"Why" to the Nth Degree

I've never been accused of being lazy.  If anything, I've been accused of being a little hyper-active, constantly exploring new things, and, well, suffering from "attention deficit disorder."  I've never really minded the accusation, as I probably do seem a little hyper-whatever from the outside looking in toward the life I lead.

But I'm not sure "ADHD" or any other diagnosis accurately describes it.  "Curious" probably comes closest to defining my nature, but even then that doesn't accurately describe the process by which I live my life.  Well, unless you go with the secondary definition of curious, which is "strange, or different."  I'll own that definition with great pride!

Yes, curiosity comes close, but I think what best describes my drive to create and discover is more accurately summed up, at least in the past couple years, by one word: "why."

I blame it on the fact that I'm currently pursuing my PhD in Curriculum & Instruction with a Music Education Cognate.  I've done extensive research the past year into different philosophies and methodologies in the music classroom.  I've explored Bloom's Taxonomy, Piaget's Theories, and come face-to-face with Gordon's Music Learning Theory (I'm not a fan, by the way, as I see him as a musical elitist, dividing children into those "who get it" and those "who don't").  And all of this research has led me to one simple word: "why."

As music educators, we're very good at the "what" and the "how."  We know we have to teach the kids to get through particular pieces of music using specific techniques and methods that will create the best performance with the least amount of stress (in other words, we want to make sure the kids can perform their very best without pain, be it physical, mental, or emotional).  We rock "what" and "how."  One area that we never truly explore, or at least explain to our students, is "why."

I recently asked my orchestra students (my "kids") if they knew what "Common Core Standards" were.   I also asked them if they knew about other state and federal standards that are being used to decide whether they'll graduate or not.  A very small percentage (maybe 2% of my VERY unscientific poll), knew what these standards were or could articulate how they impacted students' lives.  My question to my students was then "Doesn't it scare you that there are people making decisions about your future that you have no idea what they are?"  Most of the students hadn't thought of it.  And I blame myself and my fellow educators for that.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I'm a fan of teachers.  In fact, other than police officers, I don't believe there are more important and more under-appreciated people on the planet.  It's the system that's the problem.  We are so busy trying to get the kids to the next test, the next "checked box" on the list of our educational goals, that we forget to explain to the students why we're doing what we're doing.  And, at least in my classroom, that has got to stop.

Why do we warm up on scales?  Why is it important to know when this composer lived and who his contemporaries were?  Why do I need to be able to hear the difference between major and minor?  Why can't I hold my instrument pinched between my chin and shoulder?  Why do you care so much, Mr. Bishop?

I want, or probably more accurately, I need my students to ask "why" more.  It will help me become the teacher I need to be in order to help them reach their ultimate potential.  As I tell my kids, "I don't expect you all to become professional musicians, but I will teach you as though you were heading that direction."

"Why?"  Because I care, that's why.

That one little word drove me crazy as a young teacher, nineteen years ago.  And now, I can't get enough of it.  What drives you crazy?  And why aren't you exploring it?

Peace,

Jeffrey

Meanwhile, back at the Ranch

The Composition Ranch, that is.

I've been busy with a new commission.  It's for the Hays Symphony (Hays, KS).  They wanted a piece to celebrate their 100th Anniversary and asked me to write a work that will be premiered next September at their opening concert.  Wow.  One hundred years as a symphony orchestra in a town in Western Kansas.  It's pretty amazing really, but not if you know the people there.

I had the opportunity to play some sketches for the conductor and concert master when they were on tour here last week (they play as a violin/cello duet as part of Fort Hays State University's Department of Music).  I'm very happy to report that they loved the sketches and "Hays, America!" is born!  Apparently there was this really funny, homegrown series of commercials for a car dealership back in the 1960s where the owner would yell, "Right here, in Hays, America!" at the end of every commercial.  The music is sweet, almost nostalgic, but also has a bit of hectic, neurotic flair.  I think we're capturing the spirit of not only the Hays Symphony but of the city as well.

I'll continue working on the sketches and orchestrations as time permits this quarter, but right now my meagre attention turns from composing, right past teaching, and headlong in my PhD studies.  "EDLEA 838: Qualitative Research Methods " was scaring the bejeebers out of me prior to our first class meeting yesterday.  Now that I've met the teacher (awesome), gone over the syllabus (doable), and learned how the grading system will work (four major papers - yikes!), I feel like I've got a good handle on it.  I know it may sound absurd, but I am a little, nay a tiny bit, right-brained.  *Gasp*  I know, I know, but don't worry, I'll wrap my head around this research stuff and get it all figured out.  Besides, by the end of the semester I should have the first chapter of my dissertation completed (or sketched out pretty darn well).  And that'll be downright alright with me.

I hope you're doing well out there!

Peace,

Jeffrey

In Light of Recent Circumstances

The more I think about the tragedy in Connecticut and about "why" it happened, I can't help but come back to a simple conclusion. Yes, gun control in this country is an issue. Yes, mental health issues are often ignored or, worse yet, made to be a sign of weakness or shame. But I think it's a much simpler reason and a much, much more pervasive problem that we're facing: we have lost our sense of connection.

We live in a world where it is too easy to argue on the internet, to insult someone for how they think; we can send a nasty text instead of owning up to our feelings eye-to-eye; in short, we don't have to SEE someone with whom we disagree. We can avoid them and yet still insult or hurt them. We have lost our civility, our humanity, and until we are able to come together, to look each other in the eye, and say "I disagree" without hatred or malice, but with understanding and cooperation, there's not much hope.

I teach children, young adults really. I don't teach orchestra nor do I teach music. I teach human beings. I love and live with human beings. And I hope to teach them that through music, and all the arts, we can share love, passion, and connectivity. Please, don't just "share" on Facebook. Get out in your community, your schools, your world and share real connections. I truly believe it will make the greatest difference in our world.

I wish you peace this holiday season,

Jeffrey

Giving Thanks...

Wow, is it November 20th already?  Where has the time gone?  Oh, yeah.  It's gone into an amazing year spent with some of the most incredible people.  I've had another great semester at SMNW, working with some of the most talented young musicians.  I've nearly completed my second semester of PhD coursework at Kansas State University.  And, I've published my second novel on Kindle and saw my first novel come out in paperback.

Not too bad, really.  But what is more important, I have had the most amazing period of personal growth as a person and as a composer.  My creativity has been off the charts - several commissions already completed and an amazing new one on the horizon.  So what's my secret?

Family.

I have an amazing partner who inspires me.  She is the most amazing woman I've ever known and every day I give thanks for her presence in my life.  And then there's her kids, two of the most amazing young people I've ever known.  They have accepted me into their lives and I am so thankful for that.  And then there's my biggest fans: my folks.  Every year, every day, they never give up on me.

So, as we pause this weekend to give thanks for all that we have, I want all y'all to know how much I appreciate the love and support I have in my life.  And if you're a former student, colleague, friend, or family member, or a newfound fan of Bartemus or my music, I want you to know how much I am thankful for YOU.

Peace,

Jeffrey

Trailer One for "Bartemus Ammblin in the Old Forest."  It is available on Amazon Kindle now and will be released in paperback in October.  Check it out!

Please share with friends and family (especially those who like to read)! Thanks!

Peace, Love, and Bunny Rabbits,

Jeffrey

When I'm not teaching or composing (or working on my PhD - geez, I think I may be a little busy), I'm writing.  I've written a lot of poetry and some professional journal and book articles, but my heart lies in a lovely little project I call "The Prairie Adventures."  It's about a group of friends who lived on the Prairie before humans showed up.  Bartemus, a Rabbit, Timblelew, a Badger, and Willoughby, a very hungry Wolverine, make up the core group of Critters who solve mysteries, play music, and get into a lot of trouble together.

The first book in the series, Bartemus Ammblin in the Old Forest (Prairie Adventures Volume One), was released in October of 2011.  The second book, Bartemus Ammblin on the Back of the Giants (Prairie Adventures Volume Two) was released this week.

I'm very blessed to work with an amazing graphic design firm, J.Steadman Creative and Marketing Services, for all my covers.  Check them out here.  And, please check out Bartemus and Friends, here, and let me know what you think.

Until then, may all your creative dreams come true!

Peace,

Jeffrey

New School Year, New Possibilities

School started a couple weeks back, both for my students and for me.  We're hard at work at SMNW, well, I'm hard at work trying to get them to practice after a long summer hiatus from their instruments, and I'm hard at work on my PhD studies at Kansas State University.

Commissions are going well, too.  I am finishing up commissions for Shawnee Mission West's Symphony Orchestra, a new powerhouse work entitled "Aethelinda" (Welsh for "dragon") as well as a string orchestra work commissioned by the Gold Orchestra/40th Annual String Fling at K-State.  And, oddly enough, I may be adding a work for solo tuba to the mix.  I'm excited about that one, as I've not done much chamber music and really would like to explore the virtuosic aspects of the instrument (confession: yes, I play the tuba and I like it).

But mostly, I am happy in my personal life, surrounded by loving friends and family who keep me honest and on an even keel.  They are my real reward in this crazy world.

Perspective, folks.  Keep it real.

Peace,

Jeffrey