In this day and age of assessments is that the assessments themselves will measure the technical aspects of our profession, and I believe this will further force us to focus on technique and push the affective further out of reach. Additionally, communicative nuance is lost in text messaging, email, and technical gadgetry. We must be bastions of the affective realm – champions of the expressive! We must not constantly justify our existence by arguing that music increases test scores or GPA or whatever else to which it may correlate. We must argue that music is essential because of its own merit. It allows students to exist in both realms of the brain hemispheres, and wonderfully combines the Apollonian and Dionysian ethos to create well rounded, talented, compassionate human beings. The two are not diametrically opposed. They are inescapably and gloriously connected. So I will begin this school year determined not only to be transformative, but for my students to be transformed!
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Finally, I would be neglecting my roots if I omitted a reference to the great rock band, Rush, whose 1978 concept album Hemispheres tells the story of an ancient people visited by the gods Apollo and Dionysus. The followers were thrown into chaos, not knowing which path was the correct one to follow. Ultimately, the entity Cygnus appears to teach that elements of both factions are required for happiness: With the heart and mind united, In a single, perfect, sphere…
STATE HONOR CHOIR concerts at state conference
(featuring 425 auditioned voices) Gustavus Adolphus College • St. Peter 4-5-6 Children – November 19, 2011 7-8 Boys & 7-8 Girls – November 18, 2011
jazz vocalist /clinician A world class musician, historian and devoted music educator. His in-school residency “The Evolution of African American Music” has captured the imaginations of middle school, high school and college students all over the Midwest. “A true master of the jazz form” Performing for audiences throughout Minnesota since 1993, the St. Anthony Brass Quintet is one of the finest chamber ensembles in the state. Partners with COMPAS and Young Audiences of Minnesota.
Latin-jazz piano and clinician An inspiring teacher as well as performer, Nachito’s passion for his native music is matched by his passion for working with the next generation of musicians and audiences. “Hotter than the burning tip of a contraband Cuban cigar”
(612) 202-8383 heartlandconcertartists.com
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Star of the North • Fall 2012