Sunday, September 30, 2012

ISSI 2013...Here We Come!

This past Thursday night, the ISSI board met to review this past summer's institute, and talk about exciting happenings for 2013.

We are especially excited to celebrate the 35th year of ISSI in 2013 with a piece commissioned especially for the occasion.  Written by our own faculty member, Michael McLean, "ISSI Gettin' Down" will be performed by all ISSI students in the final concert Saturday.  What a way to commemorate this milestone!  Music is already posted online; view it and listen to it at this link here and get practicing!

Also at the meeting, we were introduced to two new board members: Amy Norton (violin) and Aisha Johnson (viola). We are thrilled to have their enthusiasm, support, and energy to add to our efforts!  Individual spotlights on them both are soon to come.

As we wrapped up Thursday's meeting, Ramona Stirling made an off-hand comment about how "It's amazing what one person can do."  This comment resonated deeply with me, as I sat there surrounded by such talented, capable, committed teachers and parents; all adding to this extraordinary effort to create positive, nurturing experiences for our young people.

And if it's true that it's amazing what one person can do, think of all we can do when we unite together behind such a worthy cause: the education and betterment of our children through music.

So here's to ISSI 2013: Can't wait to see you there!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Why Do We Teach Music?


THAT IS WHY I TEACH MUSIC
NOT because I expect you to major in music.
NOT because I expect you to play or sing all your life.
NOT so you can relax or have fun.
BUT- So you will be human
So you will recognize beauty
So you will be sensitive
So you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world
So you will have something to cling to
So you will have more love, more compassion, more
gentleness, more
good…in short, more life.
Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?
Author Unknown