Roots & Shoots...

In my last post, I revisited my 20th Century recollections of college theory class, attempting to create a composition via a 21st Century program, Inside Music. The physical/technical process was completely new to me, but the product sounded like it could have been written centuries ago, which was the point. In the past few weeks of reading, playing, listening and learning, I've again come to appreciate my musical and educational roots, and look for the new shoots I'll be sending out in the next few weeks, as I begin a new school year. 

I am in a unique position this year as I will be teaching general, instrumental, and vocal music to K-8 students, instrumental and vocal music at the high school level, and directing a chorus and an orchestra at the college level. K-college and everything in-between. What a unique perspective, watching and listening to very young children engaged in their first musical experiences, introducing elementary and middle school students to the world of music and how it affects their world, challenging young adults in high school and college to work toward their potential as they experience the range of emotions included in both the process and product of preparing and performing the work of those great masters of centuries-old music, along with the great geniuses of our time. 

Roots, shoots, hoots, toots... let the music begin!