Over several decades, Frank Sinatra attracted attention as a show business icon in the popular media, second to no other performer of popular songs in American popular culture. From the time he began his singing career with the Modernairs, in the Tommy Dorsey Band - his records remained at the top of the best selling list. Just as Ella Fitzerald was early acknowledged as the greatest female vocalist of popular songs, Sinatra stood alongside her as the greatest male vocalist of popular music. When they sang together, audiences were, indeed, in for a treat. He sang duets with all the greatest vocalist of his day, both male and female. His duets with Dean Martin as well as with Peggy Lee were show stoppers. When he partnered with Sammy Davis Junior, in a tap dance, their performance drew loud applause.
Sinatra sang from the heart and made each listener feel he was singing directly to them. He was was not above taking liberties with the lyrics of a song or by his form of delivery which gained him immediate rapport with his audience.
Aside from his unique singing ability, he was a first rate actor. His performance in the film, "From Here To Eternity," earned him an Academy Award. Singer, dancer, actor, Sinatra was a consummate artist.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Judy Garland: America's Greatest Popular Entertainer
This evening, I was fortunate in viewing a program on T.V. entitled: JUDY GARLAND: BY MYSELF. Over the years, I have listened to Judy singing some of her signature songs,"You Made Me Love You." and "Over The Rainbow." Of course, I have seen "The Wizard of Oz" any number of times. In tonights program, I was able to trace her earliest life till the time she died when she was seventy four. Her life was filled with many joys and many sorrows.
Her joys resulted in sharing her many talents in films. Her greatest joys came late in life when she was able to spend time with her children who she loved deeply. It was also during her later years, when she performed for life audiences, on stage, that she knew how much people loved her. After each song, they gave her resounding applause. Whatever she did, it was with her whole heart. Whenever I hear her sing, I have the feeling that she is singing for me and sharing what she feels.
Her sorrows resulted from the greedy men in show business who exploited her talent, regardless of the cost to her health and well being. Even in her personal life, men treated her badly. She resorted to taking drugs and even, at one point, attempted to taking her own life.
Knowing more about her life through this broadcast, has given me a new sense of appreciation for Judy Garland who was, and is, an Anerican icon, someone who will live in the lives of Americans as long as her songs are heard. If you haven't seen one of her many films where she popularized her songs, give yourself a treat.
Her joys resulted in sharing her many talents in films. Her greatest joys came late in life when she was able to spend time with her children who she loved deeply. It was also during her later years, when she performed for life audiences, on stage, that she knew how much people loved her. After each song, they gave her resounding applause. Whatever she did, it was with her whole heart. Whenever I hear her sing, I have the feeling that she is singing for me and sharing what she feels.
Her sorrows resulted from the greedy men in show business who exploited her talent, regardless of the cost to her health and well being. Even in her personal life, men treated her badly. She resorted to taking drugs and even, at one point, attempted to taking her own life.
Knowing more about her life through this broadcast, has given me a new sense of appreciation for Judy Garland who was, and is, an Anerican icon, someone who will live in the lives of Americans as long as her songs are heard. If you haven't seen one of her many films where she popularized her songs, give yourself a treat.
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 2009, I watched two program on T.V. which gave me a depth perspective on how the United States came to be as a free nation. One program focused on General George Washington and how he ultimately beat the Redcoats in the field. The other program focused on how, on the home front, statesmen like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, tried to hammer out a formal document, "The Declaration of Independence." Both programs made me aware of how problematic it was that the United States came to be.
George Washington, Comander In Chief of the American forces. fought a series of battles with the British and lost one battle after the other. England had sent over thousands of well trained and well equiped soldiers, along with some German mercenarys, to quash the partriot's rebellion. Washington had only a make-shift band of volunteer militia without the training or the equipment of the British forces. What the America forces did have was courage and cunning - they fought back with their own brand of fighting using guerilla tactics. Finally, Washington did assemble an army who could, and did, stand up to the British forces.
While Washington perservered in the field, partriotic statemen hammered out a document which came to be known as "The Declaration of Independence," the work of Adams, Franklin and Jefferson. The biggest obstacles to frameing this document came from southern land owners who were loyalists and identified with the British crown.
Both triumphs are success stories of the American spirit. They are stories of the struggle for freedom which American enjoy to this day. The story of the birth of the American nation has given all those who choose to stand up to tyrants courage, despite the price they have to pay in their quest to be free men and women. On this past July 4, I am grateful to men like Washington and Adams and Franklin and Jefferson, and many others, who had the courage to stand up to the tyrants who tried to prevent Americans from gaining their freedom.
George Washington, Comander In Chief of the American forces. fought a series of battles with the British and lost one battle after the other. England had sent over thousands of well trained and well equiped soldiers, along with some German mercenarys, to quash the partriot's rebellion. Washington had only a make-shift band of volunteer militia without the training or the equipment of the British forces. What the America forces did have was courage and cunning - they fought back with their own brand of fighting using guerilla tactics. Finally, Washington did assemble an army who could, and did, stand up to the British forces.
While Washington perservered in the field, partriotic statemen hammered out a document which came to be known as "The Declaration of Independence," the work of Adams, Franklin and Jefferson. The biggest obstacles to frameing this document came from southern land owners who were loyalists and identified with the British crown.
Both triumphs are success stories of the American spirit. They are stories of the struggle for freedom which American enjoy to this day. The story of the birth of the American nation has given all those who choose to stand up to tyrants courage, despite the price they have to pay in their quest to be free men and women. On this past July 4, I am grateful to men like Washington and Adams and Franklin and Jefferson, and many others, who had the courage to stand up to the tyrants who tried to prevent Americans from gaining their freedom.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Jazz on Jay Street
One reason which makes Schenectady a special place for me to live, happens each spring, beginning on the first Thursday, in June. There is JAZZ ON JAY STREET. Local musicians and vocalists have been engaged by the city to share their talent with citizens of Schenectady. Beginning with the noon hour, a large audience made up largely of senior citizens, many bused in from nearby homes for the aged, are willing to brave the noon day sun and heat, to listen to music which they enjoyed when they were growing up. They listen to the music and do not chat with their companions while the band is playing. People who walk along Jay Street during their hunch break stop to listen to the concert.
Coleen Pratt and her musician friends opened the series on June 4, 2009. Having Coleen as the featured vocalist always insures a large turnout for she is a crowd favorite who has a remarkable talent as a jazz singer. Th following week another group performs and by the end of the summer, some fourteen groups will have shared their talents.
When the concert begins, I position myself front and center to the band so that I do not have to look over the shoulders of those seated in front of me. Listening to the music popular during the Big Band Era, I am tempted to jump up from my seat to start dancing to the infectuous beat of the music
The concert ends after an hour and fifteen minutes. I approach each musician and thank them for their performance. They, in turn, thank me for being such an attentive and appreciative listener. I leave Jay Street feeling exhilerated and think how fortunate I am to live in a city which makes such a program possible.
Coleen Pratt and her musician friends opened the series on June 4, 2009. Having Coleen as the featured vocalist always insures a large turnout for she is a crowd favorite who has a remarkable talent as a jazz singer. Th following week another group performs and by the end of the summer, some fourteen groups will have shared their talents.
When the concert begins, I position myself front and center to the band so that I do not have to look over the shoulders of those seated in front of me. Listening to the music popular during the Big Band Era, I am tempted to jump up from my seat to start dancing to the infectuous beat of the music
The concert ends after an hour and fifteen minutes. I approach each musician and thank them for their performance. They, in turn, thank me for being such an attentive and appreciative listener. I leave Jay Street feeling exhilerated and think how fortunate I am to live in a city which makes such a program possible.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
The Deer Hunter One Of My Favorite Movie
One of my favorite pastimes is watching classic movies like "The Deer Hunter," described as "a critically acclaimed , extraordinarily powerful film which tracks a group of steeworker pals from a Pennsylvania blast furnace to the cool hunting grounds of the Alleghenies to the lethal cauldron of Vietnamn. The Deer Hunter is a searing drama of friendship and courage - and what happens to these qualities under hardship. It is a shattering emotional experience that you will never forget." The film itself received five academy awards in 1978.
After seeing this film for the first time, I wanted to see it again and again. Like any great novel, there are layers of meaning that keep revealing themselves. In a climatic scene, two of the major characters play a game of Russian Roulette. It is a scene I am not likely ever to forget. As I began thinking about this film this afternoon, I made a connection I had not made before. The hero, played by Robert Deniro, early in the film "plays" the game of "one shot" - he wants to shoot a deer with one shot. At the end of the film, he has an opportunity to kill a magnificent deer and he does not follow through even though he would have killed it with one shot. His close friend had killed himself with one shot in the game of Russian Roulette they played. He witnesses how it takes only one shot to destroy life be it human or animal. After he is discharaged, he goes on another hunting trip and he has the opportunity to kill a magnificent deeer with one shot. Instead of taking advantage of this opportunity, he lets the deer get away. His days of killing are over.
The film, which runs for some three hours, is studded with vignettes which point up how the friendship between buddies is effected because of the war. Among it's other messages is how wars brutalizes people. If you haven't seen this film, treat yourself.
After seeing this film for the first time, I wanted to see it again and again. Like any great novel, there are layers of meaning that keep revealing themselves. In a climatic scene, two of the major characters play a game of Russian Roulette. It is a scene I am not likely ever to forget. As I began thinking about this film this afternoon, I made a connection I had not made before. The hero, played by Robert Deniro, early in the film "plays" the game of "one shot" - he wants to shoot a deer with one shot. At the end of the film, he has an opportunity to kill a magnificent deer and he does not follow through even though he would have killed it with one shot. His close friend had killed himself with one shot in the game of Russian Roulette they played. He witnesses how it takes only one shot to destroy life be it human or animal. After he is discharaged, he goes on another hunting trip and he has the opportunity to kill a magnificent deeer with one shot. Instead of taking advantage of this opportunity, he lets the deer get away. His days of killing are over.
The film, which runs for some three hours, is studded with vignettes which point up how the friendship between buddies is effected because of the war. Among it's other messages is how wars brutalizes people. If you haven't seen this film, treat yourself.
Friday, June 5, 2009
A Day Of Nostalgia
Yesterday, June 4, was a day redolent with nostalgic memories of the late thirties and the forties. At noon, I went to hear our resident, wonderful jazz vocalist, Colleen Pratt, open the season of concerts on Jay Street in downtown Schenectady. Every subsequent Thursday, at noon, another group will play. The program will extend throughout the summer. What a enjoyable way to spend a Thursday afternoon listening to the groups slated to play.
Colleen is a gifted singer whose style of singing has profited by many of the great jazz women vocalists who preceded her, beginning with Ella Fitzerald. Colleen can do scat singing - she uses her voice as if it were a jazz instrument, That afternoon, I sat in the warmth of the sun as I listened to the program of great popular songs I grew up with. Backing Colleen were three equally gifted musicians, a pianist, a base player and a drummer. Most of the songs they played were written during the era of the Great Big Bands. I could recognize every song which Colleen sang and as I listened to them, my mind and spirit drifted back to the late thirties and to the forties. I had all I could do to keep from getting up to dance because the performance of each song was so compelling. At the end of the session, I approached all four performers and thanked them for affording me so much pleasure.
Little could I have predicted that during the evening programs on CBS, there was more delight along the way, a delight listening to music of the Great Big Bands who played during the late thirties and the forties. Watching this program took me back to the forties, to those earlier years of my life.
In addition to playing the music of this era, there were pictures of the Big Bands played those pieces they were associated with, those songs that sold the most records and gained the bands the great popularity they enjoyed. The hour and a half program opened with Glen Miller's band playing "In The Mood."
I sent for the 4 CD set where all those signature songs are recorded giving me an opportunity to wander back to those earlier years whenever I wished through these melodies and those who performed them. Watching this program and listening to the music brought back sweet memories of when I danced to many of these songs.
The afternoon and evening programs convinced me that the era of the Big Bands was "My Era". What a day yesterday was!
Colleen is a gifted singer whose style of singing has profited by many of the great jazz women vocalists who preceded her, beginning with Ella Fitzerald. Colleen can do scat singing - she uses her voice as if it were a jazz instrument, That afternoon, I sat in the warmth of the sun as I listened to the program of great popular songs I grew up with. Backing Colleen were three equally gifted musicians, a pianist, a base player and a drummer. Most of the songs they played were written during the era of the Great Big Bands. I could recognize every song which Colleen sang and as I listened to them, my mind and spirit drifted back to the late thirties and to the forties. I had all I could do to keep from getting up to dance because the performance of each song was so compelling. At the end of the session, I approached all four performers and thanked them for affording me so much pleasure.
Little could I have predicted that during the evening programs on CBS, there was more delight along the way, a delight listening to music of the Great Big Bands who played during the late thirties and the forties. Watching this program took me back to the forties, to those earlier years of my life.
In addition to playing the music of this era, there were pictures of the Big Bands played those pieces they were associated with, those songs that sold the most records and gained the bands the great popularity they enjoyed. The hour and a half program opened with Glen Miller's band playing "In The Mood."
I sent for the 4 CD set where all those signature songs are recorded giving me an opportunity to wander back to those earlier years whenever I wished through these melodies and those who performed them. Watching this program and listening to the music brought back sweet memories of when I danced to many of these songs.
The afternoon and evening programs convinced me that the era of the Big Bands was "My Era". What a day yesterday was!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Complete Posting of Blog on May 25, 2009
On May 25, 2009, I posted a blog that was incomplete. If you wish, you can go back to that posting, and read the opening paragraph which ended with the sentence .... is a story by itself. Here is the complte story of how it was that the Times Union Newspaper printed a story with the headlines: "LIFE DANCING WITH THE CALABRIAS: HOOFING TOGETHER FOR 53 YEARS AND GOING STRONG."
Here is the story itself. Several months earlier, Angela and I offered to teach four classes in social dancing to raise money for the Unitarian-Universalist Society fund drive. We were able to sign up four couples and the net result was $320. for the fund drive. One of the couples in the class, who had taken the lessons and were impressed by the way we taught the class and what we taught, had a friend, Brain Ettkin, who was a reporter for the Times Union Newspaper in Schenectady. They suggested that he interview us as an interesting couple to write an article about. Brian contacted us and came over and spent three and a half hours interviewing Angela and I. Subsequently, he wrote a well written story about how Angela and I met and how we have been dancing together since the time we met.
On Sunday, May 24, the article appeared in the Entertainment Section and there was a picture of Angela and I in a dance pose which took up half of the front page (8" by 12") The size and the pose of the picture did capture your immediate attention along with the message: Life Dancing with the Calabrias: hoofing together for 53 years and going strong. To complete the story, two other narratives were included along with a picture of Angela and I in a different pose. In the second page, there is a headline: "Amazing Grace, Schenectady couple have danced together for half a century," while on the third page, the headline reads: "GRACE: Couple enjoy dance's sensuality."
The response we read was astounding. Everywhere we went on May 24 and for a solid week including today, when I am writing this blog, people have approached us to congratulate us on the article. Since the article appeared, I have felt like a celebrity. Now, I have a little sense how Hollywood celebrities must feel when they are in public pursued by their fans.
One final note on this experience. A photographer from the paper came over and, in addition to the three pictures included with the article, the photographer took us in action doing our version of the Argentine Tango. So, if you are unable to see the article, let me know and I will send you a copy of the article.
Before bringing this blog to a close, I want to make a final comment with a message. I feel sobbered (not that I have been drinking as I write), by this awareness. "You never know for sure will when where whatever you do can lead to some consequence that may surprise you". In my case, I had no clue that by teaching that one set of classes would result in earned us enough to it was amazing - I am surprized come off a cheap ou never can be sure how any know where any action on your part will lead to. Our initial action was to teach four classes in social dancing. That experience ultimately ended up with the Times Union article.
Here is the story itself. Several months earlier, Angela and I offered to teach four classes in social dancing to raise money for the Unitarian-Universalist Society fund drive. We were able to sign up four couples and the net result was $320. for the fund drive. One of the couples in the class, who had taken the lessons and were impressed by the way we taught the class and what we taught, had a friend, Brain Ettkin, who was a reporter for the Times Union Newspaper in Schenectady. They suggested that he interview us as an interesting couple to write an article about. Brian contacted us and came over and spent three and a half hours interviewing Angela and I. Subsequently, he wrote a well written story about how Angela and I met and how we have been dancing together since the time we met.
On Sunday, May 24, the article appeared in the Entertainment Section and there was a picture of Angela and I in a dance pose which took up half of the front page (8" by 12") The size and the pose of the picture did capture your immediate attention along with the message: Life Dancing with the Calabrias: hoofing together for 53 years and going strong. To complete the story, two other narratives were included along with a picture of Angela and I in a different pose. In the second page, there is a headline: "Amazing Grace, Schenectady couple have danced together for half a century," while on the third page, the headline reads: "GRACE: Couple enjoy dance's sensuality."
The response we read was astounding. Everywhere we went on May 24 and for a solid week including today, when I am writing this blog, people have approached us to congratulate us on the article. Since the article appeared, I have felt like a celebrity. Now, I have a little sense how Hollywood celebrities must feel when they are in public pursued by their fans.
One final note on this experience. A photographer from the paper came over and, in addition to the three pictures included with the article, the photographer took us in action doing our version of the Argentine Tango. So, if you are unable to see the article, let me know and I will send you a copy of the article.
Before bringing this blog to a close, I want to make a final comment with a message. I feel sobbered (not that I have been drinking as I write), by this awareness. "You never know for sure will when where whatever you do can lead to some consequence that may surprise you". In my case, I had no clue that by teaching that one set of classes would result in earned us enough to it was amazing - I am surprized come off a cheap ou never can be sure how any know where any action on your part will lead to. Our initial action was to teach four classes in social dancing. That experience ultimately ended up with the Times Union article.
Being a Unitarian-Universalist
At todays service, held on the last day of April at the Unitarian Universalist Society in Schenectady (where I have been a member for over forty years), it was New Member's Sunday. Ten new members had joined the soceity and were officially welcomed by the congregation with joy and gratitude. While virtually all other churches had lost members, it was gratifying to see that we had added and not lost members. There are several reasons why I think we have gained new members:
1) Unitarian Universalists believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
(2) They believe in justice, equity and compassion in human relations.
(3) Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in others is a basic idea.
(4) Another basic idea is a free and responsible search for truth and meeting.
(5) Another basic tenet is the use of the democratic process in our congregation and in society.
(6) The goal of world community for Unitarian Universalist is peace, liberty and justice for all.
(7) Finally, there is respect for the interdependence web of all existence of which we are a part.
I was brought up Catholic during which time I was indoctrinated into a set of beliefs I was told to believe in. I didn't like the idea of being told that these ideas came from God and were to be accepted without question. So, at age fifteen, I announced that I wanted to explore all of the world religions before I chose one that I could believe in. This announcement was not taken kindly by my godmother who'se duty it was to see that I remain in the fold.
By making my prouncement at age 15, I didn't know about the regulations you had to fuilfull before being acknowledged a Unitarian. One of my godsons, whose father we brought up as a Unitarian, described what he had to do before he was accepted into the Unitarian Universalist religion. He said he had to explore, over a year's time, all the world's religions and then, in a formal essay, he had to write an essay why he wanted to become a Unitarian. (To be confirmed in Catholicism, you went to a Sunday school for several months to study the Catechism to learn what Catholics believed in and what you needed to believe before being confirmed). Quite a different approach.
This is a long blog and I will end it by saying that some of you who read my blog may wonder what Unitarians believe in and wonder how it was that I chose to become a Unitarian. Who knows: if you do not have a religion, you might want to explore what Unitarian Universalism is all about. For me, it is a place I consider my "second home" where I have met many fine persons I call my friends.
1) Unitarian Universalists believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
(2) They believe in justice, equity and compassion in human relations.
(3) Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in others is a basic idea.
(4) Another basic idea is a free and responsible search for truth and meeting.
(5) Another basic tenet is the use of the democratic process in our congregation and in society.
(6) The goal of world community for Unitarian Universalist is peace, liberty and justice for all.
(7) Finally, there is respect for the interdependence web of all existence of which we are a part.
I was brought up Catholic during which time I was indoctrinated into a set of beliefs I was told to believe in. I didn't like the idea of being told that these ideas came from God and were to be accepted without question. So, at age fifteen, I announced that I wanted to explore all of the world religions before I chose one that I could believe in. This announcement was not taken kindly by my godmother who'se duty it was to see that I remain in the fold.
By making my prouncement at age 15, I didn't know about the regulations you had to fuilfull before being acknowledged a Unitarian. One of my godsons, whose father we brought up as a Unitarian, described what he had to do before he was accepted into the Unitarian Universalist religion. He said he had to explore, over a year's time, all the world's religions and then, in a formal essay, he had to write an essay why he wanted to become a Unitarian. (To be confirmed in Catholicism, you went to a Sunday school for several months to study the Catechism to learn what Catholics believed in and what you needed to believe before being confirmed). Quite a different approach.
This is a long blog and I will end it by saying that some of you who read my blog may wonder what Unitarians believe in and wonder how it was that I chose to become a Unitarian. Who knows: if you do not have a religion, you might want to explore what Unitarian Universalism is all about. For me, it is a place I consider my "second home" where I have met many fine persons I call my friends.
Monday, May 25, 2009
On Sunday, May 24,2009, the Times Union printed photos and an article in the Unwind section of their Sunday editor entitled, "LIFE DANCING WITH THE CALABRIAS:HOOFING TOGETHER FOR 53 YEARS AND GOING STRONG." The picture was an "in your face" photo which showed Angela and I in a dance pose. We knew that the article and the photo's would appear on this date but did not know how it would be presented. We loved the article but not the photos though readers of the article liked both the article and the photos. We were pleased with the article - the result of a three and a half hour interview done at our home - the reporter, Brian Ettkin - wrote a fine article from the interview. How this article and the photos came about is a story by itself.
Several month's earlier, Angela and I offered to teach four classes in social dancing to raise money for the Unitarian-Universalist Church fund drive. We were able to raise $320.
Several month's earlier, Angela and I offered to teach four classes in social dancing to raise money for the Unitarian-Universalist Church fund drive. We were able to raise $320.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
EmmaWillard Dance Concert
Angela and I attended a dance concert held hon May 22, 2009, performed by the Emma Williard Dance Company held at Emma Williard School in Troy, New York. What a surprise this evening turned out to be. One of the Artistic Directors of the Dance Company is Barbara Magee who I knew from the classes in Argentine Tango that she, and her husband, Kevin Magee, held in the tri city area.
The concert was held on May 22, 2009 and it was a delight to see the students perform either by dancing, singing, or playing a musical instrument. The music for the various dance performances included the works of Scarlatti, Vivaldi, Kurt Weill, Beethoven and Billy Holiday.
The concert was held on May 22, 2009 and it was a delight to see the students perform either by dancing, singing, or playing a musical instrument. The music for the various dance performances included the works of Scarlatti, Vivaldi, Kurt Weill, Beethoven and Billy Holiday.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day Flower Communion Service
I have been a member of the Unitarian Universalist Society in Schenectady for a number of years. I look forward to each Sunday Service for I often come away feeling inspired from the experience. On this Mother's Day, the Unitarian Universalist service celebrated our mother through the Flower Communion. As part of this ritual, church members were asked to bring in a flower which they would share with other members of the congregation. Through the ritual of the Flower Communion, I received a flower from another member of the congregation as well as gave a member of the congregation a flower. The focus is in on giving and receiving. Through this ritual, I felt bonded with other Unitarian Universalists in my congregation.
On this Mother's Day, one of the readings was directed to out relationship with our mother. I realized that I recieved many many gifts as she nurtured me as I was growing up. I also experienced some feelings of guilt for not thanking her sufficiently for these gifts. On this Mother's Day, were she still alive, I would tell her how much I appreciated the love she had showered on me. I would bring her not one flower but a bouquet.
On this Mother's Day, one of the readings was directed to out relationship with our mother. I realized that I recieved many many gifts as she nurtured me as I was growing up. I also experienced some feelings of guilt for not thanking her sufficiently for these gifts. On this Mother's Day, were she still alive, I would tell her how much I appreciated the love she had showered on me. I would bring her not one flower but a bouquet.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Pygmalion Theme As Transformative Process
Within the last two weeks, I watched the film version of the Pygmalion theme, the first non-musical version (with Leslie Howard as Professor Higgins and Wendy Hiller as his pupil) and the musical version, "My Fair Lady." (with Rex Harrison as Professor Higgins and Audrey Hepburn as his pupil). I was delighted with both versions. The theme dates back to the time of the early Greeks (I could not locate this connection but will keep looking). As a teacher, one of my motivates is to re-create my pupils into more literate and, hopefully, wiser persons, a goal I hold for myself. Perhaps this theme of teacher-pupil is universal and it is certainly a compelling one.
In the film versions, the professor bets one of his colleagues that he can transform his pupil, a flower girl, into a princess. Working on her phonetics and her voice quality, he devotes his life for the next few months to acheiving this goal and winning his bet. His pupil, in turn, has her goal, to become a lady, to leave her life as a flower girl. In the end, they both achieve their goal not without alot of sparing in between. It does have a happy ending. I regard these two films as both wonderfully entertaining and also instructive - it makes me glad to have been fortunate enoght to have become a teacher whose joy is to be part of this transformative process.
In the film versions, the professor bets one of his colleagues that he can transform his pupil, a flower girl, into a princess. Working on her phonetics and her voice quality, he devotes his life for the next few months to acheiving this goal and winning his bet. His pupil, in turn, has her goal, to become a lady, to leave her life as a flower girl. In the end, they both achieve their goal not without alot of sparing in between. It does have a happy ending. I regard these two films as both wonderfully entertaining and also instructive - it makes me glad to have been fortunate enoght to have become a teacher whose joy is to be part of this transformative process.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Isaac Stern Good Will Visit to China
Last evening, I watched and listened to a video entitled, "From Mao To Mozart: Isaac Stern in China." It is a documentary that garnered all kinds of prizes and praises as the best documentary of the year (1980). I quote the following from the cover of the video: "In 1979 Isaac Stern accepted an invitation to visit China as an official guest of the government. Accompanied by his family, Mr. Stern spent on month traveling through China learning about the vast country and meeting the Chinese people, "first as musicians then as friends." Mr. Stern met with musicians from all over China. He held master classes. visited schools, coached young people, and worked with orchestras, as well as staging public performances. Wherever he went, he was received with great warmth and enthusiasm."
Along with everyone else that has watched this documentary, it would be difficult to overpraise this film. As Archer Winston, from the New York Post, commented: "Superb... Not To Be Missed." What particularly amazed me was the high level of performance of the students who were studying music. It seemed they were children and yet, the way they played, I would have regarded them as child prodegies. Both Stern and his piano accompanist were clearly impressed by the level of performance of so many of the students.
Throughout the film, what moved me was watching Isaac Stern, a master teacher as he is a master performer, instruct each of the young musicians (as well as a full orchestra), how to play their music with more passion. Stern exuded passion in his playing. He commented that the instructions that students received from their teachers did not stress the importance of playing with passion. He made the playing of whoever he instructed, be it a single student or a orchestra, come alive, with passion. I strongly recommend that the reader of this posting give themseles a treat by watching this documentary. Check your local library to obtain a copy or try Netflick.
Along with everyone else that has watched this documentary, it would be difficult to overpraise this film. As Archer Winston, from the New York Post, commented: "Superb... Not To Be Missed." What particularly amazed me was the high level of performance of the students who were studying music. It seemed they were children and yet, the way they played, I would have regarded them as child prodegies. Both Stern and his piano accompanist were clearly impressed by the level of performance of so many of the students.
Throughout the film, what moved me was watching Isaac Stern, a master teacher as he is a master performer, instruct each of the young musicians (as well as a full orchestra), how to play their music with more passion. Stern exuded passion in his playing. He commented that the instructions that students received from their teachers did not stress the importance of playing with passion. He made the playing of whoever he instructed, be it a single student or a orchestra, come alive, with passion. I strongly recommend that the reader of this posting give themseles a treat by watching this documentary. Check your local library to obtain a copy or try Netflick.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Schenectady Symphony - Raffaele Ponti Conductor
On April 26, 2009, the Schenectady Symphony gave a concert with guest conductor Raffaele Ponti. Watching him leading the orchestra, the first time he had conducted this orchestra, was an exciting experience. He "danced" his role as a conductor; his body revealed what he expected the players in the various section of the orchestra to perform, i.e. play softer or louder, etc. His conducting wowed the audience who gave him a standing ovation. All the great conductors have a style of their own; some are very physical in their conducting, while others barely move their baton around to cue in the orchestra. Watching this conductor, you knew how and when he wanted the various sections of the orchestra to respond and they did. Even when the orchestra accompanied a soloist, his conducting was the focus of my eyes. Watching him move his body throughout the performance put me in mind of watching a balle or modern dance perform. I would go to see him perform whatever he played know that he evoked from the orchestra their best effort.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Gestalt Therapy Principle
One of my trainers in a Getalt Therapy program I was enrolled in said the following:
"People want to continue to do what they are doing and get different results. As long as they continue to do what they are doing, they will get the same results. To think otherwise is "magic".
One example that comes to mind is the "magical thinking," of those who continue overeating and expecting not to put on weight. Following the above insight: "As long as you continue to overeat, (over time), you will put on weight and get fat. To think otherwise, that you can eat however much you want and not put on weight, is "magical thinking." This principle applies to any other habit we may have.
"People want to continue to do what they are doing and get different results. As long as they continue to do what they are doing, they will get the same results. To think otherwise is "magic".
One example that comes to mind is the "magical thinking," of those who continue overeating and expecting not to put on weight. Following the above insight: "As long as you continue to overeat, (over time), you will put on weight and get fat. To think otherwise, that you can eat however much you want and not put on weight, is "magical thinking." This principle applies to any other habit we may have.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Senior Soccer Players
This morning, I watched a soccer match in which my son participated. I was amazed at the agility of the players, all fifty years or older. What struck me is how physical the sport of soccer is. With each play, you risk being injured. Yet, each player gave it their all cheered on by their fellow players. I was also surprised at the skill many of the particpant demonstrated and their spirit in participating all out. I also made note that there were no obese players among their ranks. I ask myself is it worth the risk they take? It must be for they return week after week and give it their all. Bravo!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Recent Insight
I recently was made aware of the writings of Nightingale who devoted his life to the study of wisdom. He identified what he considered a crucial theme "We become what we think about most of the time." I applied this insight into my own life and found it extremely revealing. What if you applied this insight into your life?
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