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/
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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.
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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.
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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.
