Monday, December 11, 2017

Young Peoples Pavilion: Using Classical Music to Stimulate Children's Writing.

Source: Wikipedia

In 1979 I remember sitting in the front of the tent at summer camp, with classic rock music from the era blaring from the radio. Many of those songs endure today. It made me ponder the universal reach of classics, from rock n’ roll to Mozart. I have been pondering how to use such creative motivations from my youth to help stimulate creative writing in my classroom.

In recent discussions with professional development communities, we have been exploring the idea that when children are engaged with films, television shows, movies and video games, they are subliminally listening to a soundtrack.

The students make associations are being made to the atmosphere of a scene. With their sudden changes in tempo and atmosphere, film soundtracks are particularly useful. It is important for teachers to review, reflect on and analyze various experiences to see how they can connect them to the classroom.

With symphonies lingering in my head from a recent concert, I decided to use music to inspire some writing. As with a soundtrack, a symphony is filled with sudden changes in volume, tempo, beat, rhythm and mood. I will choose from Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn, Mahler, and Mozart.

Such elaborate instrumental compositions are filled with the wonder, grand proportions and varied elements. This week, I will play a symphony in my classroom. To begin with, I will let the children infer what is happening. I will ask the children to write one word that summarizes the overall work of music. We will discuss what they hear and feel, and I will list sample words on the board.

We will listen to the symphony again. Then we will share: did the piece change? How did it change? The words drafted will be used to stimulate further ideas and write stories. I will model some whole sentences for the class to use. The children will have to write their stories based on the music.

I will use the analogy of an old radio. Before the digital age, we found our favorite radio station by carefully turning the radio dial until it lined up with the station’s frequency. As we approached the number, we could only hear static. But when we finally achieved the proper alignment, the music could be heard. I will tell the students that talking, thinking and reading about works of art such as music is a way to align yourself with your own best writing frequency.

After this assignment is done, I will write another diary, reflecting on how it went. Additional assignments that can be drawn from this learning experience can include writing reviews of concerts, recordings, art, and local events.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

BOSTYX Rocks the Nampa Civic Center

Featuring David Victor formerly of Boston
NAMPA, ID. (October 10, 2017) – What do you get when you combine all the smash hit music of two great American classic rock artists BOSTON and STYX into one power-packed show? The answer is BOSTYX™, a completely unique act that performs the feel-good, highly-polished hit music which dominated radio in the 70s and 80s. Get tickets now at www.ictickets.com. For more information, please visitwww.nampaciviccenter.com or call 208-442-3232.
BOSTYX features lead vocalist and guitarist DAVID VICTOR formerly of the actual multi-platinum band BOSTON. David Victor is one of two rock vocalists who've had a #1 charting hit as a lead vocalist in BOSTON, 2014's "Heaven on Earth".
BOSTYX re-creates the amazing music of two classic rock icons with a full complement of world-class musicians, reproducing BOSTON's soaring guitar harmonies and lightning-fast keyboard runs as well as the lush backing vocals and theatrical style of STYX. BOSTYX performs all the best-loved hits including "More Than a Feeling", "Come Sail Away", "Lady" and "Foreplay / Long Time" and also delves into deeper album cuts like STYX's "Crystal Ball" and BOSTON's "A Man I'll Never Be", a fan-favorite song that BOSTON has not performed live since the 1980s.
Thanks to his time in BOSTON, David learned how to achieve the classic ROCKMAN sound, dialing in the perfect EQ and compression settings. ROCKMAN amplifiers were custom designed by Tom Scholz and, properly “tweaked”, form a crucial part of the band's signature sound. And just like BOSTON, no backing tracks are ever used in a BOSTYX performance -- this show is as real as rock 'n roll gets!
BOSTYX features a spectacular lineup of LA’s finest professional musicians. Drummer GLENN JOST is a monster behind the kit, while also deftly handling the operatic vocal stylings of STYX’s Dennis DeYoung. Bluesy blazer ROBY DURON performs the most intricate lead guitar work of the ensemble with style and showmanship. MANNY AGUIRRE handles the very complex bass lines of BOSTON and STYX with startling dexterity, while keyboardist VICTOR BENDER performs all the incredibly complex arrangements, including the blistering “Foreplay” with ease. BOSTYX is a band that performs this epic hit music with care and enthusiasm.
David Victor’s journey to rock stardom reads much like a real-life version of Mark Wahlberg’s "Rock Star" movie: BOSTON the band, having recently lost one of their key members, was on the lookout for a guitarist who could also handle the lead vocals of the late Brad Delp, one of the most underrated and amazing rock vocalists in history. David was tapped share lead vocals with singer Tommy DeCarlo while holding down the all-important rhythm guitar slot.
Receiving a surprise call from BOSTON's management, David flew out to Massachusetts and recorded vocals for what turned out to be the new BOSTON album, 2014's "Life, Love & Hope". Band leader and founder Tom Scholz quickly invited David to join BOSTON and David toured with the band extensively and was honored to sing some
of the band's biggest hits in concert, including "Peace of Mind", "More Than a Feeling" and the band's #1 smash hit "Amanda".
Highlights from David's experience in BOSTON included performing at the sold-out Boston Strong benefit in 2013 at the famed "Boston Garden" in front of 20,000 people. The Boston Strong benefit was the first time that BOSTON had played in the city of Boston in nearly 20 years. David Victor helped close the very moving and poignant show with Aerosmith, Jimmy Buffet, Extreme and many other New England area favorites, sharing vocals with Steven Tyler on the epic "Come Together".
More information about BOSTYX and all DVP shows at: www.davidvictorpresents.com
ABOUT SPECTRA
Spectra by Comcast Spectacor is an industry leader in hosting and entertainment, partnering with clients to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s unmatched blend of integrated services delivers incremental value for clients through several primary areas of expertise: Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Partnerships. Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com.
ABOUT COMCAST SPECTACOR
Comcast Spectacor is part of Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company that operates Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Spectacor’s three core businesses are the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers, the Wells Fargo Center Complex, and Spectra, a hosting and entertainment firm specializing in Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Partnerships. Learn more at ComcastSpectacor.com.
ABOUT NAMPA CIVIC CENTER
The Nampa Civic Center offers 28,000 square feet of inviting and flexible event space for meetings, conferences and trade-shows. The Civic Center is a local gathering place, located on the Nampa/Caldwell Boulevard and surrounded by thriving Nampa businesses and wonderful people. Less than 30 minutes from the Boise Airport, the Nampa Civic Center is a true full service facility. You’ll find our friendly staff ready to assist you in planning your successful event.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Joseph Hall's Elvis Rock & Remember Tribute To Rock the Nampa Civic Center

NAMPA — Elvis is in the building. Joseph Hall is thrilled to be bringing his Elvis Rock N Remember tribute show to the Nampa Civic Center, the Idaho Press Tribune Reports.

WHAT: Rock N Remember  WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday  WHERE: Nampa Civic Center, 311 Third St. S.  ADMISSION: $26  WEBSITE: nampaciviccenter.com
This show is designed to show the roots of Elvis in a fast-paced show that will have the audience finding it hard to stay in its seats. It caters to both the young and the young at heart. He’s got the look, the voice, the charm and the moves that take us back to a time when parents were flabbergasted by the flauntingly provocative hip action.
The article goes on to say that in Hall’s Elvis Rock N Remember show, he achieves a powerful flashback experience to the moment when fans fell in love with the talented, handsome, carefree, energetic, high spirited young man that is Elvis Presley.

The show is masterfully produced with a mixture of Elvis hits — from rock n’ roll to country to gospel — as well as stage props, multiple costume changes, and a live rock band. The finale features a one of a kind heartfelt tribute to our veterans. He’s even got the teddy bears and scarves to woo the ladies. It’s a show that’s appropriate and fun for all ages to see.
There are thousands of Elvis impersonators out there. Why settle for the average when you can see Joe Hall live? Hall was a top 10 finalist on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” He is officially recognized by Elvis Presley Enterprises and was Branson’s 2014 male performer and tribute show of the year.
Rock N Remember also features music by the Rock’n Horse Medicine Show.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Sean Rogers and Chicken Dinner Road Ignite the Nampa Civic Center!

TONIGHT! Sean Rogers brings a lively show to the Nampa Civic Center. Rogers joins together with local Idaho progressive bluegrass band Chicken Dinner Road to provide an evening of ragtime, rock-a-billy and fun. With visual art and great music, this is a must see show!

Sean has won praise and acclaim nationally and internationally for his artistic mastery at the keyboard. Sean is a concert artist who is just as comfortable in classical as he is with jazz. At the age of eight, Sean accepted his first organist-post for a church and has continued playing ever since. He started playing the organ in restaurants at age 12 and accepted a job of playing cocktail piano in a lounge when he was 16 years old. 

At age 16, Sean accepted the job of musical director for the “Illustrious Onion-Skin Players” where he improvised background music throughout their dramatic productions and performed ragtime and honky-tonk music for their touring productions. 

Sean’s experience in productions has led him to direct over 80 Opera and Musical Theatre productions. Sean is currently General Music Director/ Resident Conductor of The Utah and Idaho Performing Arts Company in Draper, Utah.

Click here for more info.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

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We will re-treat for free, as many times as you want. I just need to put you in the system to get set up. Pay as you go, so it is a no risk service.

Our technician will simply leave an invoice at your door after each visit. Weed Man calls before we come to your house to ensure that your needs will be met every time. So what are you waiting for?

What makes Weed Man the best value for your money is our approach to customer service and over 45 years of developing the best programs and systems in the industry. We can say this because we do things differently than all of our competition. We strive for a long-term partnership with our customers and want them to see us a resource of technical and practical knowledge that they can call upon anytime of the year.

Watch this video to learn more:

Experience Alexis Cole: The Magic of Disney Love Songs at Nampa Civic Center

Award winning jazz vocalist Alexis Cole comes to the Nampa Civic Center for a Valentine’s Day appearance Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2 PM. Experience sheer delight relishing in the music as Alexis and her quartet sing classic Disney Love Songs. Tickets start at $29. Purchase tickets by calling 208-468-5555 or visiting www.ictickets.com.

Alexis performs Disney fan favorites such as “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio, “So This is Love” from Cinderella, “Once Upon a Dream” from Sleeping Beauty, “If I Never Knew You” from Pocahontas and more. Her enchanting voice is the perfect companion in the re-imagination of these stunning love songs. The Magic of Disney Love Songs is family-friendly, and with the contemporary jazz sound, it is also the perfect show for sweethearts to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Alexis has performed with the Boston Pops and New York Philharmonic on stage at venues from Avery Fisher Hall to the Kennedy Center. She has been called “one of the great voices of today” by Jonathan Schwartz. Christopher Loudon of Jazz Times says “Cole’s easy sense of swing is strongly reminiscent of Sarah Vaughan.” Winner of the 2007 Jazzmobile competition and award recipient of the Montreux Jazz Vocal Competition, Alexis is one singer to pay attention to. As the infamous jazz publication Swing Journal boasts, “We’ve been waiting for the next great singer to come along, and finally … Alexis.”

The spirit and legacy of the community throughout the generations are captured at the Nampa Civic Center through performances such as this one.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Have Family Fun with PBS Kid’s - Odd Squad Live!

Attention Odd Squad fans, there is oddness in your town and Ms. O needs YOU to help solve it. The Velma V. Morrison Center Presents PBS Kid’s - Odd Squad Live!

Team up with brand new agents Orion and Oleanna in this live, interactive adventure. With help from Ms. O back at headquarters, kids will put their STEM skills to the test and decode, decipher and unravel clues to stop villains like Father Time and Lady Terrible.

Recommended for ages 4 and up. Click here for tickets.
  • SATURDAY, FEB 4
  • 2:00 PM
  • $6.50 (ticketing fees not included)
Featuring an original script by the creators of Odd Squad and new music including songs by Soundcheck, “Odd Squad: Live!” is a funny, action-packed experience not to be missed.

Support for this production was provided by the Morrison Center Endowment Foundation and Greenbelt Magazine.