Why music is cut in schools

I've held (since Mr Gingrich & Mr. Holland's Opus) that one of the primary reasons music is usually the first subject cut from education is because the decision makers are usually inexperienced in the benefits of music-making (creativity, social, self-discipline, teamwork, sense of achievement, focus, sense of occasion, etc). Some may have participated in music at some point in their lives, but unless the actual benefits were shared with them, they still consider music as a nice extra (refer to my previous "Perspective Insight" blog post that quoted Isaac Stern: "Playing music in America is like selling a luxury item...")

It's nice to see how a decision-making Principal (Head Teacher) realizes how useful music can be to the development of children/ teenagers. Click here to read one version of the full story - the focus of the story is a reduction in detention/ misbehaviour, but the real benefit is that without class disruption, more students are able learn more.

My two concerns remain using [any] music as a deterrent - instead of inviting students to listen and learn about the incredible language of audible music they get turned off completely - somehow, though, it seems at least being exposed to it will have a positive impact later in life in more people than not. My other concern is using gentle music to lull young children to sleep. Every time they hear a slow movement from a Mozart symphony for the rest of their lives, they will be inclined to fall asleep and completely miss the entire musical journey Mozart created for us. Just a warning, is all.

Perceptive Insight 14

"In 1912, the London Symphony Orchestra was the first British orchestra to visit the United States, only narrowly avoiding travelling on the Titanic."

Brahms? Oh... HIM.

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Do you like the music Brahms wrote? Have you even heard of Brahms? You'll probably recognize some of his music if you heard that, at least. In the growth of 'the symphony' he immediately followed Beethoven, and had a hard time doing so. Brahms' first symphony took 20 years to compose and was often referred to as "Beethoven's 10th" (Beethoven wrote 9 symphonies).

A preview to an LSO concert series last season reveals what orchestral musicians think. In this video find out what Andre Previn considers "insane", and what Tchaikovsky thought of his contemporary! Most revealing:

WNYC - Soundtracking Surgery

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We all know music has unexplainable benefits/use for our daily lives. This program discussed using music in the surgery room and hospitals:

WNYC - Soundcheck: Soundtracking Surgery (January 08, 2010)

My response:

"Such a fascinating subject. As a conductor of a variety of styles (including some contemporary rock/pop, theater & film music as well as classical), I find it intriguing that music has so far not played a more integral part in all our lives. The psychological, emotional and physical benefits of PARTICIPATING in music (listening as well as performing) far outweigh our understanding... so why don't we embrace it in everyday life? I like that Dr Conrad is formalizing reasons why we should.

"Some of my concerns, however, are not just bad associations (the reason why someone died whilst listening to a particular song could be interpreted a number of different ways) but using music to lull people into unconsciousness - such as Mozart. I'm afraid that we have a generation of children who will fall asleep whenever they hear the slow movement of a Mozart symphony or concerto when, in fact, they are missing out on an incredible aural, emotional & meditative journey! There are also dangers in using music to subdue (or inspire) behaviour as a background medium - in shopping malls, stores, and even public lavatories!

"We should remember: There's more to music than music. Isaac Stern is reported to have said, "Playing music in America you feel like you're selling a luxury item. But in England you're providing a necessity." Maybe he's right - maybe in the USA we should incorporate music into our lives far more than we do. It is obvious that certain music works to everyone's benefit in the hospital environment. Well done!"

Perceptive Insight 11

"Music has a very great deal for which to thank the BBC, which has taught the uncultured public that a symphony is not so deadly as hyoscyamine, nor as painful as mumps."
Ernest Irving, 1947

Christmas Police Chase

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AHA! I wish I'd come across these ads earlier - or maybe they're just being released now. In any event, I love the imagination despite what most people think about religion & Christianity. This is fun stuff! Remember - the UK has an official religion, but accomodates other religious expressions, too.

Click here for the mp3

Perceptive Insight 10

"Never try to tell a man how to play his instrument: he knows far more about it than you do, and will immediately resent your effort. Instead, explain exactly what it is you want, and leave it to him to produce the desired tone, effect, or whatever it is."
Sir Adrian Boult, 1947

Christmas Soccer Match

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LOL! Here's another one! This is the second rather imaginative radio ad from the UK. Like the USA most people throughout the UK (I guess the Western World in general, now) consider religion to be irrelevant. I wonder what effect these ads will have.

Click here for the mp3

Christmas Chart Countdown

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Sorry - couldn't resist. This is a very imaginative radio ad from the UK (that has a national faith, but like the USA most people consider religion irrelevant). I wonder what effect this will have.

ChristmasCharts.mp3

British Conductors

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We're not ALL quite this... 'expressive'.

Perceptive Insight 6

"A single man (Sir Thomas Beecham) did more for British music than was done by the massed battalions of the BBC. He was not only the greatest British conductor, he was also the greatest impresario of the age, endlessly stimulating and naturally DISLIKED BY EVERYONE except his appreciative audiences."
A.J.P. Taylor, 1965

Perceptive Insight 5

In 1936 Sir John Barbirolli was appointed conductor of the Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra of New York (now the New York Philharmonic) in succession to Arturo Toscanini. After six months Toscanini returned to conduct a concert. He said to Barbirolli, "John, my orchestra is just as I left it." Barbirolli's contract was then renewed for a further two years.

The Quotable Stephen P Brown

Thanks must go to Christopher Swann for this one:

"The plural of orchestra is 'Berlioz'."

Perceptive Insight

"Playing music in America you feel you're selling a luxury item. But in England you're providing a necessity"
Isaac Stern, 1983

"Ode to Hen" by Vincent Beer Beethoven

My youth-orchestra/ percussion ensemble buddies Jonathan and Graham are now brewery film stars! This is:

1. Classic.
2. Typical.
3. SO MUCH FUN!

Love it, guys. Well done, Jon.

(Click here if you can't see the video on Facebook)

Simon Cowell's letter to himself

How many of you can identify with this? I mean, this might be a letter you write to yourself, with the names, dates, places, companies, and industry somewhat different, but the circumstances, feelings, reactions of others, and self-doubt are entirely your own. Ignore the Simon factor, and read what he's writing. You'll be surprised.

Needless to say, I have written a similar letter to myself recently. No-one knows, and no-one's seen it, not even Melissa my dearest companion & wife. In fact, I think I deleted mine. Anyway, perhaps there's hope. Perhaps there is direction. Perhaps God is still prepping me/ us for something way beyond our wildest dreams. Perhaps He isn't. But my journey has surely been one of the roughest ones out there. My own mother would often remark about her wonder at how I survive my (often self-made) trials and tribulations. They say there's nothing gained without risk and failure. Did you see that motivational video flying around facebook & youtube recently? Well, I need thirty-three more hands with ten fingers each to count the number of 'failures' I've experienced - projects that have fallen flat, ideas dismissed and laughed at, being made fun of in school, presentations at work that were ridiculed, and worryingly egocentric decision makers who consistently maintained their faux dignity by quashing every idea, move, project, report, application, business plan, marketing plan, and attempt to better one's life. I'm tired of trying to please everyone else, coz it's can't be done.

And, of course, going bankrupt thanks to being taken advantage of by a particularly clever intimidating self-centered real-life 'actor'. Humilitating in every respect.

But things are turning around. Melissa and I didn't have to pound the pavement, although things got pretty intense. We have each other, we have a wonderful home, and we have our faith (and all that goes with it. Like... people). Maybe I won't be the next Herbert Von Karajan. Maybe I will. Maybe there's no future in classical music. Maybe I'll get a record contract! Only one person knows, and He will only reveal everything in His own good time (and little impatient me gets frustrated sometimes!).

So, read this letter. Ignore 'Simon' and draw the inspiration it contains. I assume that's why it was published. Wow... I used to be an utter optimist, and there's a little glimpse of it again! Yippee!

In case you didn't hear...

I became a US Citizen on Friday! Although dual citizenship is not recognized by the USA (and most Western countries), they didn't take my UK passport away.

THANK YOU EVERYONE who helped me get to this point - it's been a very long and expensive journey doing everything by the book (over 7 years and almost $20,000), but well worth it. Special thanks to those who played a direct role: Mike, Rena, Gino, Barbara, Teresa, Judith, Gerald, Tracey, Ben, M&D, Jax Chapel folk, and of course... my dear wife Melissa - I'm so glad she puts up with so much 'me'.

Well, now on with the rest of our life together!

This photo was taken immediately after the ceremony in Newark.

Amateur Excellence

I've often been chastized by close friends and colleagues for being a perfectionist, and I've stopped referring to my musical experiences in the UK because they have caused resentment and responses along the lines of: "we're not good enough for you", or "of course the British are so much better than everyone else", or even "you really are mightier than thou." Serious Ouchness. (anyone who can claim to know me well knows how much this hurts).

So rather than share my stories and offer reasons why I like things to be done with our best possible efforts, I just do it. If the results are excellent, Great! If they're not, that's OK too. Yes, I compromise and justify it as 'survival' (!). It's also very interesting to witness so much trendy talk about 'excellence' without any backing commitment to it. I guess one needs to understand what excellence is before one can even attempt to achieve it!

So, I was pleased, VERY pleased to recently come across this article by Douglas Yeo, a US professional musician who witnessed first hand, the kind of musical environment I grew up in. His article has given me confidence and a little satisfaction that I'm OK - I'm alright. The things I worry about are worth worrying about, regardless of what friends & peers often say. Almost beaten to the ground, this article came at the right time to boost my spirits, and I truly look forward to maintaining the pursuit of excellence Douglas himself experienced.


This is one of the brass bands I played for in the UK, The Medway Band. At the back center is my dear friend Mark Andrew, and one of my ex-students, Richard Scarff is now playing for Aveley & Newham - another band I often played with. Good on ya, boys! Keep up the great playing...


I have often felt that the amateur brass band scene in the UK is one of the most intriguing outlets of self-expression that exists, and through it I learned much about dedication, hard work, loyalty, EXCELLENCE, team-work, reliability, presentation, my role amongst others, and society: although fierce enemies on the competition stage, players from different bands will drink beer and laugh together with players from many other bands (usually about conductors, I might add) but all are welcome! The real kick in the teeth? These players engage in these qualities by choice. For Free. At their own will. They're not paid, forced by gov't, or have nothing else to do. Remarkable, endearing, and very convincing.

It's ironic that as I make contacts in the USA brass band world, Doug's name came up as a potential resource! Timing is everything, and I am still convinced nothing is coincidental.

Go on, be a daredevil: don't settle for anything less from yourself. You can accomplish amazing things with the right guidance, so give up any self-centered-ness, and allow perfection to shine through you.

Important classical music

On Facebook this morning a dear college friend asked what we thought were some important pieces of classical music: "A question for all you musicians out there.. In your opinion, what are a couple of the most important or profound classical works? This is either from your perspective, from the composers perspective in relation to their body of work, or from a historic perspective as an influence on the development of classical music."

I was genuinely STUNNED! At first, it was real hard to narrow down, second, not repeating the multitude of answers already posted was tough (actually, couldn't do it), and third, the incredible range and reasons for my answers impressed even I! Not only that, but I ended by stupidly saying "Let me know if you want more"! ???????? Am I really that geeky? (Don't answer). I could go on and on and on and on and on and on with this list, but she only wanted "a couple". Failed at that, too. I love it, though. This was a FUN exercise. Thank you, Sally!

SPB's list:
Milhaud - La Creation De Monde (classical+latin=jazz before Gershwin did it);
Copland - Appalachian Boing;
Shostakovitch - Festive Ov (You can be depressed, repressed and Big Brothered but still write joyful music);
Coates - Calling All Workers (Woah!);
Beethoven - 7:2 (You can be deaf, mad and smell but still write expressive music);
Glass - anything;
Part - Cantus In Mem... Ben... Britten, or Ravel - Bolero (both incredible 'exercises');
Sure about Ives? He was an insurance agent, and an organist to boot.
Risky Korsettes Off - Scheherezade (orchestration);
Kodaly - Hary Janos Suite (love the opening sneeze);
SOUSA! (Ok, there's a reason his songs and operas didn't survive, but you don't HAVE to mention them);
Prokofiev - Peter & the Wolf;
Mozart - Feeeeegaro (ov &/or opera);
Janacek - Katya Kabanova (a bit sad, though).

How would YOU answer that question?

Happy Anniversary!

25 years ago I arrived in the USA for the first time. In fact, my parents and I moved here for a three year term (my sister stayed in the UK to finish her last year of High School). It took me another 15 years to return to the US, but I remember that first day we arrived extremely well - finishing school before the summer holidays, flying backwards on a Royal Air Force DC-10, the immense heat when we got off the plane, Washington DC Metro system (a far cry from the London underground!), a black cadillac limo, and soon after... yellow school buses, and MARCHING BANDS!

Friday the 13th was always a good day. My mother was born on Friday the 13th!

Still, I think today's anniversary is worth a Silver Jubilee celebration, right?!

John Rutter's Magnificat

There aren't many choral singers who haven't heard of John Rutter, yet most are probably unaware of his impact on the British and American choral scenes. The carols, anthems, arrangements of hymns, etc is immense. And his concert works display an incredible intelligence and a style of expression that remains unmatched. On top of that, he's had tremendous success as a performer and recording artist, particularly with his own group The Cambridge Singers and his own record label, Collegium Records.

Melissa and I were invited (as part of Jacksonville Chapel Choir - thank you, John!) to sing for Rutter at Carnegie Hall this weekend. Didn't take much for us to say yes, primarily because this will be the first time we both will have performed on the main stage (Stein Auditorium). And we'd both heard of Rutter, even though neither of us knew his MAGNIFICAT. Melissa was particularly looking forward to this work as her Catholic schooling made her memorise Mary's Canticle. I hadn't got a clue.

So, we bought the CD, got the vocal score and lo, enjoyed something quite sparky and unexpected. Little were we prepared for the composer's perspective on the piece, and it was honestly refreshing to be a part of something that had to be perfect. There was no room for error, "just sing what I wrote" made Melissa and I gurgle with excitement, and the sheer fantastic voicing, progressions, text, anger, placidness, expressions, dynamics, phrasing, & quality reminded me that great music is still worth delving into in incredible detail... I'd forgotten.

I shook Rutter's hand. He shook his teacher's hand, who shook his teacher's hand, who... so apparently, I'm five handshakes away from shaking BEETHOVEN'S HAND! Oh, and during a rehearsal break, the three of us chatted about Rochester, Charles Dickens, Latin America, and how men's fashion is so predictable!

And I want to compose again. And I want to conduct professionally again. And play the piano, remind myself how to read scores at the piano, etc, etc. It's happening to some extent, and I am LOVING IT! Who know what the future holds.

The arts will survive. Again

I couldn't resist. This topic has hit me several times in the past two decades and yet again, artists in the 'arts' are panicking. And rightly so. This article is totally biased (like most of them) but the very valid reader comments are most enlightening.

So yes, the arts are a victim of the economic crisis. They have been before. And they've survived because artists continue to do their thing DESPITE autocracy! And they'll survive this crisis, too. What I actually like is the fact that many artists will NOT retain their full-time, mediocre, publicly ego stroking efforts to be 'someone'. Like me. I'm now earning my living and doing really fun and exciting art (music) on the side. Boy do I WISH it were full-time, and I constantly pray for some benefactor to dump their excessive musical dollars on my doorstep, but that ain't gonna happen anytime soon. So, I 'earn a living' in corporate and utilize my music in the world.

Everyone should yell and scream and moan and groan and perhaps some lucky artists will actually see some sustenance through the latest ludicrous bailout/stimulus, but don't worry. The arts are going nowhere.

An international 'International Music Day'

I dreamt/dreamed up a new project today. Nothing new, you say. True, but unlike the 780 billion others ideas I've budgeted (now why's that darn figure STUCK in my head, I wonder...) this one is exciting. What do you think?

While studying my list of 'national days' I noticed a distinct lack of music and performance related material. Lots of medical and tons of political, with a smattering of sports, but in over 1,000 national recognition days, not one music. But then google came to the rescue - there's the International Music Day. Heard of it? Nor me. October 1st, and I presume every year. It's coordinated in Australia by the International Music Council. Heard of it? Nor me. More interestingly, it's promoted/ supported/ funded/ cajoled/ whatever by UNESCO, or UN-ESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Heard of it? Right.

I don't know if UNESCO supports things like a Japanese University handbell choir playing a spanish song composed by a Frenchman, but I'm really glad they'd like to help people celebrate music on an international scale: even more kudos to the late Lord Menuhin (oh, for a peerage) for suggesting it.

So... my idea? [Tom Peters would love this: full of Excellence, Talent, Design, Implementation, Branding, Marketing to Women and Boomers]...

There are seven continents.
Let's host seven concerts
over the next seven years,
producing seven CDs and
seven DVDs,
each with seven pieces,
and why not produce seven documentaries for youtube, too?

The concerts, held on Oct 1 2009-2015 on a different continent, would have a piece composed about or by someone from each of the seven continents. My first program might look like this: Copland Fanfare for the common man, Ginastera Dances from Estancia, Ifukube Japanese Rhapsody, Westlake Antarctica Suite, Akpabot Three Nigerian Dances, Milhaud La Creation Du Monde, and Whitehead The improbable ordered dance. Of course, let's hope UNESCO is willing to help me find the $200000 needed to fund each show! Oh, and if you're wondering WHERE the concert on Antarctica will take place? LOL - I actually did some homework, and we'd probably charter a cruise ship and rent a small chamber orchestra from Oceanbound!!

Perspective

Our entire life is one big fat glob of perspective, right?

Without perspective we have no vision, common sense (Pah!), purpose, feeling, desire, or reason.

Without perspective no-one would argue, call each other pathetic, 'persuade' others (the path to war), or vote.

Without perspective how would we learn, grow, serve, earn, or laugh?

The sudden passing of someone at age 60 because of a heart attack is nothing out of the ordinary - past or present - however sad. So why is it that we mourn the death of one person over another? Perspective. Indeed it is extremely sad to see classy British conductor Richard Hickox deprived of breath during the pinnacle of his career (in much the same way as comedian Tommy Cooper - wait for the musical joke at the end), but that's just my perspective. As well as that of a few hundred thousand others (read one of Tommy Pearson's many claims to fame here).

Perspectives develop with age, wisdom, that fantastic recurring anathema Common Sense, and circumstance. Religion vs. faith is all about perspective. Self vs. non-self is all about perspective (for self, refer to Western Civilization. For non-self, refer to Wikipedia). Jog vs. eat is a completely MAD perspective. To me, anyway.

On Saturday I was invited to chat with an esteemed mentor-ish type of person who, if circumstances were different, would be far more well-known, impacting and exciting that Hickox, Karajan, and even Lenny Bernstein. At least from my perspective. OK, 21 years ago George Marriner Maull was an inspiring teacher I got to 'experience' once a week while he imparted his PERSPECTIVE on listening vs. hearing, particularly in traditional 'classical' concert music. It affected me profoundly then, as it does now. In fact, George makes a living at it now. GOOD FOR HIM. I wish I had the resources to help explode The Discovery Orchestra into the global stratosphere of fundamental humanness.

Anyway, on Sat. George was characteristically generous with his time, knowledge, and perspective: 'Unvarnished' was his term. As always, I have a lot to learn, and much ego to dissolve (But that's just my perspective. NOT). And yet almost a week later I am still encouraged and looking forward to the rest of my life. (Of course, somewhat reducing the bad cholesterol levels will probably help). God bless you, George! May the State of NJ realize their funding is woefully misdirected. (Again, common sense: NJSO direclty reaches approx. 120,000 people per year. TDO's endeavors have reached approx. 37 million individuals. Duh.)

GO DISCOVERY ORCHESTRA !
(formerly the Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey).

Back on the BBC

It's been a while. Years. Probably 10 years if could be bothered to count, but at last I was back on the airwaves via BBC Radio Kent this morning. And I mean this morning. Dominic King's show is 10am-1pm weekdays. That's 5am-8am in NJ.

So v. nice Mr. Producer Steve called me at 6:20am for a coffee-induced attempt at being awake and conversant for an on-air interview w/ Dom. Listen to the interview on my web site here: http://www.stephenpbrown.com/blog.html. I was impressed w/ Dom's open-ended questions and he seemed to listen, too. Rather refreshing! Here's to re-establishing relations at my fave local radio station.

Big-time Time-beater Bashing

THIS LINK links to an article by Tommy Pearson that bashes the Berlin(ER) Philharmonic(ER) and Simon Rattles' performances at the British Proms earlier this month. Below is my brief response. I couldn't resist. Read Tommy's article first.

Always wondered what the Big Rattling Deal was about - especially hearing stories from his players over the years. I used to assume it was jealousy on my innocent arrogant part. LOL! But then if you (Rattle) win a major competition at age 19, what else should we expect, I guess? I shouldn't impugn. It's hard work and my hat comes off to everyone who prepares and performs. But Tommy - I have to agree with you. With the salaries these folks get, the experience, the exposure to every great performer ever... is the BP passioned out? Or was emotional conveyance never in their musical vocab? Great warm string sound. At times. As does the Philharmonia, the BBC Phil, the Cleveland Orch, the Philadelphia, the... Even in their own 'GROSS' hall I was never particularly impressed by the BP. It's comforting to know I'm not alone anymore. THANK YOU.