"At the end of the day"

Dear friends,

I hope everyone is enjoying the start of the new year... a time for new beginnings... and some endings, as well. This year, 2012, will be my TENTH year playing in the pit for the Monsignor Bonner ("Bonner") and Archbishop Prendergast ("Prendie") High School musicals... and quite probably my last. It's hard for me to believe I've been playing for these schools, with the same group of wonderful musicians and even better people, for this long... but harder to believe there almost certainly won't be any more Bonner or Prendie musicals after the spring of 2012.

Why no more musicals? Well, no more schools, that's why. The Philadelphia Archdiocese recently made the decision to close several schools in the region, and unfortunately Bonner and Prendie were among the schools chosen to be closed after the end of this school year. Naturally, the kids currently attending the schools are devastated, as are the families and surrounding communities. The schools are currently going through an appeal process, and Archbishop Chaput will then make a final decision which is expected to be made public in mid-February. My hopes aren't too high that the appeal will be successful, but lots of prayers are being said in the community for a positive outcome.

I didn't personally attend Prendie, but my dad, his brothers and sisters, as well as several friends and friends' parents did. And I have close ties to the school, having been involved with the musicals for the past ten years. Ten. Years. Almost one-third of my life.

Playing in the pit orchestra for the Bonner and Prendie musicals introduced me to so many great musicians who became close friends, and opened so many other musical opportunities for me. Thanks to my involvement in the musicals there, I have had the opportunity to play for other high schools, for community theaters, in community orchestras, in local big bands. The friendships I have built and the experience I have gained have been invaluable. These experiences have made me a better musician over the years, and a better person. To be a musician in a pit orchestra is quite the experience. You have to be "on" and ready for things to change at any moment... ready for the kids to come in early... or not come in at all... ready to vamp a four-bar phrase 100 times... ready to switch instruments mid-measure... ready to discretely launch into the circus theme song at just the right moment during a tune just so the closest pit members around you can hear... (Matt M. you know what I'm talking about ;)

Sure, some people think I'm a total nut for playing in these musicals every spring and fall, religiously (pun intended), for let's face it, not the greatest pay, at the end of the day. But most who know me know I don't play for the money, but for the experience. At the risk of sounding totally cheesy, there is something I get out of playing in the pit with the same group season after season that I cannot put into words. Get me in that pit and I am totally in my element, doing what I love to do. I'm in the zone. I feel alive! I'm not thinking about anything else but the music... okay goofing off a little, too. It's just true joy that I get out of it and that's what life is all about.

Regardless of the impending closing of the schools, there will be at least one more musical this spring. Bonner will present "Les Miserables", which feels fitting for me, in many ways. "Les Miserables" was the first musical I saw at Prendie back in 2002. I played my first show, "Guys and Dolls", at Bonner the following spring. "Les Mis" also happens to be one of my favorite shows. And last spring I played "Les Mis" at Pope John Paul II H.S., which was around the time of some new beginnings for me... now I'll play it this spring at a time where I'm facing some endings... this show will be the book-ends for a period of my life and experiences I will never forget. And then it will be time for a new chapter to begin...

The shows dates and times for "Les Miserables" at Bonner are as follows:

Friday, March 16th - 8 pm

Saturday, March 17th - 8 pm

Sunday, March 18th - 2 pm

Friday, March 23rd - 8 pm

Saturday, March 24th - 8 pm

Sunday, March 25th - 2 pm

Friday, March 30th - 8 pm

Saturday, March 31st - 8 pm

I will be playing one of the reed books on sax/flute/clarinet and I plan to be at every show. I truly hope for an overwhelming turnout for these final shows, and would love to see familiar faces in the audience. If you can make it to a show, and are interested in purchasing tickets, please let me know. As always, tickets are $10, in advance or at the door.

I look forward to seeing many familiar faces and to a very emotional, possibly final musical at Bonner.

Musically yours,
Tina

Archbishop Prendergast High School Presents: "FOOTLOOSE!"

Hello friends!

Wow, it's been a long time!  It's amazing how life gets busy and the time flies by... and you get away from the things you wish you had time to do... like write about music, for instance!  In any case, I'll keep this one short and sweet, and hope to be back soon with more!!

I will be performing in the pit again for this fall's Prendie production, "Footloose" which opens... TONIGHT!  So, if you are looking for something to do this weekend or next... check it out! I'll be playing clarinet and flute this time around, and believe it or not, my flute skills have improved a good deal since Prendie's production of "Annie" last fall (which makes me very excited :)

"Footloose" Show Dates/Times:

Friday November 11 - 7:30 pm

Saturday November 12 - 7:30 pm

Sunday November 13 - 2 pm (I'll miss this one)

Friday November 18 - 7:30 pm

Saturday November 19 - 7:30 pm

Sunday November 20 - 2 pm

Tickets, as per usual for Bonner & Prendie H.S. productions, are $9.50 in advance or $10 at the door.  Tickets purchased in advance must be picked up prior to the show.  Call Mrs. Rocco at 610-259-0280 for more information!

Hope to see you there!

~Tina

A Memorial Music Marathon in May!!

Hi Friends!

If someone told me I would have the opportunity to participate in an event that combined my passions for music and running, allowed me to spend time with friends (including watching many of them perform), and supported a cause that is dear to my heart -- music education, I would sign up in a heartbeat.  And that's just what I did when I learned about the third annual Brad Schoener Fund Music Marathon, scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 21st, in Upper Darby, PA.

A Little Background about the Music Marathon...

The "Music Marathon" is organized by The Brad Schoener Memorial Fund, a music education charity based in Upper Darby. The fund was founded to honor the legacy of Brad Schoener, a musician, athlete, and inspirational music teacher of 25 years for thousands of students in the Upper Darby School District, who lost his five-year battle with cancer in March 2009.

The Music Marathon is said to have grown out of "an idea Brad had several years ago to hold an event that was a celebration of music of all kinds".  Now his family and hundreds of students and alumni, colleagues and friends organize this event, which has been described as "a carnival of music" taking place inside and outside the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center.

The Mission of the Fund

"To support the musical abilities and aspirations of instrumental music students in the Upper Darby School District through the funding of instruments, instruction, and experiences to interested and talented students who might not otherwise have the opportunities due to personal circumstances." 

Brad hoped the fund would accomplish the following goals:

• To provide lessons for talented students who may not be able to afford them 
• To provide instruments for all elementary students who have the desire to learn 
• To establish a summer music camp for elementary students

The Third Annual Music Marathon!

I first learned of the Music Marathon from my good friend Andy (a.k.a. "Andy the trombone player"), who plays with the Upper Darby Sousa Band, just one of the many many groups performing at this year's event.   There will be a variety of musical performances, including bagpipers, jazz combos, string ensembles, drumlines, funk, rock, R & B, and pop, starting at 9 am and going into the evening hours.  And, I recently learned that some other good friends of mine are headlining the day's concerts... who else but Chico's Vibe, of course!!  

Chico's Vibe Performing at the 2010 Music Marathon

The third annual Music Marathon will take place on Saturday, May 21, 2011, and kick off with a 5k Run/2 Mile Fun Walk, scheduled to start at 10 am across the street from the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center.  You can view a complete schedule of the day's events here.  

The 5K Run/2 Mile Fun Walk

Date: Saturday, May 21, 2011
Time: 10:00am
Location: Arlington Cemetery
Address: 2900 State Road, Drexel Hill PA 19026 (map)
Race day registration & packet pick-up: on site from 8:30-9:30am
On-Site Registration Opens @ 8:00 am or register in advance online!

A description of the race, taken from the music marathon's website:

"A two loop run course, (or one loop walk) in beautiful Arlington Cemetery, the resting place of Upper Darby’s beloved band director, Brad Schoener.  Along the course, runners and walkers will be treated to live music by some of Brad’s students and friends."

Concluding Thoughts...

The Music Marathon is going to be a fantastic event for a great cause.  I am excited to be involved in this event, as a participant in the 5K race, a volunteer, a supporter of the fund (I have donated piano lessons to be raffled off), and a spectator of the many great musical performances that will take place on May 21st in honor of Brad Schoener and the mission of his fund.  I look forward to seeing many bright and smiling, familiar faces, and hope that those of you who were not aware of this event will decide to stop by for at least part of the day.

Musically yours,
Tina

Monsignor Bonner High School Presents "GREASE"...and Related Musical Thoughts!

Hi Friends and Happy "Hump Day!"

I hope everyone is enjoying the week.  I know I personally have been enjoying a string of music-filled days that will continue into this weekend!

This past Sunday, I sat in on a rehearsal of "Grease" the musical at Monsignor Bonner High School (which I'll get to shortly), followed by a performance on clarinet with Box Five at Andrea Clearfield's lovely musical salon.  (See the "Photos" page for a couple of photos from the event.)

Monday night, I had the pleasure of attending the CD release party for Orrin Evans' Captain Black Big Band -- a band comprised of very impressive musicians, including friends Victor North on tenor sax and Stafford Hunter on trombone.  NPR recently did a nice write-up of the band, as did the Philadelphia Inquirer.  I highly recommend checking them out!!

Last night, after indulging in a fantastic dessert (my first experience with "chocolate by the bald man", aka Max Brenner, which will hopefully not be my last!!), went to check out the final Tuesday night jazz jam hosted by Victor North and his house band at Chris' Jazz Cafe.  After about a two-year run, a new house band will be brought in for the Tuesday night jam session. Meanwhile, Victor will start hosting the late-night jazz jam on Friday nights at Chris' in April.

That brings me to Wednesday, and this evening my musical journey will take me back to Bonner H.S. for dress rehearsal for the school's spring production of "Grease"!  And in typical Tina fashion, with every new show I play, I shall learn a new instrument!  This time around, it is tenor sax, which is at this point is I think the only member of the saxophone family I had not played until now.  The school was kind enough to rent one for me, and I must say I'm seriously considering purchasing it.  As far as I'm concerned, you can never have enough musical instruments in your closet, haha!  Hey, you never know when someone is going to need a tenor sub!  One thing I will say -- I remember playing baritone sax in eighth grade when the case was essentially bigger than me, and I don't remember it being as heavy as this tenor!!  Maybe I am just growing weaker in my old age, despite my persistent attempts at keeping up with my strength training :)

Another challenge with this show is that I am forced to face my struggle with improvising/soloing.  I'm not afraid to admit my weaknesses, and honestly, I'm a classically trained musician with a serious appreciation for jazz who never really bothered to learn to play it, aside from reading what's on the paper.  When playing with big bands in the past, I have always passed up soloing out of fear, which is probably one of the stupidest things I could have done and still do... until now!!  I am finally facing my fear of improvising, and hoping to get my feet a little wet with "Grease" by playing a few short solos on tenor where applicable.  A huge "thank you" to my friend, Joe Fisher, who was kind enough to spend some time with me last week refreshing my memory on things like Blues/Pentatonic Scale (DUH!) -- wouldn't you know it, it's not really that hard!!!  So, I'm going to give it my best shot and see what happens.  If I fall on my face, so what?

So, if you'd like to come see me embarrass myself by attempting to improvise on tenor sax, you can catch me at one of four performances of "Grease" at Bonner.  I'll be part of the pit for the following shows: April 3, 8, 9, & 10.  However, there are eight shows in total, and a complete listing of show dates and times is below!

GREASE! Show Dates/Times:

Friday April 1 - 7:30 pm

Saturday April 2 - 7:30 pm

Sunday April 3 - 2 pm

Friday April 8 - 7:30 pm

Saturday April 9 - 7:30 pm

Sunday April 10 - 2 pm

Friday April 15 - 7:30 pm

Saturday April 16 - 7:30 pm

As is the norm for Bonner and Prendie shows, tickets are $9.50 each in advance/$10 at the door.  Advanced tickets must be picked up prior to the show.  You can call the wonderful Mrs. Rocco at 610-259-0280 for more information.  Or, you could contact me! Either way works!  :)

Musically yours,

Tina

BOX FIVE at Andrea Clearfield's Salon!!

Hello Friends!

Wanted to let you know about a somewhat "exclusive," entirely fantastic event happening this weekend.  Box Five will be back in Philly, performing once again at composer Andrea Clearfield's musical Salon on Sunday evening, March 27th.  I am delighted that Mary Bichner (rockstar and "brainchild" of Box Five) has again asked me to be a part of it.  This will be my third experience performing with Mary and Box Five at the Salon.

Andrea Clearfield's Salon

If you are not familiar with the Salon, a variety of artists will each perform one 10-minute set throughout the course of the evening. My role will be playing clarinet on one piece with Box Five, "Scylla and Charibdys", which happens to be one of my personal favorites!  You can listen to the track (and purchase it if you like it :) here!  The following has been said about the Salon, (taken from Andrea Clearfield's website):

"The Salon, a performance series in the home and modeled after the 19th Century European salons, was founded in September 1986 by composer Andrea Clearfield. Andrea hosted monthly Salons from September through May at her Spruce Street apartment in central Philadelphia, and in 2003 moved into a larger space to accommodate the growing number of audience attending. Unlike the Salons of the past, this Salon was conceived with the idea of integrating different music genres as well as other arts. The Salon features not only classical chamber music and opera, but also jazz, original contemporary compositions, electronic, improvisation, folk, experimental, world music, poetry, dance and multimedia works."

Goli, the awesome cello and marimba duo based out of Boston will be performing as well, and if you haven't heard them before, their talent is extremely impressive, and their sound is unique and beautiful -- a true treat for the ears!

Me with Mary Bichner (Box Five) & Valerie Thompson (Goli) at the Box Five CD Release Party at Tritone, December 2010

More Details:

BOX FIVE @ Andrea Clearfield's Salon
When: Sunday, March 27th @ 7:00pm
Where: [invitation only]*
Cost: $10 suggested donation (all ages)
*Invitation only; please e-mail me if you would like to attend & I will try to get you in! 

In closing, I thought I would leave you with the lyrics to the song I will be performing with Mary.  Enjoy, and I hope to see you at the Salon!

Musically yours,

Tina

Lyrics to "Scylla and Charibdys"

No more distraction, it's full speed ahead 
Though halfway home, I am not there yet 

Far from the harbor we glide through the water 

With nary a sigh 

Carefully I sail along 

Steering clear of your song 

And plaintively you wail away 

Begging me that I stay 

I may be strong, but I'm not made of stone: 

Blame this traversing the sea alone 

Swallow the ocean and crack us wide open 

With nary a sigh 

Shakily I sail along 

Weakening at your song 

And plaintively you wail away 

Begging me that I stay 

(And then I give way) 

Merrily I sail along 

Giving in to your song 

And conqueringly you flail away 
Sinking me so I stay

Pope John Paul II H.S. Presents "Les Miserables"!

Hi Friends & Happy March!

I wanted to let you know about an upcoming production of "Les Miserables" that opens THIS WEEKEND at Pope John Paul II High School in Royersford, PA.  This brand spanking new high school opened in September 2010 as a result of a merger of Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School in Norristown, PA, and St. Pius X High School in Pottstown, PA, by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  The school is unbelievable with an absolutely gorgeous, state-of-the-art auditorium.

For this show, I am playing the Reed I book in the pit (clarinet, alto sax, and yes, flute) with several of my long time very good musician friends.  Believe it or not, I am getting better at flute, after admittedly not picking it up since the last show :)  Anyway, this is my all-time favorite musical, so I couldn't be happier to be a part of it.  I played for KKCHS for years and was so happy to get the call when the schools merged.  The kids are doing a really nice job, so it's going to be a good production!  If you are interested in seeing the show, I have included the show dates and times below.

Friday March 11 - 7 pm

Saturday March 12 - 7 pm

Sunday March 13 - 5 pm

Thursday March 17 - 7 pm

Friday March 18 - 7 pm

Saturday March 19 - 7 pm

Cast & Crew - Students of PJPII H.S.

Directed by Marusia Griffin Lynn

Musical Director, Eleanor Griffin

Tickets are $10 and if you'd like to reserve them in advance you can call 484-975-6500.  The address for Pope John Paul II High School is 181 Rittenhouse Rd, Royersford PA, 19468.

Hope to see some of you there!

Musically yours,
Tina

"The Amazing Benefits of Music Therapy!!"

Hi Friends!

Sorry it's been so long since my last post... life has been crazy busy.  I hope everyone is enjoying the month of February, specifically some of the warm weather we were blessed with last week.  Hopefully a sign that spring is just around the corner!

Today I wanted to share with you (and give you my take on) an article that was e-mailed to me recently from everyday HEALTH, which discusses some of the health benefits of music (specifically women's health benefits).  The basic gist of the article, "The Amazing Benefits of Music Therapy" (which you can read here) is that listening to music/music therapy can significantly reduce stress, help manage pain... it's also good for your heart as music can help lower blood pressure. There is even discussion about how music can be a helpful tool for women going through labor (nothing that will likely ever apply to me, but interesting to note!)  In essence, music has healing power! The article also emphasizes the increased relaxation and emotional release that music can provide, which I can absolutely relate to, and I'm sure many of you can too.

What Benefits Does Music Provide for Me?

Reading this article got me thinking about all the different ways music enhances my life, and I found that it is a big part of nearly every aspect of my every day!  Music is something I cannot imagine living without, and I truly believe in the emotional and physical health benefits it provides.  When a person tells me he/she really isn't into music, or doesn't like it (what???), I am usually in disbelief... what does that person do when he/she is sad, or happy, or getting ready to go out, or riding in the car... no music, really??  Does not compute!!  Every opportunity that I have to listen to music, I take it!

On weekdays, after my morning dose of Preston & Steve on WMMR, it's all music, all day!  I pop the headphones in for the walk to work, listen to Pandora all day at my desk -- usually either a jazz (Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk) or singer-songwriter (Sara Bareilles, Corinne Bailey Rae, Regina Spektor) type station, headphones on the walk home, and then more jazz while I'm cooking "dinner" (read: "soup", "pasta", or "cereal").  At the gym, it's more music -- if I'm doing my own thing it's high-tempo jams on the headphones, or if I'm taking a class there is always music pumping.  Many nights I even fall asleep to music as well (jazz on WRTI).  What can I say, music helps keep me calm throughout the workday, and actually keeps me company in a way when I'm alone -- either at home,  taking a walk by myself, sitting in the park at lunch... it's not just nice to listen to, but it's an outlet, almost in a similar way a friend would be.  I'm sure my upstairs roommate must be extremely tired of hearing certain songs on repeat (and me singing along) when I'm home, but he hasn't complained yet!  :)

Friday nights, I lately have found myself listening to 106.1's "Live at the Coastline" with DJ Frank Cerami, which pumps me up and gets me feeling happy about life at the end of a long week!  I then I ease into my weekends with WXPN's "Sleepy Hollow" program early on Saturday and Sunday mornings -- "quiet sounds" that the website describes as a "blend of jazz, folk, instrumental, and contemporary acoustic music."  The program is ridiculously relaxing, and significantly reduces my stress levels (don't we all need that?)  Late Saturday mornings, I often listen to NPR's "Crossover" program, hosted by Jill Pasternak, the focus of which is typically classical and acoustic-jazz based, which continues my relaxation.  And on Sunday mornings, there is nothing better than enjoying a cup of coffee, windows open, sun shining, while listening to "Breakfast with The Beatles" from 7-9 am on WMGK, followed by "Brunch with The Beatles" from 10am -12pm on WOGL (98.1).  (Yes, I still listen to a RADIO, which is at least 15 years old, if not older.)

What's on my iPod Playlist?

I already mentioned some of my favorites to listen to on Pandora, and some of my preferred radio programs.  So what do I listen to when I pop in the headphones or throw the iPod in the dock?  The answer is, a complete variety of music that spans all genres and generations -- it all depends on my mood!  Sometimes I'm sad, and I want to hear a sad song to help me get through whatever it is I'm going through!  If I need a good cry, you can bet I'm going to put on some Coldplay or whatever song just "gets to me" at that point in time.  But then other times I'm sad, and the last thing I want to hear is any song with lyrics, because let's face it, I'll find a way to relate any lyrics to my current situation.  (Don't tell me you don't know what I'm talking about!)  In those instances, I'll turn on some classical or jazz that is sure to soothe me (except for Dinah Washington -- much as I love her, every single one of her songs has the ability to make me cry these days).  When I feel like getting pumped up, lately it's been anything by Earth Wind & Fire, "Lady" by the Commodores, a few Rihanna jams, and a couple other pop/hip-hop tunes that are completely silly and I love every minute of it!  When I'm feeling "in love" (which is rare - ha!), what is better than listening to a good old-fashioned love song?? (Some of the Dinah Washington songs fit well into this category :) My point here is that music really helps tap into and release different emotions.  It can make you feel good, bad, better, worse, but whatever feeling it is, the point is that the music is helping you feel it, and not only is that something special, but it is healthy!!  So tell me, what's on your playlist??


Can't Forget LIVE Music!

Of course the benefits of enjoying music extends beyond iPod playlists and radio programs -- I try to get out as often as possible to see live music as well!  From the Tuesday night jazz jams at 23rd Street Cafe and Chris' Jazz Cafe to weekend nights seeing live bands -- both original and cover bands -- something about listening to live music is even more powerful.  It gets you to tap your foot, get out of your seat and move your feet, feel the music inside of you... not only is it relaxing, but for me, it really helps to forget about all the stress and BS in life, let loose a little... emotionally disconnect from all the crap and connect to the awesomeness that is the live performers in the room and the music they are producing.  Not only is it emotionally healthy, but getting out to see some live music benefits you physically as well because let's face it, if you're on your feet dancing, you're helping your heart and burning calories!! :)

Musical Performance

The article points out that you don't have to be a musician to appreciate the benefits that music provides, and I suppose this is very true.  However, I would say that I am extra lucky to be a musician myself, because I do see added benefits from that ability. For instance, I can sit down at the piano and play a song that makes me feel good, belt out a sad tune, or even write my own. Talk about a fantastic release!  I am certainly a far cry from a great songwriter, but when I do write a song that really means something to me, the waves of emotions I feel, and the ability to release them through lyrics, music, and sometimes tears... well, that's really some kind of therapy right there!

I also find that I benefit greatly from performing in groups.  Some of my fellow musicians have also become some of my closest friends, and I think they would agree that when performing together, whether it be in a pit orchestra, choir, or ensemble setting of any kind, that feeling of being in sync with the other performers, feeling the same emotions together, "locking in" on certain sections in a song where you have that "wow" moment... it's pretty cool stuff!  It's also just FUN to play in a group, to connect with the other musicians, and candidly it's another way to get away from the "crap" in life -- perhaps comparable to diving into and getting lost in a good book!


Concluding Thoughts

I'm sure I could go on and on about the benefits of music... do all kinds of additional medical research, etc... but I'll spare you that... for now!  I just wanted to share some of my own personal thoughts on it.  I'll let you read the article and come to your own conclusions, and I'd be interested to hear what you think -- feel free to leave your thoughts in the "comments" section, below.  In case you missed the link above, you can read the article that was the inspiration for this blog by clicking here.

Here's to your health -- and to good music!
Tina