Utah Phillips, American folk singer, passed away recently. Asked about his living as a travelling musician, he said: The trade is a fine, elegant, beautiful, very fruitful trade. In that trade, I can make a living and not a killing.
So many times I've felt this too, and although I haven't been playing shows all over the continent, I am so thankful for the music in my life. Last night some friends were in a low mood. We started working on our backyard musical and it sorted itself out, laughs were had and people felt better. I've seen this with students countless times, with myself nearly everyday. Mostly I am in love with the peacefulness inherent in music-making, when so many jobs involve destruction.
I read an article about Joni Mitchell where she recounted that a fan once told her he used her music instead of taking anti-depressants. I think that's a better plan for all of us. Our brains are already wired for the dopamine, it's free, it fosters strong social connections, and it doesn't have a hangover.
Yep, of all the ways to make ends meet, making music is the best. Sorry to all you people who do something else, but I couldn't trade it, even if I wanted to.
Audience participation: leave the name of a song that cheers you up. Could make a great cd . . .
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Chew on this for the weekend...
Came across this online and froze in my tracks...metaphorically, of course.
Marshall McLuhan once called on us to notice that all machines are merely extensions of the human nervous system, artifices which improve on natural apparatus, each a utopianization of some physical function. Once you understand the trick, utopian prophecy isn’t so impressive. Equally important, says McLuhan, the use of machinery causes its natural flesh and blood counterpart to atrophy, hence the lifeless quality of the utopias. Machines dehumanize, according to McLuhan, wherever they are used and however sensible their use appears.
I think there is definitely some truth in there - I am a piano player and whenever I stop and think about how complicated my hands really are, it blows my mind. And even computers, for all their processing power, can't outperform the human brain. Humans can integrate all information and evaluate it simultaneously, but computers can only trudge away, mechanically finishing one task at a time. Compared to my hand, the piano is a simpleton's toy.
Thinking about this also makes me think that the crises of modern life - obesity, diabetes, depression - are precisely those examples of "atrophy" that McLuhan is talking about. Of course, the good new in all this is that recovering our humanity is as simple as manual labour and real thinking.
Marshall McLuhan once called on us to notice that all machines are merely extensions of the human nervous system, artifices which improve on natural apparatus, each a utopianization of some physical function. Once you understand the trick, utopian prophecy isn’t so impressive. Equally important, says McLuhan, the use of machinery causes its natural flesh and blood counterpart to atrophy, hence the lifeless quality of the utopias. Machines dehumanize, according to McLuhan, wherever they are used and however sensible their use appears.
I think there is definitely some truth in there - I am a piano player and whenever I stop and think about how complicated my hands really are, it blows my mind. And even computers, for all their processing power, can't outperform the human brain. Humans can integrate all information and evaluate it simultaneously, but computers can only trudge away, mechanically finishing one task at a time. Compared to my hand, the piano is a simpleton's toy.
Thinking about this also makes me think that the crises of modern life - obesity, diabetes, depression - are precisely those examples of "atrophy" that McLuhan is talking about. Of course, the good new in all this is that recovering our humanity is as simple as manual labour and real thinking.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Hoo-boys and girls!!
An eighth grade class at a school in the Bronx refused to take another round of standardized tests. Consider their teacher fired, although he denies being involved in planning the protest.
Remember what happened to Socrates when he was accused of "corrupting the youth?" Here's an interesting account of how the debate and trial probably went down. Interesting to note the emphasis on piety in the Athenian situation when the religion plays such a prominent role in US politics.
Remember what happened to Socrates when he was accused of "corrupting the youth?" Here's an interesting account of how the debate and trial probably went down. Interesting to note the emphasis on piety in the Athenian situation when the religion plays such a prominent role in US politics.
Arts vs. Gangs
Here's what Kardinall Offishall has to say on the subject.
Also, is it June yet? I am exhausted (hence the lack of posts).
Also, is it June yet? I am exhausted (hence the lack of posts).
Monday, May 05, 2008
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Newspapers
I used to really enjoy the Saturday Globe and Mail. Yesterday I read it for the first time in six months, and remembered why I stopped buying it. The book section used to be 20+ pages and this week had less than 8 reviews. Here's what a blogger has to say about the demise of newspapers-interesting viewpoint on the need for LOCAL coverage.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Happy Anniversary, with books
Realized this morning: I have been posting here for 2 years. Wow, time flies . . .
Thursday night some friends and I went to see the newest photographs by Thaddeus Holownia, a prof at Mt. A. Outside, the Saint John was rolling, and rivers were on everybody's mind. Fittingly, the exhibit featured pictures of the salmon rivers of eastern Canada.
They took me back to the quiet stillness I felt watching the brook out back of mom and dad's house. There is a lot to see in this world if we can hold still long enough to see it. The Saint John used to be a salmon river, until the dams went in. We pay a high price for "progress," I think.
Holownia also runs a printing press. I'm realizing more and more that Chapters is the supermarket of book stores - a lot of over-processed books but not much sustenance. Especially if you've seen the Gaspereau books and breathed in their beauty.
At the reading, Thaddeus talked about the beauty of books - how producing one is democratic, as it involves contributions from many people, how people can take it home and come back to it at many times during their lives, and how having a great book in a library means it is accessible to a range of people, not just those who can afford it.
This makes me think of Gutenburg's Bible - his press gave people the most powerful book in Europe in a time of kings and serfs. What an electrifying moment: imagine those readers pomndering at the kitchen table, free from the dictated words of the priest for the first time.
Thursday night some friends and I went to see the newest photographs by Thaddeus Holownia, a prof at Mt. A. Outside, the Saint John was rolling, and rivers were on everybody's mind. Fittingly, the exhibit featured pictures of the salmon rivers of eastern Canada.
They took me back to the quiet stillness I felt watching the brook out back of mom and dad's house. There is a lot to see in this world if we can hold still long enough to see it. The Saint John used to be a salmon river, until the dams went in. We pay a high price for "progress," I think.
Holownia also runs a printing press. I'm realizing more and more that Chapters is the supermarket of book stores - a lot of over-processed books but not much sustenance. Especially if you've seen the Gaspereau books and breathed in their beauty.
At the reading, Thaddeus talked about the beauty of books - how producing one is democratic, as it involves contributions from many people, how people can take it home and come back to it at many times during their lives, and how having a great book in a library means it is accessible to a range of people, not just those who can afford it.
This makes me think of Gutenburg's Bible - his press gave people the most powerful book in Europe in a time of kings and serfs. What an electrifying moment: imagine those readers pomndering at the kitchen table, free from the dictated words of the priest for the first time.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The long winter
Everyone is thankful that winter is finally over. It was brutal, in more ways than one. This morning I read about a diabetic man who died because NB Power cut his power last February.
I cannot imagine what it must have been like to be him, frozen and alone, in those last days and hours. What a disgrace. It breaks my heart to know this happened here . . .
I cannot imagine what it must have been like to be him, frozen and alone, in those last days and hours. What a disgrace. It breaks my heart to know this happened here . . .
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Factory Language on Earth Day
For almost six years, I have been preoccupied with industrialism and how it dictates the subtext of our lives: the houses we build, the clothes we wear, the food we grow and eat, how we educate ourselves and even how we speak and think.
In Politics and the English Language, Orwell translates part of Ecclesiastes into dead modern language. The original:
I returned and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
becomes
Objective considerations of contemporary phenomena compel the conclusion that success or failure in competitive activities exhibits no tendency to be commensurate with innate capacity, but that a considerable element of the unpredictable must invariably be taken into account.
Awful, isn't it? It is so scientific, but tells us nothing. He continues:
The whole tendency of modern prose is away from concreteness . . . Orthodoxy, of whatever color, seems to demand a lifeless, imitative style.
Think about the natural world, in all its rich diversity. The average human can name a thousand brands (e.g. Tide) and less than ten trees. Why are so many people talking about nothing, and taking so many syllables to do it?
The destruction of habitat, the meaningless quest for more 'stuff,' the standardization and mechanization of everything - we are becoming lifeless and orthodox, unused to seeing, thinking and experiencing things for ourselves.
I realize this all seems pretty bleak, but it is if you stop and think about it. Even flowers no longer attract as many bees because the air is too full of pollutants.
When everyone lives in one of four identical boxes and all meals and thoughts have been standardized, will we rest on our laurels and revel in a job well done?
In Politics and the English Language, Orwell translates part of Ecclesiastes into dead modern language. The original:
I returned and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
becomes
Objective considerations of contemporary phenomena compel the conclusion that success or failure in competitive activities exhibits no tendency to be commensurate with innate capacity, but that a considerable element of the unpredictable must invariably be taken into account.
Awful, isn't it? It is so scientific, but tells us nothing. He continues:
The whole tendency of modern prose is away from concreteness . . . Orthodoxy, of whatever color, seems to demand a lifeless, imitative style.
Think about the natural world, in all its rich diversity. The average human can name a thousand brands (e.g. Tide) and less than ten trees. Why are so many people talking about nothing, and taking so many syllables to do it?
The destruction of habitat, the meaningless quest for more 'stuff,' the standardization and mechanization of everything - we are becoming lifeless and orthodox, unused to seeing, thinking and experiencing things for ourselves.
I realize this all seems pretty bleak, but it is if you stop and think about it. Even flowers no longer attract as many bees because the air is too full of pollutants.
When everyone lives in one of four identical boxes and all meals and thoughts have been standardized, will we rest on our laurels and revel in a job well done?
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Late Night Blog
It's very unusual for me to be awake after 10pm. Teaching and the music festival keep me very busy, but spring is always a time for hectic activity. Since my brain won't shut up long enough for me to sleep, here goes . . .
I am thinking a lot these days about small towns and their limitations, and whether we are on the verge of enabling some meaningful changes here in Woodstock. Many projects on the horizon lead me to believe it is possible - the upcoming municipal elections (Geoff Stairs is running for council), a third Valley Young Company production, a third season for Music on the Meduxnekeag, our backyard musical, and the upcoming arts forum, new possibilities for arts journalism, discussion of the Civic Centre expansion, the success of downtown shops such as Fusion, Freshmart, Owl Book Shop etc.
I think people are beginning to realize that the arts are for everyone, that they are the core of a welcoming and growing community. Now we need a solid "people network," to reach out to audiences and supporters to speak clearly with a voice that articulates our needs. If we can work together and agree on some common values, we will have the power to changes our little town for the better.
I am thinking a lot these days about small towns and their limitations, and whether we are on the verge of enabling some meaningful changes here in Woodstock. Many projects on the horizon lead me to believe it is possible - the upcoming municipal elections (Geoff Stairs is running for council), a third Valley Young Company production, a third season for Music on the Meduxnekeag, our backyard musical, and the upcoming arts forum, new possibilities for arts journalism, discussion of the Civic Centre expansion, the success of downtown shops such as Fusion, Freshmart, Owl Book Shop etc.
I think people are beginning to realize that the arts are for everyone, that they are the core of a welcoming and growing community. Now we need a solid "people network," to reach out to audiences and supporters to speak clearly with a voice that articulates our needs. If we can work together and agree on some common values, we will have the power to changes our little town for the better.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Arts forum April 24th
Even if you can't make it, leave some feedback, okay? And don't pretend like nobody ever asks your opinion, because I'm askin' . . .
Arts Forum: Towards a United Voice Developing a Provincial Arts Organization
DATE: Thursday, April 24 TIME: 7:00PM LOCATION:NBCC Woodstock Theatre, 100 Broadway St.
For more information contact: Mandy Ginson 392-6769, mginson@yahoo.ca Over the years, there have been several discussions around creating a provincial arts organization complimentary to l’Association acadienne des artistes professionnel.le.s du N-B (AAAPNB) that would serve the Arts Community by providing a network of resources, information and support. Artists, by the nature of their work, tend to be isolated in their communities and may lack the opportunities for professional development, networking, sharing of best practices and promotion.
The purpose of a new provincial organization would be to further the interests of the arts in New Brunswick by unifying arts organizations and artists. Thepotential opportunities generated by the development of a provincial organization are: advocacy for arts issues promotion of the Arts in education creation of a community culture, milieu and environment that acknowledges the Arts profession with worth and respect public awareness of the arts in communities and in the province promotion of the value of arts in society guidance, resources and assistance for artists and their organizations connection for individual artists in their communities, regions and province growth and prosperity socially, economically, artistically and culturally.
In the Spring of 2007 the Adjustment Committee for the Creation of a Provincial Arts Organization was created. It is comprised of Arts Representatives from different regions of the provincial who also represent various arts disciplines. It also has several advisors including l’Association acadienne des artistes professionnel.le.s du N-B (AAAPNB). The purpose of this committee is to assist in the development of the new association. One of the jobs of the committee, with the help of a consultant, is to conduct a needs assessment. The process involves gathering information from two main sources; individual artists and arts groups. Two different data collection methods were suggested in order to ensure a broad scope of the target audience is involved; surveys and community forums.
There will be an Arts Community Forum in Woodstock designed to discuss the development of a NB Provincial Arts Organization. The organization’s proposed intent is to operate in the English language, represent professional artists from all cultures, all disciplines and focus on their needs, be inclusive of emerging artists, amateur artists and friends of the Arts and work in partnership with the sister francophone provincial organization, AAAPNB (association acadienne des artistes professionnelles du Nouveau-Brunswick).
Following the Provincial Arts Association meeting there will be a discussion regarding the possibilites of a civic centre expansion and arts centre. Members of the Needs Assessment Committee will be present to gather feedback from the community.
Arts Forum: Towards a United Voice Developing a Provincial Arts Organization
DATE: Thursday, April 24 TIME: 7:00PM LOCATION:NBCC Woodstock Theatre, 100 Broadway St.
For more information contact: Mandy Ginson 392-6769, mginson@yahoo.ca Over the years, there have been several discussions around creating a provincial arts organization complimentary to l’Association acadienne des artistes professionnel.le.s du N-B (AAAPNB) that would serve the Arts Community by providing a network of resources, information and support. Artists, by the nature of their work, tend to be isolated in their communities and may lack the opportunities for professional development, networking, sharing of best practices and promotion.
The purpose of a new provincial organization would be to further the interests of the arts in New Brunswick by unifying arts organizations and artists. Thepotential opportunities generated by the development of a provincial organization are: advocacy for arts issues promotion of the Arts in education creation of a community culture, milieu and environment that acknowledges the Arts profession with worth and respect public awareness of the arts in communities and in the province promotion of the value of arts in society guidance, resources and assistance for artists and their organizations connection for individual artists in their communities, regions and province growth and prosperity socially, economically, artistically and culturally.
In the Spring of 2007 the Adjustment Committee for the Creation of a Provincial Arts Organization was created. It is comprised of Arts Representatives from different regions of the provincial who also represent various arts disciplines. It also has several advisors including l’Association acadienne des artistes professionnel.le.s du N-B (AAAPNB). The purpose of this committee is to assist in the development of the new association. One of the jobs of the committee, with the help of a consultant, is to conduct a needs assessment. The process involves gathering information from two main sources; individual artists and arts groups. Two different data collection methods were suggested in order to ensure a broad scope of the target audience is involved; surveys and community forums.
There will be an Arts Community Forum in Woodstock designed to discuss the development of a NB Provincial Arts Organization. The organization’s proposed intent is to operate in the English language, represent professional artists from all cultures, all disciplines and focus on their needs, be inclusive of emerging artists, amateur artists and friends of the Arts and work in partnership with the sister francophone provincial organization, AAAPNB (association acadienne des artistes professionnelles du Nouveau-Brunswick).
Following the Provincial Arts Association meeting there will be a discussion regarding the possibilites of a civic centre expansion and arts centre. Members of the Needs Assessment Committee will be present to gather feedback from the community.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Refusing the quarter life crisis
The people in my church choir laughed the other day when I mentioned the quarter life crisis. Apparently it seems absurd that those of us just beginning careers, looking for mates, struggling with debt, and wandering aimlessly could experience an existential crisis as a result. Not so, I say...
Here's a video clip of my friend Jessica Wise's opera debut at McGill. I can remember the days we ate oatmeal together at 6:30 a.m. so we could be at the conservatory to practice at 7:30. Come to think of it, not that different from teaching public school...
Anyway, give it a look-it's what happens when a person deals with the angst and keeps working for her goal. Well done, Jessica!!
Here's a video clip of my friend Jessica Wise's opera debut at McGill. I can remember the days we ate oatmeal together at 6:30 a.m. so we could be at the conservatory to practice at 7:30. Come to think of it, not that different from teaching public school...
Anyway, give it a look-it's what happens when a person deals with the angst and keeps working for her goal. Well done, Jessica!!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Celebrating NB Artists
The NB Arts Board has awarded prizes for top artists in the province. Read about them here. It's heartening to see that other people believe we are having an artistic renaissance. This is something I have felt for the last year or two, and it's heartening that someone in a different part of the province agrees.
New Brunswickers are privileged to a lot of beautiful literature, poetry, and craft. And some good NB musicians on the rise, although less well-known. It's great to see them recognized - leave a comment and let me know who else we should be checking out!
New Brunswickers are privileged to a lot of beautiful literature, poetry, and craft. And some good NB musicians on the rise, although less well-known. It's great to see them recognized - leave a comment and let me know who else we should be checking out!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
Thursday, March 06, 2008
dreaming of real tomatoes
I've been thinking a lot about my food consumption, and how much I miss good food from the garden. Came across this website for International Kitchen Garden Day - looks neat.
Also, link to an audio interview with Jeannot Volpe and the chief forester for JD Irving. I don't know what Irving has done to rub Volpe the wrong way, but he has been very vocal in his criticism of them this year.
The best part of the interview is the Irving forester's failure to directly answer the question "How would cutting more wood off of Crown lands solve the current problems with forestry?"
I'm not convinced he even supports JDI's position that we need to cut more wood.
Also, link to an audio interview with Jeannot Volpe and the chief forester for JD Irving. I don't know what Irving has done to rub Volpe the wrong way, but he has been very vocal in his criticism of them this year.
The best part of the interview is the Irving forester's failure to directly answer the question "How would cutting more wood off of Crown lands solve the current problems with forestry?"
I'm not convinced he even supports JDI's position that we need to cut more wood.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Food-it's what's for dinner
Awesome link to NFB documentary about dumpster diving.
Wastefulness.
Creativity.
Recycling.
One man's trash is another man's treasure...
Thanks, Julie!
Wastefulness.
Creativity.
Recycling.
One man's trash is another man's treasure...
Thanks, Julie!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Call for submissions
Some friends and I are putting together a zine - a 'cultural mosaic' of perspectives from creative writers, grapic artists, poets and commentators. The deadline is July 1st-any topic is welcome. We can't pay you but the warm fuzzy feeling will last forever, I promise.
for more info, email me: amandrs@mta.ca
for more info, email me: amandrs@mta.ca
Monday, March 03, 2008
Monday round up
The liberal government has cancelled public consultations on forestry. Perhaps they've read the writing on the wall - New Brunwsickers think there is too much corporate control of the woods.
Or maybe they just don't feel like taking the tongue-lashing that a lot of angry men in wool plaid are bound to give them.
Read this morning that Jeff Healy died of advanced lung cancer. Carleton County connection: Healy's first teacher was Doug Harten, who lived in Richmond Corner. We have lost so many great musicians lately.
Despite the bad news, I'm soldiering on. Planning for concerts and summer and plays is underway - finally, a chance to do things instead of talking about them (which is hard with 4 feet of snow outside).
Here's a charming book to keep you going. I don't read many novels, but this one really comes to life.
Also: newgrass, anyone? He's playing in Fredericton Thursday, 10pm at the Capital.
Or maybe they just don't feel like taking the tongue-lashing that a lot of angry men in wool plaid are bound to give them.
Read this morning that Jeff Healy died of advanced lung cancer. Carleton County connection: Healy's first teacher was Doug Harten, who lived in Richmond Corner. We have lost so many great musicians lately.
Despite the bad news, I'm soldiering on. Planning for concerts and summer and plays is underway - finally, a chance to do things instead of talking about them (which is hard with 4 feet of snow outside).
Here's a charming book to keep you going. I don't read many novels, but this one really comes to life.
Also: newgrass, anyone? He's playing in Fredericton Thursday, 10pm at the Capital.
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