Monday, January 31, 2011

Scott Talk News ~ February 2011 ~ All Things Theatrical

The Definitive Source for All Things Theatrical In Simcoe & Huronia

Learn about audition dates, performance dates & acting techniques.
Share ideas & resources with live performance organizations in your area.


February 2011 Issue Now Available


Featuring:
Artist Profile:  Krista Woodman of Mariposa Arts

Focus on Youth: The Sears Drama Festival
An Appreciation of David French:  Playwright

Inside Barrie's New Theatre (the DCT)

Latest News on Workshops

In Your Community Theatre News

Performance & Audition Calendar (Feb. - April)


http://www.scotttalknews.blogspot.com/

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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

~ Top 10 Songwriting Tips ~ 40 Years Experience ~



10 Thoughts on Songwriting from 40 Years of Experience

We are pleased to offer you 10 thoughts on songwriting from someone worthy of learning from.  Ian Tamblyn won 2010  English Songwriter of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.  He has been songwriting for 40 years which have resulted in 32 albums.  If you’d like to be as successful and prolific, read on (in his own words)…

Songwriters Association Of Canada

http://itallstartswithasong.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/10-thoughts-on-songwriting-from-40-years-of-experience/


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Make It Fun And They Will Come


~ The Fun Theory ~
~ Piano Stairs ~

So, how do you bring the inspiration? Well, If you can’t exactly take a vacation to a tropical island, another option is to make little things in ordinary life extraordinary. Here’s a little example that gives some motivation.

You Tube "Piano Stairs" Video Clip

Video Inspiration: How to make walking up the stairs fun
by Matt on January 25, 2011
http://blog.simpletruths.com/video-inspiration-how-to-make-walking-up-the-stairs-fun


Need Some Fun In Your Life?
~ Call Us ~ Starbound Music Studios ~

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Murphy's Law

Murphy's Laws Of Music


  • Murphy's Music Stand Principle ~ The music stand you get will wobble



  • Murphy's Law of Clapping ~ If the audience can clap at the wrong time, they will
    http://www.murphys-laws.com/murphy/murphy-music.html

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    Monday, January 24, 2011

    How's Your Perception?



    In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.  During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.  After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing.  He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.

    About 4 minutes later:
    The violinist received his first dollar.  A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

    At 6 minutes:
    A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

    At 10 minutes:
    A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly.  The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time.  This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.

    At 45 minutes:
    The musician played continuously.  Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while.  About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace.  The man collected a total of $32.

    After 1 hour:
    He finished playing and silence took over.  No one noticed and no one applauded.  There was no recognition at all.

    No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world.  He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.  Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

    This is a true story.  Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.

    This experiment raised several questions:

           *In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

           *If so, do we stop to appreciate it?

           *Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

    One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
    If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made...

    How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

    Enjoy life NOW .. it has an expiration date.



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    Now Accepting New Student Registrations ~ January Special ~

     ~   P I A N O   L E S S O N S   ~

    ~ Starbound Studios ~
    ~ Professional Instruction ~
    ~ Piano ~ Keyboard ~ Rudiments ~ Theory
    ~ Serious Studies ~ Or ~ Seriously Just For Fun ~

    ~ Ages 4 Years & Up ~ Under 7 Years Upon Assessment ~
    ~ All Levels ~ All Styles ~
    ~ Adults & Seniors Welcome ~

    ~ Extremely Reasonable Rates ~


    ~ Book Now To Reserve Your Limited Space ~

    http://www.facebook.com/note.php?saved&&note_id=455020834933&id=149871494167
     
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    Thursday, January 20, 2011

    What Are You Feeding Your "CREATIVE" Side?

    This is so true, made me think, and is so very applicable to feeding your "CREATIVE" side…

    so I'd like to share this "Simple Truth"...

    Which wolf will win the fight in your heart?

    by Matt on January 19, 2011

    Here’s a short story about how your choices determine who you are:


    ~  The two wolves  ~

    A Native American grandfather was talking to his grandson about how he felt. He said, “I feel as if I have two wolves fighting in my heart. One wolf is the vengeful, angry, violent one. The other wolf is the loving, compassionate one.” The grandson asked him, “Which wolf will win the fight in your heart?” The grandfather answered: “The one I feed.”

    Earl Nightingale summarized it best when he said, “We are what we think about.” Make a decision today to feed the right wolf.




    Allow Me The Honor Of Helping You Feed Your "Creative" Side

    You can feed your "creative side", enjoy the benefits of "music therapy", and feed the right wolf through private music instruction.  You can do this at any age, any stage, any self-perceived level of ability.  Everyone can enjoy the benefits of music.  Please join me for a FREE half hour private registration consultation.

    



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    Monday, January 17, 2011

    Wasaga Community Theatre Holding Auditions For "Grease"

    Wasaga Community Theatre
    Auditions For "GREASE"

    The Wasaga Community Theatre Company is putting on their bobby socks, poodle skirts and going cruising in a T-bird to bring you this classic retro production.  They're searching for eager and passionate actors, singers and dancers to play this cast of teens and adults.

    Auditions Will Be Held:

    Saturday, January 22nd From 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Sunday, January 23rd From 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Saturday, January 29th From 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Sunday, January 30th From 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Location:
    The Wasaga Beach Chamber Of Commerce Building
    550 River Road West (Lower Room)

    For additional information contact:
    Bryon Johnson, Producer
    Via Phone:  (705) 352-5922
    Via Facebook/wasagacommunitytheatre
    http://www.wasagacommunitytheatre.com/

    Show Dates Will Be:
    Thursday, April 14, 2011
    Friday, April 15, 2011
    Saturday, April 16, 2011
    Sunday, April 17, 2011
    With Two Matinees

    At the Wasaga Beach Recplex
    http://www.wasagabeach.com/community.recplex.gk

    Friday, January 14, 2011

    The Heart Of A Teacher

    I received an email this morning from Mac Anderson ~ Founder, Simple Truths ~ about a wonderful book entitled "Heart of a Teacher" by Paula Fox.  During the past 39 years of honing my skills and career as a professional musician, Music Director, owner of Starbound Studios, and teacher, this excerpt struck a particular chord with me.  I strive to walk in these shoes.

    I too was privileged to have an extremely influential teacher who paved the way for me to grow into the person I'm becoming today, and tomorrow, and the next day...  her name was "Miss Parker".  She was my high school music teacher.  I have long since lost track of her, but what she 'taught' me was much more than music, and will last a lifetime -- mine, and my students.  She made my modest musical abilities seem, and feel, very special, for that I will always be grateful.  As an adult, with a musical career that I've loved, the only regret is that I've been unable to locate her to thank her and tell her how much she meant to me and how much "more" she taught me than just the love of music.

    So, on a personal note, if anyone out there knows a, formerly named, "Miss Parker", who taught music at Westway High School, who loved to sing and play the piano, the "Beatles" was her favorite specialty, who married and had, at least, one child, and lived in a beautiful, secluded, log cabin at one time, please let her know I dedicate this article and reference to her, a very special lady.  I would love to reconnect with her.

    ~ To Miss Parker ~ From the bottom of my heart, a very special Thank You, Thank You, Thank You ~

    "Paula Fox's a teacher with 35 years experience teaching and leading all ages from preschool through adult. Her book, Heart of a Teacher is an inspirational masterpiece! The stories, the quotes and Paula's beautiful original poetry will grab the heart of any teacher, or anyone whose life has been influenced by a teacher.  Today, I'd like to share the beautiful true story about Mark Eklund, which was written by Sister Helen Mrosla. I'm betting it's one you won't forget!"

    Click on the link below to read
    An Excerpt from the book
    "The Heart of a Teacher" by Paula Fox https://mail.google.com/mail/#inbox/12d7f76c4bf05f23


    Mac Anderson ~ Founder, Simple Truths

    MAC ANDERSON is the founder of Simple Truths and Successories, Inc., the leader in designing and marketing products for motivation and recognition. These companies, however, are not the first success stories for Mac. He was also the founder and CEO of McCord Travel, the largest travel company in the Midwest, and part owner/VP of sales and marketing for Orval Kent Food Company, the country's largest manufacturer of prepared salads.

    His accomplishments in these three unrelated industries provide some insight into his passion and leadership skills. He also brings the same passion to his speaking where he speaks to many corporate audiences on a variety of topics, including leadership, motivation and team building.

    Mac has authored or co-authored twelve books, which have sold more than 3 million copies. They include: 212°...The Extra Degree, Change is Good...You Go First, You Can't Send a Duck to Eagle School, The Power of Attitude, The Essence of Leadership, The Nature of Success, The Dash, Charging the Human Battery, Finding Joy, Customer Love, Motivational Quotes and Learning to Dance in the Rain.

    For more information, visit http://www.simpletruths.com/


    How To Choose A Professional Music Instructor

    By Music Masters Canada

    Choose a Teacher


    You’ve chosen your instrument, and the genre (kind of music). Now what? How do I FIND A MUSIC TEACHER? You’re in the right place.

    A good teacher is worth their weight in gold. They will help you to discover if your choices are right for you.

    7  THINGS to do, ask, consider:

    Talk by phone. Ask their level of training and experience.

    Ask them their expectations, and tell them yours.

    Ask for references. Two is good.

    Ask for their cancellation policy.

    Ask for their payment policy.

    Ask about guests sitting in on lessons on occasion. (FYI: Most will allow it occasionally, but probably won’t encourage it on a regular basis, as it’s distracting for the student.)

    Meet ’n Greet, and trust your instincts. If it’s not a good fit, then move on to the next one...



    Brenda McDooling Duce
    Music Director, Starbound Studios
    Wasaga Beach, Ontario
    Photo Copyright 2010 Starbound Studios
    http://musicmasterscanada.com/?page_id=19



    Wednesday, January 12, 2011

    Very Cute ~ Fun Canine Piano Performance (MSN Video)


    Amazing Canine Piano Performance

    Fido howls out a classic ballad with some beautiful piano accompaniment.
    Date: 11/01/11
    Views: 6995


    More Piano Puppies

    Sir Islye Titian Duce
    Lady Shandy Charday Duce

    Starbound Studios Annual Awards Concert



    ~ Piano Puppies ~ By B Mc D ~ Starbound Music Studios ~

    Created about 1 month ago by Brenda Duce
    This video has had 240 views
    Artist: Blue Moon Boys
    Song: Santabilly Boogie
    Christmas 2010

    Piano Puppies Lady Shandy Charday Duce
    Miss Ebony Crystal Duce
    Starbound Studios
    November 12, 2010
    Photos Copyright 2010 B Mc D Starbound Studios

    Tuesday, January 11, 2011

    Music Teachers' Creed

    The Music Teacher's Creed
    By John Jacobson

    
    Copyright 2011 Starbound Studios
    Music is our tongue for truth, A door to the inner Light that Guides our souls.  It is behind us, before us, within us.  It is our work, our health, our essential.  Music is the tool we use to help others feel that there is something Greater around them and in them.  It helps us discover a heart that can love, a mind that can reason, a sympathy that understands.

    Hence, I will be honest in my teaching so others can trust me.  I will be strong.  I will be brave.  I will be a friend to the friendly and the friendless.  I will eat well, sleep well and laugh easily.  I will lift others up.  I will look and listen for things around me that merit praise.  I will look and listen for hidden beauties in my students and my peers.  I will toss harmony onto the world.  I will live.  I will give.  I will be, music.

    I will use music to help others to hear as well as to listen, and to listen and to undertand.  I will use music to help others to feel as well as touch, to laugh more, cry more, share more, see more,
    not just to exist but to live... more.
     
    I will use music to help others to be true and to see merit in the cause.  I will keep my standards high but my eyes closed to the small faults of those around me.  I will be an "instrument of peace" and joy and light, and I will help others find genuine joy in each and every day and peace with the impossible.

    I will cultivate courage, hope, truth, honesty, kindness, strength, perseverance, compassion, gentleness, discipline, dedication, pride humility, wisdom and most of all love.  I will use music to teach that making a living is not nearly so rewarding as making a life.  I will use music to help others to look up instead of down.  I will use music to encourage a yearning for elegance rather than luxury, refinement rather than fashion, wealth rather than riches, giving rather than taking, life rather than resignation.

    I will teach them joy.  I will teach them hope.  I will teach them to be great.  I will use beautiful music to make all ever more beautiful, And I will teach all with whom I come in contact, to let their very life be music.

    Copyright 2006 Hal Leonard Corporation
    As published in the August/September 2006 edition of Music Express



    Sunday, January 9, 2011

    Happy Birthday Elvis


    ELVIS!


     

     

     

    Biography

    Elvis Aaron Presley was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in 1953.

    Elvis’ musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager.

    In 1954, Elvis began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture...

    Saturday, January 8, 2011

    The Red Piano

    Kirkus Reviews finds ‘The Red Piano’ beautiful

    A nice, positive, preview of The Red Piano from U.S. review source Kirkus Reviews:

    It’s 1975 in Communist China.  For five years, a young girl has endured manual labor, filth and hunger in exile at a re-education camp.

    But tonight she will engage, once again, in an illicit act, the playing of the piano.  In a place where musicians are criminals, she risks it all and is caught.

    The piano is smashed.  Her sentence is lengthened – yet the music lives on.  Based on international concert pianist Zhu Xiao-Mei’s life, Leblancs' story gives insight into the Cultural Revolution and its impact. The text may be heavy-handed at times, but the story is ripe for discussion, with themes of self-expression and freedom, the affirmation of the individual through art and music as a form of resistance.  Dazzling collage, pencil and paint illustrations from Barroux create a beautiful chiaroscuro of tension and release.  Well-controlled expressive marks portray the young musician’s isolation.  The limited palette of black, white and red-the latter of which is used to create a sense of intensity-is evocative of Communist China propaganda. A worthy and beautiful tale for historical and cultural studies.  Picture book for ages 6 & up will apparently be available January 2011.