This Tuesday, I went spent the day at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre playing the gorgeous Berghaus pipe organ there (the largest and by far the finest organ in all of Northeastern Pennsylvania). Robert Fertitta, Harry Martenas, and Saint Stephen's own organist, Mark Laubach, were all there as well. Mark dazzled us with his incredible virtuosity for most of the day!
It was a lovely get together with fellow organists!
Here's a short clip of myself playing Bach's fugue in D major (BWV 532) on the pipe organ at Saint Stephen's. This is just a small portion of the masterpiece.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Things to be Thankful for
These are the top ten things which I am thankful for in the year 2010!
I am thankful for:
1. My wonderful family, they're THE best!
2. My BEST friends COURTNEY LANGMEYER and MEGHAN ASHFORD!
3. All the friends I've made, especially Danielle, Darbs, Breanna, Julia, Cheyenne, Trevs, Hayley, Liz, Kaitlin, Carlyn, Paige, Ashley, and Tyler!
4. Attending organ camp in Bloomington Indiana!
5. Starting to run and joining cross country!
6. Losing 30 pounds!
7. Having my first solo organ recital and raising $700+!
8. The school Spring Musical and all the work Mr. Latsha does!
9. All the work all the teachers at BHS do!
10. All the wonderful music I've discovered and fallen in love with!
Good job 2010! You've been a good year!
I am thankful for:
1. My wonderful family, they're THE best!
2. My BEST friends COURTNEY LANGMEYER and MEGHAN ASHFORD!
3. All the friends I've made, especially Danielle, Darbs, Breanna, Julia, Cheyenne, Trevs, Hayley, Liz, Kaitlin, Carlyn, Paige, Ashley, and Tyler!
4. Attending organ camp in Bloomington Indiana!
5. Starting to run and joining cross country!
6. Losing 30 pounds!
7. Having my first solo organ recital and raising $700+!
8. The school Spring Musical and all the work Mr. Latsha does!
9. All the work all the teachers at BHS do!
10. All the wonderful music I've discovered and fallen in love with!
Good job 2010! You've been a good year!
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| My favorite friend picture |
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| My best friends |
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| My best friend and I |
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| My best friend and I |
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| My sister and I |
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| My sister and I |
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| Trevs and I |
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| Danielle, Ashley and I |
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| Cross Country team |
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| Myself after my first concert |
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| Organ lesson with Dr. J.D. Christie |
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| My brother and I |
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| FRIENDS! |
Visits
First off, a very happy Christmas to anybody reading! Make the best of the holiday!
The best part about this time of year, for me, is when friends and family visit. For me, this is especially important because my family is very spread out. I have family in Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Indiana, Florida, and California!
On the 30th, my Grandparents from Indianapolis are visiting us here in Bloomsburg, spending the night and then off to upstate New York where about half, or maybe a little more, of my father's side of the family lives. It will be so nice to see them! I spent the summer with them and haven't seen them since they brought me back here in the first week of August. I've definitely missed them and I can't wait to see them!
Now, something a little less ordinary. First off, some background. I've made many acquaintances and friends as well over the internet through networking with other organists and classical musicians online. I've made friends with conservatory music professors, professional performers, amateurs, music students, and music enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds from all over the United States, as well as in Canada, England, and Sweden. I've already met several of these acquaintances. Rees is a teenage organist from Arkansas, I met him this past summer in Indianapolis, Jon and Robert are two more organists who I became friends with online and later met in the Indianapolis area. On the opposite end of the age spectrum, Robert Swift is retired organist I became friends with on youtube, then met in Richmond, VA where my grandparents lived at the time. We had him over for dinner.
This upcoming Tuesday, the 28th of December, I'll be meeting two wonderful friends and mentors who I have known online for over a year now. Robert, a retired music professor at Purchase College, and a former student of the legendary French teacher of music, Nadia Boulanger, as well as an accomplished concert organist, accompanist, and chamber performer, who has made several professional recordings and published several candanzas, among other honors, lives in Connecticut. He is driving down that morning, on the way, he'll pick up Darren, a Juliard graduate with a degree in piano performance, as well as a former professor and accomplished organist and choral director, who is in New York. En route, they will stop in Wilkes Barre and meet with my friend Mark Laubach (a VERY accomplished, award-winning concert organist) at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral (Home to the largest, and arguably the finest, organ in Northeastern PA). I will meet them there and after playing that organ and spending some time with our friend Mark, we'll end up in Bloomsburg. They're staying for two nights.
How did this trip come about? At first it was just Robert, coming down to try out the organ at my church, since he is playing a concert here in April. It is very important for an organist to become acquainted with an unfamiliar organ before playing a concert. Many concert organists will make a trip in advance to test out the organ they will be performing on. This trip was originally going to be only that, but we decided why not make an event of it?
So Darren is coming along and I am going to meet my two friends for the first time! It's an amazing thing! To think I can have such a friendship with two people I've never met in person! (I should mention, Darren and Robert have known each other personally for many years)
Darren and Robert are both polished, professional musicians of the very highest caliber, they are both incredible performers and teachers and have been wonderful mentors to me as a musician. Already they have taught me much about music just through message exchanges on facebook and youtube.
I should add, not only is it amazing to make friends this way, but to instantly extend artistic and musical ideas and knowledge to others who are interested via the internet, I feel, can only have positive effects on art and music.
So here's to visiting family, if only they could be closer all the time! And here's to meeting good friends for the first time!
Have a happy Christmas!
The best part about this time of year, for me, is when friends and family visit. For me, this is especially important because my family is very spread out. I have family in Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Indiana, Florida, and California!
On the 30th, my Grandparents from Indianapolis are visiting us here in Bloomsburg, spending the night and then off to upstate New York where about half, or maybe a little more, of my father's side of the family lives. It will be so nice to see them! I spent the summer with them and haven't seen them since they brought me back here in the first week of August. I've definitely missed them and I can't wait to see them!
Now, something a little less ordinary. First off, some background. I've made many acquaintances and friends as well over the internet through networking with other organists and classical musicians online. I've made friends with conservatory music professors, professional performers, amateurs, music students, and music enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds from all over the United States, as well as in Canada, England, and Sweden. I've already met several of these acquaintances. Rees is a teenage organist from Arkansas, I met him this past summer in Indianapolis, Jon and Robert are two more organists who I became friends with online and later met in the Indianapolis area. On the opposite end of the age spectrum, Robert Swift is retired organist I became friends with on youtube, then met in Richmond, VA where my grandparents lived at the time. We had him over for dinner.
This upcoming Tuesday, the 28th of December, I'll be meeting two wonderful friends and mentors who I have known online for over a year now. Robert, a retired music professor at Purchase College, and a former student of the legendary French teacher of music, Nadia Boulanger, as well as an accomplished concert organist, accompanist, and chamber performer, who has made several professional recordings and published several candanzas, among other honors, lives in Connecticut. He is driving down that morning, on the way, he'll pick up Darren, a Juliard graduate with a degree in piano performance, as well as a former professor and accomplished organist and choral director, who is in New York. En route, they will stop in Wilkes Barre and meet with my friend Mark Laubach (a VERY accomplished, award-winning concert organist) at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral (Home to the largest, and arguably the finest, organ in Northeastern PA). I will meet them there and after playing that organ and spending some time with our friend Mark, we'll end up in Bloomsburg. They're staying for two nights.
How did this trip come about? At first it was just Robert, coming down to try out the organ at my church, since he is playing a concert here in April. It is very important for an organist to become acquainted with an unfamiliar organ before playing a concert. Many concert organists will make a trip in advance to test out the organ they will be performing on. This trip was originally going to be only that, but we decided why not make an event of it?
So Darren is coming along and I am going to meet my two friends for the first time! It's an amazing thing! To think I can have such a friendship with two people I've never met in person! (I should mention, Darren and Robert have known each other personally for many years)
Darren and Robert are both polished, professional musicians of the very highest caliber, they are both incredible performers and teachers and have been wonderful mentors to me as a musician. Already they have taught me much about music just through message exchanges on facebook and youtube.
I should add, not only is it amazing to make friends this way, but to instantly extend artistic and musical ideas and knowledge to others who are interested via the internet, I feel, can only have positive effects on art and music.
So here's to visiting family, if only they could be closer all the time! And here's to meeting good friends for the first time!
Have a happy Christmas!
Monday, November 22, 2010
'The Imp of Perverse' and Animal evolution
For a recent American Literature class assignment, we were asked to write a paper on certain aspects of Edgar Allen Poe's story, 'The Imp of Perverse'. Having an interest in evolution and biology, I recognized ways in which this story and the evolution of mobile animals, and therefor humans, are linked.
Here is the paper:
I think ‘The Imp of the Perverse’ has a lot to say about humans, how we act, why we act that way. If one reads it with an open mind, it gives a lot of insight into things we may not have though about before. In the beginning of the story, the ways in which human nature is self serving are discussed; how the human brain functions in a way, weather designed or developed, which seems to naturally pick the best decisions. Many qualities which make us an advanced species are presented. Poe writes of conceptions about human nature, speculating on consistent traits, and their origins.
This is rather interesting for Poe to be writing about this during the time when he lived. From a modern perspective, he’s talking about evolution, he’s talking about how we progressed to where we are as a species. The impulse which is the main focus however, seems to break away from this theme, at least to anybody who isn’t thinking when they read this story. The impulse of the perverse (both of the perverse in that it deviates from these other self-serving traits, and in that it is a impulse exhibited by perverse humans) does not serve the human which acts on this impulse, making it inconsistent with other human consistencies. This is an idea which causes some challenge for anybody who hasn’t thought about it. In the end, though it doesn’t seem so on the surface, it is self-serving after all.
Explanation: To kill one of the same species, one of ‘your own kind’, without reason goes against evolution completely, evolution has developed all animals in a way which contradicts this. That is not to say that to kill one of the same species with reason is perverse as well, that does fit into our evolutionary guidelines. Yet somehow humans do kill others of the same without reason. Where a psychotic brain is not evil, it doesn’t always conform with what evolution has provided us, it is deranged at least in personal, inner sense, and possibly in a physical, chemical sense. This is what allows a psychotic mind to kill another of its own kind without reason. It’s a deformity of mental process. When such a killer turns himself in, when he confesses knowing full well (and fearing) the consequences, it is a fluke in his psychotic brain, a reforming of deformity, a reciprocal mutation of normal sub-conscious thought process which is acting in favor of the species at large, humanity. Still today many don’t understand this functioning, for whatever reason. We know the narrator is a psychopath because he speaks of his planning of the murder, showing his insanity. Speaking of all the ideas he’d decided against and then finding fancy in one in particular shows further his deranged character. The fact that Poe wrote a story explaining this phenomenon of human nature in 1845 is amazing to me.
To delve further into this theme of evolution (or design)… Poe also writes about the anxiety and fear those with guilt experience, which may drive them to confession, to make right, even if it hurts them individually. This is all part of the drive of the impulse. This seems like selflessness on the confessors part, but it is as science understands it, it is a self-serving trait. This wonderful characteristic which is selfish in such a good way, a beneficial way, a compassionate way. It is selflessness driven through selfish origins in the brain. It is the ultimate in perverseness.
Several conclusions can be made about the imp. The first is that it is a part of divine design which seeks the justice and welfare of general humanity. The second is that it is fluke of evolution which does not serve the individual (this conclusion I would say is absolutely false). The third is that it is a part of humanity independent of the many ‘consistencies’ (lending themselves well to superficial thinking) embedded in us by God. The last, the conclusion which I subscribe to, is that it is not a fluke, but a miracle of predictable evolution, selfish in every way, as are all traits.
Poe brings all these ideas out in perfect fashion at length before the actually story begins, leaving no room for any question as to what the reader is to look for. When the story teller begins to explain his situation, science is left behind at once and for good, the ‘story part’ of the story, is completely free of the previously discussed questions and theories and sciences. This part is completely human in our own perceived way, which makes it more relateable and more easily understood. The killer speaks of his planning of the murder, showing his insanity. Speaking of all the ideas he’d decided against and then finding fancy in one in particular shows further his deranged character and we get a sense of who this person is, again, in a truly human fashion. After all, we don’t judge people by the relation between their character and the evolution of humanity, we judge them by the relation between their character and personal, moral, and societal expectations and understandings (free from any science).
Speaking of the years that pass without guilt, the safety he felt and speaks of in an almost erotic tone, further exemplifies his insanity. This feeling of safety is true perversity, far and beyond more so than the imp! This is what makes him perverse, the imp is a perversion of his perverseness, causing him to act for good instead of evil.
On the last page, when the killer writes of the populace pursuing him through the streets, the hectic nature of the pursuit, the insanity of the human mob, and the sometimes savagely strong need for justice, become very vibrant. I can almost see the world shaking as in a movie, when random shots at various angles are shown in fast progression to a dizzy climax. This all from just a few paragraphs of prose. Now imprisoned and awaiting execution, he seems very matter-of-fact and indifferent about his situation.
Overall I think this story is more a demonstration of this human characteristic, it’s just up to us as to why the imp is what it is and where it came from. Being very interested in these subjects of human nature, evolution, and divine design, I absolutely loved this story. Discussing these issues in my head, formulating my ideas, and writing them down was equally enjoyable and challenging.
Here is the paper:
I think ‘The Imp of the Perverse’ has a lot to say about humans, how we act, why we act that way. If one reads it with an open mind, it gives a lot of insight into things we may not have though about before. In the beginning of the story, the ways in which human nature is self serving are discussed; how the human brain functions in a way, weather designed or developed, which seems to naturally pick the best decisions. Many qualities which make us an advanced species are presented. Poe writes of conceptions about human nature, speculating on consistent traits, and their origins.
This is rather interesting for Poe to be writing about this during the time when he lived. From a modern perspective, he’s talking about evolution, he’s talking about how we progressed to where we are as a species. The impulse which is the main focus however, seems to break away from this theme, at least to anybody who isn’t thinking when they read this story. The impulse of the perverse (both of the perverse in that it deviates from these other self-serving traits, and in that it is a impulse exhibited by perverse humans) does not serve the human which acts on this impulse, making it inconsistent with other human consistencies. This is an idea which causes some challenge for anybody who hasn’t thought about it. In the end, though it doesn’t seem so on the surface, it is self-serving after all.
Explanation: To kill one of the same species, one of ‘your own kind’, without reason goes against evolution completely, evolution has developed all animals in a way which contradicts this. That is not to say that to kill one of the same species with reason is perverse as well, that does fit into our evolutionary guidelines. Yet somehow humans do kill others of the same without reason. Where a psychotic brain is not evil, it doesn’t always conform with what evolution has provided us, it is deranged at least in personal, inner sense, and possibly in a physical, chemical sense. This is what allows a psychotic mind to kill another of its own kind without reason. It’s a deformity of mental process. When such a killer turns himself in, when he confesses knowing full well (and fearing) the consequences, it is a fluke in his psychotic brain, a reforming of deformity, a reciprocal mutation of normal sub-conscious thought process which is acting in favor of the species at large, humanity. Still today many don’t understand this functioning, for whatever reason. We know the narrator is a psychopath because he speaks of his planning of the murder, showing his insanity. Speaking of all the ideas he’d decided against and then finding fancy in one in particular shows further his deranged character. The fact that Poe wrote a story explaining this phenomenon of human nature in 1845 is amazing to me.
To delve further into this theme of evolution (or design)… Poe also writes about the anxiety and fear those with guilt experience, which may drive them to confession, to make right, even if it hurts them individually. This is all part of the drive of the impulse. This seems like selflessness on the confessors part, but it is as science understands it, it is a self-serving trait. This wonderful characteristic which is selfish in such a good way, a beneficial way, a compassionate way. It is selflessness driven through selfish origins in the brain. It is the ultimate in perverseness.
Several conclusions can be made about the imp. The first is that it is a part of divine design which seeks the justice and welfare of general humanity. The second is that it is fluke of evolution which does not serve the individual (this conclusion I would say is absolutely false). The third is that it is a part of humanity independent of the many ‘consistencies’ (lending themselves well to superficial thinking) embedded in us by God. The last, the conclusion which I subscribe to, is that it is not a fluke, but a miracle of predictable evolution, selfish in every way, as are all traits.
Poe brings all these ideas out in perfect fashion at length before the actually story begins, leaving no room for any question as to what the reader is to look for. When the story teller begins to explain his situation, science is left behind at once and for good, the ‘story part’ of the story, is completely free of the previously discussed questions and theories and sciences. This part is completely human in our own perceived way, which makes it more relateable and more easily understood. The killer speaks of his planning of the murder, showing his insanity. Speaking of all the ideas he’d decided against and then finding fancy in one in particular shows further his deranged character and we get a sense of who this person is, again, in a truly human fashion. After all, we don’t judge people by the relation between their character and the evolution of humanity, we judge them by the relation between their character and personal, moral, and societal expectations and understandings (free from any science).
Speaking of the years that pass without guilt, the safety he felt and speaks of in an almost erotic tone, further exemplifies his insanity. This feeling of safety is true perversity, far and beyond more so than the imp! This is what makes him perverse, the imp is a perversion of his perverseness, causing him to act for good instead of evil.
On the last page, when the killer writes of the populace pursuing him through the streets, the hectic nature of the pursuit, the insanity of the human mob, and the sometimes savagely strong need for justice, become very vibrant. I can almost see the world shaking as in a movie, when random shots at various angles are shown in fast progression to a dizzy climax. This all from just a few paragraphs of prose. Now imprisoned and awaiting execution, he seems very matter-of-fact and indifferent about his situation.
Overall I think this story is more a demonstration of this human characteristic, it’s just up to us as to why the imp is what it is and where it came from. Being very interested in these subjects of human nature, evolution, and divine design, I absolutely loved this story. Discussing these issues in my head, formulating my ideas, and writing them down was equally enjoyable and challenging.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Realizations...
I realize things a lot. I think that's a good thing because it means I'm always learning and growing.
Right now I'm realizing that there's an enormous bounty of love around me, and that my friends really, really care about me.
I'm a very lucky 16 year-old. Few people as young as me appreciate how lucky they are, and, without sounding conceited, I think I'm pretty damn lucky.
Right now I'm realizing that there's an enormous bounty of love around me, and that my friends really, really care about me.
I'm a very lucky 16 year-old. Few people as young as me appreciate how lucky they are, and, without sounding conceited, I think I'm pretty damn lucky.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
As the summer ends
Not remotely in much of a mood for blogging right now... the end of the this summer wasn't at all what I expected and I'm very distressed. Good and bad mixed in. For the past two weeks I was a volunteer at the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble's 'Integrated Arts' camp, a two-week day camp for children ages 8 to 13. The camp focuses on theatre, visual arts, movement, dance, and music. I attended the camp as a student for four years as a youngling, but the experience of teaching there was amazing. To work with these children, see them learn and grow... there's nothing else quite like it.
In addition to that, I've joined the cross country team and am feeling quite good about it.
On the downside, my friendscape is changing again, and that's what I'm really mad about right now...
In addition to that, I've joined the cross country team and am feeling quite good about it.
On the downside, my friendscape is changing again, and that's what I'm really mad about right now...
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Summer 2010: Part 4
My last day in Indianapolis. I get some interesting feelings thinking back on this trip. I've been here for forty-seven days and I go home tomorrow.
Wow. Forty-seven days... in some ways it feels like it's only been a few days, in other ways it feels like it's been years.
I remember when I first got here, there were some people I knew from my grandparents' church, but it seemed like everybody there knew me! Every Sunday people would come up to me and say "Oh hey Cody! Nice to see you again! How've you been?" nine times out of ten I had no idea who these people were, it was only that odd one of ten times when I did know! Over the course of my stay I slowly got to know these people and now consider them friends. I experienced almost two months of life in a different city, a different family, a different community, a different church, a different social scene, a different life.
I remember, after my recital being greeted and congratulated by people I really didn't know, and now I know them all! I've become acquainted with the personalities, the mannerisms, and the sensitivities of many of the people in the Saint Paul's community. It's an incredible feeling I get when I think about just how much I gained while here! So many experiences, so many new people, so many new understandings. And yet, as always, still new questions!
I am leaving with excitement to return to my beloved hometown, my home family, my home community, my home church, my best friends, and my old life! Yet still, I am leaving with sadness because I know I'll miss Indianapolis and the people here. This place has really, truly become home since I've been here. It doesn't feel like a visit anymore, I feel like this is where I live, this is my city, my community... really I wasn't on vacation; I wasn't visiting. I was living here. There's a difference and it's all in how one percepts their time in a place and how they adjust there. I became totally Indianapolis-ized, therefore I lived here.
I'd like to make time to thank the following for making this such a wonderful experience:
Alan Mead, Pat Mead, Ariana Mead, Dave Easty, Rees Roberts, Jon Farnsley, David Sinden, Janette Fishell, James David Christie, Edie Johnson, David Lamb, Frank Boles, Robert Richter, Joyce Krauser, Ms. Brosius, Evie Brosius, Anna Goodlett, Cait Goodlett, Maureen Brooks, Alan Davis, Zach Creviston, Randy Frieling, Les Carpenter, Charlie Lowe, Jean Denton, Micheal Balke, Steven Balke, and all the teachers, counselors, students, and performers from the POE, as well as all the singers in the Saint Paul's choirs, and the staff and congregation of Saint Paul's.
Tomorrow, right after I get home, my brother Riley and I are going roller blading through town, then some friends and I are going to the movies. I keep thinking, 'can't wait to be home', but truly, Indianapolis has been my home for a month and a half; it's quite confusing, I consider both places home in a way now, the difference is enormous, but somehow they're both home. More thoughts later.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Summer 2010: Part 3
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| Auer Hall |
MY, MY, MY!
I just finished the POE at the Jacobs School of Music (Indiana University) at Bloomington! Woot!
I never thought I could learn so much in one week! My technique has improved and so has my understanding of the music I play. I and 40 other young organists, ages 12-19, from all over the country, spent a week enjoying the pipe organ, learning about it, and playing it! It wouldn't have been possible without the help from countless teachers, all of the highest caliber as mentors and performers. On our first day we had a fabulous concert featuring, among others, Dr. James David Christie, Dr. Collin Andrews, Dr. Janette Fishell, and Dr. Wilma Jenson on the brand new 68 rank organ built by C.B. Fisk in Auer Hall.
The day after, I played a harpsichord for the first time and met one of the most famous organists in the world, Diane Bish. It became very clear that this would be a very fun week! And indeed it was!
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| Me seated at a gorgeous harpsichord |
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| Me with Diane Bish |
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| The Metz Carillon |
The day after that, we attended a stunning carillon recital in which numerous pieces were performed on a very big carillon. We all had the opportunity to climb to the top of it where the ringing room is, to watch the performer. I braved the tower stairs and wished I hadn't halfway up! I'm not usually afraid of heights but this was scary! After the carillon recital we attended a silent movie (Phantom of the Opera) in the IU auditorium with accompaniment on their 86 rank Schantz organ. It was phenomenal! And with such music, we didn't even need words! The spoken dialogue was not remotely missed, in fact, it was quite unnecessary in this case and the film and music was absolutely incredible without it!
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| Me playing for Dr. Christie |
The day after that, we 41 students and most of our professors took a field trip to Indianapolis for masterclasses. At Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis, I was the subject of Dr. James David Christie, chair of the organ department at the Oberlin Conservatory. He gave me a 30 minute organ lesson on Baroque organ performance in front of an audience of over 50, mostly students, but many of whom have their doctorate degrees in organ performance. This experience was revelationary! His teaching style was perfect for me and my performance of the pieces he had me play was so improved after just thirty minutes of instruction. He told me I have strong hands and fingers and a great technique, he said "Come to Oberlin, I'll make an organist out of you!". I now KNOW I simply must go to Oberlin to study with him. Luckily, they also have a summer camp, which I'll be certain to attend next year!
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| The 85 year-old console of the Barton Theatre organ |
Later on, we went to a High School with an 18 rank Barton Theatre organ in their auditorium! THAT was awesome to say the very least! It was my first time hearing a Theatre organ live so I was more than excited!
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| The big bad Fisk in Auer Hall, my friend Rees is seated at the console. |
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| Me at the console of the Fisk in Auer Hall, after the student recital |
I learned so much from this week, my passion for organ music has been reinforced, my technique has improved, my understanding of the music I love has expanded, I've made new friends and now have a better idea what being an organ major will be like. Also, becoming acquainted with Dr. Christie alone was well worth the $450 the camp cost!
Endless thanks from me to Dr. David Lamb (POE director), Dr. Janette Fishell and Dr. Collin Andrews (adjunct chairs of the organ department at the Jacobs school), Dr. James David Christie, Kevin Neel and Chris Lynch (counselors), Harry Martenas (my organ teacher), the congregation and staff of the First Presbyterian Church of Bloomsburg, all those who attended my recital back in April, my wonderful family, and of course my fabulous teacher for the week, Dr. Edie Johnson, who did absolute wonders with my touch, articulation, and pedal technique!
I can't believe it's over!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Summer 2010: Part 2
I had my recital at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral (www.cccindy.org) yesterday and it went fabulously! We had a great crowd of people from downtown and friends of mine. My grandparents were there, the Balkes, the Goodlett twins, organist Robert Richter, and plenty of others! It was just fantastic! And I was paid $50 to boot!Right: My program
Left: That's me at the Hellmuth Wolff organ in Christ Church Cathedral, right after my recital on the same instrument.
After the concert I showed the gallery organ off to my grandparents and some fabulous friends and they all thoroughly enjoyed it I believe. It was a fantastic day!
Right: That's me at the 53 rank Taylor and Boody gallery organ, after playing the D Major Prelude BWV 532 for some wonderful people.
Today I met my friend Rees for the first time in person, he and I have known each other for two years via youtube and facebook. We tried out the organs at Saint Luke's UMC, Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Second Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis.
Left: My friends (and fellow organists) Rees and Jon pretend to be beggars at the Center City Circle.
While at Saint Paul's, we walked by a car wash the youth group was holding and somebody yelled "Hey everybody! There's Cody and his friends from Shelbyville and Arkansas!" and half the youthgroup came running over screaming my name. Rees was wearing an Oberlin shirt, much to the delight of several people there. SO cool! Kids my age with actual musical knowledge and appreciation! One (Maureen?) said "Oberlin, that's where I want to go!" and I'm thinking "SWEET!!! ME TOO!". Indianapolis is AWESOME and the kids at Saint Paul's are the coolest!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Summer 2010: Part 1
Next week I leave for Indianapolis, embarking on a two month journey of learning!
Next Friday, Friday June 18th, I will be playing an afternoon organ recital after the noontime Eucharist at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The organ is a 4 manual, 72 rank tracker action instrument built in 1990 by Hullmuth Wolff and Associates. The program is as follows:
1. Apparition de l'Eglise Eternelle - Olivier Messiaen
2. Le Banquet Celeste - Olivier Messiaen
3. Cantata 29: Sinfonia - J.S. Bach
I spoke with their Associate Music Director, and he expects, depending on the weather conditions, 40 to 50 people. However, I've made sure to get the word out at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church where I attend while in Indianapolis so we may have some extra guests other than the regulars! Lets hope so!
It's such a great feeling to be playing this recital for many reasons. First, I was invited to play by their Associate Director at the reception of a Gerre Hancock recital, which made me feel just great! Another reason this upcomming recital is important is that it is a cathedral church with a wonderful music program, and I'm glad to be a part of it. Also, just the fact that it's a nine hour drive from where I live makes it a great experience (and it kind of gives me a feeling as if I'm going on tour!).
Wish me luck everybody! I'll be sure to get pictures and video of me during the concert, lets hope it's a big success!
Next Friday, Friday June 18th, I will be playing an afternoon organ recital after the noontime Eucharist at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The organ is a 4 manual, 72 rank tracker action instrument built in 1990 by Hullmuth Wolff and Associates. The program is as follows:
1. Apparition de l'Eglise Eternelle - Olivier Messiaen
2. Le Banquet Celeste - Olivier Messiaen
3. Cantata 29: Sinfonia - J.S. Bach
I spoke with their Associate Music Director, and he expects, depending on the weather conditions, 40 to 50 people. However, I've made sure to get the word out at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church where I attend while in Indianapolis so we may have some extra guests other than the regulars! Lets hope so!
It's such a great feeling to be playing this recital for many reasons. First, I was invited to play by their Associate Director at the reception of a Gerre Hancock recital, which made me feel just great! Another reason this upcomming recital is important is that it is a cathedral church with a wonderful music program, and I'm glad to be a part of it. Also, just the fact that it's a nine hour drive from where I live makes it a great experience (and it kind of gives me a feeling as if I'm going on tour!).
Wish me luck everybody! I'll be sure to get pictures and video of me during the concert, lets hope it's a big success!
Monday, June 7, 2010
As the school year closes (part II)...
...my, my, my! My goodness! What a year this has been!
Such fun, excitement, fulfillment, achievement, and still, so much to look forward to next year!
Such fun, excitement, fulfillment, achievement, and still, so much to look forward to next year!
Our lovely seniors graduated this past Saturday and my last day of school is this Wednesday, the day after tomorrow. The funny thing is, I'm just now realizing that the majority of my friends this year were seniors, now that they've all graduated and are going off to strange new places for college to begin a new part of their lives as independent adults. I'm so proud of all of them!
Myself with Trevs, after he graduated.
Here I am with the 'backstage mamas' from the Spring musical, after their graduation.
Rather unfortunately, the greatest teacher ofall time is also graduating... :( we'll miss him in his retirement!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Track State Championships
Yesterday, two friends and I went down to Shippensburg University to watch the first day of the PIAA Track and Field State Championships. We had plenty of fun watching every kind of event and seeing our friends kick ass on the track and elsewhere. (On that note, I super uber proud of all our runners and jumpers and throwers and pole vaulters who did so well!)
Here are four of our INCREDIBLE runners (in the red and black uniforms, center): Christina, Alexis, Lauren, and Morgan. Go Bloom! Woot!BURRELL! That's our favorite teacher's name so Meghan and I had to get a picture with them, they both look really creeped out! XD
The ride home took about four hours, because we ended up missing an exit because some guy in a really messed up car cut us off, not five minutes later, he's somehow behind us! Later on traffic was backed up like crazy.... BUT it was fun! Life is an adventure! I can't wait!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
As the school year ends...
I've been reflecting quite a bit, over the past two or three weeks, about this past school year (my sophomore year in high school), and what has changed in my life, in my school, in the community; how I feel about all what has happened and how I am different than I was when school started in August.
This past school year has been the most fun and most versatile, has held the most surprises and the most accomplishments, has brought the most satisfaction and, yet still, the most want. My sophomore year has brought about many changes in my life, both exterior and interior. I can honestly say, without a shadow of a doubt, that this year has been the best year of my life.
So many new people, new friends, new dreams, new goals, and new activities. I've made more new friends this year than any other two years combined, wonderful, kind, loving people who make my life complete! Getting to know these spectacular people has helped me to better understand myself and what I want. These friends have helped me to become more gracious, committed, and selfless, even if they don't know it.
To work with Evan, Sam, Meghan, Hugh and Andrea, putting together a performance of Windowsill for the Pops concert. To sing to cows across the road. To roll down the hill, as that's what hills were made for. To have to completely change our performance style and volume just hours before performance time. To watch Courtney in awe as she sang 'Danke Schoen'. To realize how wonderful life is, watching friends sing their hearts out, watching such incredible talent.
To dance and sing and joke and laugh at prom. To get a tuxedo that actually fit well. To dance with Hayley and Trevor. To see Riannon wear a dress for the first time. To have the most gorgeous date ever. To be a total grouchy pants at Ashley's house because I was tired. To learn that a certain person thinks I'm extremely annoying and can't stand me. To not care and think that was funny.
To play my first professional recital. To see so many lovely people there. To hug Dillon's grandmother, Aileen. To be so overjoyed that Walker's grandmother could make it. To see Elizabeth Dowd cry afterwards. To sign peoples programs by request. To raise twice our goal in donations.
To sit next to Matsha at the first home track meet. To make Molly and Cheyenne laugh with my ridiculous cheers. To get the worst sunburn of my life, and to have Mr. Coy inspect it under the stands. To go to Kaitlin's bonfire and have more people inspect it. To love red grapes too much. To walk around the infield and meet Majpup. To stand in the rain and cold for hours without a coat or umbrella at the last meet.
To have a 'Producer's' party without the movie's biggest fan. To love Trevs' expressions as he watched the movie. To watch Trevs set Andrea's porch on fire... actually, that never happened. To actually have fun playing Apples to Apples!
To stay at the school from 4:30-10:30 several days in a row for the Great Latsha and still have to juggle with homework and studying. To finally get to know people (whom I'd seen passing in the hallway for years) back stage. To realize that I simply must act in next year's production and the following! To paint mountains to go in a window. To break Meghan's heart by having to re-paint her clouds! To sing at Perkins with the cast and crew at 1:00 in the morning! To hold back tears during Green Room because I'm too proud to let people see me cry!
To go sledding with awesome people on a snow day. To slam a snowball into Meghan's eye. To have a snowball fight with Henry and Sam after endless hours of other snow activities. To play the piano for Walker's grandmother. To walk all the way down to the lagoon just so we could walk all the way up to 3rd street to sled down that big hill. To watch Amadeus with splendid dudes and dudettes. To wipe out every time I went down the big hill in the big toboggan, and look like a total fool. To help Walkman get out of the thorns at the bottom.
To have no clue why somebody said I look exactly like Paul. To wonder why Paul even came in the restaurant in the first place. To walk up third and fourth street after getting Chinese. To escort Walker to his house on that chilly night. To walk down 2nd street with two of my very bestest friends.
To be asked to go up to Phillips with the rest of the Oootm crew after practice. To realize I was just simply hanging out with people my age for the first time in my life. To invent the wink and the "Watch out!" as Meghan killed Courtney with an axe. To be asked to go to Denny's. To stay up until 3:00 in the morning writing a script we never used. To have the best friends in the world.
To realize how much I love life, how much I love Bloom, and how much I love my friends. They're all such wonderful people and have made this year an utter joy, and as this year ends, I leave it happier, with more confidence, higher hopes, and greater dreams, content in the knowledge that I have wonderful friends I can love and cherish.
This past school year has been the most fun and most versatile, has held the most surprises and the most accomplishments, has brought the most satisfaction and, yet still, the most want. My sophomore year has brought about many changes in my life, both exterior and interior. I can honestly say, without a shadow of a doubt, that this year has been the best year of my life.
So many new people, new friends, new dreams, new goals, and new activities. I've made more new friends this year than any other two years combined, wonderful, kind, loving people who make my life complete! Getting to know these spectacular people has helped me to better understand myself and what I want. These friends have helped me to become more gracious, committed, and selfless, even if they don't know it.
To work with Evan, Sam, Meghan, Hugh and Andrea, putting together a performance of Windowsill for the Pops concert. To sing to cows across the road. To roll down the hill, as that's what hills were made for. To have to completely change our performance style and volume just hours before performance time. To watch Courtney in awe as she sang 'Danke Schoen'. To realize how wonderful life is, watching friends sing their hearts out, watching such incredible talent.
To dance and sing and joke and laugh at prom. To get a tuxedo that actually fit well. To dance with Hayley and Trevor. To see Riannon wear a dress for the first time. To have the most gorgeous date ever. To be a total grouchy pants at Ashley's house because I was tired. To learn that a certain person thinks I'm extremely annoying and can't stand me. To not care and think that was funny.
To play my first professional recital. To see so many lovely people there. To hug Dillon's grandmother, Aileen. To be so overjoyed that Walker's grandmother could make it. To see Elizabeth Dowd cry afterwards. To sign peoples programs by request. To raise twice our goal in donations.
To sit next to Matsha at the first home track meet. To make Molly and Cheyenne laugh with my ridiculous cheers. To get the worst sunburn of my life, and to have Mr. Coy inspect it under the stands. To go to Kaitlin's bonfire and have more people inspect it. To love red grapes too much. To walk around the infield and meet Majpup. To stand in the rain and cold for hours without a coat or umbrella at the last meet.
To have a 'Producer's' party without the movie's biggest fan. To love Trevs' expressions as he watched the movie. To watch Trevs set Andrea's porch on fire... actually, that never happened. To actually have fun playing Apples to Apples!
To stay at the school from 4:30-10:30 several days in a row for the Great Latsha and still have to juggle with homework and studying. To finally get to know people (whom I'd seen passing in the hallway for years) back stage. To realize that I simply must act in next year's production and the following! To paint mountains to go in a window. To break Meghan's heart by having to re-paint her clouds! To sing at Perkins with the cast and crew at 1:00 in the morning! To hold back tears during Green Room because I'm too proud to let people see me cry!
To go sledding with awesome people on a snow day. To slam a snowball into Meghan's eye. To have a snowball fight with Henry and Sam after endless hours of other snow activities. To play the piano for Walker's grandmother. To walk all the way down to the lagoon just so we could walk all the way up to 3rd street to sled down that big hill. To watch Amadeus with splendid dudes and dudettes. To wipe out every time I went down the big hill in the big toboggan, and look like a total fool. To help Walkman get out of the thorns at the bottom.
To have no clue why somebody said I look exactly like Paul. To wonder why Paul even came in the restaurant in the first place. To walk up third and fourth street after getting Chinese. To escort Walker to his house on that chilly night. To walk down 2nd street with two of my very bestest friends.
To be asked to go up to Phillips with the rest of the Oootm crew after practice. To realize I was just simply hanging out with people my age for the first time in my life. To invent the wink and the "Watch out!" as Meghan killed Courtney with an axe. To be asked to go to Denny's. To stay up until 3:00 in the morning writing a script we never used. To have the best friends in the world.
To realize how much I love life, how much I love Bloom, and how much I love my friends. They're all such wonderful people and have made this year an utter joy, and as this year ends, I leave it happier, with more confidence, higher hopes, and greater dreams, content in the knowledge that I have wonderful friends I can love and cherish.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Liturgy
It’s amazing how many different ways people find the faith, how many different ways people find God. Some go through a traumatic experience and find the refuge that is the church, some convert, some are convinced, and yet others are born into ‘the’ faith. I’m sure most of us know at least one person who has found Christ through one of these vehicles, but there is another way that is not quite as common: through liturgy. Some encounter the liturgy first, then discover faith.
I stumbled around many ideas. I raised Episcopalian, eventually I decided I didn’t believe in a God, then eventually I decided I really did believe in a God, started attending a Presbyterian Church, decided Anglo-Catholicism was for me, developed strong opinions, and now I simply cannot believe or comprehend that I could ever have once been an atheist (and a staunch one at that) for two and a half years!
The liturgy is what saved me from a self-serving life of ignorance and arrogance. I attended Solemn Mass one Sunday at the Church of the Advent (an Anglo-Catholic parish in Boston) and I was so fascinated with the liturgy that I had to learn more, my research on this officious liturgy led me to try to find and to search for understanding in what was behind the liturgy, the faith itself. I did such, and I am forever indebted to that wonderful Parish for saving me from a future I’m glad is no longer mine.
There many who claim that high liturgy is superficial, irrelevant, disconnected. Some even go far enough to call it idolization and paganism. They are very wrong.
I am disheartened by the immense lack of faith I see in so many congregations and parishes of all denominations. I’ve attended such empty worship services, devoid of anything remotely spiritual or divine. I’ve seen children confirmed and never attend church again thereafter. I’ve seen children graduate atheists from Catholic schools. I cry inside and I fear inside, not only for the ever unsure future of the church as an institution, but also for my neighbors, as the church, the faith provides an incredible structure in human life.
The church provides a structure for community; a structure for outreach and for inreach, for help and for refuge, for understanding and for thought, for friendship and for love. The church as an institution, is an incredible way for us as humans on Earth to live and to love as Christ wants us to, to live an to love as we must.
I truly believe that the disrespect and disregard for divine liturgy is one of the (many) causes for the recent unacceptable short fallings of the church, for the loss of membership, for the loss of faith, for the loss of commitment, for the loss of ministry. There is little faith to be found in most mainstream churches these days; I cry inside and fear inside because of it.
It makes no sense to attempt to understand the divine in an earthly manner, yet so many try. Why not try to understand and encounter(!) the divine in a divine manner? I should think that an obvious conclusion, but few see it.
One of the first steps to fixing our broken church, is by fixing the liturgy in our congregations, by restoring high liturgy, and by embracing the divine liturgy.
Peace and Prayers.
I stumbled around many ideas. I raised Episcopalian, eventually I decided I didn’t believe in a God, then eventually I decided I really did believe in a God, started attending a Presbyterian Church, decided Anglo-Catholicism was for me, developed strong opinions, and now I simply cannot believe or comprehend that I could ever have once been an atheist (and a staunch one at that) for two and a half years!
The liturgy is what saved me from a self-serving life of ignorance and arrogance. I attended Solemn Mass one Sunday at the Church of the Advent (an Anglo-Catholic parish in Boston) and I was so fascinated with the liturgy that I had to learn more, my research on this officious liturgy led me to try to find and to search for understanding in what was behind the liturgy, the faith itself. I did such, and I am forever indebted to that wonderful Parish for saving me from a future I’m glad is no longer mine.
There many who claim that high liturgy is superficial, irrelevant, disconnected. Some even go far enough to call it idolization and paganism. They are very wrong.
I am disheartened by the immense lack of faith I see in so many congregations and parishes of all denominations. I’ve attended such empty worship services, devoid of anything remotely spiritual or divine. I’ve seen children confirmed and never attend church again thereafter. I’ve seen children graduate atheists from Catholic schools. I cry inside and I fear inside, not only for the ever unsure future of the church as an institution, but also for my neighbors, as the church, the faith provides an incredible structure in human life.
The church provides a structure for community; a structure for outreach and for inreach, for help and for refuge, for understanding and for thought, for friendship and for love. The church as an institution, is an incredible way for us as humans on Earth to live and to love as Christ wants us to, to live an to love as we must.
I truly believe that the disrespect and disregard for divine liturgy is one of the (many) causes for the recent unacceptable short fallings of the church, for the loss of membership, for the loss of faith, for the loss of commitment, for the loss of ministry. There is little faith to be found in most mainstream churches these days; I cry inside and fear inside because of it.
It makes no sense to attempt to understand the divine in an earthly manner, yet so many try. Why not try to understand and encounter(!) the divine in a divine manner? I should think that an obvious conclusion, but few see it.
One of the first steps to fixing our broken church, is by fixing the liturgy in our congregations, by restoring high liturgy, and by embracing the divine liturgy.
Peace and Prayers.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Poster for my first professional recital
Hi Everybody!
So things are great momentarily! I've just had a simply gorgeous poster designed by my friend Courtney, with photography courtesy of Mr. Bidleman. I couldn't have asked for a better design, it just so wonderful.
I'm going to have fourteen of these posters up in my High School and twenty-five around town and in area churches. Quite exciting I'd say!
So things are great momentarily! I've just had a simply gorgeous poster designed by my friend Courtney, with photography courtesy of Mr. Bidleman. I couldn't have asked for a better design, it just so wonderful.
The background is a small portion of one of the BIG windows at the First Presbyterian Church of Bloomsburg, where the recital will be. I would have never thought to use that part of that window in such a manner, total genius on the part of Courtney is you ask me. The way she worked the info into the grooves of the window, the way she used the four circles to fit in pictures of the console and me playing... all totally brilliant.
Even with such a burst of various colors and intensity, it still manages total simplicity in the presentation of the info an is incredibly easy to read. Fabulous!
I'm going to have fourteen of these posters up in my High School and twenty-five around town and in area churches. Quite exciting I'd say!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Destiny's Blog
This is the blog address of my friend Destiny. She and I have acted in BTE productions before and she's a fabulous actress and brighter than you could believe!
http://destinydeater.blogspot.com/
http://destinydeater.blogspot.com/
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Life is great
Hello All! Recently everything has been going wonderfully for me and I just thought I'd share!
In short, there are innumerable happenings a-happening and these just *happen* (hahaha) to be three I'm going to brag about. Life is great! Spring is great! Go outside and have fun!
It's interesting, I always make an effort to be observant of all the seasonal changes, I think we can learn allot about life from them. As, recently, it has been changing from Winter into Spring, I am, as every year, full of joy for that reason in itself. We see from the dead, cold, and blankness of winter, emerging great life, color, vibrancy, and general vivaciousness when Spring arrives. Not only in nature do we experience these changes, but in people too. The seasonal changes affect our attitudes whether we realise it or not.
That being said, I'm delighted to find a wonderfully interesting anomaly in this particular change. I've always thought it a no-brainer that the change into Spring is by far the the most lively and flavorful, but above all, the most optimistic. At the same time, as it changes from a frigid Winter into a cheerful Spring, I find that there are many things unrelated to the seasons that are going so very right for me.
That being said, I'm delighted to find a wonderfully interesting anomaly in this particular change. I've always thought it a no-brainer that the change into Spring is by far the the most lively and flavorful, but above all, the most optimistic. At the same time, as it changes from a frigid Winter into a cheerful Spring, I find that there are many things unrelated to the seasons that are going so very right for me.
I am full of excitement and optimism! I am glad beyond glad to have been born when I was and to be who I am. I am blessed beyond blessed to find myself in the circumstances I do. I am grateful beyond grateful for the people I know and who surround me.
So what's up? What wonderous happenings have been a-happening?
1. I have scheduled my premier organ concert for Sunday the 25th of April, 2010 at 3:00 in the First Presbyterian Church of Bloomsburg! I will be playing a program of Bach, Franck, Boellmann, Messiaen, and MORE BACH! Addmission is free and it will be fantastic I know!
Below is a picture of th First Presbyterian Church of Bloomsburg, where my premier organ concert will be held.
2. In addition to my premier concert, I will be playing a 30 minute recital at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis as part of their weekly Friday afternoon organ series. It should be great fun as the church has an incredible music program and two incredible pipe organs: a 70 rank French-Romantic tracker by Hellmuth Wolf in the chancel, and a gorgeous 53 rank Baroque tracker by Taylor and Boody in the gallery. It should be great fun!
Below is a picture of Christ Church Cathedral, home to two large organs, and where I will be playing a recital in late June.
3. I will be attending a six day 'Pipe Organ Encounter' at the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University at Bloomington. This is six days of residential organ camp on the Jacobs School of Music campus. There will be organ lessons galore from world class, and world renowned, organists and professors. Also, we will be playing various different instruments in Bloomington and Indianapolis, including the brand new 68 rank C.B. Fisk organ at the Jacobs School.
Below is a picture of the new Fisk recently installed.
In short, there are innumerable happenings a-happening and these just *happen* (hahaha) to be three I'm going to brag about. Life is great! Spring is great! Go outside and have fun!
Monday, March 8, 2010
I've been in plays before...
... but this one was different.
I've acted in four or five professional plays with the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble and in my 8th grade year, I played the main antagonist in my Middle School's play. I enjoyed all these experiences and cherished many memories from them. That being said, I also participated in my High School's 2010 production of 'The Sound of Music' which we closed just a few days ago, and this play far, far outshines the others in my mind. The interesting thing is, I didn't even act, I was on the tech crew, changing sets!
Something about the play, the story, the music, our cast, our crew, our directors, our dedication... all this made it so much more worth while and so much more touching.
I made new friends, Danielle and Ashley, and learned what the high school musical was all about. I had plenty of fun and there was goofing around at times, but I also accomplished a ton and felt fantastic about the work I'd completed. We started a new play tradition, backstage rubber band wars during intermission and before performances (one which had us in trouble when we were too loud!) which I'm sure we will continue for years to come. I saw wonderful actors and singers struggle with their roles a few months before performance time. I saw confusion and everything else that comes with learning, but what I didn't see was people giving up or giving anything less than their best. Because of this, we were able to put on an incredible show and I saw wonderful actors and singers play their parts perfectly when the big day came around and we performed in front of an audience of over 700. I could not possibly be more proud of every last member of our wonderful cast and crew. Great job to all!
After the last performance, we spent roughly two hours taking the set apart, which was very emotional for me, though I didn't show it. I took a picture of some of the screws which had held our set together. Many people cried for different reasons before, after, and even during the last performance, but it wasn't until the next day when I looked at this picture that I cried. There are great memories in these screws and they've had a huge impact on me.
Every second I spent in that auditorium with you lovely people was one I will never forget!
Endless thanks to Latsha, Kate, Mamma Yates, Danielle, Ashley, Zach, Trevs, and Darbs. I love you all so much!
AND MEGHAN ASHFORD, THANK YOU SO, SO, SOOO MUCH FOR CONVINCING ME TO JOIN PLAY!
I've acted in four or five professional plays with the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble and in my 8th grade year, I played the main antagonist in my Middle School's play. I enjoyed all these experiences and cherished many memories from them. That being said, I also participated in my High School's 2010 production of 'The Sound of Music' which we closed just a few days ago, and this play far, far outshines the others in my mind. The interesting thing is, I didn't even act, I was on the tech crew, changing sets!
Something about the play, the story, the music, our cast, our crew, our directors, our dedication... all this made it so much more worth while and so much more touching.
I made new friends, Danielle and Ashley, and learned what the high school musical was all about. I had plenty of fun and there was goofing around at times, but I also accomplished a ton and felt fantastic about the work I'd completed. We started a new play tradition, backstage rubber band wars during intermission and before performances (one which had us in trouble when we were too loud!) which I'm sure we will continue for years to come. I saw wonderful actors and singers struggle with their roles a few months before performance time. I saw confusion and everything else that comes with learning, but what I didn't see was people giving up or giving anything less than their best. Because of this, we were able to put on an incredible show and I saw wonderful actors and singers play their parts perfectly when the big day came around and we performed in front of an audience of over 700. I could not possibly be more proud of every last member of our wonderful cast and crew. Great job to all!
After the last performance, we spent roughly two hours taking the set apart, which was very emotional for me, though I didn't show it. I took a picture of some of the screws which had held our set together. Many people cried for different reasons before, after, and even during the last performance, but it wasn't until the next day when I looked at this picture that I cried. There are great memories in these screws and they've had a huge impact on me.
Every second I spent in that auditorium with you lovely people was one I will never forget!
Endless thanks to Latsha, Kate, Mamma Yates, Danielle, Ashley, Zach, Trevs, and Darbs. I love you all so much!
AND MEGHAN ASHFORD, THANK YOU SO, SO, SOOO MUCH FOR CONVINCING ME TO JOIN PLAY!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Dr. Hancock in concert
I met Dr. Hancock about eight hours before the concert. He was practicing the Fantasy on B-A-C-H by Maxx Reger. When I talked to him he had so much to say about how much he liked the two and a-half-year-old 90 rank Casavant he was playing, he said something along the lines of "What a fabulous organ this is. Such a magnificent addition to the organ community, this is truly one of the great organs of the country and among the best recent contributions to organ building on the entire planet."
At 7:30 I found myself in the Sanctuary again, free of the $10 charge thanks to the generosity of the Music Director of Saint Paul's, Frank Boles. The program began with the Fantasy and Fugue on B-A-C-H by Maxx Reger, a dynamic, impressive, and dazzling piece. Upon the first big chord in the first measure of the Fantasy, a lady in front of me shook so violently, I swear I have never seen anybody so startled by the power of a pipe organ. He played through the Fantasy and Fugue without a single flaw or mistake using incredibly effective registrations made possible by the immense variety of the 90 ranks of pipes
Next on the program was the Piece d'Orgue (BWV 572) by Johann Sebastian Bach, Gerre played the piece with consistency and joyous registrations, the Lentement section of the piece was enjoyed by everyone for sure!
The third piece Gerre performed was the famous Chorale in A minor by Cesar Franck. Gerre played through piece again with perfect registration choices and perfect consistency.
The Prelude and Fugue in E minor by Nikolaus Bruhns was to follow, Gerre played this piece very well and it was enjoyed by all. There was a point in the Prelude where it sounded to me that he used the Tuba Mirabilis, I don't know about that but it was interesting to note.
Last on the program before the 'fun part' was the Canon, Chacony and Fugue by Leo Sowerby, dedicated to E. Power Biggs. Hancock played this charming piece with magnificent joy and understanding of the piece.
After a ten minute intermission, the Improvisation themes were submitted to Dr. Hancock, the four movement improvised symphony began!
The first movement was a Sonata-form piece in which he used many of the organs resources from beautiful english reeds to the to-die-for flutes. This was followed by a Song-form movement in which he used various solo reeds contrasting against various strings and soft flute stops.
Next was an incredibly fun Scherzo on the theme of "Zippidy do da!" exploring many of the organ's bright, light, and joyful stop opportunities. Last was a Fugue and Finale, Gerre developed a fugue that move seamlessly into a flourishing finale, slowly beginning to utilize other themes from the symphony, the crescendo was smooth and gradual. He closed the the Finale with a flourishing finish, utilizing every stop on the organ including the 19 rank Nave organ and the 8' Hooded Festival trompette. Returning to the theme of "Zippidy do da", he weaved the familiar tune into genius clashing chords forming it perfectly into a magnificent conclusion. Just as soon as the decay had ceased, I was the first person in the audience to stand and clap. Everyone I came across could not say enough how much they enjoyed the concert. Dr. Hancock's performance was enjoyed by all in attendance and I speak for myself when I say it is all I could think about until I fell to sleep that night.
Photo by Bernadette Wagner of Dr. Hancock during the concert, standing in front of the gorgeous four manual terraced console of the Casavant organ at Saint Paul's.
At 7:30 I found myself in the Sanctuary again, free of the $10 charge thanks to the generosity of the Music Director of Saint Paul's, Frank Boles. The program began with the Fantasy and Fugue on B-A-C-H by Maxx Reger, a dynamic, impressive, and dazzling piece. Upon the first big chord in the first measure of the Fantasy, a lady in front of me shook so violently, I swear I have never seen anybody so startled by the power of a pipe organ. He played through the Fantasy and Fugue without a single flaw or mistake using incredibly effective registrations made possible by the immense variety of the 90 ranks of pipes
Next on the program was the Piece d'Orgue (BWV 572) by Johann Sebastian Bach, Gerre played the piece with consistency and joyous registrations, the Lentement section of the piece was enjoyed by everyone for sure!
The third piece Gerre performed was the famous Chorale in A minor by Cesar Franck. Gerre played through piece again with perfect registration choices and perfect consistency.
The Prelude and Fugue in E minor by Nikolaus Bruhns was to follow, Gerre played this piece very well and it was enjoyed by all. There was a point in the Prelude where it sounded to me that he used the Tuba Mirabilis, I don't know about that but it was interesting to note.
Last on the program before the 'fun part' was the Canon, Chacony and Fugue by Leo Sowerby, dedicated to E. Power Biggs. Hancock played this charming piece with magnificent joy and understanding of the piece.
After a ten minute intermission, the Improvisation themes were submitted to Dr. Hancock, the four movement improvised symphony began!
The first movement was a Sonata-form piece in which he used many of the organs resources from beautiful english reeds to the to-die-for flutes. This was followed by a Song-form movement in which he used various solo reeds contrasting against various strings and soft flute stops.
Next was an incredibly fun Scherzo on the theme of "Zippidy do da!" exploring many of the organ's bright, light, and joyful stop opportunities. Last was a Fugue and Finale, Gerre developed a fugue that move seamlessly into a flourishing finale, slowly beginning to utilize other themes from the symphony, the crescendo was smooth and gradual. He closed the the Finale with a flourishing finish, utilizing every stop on the organ including the 19 rank Nave organ and the 8' Hooded Festival trompette. Returning to the theme of "Zippidy do da", he weaved the familiar tune into genius clashing chords forming it perfectly into a magnificent conclusion. Just as soon as the decay had ceased, I was the first person in the audience to stand and clap. Everyone I came across could not say enough how much they enjoyed the concert. Dr. Hancock's performance was enjoyed by all in attendance and I speak for myself when I say it is all I could think about until I fell to sleep that night.
Photo by Bernadette Wagner of Dr. Hancock during the concert, standing in front of the gorgeous four manual terraced console of the Casavant organ at Saint Paul's.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Interesting Bus ride
I find myself in Indianapolis now, I'm here to meet Gerre Hancock, attend a concert of his, and visit family. That is all to come but my trip has already proved quite interesting... it was quite a bus ride.
First thing that happens on the bus, the driver's intercom stops working and he has to scream for us to hear his announcements.
Ten minutes later, an elderly man of maybe late 60's or early 70's is talking on the phone to several people, he uses every profanity in the book, crude, sexual, offensive... every combination of such words too... you could possibly imagine. I didn't get everything he was talking about but it involved very large sums of money, putting some 'f****rs out of business', and prostitution, from what I could gather.
We arrive in Pittsburgh and I have to wait for an hour at midnight to get back on the bus. There is a new bus driver, he screams at me when I ask him "Is this the right bus? They said door 10, but this is door 11?" He stares at me for a good ten seconds then screams at me. After this we get onto the road and I make my best attempts at sleeping.
It is 3:00 A.M. and we arrive at Columbus, this bus station is old, gritty, depressing, and full of... very strange people. There is a man who was on the same bus as me, waiting to get back on. He stands in the middle of the station eating Nachos, chips, soda, a cheeseburger... all at 3:00 A.M.! He wasn't even a big fella either! Atop of this he made some very loud grunting noises when he ate. There were many other assortments of people making strange noises, saying strange things, staring at me because I'd found myself staring at them, and acting, well, strange in every possible manner.
We get another new bus driver, he is very, very old and has a week voice. He spends seven minutes trying to announce our route on the broken intercom, out heads are drilled near explosion by the static and bleeps and feedback. Finally he gives up. I wake up not too much later, we have stopped at a rest stop. The driver goes to the back of the bus to use the bathroom, the door is jammed, again, he spends an excessive amount of time trying to open it before giving up and going to the rest stop. He ends up stopping at about three or four more rest stops in the next three hours and we end up arriving an hour late.
Quite a ride, let's see what else happens this weekend!
First thing that happens on the bus, the driver's intercom stops working and he has to scream for us to hear his announcements.
Ten minutes later, an elderly man of maybe late 60's or early 70's is talking on the phone to several people, he uses every profanity in the book, crude, sexual, offensive... every combination of such words too... you could possibly imagine. I didn't get everything he was talking about but it involved very large sums of money, putting some 'f****rs out of business', and prostitution, from what I could gather.
We arrive in Pittsburgh and I have to wait for an hour at midnight to get back on the bus. There is a new bus driver, he screams at me when I ask him "Is this the right bus? They said door 10, but this is door 11?" He stares at me for a good ten seconds then screams at me. After this we get onto the road and I make my best attempts at sleeping.
It is 3:00 A.M. and we arrive at Columbus, this bus station is old, gritty, depressing, and full of... very strange people. There is a man who was on the same bus as me, waiting to get back on. He stands in the middle of the station eating Nachos, chips, soda, a cheeseburger... all at 3:00 A.M.! He wasn't even a big fella either! Atop of this he made some very loud grunting noises when he ate. There were many other assortments of people making strange noises, saying strange things, staring at me because I'd found myself staring at them, and acting, well, strange in every possible manner.
We get another new bus driver, he is very, very old and has a week voice. He spends seven minutes trying to announce our route on the broken intercom, out heads are drilled near explosion by the static and bleeps and feedback. Finally he gives up. I wake up not too much later, we have stopped at a rest stop. The driver goes to the back of the bus to use the bathroom, the door is jammed, again, he spends an excessive amount of time trying to open it before giving up and going to the rest stop. He ends up stopping at about three or four more rest stops in the next three hours and we end up arriving an hour late.
Quite a ride, let's see what else happens this weekend!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Pollan is the man
Incredible. I thought some of these were my ideas! I guess I was just a few years too late in thinking them! Pollan is the man!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
More cool stuff
This is incredible. Compassion is a gene's way of helping itself. Because we naturally feel compassionate for family members, we help them before anything else. Because they are family, they share the gene and this helps the spread of the gene in the most direct way possible.
This happens all the time, just not in such raw form.
Think of about the plants animals eat. Have you ever wondered why the plants animals eat are 1. usually in great abundance in their natural habitat (undisturbed by humans) and (even more interesting) 2. are ideal for that animal's health.
This is absolutely crazy if you look at it blankly, but when you think into it, it begins to make sense in the same way compassion does.
Plants and the Animals which consume them have co-evolved for millions of years and have perfected every intricacy both in themselves and in their relationships with each other.
Anytime a co-evolutionary partnership like this occurs there are always two possibilities as to how it could have happened. Let me explain.
How is it that animals enjoy the most healthy food for them more than any other food in their environment? There are two ways it could have happened.
1. Some point in history, this animal gained a trait which made it use a common plant in it's habitat with optimum benefit. This does not just benefit the animal, but the plant as well. Because of this new trait, the animals which eat this plant which their body processes extraordinarily well will thrive and hence help the plant to spread and thrive and a relationship is formed which will last forever until outside circumstances change it.
2. Some point in history, a common plant in a specific area gained a trait which made it more healthy for a common animal species. The animal hence can live longer and it's population will thrive, helping this plant in the exact same way.
The extraordinary thing is that these two scenarios have opposite causes but their outcomes are exactly the same. Each evolutionary step provides a new relationship between two or more species which benefits both parties in numerous ways. Interspecies relationships like these are fool-proof evolutionary wonders. I focus much thought towards these interspecies anomalies. They fascinate me.
Compassion is an example of a totally different, yet equally magnificent, trait we find. The compassion we feel for family, the way cats will bathe each other, the way ant colonies work together... these are all very different anomalies. In these instances, organisms work together within their one species to thrive. These are self-serving traits. Yet, still, we find instances where these examples of seemingly self-serving instinct, do much to help other organisms. Why? In some cases it can be explained as simply as above, this trait which is on the surface self serving, helps the organism in a secondary way in that it helps another organism! Another relationship is found.
Our abundance of different species all working together is a wonder which we can hardly understand. Selfish as all organisms are, we still help each other without even knowing it, without even wanting it, because such is the nature of our evolutionary history.
This happens all the time, just not in such raw form.
Think of about the plants animals eat. Have you ever wondered why the plants animals eat are 1. usually in great abundance in their natural habitat (undisturbed by humans) and (even more interesting) 2. are ideal for that animal's health.
This is absolutely crazy if you look at it blankly, but when you think into it, it begins to make sense in the same way compassion does.
Plants and the Animals which consume them have co-evolved for millions of years and have perfected every intricacy both in themselves and in their relationships with each other.
Anytime a co-evolutionary partnership like this occurs there are always two possibilities as to how it could have happened. Let me explain.
How is it that animals enjoy the most healthy food for them more than any other food in their environment? There are two ways it could have happened.
1. Some point in history, this animal gained a trait which made it use a common plant in it's habitat with optimum benefit. This does not just benefit the animal, but the plant as well. Because of this new trait, the animals which eat this plant which their body processes extraordinarily well will thrive and hence help the plant to spread and thrive and a relationship is formed which will last forever until outside circumstances change it.
2. Some point in history, a common plant in a specific area gained a trait which made it more healthy for a common animal species. The animal hence can live longer and it's population will thrive, helping this plant in the exact same way.
The extraordinary thing is that these two scenarios have opposite causes but their outcomes are exactly the same. Each evolutionary step provides a new relationship between two or more species which benefits both parties in numerous ways. Interspecies relationships like these are fool-proof evolutionary wonders. I focus much thought towards these interspecies anomalies. They fascinate me.
Compassion is an example of a totally different, yet equally magnificent, trait we find. The compassion we feel for family, the way cats will bathe each other, the way ant colonies work together... these are all very different anomalies. In these instances, organisms work together within their one species to thrive. These are self-serving traits. Yet, still, we find instances where these examples of seemingly self-serving instinct, do much to help other organisms. Why? In some cases it can be explained as simply as above, this trait which is on the surface self serving, helps the organism in a secondary way in that it helps another organism! Another relationship is found.
Our abundance of different species all working together is a wonder which we can hardly understand. Selfish as all organisms are, we still help each other without even knowing it, without even wanting it, because such is the nature of our evolutionary history.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Nature perfects itself
Evolution is fascinating to me. I think about evolution constantly and how things in this world came to be the way they are. I've recently learned of the work of Michael Pollan and the reason I love his work so much is because his ideas are exactly what I've been thinking for quite some time. When I first saw this video below I was knocked off my feet because what he was talking about is exactly what I've been thinking about for a while. What he gets at in this video is that plants have evolved through completely random genetic mutations to be more and more attractive to consumers who will eat their fruits or vegetables. (Their seeds essentially)
Why does this happen? Why do these traits which cause their fruits to be consumed spread? Because when the fruit is eaten, the seed is spread.
When a new trait/mutation comes along which causes a fruit to have a less attractive color to consumers, this new trait will likely not survive many generation. HOWEVER, if a new trait comes along which causes a fruit to have a more attractive color to consumers, this new trait will slowly but surely thrive because it helps the plant to reproduce.
When a new trait comes along which causes the seed to be more resilient to animal digestive systems, more seeds will make it out the other end and still be viable to produce plants.
When a new trait comes along which makes a plant's taste more desirable to consumers, they will eat it and spread it's seeds.
When a new trait comes along which makes a plant more healthy to consumers, the consumers who eat it will live longer and produce more healthy offspring who will eat more of these fruits and spread it's seed further.
The fruits and consumers co-evolve to create a perfect system.
Think about it in reverse.
When a trait comes along which makes consumers enjoy healthy fruits, the consumers who have this trait will become more healthy which means they will live longer and produce more and thrive. Eventually this new trait will take over the entire population of the species, but this usually takes a very, very long time.
These examples regarding the consumption of fruits and vegetables are only a few of many examples. The spread of pollen is another great example which Pollan gets at in this video. These ideas present the perfect example of the magnificence of evolution. This is how nature perfects itself for us.
Why does this happen? Why do these traits which cause their fruits to be consumed spread? Because when the fruit is eaten, the seed is spread.
When a new trait/mutation comes along which causes a fruit to have a less attractive color to consumers, this new trait will likely not survive many generation. HOWEVER, if a new trait comes along which causes a fruit to have a more attractive color to consumers, this new trait will slowly but surely thrive because it helps the plant to reproduce.
When a new trait comes along which causes the seed to be more resilient to animal digestive systems, more seeds will make it out the other end and still be viable to produce plants.
When a new trait comes along which makes a plant's taste more desirable to consumers, they will eat it and spread it's seeds.
When a new trait comes along which makes a plant more healthy to consumers, the consumers who eat it will live longer and produce more healthy offspring who will eat more of these fruits and spread it's seed further.
The fruits and consumers co-evolve to create a perfect system.
Think about it in reverse.
When a trait comes along which makes consumers enjoy healthy fruits, the consumers who have this trait will become more healthy which means they will live longer and produce more and thrive. Eventually this new trait will take over the entire population of the species, but this usually takes a very, very long time.
These examples regarding the consumption of fruits and vegetables are only a few of many examples. The spread of pollen is another great example which Pollan gets at in this video. These ideas present the perfect example of the magnificence of evolution. This is how nature perfects itself for us.
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