historian and retired members
The Gift of Music… It Lasts a Lifetime Kristine McLain, WMEA State Chair, Historian & Retired Members
“Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and phi- losophy. Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks and in- vents.”
~ Ludwig van Beethoven
“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”
~ Billy Joel
Here we are, with the first WSM issue of the 2011-12 school year, midst a year filled with many changes, much anticipation and huge unknowns. Yet, as music educators, we know we have a means to help staff, students, parents and the community find hope, create energy and work through the new challenges. Music can unify, music can inspire and motivate and music can be the key to open a pathway of under- standing.
The Fond du Lac Symphonic Band (FDLSB) is an excellent example of a group that validates the power of music to extend national boundaries, find com- monalities and build community. It is a part-time professional, adult concert band and the direct successor to the Fond du Lac Military Band, founded in 1898. The band presents two major concerts during the year and provides an outdoor summer concert series in Fond du Lac and nearby communities. For more information, visit the FDLSB web site at http://www.
fdlsymphonicband.org/.
The summer Buttermilk Festival is one of the many projects organized, developed and supported by FDLSB. The festival offers a varied music program featur- ing special guest artists and performing
58
groups. International groups are often highlighted.
In June, under the auspices of the Blue Lakes Fine Arts Camp of Michigan, (
http://www.bluelake.org/), FDLSB hosted a three-day musical/cultural ex- change with performing ensembles from the Municipal Music School of Motala Sweden. A chamber orchestra, big band and folk ensemble made up the group touring Wisconsin and Michigan. FDLSB worked with community groups to partner an exchange between the Swedish visitors and the Fond du Lac community. FDLSB, area churches, the Suzuki Strings, the Lighthouse Big Band and area music lov- ers worked together to plan a visit intended to build community, experience life in Fond du Lac and share the gift of music.
In this “Music Lasts a Lifetime” writing assignment, Editor Kevin Thays states, “With its deep and intrinsic value, music transcends beyond school globally to all walks of life, where it spans age groups and connects cultures bringing quality to life. Simply put, music is for life and it lasts a lifetime.” The experiences shared between the Swedish and Fond du Lac musicians and host families exemplified Kevin’s words:
• The Swedish musicians, ages 14- 18, plus directors, were welcomed to Fond du Lac with a short wor- ship service in a church of similar faith. Hymns familiar to both cul- tures were sung, connecting simi- larities.
• Beginning their first of several Midwest family stays, the Swedish students met their host families. Making new friends, eating home cooked meals, sight seeing, shop- ping and attending community events comprised the schedule with the host families.
• The Swedish chamber orchestra met the Fond du Lac Suzuki string students for a joint rehearsal, shared supper and concert per- formed at an area church.
• Swedish Big Band members at- tended a concert presented by the Lighthouse Big Band. Motala Big Band musicians were invited to sit in and perform. These young musi- cians shared the stage, read charts and improvised solos along side the professional musicians of the FDL Big Band.
• The high school age Motala musi- cians were the featured guests at the Wednesday night Buttermilk Festival concert. The Swedish group’s main goal of perform- ing for American audiences was achieved by playing a repertoire of music including the classics, Amer- ican jazz and Swedish folk tunes. A post concert pizza party was the final activity for the visitors and host families.
• These young visitors exemplified the qualities of being good citizens of the world, sharing their of love of music.
• The memories of their visit will re- main with them and with the Fond du Lac community through the friendships developed, the music performed and many kindnesses given.
Within our own schools, communities and state, we have cultural and intergenera- tional difference. We have differences of thought. Sharing the gift of music between grade levels, schools or community groups can build the same bridges as an interna- tional exchange. As music educators, we have the unique role of giving the gift of music to others. What a gift to share! Think on the possibilities!
September 2011
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