Newsletter

Dear Ones,

Life here is very full. Watching our 10 1/2 month old son discovering so much about himself and the world has been really exciting and enjoyable for us – though we’re definitely not getting as much sleep as we used to. At first the unevenness of the lawn and the texture of the grass was a bit daunting for him, but now Anduin’s got crawling on it all sorted out. Watching him learn how to be with desire and frustration is humbling, it gives us a greater insight into human nature – it’s not easy to be a little one with all these sensations trying to figuring out this new earth suit. We’re practicing staying with his interests until he’s ready to move on – his capacity for watching the clothes through the clear plastic in our washing machine is higher than ours though he’d rather play the marimba than listen to us practice – the baritone is his favorite.

In marimba news: classes have started and the bass and baritone marimbas have arrived. The big low marimbas are super fun to play. The sound is somethin’ else, you can really feel the vibrations moving around inside you. We’re learning lots of new parts and we’re really enjoying the new sounds. You’ll get to hear them in concert soon, read on.

We’ve finalized the details and are looking forward to some great concerts in March, April and May – see details below. Our goal is to create amazing accessible music concerts coming through the North Fork Valley (and beyond) in part, so that we can demonstrate the musical concepts that we discuss in our classes and the community can enjoy what we are trying to achieve with our students and ensembles. Please support live music -you’d be stunned at the number of hours that go into making shows like the ones that we have planned for you this spring.

We hope to see you soon.
blessings,
Arlyn and David
www.embodyingrhythm.com
ps. Here’s the video we played at the November 15 concert about music making and the brain.

 

___________UPCOMING EVENTS_____________

Marimba Workshop in Carbondale
February 21st, 1:30 – 3pm
with Eric Baumheier and David Alderdice
more info: carbondalerhythmcollective.org

_______________

David Alderdice and Friends – World Perspectives in Concert
Friday, March 6
7:30pm at the Blue Sage in Paonia

Jazz meets classical in an inspiring musical journey. The program will include Klezmer, Balkan, Celtic, Spanish, Polish, Brazilian, Cuban, Zimbabwean, jazz, and classical musical traditions. Featuring the award winning virtuosic violinist Dr. Marcin Arendt (IRIS Orchestra, Sphere Ensemble, Celtic band Feast); the classically trained pianist Joseph Mentoni (student of iconic jazz pianist Alan Swain, Northwestern University); the up and coming double bassist Mitch Montealegre (Master of Music, The Julliard School); and the multi-faceted percussionist, teacher, and rhythm enthusiast David Alderdice (Embodying Rhythm Marimba Project) and special guest Arlyn Deva Alderdice on marimba and percussion. Advance tickets: $12 ($8 students). At the door $15 ($10 students). www.bluesage.org

Drop us an email if you’d like to volunteer for the event.

______________

David Alderdice percussion, Marcin Arendt violin (from FEAST) and friends

Saturday, March 7, 2015, 3:00pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Grand Junction, CO

Sunday, March 8, 2015 3:00pm at the Montrose Pavilion

Marcin and David will explore classical music and ethnic folk music with a rhythmic world perspective. Expect to experience some familiar classical pieces as well as some exciting pieces that will surely be new to you! Guest artists Joseph Mentoni on piano and Mitch Montealegre string bass will complete the ensemble.

tickets range $27 – 7

information and tickets: www.junctionconcerts.com/index.html

__________________________

Altius Quartet with the NFV Embodying Rhythm Marimba Project

Saturday, April 18  7:30pm

This concert features both string quartet and marimba ensemble music (separately and together). The Altius Quartet has quickly become one of the most exciting young ensembles in America and has received numerous awards. They are currently the Graduate String Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Colorado-Boulder where they are mentored by the Takács Quartet.  The Embodying Rhythm Marimba Project led by David and Arlyn Alderdice will feature local musicians, teachers, and students. Including Jeannette Carey, Daniel B, Eric Baumheier, Matt Drbohlav, Osha Foster, Joseph Mentoni, and more.
Advance tickets: $12 ($8 students), At the door: $15 ($10 students)

Proceeds will go to building the local marimba project one marimba and school program at a time.

Sweet and Savory snacks will be available to benefit The Learning Council.

more information
tickets

Drop us an email if you’d like to volunteer for the event.

______________

David and Arlyn duo Sunday, May 3, 5:00pm

David and Arlyn present their love of polyrhythms as a percussive duo for a Salon performance at Justice Snows in Aspen, CO

Justice Snow’s 328 East Hyman Avenue Aspen, CO 81611

__________

BE MELTING SNOW by Mevlana Jalaluddeen Rumi (trans. Coleman Barks)

Totally conscious, and apropos of nothing, you come to see me.
Is someone here? I ask.
The moon. The full moon is inside your house.
My friends and I go running out into the street.
I’m in here, comes a voice from the house, but we aren’t listening.
We’re looking up at the sky.

My pet nightingale sobs like a drunk in the garden.
Ringdoves scatter with small cries, Where, Where.
It’s midnight. The whole neighbourhood is up and out
in the street thinking, The cat burglar has come back.
The actual thief is there too, saying out loud,
Yes, the cat burglar is somewhere in this crowd.
No one pays attention.

Lo, I am with you always means when you look for God,
God is in the look of your eyes,
in the thought of looking, nearer to you than your self,
or things that have happened to you
There’s no need to go outside.

Be melting snow.
Wash yourself of yourself.

A white flower grows in quietness.
Let your tongue become that flower.

Dear Ones,

Happy New Year!

Right now I have a mash-up of some marimba tunes and the wind-up Winnie the Pooh song that we have above our changing table whirling in my head. The sun is bright and beautiful and the ground is slushy with the melting snow. The mountains have been so beautiful lately when the clouds clear to reveal their snowy majesty.

Arlyn’s reading list: Sacred Economics by Charles Eisenstein. Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck.
David’s reading list: Percussion Instruments and Their History by James Blades. Be Expert with Map and Compass by Bjorn Kjellstrom. Inheritance by Christopher Paolini.
Anduin’s reading list: Farmyard Beat by Lindsey Craig and Marc Brown. Highlights Hello. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle.
Together: 5 new marimba music books to learn and be inspired by!

Here’s a quote from Martha Beck, “Over and over, researchers studying happiness have found that the situational elements people crave—money, social status, possessions—don’t reliably lead to an experience of well-being. By contrast, learning to find joy in the present moment (a.k.a. focusing on experiences you truly want in your life) increases life satisfaction, improves health, and allows us to live longer, more fulfilling lives.”

For me, the experiences I’m focusing on: playing with my little one and being present with him (he’s crawling), playing marimba alone and with others (see class offerings below), and breathing and savoring the preciousness that is right now. and you?

sending love,
Arlyn (and David)

www.embodyingrhythm.com

ps. Aaron Jared (Arlyn’s big brother) just started offering web-hosting to compliment his web design business – more info: aaronjerad.com

 

—>UPCOMING EVENTS <—

Winter/Spring Class Series at the Blue Sage (228 Grand Ave) with David Alderdice and Arlyn Deva Alderdice
register: BlueSage.org or call 970-527-7243

Beginning January 22 – a full lineup on Thursdays

4:30 – 5:30 pm Ages 9-13, a 15 week series (no class Feb 19 or April 9) $185. Register by Friday, Jan 9.

3:30 – 4:30 pm Ages 14-18, a 15 week series (no class Feb 19 or April 9) $185. Register by Friday, Jan 9.

1:30 – 2:45 pm For Adults  – class is full

NEW!!! 11am – 12:15pm For Adults. A ten week series (no class Feb 19, series ends April 2). $115. Register by Thursday January 15.

_________

David Alderdice percussion, Marcin Arendt violin (from FEAST) and friends 

Saturday, March 7, 2015,  3:00pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Grand Junction, CO

Sunday, March 8, 205 3:00pm at the Montrose Pavilion

information and tickets: www.junctionconcerts.com/index.html

_________

Some exciting spring concerts are currently being scheduled, we’ll let you know when we have details.
_________

Even after all this time
The sun never says to the earth,
“You owe Me.”
Look what happens
with a love like that,
It lights the Whole Sky.
-Hafiz

Dear Ones,

We are happy to say that the Nov. 15th Concert and Fundraiser were a huge success. Thank you for your support! The North Fork Valley Embodying Rhythm Marimba Project is up and running. In the spring we’ll have a bass, baritone, extended tenor, and lead soprano as part of our ensemble. Here is a youtube video snippet of one of the songs, Chemutengure from the evening: http://youtu.be/Xd6hw7kp8PQ

December brings some fun concerts and we hope you all have wonderful winter holidays and a Happy New Year!

We have marimba ensemble classes available for you starting in January at the Blue Sage– ages 9-13: Thursdays, 4:30-5:30pm; ages 14-17: Thursdays, 3:30-4:30pm; adult: Thursdays, 1:30-2:45pm. More information below.

Thanks for everyone participating in our gift-class series 2014. We’ll be offering new gift classes through The Learning Council in the coming year, stay tuned for details.

Much love,
Arlyn and David
www.embodyingrhythm.com

__________Upcoming Events___________

The Twelve Months – Play by Marty Durlin at the Blue Sage
http://www.bluesage.org/events/12-months-musical-marty-durlin/
David will add melodies on marimba to this play.
The 12 Months is Marty Durlin’s original musical based on a Czechoslovakian folk tale. The after school arts program students will perform all the roles, provide musical accompaniment and create all the sets and costumes for the production.
Friday December 12th at 7:30pm
Saturday December 13th at 7:30pm
Sunday December 14th at 2pm.
Tickets are $7 and $5 for kids 13 and under. Free for parents of performers.
________

Hotchkiss High School Winter concert
Monday, December 15, 2014 6:30 p.m. at the Hotchkiss High School
Enjoy a concert with the HHS band and choir including a medley of holiday tunes arranged by David Alderdice and played on marimba.
The high school art students will also be auctioning off some of their art work.

_______

David Alderdice with The Dark Night presented by Craig Childs
Fri, Dec. 19, Saturday, December 2014
7:30pm, doors open at 7pm
$20 pre-sale (Backcountry Bistro, Paonia; The Rose, Hotchkiss; The Paradise Theatre box office; and at Brown Paper Tickets), $25 at the door, $35 VIP

Craig Childs’ riveting spoken word and audiovisual extravaganza, DARK NIGHT, returns to Paonia’s Paradise Theatre for the fifth consecutive year on December 19th and 20th, the darkest nights of 2014. This year’s edition features new work and stories by Childs, based on recent travels and research, including a desert trip that ended at the 2014 Burning Man festival. The two-act show also features Pascal’s Ridiculous Wager, written and performed by Angus Stocking, producer of Confessions of a Heavy Thinker, with supporting video, choreography, acting, and music from Aaron Jerad, Russ Chapman, David Alderdice, Jordan Schevene, April Flowers, Smyth Boone, and other accomplished performers from the North Fork Valley and beyond.

For the first time, Dark Night will have a pre-show VIP party at 6:00pm, 1-hour before doors open, both Friday & Saturday nights. VIP’s will enjoy reserved front stage table seating, drinks made and poured by mixer extraordinaire Angus Stocking, and a booklet with journal entries and an unpublished journal/chapter excerpt from Craig Childs’ upcoming book.

_______

Winter/Spring Class Series At the Blue Sage 2015 with David Alderdice

Thursday 4:30 – 5:30 pm Ages 9-13 Jan 22 – May 14 at the Blue Sage (228 main) Paonia $135, a 15 week series (no class Feb 19 or April 9) $185 after Dec. 19th. Register by Jan 9.

Thursday 3:30 – 4:30 pm Ages 14-17 Jan 22 – May 14 at the Blue Sage (228 main) Paonia $135, a 15 week series (no class Feb 19 or April 9) $185 after Dec. 19th. Register by Jan 9.

Thursday 1:30 – 2:45 pm For Adults with David and Arlyn Alderdice Jan 22 – April 2 at the Blue Sage (228 main) Paonia $115, a 10 week series (no class Feb 19)  – max class size: 9 players. Register by Jan 9.

_________

Soul, Heart, and Body One Morning by Rumi trans. Coleman Barks

There is a morning when presence comes
over your soul. You sing like a rooster

in your earth-colored shape. Your heart
hears and, no longer frantic, begins

to dance. At that moment, soul reaches
total emptiness. Your heart becomes Mary,

miraculously pregnant, and body, like a
two-day-old Jesus, says wisdom words. Now

the heart, which is the source of your
loving, turns to universal light, and the

body picks up the tempo and the elegance of
its motion. Where Shams-I Trabriz walks

the footprints become notations of music
and holes you fall through into space.

Dear Ones,

Fall is officially here, the time change just settled it in, we’ve had to have fires every morning to keep our hands and toes warm. This time is flying by. Our little one, Anduin, is seven months old and a squirmy handful, and a super sweetheart.

The Wednesday night rhythm classes are going well, thanks to all those supporting them and the offerings of The Learning Council (gift lunch at the Trading Post every Thursday at noon).

We’ve been very busy getting ready for the Marimba Concert Fundraiser on the 15th of November. The big news since our last email is that the Altius Quartet is confirmed – these guys are good. We really hope to see you there. Purchase tickets online. We can hardly think of anything else. . . The good news is that the more we play the marimbas and get this show together, the more we like these instruments. And the more we teach with them, the more we see what great teaching (and learning) instruments they are. Here’s a great video for you about the benefits of playing music.

Many blessings and lots of love,
Arlyn and David
www.embodyingrhythm.com

_____________UPCOMING EVENTS________________

Talking music on KVNF
with David, Arlyn, Alicia and Jeannette from the NFVERMP (North Fork Valley Embodying Rhythm Marimba Project)
A sneak preview of some marimba tunes
Thursday, November 13 at 6pm (mtn time) 90.9fm
worldwide at www.kvnf.org

_____________________

David Performs with Celebrate The Beat in Crested Butte
Thursday, November 13th, 6pm at the Crested Butte Community School 
Rivers of the World
www.ctbeat.org

_______________________
Fundraiser Concert and Silent Auction for the North Fork Valley Embodying Rhythm Marimba Project on Saturday, November 15th. At the Blue Sage in Paonia. Doors open at 6:15pm, concert at 7pm, $15 (purchase tickets online here or in person at the Blue Sage). The music will feature marimba ensemble music stemming from the southern African region with other fun surprises. Besides marimbas there will be flutes, choir, percussion, and more….

The musicians of the evening will include David Alderdice, Arlyn Deva Alderdice, Jeannette Carey, Susan Ellinger, Eric and Aja from the Carbondale Rhythm Collective, a few local hand-picked music students, the Hotchkiss High School Choir, and other special guests.
Featuring the Altius Quartet. Formed in 2011 the Altius Quartet has quickly become one of the most exciting young ensembles in the United States. The Quartet has received numerous awards, including the Silver Medal at the 2014 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the First Prize at both the 2014 Coltman Chamber Music Competition, and the 2013 Plowman Chamber Music Competition. The Altius Quartet is currently the Graduate String Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Colorado-Boulder where they are mentored by the Takács Quartet.
Please mark the date on your calendar and join us for a fabulous show.

If you would like to get involved, find out about playing opportunities, donate a service or an item to the silent auction, or if you would just like to learn more, visit www.embodyingrhythm.com/marimba

We have some exciting items for the silent auction which will be open all day November 15th at the Blue Sage. These include gift certificates from Flying Fork Cafe & Bakery, Back Country Coffee, Margaret Gilfoyle, Studio Bija, City Market, Hardin’s Natural Foods, & music lessons. Plus CD’s, books, greeting cards, a hat, Boone’s Hooks, and more. Bid early, bid often.

_____________
Saturday, November 22
Embodying Rhythm will provide live music during Zimbabwean sculptor Ellard Alfred’s art opening: From the Scrapyard to the Gallery: Found Objects in Action. He will be presenting his figures of FOUND ART at The Blue Sage on Saturday, November 22 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. On display will be over 25 pieces of original works. This will be an evening of African food, wine and music. Ellard’s work shows well in both gardens and homes.

__________

Thursday, November 27th
Thanksgiving at the Heideman’s
meditation, chanting, marimba music, potluck, and evening Dances of Universal Peace
starting at 3:00pm
872-2172 for more information and directions

__________
Saturday, December 6
David Alderdice will perform in a Jazz Trio as part of Elsewhere Studio’s Fundraiser Masquerade Ball
www.elsewherestudios.org/masquerade-ball

_____________
Daylight, full of small dancing particles
and the one great turning, our souls
are dancing with you, without feet, they dance.
Can you see them when I whisper in your ear?
-Rumi (trans. Coleman Barks)

__________
THE WATERWHEEL

Stay together, friends.
Don’t scatter and sleep.

Our friendship is made
of being awake.

The waterwheel accepts water
and turns and gives it away,
weeping.

That way it stays in the garden,
whereas another roundness rolls
through a dry riverbed looking
for what it thinks it wants.

Stay here, quivering with each moment
like a drop of mercury.

-Rumi (trans. Coleman Barks)

Dear Ones,

We are reminded of what a blessing this life is as the autumn comes to kiss us hello. So much gratitude for the harvest, may it get us through another winter until the dandelions come out in the spring.

We have some exciting news to share with you about the Marimba Project. The Kampe Foundation has granted us $4,000 to purchase a bass marimba for the North Fork Valley Embodying Rhythm Marimba Project. We have put in the order with our marimba-maker in Santa Fe and are looking forward to playing it soon (though unfortunately, it won’t be ready for this round of classes starting October 22 – details below).

With the bass marimba, we are getting closer to a full ensemble and are now working to fundraise for a baritone marimba and lead soprano marimba to fill out the full tonal 4.5 octave range of a traditional marimba ensemble. We will be having a fundraising concert and silent auction on the 15th of November. Details are below. We hope to see you there and are looking forward to the unveiling of the Marimba Project. Eric and Aja from the Carbondale Rhythm Collective will be joining us with their marimbas, so you’ll get to hear how the full ensemble sounds in action. We are still gathering items for the silent auction, please contact us if you would like to donate a service or an item for the event.

blessings,

Arlyn and David

www.embodyingrhythm.com

 

________UPCOMING EVENTS_______

Embodying Rhythm through Marimba Playing and Rhythmic Vocalizations
David Alderdice and Arlyn Deva Alderdice 
ages 9-99
Lamborn Concert Hall in Paonia, CO
Wednesday’s 6:30-8:00 pm Oct. 22 – Dec. 17. (note new time)
This is a nine-week series and we ask that you plan to attend all nine classes (or get notes from another participant). 
We will explore and expand our rhythmic and melodic awareness through marimba playing, South Indian rhythmic time cycles (solkattu), and gently guided group improvisations. This class is great way to open the door to rhythm and music or to continue your relationship with rhythm and to aide in your musical development. We will learn traditional Zimbabwean marimba ensemble tunes and practice embodying the rhythms beyond the melodies by exploring the subtleties of ensemble playing. *No prior musical experience required, marimbas will be provided. This class is offered through the gift economy.

______________________

David Alderdice with Greg Cooperman Trio
Sunday, November 2 at 2pm in Glenwood Springs at the Library (815 Cooper Ave).
Greg C: keyboard, accordian, harmonica, and vocals
Daniel B: electric bass
David A: drum kit

_______________________

Talking music on KVNF
with David, Arlyn and Jeannette from the NFVERMP
A sneak preview of some marimba tunes
Thursday, November 13 at 6pm (mtn time) 90.9fm
worldwide at www.kvnf.org

_______________________

Dear One,

It’s hard to believe that school is starting up again already. Even though summer doesn’t “officially” end until September 23rd this year, for many of us another cycle begins with the school-year. David started the school year August 20th drumming with the Celebrate the Beat in-school dance program for 1st – 6th graders at the Montessori School in Crawford.

For the fall classes: David is teaming up with the Blue Sage Center for the Arts and offering 3 after-school programs (6th-12 grades) beginning Sept. 10th – [registration deadline is today, Tuesday September 2nd] see details below. In October we’ll begin a 9 week marimba/rhythm exploration (ages 9-99) – details below – we are excited about this opportunity to go a bit deeper than the one-day workshops with the marimbas.  David is also offering classes through Vision in Paonia more info: 527-8766.

Our quote for the day is from Martha Beck – “If you think there is no action that you can perform in your current circumstances that will increase the supply of love in the world, you are believing a lie. At the very least, you always have the option to offer yourself kindness and understanding. That alone can increase the supply of love in the world.”

much love,
Arlyn and David
www.embodyingrhythm.com

_____________UPCOMING EVENTS________________

Celebrate the Beat Kids Dance Performance – Friday, September 5th, 6pm, Montessori School in Crawford.
To culminate a 3 week in-school dance program, 109 1st through 6th graders will perform a series of choreographed dances to the theme ‘Rivers of the World’; accompanied by David on drums with a live 4 piece band.

Music Ensemble & Improvisation Class –   David Alderdice     Wednesdays, 3:45-4:45pm   9th-12th graders
We will learn deeper modes of expressing ourselves through our chosen instrument by learning different tunes and arrangements from around the world. An emphasis will be on ensemble playing, groovin’ together, active listening & responding within the music, improvising, acquiring a group feel, and becoming exposed to different rhythmic themes and musical sensibilities from around the world. All type of instrumentalists (and vocalists) are welcome.
*Students should have their own instrument to bring to class as well as practice at home, be able to demonstrate a chromatic scale on their instrument, have a basic ability to read music, and be committed to showing up on a regular basis.
http://www.bluesage.org/events/music-ensemble-improvisation-class-9th-12th-grades-2014-09-10/
________

Marimba Performance –    David Alderdice     Wednesdays, 5:00-5:30pm   6th-12th graders
Students enrolled in Music Ensemble & Improvisation or Melodic Percussion Ensemble that are interested in playing the marimbas during the semester-end performance of Marty Durlin’s musical, The Twelve Months, may enroll in the Marimba Performance class at no extra cost.
________

Melodic Percussion Ensemble –    David Alderdice     Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30pm   6th-8th graders
We will explore many of the universal concepts of making music including rhythm, melody, harmony, improvisation, syncopation, active listening, and the arts of practicing, rehearsing, arranging, and ensemble playing, while learning percussion ensemble pieces on marimbas, drums, and other assorted percussion instruments.  This class is not involved with the semester-end production.
http://www.bluesage.org/events/melodic-percussion-ensemble-6th-8th-grades-2014-09-10/

________

Embodying Rhythm through Marimba Playing and Rhythmic Vocalizations –  David Alderdice and Arlyn Deva Alderdice  ages 9-99
Lamborn Concert Hall in Paonia, CO – Wednesday’s 7:30-9:00pm. A nine class series: Oct. 22 – Dec. 17
We will explore and expand our rhythmic and melodic awareness through marimba playing, South Indian rhythmic time cycles (solkattu), and gently guided group improvisations. This class is great way to open the door to rhythm and music or to continue your relationship with rhythm and to aide in your musical development. We will learn traditional Zimbabwean marimba ensemble tunes and practice embodying the rhythms beyond the melodies by exploring the subtleties of ensemble playing. *No prior musical experience required, marimbas will be provided. This class is offered through the gift economy.

________

 

I HAPPENED TO BE STANDING   ~ Mary Oliver

I don’t know where prayers go,
or what they do.
Do cats pray, while they sleep
half-asleep in the sun?
Does the opossum pray as it
crosses the street?
The sunflowers? The old black oak
growing older every year?
I know I can walk through the world,
along the shore or under the trees,
with my mind filled with things
of little importance, in full
self-attendance.  A condition I can’t really
call being alive.
Is a prayer a gift, or a petition,
or does it matter?
The sunflowers blaze, maybe that’s their way.
Maybe the cats are sound asleep.  Maybe not.

While I was thinking this I happened to be standing
just outside my door, with my notebook open,
which is the way I begin every morning.
Then a wren in the privet began to sing.
He was positively drenched in enthusiasm,
I don’t know why.  And yet, why not.
I wouldn’t persuade you from whatever you believe
or whatever you don’t.  That’s your business.
But I thought, of the wren’s singing, what could this be
if it isn’t a prayer?
So I just listened, my pen in the air.