The Music and Magic of Walt Disney

Name the man who created and provided countless hours of enjoyment, entertainment and mind-stretching imagination to generations of children and adults over many decades and you will probably come up with Walt Disney. Disney Studios created Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, and many other memorable characters through the years. Although …

The Ringing of the Bells

Music expresses that which cannot be said, Victor Hugo The ringing of bells has played an important role in European, American and numerous cultures for many centuries. From “Big Ben” which rang for three hours after the recent wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, to small rural churches and universities across the land, bells …

Music & Memory

“If songs are one of the first things we learn, they might also be some of the last things we remember.” Dr. Kathy Johnson Music plays a very important role in our lives adding to our sense of well-being, happiness and even our memory. Researchers have scientifically shown that people that have been exposed to …

The Role of the Musical Conductor

Years ago an experiment was tried using a professional orchestra without a conductor in a performance. The results were mixed, but the consensus was that the performance lacked cohesiveness, excitement and emotion and was not musically satisfying for both musicians and listeners. The role of a conductor is multi-faceted. An experienced conductor will have an …

The March King: John Philip Sousa

Rarely in the annals of American history does one encounter a man so well known, so admired, so respected and so loved by millions as John Philip Sousa, “The March King.” It is said that he was more thought of and more famous than even some presidents of the United States. Early Years Sousa was …

Romantic Crooners

Valentines Day each February, makes us think of love and romance. But what is romance without wonderful songs that speak of love? And who better to sing those songs than the great crooners of the recent past. Although the golden age of crooners is a sweet memory for most, fortunately we still have the recordings …

How’s Your Musical IQ?

Happy New Year! I hope it will be a great year for all Alive East Bay readers. I thought I’d deviate from my usual article this month and test your knowledge of music and musicians. Have fun! (Find answers below) What Beatles hits were on the first single recorded by the ‘Fab Four’ on their …

Hallelujah, Hallelujah! Christmas Music of Bach and Handel

Holiday music, sacred Christmas carols and secular songs, are heard almost daily in this festive season. Sacred carols center around the birth of the Christ Child who is Lord and Savior to millions of Christians around the globe. Secular holiday music speaks of other things like Santa Claus, white Christmas, chestnuts roasting, among others. Prominent …

Music for Life!

Playing a musical instrument adds a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to one’s life. Many learn to play for their own enjoyment and as an outlet for self-expression and relaxation. Studies have proven that playing music enhances the quality of life by improving one’s, intellect and self-worth. Join a Group Playing in a school …

The Accordion

Believe it or not several accordion players have been asked to play at the White House three different times in recent years. They have also performed at the Kennedy Center – these are, to say the least, important and prestigious venues. “I think there are a lot of opportunities for accordions these days,” said Ron …

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