whole. Kind of tastes bad in my mouth when I encounter the attitude. Yet Republicans once embraced the idea of opportunities for all without excessive government interference. Reduce the tax burden, lessen the role of the government, and encourage self reliance. Use public funds for defense but keep the economy healthy through fewer government programs. My libertarian side prefers the classic Republican position although my liberal, compassionate side questions the beneficial reality of such a platform. These issues make me a political moderate in general...a balanced view in my opinion although some might say it is called walking on a fence.
But I cannot see that distinction any more and it leaves me in a quandary. A champion for the underprivileged and the disabled in particular, I wonder which party and which candidate will serve that population the best...keeping in mind that government funding cannot and should not solve all problems. Which party exemplifies Christianity the most? Which will serve our nation the best? Which is the most honest, compassionate, sensitive to needs? Which will put an end to the violent madness that pervades our world? Not being an isolationist, I have this constant naive view that through education, tolerance, compassion, and global cooperation, we can one day end violence, poverty, and imperialistic driven pain.
Okay, enough of that. Plenty of fodder for further blogs but let's move on. Yesterday I stopped by a small Chinese food place for a bite. When I went to get napkins out of the dispenser, they were so tightly crammed into the dispenser that I had to maneuver around to get one out. Getting frustrated I ended up with about 12 in my hand after pulling hard. This makes no economic sense for the restaurant. Too many napkins in the dispenser actually results in excessive usage by patrons. A silly problem for sure. So to all fast food restaurants: Stop putting too many napkins in the napkin dispensers, you are not helping your bottom line at all.
Fast drivers: why do people get behind the wheel of a car and become maniacs? This morning while running, I had to jump on the grass two times due to the speed of the cars. My first thought was, "crazy kids," but then a closer look revealed middle-aged drivers. Just go the speed limit and all will be well. Oops...just revealed my liberal side. A true libertarian would say to get rid of the speed limits. But I really have no confidence that the world would be better without laws. Laws are there to provide equal protection and opportunity for all. Yet we have laws that are not followed. Obey the speed limit...it is there for a good reason: to protect runners!
I guess this is enough ranting for now. Thanks for listening.
Saturday, July 09, 2016
Lamenting: Music Week at Glorieta
We owned a tent trailer that we took with us on all family vacations. I recall the first one as a rather primitive, simple structure that we pulled with our station wagon. My father would handle most of the physical work in getting camp setup and Mom would turn it into a little home for a few days. We gradually grew out of our little tent trailer and my parents eventually graduated to a very nice camper for family trips. Fishing, hiking, even a little boating, we did a little of everything when I was growing up. The sacrifices my parents made for us often come rushing back, making me miss my dad, appreciate my mom, and mostly reflect on the love of parents for their children.
One particularly meaningful event came once a year when we loaded up and headed toward Glorieta, NM. It was time for Music week and what a week it was. For one thing it was at Glorieta, arguably one of the most beautiful places I had experienced. Tall trees, cool air, fresh smells, kind people, great food, and a church sanctuary where God surely lived. The sanctuary sat over 2500 people with a ceiling that seemed to reach to the sky replete with wooden arches on the sides, a large stage area with room for 120 voice choir, large windows, comfortable pews, and a magnificence rarely experienced by a growing boy.
Publishers and those in the industry would bring their products to display including pianos, organs, instrumental music, choral music, children's music, handbell tables, robes, new hymnals, books, and youth music of all types. I recall thinking I had arrived in some sort of magical kingdom of unlimited music. And the crowning joy was a quick stop in the little cafe for a coke or a cup of ice cream! I recall seeing people sitting around sipping coffee and thinking that grownups sure did like their coffee. Now at age 55, I am that grownup.
But physical properties aside, it was the music and the sound that made the difference. Choirs of all ages, a band, an orchestra, handbells, pianos, organs, classes on composing, conducting, theory, new music, old music, children's music, adult music, and worship services that I can still hear in my head. Over 2000 people singing All Hail the Power, pianists who could play anything and organists who knew how to both lead and follow. Gifted musicians at every turn who loved the Lord and were unswervingly dedicated to Christian music and all it represented. Premiers of cantatas, choral works, instrumental music, hymn arrangements, and guest artists from all over the country including Truth, Ken Medema, David Meece, Baptist All State Choir and Band, Imperials, Gospel groups, Contemporary, and Classical musicians, the finest in the country all gathering at Glorieta for an unforgettable experience in worshiping God.
One memorable week, we performed What Is Man? by world renowned composer Ron Nelson. We used a full orchestra which included professionals from Albuquerque and accompanied the 125 voice choir. I was in 8th grade at the time and had an opportunity to perform a glorious cantata by a great composer with professional musicians. These experiences and more shaped my journey into music ministry and professional performance. From music week I became entranced with hymns, choruses, rhythm, sound, talented musicians, creativity, imagination, and being around other believers who loved the Lord and loved music. Can it be any better than that?
Gone. No more. Many reasons for this...a changing world, resources readily available, church denomination erosion, sound systems, geographical distance, publisher protection, apathy, shifting music styles, perhaps theological differences. Whatever, music week is no more. In fact, Glorieta itself is not the same. It sold for $1.00 and is now a youth outdoor type of camp and adventure center. Great for youth events but not so much for adults. The glorious sanctuary now has a zip line in the middle of it, lots of flashy lights, incredible speaker systems, and more space for moving around. The calm pond with paddle boats is now a substantial water park with slides, zip lines, and blobs. Sure, I guess it makes it more fun for youth. Below the sanctuary is a climbing wall with an area full of foam pads ready to catch the climbers. Games are everywhere and the youth seem to enjoy it all. The coffee shops are now for "fluffy" colorful drinks and the sitting areas are couches that seem to be perpetually ruffled up and dirty. All about the youth, after all that is the future.
But I miss music week greatly and am bitter at the changes that have resulted in music week being gone forever from Glorieta. Not angry over the personal loss necessarily, but mostly over the next generation of church music leaders, students, professionals, and ultimately congregations who will not benefit from the experiences and training of Glorieta Music Week. Of course there are now alternatives to music week including workshops, online videos, software training, access to skilled musicians, and a huge array of churches available to see and experience. For the diligent and motivated church musician, there are plenty of opportunities for growth. So in most ways one could argue that it is not a lost world but instead is a changed world.
Yet in spite of these arguments, I still miss the Glorieta Music Week of yesteryear.
One particularly meaningful event came once a year when we loaded up and headed toward Glorieta, NM. It was time for Music week and what a week it was. For one thing it was at Glorieta, arguably one of the most beautiful places I had experienced. Tall trees, cool air, fresh smells, kind people, great food, and a church sanctuary where God surely lived. The sanctuary sat over 2500 people with a ceiling that seemed to reach to the sky replete with wooden arches on the sides, a large stage area with room for 120 voice choir, large windows, comfortable pews, and a magnificence rarely experienced by a growing boy.
Publishers and those in the industry would bring their products to display including pianos, organs, instrumental music, choral music, children's music, handbell tables, robes, new hymnals, books, and youth music of all types. I recall thinking I had arrived in some sort of magical kingdom of unlimited music. And the crowning joy was a quick stop in the little cafe for a coke or a cup of ice cream! I recall seeing people sitting around sipping coffee and thinking that grownups sure did like their coffee. Now at age 55, I am that grownup.
But physical properties aside, it was the music and the sound that made the difference. Choirs of all ages, a band, an orchestra, handbells, pianos, organs, classes on composing, conducting, theory, new music, old music, children's music, adult music, and worship services that I can still hear in my head. Over 2000 people singing All Hail the Power, pianists who could play anything and organists who knew how to both lead and follow. Gifted musicians at every turn who loved the Lord and were unswervingly dedicated to Christian music and all it represented. Premiers of cantatas, choral works, instrumental music, hymn arrangements, and guest artists from all over the country including Truth, Ken Medema, David Meece, Baptist All State Choir and Band, Imperials, Gospel groups, Contemporary, and Classical musicians, the finest in the country all gathering at Glorieta for an unforgettable experience in worshiping God.
One memorable week, we performed What Is Man? by world renowned composer Ron Nelson. We used a full orchestra which included professionals from Albuquerque and accompanied the 125 voice choir. I was in 8th grade at the time and had an opportunity to perform a glorious cantata by a great composer with professional musicians. These experiences and more shaped my journey into music ministry and professional performance. From music week I became entranced with hymns, choruses, rhythm, sound, talented musicians, creativity, imagination, and being around other believers who loved the Lord and loved music. Can it be any better than that?
Gone. No more. Many reasons for this...a changing world, resources readily available, church denomination erosion, sound systems, geographical distance, publisher protection, apathy, shifting music styles, perhaps theological differences. Whatever, music week is no more. In fact, Glorieta itself is not the same. It sold for $1.00 and is now a youth outdoor type of camp and adventure center. Great for youth events but not so much for adults. The glorious sanctuary now has a zip line in the middle of it, lots of flashy lights, incredible speaker systems, and more space for moving around. The calm pond with paddle boats is now a substantial water park with slides, zip lines, and blobs. Sure, I guess it makes it more fun for youth. Below the sanctuary is a climbing wall with an area full of foam pads ready to catch the climbers. Games are everywhere and the youth seem to enjoy it all. The coffee shops are now for "fluffy" colorful drinks and the sitting areas are couches that seem to be perpetually ruffled up and dirty. All about the youth, after all that is the future.
But I miss music week greatly and am bitter at the changes that have resulted in music week being gone forever from Glorieta. Not angry over the personal loss necessarily, but mostly over the next generation of church music leaders, students, professionals, and ultimately congregations who will not benefit from the experiences and training of Glorieta Music Week. Of course there are now alternatives to music week including workshops, online videos, software training, access to skilled musicians, and a huge array of churches available to see and experience. For the diligent and motivated church musician, there are plenty of opportunities for growth. So in most ways one could argue that it is not a lost world but instead is a changed world.
Yet in spite of these arguments, I still miss the Glorieta Music Week of yesteryear.
Saturday, July 02, 2016
$100
Recently investing in a particular stock, I have been watching the market carefully in order to avoid any losses. Using a system of careful analysis followed by assessment of the current market and personal finances, I usually protect my losses with controlled stops along the way. This is a common method among finance managers but perhaps uncommon from those in the arts. My recent purchase, however, remained flat without much gain or loss for several days.
Driving through New Mexico, I glanced over to the side of the highway and saw an elderly man walking slowly wearing a sweatshirt and ill-fitting jeans. Not sure if he were homeless or hitchhiking, I continued toward my goal with barely a second thought about him. We didn't have room in my truck for another passenger and besides picking up a stranger in a an unfamiliar territory does not seem wise. Saying a quick prayer for him and others like him, I continued my journey.
Aside from a hidden stash, I rarely carry much cash with me, preferring, instead, to use my credit card at most junctures. In general my hidden stash is reserved for emergencies or unusual circumstances. Occasionally I have $20 or less with me and I have been known to help out those in need depending on the circumstances.
So like any 55 year old, as I begin to think about retirement in 15 years, I watch the market, watch my retirement accounts, and plan for the day when I no longer have steady employment. It would be nice to have a windfall of cash someday but my plan is to invest wisely and avoid spending unnecessarily. The stock market, however, has been fairly volatile with some large spikes followed by downward trends. My own investments remain flat in general with some growth occasionally. Focusing on dividend stocks, I also take a risk here and there, watching them fairly closely for change.
Raising an autistic son who now lives with us as an adult, I remain sensitive to the thousands who deal with mental disabilities in our country. They often need special help and sometimes have no family on which to rely for help. Yes there are homeless who choose to be homeless and I have little doubt that many of them are struggling with drugs and/or alcohol. But rather than live in a constant judgmental world, I, instead, elect to ere on the side of compassion, generosity, and personal humility, after all nobody is without flaw.
Two days after seeing the man on the highway, I went into a coffee shop in New Mexico to enjoy a few minutes with my daughter-in-law before heading home from our vacation. As I sat there thinking about my family, my investments, my life, the same man walked into the shop. He was wearing the same clothes and looked very tired as though he had been up most of the night. He asked for a cup of coffee and the owner gave him one without requesting payment.
Time for us to leave the coffee shop but I kept thinking about the man. Odd coincidence to see him in the shop two days after seeing him on the highway. Easiest to leave and not give it a second thought, not my problem and certainly not my responsibility. I stood up to go and found myself walking toward him as I reached in my wallet and remembered I had no cash readily available. So I found the hidden stash which includes all $100 bills and handed one $100 bill to him. Encouraging him to use it wisely and adding God's blessings to his life, I left with my daughter-in-law, drove to the cabin, packed up and headed home.
Kicking myself for giving away that much money, I decided I had exceeded the normal generosity quotient and didn't even receive a tax credit. Even worse maybe he would drink it away or be so out of it that it had no meaning. Yet in my heart, I knew I had done what I had to do. It would have been wrong to ignore the burning desire I had to give him the money. Finally calming down and telling nobody about it, I again remembered about my recent stock purchase. A quick look at my stocks on my phone revealed a surprise. My recently purchased stock had grown by over $1300 in a short time! Quickly calling in a stop loss, I protected my gain and wryly thought about the $100 I had given to the man. I would not miss it and actually had benefited much more. My loss was both my gain and his. In the end, blessings often come our way in many ways. Money aside, I was blessed by the opportunity to do what I deemed as right.
Driving through New Mexico, I glanced over to the side of the highway and saw an elderly man walking slowly wearing a sweatshirt and ill-fitting jeans. Not sure if he were homeless or hitchhiking, I continued toward my goal with barely a second thought about him. We didn't have room in my truck for another passenger and besides picking up a stranger in a an unfamiliar territory does not seem wise. Saying a quick prayer for him and others like him, I continued my journey.
Aside from a hidden stash, I rarely carry much cash with me, preferring, instead, to use my credit card at most junctures. In general my hidden stash is reserved for emergencies or unusual circumstances. Occasionally I have $20 or less with me and I have been known to help out those in need depending on the circumstances.
So like any 55 year old, as I begin to think about retirement in 15 years, I watch the market, watch my retirement accounts, and plan for the day when I no longer have steady employment. It would be nice to have a windfall of cash someday but my plan is to invest wisely and avoid spending unnecessarily. The stock market, however, has been fairly volatile with some large spikes followed by downward trends. My own investments remain flat in general with some growth occasionally. Focusing on dividend stocks, I also take a risk here and there, watching them fairly closely for change.
Raising an autistic son who now lives with us as an adult, I remain sensitive to the thousands who deal with mental disabilities in our country. They often need special help and sometimes have no family on which to rely for help. Yes there are homeless who choose to be homeless and I have little doubt that many of them are struggling with drugs and/or alcohol. But rather than live in a constant judgmental world, I, instead, elect to ere on the side of compassion, generosity, and personal humility, after all nobody is without flaw.
Two days after seeing the man on the highway, I went into a coffee shop in New Mexico to enjoy a few minutes with my daughter-in-law before heading home from our vacation. As I sat there thinking about my family, my investments, my life, the same man walked into the shop. He was wearing the same clothes and looked very tired as though he had been up most of the night. He asked for a cup of coffee and the owner gave him one without requesting payment.
Time for us to leave the coffee shop but I kept thinking about the man. Odd coincidence to see him in the shop two days after seeing him on the highway. Easiest to leave and not give it a second thought, not my problem and certainly not my responsibility. I stood up to go and found myself walking toward him as I reached in my wallet and remembered I had no cash readily available. So I found the hidden stash which includes all $100 bills and handed one $100 bill to him. Encouraging him to use it wisely and adding God's blessings to his life, I left with my daughter-in-law, drove to the cabin, packed up and headed home.
Kicking myself for giving away that much money, I decided I had exceeded the normal generosity quotient and didn't even receive a tax credit. Even worse maybe he would drink it away or be so out of it that it had no meaning. Yet in my heart, I knew I had done what I had to do. It would have been wrong to ignore the burning desire I had to give him the money. Finally calming down and telling nobody about it, I again remembered about my recent stock purchase. A quick look at my stocks on my phone revealed a surprise. My recently purchased stock had grown by over $1300 in a short time! Quickly calling in a stop loss, I protected my gain and wryly thought about the $100 I had given to the man. I would not miss it and actually had benefited much more. My loss was both my gain and his. In the end, blessings often come our way in many ways. Money aside, I was blessed by the opportunity to do what I deemed as right.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Running with Derek (Scissors)
There is an excellent book called Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs which tells the story of a difficult and bizarre childhood and how the events of growing up shaped the future. The entertaining story and title implies the danger inherent in running with scissors. Such is how I feel running with Derek.
A friend of my youngest son, Derek, age 24, recently took a job in Abilene and asked if he could stay with us a few weeks while he looks for an apartment and gets his finances in order. Happy to oblige, Derek moved into our guest bedroom and became part of our family. He is a pleasant young man, recently graduated from college, has a strong work ethic, a pleasant personality, and is committed to excellence in everything he does. In both high school and college, he ran cross-country and was considered a star on the team. He runs with style and grace, seemingly exerting little effort as he puts on mile after mile. He embraces running and exercise with euphoria and seeks the runners "high" that comes with comfort in the pain. He is a natural and a joy to watch whether down the road or running through a park. Like all fine athletes, he seems born to exercise and wastes little motion in his efforts. His limbs and torso appear totally relaxed and running for him looks as comfortable as the rest of us look in an easy chair.
So why am I trying to run with Derek in the mornings? It is like playing basketball with Kobe Bryant or writing music with Mozart or sharing comedy with Jim Gaffigan or preaching alongside Billy Graham. Each morning at about 6:15 we take off together, me an overweight, 55 year old bald man who is on blood pressure medication and a blood thinner, and Derek the Gazelle. Yet 3 miles is not that long, surely this will not be a problem.
We start together in a fairly slow, loping stride that seems to increase in velocity every few feet. Soon I am breathing hard and wondering about my own wisdom in running with Derek. Not intending to push me at all, Derek simply runs the way he naturally feels. In my immature effort to keep up, I find myself nearing the breaking point. We are halfway through the run and my chest is heaving, my legs aching, and the sweat threatens to blur my vision. But wait...up ahead...a stopping place. Yes, I am greatly relieved to find a necessary facility for a brief break.
Wanting to extend the break but knowing I don't have much of an excuse, we once again take off. Soon a fast pace, hard breathing, sore legs, misery compounded upon misery. We continue running and he leaves me, impatiently needing to run faster and further. I remind myself that slow and steady wins the race. What race? I am not racing anybody and refuse to give in to the temptation to compete with the lanky 24 year old.
Yet I look ahead and see him running gracefully toward the final goal...home. I keep plugging away and finally put on some serious speed, at least for me, and sprint toward home. Rounding the corner, he is waiting with a smile on his face. We high five and the run is over but not my anger. But is it really anger and if it is anger, to whom is it directed? Myself? Mostly. Derek? Not really. My age and my lack of athleticism? Perhaps.
No I am not really angry at all, just frustrated that I work so hard for such little gain. Going back in the house, I am drenched with sweat, gasping for air, can barely make it up the stairs, and the slightest effort even to turn on the shower hurts. Shower, shave, get dressed and I go downstairs to the kitchen for a cup of coffee and breakfast. Couple of eggs later and I am still sweating a little. But the euphoria of the hard run is starting to set in. Feeling happy, relaxed, and confident, I head to work. Running with Derek is a challenge to be sure and I just feel like grabbing him and saying, "I am 55, you are 24, go easy on me!" But I also want to thank him for making me stronger, healthier, and making me realize I can always go faster and further with effort. Still...hard to do but I suppose it is good for me!
A friend of my youngest son, Derek, age 24, recently took a job in Abilene and asked if he could stay with us a few weeks while he looks for an apartment and gets his finances in order. Happy to oblige, Derek moved into our guest bedroom and became part of our family. He is a pleasant young man, recently graduated from college, has a strong work ethic, a pleasant personality, and is committed to excellence in everything he does. In both high school and college, he ran cross-country and was considered a star on the team. He runs with style and grace, seemingly exerting little effort as he puts on mile after mile. He embraces running and exercise with euphoria and seeks the runners "high" that comes with comfort in the pain. He is a natural and a joy to watch whether down the road or running through a park. Like all fine athletes, he seems born to exercise and wastes little motion in his efforts. His limbs and torso appear totally relaxed and running for him looks as comfortable as the rest of us look in an easy chair.
So why am I trying to run with Derek in the mornings? It is like playing basketball with Kobe Bryant or writing music with Mozart or sharing comedy with Jim Gaffigan or preaching alongside Billy Graham. Each morning at about 6:15 we take off together, me an overweight, 55 year old bald man who is on blood pressure medication and a blood thinner, and Derek the Gazelle. Yet 3 miles is not that long, surely this will not be a problem.
We start together in a fairly slow, loping stride that seems to increase in velocity every few feet. Soon I am breathing hard and wondering about my own wisdom in running with Derek. Not intending to push me at all, Derek simply runs the way he naturally feels. In my immature effort to keep up, I find myself nearing the breaking point. We are halfway through the run and my chest is heaving, my legs aching, and the sweat threatens to blur my vision. But wait...up ahead...a stopping place. Yes, I am greatly relieved to find a necessary facility for a brief break.
Wanting to extend the break but knowing I don't have much of an excuse, we once again take off. Soon a fast pace, hard breathing, sore legs, misery compounded upon misery. We continue running and he leaves me, impatiently needing to run faster and further. I remind myself that slow and steady wins the race. What race? I am not racing anybody and refuse to give in to the temptation to compete with the lanky 24 year old.
Yet I look ahead and see him running gracefully toward the final goal...home. I keep plugging away and finally put on some serious speed, at least for me, and sprint toward home. Rounding the corner, he is waiting with a smile on his face. We high five and the run is over but not my anger. But is it really anger and if it is anger, to whom is it directed? Myself? Mostly. Derek? Not really. My age and my lack of athleticism? Perhaps.
No I am not really angry at all, just frustrated that I work so hard for such little gain. Going back in the house, I am drenched with sweat, gasping for air, can barely make it up the stairs, and the slightest effort even to turn on the shower hurts. Shower, shave, get dressed and I go downstairs to the kitchen for a cup of coffee and breakfast. Couple of eggs later and I am still sweating a little. But the euphoria of the hard run is starting to set in. Feeling happy, relaxed, and confident, I head to work. Running with Derek is a challenge to be sure and I just feel like grabbing him and saying, "I am 55, you are 24, go easy on me!" But I also want to thank him for making me stronger, healthier, and making me realize I can always go faster and further with effort. Still...hard to do but I suppose it is good for me!
Monday, May 30, 2016
The Church Pipe Organ
Days gone by and they may not return. Book collecting, drive-in movies, horse and buggy, typewriters, but what about the pipe organ? Are we experiencing the ultimate demise of one of the greatest musical instruments of all time? Or perhaps just a temporary downturn in interest at least to a point. Not sure.
I drove to a small town outside of Abilene and played the piano for a church service. It was a nice service with great people and the grand piano was old but in tune. We mostly sang hymns and older choruses. Everyone was appreciative. Joel played a hymn for the Benediction on the pipe organ and people suddenly got excited. A church member asked if I were interested in the history of the organ and I said yes. She promptly returned with a 3 page history of the marvelous instrument. I felt her emotion of the love of the instrument and the sincere appreciation she demonstrated regarding my interest.
Truly it is a marvelous instrument in the small church. Warm tone, well-made, visually appealing, wonderful sounds, and rich quality, the organ deserves to be played and experienced by all. Quite an instrument and deserving of our admiration, our attention, and our love.
But it stays silent week after week, used no more, weeping silent tears of rejection. There is nobody to play it, few to hear it, and fewer still that know anything about it. The beauty of the instrument is found in the sound, yet I suspect most people consider it a museum piece or a work of visual art not to be heard. Such is true of organs all over the country, particularly in small towns and small churches. Trained musicians, however, have a respect for the instrument, and they tend to love the strength and majesty of a great pipe organ. What about non-musicians? Maybe to an extent but often not in any kind of substantial way unless a strong tradition has been established. Of course there are pockets of people who love the king of all instruments and will rush to hear a great organist on a great organ at every opportunity. These people keep the instrument alive and hold on to a tradition of organ playing that dates back hundreds of years.
Ironically, organ makers are doing well overall. There are still instruments sold and new pipe organs are sought after from many churches. Quality organists are coming out of our universities and conservatories and finding positions in large churches. There are several successful concert artists and the high quality of the American Guild of Organists journal is a testament to the love and admiration society still maintains for the organ and organists.
Nevertheless, in spite of the segments of success and the sincere love people claim to have for the organ, there remains a problem. It is in decline. Small towns and small churches have quality organs not being used, gathering dust, dying a long slow death associated with atrophy. People are painfully aware of the profound loss of the organ but are poignantly aware of their own helplessness to change it. To be sure, playing the organ requires a specialized skill. Players need to know how to combine sounds, use pedals, move from note to note, and alter sounds depending on the needs of the music. In addition to the normal musical requirements of reading music, playing rhythms accurately, and understanding how phrases, dynamics, and articulation serve the musical needs, an organist must know so much more and be able to impart that knowledge through sound.
Maybe some of the decline is due to the demands of playing an organ. Society is notorious for not paying musicians enough and the lack of adequate compensation could be contributing to a lack of players. Organs themselves are cantankerous and develop problems over time. Pipe organs require regular maintenance and tuning and electronic organs frequently need attention to ensure mechanical success. Then there is the sheer cost itself of a quality organ. Large pipe organs can easily be in the millions and cost thousands each year to maintain.
But I must ask, is there anything more aesthetically satisfying than hearing a great hymn played by a skilled organist on a terrific instrument? Or a Bach Toccata or any number of French turn of the century organ works? The variety of sounds found in a pipe organ is astounding and in the hands of a master, a pipe organ can provide a musical experience unlike any other. If this is true, and I believe it is, why do we have a problem at all?
Like most declines and expansions, it is hard to determine. The invisible hand of the marketplace ultimately wins the race every time as the passing of time demonstrates the worth of the product. If the commodity has no customer, it will no longer be useful. If the organ has no audience and no participants, it serves no function. It is people who will kill the organ or who will raise it to its rightful place as the king of instruments. Right now the signs point toward death...only time will tell.
I drove to a small town outside of Abilene and played the piano for a church service. It was a nice service with great people and the grand piano was old but in tune. We mostly sang hymns and older choruses. Everyone was appreciative. Joel played a hymn for the Benediction on the pipe organ and people suddenly got excited. A church member asked if I were interested in the history of the organ and I said yes. She promptly returned with a 3 page history of the marvelous instrument. I felt her emotion of the love of the instrument and the sincere appreciation she demonstrated regarding my interest.
Truly it is a marvelous instrument in the small church. Warm tone, well-made, visually appealing, wonderful sounds, and rich quality, the organ deserves to be played and experienced by all. Quite an instrument and deserving of our admiration, our attention, and our love.
But it stays silent week after week, used no more, weeping silent tears of rejection. There is nobody to play it, few to hear it, and fewer still that know anything about it. The beauty of the instrument is found in the sound, yet I suspect most people consider it a museum piece or a work of visual art not to be heard. Such is true of organs all over the country, particularly in small towns and small churches. Trained musicians, however, have a respect for the instrument, and they tend to love the strength and majesty of a great pipe organ. What about non-musicians? Maybe to an extent but often not in any kind of substantial way unless a strong tradition has been established. Of course there are pockets of people who love the king of all instruments and will rush to hear a great organist on a great organ at every opportunity. These people keep the instrument alive and hold on to a tradition of organ playing that dates back hundreds of years.
Ironically, organ makers are doing well overall. There are still instruments sold and new pipe organs are sought after from many churches. Quality organists are coming out of our universities and conservatories and finding positions in large churches. There are several successful concert artists and the high quality of the American Guild of Organists journal is a testament to the love and admiration society still maintains for the organ and organists.
Nevertheless, in spite of the segments of success and the sincere love people claim to have for the organ, there remains a problem. It is in decline. Small towns and small churches have quality organs not being used, gathering dust, dying a long slow death associated with atrophy. People are painfully aware of the profound loss of the organ but are poignantly aware of their own helplessness to change it. To be sure, playing the organ requires a specialized skill. Players need to know how to combine sounds, use pedals, move from note to note, and alter sounds depending on the needs of the music. In addition to the normal musical requirements of reading music, playing rhythms accurately, and understanding how phrases, dynamics, and articulation serve the musical needs, an organist must know so much more and be able to impart that knowledge through sound.
Maybe some of the decline is due to the demands of playing an organ. Society is notorious for not paying musicians enough and the lack of adequate compensation could be contributing to a lack of players. Organs themselves are cantankerous and develop problems over time. Pipe organs require regular maintenance and tuning and electronic organs frequently need attention to ensure mechanical success. Then there is the sheer cost itself of a quality organ. Large pipe organs can easily be in the millions and cost thousands each year to maintain.
But I must ask, is there anything more aesthetically satisfying than hearing a great hymn played by a skilled organist on a terrific instrument? Or a Bach Toccata or any number of French turn of the century organ works? The variety of sounds found in a pipe organ is astounding and in the hands of a master, a pipe organ can provide a musical experience unlike any other. If this is true, and I believe it is, why do we have a problem at all?
Like most declines and expansions, it is hard to determine. The invisible hand of the marketplace ultimately wins the race every time as the passing of time demonstrates the worth of the product. If the commodity has no customer, it will no longer be useful. If the organ has no audience and no participants, it serves no function. It is people who will kill the organ or who will raise it to its rightful place as the king of instruments. Right now the signs point toward death...only time will tell.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Songs in my Head
I always have a song in my head. Serious or silly, profound or trite, I draw from many years of performing, listening, and being a musician. Growing up with singing parents, my brother and I were thoroughly immersed in music of all types, shapes, genres, and purpose. I am comfortable in a wide variety of genres and styles including pop, rock, country, gospel, folk, art music from all over the world, children's music, sacred and contemporary, and the list continues.
A song can fit any kind of mood, creative thought, intellectual moment, wisdom, or fit an emotional need. I do not really have a favorite song although I find myself thinking about and humming Liebestod by Richard Wagner more often than most songs. It is not really a song (definition: vocal selection generally based on a short poem or text, usually accompanied by piano or small instrumental ensemble) in that it uses a very large orchestra and is extensive. But it is no longer than Stairway to Heaven or Hey Jude--both great songs and I have heard Hey Jude accompanied by an orchestra. Every song by Britten or Barber is a winner. Being a product of the 70s and early 80s, I still like Come Sail Away, Just You and Me, and Carry on My Wayward Son.
My love of the music of Brahms means I often hear a Brahms melody in my head...not really a song I guess. But I also enjoy Rosanna by Toto, A Very Special Love Song by Charlie Rich, Always by Bon Jovi, Let It Go from Frozen, and the list goes on and on. I sincerely love You are My Sunshine, Streets of Laredo, the Davy Crockett song, theme from the first Bob Newhart show, and the theme from Room 222. Music by Mahler is terrific and who can't help but enjoy the tone poems of Richard Strauss. I still love the music of Rachmaninoff and Sibelius and am continually moved by the music of Machaut and Messiaen.
Love hymns and could sing My Jesus, I Love Thee everyday. But I also really like Crown Him (Majesty) by Chris Tomlin and Oceans by Hillsong, Who Am I by Casting Crowns, and Lord, I Need You by Chrs Tomlin. Holy, Holy, Holy is a marvelous hymn and It is Well with My Soul continues to reach people. Every song by Ken Medema is a winner and the rich harmony of music by Ralph Carmichael continues to fascinate me.
Broadway: too many to list. Songs from West Side Story, Sound of Music, Kiss Me Kate, Les Miserables, Phantom, Jekyll and Hyde, Wicked, and about 30 other musicals! Best Broadway tune...maybe So in Love by Cole Porter or Night and Day. Maybe Somethings Coming or Ten Minutes ago from Cinderella. Speaking of Cinderella, how about In My Own Little Corner...great song. One of my favorites is I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady. Also who can forget Ol' Man River from Showboat...wow. Of course, I think In Summer from Frozen is hilarious and Cruella Deville from 101 Dalmations is a vibrant jazz tune. Windmills of Your Mind and I Will Wait for You are great songs as is Someone Saved My Life Tonight.
Okay...a brief listing of some of my favorites. But my favorite tends to be whatever I am listening to or studying. I think I lean toward music with a singable melody, harmonic interest, rhythmic punch, piano background, and clever text.
A song can fit any kind of mood, creative thought, intellectual moment, wisdom, or fit an emotional need. I do not really have a favorite song although I find myself thinking about and humming Liebestod by Richard Wagner more often than most songs. It is not really a song (definition: vocal selection generally based on a short poem or text, usually accompanied by piano or small instrumental ensemble) in that it uses a very large orchestra and is extensive. But it is no longer than Stairway to Heaven or Hey Jude--both great songs and I have heard Hey Jude accompanied by an orchestra. Every song by Britten or Barber is a winner. Being a product of the 70s and early 80s, I still like Come Sail Away, Just You and Me, and Carry on My Wayward Son.
My love of the music of Brahms means I often hear a Brahms melody in my head...not really a song I guess. But I also enjoy Rosanna by Toto, A Very Special Love Song by Charlie Rich, Always by Bon Jovi, Let It Go from Frozen, and the list goes on and on. I sincerely love You are My Sunshine, Streets of Laredo, the Davy Crockett song, theme from the first Bob Newhart show, and the theme from Room 222. Music by Mahler is terrific and who can't help but enjoy the tone poems of Richard Strauss. I still love the music of Rachmaninoff and Sibelius and am continually moved by the music of Machaut and Messiaen.
Love hymns and could sing My Jesus, I Love Thee everyday. But I also really like Crown Him (Majesty) by Chris Tomlin and Oceans by Hillsong, Who Am I by Casting Crowns, and Lord, I Need You by Chrs Tomlin. Holy, Holy, Holy is a marvelous hymn and It is Well with My Soul continues to reach people. Every song by Ken Medema is a winner and the rich harmony of music by Ralph Carmichael continues to fascinate me.
Broadway: too many to list. Songs from West Side Story, Sound of Music, Kiss Me Kate, Les Miserables, Phantom, Jekyll and Hyde, Wicked, and about 30 other musicals! Best Broadway tune...maybe So in Love by Cole Porter or Night and Day. Maybe Somethings Coming or Ten Minutes ago from Cinderella. Speaking of Cinderella, how about In My Own Little Corner...great song. One of my favorites is I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady. Also who can forget Ol' Man River from Showboat...wow. Of course, I think In Summer from Frozen is hilarious and Cruella Deville from 101 Dalmations is a vibrant jazz tune. Windmills of Your Mind and I Will Wait for You are great songs as is Someone Saved My Life Tonight.
Okay...a brief listing of some of my favorites. But my favorite tends to be whatever I am listening to or studying. I think I lean toward music with a singable melody, harmonic interest, rhythmic punch, piano background, and clever text.
Tuesday, May 03, 2016
The Discarded Book
Several weeks of stressful situations and I was not in a very forgiving mood. Between student problems, angry faculty, frequent criticism, and concern about the future, I was not at my leadership best when I walked into the classroom. Seeing the same Geography book on the piano that had been there for several weeks disturbed me. It was a large paperback textbook and looked as though it had been used to prop something up or support another object. It was not in great shape and almost seemed like a large magazine to me. I once again asked the class why the book was there and to whom it belonged. Nobody knew.
Students are notorious for leaving things out and not taking care of business. We often find jackets, books, cases, and general items throughout the buildings in various locations. Always being sensitive to ownership, we try to take the item to the office, waiting for the owner to claim the item. But this particular day, I did not feel very warm toward the owner of the book. Assuming it had been forgotten, I picked it up and discarded it in the trash. As a book collector, I generally do not have much regard for paperback books due to their being mass produced and containing little inherent value. Had the book been a hardback, I likely would have been more considerate. Just trying to justify my actions a little.
But the truth is that I was wrong and did something a teacher should not do. I discarded the book, a despicable act at best. The act of a madman. Perhaps deep down I thought I was teaching the other students a lesson of some kind to take care of their belongings and be more responsible. Or perhaps I was reminding everyone to keep the building organized. Maybe my general disdain and misguided feelings toward paperbacks influenced me beyond reason. The likely reason, however, is that I expressed my stress in an inappropriate manner ill-fitting for any teacher and particularly heinous for an academic Dean. Somewhere in this true tale a psychologist would probably point out that my frustrations with academia in general and the tension of trying to be a successful dean, led me to discard the very reason I entered academia in the first place--a burning desire to learn more. Maybe my actions stemmed from childhood when I tended to act impulsively rather than cognitively. Maybe my moment of throwing away a book symbolized my frustrations with my own career and caused me to give up, at least momentarily.
Several hours after my act, I felt the guilt grow. Waking up in the middle of the night, I could almost feel the pain in me as I reflected on my actions. Did I really throw away a book? Why? To what end? I went to my personal library of over a 1,000 collectible books ranging from fiction to history to various topics and thought about my actions even more. The next day a young lady came to my office and asked for the lost and found. I mentioned that we did not have one but I would be glad to look for what she was seeking. She said she left a Geography book in a classroom and had used it to support a leg on a table. She was renting the book and needed to return it. I felt my desire to fabricate the truth jump into my head. I actually had an opportunity to claim ignorance or blame someone else. But, as usual, the truth prevailed and I told her what I had done. She humbly admitted she was wrong to have left it in the room and she left my office with a tear in her eye.
Guilt compounded upon guilt and soon I found myself emailing her to contact me so I could make restitution. I am hoping to find her and pay for the book or buy a new one. My guilt is now somewhat assuaged but not my own awareness of my mistake. In trying to teach a lesson to students, I taught one to myself. How often does this happen to us in academia? We have a serious responsibility to teach students and an obligation to move them from the known to the unknown, to empower them to learn on their own, to provide the skills and the tools to be successful in the world. To teach them to think critically, examine issues, analyze situations, love learning, apply their knowledge to a discipline. To be better people.
We have all done things we regret and often we wish to travel back in time to fix a mistake. Such is true of me. Yet there is no going back, only going forward. I make it my mantra to love learning in all its forms and avoid overreacting to a small situation. The responsibility to be a model example of excellence shimmers within me even more. Such is academic leadership, to strive to be a better person, a better teacher, and a wise leader.
Students are notorious for leaving things out and not taking care of business. We often find jackets, books, cases, and general items throughout the buildings in various locations. Always being sensitive to ownership, we try to take the item to the office, waiting for the owner to claim the item. But this particular day, I did not feel very warm toward the owner of the book. Assuming it had been forgotten, I picked it up and discarded it in the trash. As a book collector, I generally do not have much regard for paperback books due to their being mass produced and containing little inherent value. Had the book been a hardback, I likely would have been more considerate. Just trying to justify my actions a little.
But the truth is that I was wrong and did something a teacher should not do. I discarded the book, a despicable act at best. The act of a madman. Perhaps deep down I thought I was teaching the other students a lesson of some kind to take care of their belongings and be more responsible. Or perhaps I was reminding everyone to keep the building organized. Maybe my general disdain and misguided feelings toward paperbacks influenced me beyond reason. The likely reason, however, is that I expressed my stress in an inappropriate manner ill-fitting for any teacher and particularly heinous for an academic Dean. Somewhere in this true tale a psychologist would probably point out that my frustrations with academia in general and the tension of trying to be a successful dean, led me to discard the very reason I entered academia in the first place--a burning desire to learn more. Maybe my actions stemmed from childhood when I tended to act impulsively rather than cognitively. Maybe my moment of throwing away a book symbolized my frustrations with my own career and caused me to give up, at least momentarily.
Several hours after my act, I felt the guilt grow. Waking up in the middle of the night, I could almost feel the pain in me as I reflected on my actions. Did I really throw away a book? Why? To what end? I went to my personal library of over a 1,000 collectible books ranging from fiction to history to various topics and thought about my actions even more. The next day a young lady came to my office and asked for the lost and found. I mentioned that we did not have one but I would be glad to look for what she was seeking. She said she left a Geography book in a classroom and had used it to support a leg on a table. She was renting the book and needed to return it. I felt my desire to fabricate the truth jump into my head. I actually had an opportunity to claim ignorance or blame someone else. But, as usual, the truth prevailed and I told her what I had done. She humbly admitted she was wrong to have left it in the room and she left my office with a tear in her eye.
Guilt compounded upon guilt and soon I found myself emailing her to contact me so I could make restitution. I am hoping to find her and pay for the book or buy a new one. My guilt is now somewhat assuaged but not my own awareness of my mistake. In trying to teach a lesson to students, I taught one to myself. How often does this happen to us in academia? We have a serious responsibility to teach students and an obligation to move them from the known to the unknown, to empower them to learn on their own, to provide the skills and the tools to be successful in the world. To teach them to think critically, examine issues, analyze situations, love learning, apply their knowledge to a discipline. To be better people.
We have all done things we regret and often we wish to travel back in time to fix a mistake. Such is true of me. Yet there is no going back, only going forward. I make it my mantra to love learning in all its forms and avoid overreacting to a small situation. The responsibility to be a model example of excellence shimmers within me even more. Such is academic leadership, to strive to be a better person, a better teacher, and a wise leader.
Sunday, May 01, 2016
Academic Leadership
As a young, eager music student in 1980, I was fascinated by the sound of our college choir. After one particular and spectacular performance, I approached the director and asked him how he achieved such musical excellence from his choirs. He said he imagines the goal in his head and then works relentless to achieve that goal. He then admitted he had never attained the vision in his head but he would not give up until he reached it. Such is my practice and philosophy of academic leadership.
Obviously accreditation and legal compliance guide much of our decision making process and we must constantly be alert to how our actions fit the requirements of our respondent agencies. This makes leadership about benchmarking and compliance, aiming for targets and satisfying the core requirements. Such becomes the trappings of academic leadership--seeking and accomplishing accreditation requirements. But somehow in spite of the necessity of meeting all requirements, leadership that is solely about accreditation is not really high quality leadership. For leadership to be meaningful, it must involve people, communication, and purpose.
As we examine the myriad of activities and responsibilities expected in academic leadership, it often becomes beneficial to reduce out the peripheral and innocuous while prolonging and prioritizing the substantive. It is in the analysis of the substantive that we find the people and make decisions that serve the most constituents. This requires a great deal of listening to others and facilitating broad communication through team-building, shared governance, and consensus development. This is a process of inspiration about the vision and motivation to accomplish the purpose. When we set forth the vision, academic leaders must then consider how to use teams to inspire and motivate.
Among the theories of leadership to which I subscribe, including practical, transactional, behavioral, participatory, and influence, I propose that the best leaders use the system that serves the greatest good and the vision. My approach to leadership is to practice Total Quality Management as much as possible in a structured and comprehensive style that embraces data, perception, and specific goals. Application of TQM style encompasses an eclectic mix of styles with the idea of prolonging excellence in all areas and reducing out the problems not serving the vision.
In a Christian context, and we desire this context in our lives and in our workplace, leaders must lead with integrity, honesty, transparency, and inspiration in all matters, serving as a model example of excellence in both lifestyle and profession. Retaining faith and discipline in both vision and in practice are essential qualities for success in academic leadership. As Christian Leaders in academia we have a responsibility to lead positively with compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and strength.
Obviously accreditation and legal compliance guide much of our decision making process and we must constantly be alert to how our actions fit the requirements of our respondent agencies. This makes leadership about benchmarking and compliance, aiming for targets and satisfying the core requirements. Such becomes the trappings of academic leadership--seeking and accomplishing accreditation requirements. But somehow in spite of the necessity of meeting all requirements, leadership that is solely about accreditation is not really high quality leadership. For leadership to be meaningful, it must involve people, communication, and purpose.
As we examine the myriad of activities and responsibilities expected in academic leadership, it often becomes beneficial to reduce out the peripheral and innocuous while prolonging and prioritizing the substantive. It is in the analysis of the substantive that we find the people and make decisions that serve the most constituents. This requires a great deal of listening to others and facilitating broad communication through team-building, shared governance, and consensus development. This is a process of inspiration about the vision and motivation to accomplish the purpose. When we set forth the vision, academic leaders must then consider how to use teams to inspire and motivate.
Among the theories of leadership to which I subscribe, including practical, transactional, behavioral, participatory, and influence, I propose that the best leaders use the system that serves the greatest good and the vision. My approach to leadership is to practice Total Quality Management as much as possible in a structured and comprehensive style that embraces data, perception, and specific goals. Application of TQM style encompasses an eclectic mix of styles with the idea of prolonging excellence in all areas and reducing out the problems not serving the vision.
In a Christian context, and we desire this context in our lives and in our workplace, leaders must lead with integrity, honesty, transparency, and inspiration in all matters, serving as a model example of excellence in both lifestyle and profession. Retaining faith and discipline in both vision and in practice are essential qualities for success in academic leadership. As Christian Leaders in academia we have a responsibility to lead positively with compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and strength.
Monday, April 25, 2016
A little dull
Kind of felt boring this weekend. I did not accomplish much nor have any substantial goals. Wrote a few emails, thought through the future, ran several miles, read a book, watched a couple of shows, a little yard work, took a Udemy course, and in general did not do much. Maybe this is okay every once in a while, but it also makes me feel unproductive.
Reading: as I have mentioned in earlier blogs, I enjoy reading and have read about two books per week for most of my life since I was about 7 years old I believe. My wonderful parents instilled in me a love of reading and I still feel the quickening of my pulse when I am around books of all types. My fiction reading generally leans on crime dramas or detective mysteries while my non-fiction preferences are for money management or history. I do occasionally dive into spiritual books or self-improvement ideas and am not afraid to read various ideas for different types of development. But I do tend to read crime fiction quickly but to read history slowly.
Finishing up the latest David Baldacci book while being halfway through the latest Jonathan Kellerman book, I am ready to read something a little more substantive. I did enjoy The Nightingale quite a bit and found The Lake House to be well-written and meaningful. I continue to enjoy books about the economy and money although some of those are hard to get all the way through. I am enjoying Cold Case Christianity and find it to be a fascinating approach to apologetics. Yet I do not really need convincing and am a flawed but devout believer. Still it is well-written and provides some tools for dealing with the occasional detractor. The recent Baldacci book has a fun and engaging plot but the dialog seems rather 4th grade and simplistic at times. He writes a good story but seems to water it down to reach a broader audience. I am not critical of this...after all he has a right to try to sell more copies, but it makes me want to read Dickens or Hardy and seek after depth of characterization. One can read an entire Baldacci book and not really know the emotional depth or complexities of the people in the book. It makes for a little too much detachment toward the people.
I did enjoy running this weekend and did a crazy thing on Sunday. I ran nearly 3 miles Sunday morning and felt good about it. Took a nice nap Sunday afternoon and went for another 3 mile run. But this time it turned into a half walk as I struggled with the hot sun and wind. This morning I am very sore from the extra miles and may need to take a day off from running.
It was fun playing my horn in church and I am playing well once again. I have been in a three year slump due to the earlier hospitalization, surgery on my thumb, and teeth reconstruction. But now I am moving around the horn better and almost have the tone I am seeking. Mainly I am rediscovering my old horn confidence and am ready to play in public again. Feels good. Keep in mind that musicians, horn players in particular, are a neurotic bunch who tend to allow their performance skills to govern their emotional state. It makes for a complicated and inconsistent emotional roller coaster at times. When playing or singing well, we are happy. When things are not working, sad. Kind of a mess I know.
My brother's recent article on Prince, David Bowie, and musical snobbery really intrigued me. He is such an amazing writer with perceptions about the world rarely encountered in our segmented society. https://fee.org/articles/prince-bowie-and-how-not-to-be-a-snob-about-pop-music/ is certainly worth a read. Jeff has written thousands of articles and each one contains a nice balance of opinion, data, and philosophy. This one reminds us of the pitfalls of snobbery and the problems of not taking a comprehensive and knowledgeable position when it comes to music. Too many trained musicians reject the popular, believing erroneously that it must be cheap or worthless to be popular. I really have little regard for snobbery and prefer to live in an eclectic world, embracing multiple styles and approaches to art.
Anyway, I apologize for this dull entry of various thoughts. I'll try to improve my excitement level in the future.
Reading: as I have mentioned in earlier blogs, I enjoy reading and have read about two books per week for most of my life since I was about 7 years old I believe. My wonderful parents instilled in me a love of reading and I still feel the quickening of my pulse when I am around books of all types. My fiction reading generally leans on crime dramas or detective mysteries while my non-fiction preferences are for money management or history. I do occasionally dive into spiritual books or self-improvement ideas and am not afraid to read various ideas for different types of development. But I do tend to read crime fiction quickly but to read history slowly.
Finishing up the latest David Baldacci book while being halfway through the latest Jonathan Kellerman book, I am ready to read something a little more substantive. I did enjoy The Nightingale quite a bit and found The Lake House to be well-written and meaningful. I continue to enjoy books about the economy and money although some of those are hard to get all the way through. I am enjoying Cold Case Christianity and find it to be a fascinating approach to apologetics. Yet I do not really need convincing and am a flawed but devout believer. Still it is well-written and provides some tools for dealing with the occasional detractor. The recent Baldacci book has a fun and engaging plot but the dialog seems rather 4th grade and simplistic at times. He writes a good story but seems to water it down to reach a broader audience. I am not critical of this...after all he has a right to try to sell more copies, but it makes me want to read Dickens or Hardy and seek after depth of characterization. One can read an entire Baldacci book and not really know the emotional depth or complexities of the people in the book. It makes for a little too much detachment toward the people.
I did enjoy running this weekend and did a crazy thing on Sunday. I ran nearly 3 miles Sunday morning and felt good about it. Took a nice nap Sunday afternoon and went for another 3 mile run. But this time it turned into a half walk as I struggled with the hot sun and wind. This morning I am very sore from the extra miles and may need to take a day off from running.
It was fun playing my horn in church and I am playing well once again. I have been in a three year slump due to the earlier hospitalization, surgery on my thumb, and teeth reconstruction. But now I am moving around the horn better and almost have the tone I am seeking. Mainly I am rediscovering my old horn confidence and am ready to play in public again. Feels good. Keep in mind that musicians, horn players in particular, are a neurotic bunch who tend to allow their performance skills to govern their emotional state. It makes for a complicated and inconsistent emotional roller coaster at times. When playing or singing well, we are happy. When things are not working, sad. Kind of a mess I know.
My brother's recent article on Prince, David Bowie, and musical snobbery really intrigued me. He is such an amazing writer with perceptions about the world rarely encountered in our segmented society. https://fee.org/articles/prince-bowie-and-how-not-to-be-a-snob-about-pop-music/ is certainly worth a read. Jeff has written thousands of articles and each one contains a nice balance of opinion, data, and philosophy. This one reminds us of the pitfalls of snobbery and the problems of not taking a comprehensive and knowledgeable position when it comes to music. Too many trained musicians reject the popular, believing erroneously that it must be cheap or worthless to be popular. I really have little regard for snobbery and prefer to live in an eclectic world, embracing multiple styles and approaches to art.
Anyway, I apologize for this dull entry of various thoughts. I'll try to improve my excitement level in the future.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Lost Art but still needed
Meetings are generally a waste of time and energy, often resulting in a verbal onslaught of opinions that may or may not be germane to the topic. I run meetings in a style that is similar to my personality, a little controlling while valuing others, informal, and informational. I prefer short meetings to the point that are productive and beneficial. But my style is not working. Time to change. This is a difficult acknowledgement however, in that I have spent a career in public school and higher education in various leadership capacities. I suppose success is debatable but I have achieved a modicum of success as a leader. Why is my system not longer effective?
There comes a time when a person can no longer be completely dependent on his or her own personality for success. Willpower, charisma, and personality can carry the day for only so long before they begin to crumble without a foundation. Recognizing that I and I alone cannot make a perfect meeting, I have decided it is time to use an established and effective system: Parliamentary Procedure. Not being a Thomas Jefferson fan (read earlier blog), I will admit that he did have some good ideas for meetings and wrote one of the first books on how to run a meeting, A Manual of Parliamentary Practice. The informal meeting approach works well when surrounded by supportive friends all working for the same goals, but a formal procedure is necessary for accomplishing the serious business and the goals of the group or institution. Granted that a strict procedure can be inhibiting of creative thought and may prevent some new idea from rising to the top. Yet given that imagination rarely flows effectively in group settings, it makes sense to formalize larger gatherings and focus attention on the broader needs.
Having completed training for parliamentary procedure, I am ready to run a meeting according to the rules. I believe this will prevent the verbal excess that tends to erupt in meetings and refocus attention on the goals at hand. Fearing that parliamentary procedure is a lost art, I intend to bring it back and use it to its finest and I further believe we will see growth in group dynamics and new ideas flourish through a system designed for effectiveness and productivity. Like great music, parliamentary procedure deserves to live and is as vital today as it was in Colonial times. Such is the way of a leader, recognize when it is time to change a system and do what needs to be done.
There comes a time when a person can no longer be completely dependent on his or her own personality for success. Willpower, charisma, and personality can carry the day for only so long before they begin to crumble without a foundation. Recognizing that I and I alone cannot make a perfect meeting, I have decided it is time to use an established and effective system: Parliamentary Procedure. Not being a Thomas Jefferson fan (read earlier blog), I will admit that he did have some good ideas for meetings and wrote one of the first books on how to run a meeting, A Manual of Parliamentary Practice. The informal meeting approach works well when surrounded by supportive friends all working for the same goals, but a formal procedure is necessary for accomplishing the serious business and the goals of the group or institution. Granted that a strict procedure can be inhibiting of creative thought and may prevent some new idea from rising to the top. Yet given that imagination rarely flows effectively in group settings, it makes sense to formalize larger gatherings and focus attention on the broader needs.
Having completed training for parliamentary procedure, I am ready to run a meeting according to the rules. I believe this will prevent the verbal excess that tends to erupt in meetings and refocus attention on the goals at hand. Fearing that parliamentary procedure is a lost art, I intend to bring it back and use it to its finest and I further believe we will see growth in group dynamics and new ideas flourish through a system designed for effectiveness and productivity. Like great music, parliamentary procedure deserves to live and is as vital today as it was in Colonial times. Such is the way of a leader, recognize when it is time to change a system and do what needs to be done.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
5K in the Rain
For many years I have wondered why these collective runs for different reasons exist. Why should I pay $25 to run 3.1 miles when I can run 3.1 miles every morning for free? Plus if I like a certain charitable cause, why not just give to the cause directly rather than have to run as a consequence of giving? There is a cost to running anyway--sore body, tired, sweat, shaky legs, smelly clothes, and wear and tear on shoes. Does it make any sense to add to the cost by adding to the cost? Also I have always enjoyed the solitude of quiet morning runs with nobody near me. A time to listen to audio books, sing songs in my head, reflect on life, pray, listen to the sounds around me. All these and more remind me of the wonderful world in which we reside.
Yet last November some dear friends paid my way to participate in a Turkey Trot. Hesitating at first, I decided to give it whirl and run the Turkey Trot. At that time I was in pretty good shape but had no illusions about winning or beating a time or even thinking about speed. I simply wanted to run the whole way and not have to stop to use a facility. Probably seems a trite goal to most people but for me it is a serious one. Probably due to being on certain medicine for my tendency toward blood clots, I have to keep facilities nearby for frequent use. Running 3.1 miles without needing to stop sounds a little crazy to me and almost not possible without a good plan. Can it be done? Perhaps. Is it normal for me? Not at all.
Then there is the problem of people. Will I look funny to others? Will they get in the way? Are they rude or mean? Weird? Loud? Remember that I normally run in solitude not in groups. But I do enjoy the occasional "risk" of something new and running in a Turkey Trot was something new. I jumped in the water so to speak and ran the race. I did not win anything, did not make any effort to win, but generally had a good time. Saw some friends along the way, passed many people, was passed by many people, and finished. We all received a trophy and there were cheers upon arrival. All in all a good experience, but not something to replicate. Still...not as terrible as I expected. I noticed a wide variety of people--large and small, older and younger, friendly and quiet, just people. Nobody was mean, loud, obnoxious, rude and nobody got in anybody's way. Just runners out for some exercise. Some walked, some sprinted, some seemed competitive, most just seemed to have a good time.
Assessing the Turkey Trot, I decided to try again. Picking up my packet at the run center, I was intrigued with how many people were about to run on Saturday. It was for a good educational purpose and they provided a shirt, water bottle, and some energy gel. Not big on energy things, other than a good cup of coffee, I decided to avoid the gel. Saturday morning arrived and I walked to the starting line with the other several hundred people and got ready to run. Once again I noticed children, adults, elderly, young, babies in strollers, and all sizes of people.
The race began and I once again had very little sense of competitiveness in me. My goals remained the same, get through it without needing a facility! Plus it was cold and raining pretty hard.The first two miles seemed difficult and my breathing felt erratic and labored. My legs hurt and I felt generally grouchy about it all. I only knew a couple of other people among the crowds and children kept passing me by. But the 3rd mile started feeling good so I upped my speed and began to run smoother. I kept the pace and saw the end in sight. Faster still, I felt my body respond well to the push and suddenly I felt strong. Keeping it strong to the end, I knew I had actually done fairly well. Unfortunately I was soaked from head to toe in a mixture of rain and sweat. I was still cold and a little grouchy but the euphoria of the event was affecting my emotions as well. I wanted to cheer but that seemed a little self aggrandizing.
Time to walk home. A friend stopped me and said, "don't you want to stay for the awards?" "Of course not," I answered. After all, my goal had been met! Received a text later. Turns out that I won 3rd place in my age division. Having never won any kind of athletic event before, it now feels good. Maybe there is something to this group running idea. The event held me accountable, it pushed me to a new level, and I was rewarded with a ribbon. Good stuff!
Now it is the next day and I am sore from the experience. Legs hurt, hips sore, body tight. But for some reason, it feels good. May try the group run thing again.
Yet last November some dear friends paid my way to participate in a Turkey Trot. Hesitating at first, I decided to give it whirl and run the Turkey Trot. At that time I was in pretty good shape but had no illusions about winning or beating a time or even thinking about speed. I simply wanted to run the whole way and not have to stop to use a facility. Probably seems a trite goal to most people but for me it is a serious one. Probably due to being on certain medicine for my tendency toward blood clots, I have to keep facilities nearby for frequent use. Running 3.1 miles without needing to stop sounds a little crazy to me and almost not possible without a good plan. Can it be done? Perhaps. Is it normal for me? Not at all.
Then there is the problem of people. Will I look funny to others? Will they get in the way? Are they rude or mean? Weird? Loud? Remember that I normally run in solitude not in groups. But I do enjoy the occasional "risk" of something new and running in a Turkey Trot was something new. I jumped in the water so to speak and ran the race. I did not win anything, did not make any effort to win, but generally had a good time. Saw some friends along the way, passed many people, was passed by many people, and finished. We all received a trophy and there were cheers upon arrival. All in all a good experience, but not something to replicate. Still...not as terrible as I expected. I noticed a wide variety of people--large and small, older and younger, friendly and quiet, just people. Nobody was mean, loud, obnoxious, rude and nobody got in anybody's way. Just runners out for some exercise. Some walked, some sprinted, some seemed competitive, most just seemed to have a good time.
Assessing the Turkey Trot, I decided to try again. Picking up my packet at the run center, I was intrigued with how many people were about to run on Saturday. It was for a good educational purpose and they provided a shirt, water bottle, and some energy gel. Not big on energy things, other than a good cup of coffee, I decided to avoid the gel. Saturday morning arrived and I walked to the starting line with the other several hundred people and got ready to run. Once again I noticed children, adults, elderly, young, babies in strollers, and all sizes of people.
The race began and I once again had very little sense of competitiveness in me. My goals remained the same, get through it without needing a facility! Plus it was cold and raining pretty hard.The first two miles seemed difficult and my breathing felt erratic and labored. My legs hurt and I felt generally grouchy about it all. I only knew a couple of other people among the crowds and children kept passing me by. But the 3rd mile started feeling good so I upped my speed and began to run smoother. I kept the pace and saw the end in sight. Faster still, I felt my body respond well to the push and suddenly I felt strong. Keeping it strong to the end, I knew I had actually done fairly well. Unfortunately I was soaked from head to toe in a mixture of rain and sweat. I was still cold and a little grouchy but the euphoria of the event was affecting my emotions as well. I wanted to cheer but that seemed a little self aggrandizing.
Time to walk home. A friend stopped me and said, "don't you want to stay for the awards?" "Of course not," I answered. After all, my goal had been met! Received a text later. Turns out that I won 3rd place in my age division. Having never won any kind of athletic event before, it now feels good. Maybe there is something to this group running idea. The event held me accountable, it pushed me to a new level, and I was rewarded with a ribbon. Good stuff!
Now it is the next day and I am sore from the experience. Legs hurt, hips sore, body tight. But for some reason, it feels good. May try the group run thing again.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
McDonalds Accident
Coming out of McDonalds and holding breakfast for the family, I headed to my truck thinking about a minor work related issue. Started the truck and slowly backed out trying to avoid hitting the car parked to my right. Happy to clear it, I turned the wheel and reversed a little more so as to head out of the parking lot to the road. Suddenly I felt a bump and heard a noise. Thinking I had hit a trash can or some object in the parking lot, I got out of the truck only to discover I had hit a short brick wall. The warning tone that an object is in the way did not activate due to the shortness of the wall I guess. A quick assessment revealed about 10 bricks knocked out and pieces of concrete located in wrong places.
Returning inside McDonalds, I found the manager and gave him all my contact information and several apologies. He explained that it had happened about 100 times and most people simply drove away without leaving their name and number. I returned to the scene and studied on my mistake, justifying the accident based on the shortness of the wall and the lack of room to maneuver. Getting back in my truck and driving home with breakfast, I began to reflect on the event and realized that in the end, I was indeed negligent and should have been more aware of the wall. I chose to park in that spot and several years ago purchased a large truck that makes parking a challenge. I made the choices and therefore am to blame.
How often do we fool ourselves into believing we are free from responsibility? How often do we blame others for our own mistakes? How many times per week do we point fingers and avoid the honest personal reflection that makes us uncomfortable? It is much easier to blame others or to be angry at objects for getting in our path. I like blaming health issues or a lack of aptitude or the weather for problems that arise. It is fun to absolve myself of responsibility by claiming that I did nothing wrong and that the rest of the world is to blame.
While I did apologize for my mistake, in a way that is not really good enough. We can be sorry for the wrong things we do but it is only through some sort of punitive action that we receive redemption. Figuratively kicking myself may not be good enough to deter the poor driving or the wrong decisions. And so I wait for the phone call telling me what I owe McDonalds to fix their little brick fence and pay restitution for my crime. Perhaps I should try a different tactic: such as contacting an attorney and suing McDonalds for the emotional suffering I have experienced after hitting their little fence which is obviously in a bad place surrounding an inadequate parking lot. Yes...that's it! I can make a bunch of money off the restaurant and claim NO personal responsibility. I like it.
Yet even writing the words down causes a bad taste in my mouth. After all, in the end I am the one who drove poorly and caused the problem. An advocate for justice, truth, and responsibility, I encourage everyone to examine himself or herself in self-reflection, accepting responsibility when appropriate and always being honest.
Okay, sorry for the preaching. Now I need to figure out how to be a better driver!
Returning inside McDonalds, I found the manager and gave him all my contact information and several apologies. He explained that it had happened about 100 times and most people simply drove away without leaving their name and number. I returned to the scene and studied on my mistake, justifying the accident based on the shortness of the wall and the lack of room to maneuver. Getting back in my truck and driving home with breakfast, I began to reflect on the event and realized that in the end, I was indeed negligent and should have been more aware of the wall. I chose to park in that spot and several years ago purchased a large truck that makes parking a challenge. I made the choices and therefore am to blame.
How often do we fool ourselves into believing we are free from responsibility? How often do we blame others for our own mistakes? How many times per week do we point fingers and avoid the honest personal reflection that makes us uncomfortable? It is much easier to blame others or to be angry at objects for getting in our path. I like blaming health issues or a lack of aptitude or the weather for problems that arise. It is fun to absolve myself of responsibility by claiming that I did nothing wrong and that the rest of the world is to blame.
While I did apologize for my mistake, in a way that is not really good enough. We can be sorry for the wrong things we do but it is only through some sort of punitive action that we receive redemption. Figuratively kicking myself may not be good enough to deter the poor driving or the wrong decisions. And so I wait for the phone call telling me what I owe McDonalds to fix their little brick fence and pay restitution for my crime. Perhaps I should try a different tactic: such as contacting an attorney and suing McDonalds for the emotional suffering I have experienced after hitting their little fence which is obviously in a bad place surrounding an inadequate parking lot. Yes...that's it! I can make a bunch of money off the restaurant and claim NO personal responsibility. I like it.
Yet even writing the words down causes a bad taste in my mouth. After all, in the end I am the one who drove poorly and caused the problem. An advocate for justice, truth, and responsibility, I encourage everyone to examine himself or herself in self-reflection, accepting responsibility when appropriate and always being honest.
Okay, sorry for the preaching. Now I need to figure out how to be a better driver!
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Thomas Jefferson and Liberty
A recent visit to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, left me reeling with the inconsistencies of his life, his practice, and his worldview. As a mythical and historical creature, Thomas Jefferson represents all that is great about our country. His remarkable intelligence, work ethic, and constant devotion to the ideals set forth that shaped and expanded our country into what she is today--a powerful, compassionate, and highly productive society. From the Declaration of Independence to his remarkable acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson made his mark on history and will long be acknowledged as one of great leaders of the United States of America. The oft-quoted words, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" provide a guiding philosophy by which we built our country and continue to life our lives today.
We acknowledge the life and wisdom of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, who is deserving of our respect and admiration, a man with undeniable intellectual gifts driven to make a significant impact on the world, and one whose influence continues to be felt in our magnificent country and throughout the modern world. But he was also a human being and filled with foibles, flaws, and mistakes that often accompany the human spirit. How often do we encounter people whose words do not mesh with their actions? We rationalize this in many ways from hypocrisy to sin to emotional instability or maybe even chemical imbalance. We avoid harsh judgment of others due to our own personal awareness of frailty and the propensity to make mistakes. As great preachers remind us when discussing sin, the law deals with mistakes one way while a forgiving and loving God deals with it in other ways.
Those truths aside, there are only two explanations for why Jefferson kept slaves and why he (some disagreement on this) fathered children with one of them. One is that his desire for land, power, and influence overrode his view of liberty, and two his sexual appetite, maybe love, was greater than his prejudice toward slaves as property. Does it really matter? Yes, history does matter and not just to avoid mistakes of the past but also to explore our civilization, our culture, and our foundation of our governmental system. Gross inconsistencies between the practices of our founding fathers and the very words they penned leave the words shaky and tenuous when seen through the historical lens of action over philosophy. How can we now believe and apply the text to our lives and our country when the words had such little meaning in application? Or maybe that is unfair. Ultimately the power of the Declaration of Independence as a binding document becomes the lifeblood of our country in spite of the flaws of the original authors.
We can justify some of Jefferson's actions and his ownership of slaves by the context of the times. After all, he did keep them in clothes, provided food and shelter. He grew his own territory and contributed positively to farming, science, and the economy. He was a remarkable man who lived a life of significance far beyond that of most people. But no matter how many ways we examine his life and his contributions, the ownership of slaves cannot be justified on any level, particularly when examined from the man who encouraged life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. How can the author of one of the most influential documents in history propose liberty while opposing it in so blatant a manner? Is it possible to advocate for liberty and slavery at the same time? Did Jefferson only believe in liberty for whites? What about his own children who were born into slavery? Did they have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
In a way these are difficult questions and point to a past society not ready to accept blacks as "all men" and certainly not equal. But in a way they are not difficult questions. The answer is clear and leaves no room for debate. Jefferson was morally wrong and incomprehensibly hypocritical as a champion for liberty and an owner of slaves. He compounded his morally reprehensible practice by having a relationship with a slave and fathering children with her, children he denied. It is easy for us to point fingers, pass judgment, and denounce his actions, and too often we brand others as undeserving of our respect without having walked in their shoes. We do not fully understand the social, political, nor economic pressures of the times and the high expectations of being Thomas Jefferson the statesman, author, President, and Founding father of a nation must have been tremendous. Surely a day did not pass where he felt an overwhelming burden and responsibility to live the life set forth for him as a leader.
But the words are hollow and the justification empty. Thomas Jefferson did not practice liberty nor did he believe "all men are created equal." Knowing this truth is painful and serves as a reminder of the flaws of human beings.
We acknowledge the life and wisdom of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, who is deserving of our respect and admiration, a man with undeniable intellectual gifts driven to make a significant impact on the world, and one whose influence continues to be felt in our magnificent country and throughout the modern world. But he was also a human being and filled with foibles, flaws, and mistakes that often accompany the human spirit. How often do we encounter people whose words do not mesh with their actions? We rationalize this in many ways from hypocrisy to sin to emotional instability or maybe even chemical imbalance. We avoid harsh judgment of others due to our own personal awareness of frailty and the propensity to make mistakes. As great preachers remind us when discussing sin, the law deals with mistakes one way while a forgiving and loving God deals with it in other ways.
Those truths aside, there are only two explanations for why Jefferson kept slaves and why he (some disagreement on this) fathered children with one of them. One is that his desire for land, power, and influence overrode his view of liberty, and two his sexual appetite, maybe love, was greater than his prejudice toward slaves as property. Does it really matter? Yes, history does matter and not just to avoid mistakes of the past but also to explore our civilization, our culture, and our foundation of our governmental system. Gross inconsistencies between the practices of our founding fathers and the very words they penned leave the words shaky and tenuous when seen through the historical lens of action over philosophy. How can we now believe and apply the text to our lives and our country when the words had such little meaning in application? Or maybe that is unfair. Ultimately the power of the Declaration of Independence as a binding document becomes the lifeblood of our country in spite of the flaws of the original authors.
We can justify some of Jefferson's actions and his ownership of slaves by the context of the times. After all, he did keep them in clothes, provided food and shelter. He grew his own territory and contributed positively to farming, science, and the economy. He was a remarkable man who lived a life of significance far beyond that of most people. But no matter how many ways we examine his life and his contributions, the ownership of slaves cannot be justified on any level, particularly when examined from the man who encouraged life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. How can the author of one of the most influential documents in history propose liberty while opposing it in so blatant a manner? Is it possible to advocate for liberty and slavery at the same time? Did Jefferson only believe in liberty for whites? What about his own children who were born into slavery? Did they have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
In a way these are difficult questions and point to a past society not ready to accept blacks as "all men" and certainly not equal. But in a way they are not difficult questions. The answer is clear and leaves no room for debate. Jefferson was morally wrong and incomprehensibly hypocritical as a champion for liberty and an owner of slaves. He compounded his morally reprehensible practice by having a relationship with a slave and fathering children with her, children he denied. It is easy for us to point fingers, pass judgment, and denounce his actions, and too often we brand others as undeserving of our respect without having walked in their shoes. We do not fully understand the social, political, nor economic pressures of the times and the high expectations of being Thomas Jefferson the statesman, author, President, and Founding father of a nation must have been tremendous. Surely a day did not pass where he felt an overwhelming burden and responsibility to live the life set forth for him as a leader.
But the words are hollow and the justification empty. Thomas Jefferson did not practice liberty nor did he believe "all men are created equal." Knowing this truth is painful and serves as a reminder of the flaws of human beings.
Sunday, March 06, 2016
The Art of Teaching
Having spent a career studying great teachers and putting into practice myriad approaches to teaching, I am going to summarize my thoughts on what it means to achieve teaching excellence.
A good teacher knows the subject matter, sets the goals, and presents the information in a logical, sequential manner and in a such a way that students can use the knowledge to continue learning. Yes, teaching is about student learning in an environment that is both inspirational and focused on the subject at hand. For learning to take place, the teacher must create a climate of openness, mutual respect, and eagerness for knowledge. In such an environment, a variety of tools and methods can be implemented in order to encourage learning through dialog, lecture, technology, group activities, and a vast amount of web resources.
Because of differences in learning styles due to training, background, personality, aptitude, and receptiveness, it is necessary for a teacher to present information in a variety of ways, often reteaching a concept or an idea not only for emphasis but also to reach all types of students. Information must be delivered and communicated precisely with creativity, interest, and perception of the learners in the classroom. While learning can take place in stagnant environment whether online, virtual, or face-to-face, synchronous learning that involves personal interaction is the preferred communication and learning climate.
Regardless of the positive environment created by the teachers for the learners, there remains a need to inspire students and hold them accountable for the information. Inspiration can take many forms including organization, content, will power, personality, and varied experiences in and out of the classroom. An inspiring teacher is one who fosters interest in the subject matter and the desire to improve and strive for intellectual growth. Quality teaching results in eager students for learning and knowledge.
Accountability is a necessary and valuable part of teaching. Imparting information, sharing ideas, and communicating subject matter is particularly rewarding, but without any confirmation of the communication, teachers risk one-dimensional experiences that serve little purpose other than meeting the needs of the teacher. While we immediately begin thinking of tests, quizzes, and writing expectations, accountability, like teaching itself, can and should take many forms. The time tested Socratic method of teaching is a form of accountability as is perception of the experience. Quality teaching and communication in general have an abstract flavor that is almost indescribable yet perceived through body language, facial expressions, and general response of learners. This makes accountability both a science and an art, a joyful tool of assessing the efficacy of the teaching experience.
In a Christian context, teaching takes on a higher expectation of excellence, not unlike the life of Jesus Christ who communicated truth in a multitude of ways and demonstrated the ultimate sacrifice. As an example of quality teaching, Jesus lived the life he taught others and became a walking example of discipline, courage, truth and compassion. Applying this principle to today, teaching is not about delivering information but, instead, is about living it. The challenge to manifest truth can be overwhelming and sometimes impossible to attain, but the journey toward living out ones' faith and message is transformational both individually and collectively.
A good teacher knows the subject matter, sets the goals, and presents the information in a logical, sequential manner and in a such a way that students can use the knowledge to continue learning. Yes, teaching is about student learning in an environment that is both inspirational and focused on the subject at hand. For learning to take place, the teacher must create a climate of openness, mutual respect, and eagerness for knowledge. In such an environment, a variety of tools and methods can be implemented in order to encourage learning through dialog, lecture, technology, group activities, and a vast amount of web resources.
Because of differences in learning styles due to training, background, personality, aptitude, and receptiveness, it is necessary for a teacher to present information in a variety of ways, often reteaching a concept or an idea not only for emphasis but also to reach all types of students. Information must be delivered and communicated precisely with creativity, interest, and perception of the learners in the classroom. While learning can take place in stagnant environment whether online, virtual, or face-to-face, synchronous learning that involves personal interaction is the preferred communication and learning climate.
Regardless of the positive environment created by the teachers for the learners, there remains a need to inspire students and hold them accountable for the information. Inspiration can take many forms including organization, content, will power, personality, and varied experiences in and out of the classroom. An inspiring teacher is one who fosters interest in the subject matter and the desire to improve and strive for intellectual growth. Quality teaching results in eager students for learning and knowledge.
Accountability is a necessary and valuable part of teaching. Imparting information, sharing ideas, and communicating subject matter is particularly rewarding, but without any confirmation of the communication, teachers risk one-dimensional experiences that serve little purpose other than meeting the needs of the teacher. While we immediately begin thinking of tests, quizzes, and writing expectations, accountability, like teaching itself, can and should take many forms. The time tested Socratic method of teaching is a form of accountability as is perception of the experience. Quality teaching and communication in general have an abstract flavor that is almost indescribable yet perceived through body language, facial expressions, and general response of learners. This makes accountability both a science and an art, a joyful tool of assessing the efficacy of the teaching experience.
In a Christian context, teaching takes on a higher expectation of excellence, not unlike the life of Jesus Christ who communicated truth in a multitude of ways and demonstrated the ultimate sacrifice. As an example of quality teaching, Jesus lived the life he taught others and became a walking example of discipline, courage, truth and compassion. Applying this principle to today, teaching is not about delivering information but, instead, is about living it. The challenge to manifest truth can be overwhelming and sometimes impossible to attain, but the journey toward living out ones' faith and message is transformational both individually and collectively.
Thursday, February 04, 2016
Recent Speech
TAMS Presidential
Address
Robert Tucker
January 28, 2016
Music makes a
difference in our world whether that is in the concert hall, rehearsals,
entertainment, sporting events or even in nature. Sound is a result of
vibration and vibrations are around us all the time. Among the most dramatic musical sounds in
nature is the sound of the bird. A new species of bird called a Thrush was
recently discovered in the Himalayan forests. Although it is a Thrush,
scientists realized it was not the same as the Mountain variety of Thrushes
normally identified. A close look at the bird revealed it to have a slightly
shorter tail and shorter legs although still in the Thrush family. The
discovery was made due to the “tuneful song” played by the new species. When
compared with the Mountain Thrush, the forest thrush had an increased number of
notes and a steadier rhythm, musically catching the ear of the scientists and
making them aware of the different species. This is yet another example of the
role of music in our world. Music happens around us all the time, often
altering our perception of our environment, and affecting us in ways we cannot
always define, cannot always measure, but definitely making a difference on
many levels.
Imagine for a few
moments a world devoid of sound. While we know that this is impossible and
absurd, how would it alter our other senses, how it would it shape our emotions
and our aesthetics? When John Cage attempted to create a completely silent
environment, he heard the sound of his own heartbeat and the rushing of the
blood through his veins. Silence is not possible. The sounds we experience
every day are a form of music in our world. Those sounds and more have been
organized into a complex and joyous system of music as we know it and we as musicians
have taken sound to a new level of organization. With this system comes the
need for guidance and training to continue to develop music and musicians for
today. The driving force of sound combined with a healthy love for music gives
us the framework for our profession as music administrators.
In spite of the
obvious love for music that exists in society, there continues to be a veiled
or not so veiled suspicion that music does not serve the greater good and
ultimately costs more than the gain. Although not a new suspicion, after all we
can point to Plato who worried that music could cause unwanted emotions, it is a
pervasive concern in economic down times. This concern leads us to be alert to
possible budget cuts, resulting in our frequent need to advocate not only for
our students and our faculty but for music at large. Advocacy and
entrepreneurship have become standard buzz words for our profession and useful
in certain settings, particularly when reminding people of our value, but deep
down we wish it were not necessary. Isn’t it obvious that music makes a
significant difference in our world? Why don’t they understand?
I recall as a
young child, sitting on my father’s knee as he played guitar and sang to me.
One vivid memory takes me back to the day he sang a sweet prayerful lullaby
with a gentle rocking sound and a clear usage of tonal arpeggios…no, I did not
know the word arpeggio at the time! After singing the song, he told me it was a
melody from Beethoven’s 6th Symphony. To this day, when I hear the
piece or recall it my head, the memories come rushing back and I am filled with
joy at the sound and at the melody. If, however, the marvelous symphonic melody
only made a difference to me, it would not have a global impact but, in fact
the symphony, as all Beethoven symphonies tend to do, makes a profound
difference to thousands. Granted, the melody does have personal meaning. Yet you might have some kind of similar story
or experience at a young age, something that helped shape you into the person
you are today.
But knowing this
and feeling this does not necessarily pay the bills. Provosts and Vice
Presidents often remind us in meetings to increase revenues and decrease
expenses. While this conversation takes place every day in the business world,
such conversations seem to be escalating in academia. McDonalds continues to
explore ways to reduce expenses and increase revenues—all day breakfasts, no
more lobster sandwiches, only 1 napkin allowed per person, and boxes that form
into paper plates! One prominent coffee
shop closed several stores and then produced K cups for Keurig machines. Still
not satisfied with their revenues, they duped the public into purchasing a box
of K cups with only 10 cups per box rather than the typical 12. The empty space
in the box has now become filled with a slightly smaller box and thicker
cardboard for feel and weight…all to increase revenues and decrease expenses. General
Electric sold its traditional appliance business to concentrate on technology
for the future and Amazon offers Prime benefits which in the end help Amazon
grow in profits. To translate the academic language from the university
officials, we are encouraged to increase our numbers of students, maybe raise
our music fees, become more efficient, and be prepared for budget cuts. My MBA
side understands and respects this position, but my artistic side wants to
avoid its being central to our cause.
As I think about
the role of the music in the world and the charge to increase revenues and
decrease expenses, I realize I should have turned to my Dad when I was four
years old and told him that his guitar was too expensive and he should have
gotten a cheaper model—or even better he should have used a midi recording.
Perhaps his time spent singing old melodies should have been spent earning more
money and studying data and ratios, such as numbers of notes per rhythm or
maybe assessing the profit margins of Symphonies. Or maybe instead of singing
he should have just said to me, “Robert, imagine a nice melody in your head and
go out and earn more revenue and decrease expenses.” In fact, I probably should
have interrupted his song and told him that Beethoven should have composed one
symphony rather than nine and one piano sonata rather than thirty-two—that
would be much more efficient. Beethoven should have gotten a real job to
increase his revenue. Maybe compose a few notes, play those notes on the piano
(which by the way did cost some money—he probably could have used clay pots
instead!), and satisfied those who like music.
Or those silly
little thrushes in the forest making tuneful melodies…they could save some
breath by reducing their sound to just one note. Or perhaps at a Thrush
convention, they could encourage each other to increase revenues and decrease
expenses by avoiding sounds all together and stay in one bunch so as to
communicate with a slight nod or wing flap rather than making a sound, I mean
after all do they really have to make noise, much less a tuneful melody?
And yet while
birds simply sing because that is what they do, we hear it as music and
interpret it as beauty. Music becomes the tool for emotional satisfaction, for
cleansing, for expression, for representation, for meaning, for depth of
thought and ultimately for unification of society. It stands alone for its
power and for its ability to synthesize, meld, and blend into its own system of
resolution. Music seems to have the ability to bring people together and
emulsify conflict. It has been suggested that Elvis Presley did more for
integration of the races in the late 50s than did government action. Following
9/11, services were held across the nation using music as a tool for comfort.
Church services, weddings, funerals, sporting events, and gatherings of all
kinds use music to provide social emulsification. Music is our common ground
and music provides substantive meaning in culture around the world.
How often have we
noticed how a concert or a musical event seems to squelch or even cleanse
conflict? I often deal with faculty concerned about their students or worried
about an ensemble or even concern about another faculty member only to have
that concern magically alleviated at a concert where suddenly all is well. If
ultrasound technology is a more efficient way to emulsify immiscible
properties, then it makes sense that music is an efficient way to emulsify each
other. Oil and water may not mix but an emulsifying agent brings those elements
together. Did you use salad dressing at lunch today? Do you ever add cream to
your coffee or eat bread with butter? Do you use make up, lotions, or medical
ointments? All these and more are emulsifiers.
Music is an
emulsifier for our time as exemplified by the nature of music in everything we
do. Ours is a profession of music making and music preparation. We recognize
the value of sound and we order that sound into our musical vocabulary which we
then develop into a complex system worthy of knowledge and worthy of
practice. This practice forms our
schools into curricular programs, ensembles, faculty, classes, performances,
juries, budgets, assessment, syllabi, reviews, committees, meetings, donors,
scholarships, and evaluations. The demand for efficiency without sacrificing
quality often leads us to forget the very reason we became musicians in the
first place…because we love sound and believe in the essence of music, an
essence that makes a profound difference in the world. Advocate for music we
will do, and support it we shall, for to do otherwise is to give in to the
pressing urge for apathy in a world that looks for revenues greater than
expenses while, at the same time, and rather ironically, embracing and
requiring the sound that music offers to our culture.
As we deal with
the challenge in TAMS for greater revenue in light of recent policy changes,
let us remember that ultimately it is for the cause of music that we support
our organization and each other. Our revenue must exceed our expenses and we
will vote to find a way for that to happen. Yet regardless of our monetary
conclusion, in truth our revenue is music, and our expense is the hard work
that leads to the beauty of music in the world. As I finish these remarks I want to remind all
TAMS members to continue the respect, admiration, and equal regard we give to
all schools, large, small, state, or private and to continue to use music to
make a difference in the lives of our students. To the musical thrushes I say
thank you for the tuneful melodies and for the reminder of the meaning of
music; and to all TAMS members I say thank you for the opportunity to have
served this fine organization as President.
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