Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Musical Ambassadors

The booming bass of Master Sergeant Victor Cenales filled the auditorium and brought tears to my eyes as he soloed on "America the Beautiful" over the background voices of the U.S. Army Soldiers' Chorus. Music like this - the kind that stirs deep seated emotions, enthralls an audience of teens and tweens, and prods hundreds of people to leap to their feet in a standing ovation - may be more at home in Carnegie Hall, but recently found its way to Skyline High School. It was my good fortune to be a member of the full-to-capacity house while these men and women entertained us with an array of classical, Broadway, jazz, and folk tunes. From the first note of the "Star Spangled Banner" to the last phrase of "America the Beautiful" we were captivated. I was amazed as hundreds of high school, junior high, and even elementary school students behaved appropriately and gave their avid attention to the 29 soldiers - in dress uniforms - presenting a lively show. The pacing of the concert was incredible beginning with the full ensemble presenting choral pieces like John Rutter's arrangement of "Sing a Song of Sixpence" before quickly shifting into small fluid groups of singers presenting jazz arrangements of pop tunes like "Time After Time," a duet from The Pirates of Penzance, and familiar gospel and folk standards before becoming one again for the finale. The amount of music this group packed into a 50 minute concert was staggering - and it all seemed over in the blink of an eye.

"How," you might ask, "did Skyline pull off such a coup?" Simple. Jeff - aka choir director extraordinaire - went to school with one of the singers - Sergeant First Class Mario Garcia. Thus, when his high school friend contacted Jeff on Facebook and mentioned the Soldiers' Chorus would be touring the area, it seemed only natural to invite them to Skyline. Of course, a good deal of planning and paperwork went into the whole deal since schools from all over the district brought their choral students to the show.

If you'd like to know more about the Soldiers' Chorus, which is a division of the U.S. Army Field Band, follow this link: http://www.armyfieldband.com/pages/ensembles/sc.html After reading about the group, click on the tab that says "Listening Room" to hear or download pieces from various Field Band ensembles. (You will need Quick Time 6 to play the files, but a link and instructions are available under "questions and troubleshooting.") I hope you enjoy these singing soldiers as much as I did.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Stand for Something

Two hundred thirty six years ago today (April 19, 1775) a shot heard round the world echoed from Lexington Green and began the American Revolution - a war that demonstrated how ordinary people could overcome extraordinary odds with enough faith in and passion for their cause. While many people despair for the American ideal, I like to think those patriots would still recognize our country today. Yes, there are plenty of people here who don't do the right thing - but that has been true of every time and place in history. Yes, there are corrupt politicians who make decisions to line their pockets rather than protect the people they represent - but that, too, is nothing new. The idea that seems to be buried under all the forlorn, woe-is-me jeremiads is that we can still make a difference, even when the deck is stacked against us.

This very week my department is reeling from reduction in force (RIF) layoffs which mean six people at my school won't have a job in our district next year (two from the RIF process and four more on exclusionary contracts). There are about 21 teachers on the RIF list district-wide, but the ripple effect is much larger. At first glance, it doesn't seem like anyone can do much about this. Today my own boss advised me to "stop stressing over things you can't control." As I mulled these words, it occurred to me that many things in the world are beyond my reckoning - death, disease, famine. But standing up for a colleague is not.

On one hand, I agree that I can't singlehandedly reverse the district's decision, but there are other things I can do - things my boss would probably consider frivolous and futile. First, I listened to my colleagues rale against the political machinations of our legislature that made the cuts necessary. Then, I encouraged them to complete an appeal with the aid of our collective bargaining representatives and helped them figure out grounds for their respective claims. Next, I held their hands while they came to terms with the situation and even held a teacher in my arms as she (literally) sobbed on my shoulder when she learned her job was cut.  Perhaps most importantly, I continue to be a squeaky wheel. I have voiced my displeasure with the process and the immunity some people were given to everyone who would listen - admin., my boss, the union rep, other teachers (who are - in turn - also voicing their disapproval). I'm making phone calls, asking questions, and helping these people - who are walking around in shock - to figure out what comes next. See, in my heart of hearts I cannot accept that I'm powerless here. I cannot accept that a few people who are willing to stand up for what is right won't be heard. I know - I'm 46 years old and still idealistic. Did I mention I'm a teacher?

Right now, I'm fighting for my little corner of the world. But, imagine if we all showed up on the town square and said "no more" to the bullies who run our cities, states, and country. Imagine what we could accomplish. The men and boys on Lexington Common probably didn't intend to start a revolution, but they did intend to defend their place in the sun from a government that sought to enslave them by micromanaging their affairs and taxing them to death. Sound familiar? What are you going to do about it?

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Live and Learn

Sunday we attended the Great Arizona Picnic, part of Scottsdale's Culinary Arts Fest - an annual fundraiser for city arts programs. After reading about the event in the local paper and looking at the website, we were psyched to sample some gourmet treats. (The picnic event promises excellent food at a bargain price - compared to the $65 and $75 per person tickets for the indoor event where all food and drinks are included, wine tastings are featured, and executive chefs hold cookbook signings and demonstrations.) Unfortunately, we were sorely disappointed.

First, we paid $30 for the three of us to get into the event, and then we loaded money on GAP cards (like debit cards good only during the picnic) to pay for samples. Knowing the prices up front, we weren't shocked (or even annoyed) until we discovered that the restaurants weren't offering their best foods. Yes, we tried a few tasty desserts (Check out the photos on the posting below.) but overall we were disappointed with the quality. Several Mexican-inspired restaurants all offered street tacos. Not one of them had anything interesting or different. The Melting Pot - a fabulous fondue place - had only chocolate fondue with strawberries or marshmallows: a pretty dull choice for a "gourmet" event.

The only really great food we tried came from Roka Akor Sushi and Steak and Bombay Spice Grill and Wine. The skirt steak with onions (Roka Akor) was best piece of meat I've ever tasted. These thinly sliced, well seasoned strips were so tender they practically melted on the tongue, and the tiny onion rings just set off the whole thing. In addition, the chickpea ceviche (Bombay Spice) was excellent. (It isn't pretty in the pictures, but it was tasty.) This dish combines chickpeas with diced tomato, red onion, and cucumber in a sweet and tangy sauce of tamarind, mint, and yogurt. It was definitely the most interesting food at the event.

In addition to the rather blah offerings, much of the event was roped off into 21 and over sections with a variety of beer, vodka, and wine. Generally this wouldn't be bothersome but many restaurants were in these sections where we couldn't take Jade (even to sample the food). Since the picnic is billed as a family event, it was disappointing to see so many vendors off limits. (Not to mention entry to these sections added another $5 to the ticket.) Finally, the crowds were so dense it was almost impossible to move, let alone get a bite of food. Lines were long and slow at the better vendors (and even at the not-so-great tents, too). After two hours and a total tab of $70 for the three of us, we were ready to call it quits. In retrospect we could have eaten someplace pretty great and walked around the Desert Botanical gardens for a better day. Ah well, live and learn.

The Great Arizona Picnic Photos


Chickpea Ceviche from Bombay Spice Grill and Wine - $3.50

Chocolate Fondue from The Melting Pot - $2.50

Chocolate Fondue from The Melting Pot - $1.50


<><><><>
<>
<><><><>
Rum Cake (Peach Amaretto and Chocolate) from Rum Cakes by _____  - $2 each
 
Mango Drink from one of the Indian restaurants - $1.50


 
New Orleans Beignets from Grand Lux Cafe - $1.50

Jade enjoys Chicken Curry and Rice - $8


Thursday, April 7, 2011

Up in the Air

I love spring for many reasons: my Lady Banks roses bloom profusely, the open windows bring fresh air through the house, and the days lengthen into lingering twilights enjoyed on a porch swing after supper. However, spring is particularly stressful these days, so I'm learning to dread it as the years pass. Perhaps when (if) the economy turns around, I will enjoy spring once again, but the last few Aprils have brought an ugliness to this beautiful season.

For example, the same day Jeff went into the principal's office to thank him for the glowing recommendation that helped him earn his trip to Vienna this summer, he was informed that he might not have a full contract next year. (He currently has four of the five classes needed to be full time.) Of course, we have grown accustomed to this push-and-pull over the years. Every time cuts are made officials begin with items like performing arts and sports because people will learn of their impending doom and be willing to fork over extra money in the form of taxes, donations, etc. In addition, many administrators like playing the "I found you a full-time job, so you owe me" card. In that situation the idea is to make teachers worry about their jobs so much that they are willing to do pretty much any duty to ensure their livelihood, including things like monitoring in-school suspension, sponsoring clubs they know nothing about, or taking the crummy class that absolutely no one wants to teach.

Another example of the stress many teachers endure is waiting for staffing numbers. When our school added freshmen last year, we also added quite a few teachers. The English department alone has 20 full time instructors this year; however, since the powers-that-be have looked into their crystal ball and determined we will not have nearly as many kids next year (for reasons I do not actually understand), our department will shrink. The problem is, we don't know until budget issues are worked out and staffing allotments are handed down to principals whether that means our "extra" teachers will still have a job in district (just at another location) or they will be RIFed (reduction in force, aka laid off). Thus, tensions and emotions are running pretty hot these days - not just in the English department, but across campus and around the district because none of us knows what the final decision will be. (I won't even mention that the projected numbers have about 36 kids per English class. Oh wait...)

To compound all of this uncertainty, if the state legislature continues to cut funding to K-12 education, people could be RIFed over the summer. We can't really know what's going to happen until our fearless leaders at the capitol create a budget - which won't actually be finalized until June. In the meantime, we lobby and email and make phone calls to representatives who pay lip service to education, but vote to slash funding over and over again.

So, while I am pleased to enjoy the flowers gracing my yard, the birds merrily chirping on Sunday afternoon, and the lovely stars that twinkle in the twilight sky, forgive me if I wish it were still winter.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

National Endowment for the Humanities: Mozart's Worlds

On April 1st I found out that I had been accepted to participate in a National Endowment for the Humanities funded institute called Mozart's Worlds. The application process required two letters of reccomendation, a copy of my resume and an essay that explained why I wanted to participate, what I wanted to get out of it and what I would do with the knowledge.  Several people have expressed interest in my essay, and Jenny has been kind enough to let me post it here. 


In recent years I have found myself buried under politics, policies and paperwork.  The minutia of everyday life has threatened to destroy my love of music and teaching.  I am in need of the wonder that drove me to a career in music in the first place. I am in need of the thrill that comes from learning new things about old friends.  I am in need of new experiences and new stories to share with my students.  I am in need of new projects to inspire my choirs.   I am in need of Herr Mozart.
My love affair with the music of Mozart began while still in high school.  Amadeus came to the movies.  At the time, I believed it to be a factual account of Mozart’s life and imagined myself to be just like Antonio Salieri: my talent lay not in the ability to create wonderful music, but in the ability to appreciate the genius that was and still is Mozart.  A few years later, as a music student at Arizona State University, fiction began to separate from fact and Mozart’s accomplishments became even more wondrous.   Disappointment loomed when the opera studies program announced only one Mozart opera production, Cosi fan tutte because undergraduates rarely got leading roles.  Ferrando would not be mine, but there was room in the ensemble for a choral major.  The school of music recital attendance requirement encouraged students to partake in performances outside their major, so when the aria prep class put on an evening of Mozart opera scenes, or a group of string quartets exhibited a “Mostly Mozart” celebration, or whenever the marquee said Mozart, it was a sure thing that I would be in attendance.  The most memorable event of my college education occurred on Dec. 5, 1991.  In memory of the anniversary of Mozart’s death we performed his Requiem Mass right up to the ninth bar of the “Lacrimosa.”  At this point the stage lights were dimmed to black and like Mozart, we did not finish the Requiem.   
Sitting in the shade of the music building and talking about the performances with my classmates was almost as much fun as attending them.  Academic conversation is one of my favorite obsessions.  Often my wife, an English teacher, and I compare sonatas to sonnets, and discuss various musical settings of Shakespearean songs or Emily Dickinson poetry while driving to the mall (or some other equally innocuous place), only to find that we’ve become so enrapt in our conversation that we missed our exit - fifteen minutes ago.  Regional and All-State festivals are often better spent in the refreshment room with colleagues discussing the latest publications or octavos, rather than sitting in the rehearsal hall with students.  The joy of listening to an impassioned speaker expound at length is only heightened by the addition of various voices, thoughtful questions and cognitive leaps.  This is the aspect of learning that fascinates me: multiple minds sharing ideas to create a more complete understanding for all.  I admire those who speak first, unafraid of condemnation by the group; adore those who listen intently, ruminate on the content and posit a fresh view; appreciate those who furiously take down every word, careful not to miss a single morsel of intellectual fodder; and endeavor to balance each of these in my own contributions.  Recently conversations tend toward politics, budget cuts, and test scores.  It seems that more interesting content is called for.  What better topic of discussion than Mozart?  What better place to discuss him than Vienna?  What an outstanding collection of stories to share upon returning home.
There is an old joke about a group of inmates sitting in the prison cafeteria.  Someone yells out “Forty-two!”  and the crowd erupts into laughter.  The newest inmate inquires about the strange occurrence and is told that new jokes seldom make it into the prison, so to save time the jokes appear onto a list and rather than tell the whole joke all you have to do is call out its number.  Intrigued the new inmate yells out “Thirty-nine!”  The crowd stares at him with no response.  “Did I do something wrong?” he asks.  “No” comes the reply, “you just can’t tell a joke.”   My students have numbered my anecdotes.  The Requiem story is number twelve.  Students often take my classes all four years of high school, but regrettably I have only about two-and-a- half years worth of good stories.  Stolen stories assist on occasion and sometimes out and out fabrications help get the point across.  Honest firsthand accounts, though, are always more effective.   Due to socio-economic background, most of my students never have, and probably never will have the opportunity to travel to Europe.  Adventures shared by their teachers inspire them to learn and explore.  I traveled to Romania and parts of the former USSR in the late 80’s and use the reminiscences to regale my classes with images of the Kremlin when we perform a favorite piece by Kopylow or Tchikovsky   With Mozart, there are multitudes of pieces to perform and I have too few stories with which to engage the students.  This institute would certainly rectify that situation.
In my mind I picture a Mozart concert featuring all of the Skyline High School choirs.  The younger choir performs an arrangement of “Ave Verum Corpus” or perhaps a simple canon.  They need a well-known Mozart melody to make the composer seem accessible to those individuals who erroneously deem classical music dull or boring.  Interspersed between pieces, students present brief speeches about Mozart’s early life accompanied on the piano by some of his earliest pieces.  (Where does one rent a harpsichord?)  The more advanced women’s ensemble files in to perform an opera chorus or an excerpt from a mass.  More students recite biographical tidbits that engage, educate and entertain the audience.  Photographs of Vienna projected to enormous proportions punctuate the biography.  The students who study voice privately take on an aria or a duet. A guest performer from the University sings the “Queen of the Night” aria.  I finally get the chance to sing Ferrando’s "Un'aura amorosa.”  And to close the concert: the “Dies Irae” to demonstrate Mozart’s fire, the “Rex Tremendae” to display his majesty, the “Confutatis” to explore the inner conflict, and the “Lacrimosa;” but only the first nine bars.  
As a composer, I will never reach the heights of Salieri, much less those of Mozart, but I am not a composer.  I am a teacher; a story teller who gives voice to the past in an effort to preserve the future.  As I strive to inspire my students to greatness, I derive inspiration from great opportunities and great music.   To do that, I am in need of Herr Mozart.