Well, we got school over with as painlessly as possible once again. Another successful year of educating America's finest students in the art of making music together, and now we turn toward the promise that is Summer Break. Except, wait a minute, I don't get one this year!
But it's not that bad, I promise. Two more classes toward my PhD are on the schedule. And to think, one year from this August, and I'll be DONE with all of my coursework! At that point, it'll just be writing the dissertation. And that's a piece of cake, right?
In other news, I'm very proud and happy to report that Alfred Publishing Co. has accepted two of my recent commissions for publication. I'm thrilled! Alfred is a major player in the educational composition realm, and they not only publish string orchestra literature, but also literature for full orchestra. "Aethelinda" for symphony orchestra and "To Guard and Guide" will be released by Alfred in the next year!
I hope that you're doing well. Keep making music, creating things, heck, just make some beauty in the world, would ya?! That's all we really need and we sorely don't get enough of it.
Peace,
Jeffrey
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Oh, April, How I...Love...thee?
I used to love April. I mean, really, really love it.
April means spring. And that means fresh cut lawns, rain showers, and best of all, my birthday (which means presents)! But then I became a music teacher and that all changed. Now April is little more than a blur: a day-to-day spectacle of preparing for the "next thing," whether it be a clinic, a concert, or a contest. But every now and then, take like, now, for instance, I stop and regain a little perspective about my favorite month of the year.
A month ago my students were rough around the edges musically. They were still trying to get stuff figured out. But they worked hard, forgot a bunch of stuff they learned while on spring break, came back, screwed their brains back in and got down to work. All of my string players attended early morning rehearsals, the Orchestra Leadership Team took charge of logistics like seating charts and moving chairs, and the Symphony kids continued the tradition of two-hour,"8th hour," rehearsals on Monday evenings. In short, they went above and beyond to make sure our tradition of excellence continued.
Except today that streak was broken. Or was it? Sure, the String Orchestra earned a Division II rating (in Kansas, they're rated from I to V, with I being "superior" and V being "you sure you should've played today?"), for the first time in thirteen years. But is that what's important? Thirteen years ago I might've said "yes!" But not today. Today the streak was kept alive. The more important streak, that is.
Just like the government's attempt at creating a "level playing field" by enforcing standardized testing as a way to "grade" all schools, music contests are a "snapshot" - a one-off look at how an orchestra (or band, or choir, or jazz band, insert musical ensemble here) plays at any given moment on a single day. However, what standardized testing and music contests fail to take into consideration is all of the preparation that went into it behind the scenes. Believe me, I'm a good enough teacher to make a "C" feel like you just won the Nobel Prize and an "A-" feel like the worse thing you've ever done. So I wanted to make sure that my students knew what the really, and I mean this, the REALLY important stuff about today's contest was.
I'm talking about kindness. I'm talking about politeness. I'm talking about 150 kids walking into a building and being quiet and respectful of the students, faculty, and volunteers running the contest. I'm talking about students holding open doors, saying "please" and "thank you" and meaning it. I'm talking about a whole lot of high school kids eating bag lunches in a little theatre and leaving it cleaner than they found it. I'm talking about kids, some of whom have ADD, ADHD, IEPs, whatever you want to call it, who concentrated so hard that they were twitching in their seats. I'm talking about parent volunteers who took time away from work to deliver those meals, to run kids between venues (because they're so darn talented they just had to be in choir and band, too), and to be there and support their amazing children.
THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!
The most important streak, that streak of keeping our humanity along with our musicality, was kept alive today and I couldn't be more proud of the people who kept it going.
So, April, you just go ahead and bring it. I've got about 150 people standing behind me who will kick your butt right back into that happy place you used to be. I'm tired of being tired. I'm going to celebrate my students today. It was the best "2" I've ever seen a bunch of kids earn. And, April, you just can't take that away from me.
But can I still have the birthday presents?
April means spring. And that means fresh cut lawns, rain showers, and best of all, my birthday (which means presents)! But then I became a music teacher and that all changed. Now April is little more than a blur: a day-to-day spectacle of preparing for the "next thing," whether it be a clinic, a concert, or a contest. But every now and then, take like, now, for instance, I stop and regain a little perspective about my favorite month of the year.
A month ago my students were rough around the edges musically. They were still trying to get stuff figured out. But they worked hard, forgot a bunch of stuff they learned while on spring break, came back, screwed their brains back in and got down to work. All of my string players attended early morning rehearsals, the Orchestra Leadership Team took charge of logistics like seating charts and moving chairs, and the Symphony kids continued the tradition of two-hour,"8th hour," rehearsals on Monday evenings. In short, they went above and beyond to make sure our tradition of excellence continued.
Except today that streak was broken. Or was it? Sure, the String Orchestra earned a Division II rating (in Kansas, they're rated from I to V, with I being "superior" and V being "you sure you should've played today?"), for the first time in thirteen years. But is that what's important? Thirteen years ago I might've said "yes!" But not today. Today the streak was kept alive. The more important streak, that is.
Just like the government's attempt at creating a "level playing field" by enforcing standardized testing as a way to "grade" all schools, music contests are a "snapshot" - a one-off look at how an orchestra (or band, or choir, or jazz band, insert musical ensemble here) plays at any given moment on a single day. However, what standardized testing and music contests fail to take into consideration is all of the preparation that went into it behind the scenes. Believe me, I'm a good enough teacher to make a "C" feel like you just won the Nobel Prize and an "A-" feel like the worse thing you've ever done. So I wanted to make sure that my students knew what the really, and I mean this, the REALLY important stuff about today's contest was.
I'm talking about kindness. I'm talking about politeness. I'm talking about 150 kids walking into a building and being quiet and respectful of the students, faculty, and volunteers running the contest. I'm talking about students holding open doors, saying "please" and "thank you" and meaning it. I'm talking about a whole lot of high school kids eating bag lunches in a little theatre and leaving it cleaner than they found it. I'm talking about kids, some of whom have ADD, ADHD, IEPs, whatever you want to call it, who concentrated so hard that they were twitching in their seats. I'm talking about parent volunteers who took time away from work to deliver those meals, to run kids between venues (because they're so darn talented they just had to be in choir and band, too), and to be there and support their amazing children.
THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!
The most important streak, that streak of keeping our humanity along with our musicality, was kept alive today and I couldn't be more proud of the people who kept it going.
So, April, you just go ahead and bring it. I've got about 150 people standing behind me who will kick your butt right back into that happy place you used to be. I'm tired of being tired. I'm going to celebrate my students today. It was the best "2" I've ever seen a bunch of kids earn. And, April, you just can't take that away from me.
But can I still have the birthday presents?
Sunday, March 10, 2013
"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
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
Thursday, January 24, 2013
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
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
Saturday, December 15, 2012
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,
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
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
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
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
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