Feb 2016
So beautiful, so sad...
21/02/16 16:57
Attending a bass trombone concert was something completely new for me.
This concert far surpassed my expectations.
It was an eye-opening concert...
Walking into the art gallery, I had low expectations...I didn’t feel anything like that when I came back out.
By the end, I was in awe.
I have the privilege to be instructor of an Intro to Music class at Grand Valley State University this winter semester. Aside from how fantastic an opportunity it is, how much I adore teaching, and how grateful I am to be working in the field I love so much, I am THRILLED at the prospect of introducing new music to non-music majors.
To encourage this in a concert setting, I required my students to attend a solo recital given at GVSU by my friend and colleague, Stefan Stolarchuk. Well familiar I am with Stefan’s abilities, the concert was a triumph and wonderful display of his abilities. To encourage critical and analytical thought, I also required my students to compose short papers about their experience.
Almost every paper had a common theme - the students expected to hate the experience, but instead they found it enlightening. In one sense, this is the most beautiful prospect for a music instructor with non-music pursuing students. Initially, I was ecstatic at the realization that just about every student had his or her eyes opened.
On the flip side, why were their eyes so shut to begin with...?
This recital was in a beautiful space, performed by young and energetic professionals, and the program consisted of no music older than 30 years. Two centuries ago, it would’ve been the most exciting thing to happen that week. Where, in such a short measure of scenic time, did young people get the idea that music at a University would be a horrible experience?
A bittersweet androgogical experience for me.
This concert far surpassed my expectations.
It was an eye-opening concert...
Walking into the art gallery, I had low expectations...I didn’t feel anything like that when I came back out.
By the end, I was in awe.
I have the privilege to be instructor of an Intro to Music class at Grand Valley State University this winter semester. Aside from how fantastic an opportunity it is, how much I adore teaching, and how grateful I am to be working in the field I love so much, I am THRILLED at the prospect of introducing new music to non-music majors.
To encourage this in a concert setting, I required my students to attend a solo recital given at GVSU by my friend and colleague, Stefan Stolarchuk. Well familiar I am with Stefan’s abilities, the concert was a triumph and wonderful display of his abilities. To encourage critical and analytical thought, I also required my students to compose short papers about their experience.
Almost every paper had a common theme - the students expected to hate the experience, but instead they found it enlightening. In one sense, this is the most beautiful prospect for a music instructor with non-music pursuing students. Initially, I was ecstatic at the realization that just about every student had his or her eyes opened.
On the flip side, why were their eyes so shut to begin with...?
This recital was in a beautiful space, performed by young and energetic professionals, and the program consisted of no music older than 30 years. Two centuries ago, it would’ve been the most exciting thing to happen that week. Where, in such a short measure of scenic time, did young people get the idea that music at a University would be a horrible experience?
A bittersweet androgogical experience for me.
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