May Day

I was just wondering how much music in the rock tradition has a sense of calendar. I know that there are some Christmas songs, a few patriotic songs (Born in the USA is not one of them). There is an entire anti-politicial tradition. But nothing I can think of for the liturgical calendar (Praise songs excluded). Just try and envision a Punk Valentine song, or Easter? Hmmm . . . something to think about. Lent? Good Friday (maybe Jesus Christ Superstar), others?

Don

Taxes and iTunes

Well, it looks like taxes for the middle class will remain the same. Don't you wish you made 500K a year. What savings you could have with such a salary. Regardless, there is now pressure to increase the fee for a download from iTunes. Is it because the Beatles now want to be a part of this revenue? I say, haven't we heard the Beatles enough? The songs do not change and they sound the same regardless of the "remastering". The news is that these tracks will once again be "re-re-mastered" so that everyone can purchase the entire library one more time.

Don

Intervals and beyond

The music majors have just finished intervals and are moving onto chords and figured bass notation. For those that have survived, they now see all the elements of music theroy they have been fighting coming together. In fact, as they begin writing music in four parts (like four singers at the same time) they see it all happening. One of my students sees it all now and says "it was worth it" to get here.

I celebrate his success but know that he now has very few people with whom to share this new found knowledge.

The more you know the fewer people around with whom you can share. Having a twin brother and going through this process and beyond I was lucky.

I guess everyone needs a friend in learning.

Don

The Building is Down

Well, the old music building on campus has finally been pulled down. The choral room was all concrete steps (to rehearse on). This room was on the poor soil side of the hill and it looks like it was so heavy it just broke the building in half. It took them forever to break it up and get it out of there. 30+ years of teaching in that building has officially ended. Now we are looking for the new building to go up with good studios and a decent recital hall.

Funny feeling watching it go away.

Don