Newsletter

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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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/

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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.

Dear Ones,

The heat is here – it’s such a good reminder as we melt in the heat to remember our longings of winter. . . tending our baby, gardening, hiking, stargazing, campfires, outdoor music, and other such summertime endeavors. What were you dreaming of in the cold dark of winter?

This winter we were also dreaming of marimba ensembles. And here they are; David just began a marimba summer-camp with 12 dedicated students – you can see the fruits of their labors on Friday, July 11 at 12:30pm at the Blue Sage. And we are excited to be offering another community marimba ensemble workshop on Saturday, July 12th at the Blue Sage in Paonia – 1-4pm (beat the afternoon heat with some fun music!). Marimba ensembles are great because there are simple parts as well as complex parts and both are necessary to the whole. If you’ve ever wanted to play music, this is a great introduction.

many blessings,
Arlyn and David
www.embodyingrhythm.com

 

__________UPCOMING EVENTS___________

Marimba summer-camp showcase
Friday, July 11. 12:30pm at the Blue Sage in Paonia

____________

Embodying Rhythm Presents a Marimba Ensemble Workshop
with David Alderdice and Eric Baumheier
Saturday July 12,  1-4pm at the Blue Sage in Paonia
$12 students, $18 adults
ages 9-99, no prior experience necessary
www.embodyingrhythm.com/marimba

___________

David Alderdice with Orion Freeman www.orionfreeman.com
Saturday July 31, 8pm at the Blue Sage in Paonia
http://www.bluesage.org/events/blue-sage-house-concert-orion-freeman/

_____________

David Alderdice with Orion Freeman www.orionfreeman.com
Sunday August 1, 8pm at Cavalcade in Fruita – 201 East Aspen Ave
http://www.cavalcadefruita.com/

_____________

David Alderdice with Sea Stars www.seastarsmusic.com
Friday August 8, at Arise Festival in Loveland, CO
more info: arisefestival.com

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David Alderdice with FEAST www.musicbyfeast.com
Saturday, August 23, 7:30pm at the historic Tabor Opera House in Leadville CO
http://taboroperahouse.net 308 Harrison Avenue, Leadville  CO  80461
719-486-8409

_____________________

Out in the Open Air by Rumi (translation Coleman Barks)

Tell me, is there any blessing that someone’s not excluded
from? What do donkeys
have to do with fancy desserts? Every soul needs a
different nourishment, but
be aware if your food is accidental or habitual, or
something that feeds your
real nature. It may be, like those who eat clay, that human
beings have forgotten what
their original food is. They may be feeding diseases.
Our true food is the sun.
But we receive nourishment from everyone we meet. The body
and the personality form a cup.
You meet someone, and something is poured in. Planet
approaches planet, and both
are affected. A man and a woman come together, and there’s
a new baby! Iron and stone
converge: sparks. Rain soaks the ground and the fruits get
juicy. We walk into a ripe
orchard, and laughter enters our souls. From that emerges
generosity. From being out
in the open air, appetites sharpen. Flushed faces come from
the sun, that rose red,
the most beautiful color on earth. There is majesty in
these connections, invisible
grandeur. Live in that place of pure being. Don’t worry
about having ten days of
famousness. Revolve with me around the sun that never sets. . .

Dear Ones,

Hello.

Thank you for all the love you’ve shown to Anduin Conifer. If you’d like to know what he’s been up to the past little bit, reply to this email and we’ll keep you updated.

We are excited to say that the new addition to our marimba family arrives tomorrow. Please see the workshop and summer-camp schedule below.

A youtube for your viewing pleasure: David and Sticky Mulligan at the air pump.

blessings,

Arlyn and David

www.embodyingrhythm.com

_____Upcoming Events_____

PLAY THE MARIMBA!

Embodying Rhythm presents:
Marimba Ensemble Workshops – this Saturday June 7th with David Alderdice and Eric Baumheier

Hotchkiss – 11:00AM – 1:30PM at the K-8 School (in the all-purpose room)

Paonia – 4:00PM – 6:30PM at the Lamborn Concert Hall in Paonia

students (ages 9+) $10, adults $15
student and adult together: $20

space is limited by the number of marimbas we have – please call 872-4238 to register and for more information or email ladyarlyn@gmail.com

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David will offer two summer camps at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts in Paonia – more info: 527-7243, bluesage.org

David Alderdice and Susan Ellinger – Rhythm Playshop and Harmony Club Singing
ages 6+ June 23-27, 2014

David Alderdice – Embodying Rhythm Marimba Summer Camp
ages 9+ July 7-11, 2014

_______________________________________________

I’ll tell you what it’s time to do right now. It’s time
to set your schedule in order so that you don’t look back
on the day of your death and wonder why you never really
lived. It’s time to ignore the opinions of those who think
your life should be all about their cause, their rules,
their agenda, and not your soul’s desire. It’s time
to stop flagellating and start dancing.

-Martha Beck

and a link to a Martha Beck article about following your inner guidance: here.