Postcard #8

“Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.” –Mr. Peter Stigings

Once in class we discussed about what would happen if we didn’t, or couldn’t, have our personal vehicles to conveniently take us to places whenever we want. I was very interested in this thought. At this point in my life, I think it would be a God-send. With a job, three young children, family, friends, community commitments, and Masters Studies, I often feel that I am being chased by time. Without a luxury of personal transportation, I think that our lives, at least mine, will be much simpler than it is today. We all have ONLY 24 hours in a day.
I enjoy what I do of course. My family, work and studies are my life that I chose. However, I can’t believe how busy my days are. The responsibilities people have now-a-days are different than a generation ago. Most families have to have both spouses work to keep a decent living.
Although I am chased by time often, I must remember to stop and enjoy the moments that I have right now. My Faculty Advisor at UBC, Peter Stigings, reminded me of that every time we met. How important it is to recognize and be grateful for the time you have. It is a short time that we are on this planet we must make the effort to be fully present in our lives and truly live it.

Postcard #7

“It's the group sound that's important, even when you're playing a solo.”
–Oscar Peterson

Picture: Oscar Peterson, piano; Herb Ellis, guitar; Ray Brown, bass.

We as teachers, in many cases, teach and encourage group work as much as individual work. Opportunities to reflect and think on your own, then gather and share your thoughts in a small group, rather than the whole class which can be intimidating, can be very beneficial to many. I appreciate the work we do in class as we are given the opportunities to do that. We are learning how to teach as we are being taught.
Oscar Peterson, a great Canadian jazz pianist, was a phenomenal soloist as well as a group performer as many musicians are. You can create music on your own, but you can create music with others. Music provides that unique opportunity. In Jazz, when you are in a group your individual playing affects the music as a whole especially when you are improvising (soloing). The other players are listening to your playing, so the notes and the phrases you chose to play influence the communal music you put out. The audience is listening to you but also as a group. Music making in a group is about making each other sound good.
As we work in groups and listen and share our ideas, you have an opportunity to learn about yourself. You realize who you are and what thoughts are important to you.
Oscar Peterson has been dead for 3 years. I have forgotten about this. His music is still alive and always will be, and perhaps I haven’t had the emotional time and energy to pay attention to his passing.
We as individuals make up this world. How we are presented as a group and as a global family is significant. We must pay attention to what kind of legacy we are leaving behind as a generation. Environmental, financial, political and social issues are most eminent. We must not forget the decisions we make today may have a significant influence on our future generations. With compassion, love, honesty and respect, we can continue to work to make a positive difference as individuals and as a community.

Postcard #6

“It was magical.” –Faith Veikle, music teacher in Burnaby

Primary Days of Music is a wonderful annual event in the Burnaby School District where all the participating Grade 2 and 3 students gather and sing eight Mass selections, and perform two songs from their respective schools. It was my school’s turn today at the Primary Days of Music. I chose a song called “All I Do Is Work” which is a partner song with “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” The other song I chose was “Moon River.”
Learning ten different songs and rehearsing them to have the songs memorized is not easy. It is a lot of work for me, and also a lot of work for the students.
Young students never cease to amaze me. How they are able to learn new melodies and words mostly by listening and copying, it’s truly remarkable. When I see the glowing eyes of those singers and how much they are enjoying the singing, I know I’m doing the right thing, and doing the right job for me.
When it was our school’s turn to present our two songs, I was so proud of the way they conducted themselves and how beautifully they sang, especially on “Moon River.” The pleasant sounds of the young voices singing such a lyrical song, it really was magical; our coordinator of Primary Days of Music, Faith, said after the song was over. I could really visualize the moonlight sparkling on the flowing river. Pure innocent voices of young children singing together, it is definitely one of the most magical sounds of our time. I am so proud and honored to be directing them.