I was asked by Grant Station to write about the community building power of music for their website newsletter. Grant Station connects non-profits to potential grant opportunities.
The Community Building Power of Music Read More »
March is “Music in the Schools Month”. While it is wonderful to promote the importance of music in our schools in this way, it is merely a first step in the effort to focus the public’s attention on how critical music is to our schools’ curriculums and in the lives of students. Despite nice declarations
If We Build It, They Will Come Read More »
It’s no secret there are significant problems in organized youth sports programs. Incidences of parents screaming at nine-year-old children over a missed basket or misplayed fly ball are commonplace. Youth league umpires and referees are regularly abused and even physically attacked. Brawls have erupted after youth league soccer matches. Obviously, something is wrong. It’s the
Giving Youth Sports Back to the Kids Read More »
I gently kicked the vintage, boxy suitcase that was on the floor between me and a group of 15 second graders. The suitcase literally vibrated with all types of rattling, clanging and ringing sounds. “You want to see what’s in there?”, I asked. They erupted, “Yes!” I opened the suitcase to reveal more than 20
A Stage Name? Why Not Dance A Bit More? Read More »
Something that truly bothers me is when someone believes they have no musical talent or that they used to play as a youngster but gave it up. This is sad because everyone can play music. After all, everyone has music pounding away inside of them in the form of a rhythmically beating heart. That is
Music and the Arts: A Privilege For a Lifetime Read More »
If you are over 50, you surely remember him. How could you not? Certainly you remember his signature song: “Tip Toe Through the Tulips”. Yes, we’re talking about Tiny Tim, that tall, long, stringy haired, goofy looking dude playing the ukulele and singing in that quivering, falsetto voice. He was silly, campy and probably did
Tiny Tim: An American Musical Visionary Read More »
Despite the current political climate where efforts to build walls, ban travel and separate different ethnic groups is increasing, an argument can be made that over time, the forces of globalization are simply too strong and, ultimately, will prevail. Whether it relates to the economy, the environment, religion or culture, the fact is, the world
Building Walls vs. Building Bridges: Music’s Role Read More »
I gently kicked the vintage, boxy suitcase that was on the floor between me and a group of 15 second graders. The suitcase literally vibrated with all types of rattling, clanging and ringing sounds. “You want to see what’s in there?”, I asked. They erupted, “Yes!” I opened the suitcase to reveal more than 20
A Stage Name? Why Not Dance a Bit More? Read More »
Originally published in Lancaster Online on May 25th, 2018 As I walked home from the March for our Lives rally for gun control and school safety in Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Binns Park, being one of millions of participants in the estimated 800 events worldwide, I couldn’t help but think, “Maybe…possibly…this time will be different.”The typical
Guns for Teachers? How About More Violins for Students? Read More »
One of the most important and powerful benefits of music is its capacity to build communities, both large and small, that can last a lifetime. I was recently reminded of that capacity by a television commercial. The opening scene shows four middle-aged men, instrument cases in hand, greeting each other. After a cutaway to a
Building Lifelong Communities Both Large and Small Through Music Read More »
