Sotck Up on Your Milk...

For those of you who use the Giant Eagle Fuel Perks program...

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/8342515/detail.html

It Is What It Is (or is it?)

I had a professor in college who taught me more that probably any other professor or teacher I ever had. She was my media ethics and communication law professor. One of the smartest people I have come across. She challenged us in everything we did. The challenge wasn't in remembering random facts - but rather to "think outside the box" and grow as a person. The biggest lesson she taught me can be summed up in a few short word - LIFE LONG LEARNING.

Ok, so she talked about that a lot, but when you're a college student going to class after class, does it really mean anything? The answer, for me at least, was not a whole lot. Now, that I'm out of college for a few years, I have come to really appreciate what she had to say.

Life long learning isn't about reading books to make you smarter. But, rather seeing things that happen in your life as opportunites to learn. I never envisioned a career in the music products industry. I was going to be in television news. Well, when things changed, I embraced this new challenge and am so completly fascinated by all the new things I am learning.

Learning extends beyond our careers though. I think we are better people if we have a genuine curiosity in the world around us. Experience new things - live life. You don't have to like everything you do, but it doesn't hurt to try new things. That's how you find out your interests and meet new people.

And speaking of people -- recently I came to a big conclusion. We're all different and think differently!! Who knew? Well, of course, I knew that. But, I found myself in a situation where I was pretty unhappy with the outcomes with a friend. So, I confronted them about it. It turned out to be a wonderful decision. That led to a discussion where some information was shared by both of us and I think because of that we both learned from each other. It's good to remember that all of us don't come from the same background and life experience. That it certainly something I had forgotten and hopefully now it's something I have placed into my consciousness.

Bring this back to Dr. Kennedy's thoughts on life long learning -- we've got to always look at look at the world around us with a different view and learn from things around us - that includes our careers, everyday happenings and espeically our personal relationships. Always look at things from another viewpoint. Our viewpoint isn't the only one out there. Perhaps knowing someone elses can help us grow - but more importantly help us grow WITH those around us.

This is What I'm Saying...

Regarding my recent American Idol Post

http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0308/p20s01-almp.html

http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0315/p08s02-cole.html

American Idol

So many critics of American Idol and shows like it. To be clear, I am not a die hard Idol fan. I've watched the show on and off over the years and am watching pretty regularly this time around.

However, I hear many complain about the show. They say - this isn't real music, this isn't real talent. I say - then don't watch it if you don't like it!!!!

There seems to be this elitism in music. Not everyone is going to like classical or jazz music. American Idol encourages people to at least be involved in music at some level. Who cares what the genre of music is? It's all music!!!!!!!!!

A music educator should inspire their students to have some love and appreciation for music. That goes beyond Bach, Beethoven, Holst etc. Guess what, that includes people like - Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles, Dave Matthews Band, Britney Spears etc. etc. etc.

I get annoyed by these music "elitists" who think pop music isn't music. Guess what - it is!!!!!!

We should all be allowed to be interested in whatever music we chose. Frankly, if we were all listening to the exact same music, wouldn't life be so boring. It would be the same songs over and over again!!!!!

Let's promote music as a whole - not the music "we" think is important to learn. Learn to love and appreciate all music!!!!!

March Madness!!!

Lots of Big East teams in the tournament so far. Pitt vs. Kent State and if they win that they'll probably have to play a tough Kansas team.

Anyway, I'm no sports guru so I won't bore you with my college hoops thoughts.

Saw Bethel Park's musical Thursday night - excellent!!! They have such a large cast and know how to use it well. It's great to see that many students involved in a music program like that.

Friday was the PMEA Adjudication Festival with Baldwin. Both out string orchestra and symphonic band received superior ratings. They did some tough music and did it well. Always a fun day. Got to spend the day at the adjudication with Heidi as she was home for spring break. That was fun!!!!

Friday night was a visit to Baldwin's Harrison Middle School Musical - Into the Woods. Once again, great to see lots of kids involved in music. It's really a great program there. Student actors, student tech crew and a student orchestra. Great expereince for them!!!!!

Saturday was a trip to the dentist!! YIKES!!!!! OK, it wasn't that bad thanks to me new dentist!!!

Another hockey game with Nicole last night and a Pens win!!!!!!!!!!!! Good game too!!! I cannot believe we only have two more hockey game this season!!!

Also, a Pitt hoops loss last night :-(

Today was tax day. I'm almost done!!!!

What will this coming week entail - we shall see!!!

Update

I can't imagine being bored - I mean seriously - I enjoy being busy. This week has certainly given me that opportunity.

The cold bug has been going around (it's struck me too), so we've had some people out of the office this week. It's just makes things slightly more chaotic - which is fun!!!!

A couple of things you may have seen added to the Progressive website.

1) DCI comes back to Western PA this summer- make sure you check out both shows
2) USSBA to hold a marching competition at Baldwin. We're very excited to bring a USSBA regional to the area!!!
3) Lease program information - learn how to get the equipment you need for your program - but still stay in your budget!!! It's a great deal!!

More info on all of this is available on our home page.

Tuesday night was a Pens game - a loss - but still overtime and a shoot out which is exciting to watch. Nicole and only have 3 more hockey games this season!!! What are we to do? LOL

Wednesday night was dinner with a colleague and friend Heidi - good to catch up with her - and get some Ikea shopping done at the same time.

I'm heading out of the office shortly. Have a phone call scheduled with NAMM for later today - they're interviewing me - more on what and why later.

Tonight is dinner and seeing Bethel Park HS's musical with Megan.

Tomorrow I will spend the entire day with the Baldwin band as we head to Cal U of Pa for the PMEA Adjudication Festival. Always a fun day to see these kids perform some good quality band literature that they've worked so hard on!!

Anyway, gotta run - peace out for now!!!

...

So, it was a busy week. As I noted earlier - I spent a good amount of time this past week trying to get more tickets to see Wicked - no luck. But here's a recap of the past week.

Sunday
TOB (Tournament of Bands) Meeting - I'm the assistant band director at Baldwin HS, we attended a meeting for the fall marching band season

Monday
Hunt for Wicked tickets - no luck
Official word that Baldwin will host Western PA's first USSBA marching band show this fall - more details to come on the site about that
Work with a music advocacy organization to donate some music books to in-need schools
Big purchase lease information is on the website. If you're school, church, etc. is looking for new music equipment but don't think you can afford it, look at our leasing program. You can find the link on our homepage.

Tuesday
Tried to get Wicked tickets in a downtown lottery - no luck
PMEA Adjudication Preview Concert at Baldwin- good chance to see the band over a week before the actual adjudication. I'll get up there this week to help with some small group rehearsals

Wednesday
Tried to get Wicked tickets in a downtown lottery - no luck
Had an older man cut in front of me and get the last tickets returned tickets available for the show - grrrr

Thursday
Quick run to one of my school accounts and my alma mater- Elizabeth Forward
Then to Cranberry to see a friend from college. We had lunch and then I dropped her off at the airport as she was heading back home to Boston. Odd, how we haven't seen each other in over a year or more, and we picked up like we'd just seen each other yesterday. I've had that happen with a few other people. I guess that is a mark of a true friend!!!

Friday
Great meeting with some exciting new possibilities for Progressive to get more active and proactive in the Pittsburgh arts community. In fact, some great opportunites for me to use my communications background with my music background. Some very exciting possibilites - can't wait to get going on these ideas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Been battling a cold all week - took some time to rest and watch a few movies and read a book.

Saturday
Rested a good bit.
Got lots of odds and ends work done - still more of that to do!!!!

Today
Slept in - actually got a good night's sleep. So hard to do with a cold.
Plan to get more odds and ends work done today.
Updating the Baldwin Band website today.
Going to Harrison Middle School in Baldwin to see their spring musical.

For the new week--

2 Pens Games
1 high musical to see
Dinner with a friend who's home on spring break
Adding some things to the Progressive website
and lots more I'm sure......

Finally My Thoughts

Well, here it is... (long overdue - but as promised)

As previously stated, seeing the national tour of Wicked in Pittsburgh last weekend was nothing short of amazing. I've sat through MANY Broadway shows, but not captivated me like Wicked.

First of all, the music was spectacular - I recommend the soundtrack to anyone.

The sets were amazing - certainly lots of advanced technology there. It's amazing they can travel and make all that work in so many different cities - I can only imagine seeing the set up and tear down of those sets is nearly as exciting as the show it self.

But about the show... it's nearly 3 hours long, but you don't even realize it - it goes by so fast - and then you want more and want to see it again. In fact, I spent a couple nights downtown this week in an attempt to see it again. No luck , but it's going to be in some other cities within driving distance in the next few months.

The show left us say "no way" - "Oh, that makes sense now". Now I am far from a Wizard of Oz officianado (sp?), but they create this amazing pre-story to the Wizard of Oz. And there's so many lessons of life, politics, friendship and love in this show.

I see lots of creativity in my position, but the creativity and thought that went into creating this show really surpasses most things I've seen.

Great talent in this show. Two weeks ago, I had no idea who Stephanie Block was, now I have an autographed picture of me and her together. She's such an amazing talent and is leaving the tour after her stop here in Pittsburgh.

OK, long story short, for those of you who were no lucky enough to see it - do whatever you can to see it in any city it comes to around here. You'll love it - even if you're not a Broadway fan!!!

Also, it was great to see so many school groups attending. I saw groups there from West Mifflin and West Allegheny for sure, but I know there were many more. The arts are obviously so important to making a well rounded person, it's great to see young people exposed to this art form.

OK, that's all the talk about Wicked (for the moment - lol). Lots of other things to talk about from this week. Obviously I haven't been blogging, but there's a lot to tell - so neat new projects and ideas are in the works. I'll have more on all that later!!!!!