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seeks to celebrate his Czech heritage in his retirement. Alliance Publication exists to promote the music of Czech heritage and Joel works tirelessly to write, arrange, publish and promote works of composers related to the promotion and preservation of this rich heritage. Recently the UW- River Falls Symphony Band toured the Czech Republic with the assistance of Mr. Blahnik and his contacts. The group expe- rienced folk music, folk dancing, bagpipe lessons, attended concerts and held perfor- mances in a variety of communities. Did you know that the beloved “Beer Barrel Polka” is written by a Czech composer? Did you ever experience a concert by the Prague Castle Wind Band or any of the members in chamber groups? How about folk dancing? You can experience all of these things in Wisconsin as group’s tour on an annual basis and a summer celebra- tion of Czech heritage takes place in Door County each July.

Will these students ever be the same? I hope not. Their lives were enriched be- yond expectations and relationships were nurtured for future musical events. Mr. Blahnik brings many Czech musicians to the United States and sets up performances in schools and communities. This kind of experience enhances education and opens the world for students and adults. My second commission as a high school director was by Mr. Blahnik for arrang- ing Czech Christmas songs, such as the “Christmas Rhapsody” that is a work for band with two vocalists. When the group premiered this composition, Joel Blahnik and Anita Smesek (president of Alliance Publications) came dressed in Czech cos- tumes. Promoting the music of the Czech Republic is now a lifelong pursuit as they seek to preserve music of this country and promote the myriad of composers.

Your Extended Bridge to Learning

Music teachers can take the time to enrich themselves by researching the historical surroundings of every composition used in the classroom. Bridging the knowledge

Wisconsin School Musician

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of the world and using technology to sup- port and enhance instruction will make you a more inspired teacher. How do we continue to be effective and motivated in the classroom? Involve the bridge to the world and enrich your life as well as your students in the music education rehearsal room and classroom.

Reference:

Friedman, Thomas. The World is Flat.

New York: Faar, Straus and Giroux, 2005.

Kristin Tjornehoj is an associate professor of music at UW-River Falls. She serves as director of the symphony band, St. Croix Valley Symphony Orchestra and the St. Croix Val- ley Community Band. In addition, Tjornehoj teaches classes in the area of conducting, music education and history of instrumental music. UW-River Falls also offers a master of science in arts degree and Tjornehoj serves as an advi- sor and instructor during the summer. The Shell Lake Arts Center hosts a concert band camp and Tjornehoj is the director and conductor during this event. She is also a co-founder and board member of the White Pine Music Festival. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76
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