Semester Reflection

Originally when the semester started I wasn't planning on taking this class. I was originally in an Arts first year seminar since I live on one of the Arts floors in Stanley Hall. I dropped that quickly after reading through the course description since it did not seem like something that would fit my needs. I was looking through classes to pick up for another credit, and I came upon this one. I read the course description and thought it looked like a really fun and interesting class, and it was in Voxman where mostly all of my classes were already. Getting to class every week was sort of a struggle for me since I had a class that got done 15 minutes before this one started all the way in North Hall. I made it work even though somedays I didn't think I would make it in time for class. This class made me reflect a lot on myself and my personal growth during the semester as a whole. My other classes did in a way, but it wasn't as direct, and it was more so a reflection of personal growth in the individual classes. I was really appreciative of how Music Gone Wild not only let me listen to different works by amazing composers, but on how the course was designed to reflect personal growth and let the student sort of direct the learning how they wanted it to go.

Daily Iowan Video

I happened to notice that one of the members of our class appeared in a Daily Iowan video and I thought that I would share it here. Look for Jonathan at the very beginning and end of this video. Congratulations Jon!

Fountains of Rome

This popular piece written by Respighi is a calming piece with occasional dramatic moments, much like you'd expect when viewing the fountains of Rome. The gentle release of water as it runs down the many stone fountains was a common theme, though this all changed as the fountains become more complex. Poseidon, the god of the sea and earthquakes, has his special moment in the piece. We hear his enormous power, making me visualize harsh waves of the ocean crashing into the nearby rocks of a cliff. The complex architecture of the fountains closer to the end is mighty, much like the Romans were.

But what Respighi best presented to me is the depth and beauty of public art. Not only does it make our cities more visually appealing, it's also a reflection of one's culture and offers inspiration to many. Above is a picture from the Fountains of Rome video that I find outstanding. Below I also included one of my favorite styles of art; dark yet beautiful, and full of emotion and meaning. (Photo credit to Tracy Belle, a family friend who also painted these)

Why did I take this class?

There are a couple of reasons why I took this class…

Reason 1: I really love music. Music is a huge part of my life. I love to listen and play all the time. I have played violin so far for 10 years.

Reason 2: When I went to sign up for the non-audition class here it ended up overlapping with other things that I had, so I could not sign up for it. So, I still wanted to sign up for a music class. This leads to reason 3.

Reason 3: When I was browsing the first year seminars, I saw a class with the name “Music Gone Wild” I saw the name and thought it was awesome and saw it was about classical music and was interested, so I took it.

Overall so far this class is really great. I get to come to class and listen to classical music-some I have heard before and some I have not. It’s also awesome because I get credit for going to a concert or recital which is something I would do regardless of whether or not I was in this class. I have enjoyed it so far and am looking forward to what is to come.

Symphonie Fantastique

Next week we will be examining Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz by watching this excellent video by Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony:

http://www.vimeoinfo.com/video/41190727/keeping-score-hector-berlioz-symphonie-fantas

If you are interested, check out the interactive website to explore more about this piece.

Class Cancelled for 9/29

Dear Students,

I'm sorry for the late notice, but I have to cancel tomorrow's class meeting. I am alright, but I am going in for a medical procedure and it was scheduled for during class.

I will adjust the class schedule to account for this by moving the "Pictures at an Exhibition" class to 10/6 and the "Symphonie Fantastique" class to 10/13. Due to the small number of students in the class, we should be able to fit all of your student presentations in on on one day (October 20th) instead of two. 

I am more than willing to meet with you individually or in groups if you have any questions regarding how to make a blog post; what I am looking for out of your student presentation; or planning for your final project. Please also feel free to email as well about these questions.

Thank you and I apologize for any inconvenience. Have a great weekend.

Sorcerer's Apprentice

Today we will listen to Sorcer's Apprentice by Paul Dukas two ways; the first while reading the poem along with the music, and the second while watching the excerpt from Disney's film Fantasia.

Google Doc Link to original poem by Goethe

Week Four Discussion Details

Next week, on Thursday, September 15th, my graduate teaching assistant Bo Atlas will be covering for me and leading you in a group discussion. Please meet at the same time and place and be prepared to discuss the following:

1. Compare Vivaldi's "Summer" from his Four Seasons and Grofé's Grand Canyon Suite.

• How are the pieces different?
• How are they similar?
• How did each composer musically depict nature in their music?
• Orchestration is the art of assigning an instrument (or group of instruments) to certain roles in the music. Can you name some of the instruments featured and why they were suited for that particular passage?
• Do you think there is some way you can utilize either of these works for your presentation, blog post or final project? 
• Did anyone listen to the other movements of the Four Seasons and think that one of those was a better soundtrack to their summer?

2. Discuss your experiences over the past four weeks adapting to life in college

• What have you found to be some of the biggest differences from life in High School?
• Discuss your interpretation of the phrase "With freedom comes responsibility" as it applies to your college experience.
• Share a funny story or personal experience (that does not involve drinking!) about your first month in college.
• What do think is the biggest fear of a college freshman and why?

3. Discuss the concept of "learning how your learn" as it applies to your experience.

• Read this short article on the history of liberal arts education and share your thoughts on it. In the twenty-first century, does the term "freedom" mean something different than it meant in Ancient Greece and Rome?
• Types of learners include visual, auditory and tactile. Take this short quiz to determine what kind of learner you are.  
• Why do you think it is valuable to take courses outside your major?  
• We learn through our mistakes. What was the biggest mistake you made in High School?

Bo is a doctoral student now, but not too long ago he was a college freshman. I've asked him to share any advice or stories about his freshman year with you as well. 

My "Summer Summary"

When I was in Junior High, an assignment we always had during the first week of school was to write an essay entitled "What I did on my Summer vacation", so a good place to get to know each of you is to hear about what you did this Summer. By design, the first piece of music we will listen to and discuss is called "Summer" from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi.

For me, this summer came in three sections: first, in June I spent a week at the University of Knoxville for the International Tuba Euphonium Conference. My students and I performed as well as attended many recitals, lectures and classes featuring the tuba and euphonium. The facilities were very nice, but unfortunately the stairs in the lobby of that school were made of glass, and on the first day someone dropped a tuba case and cracked the stairs! It was a great conference, and my students really learned a lot and got to hear some amazing musicians.

The second section of my summer was very quiet. There were several weeks were I just relaxed, read, watched Netflix and enjoyed the warm weather. I attended the Iowa City Jazz Fest, which is one of my favorite events. (By the way, the Iowa City Soul Fest is this weekend - don't miss it!)

The third portion of my summer was very busy, as it involved driving to Boston and teaching a two-week seminar at Northeastern University. My colleagues and I in the Atlantic Brass Quintet worked with fifty brass students from around the country through chamber music - which can be defined as music made up of smaller ensembles (trios, quartets, quintets, etc.), intended for more intimate concert venues, and each musician plays their own unique part (unlike in an orchestra when there might be ten people playing the same first violin part).

But the highlight of the summer was returning to Iowa City to finally get into our brand new music building (see post below). I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you and I hope you enjoy this first year seminar and all of your classes here at Iowa.

A New Building; A New Era

Welcome to the 2016 edition of "Music Gone Wild!"; a University of Iowa First Year Seminar. No doubt you are all overwhelmed and excited about your first year at college, and I hope that this seminar helps you get accustomed to life here at the University of Iowa. You'll meet new friends, you'll live in a new place, and you will be exposed to many new ideas. We here in the School of Music are very excited about the opening of our brand new Voxman Music Building (VOX) You will be among the first students to enjoy this state-of-the-art facility and I think you will find this beautiful building welcoming and inspiring.

 

My First Semester

WHEW! I feel like it's all happened so quickly. Only one more week remains until I can proudly announce, "I have survived my first semester of college!" This is my first time being so far away from home and I can't lie...it's tough. I miss the comfort and protection of my home. It's true! You don't realize what you have until it's gone. I would've never appreciated my comfy bed or the size of my refrigerator or even how far the bathroom is from my room had I not left for college. However, I have learned a lot this first semester. Not just academics, but also more about myself. If I could re-do this whole experience, here is what I would tell myself:

1. Just because there is nothing due for the amazing amount of readings you have to do, doesn't mean you can put it aside. It WILL appear on exams.
2. Bring an extra blanket. Dorm rooms get freakishly cold and the radiator sounds like a dying whale...PREPARE YOURSELF.
3. Have food and snacks in your room. A human can only take Burge food for so long...
4. DON'T procrastinate. At least try not to...
5. Have FUN! It's not all about studying. Reward yourself for all the effort you've put in and go out to eat or watch a movie with friends.

I enjoyed this class and seeing everybody's interpretations of what we listened to. Good luck on finals!

Your Prescription: Music!

For my final project, I wrote about the powers of music to heal. Since this was handed in, I'd like to share parts of it with the class. In my opinion, I believe there's a part of us that realizes music has positive effects on our psyche but it's never outwardly acknowledged. I mean, how often have you had a tough day and all of sudden: BAM! Your favorite song comes on the radio and you smile like the cheesiest person ever and start singing along? ...Is it just me?

This subject was inspired by Modeste Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. As we have previously discussed, Mussorgsky dedicated his suite of piano pieces to a dear friend, Victor Hartman. In memory of a person special to him, Mussorgsky expressed his grief through music. What better medicine to treat such depression than music? Music is a “treatment” with only positive side effects and is actually enjoyable! When applied with intention, music has been shown to help organize the brain, elevate mood, increase socialization and appetite, and reduce agitation.

Music therapy can be defined as an interpersonal process where the therapist uses music and all of its features: physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual in order to help clients (note how they are not called “patients”) improve or maintain their health. Music therapy can be used on individuals of all ages and for a variety of conditions like psychiatric disorders, medical problems, physical handicaps, sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, communication disorders, interpersonal problems, and aging. It can also improve learning, build self-esteem, reduce stress, support physical exercise, as well as many other health-related activities.

Research shows that music increases the level of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, released which results in a decrease of pain levels for those with physical challenges. Commonly used in therapy is the hand drum. Drum playing is beneficial for improving motor skills, which will result in better coordination and movement. Recent research also suggests that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system, and lifts the spirits. Learning ability and memory can also be enhanced due to the need for concentration on creating sounds and rhythm

Clinical evidence shows that the left brain enjoys rhythmic structures, chord progressions, and the way lyrics fit nicely. The right brain enjoys melody and emotional responses produced by the infinite combinations of instruments and voices. Dr. Gottfried Schlaug found that when an area of the brain is disabled due to trauma or disease, music provides a unique passageway to reach that area, sometimes restoring impaired functions like movement, memory, and speech. Researchers have found that music can create a steady pace that helps patients with advanced Parkinson’s initiate walking. Music therapy is also used to temporarily open up areas of memory for those with Alzheimer’s. In one study, mood and function improved greatly in subjects with dementia who realized if they pushed a button, they would be rewarded with a familiar song. Stroke victims who developed speech impairments were taught to improve speech fluency by expressing themselves in a chant-like form of singing

Humans naturally embody this innate sense of music. Even the language we speak is music in itself. It is a means of self-expression and self-actualization. For those of us who aren't as verbally active (like myself) or for those who are suffering from a disease that prevents them from verbal expression, music is a pain-free solution.

To learn more, here are the sources where I found all of this information:
http://www.caregiver.com/articles/general/healing_power_of_music.htm
http://www.temple.edu/musictherapy/home/program/faq.htm
http://www.macalester.edu/academics/psychology/whathap/ubnrp/audition/site/history of music therapy.htm
http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=132693
http://hsionline.com/2010/03/18/music-2/

Male Domination?!

Ever since Professor Manning mentioned that the large majority of symphony orchestras are male, I was intrigued as to why women are a minority in orchestras. Perhaps this is my intrigue in social inequality coming out, but anyway...on to the good stuff!

I found a great site promoting Women's History Month and orchestra concerts. All of my information can be found here.

Many U.S. ensembles are making progress. For example, about 40% of the San Diego Symphony are women in comparison with Russia's Mariinsky Orchestra's 25% women players. The Vienna Philharmonic promoted Albena Danailova to concertmaster, making her the first woman to hold the key post of top violinist in the orchestra's 168 year history!

Unfortunately, despite these advances, leadership positions like conductor, executive director, and concertmaster are usually held by men.The women’s movement in the 1960s helped change perceptions. However, the break-through came in the 1970s and 1980s, when orchestras began using screens in preliminary audition rounds so that the judges couldn't tell if the applicant was male or female. A study by a Princeton economist showed that screens played a significant role in increasing the number of women who landed orchestra jobs.

What does this mean? Well, to me, I feel there must be some sort of hesitation about having women in charge. In any case, progress is being made, regardless of how slow this shift is. Maybe someday there will even be a full female symphony orchestra! Until then...

Conductors: Do We Need Them?

I don't know about you, but every time we watched videos of orchestra performances in class, I would notice how animated the conductor's actions were and all the funny faces they made. This led me to think about why they are so important. After all, the musicians are the ones creating the music. What's so special about this one person standing in front of 100 or so people flailing their arms? Anybody can do it...right?

WRONG. As a former music student myself, I was taught that to sound good, you needed to sound as one. Whether an orchestra consists of 13 people or 1,000 people, the key to perfection is sounding like one fine-tuned instrument. While sitting there and playing, it's not always easy to take notice of everybody else or hear them from across the room. On top of that, you need to concentrate on the notes in front of you. How do you stay on beat? The person flailing their arms at the front of the room is the key. As long as you keep that person in your sight, you can stay on beat and catch all the cues.

I did a little research and found this: Are conductors really necessary?

This article gives a lot of insight from the conductor's point of view. Many people think conducting is easy and that anybody can do it. Vladimir Ashkenazy of the Sydney Symphony says this, "No performance is the same as another one. Sometimes you are inspired to do phrasing this and that way, and the orchestra reacts. I've seen great orchestras playing without a conductor the pieces they knew. They played it well, but there was no particular direction. Somehow it was mechanical — without substance, without an interpretation."




Like a director gives life to a movie script, a conductor breathes life into the notes on the page. Any musician can play beautifully with enough practice, but to really reach the hearts of the audience, it requires somebody passionate about music standing on 'the outside' to draw the notes out.

Fugue in D Minor

Fugue In D Minor

Bach a composer of the Baroque created a piece called Fugue in D Minor. This piece is one of my favorites. It is starts with a very famous introduction that creates an image of a sort of haunted house in the middle of the night. The rest of the piece can take you through a story of what is going on in the house. I Imagine an intruder coming into the house and running into many supernatural happenings such as ghosts and trapped doors. In the end of the song a feeling of doom is created as if he is now a part of the creepy house.

Kids These Days

KTD-Intro (Mental)

Program Music is essentially music with no words that is mean to to create a narrative in ones imagination. The majority of the population though does not listen to this sort of music anymore. Many extremely successful and famous artist don't create this music either. But many artists are inspired by these past creations of the many successful artist who created program Music. Kids These Days is a band that connects modern day Rap with some classic jazz and some old rock at times. Many of the members who attended music school have listen to many composers of different eras and have been inspired by them. In their intro with no lyrics they create a narrative and a set up of the rest of the album. I imagine Vic the lead Vocalist of the band walking down a bad neighborhood in Chicago deep in thought preparing to tell the story of his struggles and life which he goes on to to do in the rest of the album Traphouse Rock.

Disney and Program Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxBJYSU3RJ8

Disney and program music go hand in hand and it is no wonder why. Pieces similar to the Nutcracker Suite consist of great sounds that create many different types of images in ones head. The many runs and the quick switches in melodies and high to low notes is basic in creating images in someones head. When we listen to the music we can imagine many different types of things. What is most interesting about this is that the music is mostly created before the films. This means that many times Disney will create an animation to move in unison with the music instead of the reverse. So it is very interesting to think that the music is controlling the characters instead of the characters influencing what music will be playing.

So I was looking up random music facts and I came across something interesting. A lot of modern pop songs have been critizied or labled as simplistic and regurgitated, but I didn't understand fully why they were given such titles until I watched this video. Apparently several pop songs that have done very well use the same set of chords in the key of D. After watching the video maybe some of you will have that lightbulb moment as I did, and listen for it in future mainstream pop songs to come.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOlDewpCfZQ

Some Advice from Professor Manning

Today is our last official class meeting, and I sincerely hope you have all enjoyed your first year seminar at the University of Iowa. I know I have been inspired by your thoughts, observations and experiences. As I recollect back on the first day of class, I remember discussing adapting to college life, and I hope that all of you have grown and learned a lot over the past fifteen weeks - both in this class and personally. 

A lot of you didn't want to admit it, but do you remember how scared or nervous you were about your first year of College? Do you remember trying to fit in? Do you remember thinking that "this will be easy"? Do you remember how new everything seemed? But it all worked out, didn't it? This is supposed to happen. We learn through experiences - both good and bad. 

On this class blog, you have each shared your experiences, your wisdom, your discoveries and observations. I have enjoyed watching each of you flourish, and I sincerely wish the best for all of you. With that in mind, I wanted to offer you all some advice of my own:

1. Don't fear making mistakes, just strive to not repeat them. The same is true for being honest with yourself and others. If you don't know something, don't be afraid to say "I don't know." See it as an opportunity to seek the knowledge you lack, and then - you will know.

2. "Cry in the Dojo, laugh on the battlefield" is a saying I recently learned from a friend. What it means is to struggle and work hard in school, so that you can enjoy a successful career and rewarding life. The musicians version is "Suffer in the practice room, succeed on the stage." Yes, it is hard waking up early in the morning. Yes, reading and writing assignments can be a pain sometimes. Yes, turning down social opportunities in order to study makes you feel like you are "deprived" - but it will pay off.

3. Those who get the most out of college usually put the most into it. Consider getting an education a real privilege. Not everyone gets this opportunity, and some who do don't appreciate it. Maybe you won't get extra credit, and maybe this won't be "on the test", but make every effort to improve and educate yourself - regardless of requirements or grades.

4. Prioritize, organize, be proactive, have a plan, but be flexible. 

• Prioritize: You have too much that you have to do, and not enough time to do it. You all do. So keep in mind what is most important to you and do those things first. Then, do as much of the remainder as you can, and do it as well as you can. 
• Organize: You've got a lot on your plate, and you can't keep it all in your head. Get organized. Use a planner, calender, reminder, alarm clocks - whatever it takes to make one of the most exciting times of your life successful. 
• Have a plan: Establish goals for yourself, both short-term and long-term, personal and professional. Keep them in mind when you make decisions and determine what steps you need to take to get to your goals. If life throws you a surprise, be flexible and adapt. Have a back-up plan, other options, and a resilient attitude.

5. When you are trying to improve yourself (your study habits, your health, your relationships, your career) and something doesn't go well, avoid labeling that "failure". Consider it as a discovery of an approach that didn't work, and try another solution.

6. Connect. Continue to seek connections between what you do know and what you have yet to learn. Thinking metaphorically, or using analogies, can really help you understand new concepts. Don't forget to connect to people - they are pretty helpful too!

7. Be curious. When you encounter something you don't have the answer to, or you wonder about, look it up. You will be amazed where curiosity brings you.

8. Talk less, listen more.

9. Write it down! In this age of all things digital, nothing beats writing down lists, reminders, and notes.

10. Sometimes, when a door closes, a window opens. This means that even the darkest, most troublesome parts of your life do not last. Something always happens to change things and fate supplies a new opportunity. Take it! So if you don't win that scholarship, or if you get fired from a job, or a relationship ends, life will go on. Things do get better.

What I've Learned from College

• Letting your friend microwave beef stew in your room will make it reek of that for days and it will explode while heating
• Sleeping while your friends and roommate are still up gets pictures of you while asleep posted on Facebook
• Do your laundry more often than when you have 4 full loads. Dragging your bag around full breaks it
• Make sure you turn off your straightener, if you don't it will burn unsuspecting patrons in your room
• Melrose is probably the most dangerous street to cross. Cars WILL hit you
• Taking the bus requires less exercise than walking, but prepare to be up close and personal with everyone else riding
• Going to class and sleeping through it does not constitute attending class
• Keep food in your room. The dining center can only taste good for so long
• The cleaning ladies are nice. Be their friend
• Don't procrastinate. You won't get as good of grades by putting stuff together at the last minute
• Lastly, don't call your mother every time you feel homesick. She will eventually start screening your calls!