First Friday Art Walk

On most Friday evenings, it's not difficult to find me

...at Dudley's Bookshop Cafe in heart of downtown, Bend. This evening was quite a treat...music to the ear. One of my favorite local musician (ex-San Francisco Bay Area resident) Mark Barringer performed a piece he discovered recently on YouTube below

The beginning is now and will always be
You say you lost your chance, then fate brought you defeat
but that means nothing, you look so sad
You've been listening to those who say you missed your chance
There's another train, there always is
Maybe the next one is yours
Get up and climb aboard another train
You feel you're done there's no such thing
although you're standing on your own your own breath is king
The beginning is now don't turn around
Regrets of bad mistakes will only drain you
There's another train, there always is
Maybe the next one is yours
Get up and climb aboard another train
We crawl in the dark sometimes and think too much
Then we fill our heads with crazy things that only break our hearts
and I know you've seen what the earth can do
When it's dragging down another load of worrisome fools
There's another train, there always is
Maybe the next one is yours
Get up and climb aboard another train
I know it's hard when you feel confused
You can crown yourself with fear now you feel you cannot move
You're building worlds that don't exist
Imagination plays the worst tricks
There's another train, there always is
Maybe the next one is yours
Get up and climb aboard another train
There always is
Maybe the next one is yours
Get up and climb aboard another train
What a powerful sound and lyrics! This is Pete Morton's classic song/anthem with the audience in good form.

If you're local or ever in town visiting, be sure to stop by my favorite store Dudley's Bookshop Cafe! Terri and Neal, the gentle-souls/owners, believe in their cause...recycle books...support local musicians...big supporter of higher education for youths and The Nature of Words...and build a strong community. Many of us would love to see Dudley's here to stay. Ooooh, they serve mean coffee drinks, teas, and real-fruit smoothies too.

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Your Hands

This song is simple, yet, makes such an impact.

I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That You would take my pain away
That You would take my pain away

I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crookedly lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

When You walked upon the Earth
You healed the broken, lost, and hurt
I know You hate to see me cry
One day You will set all things right
Yea, one day You will set all things right

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

Your hands
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave You when...

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave...
I never leave Your hands
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Stella Performances

Congratulation to all Cascade Middle School (CMS) Advance Band young musicians, under the baton of Music Director Mr. Dave Rushton, for outstanding performances at the 2010 Central Oregon District Band Competition, held in Redmond High School this year. It's my understanding that High Desert Middle School the traditional contender for the event. I am ecstatic for CMS Advance Band students as they have all worked hard in the school year for this big event and the reward--tied First Place with Obsidian Middle School--is well deserved!


A Thousand Hill Overture


Gary Owen and Scotland the Brave


New Horizon March
It was quite a thrill. My teen is glad this is behind her so she may redirect the energy/focus to a solo and two flute-duet pieces at Cascade Foundation for Musical Art competition coming up on May 8, 2010. It's one she is looking forward all year to be critiqued by Michael Gaesme and Clyde Thompson again.

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Cascade Middle School Advanced Band at Summit High School

This is her second performance with Cascade Middle School Advance Band, under the baton of music director Dave Rushton.

The intermediate and advance bands were invited to play at Summit High School last night.

A Thousand Hill Overture

Gary Owen and Scotland the Brave

New Horizon March
It was quite an entertaining evening, filled with energizing force that pulls the young musicians altogether in celebration of great work. My teen is more than ever excited about auditioning for Summit Winds in May as well as becoming a part of Summit High School's Stage and Jazz Bands in the Fall.

Next judged performance by CMS Advance Band will be Wednesday, April 14, at Redmond High School, in front of a couple of adjudicators.

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2010 Sunriver Young Artist Scholarship Pre-Audtion

Since 1996, Sunriver Music Festival has been bringing world-class musicians to central Oregon for a classical concert series. The festival also gives scholarships to students from Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties who show exceptional promise in classical music. A select group of students audition in Sunriver before a committee. A concert--typically held at Tower Theatre and Sunriver Holy Trinity Church in early June--celebrates the students who have received scholarship money.

Extensive application is due on April 23, 2010. However, a pre-audition tape was apparently required on Friday, April 2, which we didn't know until Tuesday through Pam Hughes, the flute teacher. Thankfully, an exception/extension was made if we can get the recording in by Thursday morning. We scrambled and met with Jean Schrader, the pianist accompaniment last night, at 9 p.m. I stayed up most of the night to get both recordings on a DVD and turned in on Thursday morning. Life with an ambitious teen musician is never dull nor relaxing.

Here are my teen's pre-audition recordings, under a minute each:

P.10-11 Polacca, Concerto in Re Maggiore per Flauto Ed Orchestra, Prima Edizione

P.24-25, Solos for Flute 36 Repertoire Pieces with Piano Accompaniment, complied and edited by Donald Peck
She got the music for only a day so it is the best she could do.
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2010 Central Oregon Solo and Ensemble

The solo/ensemble contests are intended to provide student musicians an opportunity to perform a solo or an ensemble, in front of an adjudicator and a limited audience, and to receive constructive comments, both spoken and written, from the adjudicator. Primary benefits to the students are the experience of performing, alone or in a small group, and a critique from someone other than their regular music teacher(s). These contests, only applicable to High Schoolers, also serve as regional qualifying events for the State Solo/Ensemble Contest every spring. We had six flutist qualifiers moving onto State Competition this year--four of which are from Pam Hughes' studio.

Here are the categories for solo/ensemble contests, applicable only for high-schoolers:
WOODWIND SOLO: Piccolo/Flute/Alto Flute; Oboe/English Horn; Clarinet; Alto/Bass Clarinet; Bassoon; Soprano/Alto Saxophone; Tenor/Baritone Saxophone
BRASS SOLO: Trumpet/Cornet; Horn; Trombone; Euphonium/Baritone Horn;
PERCUSSION SOLO:Percussion Solo: Timpani; Mallets; Snare Drum;
MULTIPLE AUXILIARY/KEYBOARD SOLO: Piano; Classical Guitar;
STRING SOLO: Violin; Viola; Violoncello;
VOCAL SOLO: Soprano; Mezzo Soprano; Alto; Tenor; Baritone;
SMALL ENSEMBLE: 2-4 performers not counting accompanist (piano, harp, or guitar)
LARGE ENSEMBLE: 5-16 performers not counting accompanist (piano, harp, or guitar)

My teen wasn't able to play last year because she didn't take any course at a school. So, you see, she is excited to be there today--with her piano accompaniment Jean Schrader--representing her school, Cascade Middle School (even though her only class attending is Advance Band,) as well as her new studio by Pam Hughes.

All-in-all, it was a wonderful experience. She got a trial run of what it's like and looks forward to next year's Solo and Ensemble competition as a high-school freshman!

Hope you enjoy her performance as much as I do!

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2010 Baroque Festival

...celebration of some of the most beloved music of all time. The festival, which took place in Willie Hall (on COCC Campus) this afternoon was an unique opportunity to experience a remarkable series of concerts, the power of the music, by gifted/talented performers in Bend and Redmond. Studios represented: Jodie Bischof (Festival Co-Chair,) Peter Brownlee, Shannon Devir, and Pam Hughes. Festival Co-Chair and Accompanist: Jean Shrader. Participants: Lily Sulak, Nick Mitchell, Som Barnwell, Abby Stevens, Annalise Ramsthel, Allison Heatoon, Grace Petersen, Elizabeth Liska, Lindsey Willimas, Samanta Bryan, Olivia Holman, and my 13-year-old teen.

Not just for Baroque aficionados, the 2010 Central Oregon Baroque Festival charmed, moved, amazed, and even at times amused its audience--in its non-competitive format. Getting a lesson on musical interpretation in Baroque period from Molly Wheeler, our adjudicator from Portland, was a delightful treat and surprising bonus.

My teen played Concerto in D Major by Francesco Saverio Mercadante. Mercadante may not have been as famous and well-known as some of his contemporaries--Hummel, Beethoven, Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Donizetti, et al--his music was and still is every bit as entertaining, lighthearted, and melodic as theirs.

Such a goof ball...all the pictures taken this afternoon at beautiful Willie Hall were deleted before they were uploaded to flickr!!! This is the second time I've done that--you would've thought I learn the lesson :0(

But...I can't have a photo-less post.

this one was taken at Aspen's birthday party last month.

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Celtic Jam Friday at Dudley's

...a free-for-all, where new people may show up not already knowing the tunes, but willing to just pick out chords and such on the fly.

Often someone will suggest (i.e. shout out) a tune or set, launch right into it, and everyone who wants to join in does.

Quiet instruments and beginners might find the pace a bit breathtaking and may feel overwhelmed at first. Part of the challenge is that you don't always know what to expect--some days you might show up to find you're competing with three fiddles, two guitars, an accordion and four bodhran players (of varying skill levels.) Singers and harp players may only get to be heard while everyone else is taking a beer break.


Celtic Jam features a wide range of instruments including: fiddle, uileann, (Irish) bagpipes, tin whistle, flutes, bouzouki, guitar, bodhran, concertina, and piano.

This crowd brings a lot of enthusiasm, energy and creativity to the rhythms of the collective band. If you haven't been to one, come alone or bring a friend/date. You won't regret it.

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2010 A New Year

...the paradox of our time in history! We have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.

These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw-away morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember, to spend some time with your loved ones because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.


More Christmas Snapshots here
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person might not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

It is the time of year where many will attempt to develop their New Year’s resolutions. Mine is rather simple: LIVE NOW. DO NOW.

Afternoon with Sara Jackson-Holman, a star in the making

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Cascade Middle School Bands & Choirs Winter Performance

It's her first public performance with Cascade Middle School Advanced Band last night, in front of an excited crowd in hundreds...parents, educators, siblings...our teen is more than ever determined to excel...


God picks up the reed-flute world and blows.
Each note is a need coming through one of us,
a passion, a longing pain.
Remember the lips
where the wind-breath originated,
and let your note be clear.
Don't try to end it.
Be your note.
~~Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi


More snapshots are shown here
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Bend Oregon Christmas Parade 2009

...isn't just a bunch of matching bands and flatbeds

It's the thing to do and see

This year's theme is It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas. The eight award categories are: Sweepstakes (most outstanding non-commercial entry,) Governer's (best commercial entry - class 1,) Grand Marshal's (best commercial entry - class 2,) Jingle Bell (see below,) Mayor's (best entry by a youth group,) Silver Snowflake (best entry with marching, drill, dance,) Judge's Award (entry with the best development theme,) and Rudolph's Reideer Award (best equestrian/animal units.) I was unable to take pictures as I did in the past...I ended up in the parade carrying a boom box almost the whole way or pushing the sleigh!

Besides having most fun getting all the reindeer dressed and ready at 8:30 in the morning and waiting to be judged for two hours in the chillin' 26° cold

Best of all, out of eighty-one entries, her musical friends and my teen daughter--representing Cascade Community School of Music--won the Jingle Bell Music Award for best entry featuring live Christmas music.


There are so many people to show appreciation for another year of wonderful festivity. Above all, thank you Shannon Devir for your amazing, inspiring leadership, being a true mentor of the children's hearts. The most important thing my teen took away from her music and working experience was confidence in herself. We are fortunate to have you in our lives and in our community. You'll be sorely missed, Shannon!

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Central Oregon's Junior Bach Festival - First Round

Remember this posted months ago? After 4-month study as beginner flautist, our 12-year-old decided to try hand at the Junior Bach Festival with no expectation, but longing for the invaluable and thrilling solo experience in an auditorium.

The sound of music by Johann Sebastian Bach and other composers of the baroque period resonated from COCC Hitchcock Auditorium yesterday as music students showed off their talents.

Competing in the Central Oregon District of the Music Teachers' Association of Oregon's Junior Bach Festival, about 60 musicians ages 6 to 18 took turns performing on piano, flute, and vocal for an appreciative audience and attentive adjudicators. I was especially impressed by the skills of the performers and quality of the music. Judging was based on presentation, style, poise and tone. (Please bear with me momentarily while I resolve some technical challenges in video editing...)

It's not surprising to me that top contenders for the first round of the competition are homeschoolers:

A hugh surprise however was my daughter awarded the alternate winner. Since the top flutist, Caela Mitchell, won't compete at next round on Saturday, February 21, a spot in the second round is hence open to my daughter. Her participation and hard work is fostered by her self-motivation and perfectionist tendencies. Thank you, sweet pea, for a beautiful performance. I am happy that you simply enjoyed the entertaining experience with a joyous heart. May you travel a life with unbridled joy and resonate with richness in heavenly harmonies.

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Awaken Me

This is one of my favorites from Natalie Grant. Music is such a powerful media and I am grateful to her calling. God bless you Natalie. Sing it!

Sometimes I feel like I’m just existing
I’m not really living
I’m only watching the time slip away
I’ve forgotten who I am in you
I’m not who I’m meant to be
I’m drifting farther away from my destiny

chorus:
Awaken my heart, awaken my soul
Awaken your power and take control
Awaken the passion to live for you, lord
Awaken me
My soul is longing, my heart is searching
I’m desperate for you to move
Give me a hunger, pull me closer
I’m crying out to you
Awaken my heart, awaken my soul
Awaken your power and take control
Awaken the passion to live for you, lord
Open my eyes so i can see your presence
Dwelling inside
Wake me up, cause i can’t live another minute
if I’m not shining your light
Awaken my heart, awaken my soul
Awaken the passion in me
Lord, awaken me to live my destiny
Lord, awaken me and shine your light through me
Lord, awaken me to live my destiny
Lord, awaken me and shine your light through me

It seems like sometimes I am alive and passionate to serve; more often, I just need to be awaken again.

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DD #1 Guitar Journey

What's up, good people! DD#1 is a happy camper...enjoying her early Christmas present...impatient, spoiler...NOT. For at least two years, she has the want, desire, and now the undying determination to embark in this **as our 6-year-old says** exciting guitar journey.

Learning to play an instrument is now easier than ever before. Lack of time, money, living in a rural place, or not finding a quality teacher is no longer a reason for not giving it a try. Thanks to YouTube and those who still believe in free speech. Many accomplished guitarists/teachers are offering free, quality lessons on the video-sharing site. In the past year, hundreds of videos were made available; demonstrating everything from basic strumming, scales and finger-picking techniques to the opening riff of "Sweet Home Alabama." There are even instructions on ways to tune the instrument. These videos have been viewed at least 5 million times. So we are not the first to take advantage of the public service.

Die-hard fan of the Eagles? YouTube makes it possible for you to learn and play a simplified version of Hotel California" in no time. It is surprisingly affecting.

Teachers play slowly and use close-ups, showing each finger movement. If you don't get it at first, you may pause or hit replay. It's like having a teacher with endless patience.

The lessons are informal and definitely feel home-made. DD #1 plays along to videos in her PJs between meals. (She made the cute, plushy Mikey pants for 4H Sewing Club over the summer.) The laid-back approaches of these instructors make her want to learn. They are like a helpful, next-door neighbor I remember in the good old days.

All these free internet learning in the digital age sounds too good to be true, it may be. Most of the songs these people teach are under copyright. It's a matter of time before a licensing company orders YouTube to take them down. There's a very strong argument that the re-use of well-known chords in the sequence these instructors played them would be a violation of the copyright. Until then...we will continue our free rides.

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Celine Dion "I'm Alive"

A toss up between Faith Hill and Celine Dion...well, the sun is smiling...the branches are swaying...and we feel ALIVE. So, Celine it is!

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