John’s writing was featured in a post for The Presser Foundation titled, “Music as the “glue” that holds communities and society together” this past month! You can see the original version here. An ongoing debate within the educational community relates to how to classify music programs within the academic curriculum. Specifically, whether music and the […]
Music as The “Glue” That Holds Communities and Society Together Read More »
No sooner had I posted an essay on how the purveyors of “Anti-Wokeism” are cowards, did the Republican Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, provide another example of not only that cowardice but also how he has done something that will, over time, make all Floridians poorer. DeSantis recently vetoed $32 million in state funding for
In considering America’s ongoing “culture wars,” I remain amazed at the absurdity of those who attempt to “brand” people, companies, or organizations as being “woke” and, therefore, somehow not “real” Americans. According to Merriam-Webster’s definition, “woke” is to be “aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social
Disparaging “Wokeism” and the Fear of Being Discovered Read More »
“If you are not making mistakes, you’re not doing anything.” John Wooden In writing The Journey of an Old White Dude in the Age of Black Lives Matter, I drew on my life experiences as well as a tremendous amount of reading and research. I also talked to many people, Black and White, about the issue of
Trusting In “Better Angels” to Provide “Space and Grace” Read More »
A major point of contention in America’s ongoing “culture wars” is being fought over book bans. Parents, activists, school board officials, and lawmakers are challenging books at an increasing rate. People of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community are bearing the brunt of these bans as books about race, gender, or sexuality are disproportionately
Hearing the “Other Voice” in Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn Read More »
As someone who held a career scoring record in basketball, only to have it broken by a once-in-a-generation talent, I feel for the legacy of “Pistol Pete” Maravich. Maravich held the NCAA career Division I scoring record of 3,667 points for 54 years before the University of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark finished her collegiate career with
Sustained business growth and success requires strategic risk-taking. Companies look to expand their markets, products, and customer base to remain relevant and profitable. They are forward and progressive in their outlook and strategy. That’s what corporate “Research and Development” is about a strategy and effort to remain on the cutting edge of knowledge relating to
Stretching Organizational Mission to Increase Community Impact Read More »
In 2006 I founded and continue to run Music For Everyone, a “non-profit” organization with amission to cultivate the power of music as an educational and community-building tool inLancaster County, PA. Given that I had no previous experience in this world, my learning curveover the past 18 years has been long and steep. The most
There is Nothing “Non-Profit” About Non-Profit Organizations Read More »
Music is More Than Music. As such, its power and potential as an educational tool is unparalleled. Music is more than notesplayed and songs sung. Music is math. Music is reading. Music is language. Music is logic. Theresearch and data are clear in that children involved in music programs score higher onstandardized tests. It’s also
As the founder and executive director of a music related Community Benefit Organization (CBO), I constantly think of how to more effectively leverage the power and potential of music to impact lives and exert positive community impact. After almost eighteen years of leading MFE, I have come to appreciate that when it comes to potential
Music: The Community Impact Tool that Keeps on Giving Read More »
