It's official

While the article I was interivewed for seems to have been put on the back burner, I'm pleased to say that the article on the Performing Arts Center was on the front page of The Brownsville Herald yesterday.

Reporting mostly on the techicalities it took to get the sound in the auditorium just right, the article also featured pictures from inside and outside, the choir on stage and also quotes from the acoustician who worked closely with the arcitects, some Fine Arts faculty, a student (who happens to be one of my best friends) and even the president of UTB, Dr. Juliet Garcia- all who shared the same excitement I had when I first entered the building.

When UTB-TSC Master Chorale member Ricardo Delgado, 20, walked into the new performance hall, he felt as he did when he performed at the Lila Cockrell Theater in San Antonio.

"When I walked in (the new center), that’s the exact feeling I got, that feeling of excitement and accomplishment . . . it is beautiful and it makes us feel worth more than what we thought," Delgado said.

Delgado was not disappointed after the Master Chorale tested the acoustics.

UTB-TSC’s Fine Arts Chair Dr. Sue Zanne Urbis is both a pianist and clarinetist.

Urbis found it hard to express "the sheer joy that I experienced the first time that I walked in. All I could imagine were all of my wonderful students on stage doing what they do best, which is to perform music."

The Performing Arts Center is to open its doors the first thing come 2010.

Exposure

I may be stretching it a bit when I say this, but then again, I may not be too far off. South Texas is what some call a "fertile" ground for the arts because people haven't been exposed to much of it.

Having been around music and/or art educators my whole life, I've definitely taken note on how they go about teaching their students. I've seen the struggle made when a student isn't passing their classes and isn't eligible to compete for a region band or choir, and similarly, I've seen the same teachers struggle to help the students family understand why they're even bothering with their child.

Not many kids in South Texas come from families where numerous members of the family have participated in fine arts organizations, so it is not uncommon for middle school kids to be the first one in their family to be part of a school band, for example. After they get a feeling for the arts, however, many times their friends and siblings see what they do, how much they enjoy it and decide to join also.

Exposure, even if it's by word of mouth or by example is crucial to the livelihood of the arts.

Travel North

Within the Valley, there are certain "hot spots" for the performing arts.

Almost- sadly- needless to say, Brownsville is not one of them. And I've never quite understood why. When comparing populations, Brownsville has one of the largest, fastest-growing populations in the Valley and quite possibly the state. So why aren't there more opportunities for the art audience?

The closest we have to a large venue is the Jacob Brown auditorium (with the exception of the new UTB Performing Arts Center- which is still not ready for use) and maybe one could consider the Brownsville Events Center but both venues are in high demand and reserving the use for either one requires being put on a long waiting list. Outside of those two, the only thing bigger would be the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, not even within city limits.

Say a good performer or group came to the Valley. Chances are they'd land and perform in Hidalgo or maybe McAllen which is even further from Brownsville. Then one would have to consider the cost of admission but the cost of transportation and gas since it is outside of the city.

Yes, we may be the furthest away from everything, being so far south, but does that mean there is not a want and need for the same quality performances? People in Brownsville may not even know what they're missing if they're not exposed, so how can they be enticed to attend an event if there's a traveling prerequisite?

Above my head

You may or may not have noticed the Ralf Waldo Emerson quote above. Whether you have or not, I'd like to take today's blog post and relate it to my last post's subject: The Performing Arts Center (yes, again).

While I touched briefly on the actual building and decor of the new facility, I'd like to revisit it. I understand this blog is not dedicated to things having to do with interior design, but hear me out.

It's never really phased me how other auditoriums- no matter where you are- are decorated nicely. Some would even call them fancy. I've seen just about every kind of decoration in auditoriums out there, a good majority of them being "fancy."

I'm sure benefactors and sponsorers want the best for the students or performers and they want them to feel appreciated, as if they stopped at nothing to get the best for them, but this also causes "outsiders" to feel unworthy, out of place and maybe even underdressed.

Especially in Brownsville, some might feel like just setting foot in such a "nice" place is above their heads. In my opinion, this contributes heavily to the attitudes people might have towards the arts because they associate a building's lobby with what they think the artists might think about them: that the "outsiders" aren't worthy.

Appreciated

Although there is sometimes- the majority of the time- little respect for the arts in the Valley, it's usually outside of the college atmosphere. Within that realm, however, the arts are highly regarded.

Today was the unnoficial opening of the new performing arts center on the UTB campus. Groups started sound checks yesterday afternoon and continued through today. Master Chorale was one of the last groups to get a feel for the stage.

Upon entering, I was impressed with not only the elegant decor of the whole building but also with the time it took to plan out each rehearsal hall. There are at least three rehearsal halls, similar yet different color schemes and little differences here and there to suit each group's needs. I had to almost literally pinch myself to remember that we were, in fact, in Brownsville.

Being a member of one of these groups, I felt like not only does UTB really want to "be put on the map" but also like the powers that be really, genuinely want the students to have the best they can, to do the best they can. I've rarely felt so appreciated.

Quality > Location

Rarely am I struck so hard with an idea for a blog post that I must come home and write it right away. Today was one of those rare days.

The Master Chorale has been rehearsing and preparing for our concert over a span of about two months. I'm sure that sounds like a great amount of time to prepare but it's really not when you consider two things: the number of pieces we're to perform (ten! Some happen to be around 20 pages long!) and the difficulty level. Anyway, today was our last rehearsal. Since it was a dress rehearsal at the venue, everyone was just a little bit more serious about getting every detail taken care of.

But it was a five minute speech that our director, Mrs. Brumley, gave during a little vocal break. It was perfect for the theme of this blog and I was tempted to ask her (jokingly, of course) to repeat it so I could record it. It was just so spot-on with everything I agree with that there was literally a lump in my throat.

While I can't quote her perfectly, she said something along the lines of the following:

"You all know that aside from my family, you are it. I get up every morning wanting to get into a rehearsal because I know the drive behind all of you. It has been my mission every day since the first day I was director to give you a collegiate experience. You're paying to be here and I want, need, to give you your money's worth. Remember that our location has nothing to do with our quality of sound and work ethic. I wouldn't be here if I thought otherwise. I know I push you hard but it's because I know you will rise to the occasion and challenge. You've surpassed any expectations I've had set for this semester and I'm so proud to stand in front of you and call myself your director."

Senior Day: Success

It finally came.

Senior Music Day came and went, but not without a bang- quite possibly with a high note from the Sopranos in the choir and maybe a roll of a timpany drum, too.

As I stated in my last blog, I didn't expect such an overwhelming response and I was right in expecting that. Although I didn't linger too long after the choir's performance, I didn't hear too much feedback. Of course, later, a few music professors complimented our director but they always do and I never know whether they're just being nice or not.

More than that, I wonder if the whole day and preparation for today went in vain. Did anything really reach the high school students that attended today?

I saw busses from all over the Valley: Brownsville, Donna, Edinburg and everywhere in between, but what is it all for if kids are using days like these to just get out of class?

Whether this was the case or not, if one- just one- person was inspired to just continue music education, I consider it a success.

Prediction

There is a rehearsal at the Jacob Brown auditorium for Wednesday's High School Senior Day- something I've looked forward to for a long while.

Every year, towards the end of the fall semester, all the high school seniors that are involved in music organizations at their schools are invited to attend this event. UTB's music groups are showcased; the choir sings a few selections from their upcoming concert program and the bands and mariachi groups do the same.

I remember a few years ago when I attended as a senior. I was so excited to go, see "the best of the best," as my director said. They didn't disappoint. Other than at a convention showcasing groups from all over Texas, I'd never seen or heard such great performances, groups made up of people only one to two years older than I was. I soaked it up like a sponge.

Of course there were kids right next to me- I say "kids" because that's what they acted like- who only attended because it was basically a get-out-of-jail-free card. Classes were excused and they got to "hang out with their friends". They were paying attention to anything but the group on stage. Texting was, I believe, the biggest attraction. I was even disappointed to see a director playing with his phone.

I felt bad for the students on stage. I could only imagine what hard work they'd put into making a piece sound more than decent and no one seemed to care.

This year, I'm one of those students on stage. While I can only hope that the high school students pay attention and maybe get something out of the day's events, I know there will be that percentage of kids who will be texting away, not a care in the world.

I'll be posting an update after it's all over Wednesday afternoon.

Location is nothing

This past Wednesday, I was called into the choir director's office with one of my friends who has been in the Master Chorale for about two years. Right away, Mrs. Brumley introduced us to a journalist from The Brownsville Herald. I was instantly nervous.

He explained that he would like some comments on our upcoming concert, a perspective from a veteran and a new member. I'd never been interviewed for something this "serious", if that's the right word. I've been asked a question for the my high school's newspaper but my quote was never used. This, however, was much different. Not only being new to to interviewee role but knowing my words will probably end up inside The Herald, I didn't want to reflect anything but positive opinions on an organization I hold so dearly but also one that is vastly underrated.

The journalist asked us a few questions, ones about the pieces we're to perform as well as one big, meaty question: "What do you hope people take away from the concert?"

I think my friend said it best: "Because we're so far down south doesn't mean anything. We're just as good as any other 'prestigious' college choir."

Surprise, surprise

There are always exceptions. And boy, did I find one.

My last two blog postings have discussed the lack of coverage art departments get, in newspapers specifically.

Yesterday, I woke up to my dad reading The Brownsville Herald online. He told me right away that the UTB/TSC Master Chorale (an organization which I am a member of) had been mentioned in the article about Barry Horn's funeral.

While I didn't expect it to be much (it wasn't) and while I did expect to read something about the funeral itself, I was still flattered to read such a compliment. There was no picture except that of the casket being brought into Sacred Heart Catholic church and not even a quote from an attendee of the mass but it was a compliment nonetheless.

"Friends and loved ones of Barry T. Horn gathered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on a sunny, cool and beautiful Saturday morning to say their last goodbye to the executive director of the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art.

They showed their love and respect for Horn, while the angelic voices of the UTB-TSC Master Chorale resonated throughout the church — and as Horn’s casket was brought in for the funeral service.

The Rev. Michael Amasse, speaking to 200-300 people at the service, said Horn had great love for the church and for the arts — and that love was returned and shared by the community."

"What about us?" Part 2

While I was only exposed to the public school system for two years, I'm very familar with the atmosphere and attitudes of administrators and teachers. Being the daughter of a retired band director who worked and taught for the Brownsville Independent School District for 30 years, I've pretty much seen it all, or at least heard about it.

This past weekend on our way to my little sister's last marching show of the season, my dad and I struck up a conversation about this blog and his experiences with his many "run-ins with the law". My father's always been the kind of person who, if he whole-heartedly believed in something, he was always going full force ahead. Always being a huge supporter of the arts (band in particular, of course), he never turned down an opportunity to talk up the advantages the arts provide in the lives of people, regardless of age. If you asked him, he'd tell you about how knowing how to read music will aid in math, reading, logic, common sense, problem solving, among others.

Of course, his opportunities to plug music and the arts aren't always presented in a way where he's not alone in advocating it. Most of the time, the only reason he brings the aforementioned points up in conversation is because people either don't know about the advantages or they simply don't want to believe them. The latter reason sounds somewhat outrageous but it's true; I've witnessed it myself, sadly most of these instances name a school administrator as the opposition.

A good example of one of these moments, I think, was when my dad took an ad out in The Brownsville Herald after a huge victory at a competition open to middle and high school bands across Texas. Out of over 30 bands from all over and out of the huge range of budgets (some districts provide private lessons for their music students free of charge, unlike BISD), my dad's band came out at the top, earning first place of all bands as well as the highest rating possible for their category. The ad was half a page in size, and although not in color, it cost an easy $300. That money came out of the band's fund and had nothing to do with the finances of the school or district. This is not a big deal until one considers how a football player might be featured in the paper with a huge color picture at no cost to the student, his school or organization.

Why is there a double standard? If there isn't, arts students sure feel there is. I was one of them not long ago.

"What about us?" Part 1

It just never ceases to amaze me how dismissive some people can be.

I've mentioned and discussed it in previous blog posts but, again, I can never forget about it because it happens 24/7.

I realize these posts can come off as ranting or complaining but the only way for people to even realize there is a problem is to talk about it as much as possible. It's been my life campaign, if you will.

There was another football game tonight. My family and I attended, not so much to see the football players or the good game it turned out to be but to support the band at half-time. Early tomorrow morning they leave for a marching competition in Houston. The band director told the parents of his students that he planned on leaving early so that the kids could get a good night's rest before having to get up before the sun rose to get on a bus and be in Houston at the time they are to perform. Completely understandable. But when it came time to pack things up and leave for the night, the principal of the school went over to him and suggested that the band stay for the remainder of the game to "cheer the football team on."

Now, that's all fine and good but the question begs to be asked: What about the band? Do they not matter tonight, even if they have to leave at four in the morning after a long week, just to play a few songs over and over when a touchdown is scored? I can only imagine what both band students and directors think when people suggest things like that, something along the lines of "What about us?"

Food for thought

Having been in a college enviornment for about three years, I've come to find that, on occasion, classes and their credit hours have little to do with each other.

Take into consideration, for example, this class- Writing for the Mass Media. It's a Monday, Wednesday, Friday class, 50 minutes a day. That's 150 minutes a week, three credit hours. Makes sense; time is crucial with each class period, so I feel we're getting our three credit hours' worth. On the other hand, however, Master Chorale meets twice a week (Mondays and Wednesdays) for two hours, 240 minutes a week, and the class is only ONE credit hour.

You may think "OK, well, it's an elective, it should be worth less." That's fine and I agree to an extent. Although I am not a music major, I still have to work at completing my degree plan in order to graduate. Master Chorale is still a heavy-thinking class and unlike any other class where a mediochre performance is acceptable, here you either get it or you don't.

So why get less than half the amount of credits for a class that is more high stress for a longer amount of time? I am in no way saying my this or my other classes are too easy, I am just stating that in my opinion, students in similar situations should at least get one more credit for such intense courses. By such a class being "rated" with one credit hour, UTB is saying "These classes aren't as worth your time as these other ones" in a way.

Let music live

Today's choir rehearsal began somberly. Our director, Mrs. Brumley, broached the subject of the passing of two of her friends, one being Barry Horn. She talked for a short while about how he loved not only the arts in general but the University Master Chorale. According to her, he helped raise funds so that the choir could make trips overseas to Ireland and Italy. While it is definitely a sad moment in the organization's history, we can only learn from it and move on with the passion people like Mr. Horn had for the arts and hope we can give back even half as much.

The next thing that happened seemed to be perfectly called for, so much so that it was hardly detectable at the moment. Mrs. Brumley quitely finished her speech on these losses and went on to the first song we were to go over, "The Awakening".

I can only wish that we had had an audience. While not all the notes were perfect and by no means am I claiming that we were simply worth someone else's time, I wish that an "outsider" could have witnessed and felt the meaning behind the music and lyrics of the song and how they somewhat coincidentally related to the news of these passings. The song starts off sadly and quietly- representing today, the news off the passings but then the arrangement gradually brightens in mood and in volume, lightening the feeling of the music to a happy, cheerful mood with the words "Awake! Awake!" and ending with the phrases "Let music never die in me...let music live!"

If we can learn anything from moments like these it's that, even if the world around you is crashing, the music of happier times will lift our spirits. This is most of all what I wish for people who have a very small understanding of the arts.

It's something you have to experience to understand but once you do, it's your lifeline.

Results

Despite the common attitude towards the arts in South Texas, specifically music organizations, all five Brownsville high school bands earned the highest rating at Pigskin this past Saturday. Had it been a year to go to the state competition (such competition is held every other year, this year being an off year), all five bands would have gone head-to-head once again, battling for the top prize in Texas bands.

The picture above illustrates not only the high competetive level between bands and schools but also the number of young musicians involved in the arts. While not all bands were as large as Brownsville's, 20 bands attended from all over the Rio Grande Valley, filling the field from endzone to endzone. In addition, the home side of the stadium was filled, causing the audience to spill over to the visitor side as visible in the picture.

Despite my previous blog post about Pigskin, I was glad to be among a large group of people who also knew all about the competition, music and the arts in general. Though compared to the general population of the Valley this was a somewhat small group of people, it showed that there indeed are people who share the same opinion of fine arts. It didn't matter that there were strong winds blowing just about every which way or that moths the size of fist were practically smacking you in the face, what mattered was the music.

Half full at the Gala

Yesterday, I went to one of the first Bravo Opera performances open to the public, "Concert Gala". There was no questioning the quality of the company's sound and overall performance; it was a truly magnificent sound, but I couldn't help but notice the people who were sitting in the audience.

About two-thirds of the SETB Lecture Hall was full, of that about well over half of the audience was people over the age of 50 and then the rest were younger. I couldn't help wondering why that latter group was doing there. I know from experience that the majority of Music Appreciation professors require students to attend at least four Patron of the Arts performances and my sister, who also attended yesterday, was one of them. So was the yonger crowd there for the credit? Judging from the line of these "younger" people getting their program stamped "Completed" at the end, I'd say it was a definite possibility.

Of course I completely understand how and why Music Appreciation professors require that students attend such performanes- to enhance their exposure and understanding of music and the arts, but at the same time I wish it didn't take a dependent grade to get people my age to these events. Then again, who knows? The said requirement might spark a new interest in a student and they might continue to attend even after they've fulfilled their degree plan obligation.

Whatever the case, I'm glad I was in attendance. I got to see and hear some of my closest friends do what they love to do, and aside from that, I was able to witness a quality performance, the kind that not many people are ever exposed to. It's a great organization for a young university to have- for both performers and the general student popluation.

Why not?

While I've never even picked up a musical instrument, I've always had a great respect for people who could play one and even more respect for those who make it seem effortless.

This week, the buzz around Eidman was getting a hold of tickets to Pigskin. Although the name refers to something about football, it's all about bands, marching bands. Among high school marching bands, this is the show of the year. Football half-time shows are practice and this is the real deal. It's the one place where local bands go head to head, showing off their best sounds, marching skills and visuals- which often come in a slew of brightly-colored flags and maybe even a parachute or two. If it sounds over-the-top, it is. And if your band isn't, you'll probably get left in the dust. Competition is the name of the game.

I don't want to brag, but there's little I don't know about this kind of competition. I've gone just about every year since I was just a little seedling of one year old and one question has always popped into my head: why is the crowd consisted of only parents and family? Sure, there are occasional visitors from outside the band world- maybe a choir student or two (my guess is that they understand the hard work and dedication it takes to get to Pigskin) but there's rarely a complete stranger to the music world. Considered, there are a limited number of tickets one must aquire to get in, but why is the "demographic" here only parents and teachers?

I suppose the "concern," if that's even the right word for it, is that others just won't understand the tense situation it is for bands and their directors. Just making it to Pigskin is a huge ordeal and ranking in one of the top bands is even bigger. Why share it with people who you know aren't going to appreciate everything they put into it?

But at the same time, I ask why not?

Do YOU listen?

Sometimes I wish there were cameras installed in each room at Eidman. Unless you've claimed the hallway outside the Master Chorale room or the bench just next to the one of the brass practice halls, you just don't know the what comes out of those rooms: amazingly rich sounds as well as a few clunkers here and there. Nonetheless, it's preparation for a quality performance.

Today, our first rehersal of the week, we hammered out some difficult spots in a few songs. Of course, for me, it's all a tiny bit over my head since I'm out of practice but I'm gradually getting back in the swing of things. I'll have to work on my own during my free time to make sure I know what I'm doing when we rehearse again on Wednesday but as much as that takes away from time I could use to do something "fun", this is my fun.

That, specifically, is something that's always bugged me. When we leave Eidman, we become another person in the sea of students at UTB. Unless I tell someone I'm a part of an "elite musical organization" (my director's words, not mine!) I'm just another student, no different than, say, a math major. People have no idea the extra hard work we put into rehearsal time, and on top of that the intense thinking process you have to maintain.

There's really no better way to show a stranger to the music world the passion people have for music than to tell you to sit outside a room in Eidman and do nothing but listen, really listen and feel.

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent” - Victor Hugo

An invitation

I've never been sure of what exactly it is about the culture in South Texas, but for one reason or another, the majority of people- all ages- never give the arts a second thought. Sure there are exceptions (and I'm proud to say I'm one of them) but when you consider the entertainment preferences for this part of the state, you don't exactly picture large audiences at ballet recitals or sold-out box offices at the next jazz band concert. Additionally, a very small crowd even notices and is exactly the purpose of this blog.

As the daughter of a band director with 30 years of experience in South Texas public schools, I've grown up accustomed, but never comfortable, with the widely-shared notion that the arts are extras and never necessities, that they need very little time to perfect and prepare for and that if they were to suddenly disappear, no one would care to even notice its absence. The very same thing has been something I've constantly tried to change ever since I really realized that one person truely has the power to impact the masses. It sounds snooty but it's true. One way I've attempted to change this perception is by being a part of something that would expose the average, middle-class person to the arts. I suppose a very "Hispanic" attitude towards anything to do with the arts is simply passive: "Es para los ricos," ("It's for the rich")I've heard a few times- one phrase that sums it up.

Exposure is probably one of the few- if not the only- way for people to truly appreciate and maybe even begin to like the arts. Only recently have I seen more Hispanics take part in and even be in charge of big fine arts events and organizations. However, none of this will ever be effective 100 percent if the audience doesn't understand the preparation and dedication artists put into their craft.

I've been lucky enough to be part of an audition-only choir at UTB for almost a semester now and even luckier to work with such talented musicians two to three times a week. My first day, I was completely blown away at not only the sound human voices can make (yes, blown away- even after being part of choirs all my life) but also the level of dedication and intense thinking levels these people have. I've never met an artist who had a passive attitude towards their love of the arts, it's always been all or nothing and that first day's impression was no exception. Everyone shows up to class every day we meet and, simply put, there's no messing around.

This past class time, yesterday, we not only continued polishing a very advanced piece of music (our director, with the credentials a public school choir director can only dream of, said it was the hardest thing she's ever taught...yes, you can bet I was biting my nails at hearing that. It's just one of those pieces that has way too much ink on the paper.) but also sight-read, meaning that we sang through a song we've never seen before. Of course I understand that that doesn't really sound like a big deal to anyone who isn't familar with music but if you are you know how difficult and rare it is for a choir to do that successfully and almost perfectly. This is my main "beef" with with the large group of people down here; I'm frustrated that they just don't see how much effort people put into getting close to perfection. The hard work is unapreciated does nothing but discourage people who sometimes have nothing else, no other light in their lives other than their art.

Therefore, I'd like to invite any readers to listen, really listen or see the next time an opportunity to understand the arts. Try to find the meaning behind the poetry, behind the music's rise and fall, the reason why an artist used red instead of blue. The possiblities are endless. Art is endless.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Gandhi

No day but today

“Most people live and die with their music still unplayed. They never dare to try.”
-Mary Kay Ash

Written feelings

"Music is what feelings sound like."

A true artist...

...not.

"What has been seen can never been unseen" ...or in this case heard.

What's all this?

One may wonder what I'll be discussing in this blog, so I figured it would be wise to explain.

More and more, appreciation for true art is disappearing, under rated. Therefore, I will be featuring and discussing music organizations and performances in Brownsville, specifically the way that too many people simply don't give the time of day to.

In addition to that, I'd like to forewarn you, Reader, of my occasional and sporadic outbursts of cynicism and sarcasm. All in good fun, of course but still a warning regardless. :)

*

Sharing time: "Step In Time" from "Mary Poppins" because you "never need a reason" and because it's one of my favorite musicals of all time.



P.S. In case you didn't notice, the title of this blog is alluding to the lyrics of the song in the video above.