MEMORIAL DAY - 2010
My very early memories of Memorial Day are of sitting on the curb in front of my Dad's business in Kennebunk waiting for the parade. The parade formed at the far west end of the town, stopped at the Mousam River Bridge to pay tribute to "..those who perished on the sea.." by tossing wreaths into the water. A bugler played taps and the march proceeded eastward through town to WWI Memorial, and then on to the cemetery where military honors were performed. Since I was only four or five my memories may be short a few details. I do remember we all had a flag to wave, and we were always dressed up. White patent leather shoes, ribbons in our hair and summery dresses. There were WWI veterans with their color guards. Henry Parsons, Earl Smith, Freddy Rouleau on his wooden bicycle with one enormous wheel and one tiny one. Someone, maybe George Cousins dressed up in an Uncle Sam suit..... We were well aware of the meaning of the day. There had been wars to establish America, and wars to keep it safe.
Many men had given their lives to those ends, and before we could celebrate their victories, we did honor their sacrifice. Commerce stopped and families held reunions.
Nearly all businesses closed. That was probably around 1935/36.
Since then there have been several wars which American servicemen have been drawn into by our government. I was too young at the beginning of WWII to have a real opinion of the merit of our involvement. My brother and most of his friends were in various services. Word came that a young pilot, only child of a well known family had been shot down; that another one had been taken prisoner in Germany; that a ship had sunk and a sailor was among the crew. The town population was around 3000 so losses were felt by everyone. These were the "kids" who played football, basketball, baseball and competed in track with everyone's kids. Memorial Day from then on took on a whole new meaning for me. There have been several wars and actions in my lifetime. Now Lowe's and Ace Hardware are declaring Memorial Day as a day for "fun and fixing projects" with no reference to the real meaning of the day. It makes me angry and sad. Yes, life goes on, but as it does we should always be mindful of and honor those who have made that possible.
There is a lot of music suitable for Memorial Day. America The Beautiful; God Bless America; God Bless the USA; You're A Grand Old Flag; Stars and Stripes Forever; and of course, the service anthems: American Patrol, Caissons Go Rolling Along, Air Force Song; Anchors Aweigh; Marines' Hymn; Coast Guard Song. Dennis Awe made a medley of the service songs which is very good. Choy Lozada, when he was with Lowrey, put together an organ medley of sounds which are very appropriate. Choy's arrangements are on a floppy disk but can be transferred to a USB stick.
Please enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, but don't forget the reason for it.
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
jem
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
I HEAR MUSIC
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Yes, "I hear music -mighty fine music" - it sings in my head and lightens my heart.
Today there were eight of my MUSIC FRIENDS here from 10:00 a.m. until nearly 2:00 p.m. Over coffee, fruit and home baked treats there was talk of where the program is headed - and we still don't know. What we do know is that we are strong together when we play for one another. SO today, I heard a lot of beautiful music played on my Prestige. Among eight or nine people who were here today, the organs in their various homes are Prestige, Royale, Premiere, Legacy, Encore, Century, and Jamboree. Everyone who owns an older or smaller organ has to re-adapt their music to my Prestige. It is a good way to "stretch" our skills to play on different instruments.
When we play at Truslow Adult Daycare, we play a Century, and when we play at the Maine Veterans' Home it is on the Premiere. All are Lowrey organs but all quite different.
One way to move from organ to organ is to make sticky notes with the arrangements. They won't permanently mark the page, and they can be changed from organ to organ.
The newest Lowrey organs have USB sticks which will not work for presets in the older organs so "nag-notes" are important in preparing to play for others.
Next week, May 29, we will be participating in a Community Yard Sale in South Portland. Last year we participated for the first time and felt very satisfied to make nearly $200. We have a wider variety of "merchandise" this year and look forward to bringing in a fair amount of dollars. Money from our treasury will go to charitable use to be decided when we know what we have to work with.
The week after next, June 5, we will gather at Joyce's home in Steep Falls.
The more people who come, the more I feel we are staying together and making the limited time at the studio work for us. AS for what is going on at the studio - I really don't know. Everyone seems to have a different idea about what is happening and what will transpire as time goes on. It is midway through a "10-week session" so only time will tell.
MORE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC -
Cameron Carpenter, who has performed at the local Merrill Auditorium on the Kotschmar organ, has a wonderful website. It shows him playing the organ and doing a large part of the piece with only foot pedals. I am sure if you Google Cameron Carpenter you can view and listen to it. He is one of America's current outstanding organists.
"Beautiful" songs -
Beautiful Dreamer
Beautiful Boy
Beautiful Friendship, A
Beautiful In My Eyes
Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
Beautiful Morning ( It's A)
Beautiful Savior
Beautiful Sea
Beauty and the Beast
Keep a beautiful song in your heart and keep the music playing.
Janice
Yes, "I hear music -mighty fine music" - it sings in my head and lightens my heart.
Today there were eight of my MUSIC FRIENDS here from 10:00 a.m. until nearly 2:00 p.m. Over coffee, fruit and home baked treats there was talk of where the program is headed - and we still don't know. What we do know is that we are strong together when we play for one another. SO today, I heard a lot of beautiful music played on my Prestige. Among eight or nine people who were here today, the organs in their various homes are Prestige, Royale, Premiere, Legacy, Encore, Century, and Jamboree. Everyone who owns an older or smaller organ has to re-adapt their music to my Prestige. It is a good way to "stretch" our skills to play on different instruments.
When we play at Truslow Adult Daycare, we play a Century, and when we play at the Maine Veterans' Home it is on the Premiere. All are Lowrey organs but all quite different.
One way to move from organ to organ is to make sticky notes with the arrangements. They won't permanently mark the page, and they can be changed from organ to organ.
The newest Lowrey organs have USB sticks which will not work for presets in the older organs so "nag-notes" are important in preparing to play for others.
Next week, May 29, we will be participating in a Community Yard Sale in South Portland. Last year we participated for the first time and felt very satisfied to make nearly $200. We have a wider variety of "merchandise" this year and look forward to bringing in a fair amount of dollars. Money from our treasury will go to charitable use to be decided when we know what we have to work with.
The week after next, June 5, we will gather at Joyce's home in Steep Falls.
The more people who come, the more I feel we are staying together and making the limited time at the studio work for us. AS for what is going on at the studio - I really don't know. Everyone seems to have a different idea about what is happening and what will transpire as time goes on. It is midway through a "10-week session" so only time will tell.
MORE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC -
Cameron Carpenter, who has performed at the local Merrill Auditorium on the Kotschmar organ, has a wonderful website. It shows him playing the organ and doing a large part of the piece with only foot pedals. I am sure if you Google Cameron Carpenter you can view and listen to it. He is one of America's current outstanding organists.
"Beautiful" songs -
Beautiful Dreamer
Beautiful Boy
Beautiful Friendship, A
Beautiful In My Eyes
Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
Beautiful Morning ( It's A)
Beautiful Savior
Beautiful Sea
Beauty and the Beast
Keep a beautiful song in your heart and keep the music playing.
Janice
Monday, May 17, 2010
OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING ~
~ I'VE GOT A BEAUTIFUL FEELING, EVERYTHING'S GOIN' MY WAY -
The colorful musical "OKLAHOMA!" was Rodgers and Hammerstien's first collaboration. I have said, in past blogs, a lot about the duo, which went on to write a total of nine Broadway musicals. Oklahoma is considered to be the most important in the development of American musical theater. The plot which revolved around who would take a local beauty to a box social - the handsome, respected Curly or the sinister Jud. In Oklahoma they mixed story, song and dance and gave insight into the main characters' hidden fears and desires. The show opened in March of 1943 and ran for 2,212 performances with Joan Roberts as Laurey, Alfred Drake as Curly and Howard DaSilva as Jud. The 1955 film version featured Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones.
MISS OKLAHOMA won the Miss USA Contest yesterday.
This is a beautiful day in Scarborough Maine. The marshes viewed from Route 1 are getting very green; the winter browns and golds have made a mat for the new growth so it is all very colorful. This morning several small long legged birds were wading around in the pools, occasionally dipping their graceful necks to pluck some tasty morsel from the shallow depth. I love those marshes, they are constantly changing and always so colorful. We may not have a "bright golden haze on the meadow" but we do have a our beautiful marshes and sometimes they do indeed, have a haze over them. And sometimes, because they are filled with little twisting creeks, they are almost entirely under water. ++++ I am old enough to remember when those marshes were filled with "teds" as farmers hayed those marshes. A fast growing very tall reed was introduced to the marshes some years back to provide food for the geese, I have been told. Now that reed has taken over a large section, and I saw this year a small harvester was parked there in early spring. Apparently that reed has been "mowed" an there is new bright green low growth in it's place. More color in the beautiful Scarborough Marsh area.
Good or bad, things never stay the same. The music program in Portland is once again undergoing a transition. I am not attending classes for the present but I am in touch with them, and when things are settled and I know where I belong, I will most certainly return. The organ hobby serves those of us who regularly participate in so many ways. Friendship, activity, quiet moments alone; it brings me up when I am down, and relaxes me when I am fretful. No matter when or where I play, I enjoy myself. Yesterday, after a nice lunch with my daughter at the Bull & Claw in Wells, I spent two hours at the Maine Veterans' Home playing a variety of oldies, country, polkas and marches for a very appreciative audience. When I sat down there was one man. In a little while there were several people including a woman who was in the Navy. A resident and his visiting wife came for a while. Some drifted in and left but when I left there were four people still listening. The caring staff was setting tables and making coffee. I asked if the food is good and got a resounding "yes!" from the men waiting at their places to be served. If you have the opportunity to play for a Veterans' Center or Home, please do so. They are a great audience.
"All the sounds of the earth are like music -
Sometimes you have to stop and listen for them, but the sounds of earth are all around us. They are there for your listening pleasure without an iPod or CD player.
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
jem
The colorful musical "OKLAHOMA!" was Rodgers and Hammerstien's first collaboration. I have said, in past blogs, a lot about the duo, which went on to write a total of nine Broadway musicals. Oklahoma is considered to be the most important in the development of American musical theater. The plot which revolved around who would take a local beauty to a box social - the handsome, respected Curly or the sinister Jud. In Oklahoma they mixed story, song and dance and gave insight into the main characters' hidden fears and desires. The show opened in March of 1943 and ran for 2,212 performances with Joan Roberts as Laurey, Alfred Drake as Curly and Howard DaSilva as Jud. The 1955 film version featured Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones.
MISS OKLAHOMA won the Miss USA Contest yesterday.
This is a beautiful day in Scarborough Maine. The marshes viewed from Route 1 are getting very green; the winter browns and golds have made a mat for the new growth so it is all very colorful. This morning several small long legged birds were wading around in the pools, occasionally dipping their graceful necks to pluck some tasty morsel from the shallow depth. I love those marshes, they are constantly changing and always so colorful. We may not have a "bright golden haze on the meadow" but we do have a our beautiful marshes and sometimes they do indeed, have a haze over them. And sometimes, because they are filled with little twisting creeks, they are almost entirely under water. ++++ I am old enough to remember when those marshes were filled with "teds" as farmers hayed those marshes. A fast growing very tall reed was introduced to the marshes some years back to provide food for the geese, I have been told. Now that reed has taken over a large section, and I saw this year a small harvester was parked there in early spring. Apparently that reed has been "mowed" an there is new bright green low growth in it's place. More color in the beautiful Scarborough Marsh area.
Good or bad, things never stay the same. The music program in Portland is once again undergoing a transition. I am not attending classes for the present but I am in touch with them, and when things are settled and I know where I belong, I will most certainly return. The organ hobby serves those of us who regularly participate in so many ways. Friendship, activity, quiet moments alone; it brings me up when I am down, and relaxes me when I am fretful. No matter when or where I play, I enjoy myself. Yesterday, after a nice lunch with my daughter at the Bull & Claw in Wells, I spent two hours at the Maine Veterans' Home playing a variety of oldies, country, polkas and marches for a very appreciative audience. When I sat down there was one man. In a little while there were several people including a woman who was in the Navy. A resident and his visiting wife came for a while. Some drifted in and left but when I left there were four people still listening. The caring staff was setting tables and making coffee. I asked if the food is good and got a resounding "yes!" from the men waiting at their places to be served. If you have the opportunity to play for a Veterans' Center or Home, please do so. They are a great audience.
"All the sounds of the earth are like music -
Sometimes you have to stop and listen for them, but the sounds of earth are all around us. They are there for your listening pleasure without an iPod or CD player.
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
jem
Friday, May 7, 2010
He's Got The WHole World in His Hands
Yes, He has the whole world in His hands - and I was never more sure than I am at this time. Yesterday I was driving on a very familiar street in Portland on my way home from having lunch with my organ friends. As I drove along I saw, on the right side of the street, on the sidewalk, a young man with three children, one on a bicycle at the edge of the road.
When I see children on the side of the road I usually slow down because kids are naturally unpredictable. So I was going fairly slow. From the left side a child about three years, if I judge correctly, erupted into the street right in front of me, headed for the children on the left. I stomped on the brakes and thank GOD my car came to a rocking stop. The mother stood in absolute horror unable to move, but the young man left his family, dashed into the road, snatched the little curly headed girl up, and carried her to - presumably - her mother. I have never come so close to being involved in a true tragedy. GOD WAS SURELY IN THE CAR WITH ME and HE WAS SURELY WITH THAT PRECIOUS CHILD. I would send a harness to the mother if I knew who she is.
HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS IS A SPIRITUAL. I was unable to find the composer/lyricist but did learn that in 1958 an English singer Laurie London sang it and it went all the way to #1 in the "Most Played by Jockeys" list,and #3 in the R&B charts. It was also successfully performed by a British male. Mahalia Jackson's version made the Billboard top100 singles chart. To date it is the only gospel song to hit #1 on a US pop singles chart. Marian Anderson, Odetta, Perry Como, The Sandpipers and several other groups have recorded it. The Sisters of Mercy performed it at the Reading Festival.
The tune has been used with substitute lyrics for football teams and the movie Tootsie.
It is published in Hal Leonard books, both EZ-PLay and Fake. It's a great song to play at senior gatherings. The tune is simple and the words are easy to remember. It will be one of my favorite songs from now on!
I guess I should mention I get most of my information from the internet,and Wikipedia is a fountain that never dries up. I also go to various music sites and get quite caught up in reading what pops up.
Dennis Awe is arranging an Organ Extravaganza in Orlando in late August. I hate airports, and am not eager to fly with all the nonsense that seems to be going on. But my friend in Michigan says "when your number is up, it's up" and he and his wife are going with out hesitation. He, John, told me that there is a good organ event in Pennsylvania every year, and next year they will go to that one. I am considering the Orlando event. I do love Dennis' productions. He will have several other performers and the "day after" event looks very enticing.
Tomorrow is the day my organ friends gather here to enjoy music, conversation and good food. Good food, if I get up and make a lasagna, that is. Well, everyone brings goodies and fruit and nuts. Last time we ordered pizza in from a near-by shop. Whatever we have, and however many come, it will be a good time. Wish you were here.
Until next week ~
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
Janice
When I see children on the side of the road I usually slow down because kids are naturally unpredictable. So I was going fairly slow. From the left side a child about three years, if I judge correctly, erupted into the street right in front of me, headed for the children on the left. I stomped on the brakes and thank GOD my car came to a rocking stop. The mother stood in absolute horror unable to move, but the young man left his family, dashed into the road, snatched the little curly headed girl up, and carried her to - presumably - her mother. I have never come so close to being involved in a true tragedy. GOD WAS SURELY IN THE CAR WITH ME and HE WAS SURELY WITH THAT PRECIOUS CHILD. I would send a harness to the mother if I knew who she is.
HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS IS A SPIRITUAL. I was unable to find the composer/lyricist but did learn that in 1958 an English singer Laurie London sang it and it went all the way to #1 in the "Most Played by Jockeys" list,and #3 in the R&B charts. It was also successfully performed by a British male. Mahalia Jackson's version made the Billboard top100 singles chart. To date it is the only gospel song to hit #1 on a US pop singles chart. Marian Anderson, Odetta, Perry Como, The Sandpipers and several other groups have recorded it. The Sisters of Mercy performed it at the Reading Festival.
The tune has been used with substitute lyrics for football teams and the movie Tootsie.
It is published in Hal Leonard books, both EZ-PLay and Fake. It's a great song to play at senior gatherings. The tune is simple and the words are easy to remember. It will be one of my favorite songs from now on!
I guess I should mention I get most of my information from the internet,and Wikipedia is a fountain that never dries up. I also go to various music sites and get quite caught up in reading what pops up.
Dennis Awe is arranging an Organ Extravaganza in Orlando in late August. I hate airports, and am not eager to fly with all the nonsense that seems to be going on. But my friend in Michigan says "when your number is up, it's up" and he and his wife are going with out hesitation. He, John, told me that there is a good organ event in Pennsylvania every year, and next year they will go to that one. I am considering the Orlando event. I do love Dennis' productions. He will have several other performers and the "day after" event looks very enticing.
Tomorrow is the day my organ friends gather here to enjoy music, conversation and good food. Good food, if I get up and make a lasagna, that is. Well, everyone brings goodies and fruit and nuts. Last time we ordered pizza in from a near-by shop. Whatever we have, and however many come, it will be a good time. Wish you were here.
Until next week ~
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
Janice
Sunday, May 2, 2010
IT'S MAY - IT'S MAY - THE MERRY MONTH ~~~
MAY FIRST being written on MAY SECOND.
Last week I expressed - as in squeezed out - a lot of thoughts on the music program.
I promise not to make this another such diatribe.
Yesterday, May 1st, four of our organ group went as scheduled, to Kennebunk for the May Day Fair. We were set up and playing by 10:30. It was warm and breezy, a lovely day to be out in the fresh air on the edge of the Mousam River. Brian's friends, Mark who plays guitar and Mary who plays flute, joined him in some duets.
I have not seen such a turn out for any local event since last year in West Kennebunk at their Family Fun Fair. Those Kennebunk people (I used to be one) know how to have a great event. There was a parade with dozens of liittle baseball players proudly sporting their red, blue and black jerseys. There was a bagpipe band in pretty blue plaid kilts. The Shriners were there with both the moped team and the little yellow car team. The Shoe String puppeteers were there. That impressive group from Portland wear oversized wildly fashioned and colorful outfits, and oversized papier mache heads with rather grotesque features. They march in total disorder led by a character on stilts which elevate him to about twelve feet tall. They are a very special group. There was a drum corp wearing Mexican hats. (A bit early for Cinco de Mayo!) We don't have a significant number of Mexican illegal immigrants in Maine so no political statement was intended, I am sure. There was a parade of vehicles of interest, large wreckers and tow trucks, etc. The American Legion provided an honor guard and grand marshall. NICE PARADE.
Back to MUSIC - I went to GOOGLE to see what I could find in "Music about May". Google took me to Cape May, a list of people named May both first and last, and people named Musick. It further referred me to people named Mary. I actually thought it was pretty funny. I then went to Songs about May" and that was more interesting. I suppose I could have stopped at "A Tisket, A Tasket" which is apparently about a May Basket. Remember those? We delivered them to someone's door and then ran. Originally that little adventure was for girls and boys, and the "hangee" chased the "hanger" and gave her/him a kiss. In my childhood we hung them on everyone in the neighborhood. I remember my Mom making the baskets out of little paper cups and yards of crepe paper carefully crimped and pleated; then glued to the cups. Handles were made of braided crepe paper or pretty ribbons. Good heavens! Do any mothers today have time for such things? One year the minister's wife down the street from us, though not of our church, was very ill. Mom made a basket from a half-pint ice cream box - you know, the little square ones like gold fish used to come in - and filled it with vanilla ice cream for her. Once again I digress, which is a great failing of mine when I am writing.
May 1st it seems, is actually International Workers' Day. There are a number of songs written to that theme, one being Pete Seeger's "Talking Union". Continuing to look for some lovely music for a lovely month, I found a site with two Irish pieces, written in Gaelic! There were translations but no music. Following is a verse from Ecstasy of Spring:
May clad in cloth of gold
Commeth this way.
The fluting of black birds
Heralds the day.
The second had no name. They are both beautiful pastoral poems. If you are interested Google "Ecstasy of Spring". If you are inclined, try writing some music to accompany them. You never know how far that will take you.
SO, the only song I could come up with is from the wonderful musical "Camelot".
In brief, "It's May, THE LUSTY MONTH OF MAY, That lovely month when every one goes blissfully astray. It's here, That shocking time of year when tons of wicked little thoughts merrily appear. It's May, That gorgeous holiday, when every maiden prays that her lad will be a cad. It's mad, it's gay! A libelous display. Those dreary vows that everyone takes, everyone breaks. Everyone makes divine mistakes - The Lusty Month of May" There is much more to it, this amusing light-hearted song which Guenevere sings so gaily.
Lowrey has this in EZ Play book #287 and Hal Leonard has published a complete souvenir folio of Camelot in traditional piano music with chords for other instruments.
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
jem
Last week I expressed - as in squeezed out - a lot of thoughts on the music program.
I promise not to make this another such diatribe.
Yesterday, May 1st, four of our organ group went as scheduled, to Kennebunk for the May Day Fair. We were set up and playing by 10:30. It was warm and breezy, a lovely day to be out in the fresh air on the edge of the Mousam River. Brian's friends, Mark who plays guitar and Mary who plays flute, joined him in some duets.
I have not seen such a turn out for any local event since last year in West Kennebunk at their Family Fun Fair. Those Kennebunk people (I used to be one) know how to have a great event. There was a parade with dozens of liittle baseball players proudly sporting their red, blue and black jerseys. There was a bagpipe band in pretty blue plaid kilts. The Shriners were there with both the moped team and the little yellow car team. The Shoe String puppeteers were there. That impressive group from Portland wear oversized wildly fashioned and colorful outfits, and oversized papier mache heads with rather grotesque features. They march in total disorder led by a character on stilts which elevate him to about twelve feet tall. They are a very special group. There was a drum corp wearing Mexican hats. (A bit early for Cinco de Mayo!) We don't have a significant number of Mexican illegal immigrants in Maine so no political statement was intended, I am sure. There was a parade of vehicles of interest, large wreckers and tow trucks, etc. The American Legion provided an honor guard and grand marshall. NICE PARADE.
Back to MUSIC - I went to GOOGLE to see what I could find in "Music about May". Google took me to Cape May, a list of people named May both first and last, and people named Musick. It further referred me to people named Mary. I actually thought it was pretty funny. I then went to Songs about May" and that was more interesting. I suppose I could have stopped at "A Tisket, A Tasket" which is apparently about a May Basket. Remember those? We delivered them to someone's door and then ran. Originally that little adventure was for girls and boys, and the "hangee" chased the "hanger" and gave her/him a kiss. In my childhood we hung them on everyone in the neighborhood. I remember my Mom making the baskets out of little paper cups and yards of crepe paper carefully crimped and pleated; then glued to the cups. Handles were made of braided crepe paper or pretty ribbons. Good heavens! Do any mothers today have time for such things? One year the minister's wife down the street from us, though not of our church, was very ill. Mom made a basket from a half-pint ice cream box - you know, the little square ones like gold fish used to come in - and filled it with vanilla ice cream for her. Once again I digress, which is a great failing of mine when I am writing.
May 1st it seems, is actually International Workers' Day. There are a number of songs written to that theme, one being Pete Seeger's "Talking Union". Continuing to look for some lovely music for a lovely month, I found a site with two Irish pieces, written in Gaelic! There were translations but no music. Following is a verse from Ecstasy of Spring:
May clad in cloth of gold
Commeth this way.
The fluting of black birds
Heralds the day.
The second had no name. They are both beautiful pastoral poems. If you are interested Google "Ecstasy of Spring". If you are inclined, try writing some music to accompany them. You never know how far that will take you.
SO, the only song I could come up with is from the wonderful musical "Camelot".
In brief, "It's May, THE LUSTY MONTH OF MAY, That lovely month when every one goes blissfully astray. It's here, That shocking time of year when tons of wicked little thoughts merrily appear. It's May, That gorgeous holiday, when every maiden prays that her lad will be a cad. It's mad, it's gay! A libelous display. Those dreary vows that everyone takes, everyone breaks. Everyone makes divine mistakes - The Lusty Month of May" There is much more to it, this amusing light-hearted song which Guenevere sings so gaily.
Lowrey has this in EZ Play book #287 and Hal Leonard has published a complete souvenir folio of Camelot in traditional piano music with chords for other instruments.
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music playing.
jem
Saturday, April 24, 2010
THURSDAY'S MUSIC
For about twelve years - Yup! - twelve years, Thursday has been music day in my schedule. I have participated in classes and "playing for friends" almost without interruption. I began with a teacher who was new to the E-Z Play program but was totally dedicated to the Lowrey method. The "old folks" loved him. Then a new person came onto the scene. She was determined to take over the program and he left. She drove a lot of people out with her rude comments and over bearing manner - myself included. When she left, an energetic, enthusiastic Lowrey E-Z Play mentor came to the rescue of the program. He stayed for quite a while and the program grew with his enthusiasm, to over one hundred participants. He was willing to do whatever it took to keep new people coming in and the rest of us interested in staying with it.
Times change, people come and go in all businesses. The program has now dwindled to thirty (generously speaking) people who have been reluctant to give up. However, the time has come to look realistically at what is happening. More and more grumbling takes place weekly about the lack of interest from the dealer. Things are not the same. Every ten weeks the same questions come up: Who is continuing? Are you coming back? Are things going to get better?
NO, things are not the same. The group gathers from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 in the "playing for friends" time; the organ mentor comes in for only 1/2 hour to give us his tips on improving our skills; the head of the program comes in at 11:00 to "critique" music which we have worked on during the week. The "critique" is bland. IN MY OPINION, and I am not a trained musician, the problem is, she does not know the organ. She cannot make criticisms on an instrument she does not know. She can criticize fingering and timing. Her comments are always complimentary. Maybe she is too nice for the job. Personally, I really like her. I just am not getting anything out of my time in her "class." I know when I make mistakes. I make a lot of them. What I don't know is how I can improve my sounds, and make my music more interesting to listen to - and to play.
I have always said I would keep the group together as long as I am able. Well, maybe I am no longer able. I don't know. One thing I do know, it is not my responsibility to keep the program going. And THERE is the difference. The group can still stay together even if the program fails. We just have to find a way. SO, instead of complaining, let's start planning. The next gathering at my home in Scarborough is May 8th. I look forward to hearing your suggestions.
Did you know there are a lot of songs written about Thursday? If you go to your search engine and type in "Songs about Thursday" you will find several sites with lists. I had no idea there were so many. I listened to a few of them and didn't find any of them worth downloading. Thursday is just a great day for making music, and I will always spend time on my organ on Thursday. IF you are inclined to write a song, please, write it on Thursday about Thursday.
The magazine "Making Music" has some tips on learning new pieces and some on organizing and making the most of practice time. If you don't subscribe to that magazine, check it out at the library. One minute practice tip: "To help memorization, take a song you enjoy and bracket off sections in order of difficulty. Try memorizing those parts and then put them together with out looking at the page."
Another hint from Making Music: If you are prone to cramping after long practice sessions, on when performing, try drinking a sports drink which has added electrolytes. Since dehydration is often the problem, stay away from colas, coffee and tea which are all diuretics.
Some time ago the editor of the SMAAA (Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging) agreed to write an article about the organ program and music's role in positive aging. She came to the studio and took some pictures which she tells me are great. But the article has never been written. Look for it in the May-June issue. I am working on making sure it will be there.
Some members of the program will be participating in the Kennebunk May Day Festival Saturday May 1. Thanks to Brian, if the weather is good, we ill have the use of his Legacy organ. It should be fun. It would be a good time to promote the program - if we were doing it with the backing of the dealer. Actually, we are doing this on our own. HOw can we possibly promote a program that no longer exists?
We have another event on May 29. Once again, and ideal time to promote the program - if only there was one. Oh, well. Better days are ahead. John, our mentor says it and he is an honest and optimistic man.
Dr. Antonio Damasio, director of USC's Brain and Creativity Inst., says listening to favorite music can stimulate the release of meural grown processes that invigorate and grow brain cells, which leads to keeping aging brains healthy, alery and strong against illness and injury."
SO - keep a song in your heart (and head) and keep the music playing.
Janice
Times change, people come and go in all businesses. The program has now dwindled to thirty (generously speaking) people who have been reluctant to give up. However, the time has come to look realistically at what is happening. More and more grumbling takes place weekly about the lack of interest from the dealer. Things are not the same. Every ten weeks the same questions come up: Who is continuing? Are you coming back? Are things going to get better?
NO, things are not the same. The group gathers from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 in the "playing for friends" time; the organ mentor comes in for only 1/2 hour to give us his tips on improving our skills; the head of the program comes in at 11:00 to "critique" music which we have worked on during the week. The "critique" is bland. IN MY OPINION, and I am not a trained musician, the problem is, she does not know the organ. She cannot make criticisms on an instrument she does not know. She can criticize fingering and timing. Her comments are always complimentary. Maybe she is too nice for the job. Personally, I really like her. I just am not getting anything out of my time in her "class." I know when I make mistakes. I make a lot of them. What I don't know is how I can improve my sounds, and make my music more interesting to listen to - and to play.
I have always said I would keep the group together as long as I am able. Well, maybe I am no longer able. I don't know. One thing I do know, it is not my responsibility to keep the program going. And THERE is the difference. The group can still stay together even if the program fails. We just have to find a way. SO, instead of complaining, let's start planning. The next gathering at my home in Scarborough is May 8th. I look forward to hearing your suggestions.
Did you know there are a lot of songs written about Thursday? If you go to your search engine and type in "Songs about Thursday" you will find several sites with lists. I had no idea there were so many. I listened to a few of them and didn't find any of them worth downloading. Thursday is just a great day for making music, and I will always spend time on my organ on Thursday. IF you are inclined to write a song, please, write it on Thursday about Thursday.
The magazine "Making Music" has some tips on learning new pieces and some on organizing and making the most of practice time. If you don't subscribe to that magazine, check it out at the library. One minute practice tip: "To help memorization, take a song you enjoy and bracket off sections in order of difficulty. Try memorizing those parts and then put them together with out looking at the page."
Another hint from Making Music: If you are prone to cramping after long practice sessions, on when performing, try drinking a sports drink which has added electrolytes. Since dehydration is often the problem, stay away from colas, coffee and tea which are all diuretics.
Some time ago the editor of the SMAAA (Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging) agreed to write an article about the organ program and music's role in positive aging. She came to the studio and took some pictures which she tells me are great. But the article has never been written. Look for it in the May-June issue. I am working on making sure it will be there.
Some members of the program will be participating in the Kennebunk May Day Festival Saturday May 1. Thanks to Brian, if the weather is good, we ill have the use of his Legacy organ. It should be fun. It would be a good time to promote the program - if we were doing it with the backing of the dealer. Actually, we are doing this on our own. HOw can we possibly promote a program that no longer exists?
We have another event on May 29. Once again, and ideal time to promote the program - if only there was one. Oh, well. Better days are ahead. John, our mentor says it and he is an honest and optimistic man.
Dr. Antonio Damasio, director of USC's Brain and Creativity Inst., says listening to favorite music can stimulate the release of meural grown processes that invigorate and grow brain cells, which leads to keeping aging brains healthy, alery and strong against illness and injury."
SO - keep a song in your heart (and head) and keep the music playing.
Janice
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Ramblings
I seem to have rambling thoughts today. Some areas nearby - but not here in Scarborough - got a little snow; anywhere from 1 - 5 inches I am told. My father used to call these "robin storms". He said after these spring storms the robins would arrive and usually they did. My parents were married on April 19, 1925. They were snowbound in Boston by a true blizzard. My half-siblings who attended the wedding also had to stay over. Autos being what they were in 1925 probably made the trip home unimaginable. Perhaps today the "blizzard" would have been less daunting.
When my daughter made her First Communion at St. Pius X Church in Portland there was a small snow storm, more like today's event, and the little girls in their white tulle dresses and lacy veils were standing outside the church (along with little boys in their black pants, white shirts and black ties) waiting for the music to cue them to march in. I ran to the car and got my daughter a sweater. One of the nuns came over with a stern, "She cannot wear that." It was wheat colored, lovingly hand knit by ME. Trying to look just as determined as Sister Sternface, I said, "Well. she WILL wear it until she gets inside." By the time the service was over, the snow had stopped leaving behind a light dusting. That was Mother's Day probably 1956 or 57.
Today seven organ friends came for our regular social/music/munch time, not necessarily in that order. It was a lovely way to pass the day from around ten a.m. to mid afternoon. We had great morning snacks with our coffee including fruit and home made coffee cake, and for lunch we had pizza from the corner Amato's, and salad.
We all played a couple of pieces of music. We looked over Dennis' latest contribution via the internet AND his information on the late summer event he is hosting in Orlando. Since Lowrey cannot seem to get their act together for an HOH this year due to change of management, it is great Dennis is stepping up. The cost of the event with an extra day of scheduled activities arranged by Dennis is just under $800 and of course, you have to add in your travel expenses. From Portland I think air fare, booked now, would run around $250 (allowing for a carry-on charge). It is OH SO TEMPTING. I am SO SPOILED!
We discussed at some length, once again, whether or not we would continue with the Thursday "lessons" at Starbird Music. One of the things we decided, and about the only thing there was a consensus on, is that we hate going through this every ten weeks. For some time we have not felt we were getting what we need for instructions on our current organs, but then, we don't all want the same things. Most would like "button pushing" to learn to change sounds, assign sounds to different parts of the organ. Most would like the technique instructions which we are getting briefly each week from our "mentor" John. Some want more information about making recordings using the USB stick. Maybe we are expecting too much for our money. Right now most don't think they are getting enough "bang for the buck." This has been going on for the last two years and what keeps most people coming is not what we are getting out of it, but our friendship and our music. Both friendship and music can be found in our homes but most homes cannot accommodate the 20 or so regulars. SO, once again, we are facing decisions about "moving on" or not.
I went to a friend's 89th birthday party last week. This dear lady, who was once a professional classical pianist, took up organ in her 70's about the time I did. She adapted to the organ really well and always amazed us with her ability to play far more complicated music than the rest of us. Ginny moved in with her daughter and son-in-law a few years ago. They hosted her birthday party. I don't know how many people came to wish her well. I think about twenty of her music friends were there. And then there people she and her husband knew;children of their friends; old neighbors; young neighbors. No one mentioned it, but it might be a farewell of sorts as she looks very frail. BUT -
we should all be so keen minded at 89. And she does not brood or lament. She laughed about happier times and made wry witty comments about current affairs. What might have been a rather melancholy event was filled with happy remembrance. While not always being happy in her present situation, she has moved on.
I had a phone call this week from a friend who used to be a part of our organ classes and social circle. She has recently moved from a large senior living situation where all meals are provided and there are many activities to participate in, to a condo where she will do her own cooking and cleaning, and have to look for activities that fit her new life style. Her husband, who is a paraplegic, has many medical and therapy appointments so much of her time is taken up. She has a nice organ. I hope she will continue to play, and perhaps find time to join us now and then. She said she did like the food, the services and activities at her former home, but that "we do what we have to and life goes on." She is still assisting her mother-in-law who is 96.
I also had a phone conversation with a former Lowrey mentor this week. Joel was a positive influence in our program, and we would welcome him back if it were possible. But like my friend in the last paragraph, he has moved on and so must we. He is in a much better situation and sounds happy; he is learning new things and working with people of all ages, both in his music and in his new work in health care. He told me I have something like 90 million neurons in my brain, and I am probably only using 10 million of them. SO THAT'S WHAT'S WRONG! Now how do I get to those other 80 million little neurons to go to work? Anyway, rambling on, Joel has moved on and he sounds very happy and energized.
The only fitting music for this rambling is "Side By Side".
"Through all kinds of weather, what if the sky should fall?
As long as we're together, it doesn't matter at all.
Don't know what's coming tomorrow,
Maybe it's trouble and sorrow,
But we'll travel along, singing a song,
SIDE BY SIDE"
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music going.
Janice
When my daughter made her First Communion at St. Pius X Church in Portland there was a small snow storm, more like today's event, and the little girls in their white tulle dresses and lacy veils were standing outside the church (along with little boys in their black pants, white shirts and black ties) waiting for the music to cue them to march in. I ran to the car and got my daughter a sweater. One of the nuns came over with a stern, "She cannot wear that." It was wheat colored, lovingly hand knit by ME. Trying to look just as determined as Sister Sternface, I said, "Well. she WILL wear it until she gets inside." By the time the service was over, the snow had stopped leaving behind a light dusting. That was Mother's Day probably 1956 or 57.
Today seven organ friends came for our regular social/music/munch time, not necessarily in that order. It was a lovely way to pass the day from around ten a.m. to mid afternoon. We had great morning snacks with our coffee including fruit and home made coffee cake, and for lunch we had pizza from the corner Amato's, and salad.
We all played a couple of pieces of music. We looked over Dennis' latest contribution via the internet AND his information on the late summer event he is hosting in Orlando. Since Lowrey cannot seem to get their act together for an HOH this year due to change of management, it is great Dennis is stepping up. The cost of the event with an extra day of scheduled activities arranged by Dennis is just under $800 and of course, you have to add in your travel expenses. From Portland I think air fare, booked now, would run around $250 (allowing for a carry-on charge). It is OH SO TEMPTING. I am SO SPOILED!
We discussed at some length, once again, whether or not we would continue with the Thursday "lessons" at Starbird Music. One of the things we decided, and about the only thing there was a consensus on, is that we hate going through this every ten weeks. For some time we have not felt we were getting what we need for instructions on our current organs, but then, we don't all want the same things. Most would like "button pushing" to learn to change sounds, assign sounds to different parts of the organ. Most would like the technique instructions which we are getting briefly each week from our "mentor" John. Some want more information about making recordings using the USB stick. Maybe we are expecting too much for our money. Right now most don't think they are getting enough "bang for the buck." This has been going on for the last two years and what keeps most people coming is not what we are getting out of it, but our friendship and our music. Both friendship and music can be found in our homes but most homes cannot accommodate the 20 or so regulars. SO, once again, we are facing decisions about "moving on" or not.
I went to a friend's 89th birthday party last week. This dear lady, who was once a professional classical pianist, took up organ in her 70's about the time I did. She adapted to the organ really well and always amazed us with her ability to play far more complicated music than the rest of us. Ginny moved in with her daughter and son-in-law a few years ago. They hosted her birthday party. I don't know how many people came to wish her well. I think about twenty of her music friends were there. And then there people she and her husband knew;children of their friends; old neighbors; young neighbors. No one mentioned it, but it might be a farewell of sorts as she looks very frail. BUT -
we should all be so keen minded at 89. And she does not brood or lament. She laughed about happier times and made wry witty comments about current affairs. What might have been a rather melancholy event was filled with happy remembrance. While not always being happy in her present situation, she has moved on.
I had a phone call this week from a friend who used to be a part of our organ classes and social circle. She has recently moved from a large senior living situation where all meals are provided and there are many activities to participate in, to a condo where she will do her own cooking and cleaning, and have to look for activities that fit her new life style. Her husband, who is a paraplegic, has many medical and therapy appointments so much of her time is taken up. She has a nice organ. I hope she will continue to play, and perhaps find time to join us now and then. She said she did like the food, the services and activities at her former home, but that "we do what we have to and life goes on." She is still assisting her mother-in-law who is 96.
I also had a phone conversation with a former Lowrey mentor this week. Joel was a positive influence in our program, and we would welcome him back if it were possible. But like my friend in the last paragraph, he has moved on and so must we. He is in a much better situation and sounds happy; he is learning new things and working with people of all ages, both in his music and in his new work in health care. He told me I have something like 90 million neurons in my brain, and I am probably only using 10 million of them. SO THAT'S WHAT'S WRONG! Now how do I get to those other 80 million little neurons to go to work? Anyway, rambling on, Joel has moved on and he sounds very happy and energized.
The only fitting music for this rambling is "Side By Side".
"Through all kinds of weather, what if the sky should fall?
As long as we're together, it doesn't matter at all.
Don't know what's coming tomorrow,
Maybe it's trouble and sorrow,
But we'll travel along, singing a song,
SIDE BY SIDE"
Keep a song in your heart and keep the music going.
Janice
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