Another Snubbed Mezzo-Soprano

Define Irony

2006-10-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you're not looking, life decides to be funny. I was listening to a report on NPR the other night, and they were relating the details of the inspections of the companies involved in the spinach e-coli "scandal." Yes, it's a horrible tragedy that today someone can still die from eating something they didn't realize was tainted or spoiled. But, here's a tip, if you wouldn't touch it...DON'T EAT IT!!! If it looks or smells bad, it probably is, and if you're not sure, throw it out anyway.

Did anyone else catch the irony in the story that the company who is alleged to have caused the outbreak is named "Natural Selection?" Naming your food company after the theory that nature keeps the ecosystem in check by killing those who are unfit and less evolved does not bode well for a profitable future. Somebody has really bad karma.

The only thing more ironic than Natural Selection spreading a lethal bacteria is the fact that the Iowa State Fair annually features a woman who creates sculptures of cows out of butter. (And thank you to Aaron Sorkin for putting Iowa on the map so creatively - we wouldn't want people thinking that all Iowa is good for is ethanol and choosing the leader of the free world.)

More legislative insanity

2006-04-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

In response to Oscar's rhetorical question (When does the insanity stop?) I would like to throw out the following for discussion.

On an NPR report earlier this week, I heard a story about possible legislation being considered in the Kansas state house. Currently, a law exists stating that parents may pull their child from any class during which the teacher presents lessons on sex education. Given the number of personal morality issues that abound today, I have very little problem with this particular bill. However, the powers-that-be are now considering a new law to overturn the old; this bill states that if schools must teach sex education, abstinance will be the primary option for birth control, and that schools are NOT allowed to receive or distribute any literature received from any kind of clinic or parenting coalition. Schools would also be prohibited from handing out condoms. Proponents of the new bill claim that this fight is about "knowledge, truth, and education." What knowledge, truth, and education? Without pertinent information, students may not know the dangers or even symptoms of STDs before it's too late. Opponents of the bill are promising a dramatic increase in teenage pregnancies and the spread of STDs.

It is also law in Kansas that if you know of underage teens having sex, consentual or not, you are required by law to report the activity as abuse. It is also law in Kansas that teens may not have an abortion without parental conset, and doctors and clinics may be sued for malpractice for performing the abortion without parental consent.

I'm not saying that I approve of teenagers having sex. I don't. But, the fact of the matter is that teenagers are going to have sex. As an employee at an area high school, I hear more than I care to about such activities. But we are endangering our children if we do not educate them about the dangers of irresponsibility. I'm not saying we need to start a morality crusade - the fundamentalists are doing a fine job of that without my help. What I am saying is that we need to educate our children the best we can, tell them what we personally believe is right and wrong, and then TRUST OUR CHILDREN to make the right decision. If they make the wrong decision, as parents, we are obligated to help them deal with the consequences, hopefully guiding them through to the best possible outcome.

Any thoughts?

I survived!!!

2006-03-31T22:01:00.000-08:00

Okay, it is now midnight, and I have survived another district music contest. Of the 30 entries we had in the various vocal music categories, we are sending 14 entries to state, and of those 14, 6 are my private students. Yes, I was a little disappointed in some ratings that weren't supported by good comments, but I was overjoyed by the fact that almost all of my private students did the absolute best they could do. And that's all I could ask for.

Is it really possible for people to be this stupid?

2006-03-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

I am so tired of hearing all of this bs news about intolerance.

Missouri has recently passed legislation that puts restriction on protestation by religious organizations. We already have a contest on our hands. The First Baptist Church of Nowhereville, Kansas planned to protest at the funeral of a soldier in southern Missouri. The new law specifically states that the protest may occur, but not for the hour before or after the event takes place. The group is planning to protest during the funeral, claiming that the law violates their right to protest. If this were an anti-war protest, or a support our troops rally, that would be different. However, the rallying cry for this particular group is that they believe that God is allowing our soldiers to die because America tolerates homosexuality. This tidbit of genius was first decreed from on high a couple of weeks ago by the minister of an FBC in the South. I am so glad that our religious leaders are teaching out children tolerance of those who are different. I'm sorry, but I thought that Jesus taught unconditional love, not conditional love. Any rational person would realize that this line of thinking is flawed on many levels. The same rational person would also realize that our soldiers are ill-equipped to handle the insurgency that they face on a daily basis. They are not well protected by their vehicles or body armor, not to mention the fact that the Iraqi police are killed faster than they can be trained to take over for our troops. I have a big problem believing that these flaws are a result of homosexuality. No, I blame this problem on the Pentagon and the child that was elected to a second term. But I understand that it's easier to blame an entire population of people with whom you do not agree rather than stop to consider the fact that you may have contributed to the problem by electing bad leadership. I suppose that the best we can say is that at least he's not going to be in office much longer. Impeachment is looking better and better...

Repetition is the mother of all skilled development

2006-02-24T15:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, I like George Carlin. As well as Carlos Mencia and Eddie Izzard - but I haven't heard anything from either of them that seems appropriate to use as an end to a blog posting. Especially one like this that has no ending.

(Insert bow here)

Better late than never

2006-02-24T14:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay, okay. I know, I'm a slacker. Not only have I not kept up my own blog, I haven't kept up with anyone's blog. Not even der Herr's.

So, here's what has happened in the last few weeks...

January was all about preparing for the choir's performance at convention. I spent the equivalent of an extra week of work in night and weekend rehearsals. In the end, it all paid off beautifully. Our kids were hands down the best choir to perform, and one of the best performances of the entire convention. They performed better than I imagined. I could not be more proud of them. It seems so rare today to see a high school student really take pride in their work and in themselves, and that's what these kids did. Since then, it's all been about contest. And helping the seniors audition for scholarships. Remember those days?

As for the next few weeks...not much is really planned. Contest, contest, and more contest at school. Hoping to find a new place to live closer to school, and a decent summer job. If anyone has suggestions for either, I gladly welcome them.

Good luck to Jaques as he goes on his yearly whirlwind audition tour. I know you'll be as incredible as always.

And here's to hoping I survive the next month at school...I swear that J is trying to kill me! :) Really, it would be easier to stand if a few things could happen:
1. We get all the pianos tuned and in better condition
2. We put a lock and a cover on both the grand pianos so the kids don't continue to drop their pencils into the piano, or spill their drinks all over the place
3. I get to kill a couple of 7th graders, especially the dumb boy who looks like a girl.

I shall end this posting by quoting George Carlin, because it seems appropriate.

"I have no end for this, so I will just take a small bow."

Catch you all again in a few weeks.

A little bit of everything

2005-12-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

1. Welcome to Travis and Oscar. I'll get links posted to your blogs soon. Which is more than I can say for my "friend" Jaques. Maybe that picture of him dressed as Mozart will enjoy a wider circulation on the net soon.

2. SCHOOL'S OUT!!!!!! I cannot tell you how nice it is to know that I do not have to go back to work for two weeks. I know, I know - I don't get paid for those weeks like many of the rest of you will. But I'll be the one sleeping in for the next three days. No, mein Herr, I'm not trying to rub it in. Well, not really.

3. I feel like wandering the streets of Washington with a large sign and screaming at the top of my lungs "Impeach Bush." However, I know that I would soon be attacked, and due to the fact that Georgie-boy is more worried about spying than the fact that less than half of our nation has health insurance, I'd also be left to die in the street since I cannot afford to go to a hospital.

4. Did I mention that school was out?

5. Yeah for the Pennsylvania judge who ruled that intelligent design was less than intelligent. I know that God has a sense of humor, I've seen it. So why hasn't Pat Robertson been stricken by an act of God - you know, the type that he is so fond of wishing on others. If a hurricane or flood would wash away Robertson's house and him along with it, I'd call that an intelligent design!

6. Did you know that school was out?

I have no end for this, so I will just take a small bow - thank you George Carlin.

Concert #2

2005-12-16T15:44:00.000-08:00

Despite what Bill O'Reilly says, we did our best to present a "Winter" concert last night - granted, having a few Jehovah's Witnesses in the district tends to make you more wary of certain things.

Overall, last night's concert went very well. The hs students were encouraged to take leadership roles and try to make friends with the little demons, I mean 7th and 8th graders. One of the seniors even went so far as to say hello, good luck, or something similar to every ms kid at the concert. It may not have made an impact with the youngin's, but I was impressed. And, there was a noticeable improvement in the behavior, both on and offstage. Really, the biggest snafu was that one of the keys on the piano decided not to work just as the concert began - strangely enough, about half our program was in that key!!!

And what got into the Chamber Choir last night?!?!?! Every time I was acknowledged by J, they went crazy. Rock Star!!! I loved them before, but I love them even more now. They always seem to know exactly what to do to endear themselves. Even the hyper one is growing on me. Now, if only we could get them to come into 7th grade...

We are ending the semester with another MMEA rehearsal. I hope these little minds can retain everything that they've learned over the past month. I have a sinking feeling that they'll lose more than we anticipate over the break. At least there's a little time after we get back from break before we have to perform. J will be insane for the rest of the year. First, MMEA, then contest, then graduation. May the Lord help us if I'm the sane one next semester. The world just might come to an end. Luv ya J - you know it's true. :)

Stupid Snow Days

2005-12-12T20:57:00.000-08:00

It was so hard to go to school today. Sorry honey, but it's true. I'm not trying to rub it in. Some of you had to work to keep the world going while the rest of us were at home playing in the snow or curled up on the couch with a movie.

It was like the first day back after break. Granted, we did have a pre-Christmas break with all those early outs and snow days. Here's to throwing together a concert in three days!!! And making up four hours of lessons!!!

Okay...sometimes they surprise you.

2005-12-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

Until the policy was changed in October, cafeterias in the 18 schools of the North Penn School District (northwest of Philadelphia) had been supplying as eating utensils only plastic cutlery that was washed after each meal and reused, even though students had long expressed disgust at spoons and knives riddled with bite marks and had, defensively, taken to eating foods like yogurt and applesauce with their hands. (The district admitted that this recycling saved only $15,000 a year.) [The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.), 10-27-05]

One might wonder why the kids didn't just throw the used utensils in the garbage. But, the real question is: If the students did throw away the utensils, did the staff search through the garbage to recycle? Gross.

My students have also surprised me recently, although not in such grotesque a manner. In prep for our big concert in January, my undergrad choral director came to work with the choir. After almost begging the kids not to embarass me, I was fearing the worst. I must admit that I was floored by their behavior. In class they had been talkative and less than enthusiastic. In this rehearsal, everyone present had their music, and a pencil, and was paying attention. They were open to trying new things and finally responded to the comments that J and I had been making for weeks. Consequently, I heard sounds that I wasn't confident I would hear from this choir. And I was so proud. But, what makes me even prouder is the fact that they have carried it over into the subsequent daily rehearsals. This is the choir I wanted to see and hear on stage at convention. I pray that it continues. It was somewhat emotional for me, remembering each of the "first times" I heard some of Frank's little sayings. They didn't always make sense at the time; but it was nice to hear them now, when they do make sense and when I can hear the choir prove his point behind the silliness. I was reminded often in the span of those two hours just how much I had learned from this man in the four years that I was at Western, and just how much I still have to learn from him. And what excited me most is that I saw the kids learn from him too.

Last week I was incredibly lucky...I spent time with my husband in Chicago watching John Williams conduct the Chicago Symphony; I spent time with two of my favorite people in rehearsal; and I had two really great lessons last Thursday - the kind where the students actually produced the sound I was aiming for, and understood why it worked and how to reproduce it.

And now, the craziness of December begins! As Charlie Brown so aptly said, "AAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

My weekend in a nutshell. (Help, help I'm in a nutshell.)

2005-11-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

Sorry, couldn't resist the Austin Powers reference. It doesn't happen that often, you know.

So, the weekend was full of exciting events. First, we saw Goblet of Fire. It was incredible. I wasn't sure if I'd like Patrick Doyle's music, but I think that it fit the film very well. Something about that British melancholy thing. The film was an excellent effort from Mike Newell, who had me very nervous. I enjoyed Love Actually a great deal, but romantic comedy and popular children's literary adaptations are not even close to the same thing.

We also attended the Heroes and Villians concert presented by the KC Freedom Band. I must admit to being very pleasantly surprised with their musicianship, although I was not impressed by the hackneyed attempts at humor between selections by the emcee. It was good to see some old friends and classmates again - who would have thought we'd see so many Western people at a pride band concert?!

Perhaps the most impressive accomplishment of the weekend was that we did succeed in putting up and decorating our Christmas tree. I know, I know, it's not even December yet. Those of you who are away more evenings than you are at home will understand. Besides, if you're going to put forth the effort, make sure you can enjoy it. It's nice to come home to a little bit of holiday spirit. And the fact that the floor under the tree is empty will spur me on to get out and start shopping.

And for my fellow "foodies" out there...we also went to the new brewery in Zona Rosa - Granite City. I have found what I have been looking for since we moved back to KC: a pub that has both great beer and great food at a reasonable price that's close to where I live. I can recommend the Indian Pale Ale (also known as IPA at GC) but mein Herr was not a fan of the stout. The sampler of the other house beers was greatly appreciated. I must say the Lager, Mai Bock, and Two Pull are also very good, but not as good as the IPA. Be sure to try the meatloaf. Even if you don't normally like meatloaf - there's something about a grilled slice of meatloaf on toasted ciabatta covered in onion straws with a side of garlic mashed potatoes. If only I still had the same metabolism I had in high school!!

Forget the lions, tigers, and bears...fear the nursery spider!

2005-11-21T15:20:00.000-08:00

The male nursery web spider uses a cheap trick to get sex, according to an October report in the journal Biology Letters; the male gives the larger female a dead insect, then collapses, feigning death, distracting the female, which turns to the insect, at which point the male springs back to life and mounts her. (On the other hand, the female sometimes just eats the male, after or instead of copulating.)

Maybe we haven't really evolved as much as we thought.

Just a little survey

2005-11-11T06:32:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's been a few weeks again.

Yes, I'm still alive.

So, last night was our first performance of the musical. I must say that despite the tear-ass tempi set by the cast in all their excitement, the show went pretty well. I sat in the pit reading the contents of the program after the show last night, and I began to wonder.....what does it mean to go above and beyond one's job description?

For an accompanist, I feel that means spending an hour in practice at home for every hour in rehearsal; spending valuable time at lunch, when you should be resting, on practice; taking time away during private lessons to work with students on their parts; and spending an entire Sunday hand-copying parts since I didn't yet have a score in time for auditions.

In my opinion, it is the job of a great accompanist to know the score better than the director/soloist. To be able to anticipate problems and know where the director is going to stop and start. To be able to pick out individual parts in the choir and immediately be able to add in their part to whatever accompaniment you are playing at the time. To assist the director in anything that he or she asks you to do. It also means being a friend and ally, fellow lush, sounding board, and right-hand for some of us as well.

So, I invite all the other musicians out there who happen to read my blog to offer their opinions....

What do you expect from an accompanist?

Where does the time go?!

2005-10-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it's been awhile since I last posted. I cannot believe that it is almost the end of October. Only two more weeks and this musical is over!!! I love the kids, but I also love my husband, and my house, and a free Friday night! And leaving school before it's dark!!!!!

Anyway, here's the update...just in case you were wondering. Anyone who is incredibly bored is welcome to attend our first concert of the year this Thurday evening. At this point, all four choirs will be performing. That may change in the next 48 hours depending on whether or not the seventh grade can learn how to control their bodies and their mouths. It's amazing to me how much work goes into failing choir. It's actually harder to fail a choir class than it is to pass. I have to say, I'm tired of the apathy. I am almost to the point of giving up on a few of them. And it's not just the boys anymore either!! Middle school girls can be the bride of satan when they've got an attitude. Okay, enought ranting.

Life in general has been pretty boring since we've been so busy. We did get to hear Michelle deYoung this past weekend. What a beautiful voice. She's an inspiration to tall women everywhere. She was a full head and a half taller than Stern, which made for an interesting picture. She sang wonderfully - the vocal interpretation was excellent - although her French is not as good as Susan Graham's. I did not care for her physical interpretation however. Too much raising of the shoulders and upper body tension. It distorted the picture, and was very distracting. Overall, it was a great performance, but I must say that I like Susan Graham's recording of the Ravel better. If you like French, it just doesn't get any better than Graham.

My students have tried to get me to promise never to miss a rehearsal ever again. I was ill Monday and left before musical rehearsal began. Even after I made all those reheasal recordings, I guess the students weren't quite as impressed with J's playing abiliites. Sorry J!!! But, at least I know that the students love me. I received multiple hugs and pleas from almost every member of the cast. Despite the long hours, I do enjoy most of my time at school. Good thing, since it makes up more than half of my day!

Thought for the day

2005-10-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have already heard this, my apologies...but I would like to share this thought with the entire class.

"Inside every genius is a retard waiting to get out."

This means that our elected elite are all geniuses, right?

If you can read a book while looking through it, it's not beer!

2005-09-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

Judge Jeffrey K. Sprecher of Berks County, Pa., dismissed charges against a man in August for buying beer for his underage neighbor, ruling that the prosecutor hadn't proved all of the elements of the crime. Specifically, said Sprecher, there was no evidence offered that Miller Genuine Draft is "beer." (Prosecutors usually submit a government-created listing of beers as proof but failed to do that.) Thank you News of the Weird - www.newsoftheweird.com

Well, mein Herr, you now have legal proof that most alcohol labeled as "beer" that is produced by major US brewing companies is, in fact, not actually beer. I know, you've been saying it for years, but now we have a court ruling to cite as precedent. Well done indeed!

I love payday!

2005-09-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

Payday is always a great day. It's usually when mein Herr and I get to go out for dinner, and we try to find new places to keep from getting bored. So, last night after a few changes in our plans (thanks J), we ended up at Ixtapa. Ixtapa is directly across from Zona Rosa on the south side of Barry Road in the strip next to QT. I immediately loved the intimate feel. The service was excellent. The owner came around and took our order, and he came back to check on us a few times. He was telling stories and entertaining his patrons - he reminded me of Paul Sorvino's character in Goodfellas. The food was very good - priced similar to Abuelo's in ZR. The margarita I had was excellent. I'd never had an almond margarita before, and I can't wait to try making that at home. We both had pretty much the same dish - one with beef and one with chicken. Usually I'm pretty picky about my salsa, but what we had last night had a very smoky flavor instead of heat. And it had a sweetness to it - which made it even harder not to fill up on chips before dinner.

Overall, it was very good. I think Abuelo's has more variety on their menu and on their plates, but Ixtapa has wonderful atmosphere and people who genuinely care if you are enjoying your meal. There are a ton of Mexican restaurants in KC, and few of them really have great menus. But, this is one of the best - ask the owner, he'll tell you so himself!

The wit and wisdom of television

2005-09-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

Here it is, fall tv premiere time again. With so many of the new shows promising to suck the life out of television, it is nice to see that there are a few favorites with great writing and even better actors. For those of you who need your 80's fix, Two and a Half Men is great. Charlie Sheen's character is very well written, especially the single-minded comments about his many partners. The kid steals the show every week. An effortless performance in every episode - the kid barely has to act at all. BTW, mein Herr, we are never naming our son Angus!

Despite the fact that there are several shows on network television that I greatly enjoy, I must admit that I too watch a great deal of HBO. I used to loathe HBO when Sex and the City and The Sopranos started stealing awards from all my favorite network shows. Now, I'm angry with HBO because they don't begin airing new episodes of Deadwood until January. I love that show. It is a talented writer who can use the word "cocksucker" in all seven parts of speech, which, btw, is my new favorite word. There are very few other words that really express their meaning like that particular word. I usually say it when I'm ticked about something, often in traffic.

I also love to watch Bill Maher. His weekly installment of New Rules offers a great deal of food for thought. So far this season, my favorite is when he declared the new rule that we must recall the president, California-style. Maher offered that the job couldn't be fun anymore, and why doesn't GWB try something new, like cowboy or spaceman?! All this was preceeded by George Carlin getting in several jabs at the conservative on the panel. By the end of the segment, Carlin had done everything but tell the man that he was an idiot. I think skepticism of the government is healthy. It fuels debate and ideas. Besides, aren't they skeptical of us? If they weren't, we'd have everything we need - clean air, cheap gas, and Gulf coast residents would be weeks away from returning to their lives rather than months.

Maybe it's because I'm embarassed by the president, but I agree with Bill Maher - I'd rather be Swiss!!!

Girls will be girls

2005-09-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

So, this past Saturday while my good friend J spent all day with our students at District Auditions, I went to an all day crop with my mother-in-law. For those of you who are not scrapbookers, that's an all day workshop. Well, as typically happens when you get to spend more than a few hours with the same group of women, we got silly. Slap happy, then goofy, then bawdy. Did you ever have one of those nights when you were so worked up and silly that every word or phrase sounded dirty no matter how it was said? I don't know how many times the words "Slide Mount" and "Rub-On" were used, but they were said often. Just goes to show that anything can be dirty when said within the proper context.

Two of the women at our table had recently given birth. Needless to say, there was a great deal of discussion regarding the "joys" of breastfeeding and disciplining your children. Now, being the only woman at the table without children, I didn't have much to offer in this conversation, but thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless because I picked up some excellent parenting tips. For instance, when you need to discipline your child for misbehaving, one option is to take away their room. This little guy had made his mother so angry that she blurted out the first thing that came into her head. But, seriously, think about it....was getting sent to your room such a bad punishment when you were a kid? That's where all the toys are. So her little boy had to sleep in the hallway.

This punishment made me wonder....does it work on husbands too? I mean, they're really little boys at heart, right? Especially when it comes to their toys and getting their own way.

So, needless to say, I learned a lot this weekend. Oh yeah, and I learned some new scrapbooking techniques too.

My husband can be a real pain in the a**

2005-09-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

After a very long day of sitting at the piano (between lessons and rehearsal - 11 hours), I figured that I would check in with a few friends. I was discussing various postings with mein Herr. He says that I have "conditioned him to know that he's never right."

My first thought - now that's a conundrum. Do I agree or disagree? If I agree, I validate his point and he's right. If I disagree, I take a step towards undoing all the hard work I put in to begin with.

If I'm not mistaken, it is one of a wife's foremost responsibilities to condition her husband into believing that he is never right. And most married men would agree I think. Any of you who have ever seen Richard Jeni's special "A Big Steaming Pile of Me" may remember a moment toward the end in which he is begging his wife for forgiveness by saying that he is never right. (Of course, this particular special is fabulous for other reasons, but that's another posting.)

So, I'm curious to know what the rest of you might think. I am particularly interested in the opinions of Jacques and Hammer, since they often seem to be in the same pickle.

I will close by saying to mein Herr that I love you for being so clever to try and set me up, but you can really be a bastard...and I say that in the most loving way possible!

Spammers SUCK!!!

2005-09-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, you spamming bastards, I'm sick of this.

My apologies to everyone who reads and takes the time to post on my little blog. I had to turn on the word verification. I have received a spam posting almost every time I've posted for the last two weeks.

Please, take a few extra seconds and go thru the verification. I appreciate it...and I promise to return the favor if you choose to fight the spam war too.

Isn't public school grand!

2005-09-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here we are, into the fourth week of school, and I have been sick for the last two weeks. I know, I know, it's pathetic. They say that misery loves company, and I have plenty of it. Both mein Herr and J are sick as well, as are many of the students. So we're all miserable together. (BTW, today I saw a student wearing a shirt with a picture of the state of Missouri with the words "Put me out of my Missouri." I love it!)

So not only have I been reminded that public schools are incubators for all kinds of germs, but they are also a breeding ground for all other kinds of things. Hopefully, we are creating a positive learning environment in which the students can learn the skills they need to get into college and make the world a better place. I did not attend the most ethnically diverse high school...but I can guarantee that no student in my high school ever completed an English assignment by defining the n-word as "a worthless piece of trash." I was shocked when I heard that this happened at school today, as were many teachers in the room when the story was related. One would be naive to think that this kind of ignorance and stupidity no longer existed today, decades after Dr King. However, one should be allowed to hope. In light of all the talk and slander that has been in the media over that last week about how the government was slow to respond in New Orleans because most of the citizens were poor and black, I would hope that some empathy would not be out of line. The cynic in me knows that the struggle between races will never end.

All that being said, we began rehearsals for the fall musical today. Our show is Once on this Island, written by the same duo who created Ragtime almost ten years ago. The story is set in the Antilles, with a slight reference to The Little Mermaid. The main character longs to leave the poor side of the island for the rich side. She falls in love with a young rich man, and follows him. On the other side of the island, she is cast out by the upper class, who also have lighter skin on their end of the island. The tale is told by gods and goddesses, keeping with the influences of the folk tale. The music is very good, and keeps the show moving. We have rewritten some of the text to reflect a struggle between the economic classes rather than between the races.

I hope that the students involved can come away with a better understanding of the word tolerance. How many of them have been in a position to need the tolerance of another person who is completely different in every sense of the word? How many of them have been in the position to be tolerant in a similar circumstance? I know the students will work hard to understand the music, but I hope they work even harder to understand the meaning.

Jacques Cartier, this one's for you!!!

2005-09-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

In July, Uttar Pradesh Eunuchs Association, in Lucknow, India, demanded that the district magistrate and the senior superintendent of police order cops to begin exposing fake eunuchs by lifting their skirts to verify their status. Charlatans, according to the group, deprive real eunuchs of "legitimate" income (a large part of which derives from eunuchs' entering places of business and private parties, exposing themselves and otherwise being obnoxious, and demanding a fee to leave). [Hindustan Times, 7-19-05]

Well, Jacques...it looks like you might be able to join the union if you're willing to move to India. They probably even offer health benefits - but you have that now, right? I wonder if the otherwise obnoxious behavior includes singing Bach and Handel arias and playing recordings of the St Matthew Passion every day during Holy Week. I don't find that particular behavior obnoxious. Now, being obsessed with Purcell - that's obnoxious.

I guess even "Legitimate Singing Eunuchs for Hire" need to have a place to call home! Just make sure to take your monkey with a gun. Remember, guns don't kill people, people kill people, and so do monkeys (if they've got a gun).

Aren't Fridays great?!

2005-09-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

Can I just tell you all how much I love my job? I am having a great time working with these kids. And the director isn't bad either. :)

J has been asking me if I am sure about my decision to leave my previous job, with all the stress and micro-managing that it entails. Am I crazy? Of course I'm sure!!! I was ready to leave that job the moment I agreed to the new one in May.

What's not to love? I get to sit in rehearsal at the piano for four hours a day, and when that's over I get to teach privately all afternoon. It's a dream job. I get all the fun of being in school with none of the bulls**t that comes with being a public school teacher. No faculty meetings, no detentions to give, and no administration to sweet-talk. Who wouldn't love that?

But the best part is being a member of a music program like J's. A very talented choral director once told me that the choral instrument is the only instrument you have to rebuild every time you come to rehearsal. And I firmly believe that. I also believe that every singer and instrumentalist are part of that instrument. The choral director is the player. It is he or she who is shaping the sound to their own personal ideal. Eventhough we are only three weeks in, I am already very excited about where each of our instruments is headed. It is one of my great joys to be part of a choral instrument. I think that is why I prefer to be off the podium rather than on it.

My other great joy is to work individually with these kids. They all have so much potential. Most have had only two lessons with me so far, but if their progress continues they are going to be in for some groundbreaking moments both in their lessons and in rehearsal. I love the relationship between a studio teacher and the voice student. I get to work very closely with another person on the most intimate and passionate instrument - the voice. I can enable and guide these kids in such a way that they can really bloom. For me, there is no greater feeling than sitting at the piano and listening as one of my students nails a difficult passage. Or when they have an "Ah-ha!" moment when everything little thing they've been working on suddenly comes together. And to be able to help my students to make their ensembles even better is also an incredible feeling.

It's also nice to work with a director who is able to let his students go and work with someone new. It means that he's open to ideas and techniques that are different from his own tried and true methods. And that's a rare bird in the choral music world.

Please rest assured, J, that I do not for one moment regret my decision to come to school and work with you. I can honestly say it's the best professional decision I could have made.

It was a foolish man who built his house upon the sand

2005-08-31T20:14:00.000-07:00

Like many of you, I too have been watching the continuous coverage of the tragedy that was Katrina. Yes, my heart goes out to all those who have been displaced, and to those who lost loved ones in the disaster. My hometown was affected by the flood in 1993 - we only lost our water supply, but that was enough to drive me insane. Imagine running into some of your teachers at a community shower!

Okay, disclaimer over. I cannot believe the utter stupidity of some people. I can understand the need to try and "ride out the storm" and protect your belongings. But remember, when it comes down to it...it's just stuff. You can buy more stuff. And we all know what George Carlin says about "stuff!" Let's say that you're trapped on the second floor of your house as it's floating down the street - at what point does reality jump up and bite you on the ass?! Even as the storm was building in the gulf, forecasters were saying Katrina could rival Camille. Why would you even think of trying to stay if that's the common opinion given by people who ought to know what the bloody hell they're talking about? Yes, I know, you're all thinking that I may have been a little harsh on the Katrina victims. Yes, I do genuinely feel sorry for everyone who was affected. However, I just don't feel that we should be expected to sympathize with those who made the poor decision of staying and not evacuating. I know there comes a point of no return - but how many times do you have to be told "Get the hell out of the path of the storm!"

Today the New Orleans mayor opined that he feared there may be thousands dead. Even the President issued an informed thought that it would take years for the region to rebuild. (Another country heard from.) And where is the rest of the world? Where are the countries that we donated half a billion dollars to after the tsunami in December? Where are the countries in Europe who we aided after their own terrorist attacks? Why isn't the rest of the world helping us in this time of tragedy and devestation? I'll tell you why - they are all too busy pointing and laughing at the big stupid Americans who are so arrogant as to build their houses on land that is below sea level!!!!! The foolish arrogance of America has put us into harm's way more times than we can count on local, state, national, and international levels.

And now there's going to be a gasoline shortage. The only reason there will be a shortage is because the so-called experts are creating a panic by saying there could be a shortage! At this point, a shortage would almost be welcome albeit inconvenient. Maybe then we will realize that we depend too much on a limited fuel source. And maybe we should be reinvesting the money we're spending on "hunting Osama" into investigating alternative fuel sources. Our oil companies are going to be laughing all the way to the bank.

Squirrels looking for nuts

2005-08-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

Well, we are now almost through the first full week of school. I have ten private students well under way, and potentially another five. The musical has been announced at the high school, and the kiddos can stop offering me bribes to spill the beans. Yes, life at the high school is pretty grand. That being said...............

I hate seventh grade boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I swear by all that is holy, seventh grade boys are the spawn of the devil. Of the almost 50 students in seventh grade choir, a third of them are male. Of this third, roughly 5 or 6 are legitmate - I consider most of the remainder to be dead weight. Granted, by sacrificing a few lambs, we could get most of the dead weight into shape and turn them into contributing members of the class. It is amazing to me how so few can know so much and so many know so little. And I'm not talking about musical knowledge here. Let's start with the fact that your butt is not directly connected to your mouth. Hence, when you stand, your mouth does not also need to move. Granted, the two are not mutually exclusive, and are often directly related when they are getting the owner into trouble.

After a couple of rough days, the class got a severe butt-kicking from J. (Again, let us thank the powers that be that it was not I who gave the talk.) Although, I have been rough on them too. I threatened an entire row of students this afternoon. And I have put a great deal of time into perfecting my evil teacher stare during this particular class.

The only problem is that it takes more energy to be stern than it does to lead a productive class. The result is that these rats exhaust us both. Thankfully, we have eighth grade at the end of the day. I never thought I'd say it, but bless the eighth grade!

Just Curious......

2005-08-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

So, I was in Barnes and Noble this evening. Have you ever paid any attention to the signs on the tables around the store? The first sign that caught my eye said "New in History." Are they kidding? I understand that researchers sometimes uncover bits here and there that have not previously been retold to modern man. And, yes, periodically, someone will write a different view of history. But, literally, is there anything new about history? We all know that history comes from Europe, so why are the Americans trying to rewrite it?!

The other sign that I noticed was for "Religious Fiction." For some, this is an oxymoron. For others, such as Bill Maher - who believes that all religion is a fairy tale - this is hyperbole. I simply find it an interesting combination of words for thought-provoking blog entries.

Any thoughts?

Deja vu....

2005-08-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

I decided to turn on CNN last night. I'm a big fan of Aaron Brown and Newsnight. Yesterday, a New York newspaper won a court case to release audio tapes from 911 calls and dispatcher radios from September 11, 2001. I sat there, glued to the television, unable to look away. As I heard the stories of some of the survivors, I realized just how long it had been since we had seen any of the news footage. I even saw footage last night that I had never seen before - a fire fighter, on his day off, had caught one of the planes flying into a tower with his own camera. You could even hear the engines roaring as it flew over the city. Unbelievable. There we were, shocked into silence, staring at the television, just as we did for days on end almost four years ago. I know they say that time heals all wounds......but I think this wound still needs some time.

2005-08-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

Inexplicable
A Philadelphia firefighter was hospitalized in critical condition, and his wife and their three children injured, in Atlantic City in June after an accident at the Steel Pier amusement park. The five were in a ride car on the Big Splash, where after a descent, the car was to slide into the water at a high speed and soak everyone, but apparently the park workers on duty had either forgotten to put water in the basin or had not noticed that it had all drained out. [Philadelphia Inquirer, 6-22-05]

What the bloody hell is that?!?!?!?!

When you're interviewing someone for the potentially life-threatening job of amusement park maintenance, you do actually check to see that the person hoping to be hired did check the yes box next to the question: "Did you graduate from high school?"

All I can say is wow!

Free at Last, Free at Last, Thank God Almighty, I'm Free at Last!!!

2005-08-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

Today was the last official day at the old job. For as much as I will sincerely miss the people I worked with, I will not miss the day-to-day aspects of the job: dealing with whiny customers who really had no idea what they wanted and talking with AP personnel who couldn't find ANYTHING with both hands and a flashlight as the saying goes.

Nope...nothing feels better than the last day of job you didn't enjoy. Don't get me wrong....the work wasn't hard. I billed orders for a music company. How hard could that get? A monkey could have done my job. A monkey with a gun that is (beat you Jacques!). Acutally, the job itself really wasn't that bad. Although, the boss had its moments. The benefits were great.....oh wait, that's right, there weren't any. Silly me.

All in all, not a bad way to spend a year. I just hope that the two people who have replaced me have the fortitude to stick with it, and don't run screaming from the hills now that I've almost finished training them. But, time will tell. For those of you who are still employed there, my deepest sympathy and heartfelt wishes go out to each of you. May you be as fortunate as I to find a better job!

Aren't humans great?!

2005-08-10T20:16:00.000-07:00

So, I ran across this website this evening. Intrigued, I quickly clicked on the link, hoping to find something witty to share with my co-workers tomorrow. Instead, I found a treasure trove of stupidity rivaling that of Congress. I particularly love the line in Chuck's welcome message about obtaining a position on the right side of the bell curve in order to observe those on the left side. I would like to meet this man in person......I think that he and I would get along very well.

Although I was grossed out by the dentist story, I found two other stories that peaked my interest. First, the story on the Waverly Tabernacle.......I find required tithing to be, in a word, disgusting. Did Jesus walk the streets with a couple of goons, threatening bodily harm if you didn't donate to the church? Of course not. Isn't it interesting that the institutions that proclaim the loudest to be the best Christians are the ones who act the least Christian in the process. Hmmmm.

Second, the story about the Canadian Toyota plant. I just love it when Canada gets to bash the U.S. What have we done to them? Granted, we are quickly buying up their prescription drug supply, stole their national pastime and ran it into the ground (NHL), and have consistently thrown bad sports ideas their way: i.e. Toronto Raptors and Blue Jays, Vancouver Grizzlies, and the Montreal Expos - by the way, how many of those teams still exist in their original cities? This story just goes to show how dumb Americans are thought to be by the rest of the world, and just how smug we are to think that we're the best. If you need another example, take a look at the White House!!

Anyway, take a few minutes to look over the site, News of the Weird. I guarantee that you'll go back more times than you care to admit!!

http://www.newsoftheweird.com

In the beginning............

2005-08-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

Since I have so greatly enjoyed the blogs of my friends, I figured that it was high time that I started one of my own. Well, the new job starts next week, so why not other new things as well, right?
The Herr often rants on his blog....I am not planning to do the same. That being said, I am returning to public school - but not in a teaching capacity. However, I will being working with many of the students one-on-one, and that can be just as stressful.
Comments are welcome, especially the witty, sarcastic kind....of which I am very fond.

Well, if I'm going to make a fool of myself, there might as well be witnesses....................