etc.

I'm not sure I still remember how to post on my blog......

This will be duplicated on FB notes for any who read both, but anyhow....

On the iPod this past week:

Finished an audiobook on Robert E Lee's last years- extremely interesting.

Have been listening to: Keith & Kristyn Getty's new release: Awaken the Dawn

Dug out a couple of old releases:

Margaret Becker: Grace

& Chet Atkins & Merle Travis: Atkins-Travis Travelin Show

Also have been listening to some Beethoven String Quartets

But here's the highlight:

I recently heard a recording of Beethoven's Christ on the Mount of Olives that was absolutely astonishing. I usually don't make much of soloists in such works, but the people involved in this were absolutely wonderful. Simone Kermes sang the soprano and left me speechless. I found a used copy of the recording as it is now out of print, but if you are interested in seeking one out, contact me & I'll give you all the recording info.

Solzhenitsyn, Shostakovich & little lamsey divey-sky

Some time ago, I read Solzhenitsyn's Oak and the Calf.  It was an amazing read of a man's struggle to provide the world with two things largely absent from Soviet Russia: truth and memory.  I had never read a memoir of the literary process at that point- it was extremely engaging, chock full of spies, tactical maneuvering & suspense. 

I started reading Dmitri Shostakovich's memoir Testimony and am finding it to be much the same way, but with music rather than literature as a communication medium.  

Looking at roughly the same period of time through two completely different eyes is proving to be a wonderful experience.  

I have found that I am fascinated by the Stalin/Krushchev/Brezhnev era.  Finding the ways that the West was right and wrong about the other side of the curtain is really a wild process.

I'll let you know how this book progresses.

Salt & Light

Shameless Plug time....

9-10 times a year, Riverwood Presbyterian Church (where yours truly is the Director of Music & Arts) publishes a magazine called Salt & Light.  This has developed from a doublesided mimeographed sheet years ago to a bona fide magazine of articles and commentary on a wide variety of topics.   I don't read many magazines anymore due to time constraints and the lack of quality in most of the products.  S&L is worthy of your time if you have any interest at all in approaching the world in which we live through a Biblical filter- and don't worry- it's neither a calendar of local church activities nor a bully pulpit seeking to proselytize.  It is also certainly not Scripture, but it is grounded in Scripture and all that is included is with the purpose of glorifying God, encouraging others in the faith and pointing to the cross as our only hope in this world and beyond.  

Hope you'll take the time to check it out.  Back issues are archived on the site.  The May issue is about to release as I write this and it focuses on the subject of money, economics & the Christian.  Last month's issue dealt with pain in the Christian life.  There was also an interesting one recently about movies you might enjoy.  Check them out here.

Drum Corps, anyone?

In light of the return to the glory days of marching season and a renewal of friendships, I have reacquainted myself with an old love- Drum Corps International.

I spent several Summers at DCI competitions (watching, not marching) learning a world of music and being entertained by thousands of young folks working their collective bahookey off on the field.  I learned more pieces of music in that period than any other thanks to this activity & it had a huge impact on my life.   

For those of you not familiar, a corps is comprised of somewhere between 50 & 150 people mostly in their late teens/early twenties, playing various sizes of bugles, drums & percussion or in the guard with flags/rifles/dance.  Though the elements are similar to a marching band, the results are much more intense.  The totality of brass (as opposed to mixed with woodwinds) allows a much larger sound and a easier formula for blend between instrument ranges.   These kids pay money to work hard & travel the country to play a 10-15 minute program every night of competition.   Each of the corps have carved out their own unique on-field personalities.  Some classical, some jazz, some show tunes, some traditional/military style, some very modern.

There is absolutely nothing like the powerful sound of a good horn/drum line (like the 1980 Spirit of Atlanta, or the '88 Scouts to name only two) marching toward the concert stand.  

Two of my favorite corps are the Madison Scouts & the Santa Clara Vanguard.  Do a search on You Tube with either of these names & you can see a lot of clips from years past.

If you want to learn more, visit DCI .  There is a unique kickoff to the Season happening in theatres across the country on Wed night.  Info avail at the previous link.

Enjoy!

Well, Omniblog is trying to revive from the ashes....

The first thing you'll notice is the grapeness... There is a reason.

In 1981, the Holt High School Purple Lancers Band was formed.  In years prior, HHS had a proud musical heritage, however in 1981, it was a very sad & broken place.  Only 2 srs & 5 jrs & sophmores had signed up for the program for the Fall of 1981.  Because of some school realignments, we fielded 60-65 folks for horns, drums, flags, majorettes & 2 managers.

We, through a LOT of sweat & pain,  rebuilt a program (in about a 12 week period), fielded a good product on which to build and entertained the locals for the 3 years that David Burke was our director.  

We had a small reunion a couple of weeks ago.  In order to honor my fellow PLs, this blog will remain purple for the forseeable future.  

If you are a PL from that era & you happen this way, drop a comment in the box.

Go Lancers!