Lawrence E. Anderson

Music of Romance on Valentine’s Day

February 5, 2013 by Lawrence E. Anderson Leave a Comment

“Life is a song, love is the music.” ~unknown

The month of February is the undisputed month of romance and love. Just prior to Valentine’s Day on February 14^th, many people, especially men, are seen scurrying around trying to find the perfect gift for their sweetheart. These gifts usually take the form of candy, flowers – especially red roses – perfume, jewelry and chocolates – preferably in red heart shaped boxes. But what is more romantic than holding your loved-one close at a quiet evening at home, or at a Valentine’s Day dance or party, dancing to the music of romance and love?

Music of Romance

There is nothing more endearing to lovers and sweethearts than songs of love and romance. For lovers music can be one of the most fascinating ways to express their love and affection for one another. What can be a better gift to lovers than romantic songs which have the power to express deep feelings and tell your beloved that you are there for them forever! Music has the power to inspire so many feelings and emotions, especially feelings for a special person in your life. Songs can often say what is in your heart and say it with words that may not be your own but help express what you really mean.

Popular love songs: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, How Sweet it is to be Loved by You, and I’m in the Mood for Love, are tunes that have endured for years. Many romantic tunes come and go but Unchained Melody, You Belong to Me, And I Love Her, by the Beatles, and Can’t help Falling in Love, by Elvis, will be staples for generations to come. Love songs are always popular but on Valentine’s Day they are the choice of listeners everywhere.

A Brief History of Valentine’s Day

Saint Valentine, an early Christian saint, died more than a thousand years ago. Pope Gelasias in 496 A.D .proclaimed Feb 14^th as a feast day in honor of St. Valentine, a Roman martyr. Chaucer, in the Middle Ages, and later Shakespeare both romanticized Valentine’s Day in their writings. As early as the 15^th century young romantics were expressing their love by giving gifts, such as flowers and candy, and sending greeting cards known as valentines. Saint Valentine signed a letter to a young girl with, “from your Valentine” an expression that is widely used today.

In 1797, “The Young Man’s Valentine Writer,” a British publication, was aimed at young lovers who were not prone to, or sometimes unable, to write their own sentimental verses. Apparently it was a great help-mate to many young men. Valentine cards that were already written made it much easier to send sentiments of caring and love. These cards were much more convenient but of course, less personal. In England the cards became so popular in the early 19^th century that they were mass produced and assembled in factories. Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts produced and sold Valentine cards before 1847 in the United States. Hallmark Cards Inc. began mass producing Valentine cards in 1913.

Valentine’s Day has become a major holiday in the United States, although it is a working day, not a legal non-working holiday. It has become a fabulous commercial success for businesses –25% of all cards sent in the United States are Valentine’s Day cards. Interestingly, teachers receive the most cards followed by children, mothers, wives and sweethearts.

Music can lift the hearts and spirits of lovers throughout the world, and not just on Valentine’s Day. The music of romance will help enhance The Power of Love, Change the World, (Eric Clapton) and Because You Loved Me, (Celine Dion) I will always Love You, (Whitney Houston.) and, Save the last Dance for Me.

Have a lovely Valentine’s Day and here’s a good way to celebrate this year: What I Did for Love, the Danville Community Band’s Annual Dinner Concert, Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 5:30, No Host Bar. 6:30, Dinner. Call the Blackhawk Country Club for reservations 925-736-6500.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net

Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.

Music & Sports – “Music is like a legal drug for athletes.”

January 14, 2013 by Lawrence E. Anderson Leave a Comment

Music and sports — are they compatible? Do they somehow relate to one another or are they completely devoid of any relationship whatsoever? It may surprise a lot of people but music and sports are not mutually incompatible. Although at first glance, they may seem like polar opposites but on close examination they do share some common characteristics.

Many people use music as part of their everyday exercise program at home or at the gym, or sometimes both. Music appears to enhance and encourage – evidence the vast array of exercise videos that are on the market. Most, if not all, use music as the basis of exercise. Listening to music makes your workout easier and more fun!

Students learn many things in the music classroom and on the sports field. They learn to be part of a group with common goals and interests. Paramount in both endeavors is teamwork – working together to produce the best possible results. They also learn the value of hard work, practice and rehearsing, discipline and leadership. Not only are these essential to a successful music or athletic program, but they will carry over to one’s adult life.

“Let’s give students a chance to experience two programs that may seem different but are really extremely similar, as they offer students the chance to excel in so many physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual ways,” wrote Michael Morgan in Tearing Down the Walls between Music and Athletics.

Dr. Costas Karageorghis, of Brunel University, London, England, is a noted sports psychologist and a leading authority on music and exercise. He has done studies that clearly show how athletes that were exposed to synchronous music—music that has a clear and steady beat—elevated their performance by 20%.

Dr. Karageorghis also theorizes there are four main components to the effects of music on an athlete. First, it can distract an athlete from fatigue; second, it can act as a mood altering catalyst; third, it can synchronize an athlete’s rhythm and movement, and finally it can act as a trigger for learning certain motions and aid with muscle memory. “Music is like a legal drug for athletes,” said Dr. Karageorghis. “The rhythmical qualities of music also emulate patterns of physical skills; therefore, music can enhance the acquisition of motor skills and create a better learning environment.”

In a series of interviews of musicians and athletes at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, some interesting anecdotal statements came from the respondents. Tim Ward, one of the head coaches who is also an accomplished musician said, “Both music and athletics require a great deal of concentration and focus especially with the more difficult techniques.”

Matt Hahn, a junior water-polo player, is also a bass player for a worship team. “I would have to say that as I was developing musically I was also developing athletically,” said Hahn. “The number of hours spent to be successful at both playing music and playing a sport are very similar.” Ward and Hahn both agree that as their musical skills are improving, so are their athletic skills. “Those who were part of music were much better on the sports teams than those I knew who were not involved in music before participating in athletics,” said Hahn.

There is ample evidence from professional sports psychologists and actual musician/athletes that there is a strong correlation between music and athletics. Learned traits outside of sports, such as music, can cross over to sports and enhance athletic performance.

In my years of experience as a teacher at the high school level and professor at universities, I have personally seen students who excel in music often do well at various sports. If you are a music student, a football player, a gymnast, a workout enthusiast or just a walker, music will add life, energy and fun to your activity.

Don’t miss the Danville Community Band’s Annual Dinner Concert at the Blackhawk Country Club on Sunday, February 10, 2013. Contact the Blackhawk Country Club at 925-736-6500 for reservations. Seating is limited.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net

Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.

Music of the Season

December 6, 2012 by Lawrence E. Anderson Leave a Comment

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” Plato

What would the holidays be like without Christmas music? One of the most enjoyable and popular aspects of the holiday season is Christmas music, best exemplified by the singing and playing of Christmas carols and songs. There are many different types of Christmas music, both for adults and children: classical, country, pop, rap, jazz, blues, ancient carols and modern songs, to name a few.

During the Christmas season, we all hum or sing along with secular songs like White Christmas, Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer; many of these songs bring back childhood Christmastime memories. Christmas music plays a very important role for our happiness and well-being during this great season.

History of Christmas Music

Christmas music dates back hundreds of years, some as early as the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. However, many of the carols we sing today were written around the middle of the eighteenth century. The word carol or carole is a medieval word of French and Anglo-Norman origin, believed to mean a dance song or a circle dance accompanied by singing. Broadly defined, carols express religious joy and are often associated with the Christmas season. Music originating in England and Germany make up many of our favorite carols. Christmas carols were actually banned in England during 1647-1660 by Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England. He thought Christmas should be a solemn and holy day and not be distracted by the singing of carols. During the time of Francis of Assisi, the singing of carols in ones native language was advocated and developed. The translation of many of our popular carols was brought to America from Europe.

Christmas Music Genres

Sacred: Basically there are two categories of Christmas music: Sacred and secular. There are many Christmas carols of a sacred nature: Silent Night, What Child is This? and O’Come All Ye Faithful, among a myriad of others. Charles Wesley, the great English reformer, understood how music enhances religious services and wrote the famous carol, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Martin Luther, the famous German religious reformer, advocated the use of carols, many he personally wrote.

Sacred Christmas music usually tells the story of the Christ Child and other religious topics. Two great examples of baroque sacred music are J.S. Bach’s (1685-1750) Christmas Oratorio and George F. Handel’s (1685-1759) masterpiece, the oratorio, Messiah. I wrote about these two in “Hallelujah – Christmas Music of Bach and Handel” in the December 2010 issue of “Notes on Key.” These two works are quite lengthy with multiple sections relating many passages and stories from Biblical selections.

Secular: White Christmas is an Irving Berlin song he wrote in 1940. After writing the song, Berlin told his secretary, “Grab your pen and take down this song I just wrote, the best song I’ve ever written — heck, I just wrote the best song that anybody’s ever written!” According to the Guinness Book of World Records the version sung by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single of all time, with estimated sales in excess of 50 million copies worldwide.

Song-writer, Johnny Marks, wrote the lyrics and melody to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, recorded in 1949 by Gene Autry at the urging of Autry’s wife. The song was turned down by many musical artists afraid to contend with the legend of Santa Claus. The song sold over two million copies that year and became one of the best-selling recordings of all time, second only to Crosby’s White Christmas.

The popular Jingle Bells, originally titled One Horse Open Sleigh, was written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont. The song was meant for a Thanksgiving program at a church in Savannah, Georgia where Pierpont was organist. It was so well liked that it was sung again on Christmas day and became the popular Christmas song it is today.

The singing of carols and caroling remains a favorite family tradition. Before radio and television families would gather together and sing their favorite Christmas carols. Many modern families still carry on that great holiday tradition.

Christmas caroling is a wonderful and uplifting activity to engage in with other like-minded people. When caroling in neighborhoods it is not uncommon to have cookies, hot chocolate or hot cider offered to the carolers by the people being treated to the music. Many schools and churches have groups that go caroling every year. A favorite stop is at nursing homes or retirement centers – the people really enjoy the music and the singing often brings back memories of their youth and happy times.

Often the holidays become stressful and tedious with so many chores, to do—shopping, decorating, preparing for houseguests and many of other things—so, to relieve your tensions, turn on the radio, or play a CD of great holiday music. This will lift your spirits and help get the job at hand done in record time. Music is a balm to the mind, spirit and body. Not only during this holiday season but at anytime of the year

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net

Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.

The Music of Friends – Chamber Music

November 2, 2012 by Lawrence E. Anderson Leave a Comment

If you have had the pleasure of attending a chamber music concert, then you undoubtedly experienced the intimate expression of musical ideas that are uniquely inherent in a small ensemble. Chamber music has been described as the “music of friends” because it was and is written and played by amateur or professional musicians, for real music lovers, either for aristocratic and princely courts or in formal parties in private homes.

One dictionary definition of chamber music is: instrumental music for a small ensemble where each part is played by only one performer suitable for a small audience in a small chamber or room. Hence, because this music was suitable for rooms smaller than the great concert hall, it was called chamber music.

There are many people who prefer and appreciate the intimacy, subtlety and refinement a small ensemble offers rather than a large symphony orchestra. “It is at once one of the most enjoyable and most dignified of literature,” wrote Homer Ulrich in his book Chamber Music. “To know chamber music is to revere it; to hear chamber music is to enjoy it.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe happily described chamber music, specifically the string quartet, as “the serious conversation of four individuals.”

Origins

Although the progenitors of early chamber music date back to the medieval period, almost all chamber music dates from around 1750, the so called beginning of the classic period. During this period the most famous and prolific composer and interpreter was Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), who established the form and style we hear to this day. He became known as the “father of the string quartet.” This great tradition, established by Haydn, was carried on by Wolfgang Mozart (1756-1791), Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), and many successors up to the present time.

During the 18^th century, many prominent composers were in the purview of aristocrats and royalty. Haydn, for example, was the employ of Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy of Eisenstadt, (some historians say he was a Count) and was influential in European politics and art. It was here that Haydn honed his compositional skills to an exceptional degree.

The aristocracy began to decline in the early 19 century and musicians had to make their own living by selling, composing and performing on their own without the help of their aristocratic employers. This ushered in a new era of chamber music.

Chamber music was mostly amateur music played in small rooms in private houses until well into the 19^th century. Unlike today, with music available at the push of a button, two hundred years ago people had to make their own entertainment including making music.

This all changed around the time of Beethoven. “Professional chamber music players became active, and the two classes, mainly performers and listeners, took a long step back from each other. It became more fashionable to listen than to play,” according to Ulrich.

Clarinet Chamber Music

Wolfgang Mozart introduced the clarinet in the chamber music repertoire. It has been the mainstay ever since. Obviously, the string quartet is the predominating medium for chamber music. But there are many other instrument combinations in the chamber music repertoire.

Clarinet Fusion

‘Clarinet Fusion’ is a brand new group in the Bay Area chamber music scene. It is a unique clarinet ensemble made of all the clarinets used regularly in bands and orchestras, some rarely used. The fledgling group has already performed several concerts to rave reviews. Many of their listeners have commented they had no idea clarinets could sound so marvelous in combination with each other. “The range and versatility of the clarinet is really quite remarkable, said Karyn Weber, founder of Clarinet Fusion and Principal Bass Clarinet in the Danville Community Band.

The clarinets used in the ensemble are: the A-flat piccolo, E-flat sopranino, B-flat soprano, E-flat alto, B-flat bass, EE-flat contra alto and the BB-flat contra bass clarinet. Together they make a wonderful, glorious sound which is rarely heard in any other ensemble.

I was flattered when I was asked to be the director of this group of very talented clarinet musicians. Being a clarinetist myself, I didn’t hesitate to say “yes” and I am enthralled by their fine playing. The ten musicians in Clarinet Fusion, collectively, boast more than 350 years of clarinet-playing experience. Please don’t hesitate to attend a concert and hear for yourself a wonderful new sound. Clarinet Fusion is available for parties and other events. For information call 925-372-8847.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.netVisit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.

Local Music Tips – Where to Find Musical Instruments and Music Instruction

October 9, 2012 by Lawrence E. Anderson Leave a Comment

It is surprising how many times I am asked about where to go to buy certain musical items. The questions range from where can I buy musical instruments? Who rents instruments? And how can I find a private teacher to teach my son saxophone?

Music stores in our local area are generally multi-service establishments. They carry a multitude of all things musical. Some specialize in guitars and portable keyboards; others carry a full range of band instruments and some also carry the string family of violin, viola, cello and string bass.

You can also find sheet music, not only for piano, but for other instruments as well. Almost all stores carry method books for most instruments. Method books contain musical studies and exercises consisting of scales, technical exercises, etudes, solo pieces and duets that a student can play with a teacher. All private teachers use some kind of method book when teaching instruments.

Repairs
The repair department is an important component of many music stores. Not all stores do repairs of instruments but it is not hard to find a good repair department by asking a few questions. A good repair department will not only repair woodwind and brass instruments but many will repair percussion equipment as well. Some stores do on-site repairs and others send out the instruments to qualified repair technicians. The repair of expensive musical instruments should not be entrusted to anyone but a professional, qualified repairman with a good “track record.”

Danville Music
“My goal is to get music in people’s heads, hands, and hearts,” said Greg Kennedy, owner of Danville Music. Kennedy has owned Danville Music since 1989 and is also an excellent guitar teacher. They have a working relationship with the San Ramon Valley School District and have instigated the “Working with Dollars” discount program. Danville Music is a full-line store carrying all instruments including woodwinds, brass, percussion and strings and offers music instruction for all ages and levels. They have an extensive inventory of sheet music and instrument method books. Rental instruments with purchase options are also available. “We also do instrument repair on site,” Kennedy said. “The teachers are experienced professionals – not fresh out of college.” Danville Music’s website is wwww.danvillemusic.com and they are located at 3 Railroad Avenue in Danville, their phone number is 925-743-0898.
House of Woodwinds

“Our store is a complete music store selling instruments, repair services, instrument rentals and lessons,” said Dave Otteson, manager of House of Woodwinds in San Ramon. They also stock sheet music and method books. Don’t be deceived by the name, they carry all instruments, not just woodwind instruments. The store started in Oakland many years ago. “The local store can’t be replaced,” Otteson said. “We have lots of stock at competitive prices.” Private teachers are listed at houseofwoodwinds@gmail.com. They are located at 2205-C San Ramon Valley Blvd. in San Ramon. Phone: 925-831-8341.

Runzo’s Music World
Dean Runzo, owner of Runzo’s Music World in Dublin, said, “We have a complete music store that services what we sell.” They sell all instruments including pianos, keyboards, guitars and percussion. “We do extensive work with the Dublin School District helping to inspire young musicians,” said Runzo. The store does repair work and has eighteen music instructors that teach virtually all the instruments. Runzo’s Music World has been a family business for over forty years and is located at 7017 Village Parkway, Dublin. Website is www.runzosmusicworld.com/ Phone: 925-829-4333.

Reeder Music Academy
“We are dedicated to offering the best music instruction possible,” said Douglas Christman, piano instructor at Reeder Music Academy. Their goal is to make learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all ages, 4 through 74.They offer instruction in all instruments and vocal training. Approximately eighty percent of their students are of school age and the rest are adults. They have twelve teachers that are all professional musicians and the academy presents multiple recitals during the year. They are located at 3482 Camino Tassajara in Danville at the Tassajara Crossing Shopping Center. Website: www.reedermusicacademy.com/Phone: 925-964-0571.

These are just a sample of the music store resources in our area. Whether it is learning to play an instrument, exposing your child to the joys of playing music or just listening to others play – the Tri-Valley area offers many opportunities to be involved in the world of music. Music is a wonderful, enriching endeavor that one can enjoy for a lifetime.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.

School Daze – Awaken Your Children to Music

September 3, 2012 by Lawrence E. Anderson Leave a Comment

We can all remember sitting in class daydreaming about other things rather than listening to the teacher lecture about a subject we found uninteresting. Kids today really haven’t changed. They are the same everywhere. Maybe they need to find a subject they can not only learn but where they can interact—how about waking them up to music!

Why indeed, should kids take music classes in school? There are so many reasons that it would take this entire article to enumerate them all. Besides being fun, one of the most significant aspects of taking school music classes is students who enroll in music classes do much better in other academic courses than students who do not take school music. This fact is proven and replicated numerous times in scientific research studies and should not be ignored by parents.

We are fortunate indeed that our local Tri-Valley school districts offer a full range of music courses in the elementary, middle and high school grades. These courses are both for the nonperforming, and performance oriented student in band, orchestra or chorus. Also many surrounding communities offer community bands where one can continue to play music for a lifetime.

My own experience with school music really changed my life due to Richard Hansen, my high school band director at Acalanes High School. He was such a positive role model and made music come alive for me. He encouraged me to seek a career in teaching music.

Because of my experiences in school music, I gained the most rewarding career a person can have—teaching high school and college classes as a music educator and band director.

In years past, school music has been justified on non-musical extrinsic values rather than on its own intrinsic merits and worth. Citizenship and character was at one time a primary goal of music education. Its function was to create moral, upright children who evolved into productive citizens. A favorite saying was: “Teach Johnny to blow a horn so he won’t blow a safe later.”

Health was another reason for teaching music in schools. Musicians develop lung-power through proper breathing. At one time schools gave Physical Education (PE) credit for Marching Band—marching up and down a field is good exercise equivalent to strenuous exercise in some PE classes.

As a result of Sputnik, in 1957, American education was thought to be behind the Russians, especially in math and science. Almost immediately, new programs in math, science and language were being developed and adopted in American schools. The arts were left behind in the mad rush to catch up to the Soviet Union. Music as an academic discipline became the new rallying cry to justify music in schools.

Music courses were restructured to be more academic in nature and reflect what is really important in a child’s education. One of the goals of this new approach to music education was to “teach students to perceive expressive elements in a wide range of musical genres and styles,” from, Foundations and Principles of Music Education by Leonhard and House.

Today, teaching music in the schools is accomplished by teaching music history and music literature. Very important in the learning process is developing skills, including listening; responding; singing; playing instruments; reading and writing music. The development of attitudes and appreciation and the ability to decide the worth and value of music are essential in teaching music. “Music, like language, is an accomplishment that distinguishes us as human,” writes J. Vudkin, in his book, Understanding Music.

A resolution adopted by the American Association of School Administrators said: “It is important that pupils, as part of general education, learn to appreciate, to understand to create and to criticize, with discrimination those products of the mind, the voice, the hand and the body that give dignity to the person and exalt the spirit of man.”

“The primary purpose and goal of music education is to develop aesthetic sensitivity to music, that is, to heighten the quality and impact of musical experiences,” originally adopted from (in 1971 and again in 1989) the Visual and Performing Arts framework of the California State Department of Education. Also, music in the schools was recognized by law as a core subject along with math, science, language and history in both the Educate America Act and the No Child Left Behind Act, in 2001. It has been said that, “It is evident that education without the fine arts is fundamentally impoverished and subsequently leads to an impoverished society.”

After retirement from teaching, my wife and I started the Danville Community Band that now has a roster of 90 volunteer musicians ranging from ages 15 to 80 plus. One is never too old to enjoy playing music and the younger one starts, the better. Each year, the band donates a musical instrument to local deserving students in middle and high schools.

Please call your local school and speak to the teachers, both instrumental and choral, about music classes your child can take. It many cases it can be a life changing experience and can be enjoyed way beyond the school years. Don’t let your child miss out—awaken them to the world of music! They will thank you for years to come.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net

Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.

Volunteering – for Others – A Reward in Itself

August 5, 2012 by Lawrence E. Anderson Leave a Comment

Many of us, even with our hectic daily schedules, find that we have a few spare hours a week when we are relatively free of demanding responsibilities. The question is, what do we do with these free hours? I’m afraid a lot of us waste time with inane, nonproductive and unnecessary activities. Instead, how about volunteering for some community organization that really needs help? It will make you feel good knowing that you are helping others that may not be as fortunate as you.

Webster defines volunteer as: A person who of their own free will offers themselves for a service or duty. This service is freely given without the expectation of a tangible reward. One should never expect something in return for volunteering their services. Volunteering is generally considered to be an altruistic activity. To volunteer is an unselfish interest for the welfare of others.

Research has proven the positive rewards of doing for others and finding meaning in volunteerism. I find it extremely satisfying to be in two organizations that are very dear to my heart. These are the Danville Community Band (DCB) and the world-renowned Blackhawk Auto Museum. Many readers know that my wife, Jan and I founded the DCB in 2001. Locally, I am also a charter docent at the Blackhawk Museum. Both of these organizations provide opportunities for me to volunteer my skills and abilities. There is no monetary compensation but the rewards I gain are far greater than money.

Church work; museums; community music groups; schools; Red Cross; Salvation Army; hospitals; nursing homes; senior centers; service clubs; scouts; tutoring; veteran organizations; and many more are just a few examples of local volunteer opportunities.

The benefits of volunteerism are numerous: self-satisfaction; a way to learn new skills; relaxation; meet new friends; career opportunities; and community improvement.

Working with the band and the museum give me great satisfaction and joy and mostly, I get the feeling I have given of myself for the possible betterment of others.

Danville Community Band

Since my wife and I started the band 10 years ago, we have both given hundreds of hours to insure the success of the organization. The two hours of rehearsal each week are nothing compared to the number of hours spent each week doing behind the scenes organizational activities.

All ninety members of the band are also volunteers who unselfishly give up their time each week to rehearse for the concerts we present to the community at various times of the year. That, of course, is in addition to the amount of time spent practicing at home.

Many of the musicians volunteer even more time serving in various offices and on special committees for the band. The DCB is a great example of community volunteerism. The band members devote many hours for the artistic betterment of the community and surrounding environs. The band can always use volunteers – even if it’s only passing out programs at concerts – we’d love to hear from you if you can volunteer. (See below)

Blackhawk Museum

Since I have been a charter docent from the opening of the museum in, 1988 to the present, I have given many tours for school groups, senior citizens, auto club members, and other private/public tours. In addition to conducting tours there are numerous opportunities and occasions for volunteer work at the museum. These involve being gallery hosts and guides for functions including meetings, banquets, lectures, celebrity events, wedding receptions and many other varied activities.

The museum offers docent training programs for prospective volunteers. One must take a free class to become a docent. Volunteering at such a “world class” venue is rewarding indeed. A museum volunteer also informs the public about the educational offerings that the museum provides. One of the main functions of the Museum Guild is fund raising. It has been said many times that the museum could not run without the volunteers. To learn more about the museum volunteer program contact Jill Brennan, volunteer coordinator. For information regarding the docent training program contact Dr. Nora Wagner, head of the docent training program. Both can be reached at: 925-736-2280.

Remember, the more you do for others the more rewards you will reap and many others will benefit from you unselfishly giving your time and talents to those in your community. Volunteering is a great reward in itself.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net

Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville

Community Band.

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Can Music Help Relieve Pain?

July 7, 2012 by Lawrence E. Anderson Leave a Comment

According to numerous research studies the question – can music help relieve pain? is answered by an emphatic, yes! Experts have shown that music has great benefits for those with various kinds of pain.

Background
For hundreds of years professionals involved in health care have used music in some form to treat illness in both mind and body. These reports were basically of a nonscientific nature. However, scientific studies done in recent years have measured the benefits of treatments involving music.

Music Therapy
Because music can influence us both physiologically and psychologically it is receptive to treatment by trained music therapists. Music is an important area of therapy for stress management. Also biofeedback, guided imagery and other techniques play an important role in the treatment of people with stress-related disorders, according to Researcher, Jane Collingwood.

Recent Findings
“Listening to music can have a tremendous relaxing effect on our minds and bodies, especially slow, quiet classical music,” wrote Collingwood in an article, The Power of Music to Reduce Stress. “This type of music can have a beneficial effect on our physiological functions, slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure and decreasing the level of stress hormones.”

“In our hand therapy clinic at Webster Orthopedics in San Ramon, we select and play music that enhances the patient’s rehab experience and fosters a healing environment,” said Certified Hand Therapist, Deborah Vanderbilt-Anderson.* “Studies have substantiated the positive effects of music on chronic pain, pre and post-operative pain, as well as anxiety related to injury or illness,” said Vanderbilt-Anderson. “Some of our goals in working with pain management are to teach techniques to reduce muscle tension, reduce anxiety and stress, increase muscle control and improve breathing,” she explained. Techniques such as progressive neuromuscular relaxation (PNR), diaphragmatic breathing, visualization and biofeedback are all enhanced when playing light, soft music.

“Half an hour of music produced the same effects as 10 mgs. of Valium,” said Dr. Raymond Bahr of St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore.

Dr. Sandra Siedlecki, of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, discovered that people in two music groups had a statistically significant effect over the control group that had no music exposure. The music groups had reduced pain, depression and disability and increasing feelings of power over their pain. The control group had no exposure to music thus did not experience the benefits of the two music groups.

Listening to music helps reduce pain by activating sensory pathways that compete with pain pathways thereby stimulating emotional response. Music, therefore, provides meaningful, intellectual and emotional engagement to help reduce pain.

“Music may have the most benefits for the anxiety-prone,” said Researcher, Denise Mann in a study, Music Can Ease Pain. “Engaging activities, like listening to music may be most effective for reducing pain for anxiety in persons who easily become absorbed in activities.” Researchers measured participant’s responses to pain via electrical activity in the brain, dilation of their pupils and other methods. These methods are considered more objective than self-reports about pain.

Listening to music is an excellent means of reducing stress and physical pain,” said Dr. Harris Mcllwain, in The Journal of Pain. Anahad O’Connor reports music exposure reduces pain responses. People who are anxious may find listening to music especially effective in helping to relieve pain.

There is almost universal agreement among researchers and pain management professionals that music can indeed help reduce pain in people who suffer from both mental and physical pain. Most professionals advocate that pain management treatment be under the guidance of trained professionals that are recognized experts in their field. This is not an area where amateurs should dabble.

There is a caveat however, not all people with varying kinds and degrees of pain will find relief listening to music. The positive side of the question is a significant percentage will find some real relief.

For people with chronic pain and distress – there is hope. There are many avenues for pain reduction or elimination. Music can be a source of non-drug intervention, the research says it can work – it may work for you – why not give it a try.

*The idea for this article was contributed by Deborah Vanderbilt-Anderson (MOTR/L, CHT) Certified Hand Therapist for Webster Orthopedics in San Ramon, CA.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org “>www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.

Pomp and Circumstance

June 10, 2012 by Lawrence E. Anderson Leave a Comment

Every spring in the month of June, hundreds of thousands of high school and college students graduate at special commencement exercises across the United States and many other countries. What is common to almost all commencements is the music that is part of the ceremony.

As Christmas carols are unique to the holiday season so is one particular piece common to most of these graduation exercises. That piece is Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March. It is probably the most played piece of music in the month of June, literally performed thousands of times. Unfortunately, it is rarely heard at other times of the year. This is regrettable, as this is a great piece of music that would be an excellent selection on any concert program.

The March

The Pomp and Circumstance March is not just one piece but one of five marches all called Pomp and Circumstance. The one that is most played today is number one in D. It was premiered in 1901 and became very popular almost from the beginning of its public performances. Elgar actually wrote some sketches for a sixth march but it was never completed. The Sousa band recorded number one as early as 1904.

“Written with an honest pride in Britain’s love of ceremony, the march’s melody was requested by King Edward VII to be used as the coronation ode theme in 1902,” according to Norman E. Smith’s March Music Notes. An interesting side note is, for years it was the required accompaniment for newsreel glimpses of Britain’s Royal Family.

In regard to the slow section or trio in the march, Elgar said, “I got a tune that will knock’em – knock’em flat! A tune like that comes once in lifetime.” The trio section would later be named. Land of Hope and Glory.

The Composer

Sir Edward William Elgar (1857-1934) was born in Broadheath, England into a musical family of modest means. His father was a musician who for 37 years was primarily an organist at St. Georges Catholic Church. When the senior Elgar was not working at his music shop he also composed and arranged pieces for different combinations of instruments. Therefore, it was not unusual that Edward received his early musical training from his father.

Elgar had varying abilities on a number of instruments including: violin, organ (he often substituted for his father at the church), bassoon, cello and trombone. Young Elgar had a practical working knowledge of these instruments which was valuable for writing his compositions.

Considering his advanced compositional skills it is interesting to note that he was basically self-taught after his early training by his father. He has been described as a self- taught ‘Edwardian’ Englishman.

The road to pre-eminence as a composer of international fame was not an easy one. He was a Roman Catholic in predominantly Protestant England, a Victorian provincial society.

In the 1880’s and the 1890’s his style matured and he gained valuable experience as he conducted and composed for local musical organizations. Just after the turn of the century his reputation gained considerable acclaim and he began to garner awards and honors. Elgar was knighted in 1904 and numerous honorary degrees followed not only from English Universities such as Cambridge and Oxford but from Universities from other countries including the United States.

In 1905 he was invited to Yale University to receive an honorary Doctor of Music degree. At that commencement ceremony Pomp and Circumstance was played as a recessional. This was most likely one of the very first times it was used as a graduation march. Today it is usually used as a processional in high schools and colleges.

Elgar was one of the first composers to take the gramophone seriously. Between 1914-1925, he conducted a series of acoustic recordings of his compositions. Musicologists have said that Elgar was the first English composer to win international recognition in more than 200 years.

His other well known compositions are the Enigma Variations of 1899 which was his first big success and his two symphonies Number One in A Flat and Number Two in E Flat. Elgar, of course, wrote many other pieces in all forms of music.

H.D. McKinney and W.R. Anderson in their book Discovering Music wrote: “in many ways he was the typical nineteenth century Englishman; he was the consummate craftsman, the reserved, proud, thorough gentleman.”
Mark your calendar for the Danville Community Band’s annual free Spring Concert, Sunday, June 17, 3:00 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 222 West El Pintado in Danville.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band

Successful Careers from Mediocre Beginnings

May 1, 2012 by Lawrence E. Anderson Leave a Comment

Many famous and successful people, including musicians and composers, abound in our present day society. But many of these highly-thought-of, very accomplished people were not as famous and successful in their early lives as they became later. Many people who we admire and esteem today had very mediocre career beginnings.

It is surprising to note that when I was doing research for this article I found world renowned individuals represented in the fields of business, politics, science, medicine, sports and the arts including musicians and composers.

When we think of the gifted and illustrious composers of the past few centuries and even in modern times, most people would not have imagined they had hard times and unfortunate periods in their lives. Some examples of these famous people follow:

Musicians and Composers

Wolfgang Mozart (1756-1791) was a prodigy and wunderkind, musically gifted beyond belief. He was proficient on the harpsichord at the age of four and composing at age five. However, he was often restless and even dismissed as a court musician in Salzburg, Austria. Mozart struggled to support his family financially and was always in need of his patron’s commissions. He died at the untimely age of 35, destitute. It is said that his early demise was brought about by overwork and financial worries. In his short life he wrote over 600 compositions. Think what this output would have been had he lived a normal life span.

Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) was one of history’s greatest composers. As a youth he was awkward on the violin, reportedly due to non-practice. He was described as an angry young man mainly due to his father’s browbeating and bullying. One of his teachers said of him, “As a composer he is hopeless.” Deafness is a tragedy for anyone but for a musician/composer it is catastrophic. Deafness changed Beethoven’s whole personality and he became “A miserable old grump.” Unbelievably he composed his later works when he was totally deaf. He evolved from his early inadequacies to become one of the greatest composers of all time.

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) enjoyed tremendous acclaim and success, especially from his ballet scores in his later years. He was literally run out of town after the premier of the ballet Le Sacre du Printemps (the Rite of Spring) in 1913.” Le Sacre du Printemps provoked a riot – nobody was ready for this extraordinary portrayal of ancient fertility rites with savage harmonies and irregular pounding rhythms. “Le Sacre du Printemps is a primitive, ritualistic breathtakingly modern, and the most single influential piece of twentieth-century music,” according to Marcus Weeks in his book, Music. Stravinsky’s life is a story of rejection to adoration and he was a champion of twentieth-century music.

Elvis Presley (1935-1977) was a true American Icon who came from being literally a “nobody” to an international box office phenomenon. In 1954 Jimmy Dean, who was the manager of the Grand Ole Opry, fired Elvis after just one performance. “You ain’t goin’ nowhere, son,” said Dean. “You ought to go back to driving a truck.” If anybody ever had to eat their words, it was Jimmy Dean!

Henry Mancini (1924-1994) award winning, Oscar winning, Grammy winning musician/composer/arranger was another success story that had a rough beginning. His daughter, Felice Mancini, writes, “My father was not a good student. He got D’s and occasional F’s and many C’s throughout his school years. But he seemed to shine when it came to music and got A’s on every report card. He was fortunate to have music available to him and teachers who recognized his gift.” Mancini’s greatest claim to fame was being a staff composer and arranger at Universal Studios. He was the first to introduce Jazz to television and film scores that made his work unique. His compositions became huge hits among some are: Pink Panther, Moon River, Days of Wine and Roses, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and TV theme songs, Mr. Lucky, Peter Gunn and Charlie’s Angels. Mancini also wrote and arranged for Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman.

Other famous non-musicians with dubious beginnings are:

Henry Ford, who had early failed businesses and went broke five times.

R. H. Macy had seven failed businesses before his department store empire.

Colonel Sander’s recipe was rejected over 1,000 times before a restaurant accepted it.

Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard and had a failed first business.

Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper because “he lacked imagination and had no good ideas.”

Winston Churchill struggled in school and failed sixth grade. He was defeated in many elections before he was twice elected Prime Minister and a Nobel Prize winner. He was recognized as being one of the world’s greatest orators and Churchill was also a very prolific writer.

Overcoming obstacles early in life can often lead to successful careers. Having a positive attitude and preparing yourself for your future career is most important for success. Don’t be discouraged by early disappointments as the future may hold great things.

Mark your calendar for the Danville Community Band’s Annual Free Spring Concert, Sunday, June 17^th, 3:00 at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net

Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.