Ramblings of a Music Geek

Music Theory for Every Child

2009-03-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

Got this comment written from a parent on a homework assignment that was turned in this week. For the assignment, the student had to transcribe a song they already knew how to sing under the rhythm of the song that was already given to them on the worksheet. Then they had to put the song onto the staff.

"Not EVERY child is cut out to even learn music theory!"

This from the parent of a student who habitually refuses to participate in any activity in music. Priceless

Pardon my Dust

2009-02-16T13:48:00.000-08:00

I'm making some changes to the blog...hang tight while I work out the stuff. I will be back soon.

The Deafening of America

2008-12-17T13:27:00.000-08:00

Last sunday was our Church Sunday School Christmas Pageant. Normally this is a pretty innocuous event where the children put on a small play, sing a few songs (usually out of tune), and the bells play their Christmas music. This year, however, the program was an exercise in "how loud can you scream" when you"sing". Now, I'll be the first to admit that I am a music snob, but the mere fact that the Sunday School teachers kept shouting "sing louder, sing louder" and "oh that was beautiful" proves to me that America is going deaf. These kids were even mic'd so there was no reason to scream. If there is one thing that I have learned this year from watching other master music teachers and watching my own classes with my student teacher it is that kids need to sing SOFTLY in order to produce a healthy and age-appropriate sound. My 1st graders at school were having so much trouble matching pitch and finding their singing voices until I asked them to sing softly. Bam! Problem fixed. I have now transferred this to all my classes. Whether it's singing, playing recorders or xylophones, or even just saying a poem and clapping a rhythm...when it's done softly and gently it become musical. Now if only I had time to work with the Sunday School Kids. ;)

Prop 8 Video brilliance

2008-12-04T15:29:00.000-08:00

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

One for the BLog

2008-11-25T13:23:00.000-08:00

THis note written on an assignment handed back to me today from a parent:

"I'm deaf so I'm having a hard time hearing him, so I just watch him and follow the dots"

Classic.

Bye Bye Betty Crocker

2008-11-24T17:07:00.000-08:00

Growing up, the go-to standard cookbook was the good old Betty Crocker cookbook. So when I began my obsession with cookbooks I naturally purchased it as the centerpiece of my collection. It became my bible for everything from cakes to how to cook an egg. I have always been a fan of America's Test Kitchen on PBS so about 6 months ago I purchased their Family Cookbook. In the past 6 months we have made many recipies out of this cook book: chicken enchiladas, lasagne, soup, stew, corn bread, quiche, fried eggs, etc. Each and every recipie was sheer perfection. I am totally in love with this cookbook. It's true that I'm a cooking geek, but if you are looking for THE cookbook either as a novice cook or more experience one like myself, this one is AMAZING!!

Happy Anniversary

2008-09-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it's been a year already since I married this wonderful lady. Our time together this past year has been better than ever and I love her more every day. It has been an adventure and continues to be one that we travel together with great success.

Happy Anniversary Elissa!

Stop Doing Tina!

2008-08-27T15:08:00.001-07:00

Hilarious!

See more Kristin Chenoweth videos at Funny or Die

My Famous Sister

2008-07-03T14:16:00.001-07:00

So I got an email from my dad last week with a link to a CNN news story. It was a video story all about my (step)sister Leslie and her family in Paris and how she is taking action in the upcoming elections. "Mamma's for Obama" is the group she started. Take a look. It's interesting even if you don't know her.

Awkward

2008-07-01T19:00:00.001-07:00

Yikes, is all I have to say.

http://www.photobasement.com/awkward/

Super Summer Coolness

2008-06-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

One of the great perks of being a teacher is access to technology. So, this summer I checked out an LCD projector from school for the purpose of using it at the various handbell events that I will be attending with Dean. Last Monday Elissa and I both had a tremendous idea to use this LCD projector to show movies on our garage. It was really the best idea ever! Last week we spent a couple of nights watching shows from Hulu on the "big screen" in our front yard. Future plans are to show a movie to friends celebrating my 30th birthday (coming up on June 22). Pictures to follow!

Karma is good

2008-05-28T07:39:00.001-07:00

So I just found out that the music minister that fired me from a church job because I was "living in sin" with Elissa before we were married has just resigned from her position. The word on the street was that either she resigned or she was going to be fired effective immediatly. Also, rumors are saying that her and her husband are splitting. Wonder what her bible-thumping thoughts are on Divorce? It's all very sad, and I do hope she finds happiness in her next endeavor but one has to wonder if this is Karma coming around to kick her in the ass.

The life of Public Education...testing

2008-04-23T11:43:00.001-07:00

Here's a brilliant little music video done by Tom Chapin about what public education is like today. It's pretty fantastic!

http://www.notonthetest.com/index.html

Thanks to computers, now no one needs to be musically literate!

2008-04-17T15:24:00.001-07:00

Someone sent me this video about a new piece of software that allows users to sing a melody into a microphone and the software automatically adds a piano accompaniment to match it. I watched the first part of the video and I thought, "hey, cool, this would be a sorta neat thing to use with my students." Then I watched further and got to the testimonials:
"I wanted to write this jingle down, but I don't know how to write music"
" I wanted to sing my girlfriend a song, but I don't play any instruments"
"Thanks to MYSONG I don't even have to write a new song"
"I'm gonna be a big star someday, but I don't play any instruments"

.....I got very sad.

Call me a music snob, elitist, or whatever, but as a music educator I feel that EVERYONE should be able to read and write basic music and be able to play an instrument. I would love to see how this piece of software handles someone who can't match a pitch or cannot keep a consistent beat. At least with Garageband, you have the option of seeing it as actual notes on a staff and manipulating the melody that way.

This piece of software is like giving a 1st grader a computer program that allows them to be in a "Shakespeare" play just because they can speak in a funny British accent. Can they read the play? Can the appreciate it? Can they write their own?

But, this did provide me with a good laugh. Especially when the one girl sings her beautiful song "Bob's deli, we put stuff on your bread. Bob's deli, our things don't have no lead". Literacy? bah, who needs it?

I have more...but my 1st graders are coming in. Perhaps I'll just let them bang on the xylophones, record it and send it to Orchestra Hall. Gosh they LOOK cute...
Thus ends my rant. And Here's the Video:

Find more videos like this on Ramblings of a Music Geek

Blogged with the Flock Browser

The rules have changed

2008-04-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

As a result of the crummy housing market, the mortgage rules have changed. No longer can you have 2 FHA loans. What does that mean for us? It means we have to either sell our house or find $12,000 for a down payment if we want to move any time soon. Anyone got that laying around and want to make a donation to a needy family?

*sigh* the waiting and hoping continues.

Gotta get out

2008-04-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

It's official, our house is now on the market and ready for people to buy. We are even considering rental offers due to the current real estate climate. We are really motivated to sell it soon because we found a house that we REALLY like and we can't do anything until we have our house sold. So, here's the listing, give it to all your friends and help us sell it!

or you can rent it for $1400/mo

I'm totally missing the point

2008-03-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

So lately, I've been watching clips of Godspell on YouTube. It stars Victor Garbor as Jesus and has some moments of real power, but the rest is completely silly. The main thing that I don't understand is why Jesus is portrayed as a "clown" and acts very scarecrow like? Does anyone have any insight into this? I find it completely mystifying. Is it a comment on that Jesus was seen as a clown or that no one took him seriously? It's very bizzare.

Sometimes I just need a laugh

2008-03-28T11:38:00.001-07:00

Ya know how girls have the pants with words on their butts? Here's a case of a word that probably was not the best choice:

Today I was teaching a 3rd grade class and I looked over at this girl who was laying on the floor and I noticed that her butt said "ASSY". I began to say something to her about how inappropriate her pants were, and then she moved and I saw that there was another "S" at the beginning. I had a good laugh to myself and found that I really needed to lighten up today. Then I got to thinking, if that was my daughter, would I really want her butt to be a banner for words? It's hard enough for boys when girls aren't wearing readable clothing...why do I think about these things when I have no kids and I'm teaching 3rd graders?

Happy Friday!

Yeah, like I need one more thing to do

2008-03-08T11:36:00.001-08:00

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you probably have heard me lament the fact that I have no creative outlet right now. To an artist, this is a very big deal...especially a 'teacher-artist' who gives of my artistry on a daily basis but has no way of recharging my soul. It is draining. You may also have read about my thoughts on a revolutionary handbell ensemble that does away with tables and incorporates movement, dance, and organic elements.

Well, hopefully I am on the road to addressing both of these issues. I am not yet at liberty to divulge any information on this new endeavor, only to say that it will be great, amazing, and creatively satisfying. So, yay for me and I'll blog more about it when the details have been solidified.

Cinnabon Cereal

2008-02-26T15:16:00.001-08:00

Okay, I'll be the first to admit it. I'm a label reader. Enjoy walking down the aisles of the grocery store and reading what they put into our food. Mostly I just look, laugh, and return the items to the shelf as they all contain ridiculous ingredients that I wouldn't be caught dead putting in my body. However, Sunday night Elissa and I found ourselves in the cereal aisle staring at the newest addition: Cinnabon Cereal. I laughed heartily and picked up the box to read the label.

I was shocked! It was actually made out of good stuff:
INGREDIENTS: WHOLE OAT FLOUR, WHOLE BROWN RICE FLOUR, TURBINADO BROWN SUGAR, FRUIT JUICE CONCENTRATE (PINEAPPLE, PEAR, APPLE, PEACH), WHEAT FLOUR, WHEAT STARCH, MAKARA® CINNAMON, HONEY, CANOLA OIL, NATURAL FLAVORS, CALCIUM CARBONATE.

No hydrogenated oils or High Fructose corn syrup. In fact, Turbinado sugar is one of the purest most natural form of sugar you can find! Then I compared the nutritional info with my beloved Honey Nut Cherrios.

(Honey Nut Cherrios)

(Cinnabon Cereal)

I'm not saying that it's health food,, but no sodium, more fiber, not much more sugar, and better ingredients! Hello Cinnabon Cereal!

Blogged with Flock

Genius

2008-02-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

So, I'm just now realizing the genious of the show 30 Rock...check this out:

Sunday Night

2008-02-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

Momentary stupidity on Risotto night. Don't worry, no stitches.

Do you have a cat?

2008-01-24T15:18:00.000-08:00

I love this video. It really makes me smile everytime I watch it...it reminds me of what ELissa and I go through every morning with sookie. If you have a cat, you understand.

Find more videos like this on Ramblings of a Music Geek

Safety has never been this much fun!

2008-01-22T17:51:00.001-08:00

Recently on our trip to Washington DC on Sun Country, Elissa and I disturbed much of the plane by laughing at these hysterical images we found in the safety booklet.

Two things come to mind:
1. If you are a ballerina and you are going to crash, do you have to put on the tu-tu?
2. Is it really recommended that you use your baby as an airbag?

One has to wonder if WIlly Wonka was the cause of the crash and what did he do with all the oompa loompas?

Blogged with Flock

Huzzah for mediocrity

2008-01-11T04:50:00.000-08:00

So last night was the vote for our teaching contract in District 11. The entire process of getting a new contract this year has been nothing short of disrespectful, manipulative, and frustrating coming from the district. It was a pretty dismal settlement with vague promises of "looking in to workload issues" and basically the same insurance coverage we had in the last contract. Add that on top of the way we were treated during the whole process and I was ready for many people to vote against it. Boy was I wrong. I never expected it to be voted down, but I didn't expect so many people to vote yes! It passed by 93%!!!! What is wrong with people?!?! Are they that blind to the fact that the administrators are totally playing with us and laughing all the way to the bank? This is ridiculous. I couldn't even get to sleep last night because I was so upset by the events of yesterday. It's such a powerless feeling knowing that you are in the right and have the law on your side but so many people just follow and do as their told without thought. Ack! Digging ditches is looking pretty appealing to me today.

2008-01-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

Music teachers had planned a staff development meeting for January 17th. After it had been approved by many of the buildings, and certain administrators got wind of it...well, here's the email I got today concerning it's future:

Hi All -

I have heard that district administration has requested that the 17th be canceled. After talking with Sandy Skaar this is a violation of state law. There does not need to be district approval of site staff development dollars. Site development dollars should be controlled by a teacher dominated staff development committee. In other words, if teachers want to get together for collaboration and observation no district official or administrator has veto power.

Several buildings have already had monies approved and this SD does not need approval from anyone other than your team. I will keep you posted, as I have asked for clarification on this unilateral decision

Wow.

You know you're a music geek when...

2008-01-10T10:10:00.001-08:00

you look at the rubber band you have just thrown on your desk and marvel at how it "magically" made a treble clef shape....really this is not a posed picture, it just happened.

Photos from New Years Eve in DC

2008-01-04T07:59:00.001-08:00

Find more photos like this on Wassup Bitches!?

The wedding DVD...what was this guy on?

2007-12-23T08:27:00.000-08:00

Last week Elissa and I got our wedding DVD. We were totally excited to see it and were so happy that my dad had arranged to have the ceremony recorded. Then we watched the video. Like all things about our relationship, the video was a comedy of errors. Had the videographer taken a moment to look at the wedding bulletin, he probably would have been better informed. But it was obvious that this guy really liked to do things "in the moment". Most of the time he forgot to turn off the lapel mic that I was wearing, so when I would sing the hymns, it would totally obliterate all other sound and leave the recording with static...not to mention when I went to go and light the unity candle, it sounded like I was wearing a rubber tuxedo.

The only saving grace was that there were 2 cameras set up and one was NOT tapped in to my lapel mic. Had the video editor even had an iota of sensibility, he would have switched angles at the point where the sound was bad, avoiding the very unprofessional result that he eventually put onto DVD. After a couple of emails back and forth with the "editor" of the video (who was not the same guy who did the video recording...in fact the editor lives in OHIO), it was clear to me that this guy had no idea how to edit a professional video. I will spare you the description of the cheesy animation and horrible sitcom-like music that accompanied the beginning and end of the video to quote you from his email:

"until the last year or so, VHS has been the main way that people have watched video Media." Huh? Where has this guy been? VHS has not been the main media format for about 5-8 years.

So, now after about 3 hours of work in imovie (thank God for Apple), I have a video that looks far more professional and has become something that I would actually watch in the years to come. I just hope that we can get some money back from these guys...cuz it really isn't worth the DVD's it is burned to.

Anyone wanna watch a wedding video?

Handbell Hero #2?

2007-12-21T10:30:00.001-08:00

I can't believe that there is more than one of these. This one, I think is far more legitimate than the previous link that I posted. In this game, there are actual people on the screen playing the handbells as you press the keys. Way fun.

Thoughts on Christmas Fest.

2007-12-20T07:19:00.001-08:00

So, last night I was watching St. Olaf's Christmas Festival on PBS and two things struck me:

I was shocked an amazed to see an entire handbell choir on stage participating in the festival. Handbells have always been an afterthought, usually played by the brass players in the orchestra to add "color" to one of the acapella pieces. This year Steve Amundson, the orchestra conductor (of whom I will always be in awe) wrote a new orchestra song in which the handbells play a MAJOR part. They don't just play an ostinato off and on sporadically in the composition, they are FEATURED and play throughout the ENTIRE THING!!!! It was incredible.
no matter what year I watch Christmas fest, It always seems like it's the same people singing...I feel like I see people that I know. Ole's just have a "look" about them. Is that weird?

Blogged with Flock

Goodbye video stores

2007-12-18T14:10:00.001-08:00

A new service called hulu.com has come around offering videos/TV shows on demand for free (right now). Here's The Breakfast Club". I'd hate to ahve stock in Blockbuster.

The Breakfast Club

Blogged with Flock

Handbell Hero

2007-12-17T20:28:00.001-08:00

For those of you familiar with the popular video game...this totally rocks my world

Check it out: http://www.haanmc.com/sandbox/handbellhero/

Bad Karma

2007-12-17T06:46:00.001-08:00

So it seems that I have stumbled into some bad karma these past couple of weeks. Last week it was car trouble, money issues, and food difficulties. This week, I seem to have screwed up my back somehow. Ack! Why can't I just have a normal week where things are somewhat good?

Today we are supposed to find out the details of our contract negotiations. Keep your fingers crossed for something good.

Did you read this?

2007-12-14T05:03:00.001-08:00

So I hadn't really read the article about our contract agreement as of my last post, but now I'm really angry. In addition to making it sound like the district had come to the bargining table willingly with offers, they said this:
"The real cost to the district will be greater, however, because
teachers receive automatic increases for experience and additional
higher education credits."

AUTOMATIC PAY INCREASES!!!!!?!?!?!?! What!?!?!?! Like in any job, teachers get more pay for more experience and education. We spend hundreds of hours a year and thousands of dollars of OUR OWN MONEY to get these credits.

I am so angry right now...and I know that the teachers in my district are once again going to roll over and take this deal. What a joke. Once again the district has won and will continue to reign and treat us like second rate citizens who don't have extensive education and degrees to our credit.

Yet another slap in the face

2007-12-13T20:11:00.001-08:00

As of my last post we were told that we had reached a tentative agreement with the district, but that until it had gone to the Union board of directors and they went through all the steps to ratify it for the vote, no details would be given out. Then what do we see in today's newspaper? Yup, all the details of the agreement given to the paper by our wonderful school district.

Their response? "Oops. Sorry. Next time we will go through the proper channels"

So now who looks bad if we vote the agreement down? Yup, you guessed it. The teachers.

This tentative agreement is nothing stellar either. It's not even close to 3% each year. But, knowing how things usually go in our district, the teachers will probably take it and life will go on as an underpaid, unappreciated, employee.

Should I go elsewhere? Or will it just be as bad there?

Work to Rule Update

2007-12-11T19:33:00.001-08:00

So today there is scuttlebut about a tentative agreement on our contract. I am a bit leery of this as it came WAY too fast in reference to all the talk i was hearing. Hopefully we will have more information available tomorrow. Let's just hope we don't get screwed.

Work to Rule, makes me drool

2007-12-08T18:41:00.001-08:00

Elissa is out tonight doing stuff with Vocal Essence So, here I am watching RENT and baking Christmas cookies and sort of reflecting on things in my life right now. I was at a music teachers Christmas party last night where the hot topic was, of course, the lack of a contract, work to rule, and the District's crappy treatment of its teachers. For those of you not familiar with "work to rule" it means that all the teachers in the district wait outside their buildings until the work day is supposed to start and then all go in together. We then all leave together at the end of the work day. All extra-curricular activities have been canceled and planning time is at a premium. At first I was worried because I usually get to school an hour before the duty day starts just to get things planned and in order for the day. But i have actually found it liberating and motivating. I actually get all my planning done during my prep time! Go figure! However, the lessons are bare bones and I really have no time for any extra creative lesson ideas.

Anyway, within the conversations last night someone asked if they thought we would be going on strike...This was asked to someone who is on the negotiations team and really is in on the inside of things...he said that it was VERY possible and that the District really is pulling a power play.

Going on strike is a very scary proposition.

I do manage to save some money from my paycheck every week, but it certainly isn't enough to keep me going for more than a month or so. Let's just hope that we settle this contract soon without having to strike.

Keep your fingers crossed

Running on Empty

2007-11-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

I'm totally empty...there isn't much left...not quite sure how much longer I can go...

For the past year it's been lots of output from my creative/emotional gas tank but nothing going back in. Last week I found myself having these very strange mood swings, to the point where I was scaring myself. It seems like all I do is give, give, give, of my artistry and I have no way of getting anything back. I teach for 6 hours a day, then I spend 2 evenings at church giving some more to the bell choirs, and on the weekends I teach at workshops or at church or go out with friends.

Nowhere in my life is there anything that is allowing me to create beauty myself. I just don't have the time. I am aching to be in a musical or sing in a choir. I almost cried last weekend when I was sitting in a reading session, surrounded by other wonderful voices who were making music with me and not for me.

This has to change.

Honestly the only way that it can change is if I give up my church job, or find a way to only go 1 night a week instead of 2. I love having the $$, but is it really worth it when everything else in my life is suffering?

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE teaching and everyday I am excited to be in my classroom with my kids (well, almost everyday). But there is a huge difference between that and creating something myself with other trained musicians.

I'll be okay. But if you see anything that I can audition for, please let me know.

Tales from the Choir Loft

2007-11-06T06:07:00.000-08:00

I gotta say that I love Elissa's new job with Vocal Essence. The perks are great! On Saturday Vocal Essence sponsored a concert by the Russian Patriarche choir. This is a group of 12 men from Russia who sing Russian Sacred and folk music. It was a sold out concert however, Elissa got me, Andrew, and Eric free seats in the choir loft at the back of the Basilica of St. Mary's. Talk about awesome seats. We were high above everyone and had a great bird's eye view of the concert. Totally the best seats in the house!

The concert itself was incredible and very moving. I was amazed by the amount of sound these 12 guys put out! They filled the Bascilica with the most luscious, soaring voices that I had ever heard.

Guilty Pleasures

2007-11-03T13:51:00.001-07:00

A few months ago we were forced to get cable TV in order to get cheaper internet service. It's only basic cable, so we only get a few extra channels that we didn't have before. One of the new channels is Disney Channel. I have to say that I'm totally hooked on Hannah Montana. Yes, it's a little embarrassing...but I don't care. Saturday Hannah Montana marathon here I come!

Total addiction

2007-10-17T10:22:00.001-07:00

So this game has me totally addicted!

It's dissapointment/dissillusionment Friday

2007-10-12T14:07:00.001-07:00

Here at School we have had a rash of very bold robberies. Someone has been going in to classrooms and stealing things out of teacher's purses and locked drawers. It was very worrisome because yes, our kids are squirrelly and can't listen, but I would never peg any of them as theives...especially the one who finally got caught yesterday.

A teacher walked in to her room and found this student under her desk stuffing items into a bag from a locked drawer. This "thief" was someone that NONE Of us suspected. She was the sweetest, brightest, and most talented student in her classroom. She has been on all of the "special" groups here at school, was a school patrol leader, was beloved by her teachers and counted on to help out. How disheartening it was to find out that such a good kid was hiding this darkness inside her. When caught, she said she would have kept on doing it if she hadn't gotten caught. Not even sure if there is any remorse there.

So, what happened to this kid? Is she seeking attention? Did something go wrong at home? Was she just bored because she was so brilliant? Hmmm. I'm sad that I can no longer count on this student to help me or to set an example to her classmates. I will no longer see her the same way and that is too bad.

The game of Bunnies

2007-10-12T07:04:00.001-07:00

I must thank Dean for turning me on to the video podcast TikiBar TV. It's totally hilarious plus the added bonus of a really hot girl. Here is one of my favorite episodes:

Sweeney Todd...the movie

2007-10-08T20:13:00.001-07:00

It's about time Sondheim made it onto the silver screen. I just hope they dont' mess it up too badly. They did a nice job translating RENT. Hopefully this will still have the virtuosic music.

Teaching in quicksand

2007-10-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how many people who read my blog have ever taught a classroom full of kids (or adults for that matter) but thoes who have I'm sure can sympathize with my day.

Today was one of those days that just kept getting more and more frustrating for me. Usually when a lesson is not being grasped by the students, I am able to modify on the fly and just keep going. I say usually because today was a day of teaching in quicksand. No matter what direction I went, the kids were lost. No matter how hard I tried to make them understand the simplest of directions no one was listening. It's a terrible feeling to know that you need to change activities, but can't because no matter where you go, the students will not be able to handle it: Games are out, instruments are out, so that leaves me with singing songs or clapping rhythm patterns...just kidding. I managed to get through the day. But it left me with a HUGE headache and that sinking feeling that my teaching is stuck in a rut and needs to get a kickstart and that I need to go back and re-vamp my curriculum for the year. ug. Some days this job drives me to drink...Rumplemintz here I come.

I"m back!

2007-10-04T04:43:00.000-07:00

a few months ago I made the switch from Blogger over here to Ning (as you can see by the previous post). I love Ning and everything it is and allows me to do. Unfortunately, my school district has blocked access to all Ning.com sites (gasp) which is now forcing me to go back and do my blogging on Blogger.com. You can still access my posts from this website, but soon things will be changing...

Since I am using feedburner to send out the RSS for my blog, that will not change, so if you are subscribed that way, you will not be affected. Once my vision is clear of what I want to do I will post something here for y'all to read. Till then. I'm off to do some web designing...well, not really, but it sounds impressive.

Making the switch

2007-04-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

Alright folks. The day has come. I'm making a full switch over to Ning. Please update all your bookmarks and RSS readers to reflect this change. I will no longer be updating my Blogger blog (unless, I find a really cool way to do it) Blogger has become to complicated and now I can have all my stuff in one spot. Enjoy the new home!

http://paulweller.ning.com

bananas are amazing

2007-04-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

Have you ever really looked at a banana? It goes through an amazing transformation in it's life. When you get a green one, the skin is thick, green, and tough to open. As it ages, the skin gets thinner, yellow, brown, and more delicate until it's just mush. It practically decomposes before your eyes.

Plus, just think of all the fun bananas bring:
- you can use them as a telephone
- put them into a banana split
- make banana bread/cake
- use the peel when you need a prat fall
- It gave us the Chaquita banana song
- Monkeys eat them...how fun are monkeys?!?!?
- People with dirty minds may have other uses, but I'm gonna keep this PG

Or could it be that I'm just really trying to keep myself awake by eating a banana hoping it will give me some inspiration.

Back to the Grind

2007-04-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Spring break is over and I'm back at work today. To say that I'm unmotivated would be an understatement. I didn't think that I could feel as burned out as I did last year, but here it is April and I'm just wiped out. Worked all week on my Master's Summary paper and finally got it finished and set off to be edited. Hopefully there won't be too much to change or improve. Now I just have to hang on until the end of this month and I'm home free. Got 2 concerts at school coming up, 3 more class sessions, and a portfolio to put together and then I will have a Master's Degree. WHEEEEEEE!! Who's buying me a drink on May 4th?

New Pictures on the Site

2007-04-06T14:29:00.001-07:00

For thoes of you who missed my famous turn as Frankie in Forever Plaid, I have posted pictures on my website. It was so much fun. Perhaps someday I'll do another show. Stay tuned folks.

Addicted to Ning.com

2007-04-05T20:15:00.001-07:00

Hi, my name is Paul and I'm addicted to Ning.com.
I was first introduced to Ning.com about a year ago by Kyle, a friend of mine from High School. He works there so he was way pumped about this new social networking site. About a month ago they introduced a brand new Ning.com and it's completly awesome. If you haven't visited one of the sites I built on this new platform, you really should go check out ning.com. Soon, I am hoping to move the entire Handbell Podcast website to Ning...making it an incredible tool for the handbell community.
This week alone I have created or updated 7 Social networking sites on Ning:

* My own personal site
* The Weller Family (must be a Weller to join)
* The Green Lake Famliy (invite only)
* Orff Friends (must be a certified Orff-Schulwerk teacher to join)
* A Wedding website (invite only)
* Wassup Bitches?! (invite only)
* Anoka Hennepin Music Teachers (invite Only)

and the one I'm particularly proud of:

* The Handbell Community (brought to you by The Handbell Podcast)

But now I can't stop. This is crazy. Someone needs to help me get control, or just keep me busy on one of these other sites by posting blog posts, discussions, photos, and videos.

Spring Break!

2007-04-01T15:04:00.001-07:00

I'm on SPRING BREAK!  Last night I actually stayed out until 3am sitting in a hot tub with my cousin and his wife.  It was way fun.  What are my plans for the rest of the week you ask?  Nothing exciting, I have to finish writing my summary paper, do  my taxes, and pay bills.  But at least I'll get to sleep in till 7 or 8 wheeee!

I'm screaming frustrated

2007-03-22T11:49:00.001-07:00

The state of education in this country is VERY dismal...however, the state of ethics that we are supposed to demonstrate in schools is even worse. Take for example, my school. Our discipline policy is crap and because the district decide kids need exercise (as if that's our job to manage) we can no longer take Recess away as punishment. This has left us flaccid. We have no consequences to hand out to the kids. Combine that with weak and absent parenting and you get a society run by idiots.

Today I heard about one of our students bashing another student's heads against the sidewalk on the way home from school yesterday. It was so violent that a community member who observed this said the child was "acting like an animal". Needless to say this was not the attackers first offense. What was is punishment you might ask? Was he expelled from our school? Taken away by the police and thrown in jail? Nope, he was given a vacation. He gets to spend 5 days in the "suspension school".

Just imagine if you or I had done this to another adult or even another child. We would be in jail faster than Michael Jackson's nose melting on a hot day. The attacker gets to come back to school to terrorize this poor kid another day. Huzzah for our educational system...districts too concerned about getting sued and can't stand up and say when something is wrong.

Call the kettle black already!

I'm too angry...must stop this rant before it gets too long. Comment if you feel so moved.

What about the Ugly Asians?

2007-03-20T20:05:00.001-07:00

hot asian
Originally uploaded by pkweller.

Yes...honestly this is a sign I found at my local GROCERY STORE! I'll bet you thought it was some new hip club here in the Twin Cities. When I first saw this sign I had pictures of hot Asian men in tight pants (not that this image does anything for me...but, you know) dancing around to techno music. I'm sure people in the store must of thought I was nuts as I walked around laughing outloud to myself about the thought of a "Hot Asian Bar" inside the Cub Foods. Could this be construed as racist? But then again, to quote that famous broadway musical: "Everyone's a little bit racist...sometimes" Enjoy a snicker while I have a pot sticker.

2nd Grade Humor

2007-03-19T14:06:00.001-07:00

I love the fact that 2nd graders don't get sarcasm. This one kid started to tattle on someone and said,

"I was over there..."

and I interrupted him and said,

"yes and now you are over here. Isn't that great?"

The other adult in the room with me just lost it as this little kid looked at me with the most confused face you've ever seen. I had a hard time teaching the rest of the hour because whenever I looked at her, she started laughing again.

Priceless.

Weddings are Ridiculous

2007-03-14T17:16:00.001-07:00

I'm not talking about the actual ceremony or the institution of marriage, I'm talking about the frickin' cost of the damn thing. I mean c'mon why does one have to go into debt in order to profess one's love for a fellow human being? This wedding we are planning is going to be amazing, fun, and the party of the century, but we are going to be paying for it for the next 10 years! Sheesh. I think we need to cut back on things. How would everyone feel about bringing a box lunch or perhaps a pot luck hotdish to pass? I'd better start saving my pennies now.

Twitter...yes, again.

2007-03-11T11:39:00.001-07:00

I know that I have said this before, but I'm gonna say it again for those who weren't listening. EVERYONE needs a Twitter account. What is Twitter you ask? Well, twitter is...um...well, it is a communications gateway that asks the question: “What are you doing now?” Users can answer and hear their friends’ answers via SMS (phone text message), via IM, or on a webpage. It's quite addicting and allows friends to keep in touch via little everyday things instead of lengthy emails or blog posts.

Need more convincing? Check out this article on 5 ways to use Twitter for Good.

Now...go and sign up RIGHT NOW

Oprah Garbage

2007-03-10T09:26:00.001-08:00

So to make up for the snow day where class was canceled last week, our instructor is showing us a video right now. Keep in mind that this is a class called "Ethics". The video is called "the Secret" and was shown and talked about on Oprah (each time I type her name I type opera instead of oprah... really have to think hard about how to type that). The secret of this video is that it's motivational, positive thinking, crap. What the hell does this have to do with ethics? It's touchy-feely-daytime TV-garbage. All it's doing is retelling the old philosophy that positive thinking nets you positive results. Duh! WHy do I need to waste 90min of a saturday watching this garbage.

I want a drink and its not even noon yet.

I've got a new home

2007-03-08T05:43:00.001-08:00

Hello everybody!

So i've moved my blog to Ning.com because I'm totally in love with how it looks and the fact that I can put all my pictures, videos and stuff in one place. Soon the blogger page will look like the other site, but right now I'm being lazy...wait what am I saying, I'm in the middle of writing a HUGE paper, taking 2 classes at St. mary's, teaching, and directing 3 handbell choirs. Sheesh, I should wish to be lazy. So, stop on by the new site and join as a member...you can even create your own blog right on my blog site or post something to the fourm.

Enjoy

Oh, here's the link

SNOW DAY!!

2007-03-02T10:47:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we were all cursing our district for not closing as we dug our cars and helped each other push them out of the parking lot. Today, they graciously gave us a snow day and a 3-day weekend (I'm sure that was their plan all along...ha ha). But it certainly was warranted. At last count (and the snow is still falling) we had about 15 inches of snow on the ground and the piles of shoveled show are HUGE. I just got back in from shoveling my car out of the parking space. I love the snow! We have not had a good snow in MN in a very long time, so I am totally excited for it. Now if only I knew a good place to rent and go cross country skiing. Here are a few pics from this morning

My Life is Complete!

2007-02-26T15:05:00.000-08:00

For those who know me, know that I am TERRIBLE at returning phone calls. I just don't go well with listening to voicemails and then remembering they are in my phone. For years I have been looking for a way to see my voicemail either by sending them to my email account or some online thing. Well, I found it today! A widget that I have placed on my dashboard will make my voicemails visual! Hope against hope that now I will be able to return more phone calls. The best news is that it's FREE!

A New Musical

2007-02-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

Okay, when I first saw this listed as a new musical by Duncan Sheik, I was a bit skeptical, but I have to say that I am floored by the music and the storyline. Check out this song from the show. I have the soundtrack on order, so I'll give you a full reivew when I get a chance to listen to it all.

David Hasslehoff...yes, it's as bad as I thought

2007-02-14T20:16:00.001-08:00

I love the Musical Jekyll and Hyde and unfortunately the only video version has Mr. Hasslehoff as the lead. Yes, it's as bad as I thought it was going to be. Enjoy!

You've never what???

2007-02-12T11:26:00.000-08:00

So I was in the teacher's lounge just now, when I expressed the fact that I have never been in the Metrodome (our professional sporting facility). I was met with shocked, confused, and repulsed faces as if EVERYONE has been there because sports rules the world.

Then I asked if any of them had ever been to Orchestra Hall. Two out of 6 raised their hands...but nobody looked shocked or horrified.

Hmmmm...further proof that professional sports is lost on me.

Butterflies - Still

2007-02-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

You know what I think is neat? Every week when I write new lesson plans for my kids, I get butterflies just before they come in. Sometimes I am excited about the lesson and I really want to see how it goes with the kids, and sometimes these butterflies are caused by my lesson plan extending outside my comfort level trying something new. Either way, these are good butterflies and it makes me love my job even more. No day is ever the same here and nothing ever goes quite as planned. It's like performing experiments all day.

I just wanted to share some positivity today...after all the negativity that has been going around this school lately.

Thar She Blows...on the stage?

2007-02-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

I remember back a year or so ago, my dad and I were discussing a musical based on the novel Moby Dick. It was a ridiculous premise with chorus lines and a strange ensemble number called "thar she blows" in which captain Ahab did a little tap dance. I don't remember how exactly we came to this topic or how it eventually ended. Although I do remember it being absolutely hysterical! Can you imagine a stage full of men dressed as sailors singing a chorus of "thar she blows"? Priceless right?

Well, today, I was stumbling around the net to kill some time, when I found a new Opera all about...yup, you guessed it: Moby Dick. "Call Me Ishmael" is the name of this and the tagline says: "More than a musical - more than an opera". Searching the site I didn't find any mention of a big musical number featuring that famous line "thar she blows". Although there is a ballet showing a "wild orgy of drunkenness below deck".

All I can say is...next time dad, we'd better keep the ideas a secret

New Website

2007-02-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hey, Check out this new website I just created

An Explanation

2007-02-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

A reader of my blog suggested that I explain yesterday's joke for the non musical geeks in my audience. So, here goes: Yesterday was Phillip Glass's Birthday and I was listening to NPR's Composers Datebook when I heard the joke. Phillip Glass is a 20th century composer who is part of the minimalist school of music. He is famous for writing music that has lots of ostinati (repeating melodic or rhythmic patterns that go on and on). Hence the joke that just keeps going on and on forever.

Okay, so maybe it's only funny to me

However, I LOVE Phillip Glass. There is something extremely calming and so unique about the complex simplicity of his music. He is a huge supporter of Tibet's fight for freedom and wrote the music for Martin Scorsese's KUNDUN. Kundun is an amazing movie with haunting music that tells the story of the current incarnation of the Dalai Lama and his fight for peace in the world.

My favorite new joke

2007-01-31T08:23:00.000-08:00

Knock Knock...

Who's There?

Phillip Glass

Phillip Glass Who?

Knock Knock...Who's There? - Phillip Glass - Phillip Glass Who? Knock Knock...Who's There? - Phillip Glass - Phillip Glass Who? Knock Knock...Who's There? - Phillip Glass - Phillip Glass Who? Knock Knock...Who's There? - Phillip Glass - Phillip Glass Who?

Sorry if you don't get it, It's a joke for music nerds. I find it hilarious!

Music Geeks Unite

2007-01-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

This guy has it totally right...every other song is based on the same chords as pachelbel's cannon

And NO we will not be playing the Cannon at our wedding.

This is Brilliant!

2007-01-12T15:27:00.000-08:00

Have you ever made up your own "sign language" for a song? This is amazing.

Coolest little app...ever!

2007-01-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

okay, so I'm a total mac app junkie. I love looking around the web for freeware that makes the most out of my machine. I'm also a low-tech junkie...I aspire to write in Journals and I carry with me a small Moleskin in which I write ideas, thoughts, lists, and to do items. I am a huge fan of the GTD movement (getting things done) and all the ideas that have come out of that desire to get ourselves more organized. So today, in my wanderings I found THE best application ever. It creates a paper PDA (called the hipster pda, named as such because it can fit in your hip pocket or because it is "hip").

This software comes in two forms, both of which are free:

An Online version called PocketMod which allows you to drag and drop various page templates into your hipster PDA

-Software version called PagePacker based on the same online design allowing drag and drop into the pages via templates and your own pdf files.

With this sofware I was able to create a small 8 page planner with important phone numbers from my apple address book, my January ical calendar, and pictures from my iphoto. I may be turning in my moleskin for something even less fancy. All I do is drag, drop, print and fold and there it is! Let me know what you think!

Photo Stamps

2007-01-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

Funny Faces.jpg
Originally uploaded by ehgreen01.

For Christmas my dad gave Elissa and I software so that we can make our own stamps with photos. I was thinking that we should use this one when we send out the wedding invitations. Thoughts?

De-bauchery in Boston

2007-01-03T20:02:00.000-08:00

Just posted photos of the Boston Trip. Check them out on Flickr

2006-12-26T12:07:00.000-08:00

For the past year of so I've been reading about, cooking, and slowly changing the way I think and eat food. Primarily I've been reading about vegetarian and raw food cooking. I'm not quite ready to completly give up on meat, however I have been slowly changing my diet to include more veggie-type recipes and less meat heavy dishes. Anyway, I got this book for Christmas called Student's Vegetarian Cookbook and was impressed with it's quick and easy recipes and good information on why eating and living vegetarian is a more sustainable and widely accepted lifestyle than most people think.

Here's two things I found interesting about the sustainability of vegetarian lifestyles:
one acre of land can produce:
30,000 lbs of apples,
40,000 lbs of potatoes,
50,000 lbs of tomatoes,
or 250 lbs of beef

Livestock consume 70 percent of the US grain production. 20million people die each year from malnutrition and starvation. Americans could feed 100,000,000 people by reducing their meat intake by just 10 percent

Okay, so I'm not gonna be one of those radical people who are insisting that all the world's problems could be solved by becoming vegetarians..but it really makes you think

twitter

2006-12-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

So everyone should now go and sign up for Twitter. I did, and that makes it cool.

Still blogging and becoming Militant

2006-12-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

Despite the fact that I don't think anyone (besides Elissa) actually reads my blog, I still enjoy writing on it. It's the part of me that really wants to keep a journal, but is way too lazy...or the fact that I'd love to pick up the phone and talk to my friends far away, but, again, I'm too lazy. Have I mentioned my hate of telephones yet?

So, this week began my reign as the militant and negative music teacher. On Monday I ditched the school staff meeting because they were talking about PLC's (professional Learning Communites) and trying to convince us that it's a good thing and not a waste of time. Then on Wed and Thurs we were supposed to work on our PLC goals with our "team". Again, I choose to stay in my room and do some actual work. Then I found myself at a Union meeting on Thursday after school!! Who'd of thought I'd be an active Union member. Whoa, it's kinda scary.

Cool Little Mac app

2006-12-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

I am a very visual person. In fact my computer desktop is completly free of any icons or toolbars except for the one or two files that I work on every day that I need to keep at my fingertips. I use my computer daily and I have been looking for a way to put notes on my desktop. I could use the stickies, but this is a fun little program that lets me type and draw on my desktop. Check it out: Desktastic

It was almost Christmas

2006-11-30T09:48:00.000-08:00

I was so excited this morning when I logged in to the internet and discovered that I was able to view YouTube videos and watch my Homestarrunner.com cartoons. I thought Christmas had come early. When I tried again just now, I was once more thrown the A-H website Access Denied page instead of my beloved content. I was as disappointed as a kid who get's a Comodore 64 instead of a Nintentdo Wii on Xmas morning. Damn Acceptable use policy. It's not like I"m looking at p* (gotta do that or the filter will filter out my blog). Sheesh. Guess big brother was taking a nap.

makes me wanna...almost

2006-11-30T06:18:00.000-08:00

OMG how cute is this? Teen Girl Squad baby clothes!! This makes me wanna have a kid right now...well, almost right now. 750 little buggers a week is really good birth control

PR for Music ministry

2006-11-29T18:20:00.000-08:00

Way funny...and true

The Proposal Story (abridged)

2006-11-19T14:38:00.000-08:00

Why wait for a special occasion? Meet your friends tonight at the Tally-ho!
We are a classic Supper Club style restaurant right out of the forties, complete with the relish tray and crackers to start your dining experience.

Thus proclaims that website of the restaurant where I proposed to Elissa. Yes, it is a supper club style restaurant right out of the forties proven by the WWII surplus crackers on the table. On the website you'll see a picture of our illustrious hosts: Betsy and Tom. On the big night, Betsy dragged me into the kitchen to discuss the plan for how I was going to propose. We decided on me getting champagne from the bar when I was ready. Well, let's just say that Tom beat me to the punch on the champagne and on the proposal when he decided to congratulate us on our engagement...this was BEFORE I asked Elissa. Oops. Elissa and I have been laughing about this ever since it happened. They were SOOO excited that we choose their restaurant to do this, that they were practically falling over themselves to make it special. Kudos to them for providing us with a terrific story to tell. My review is that the food is so-so, but the floor show is not to miss. Thanks Betsy and Tom

All's quiet on the blogging front

2006-11-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

So I've noticed lately that my friend's blogs have been unusually quiet. I know that it was probably just a phase that we went through, trying to keep in touch via an online journal. But, I thought it was fun. I look forward to checking the blog posts everyday and I felt like it gave me insight into my the lives of my friends who are too far away to see every day. (sigh) I suppose all good things must come to an end. But not to fear. I will be here to help keep our spirits up! Even if its just a dumb post like this about how I miss everyone. I will endure as the blogger that unites! Perhaps I will even change my blog title...no, wait, that's dumb. I'll keep Ramblings... But cmon folks, at least throw me a comment once in a while to keep me satiated. That's all I got. Have a good tuesday everyone!

love and kisses!

Slide Show

2006-11-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

Does anyone still use the Wassup Bitches Site? Here's a slideshow from all the pics uploaded there:

The bible is funny...the story of Job

2006-11-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

It's about time

2006-10-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, so no post in about 2 weeks and now you get 2 in one day. But this is big news so I thought I should post it after the one about the worlds strangest fountain. For those of you who have not heard yet, last weekend I proposed to Elissa. It's a crazy story that I will relate via a video someday soon. But, I'll tease you with this tidbit: Talley Ho Supper club, rotten veggies, luxurious B&B, and crumpets all figure in to the story. Now, you HAVE to come back for the story. Much love to you all!

Worlds Strangest Fountain

2006-10-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

Here it is. The worlds stragest fountain. Yes, it moves too. Check out the movies of the fountain in action. Here's the website

2006-10-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

This month in the American Educator Magazine the cover story is all about "Why Music is an Essential Liberal Art". It's a fantastic article about why music is improtant in EVERY child's education and how it's being neglected in the educational system. I urge all of you to read this article!

Here is a small exerpt from the article:
"Why should young people study music? One answer presents itself on the basis of what I have said so far: Music has a central place in the lives of young people. For many, music is their life. Teaching music to the young is therefore much more than conveying historical information and technical facts, or helping students develop their musical talent. It is more than the effort to make them competent and aesthetically refined. In getting young people to engage in a serious study of music, we are giving them an opportunity to know themselves better by becoming more precisely aware of the amazing power that music has over them. Also, as we shall see, we are giving them an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the natural world—and of our connection to it—by becoming more aware of the mathematical order that underlies music."

Arming Teachers? Wisconsin Legislator plans to intro bill to do just that

2006-10-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

To protect our kids from harm, I plan to introduce legislation to allow, NOT REQUIRE, trained school personnel to carry weapons in Wisconsin. Other countries have done it successfully and made their schools more safe in the process. I truly believe that it can work in WI too.

PW Says: You've got to be kidding. How can anyone be this stupid?

read more | digg story

Ning: Build Your Own YouTube, Flickr or MySpace

2006-10-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

Ning, the service that lets you build your own social websites, just launched three new sites that may take their offering to the mainstream. The first allows you to build a YouTube clone, the second lets you make your own photo-sharing site ala Flickr, and the third allows you to create a lightweight social network.

read more | digg story

New Ning Stuff

2006-09-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

Hey folks -
On Wed. Ning rolled out 3 new applications: video, photos, and updated groups! I am so excited about what this company is doing. They are the only website with youtube and flickr like capabilities that are totally free and customizable (with a little HTML, PHP, CSS understanding). You really need to check them out. I have created a video app and a photos app as an example for you all. Go NOW and check it out and clone one for yourself.

Video Blog 2

2006-09-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

Made this a few weeks ago, just never got around to posting it. Enjoy

Ouch

2006-09-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

You wanna know something amazing?
I just burned my mouth. Okay that in itself is not amazing, however when you consider that the tea had been sitting in my thermos since 7:00 this morning I do consider that amazing. Now I can happily sit here drinking my tea at conferences relaxing and trying to muster up some drive to accomplish something. Perhaps its time for another video blog?

The Virtual Tour

2006-08-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

Okay everyone here's the virtual tour of my classroom. Go to my classroom website and take a look. Tell me what you think.

First Video Blog

2006-08-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, is this totally lame or what?

Hey We've got a social life

2006-08-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

Last night Girl and I decided to be spontaneous and went to see a play at the new Guthrie theater. WOW! what an amazing building. The new theater is huge and beautiful and has 3 stages. We got to see a play at the McGuire Proscenium stage. The play that we saw was "The Real Thing" by Tom Stoppard and it was amazing. Tom Stoppard is a very famous playwright who also wrote the screenplay for Shakespeare in Love. It was a great play about how do you know if it's really love and infidelity, and marriage. It was funny and witty and just a really good play...especially since we were sitting in $55 seats and only paid $15 for them!! If you have not been to the new Guthrie, go now and see something, anything. During intermission, Girl and I and the friends we went out with took our drinks out onto the patio that overlooks the river. It was a beautiful night.

A Moment of Insanity

2006-08-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

I woke up on Sunday morning and was sitting around surfing the net when all of a sudden I realized that I had just placed an order for a new MacBook Pro! Well, maybe it wasn't an accident...but I'd like to claim that a moment of temporary insanity drove me to this wallet-altering decision. It was my goal to complete my Master's degree and the buy a new one, but recent 'hiccups' in my current system have led me to do this sooner. Plus I saw that as a teacher if I bought a new system for this school year I would get a free iPod. Who can pass up a deal like that? No amount of will power could resist a free iPod. So now I'm sitting here lovingly looking at my brand new 30GB video ipod and checking the tracking number on the fedex website for when my new computer will arrive. Now I'll finally be able to do other stuff with my computer besides just checking email and writing blogs. Garageband here I come! Video blogging...I'm so down with that!

oh, I'm done updating my new ipod...time to watch some Teen Girl Squad

Teacher Workshops

2006-08-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

For the last 3 days I have been in a workshop with fellow music teachers in disctrict 11. What a HUGE change from Orff Level II class last week. There really isn't any way to possibly explain the experience of taking an Orff Schulwerk Level...but I will try. Imagine spending an entire day with a group of your closest friends creating, dancing, improvising, sharing, and making music for 2 weeks. It's an amazing, life changing expereince. Then I come to the ISD 11 workshop on Monday. Geeze what a change. Whenever these music teachers get together all they do is complain and bitch about everything that is wrong. I was getting pretty angry with these people. We were supposed to be there to talk about 1st grade teaching techniques (led by a master teacher who has really inspired me to do great things in 1st grade)...but it always digressed into a bitch session. One teacher was actually upset because her BRAND NEW MUSIC SPECIFIC CLASSROOM was not finished yet and she would have to move rooms twice this year!! I'm sorry perhaps you would like to come and teach in my portable classroom with the huge cracks in the wall and hollow floor. Sheesh.

I'm finally home and done with all my stuff for the summer...actually have a whole week to myself. Guess I'd better start planning my school year with my free time. This really has been a great summer: 3 handbell workshops/festivals, trip to DC, Orff level 2, and 1st grade literacy through music. Whew. I think I'm gonna be glad to get back to school and have a set schedule.

One more thing:
I have found an incredible new composer that everyone should go and listen to. His name is Karl Jenkins I just listened to some of his CD Adiemus. The music is a crazy mix of Arabic, African, and Celtic sounds. Listen to the song Chorale IV + Cantus - Song of Aeolus. It will change your life.

I've tried to explain this...

2006-08-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

...to so many people over the years. Now thanks to the Magic copyright infringing wonder of YouTube, I am able to share it with you. Every once in a while I get this song stuck in my head. Now I can share it with my friends and they will know that I am not crazy but yes, there is a folk hero called "running faggot" (and no it's not about a bassoon). Enjoy: