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 »
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 »
Last year, I wrote that the word “bandwork” should be recognized as an “official” word and thus included in Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. The purpose behind my proposal relates to the issue of music advocacy as it applies to school funding of music programs. It’s important that we recognize and use bandwork as an “official”
Integrated, interdisciplinary instruction is a teaching strategy that builds on the synergistic potential of combining knowledge of different disciplines as a catalyst for teaching across curriculums, yielding a clearer, broader, more thorough understanding of a discipline or disciplines. Through integrated study of various disciplines, students learn to apply information learned in one area to challenges
LNP recently featured an article by Dr. John Gerdy, highlighting the power of music (and the role of music) in the journey of a refugee in Lancaster, PA. ___ Another refugee family arrives in Lancaster, a family of six: Asukulu, his wife, Nyassa, and their four children: Temsi , 11, Vumilia, 9, Ivon, 5, and
At the end of an arduous journey, a refugee family rejoices with music Read More »
Music is the universal language.
That being the case it has long been used as a tool to expose social injustice and to spur community activism. From Sam Cooke’s, “A Change is Gonna Come” to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin On” to Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power”, the power of music and song as tool to protest injustice and spur change is enormous. Music provides a framework and platform through which to package and present an idea or point of view. As a result, music can serve to open up conversations and spur reflection and action relating to the issues of the day.
Getting Started: My first “Blog” To “blog” or not to “blog”, that is the question. Of course, that begs the question, “What exactly is blogging?” There are others who are better equipped to answer that, but from what I can tell, it’s just writing about various topics on a semi-regular basis. By that definition, I’ve
