"More than just a dotted line... More than just a dash"

Hi Friends and Happy Friday!

While I generally like to keep the focus of this blog to all things music-related, as many of you know, I am also a runner.  That said, I wanted to take a quick moment today to let you all know I am proud to be running my very first marathon this weekend -- the Philadelphia Marathon -- and to let you in just a little on my journey to get to this point...

At the beginning of this year, I was running very regularly.  With two half marathons under my belt, and having registered for two half marathons and my third Broad Street Run (a 10-miler) in the spring, I was feeling great about running.  I decided early on in the year that one of my goals for 2010 would be to complete a full marathon.  

Then, I faced a set-back--knee troubles.      

Out of nowhere, I started having knee pain toward the end of my training for the Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville.  I went out and got a knee brace, took a break from running, tried to do what I could to rest the knee.  The knee pain didn't go away entirely, but I was able to complete the race in Nashville in 1:57, achieving my goal of finishing in under 2 hours.  I was in a good deal of pain afterward, though.  After Nashville, I bought new sneakers, kept running with the brace, was trying to take it easy.  I then proceeded to run the Broad Street Run and Odyssey Half Marathon, suffering through some pretty brutal knee pain.  It got to the point that I couldn't even run one mile without being in excruciating pain.  I was at my wit's end at that point, my hopes of ever running again at all, let alone running a full marathon, completely shattered.  

In May, I went to see an orthopedic doctor over at Jefferson Hospital, who gave me the news that the knee pain I was suffering was due to a condition commonly referred to as "Runner's Knee," that it could be corrected with some special stretches done regularly, and that I could continue to run without causing any physical damage to myself.  He even told me that I could still run a marathon this year, if I really wanted to.  I laughed and thought, yeah right!  

After doing the suggested stretches for several weeks, I started running regularly again, even running with a group three days a week, and was feeling good!  I was unbelievably relieved, and thankful.  I still did not think for one moment, however, that I would be running a marathon.  That was until one day this summer, I was having lunch with a friend--someone very special to me and who I admire--and he convinced me that I could, and should, sign up to run the Philadelphia Marathon.  So that very night, I did!  

Since making the commitment, I have trained very hard for three months, along with others in my awesome running group, the South Philly Striders, and I am proud to say that this Sunday, November 21, 2010, I will be running in the Philadelphia Marathon!   

My goal is to finish in 4:30:00, but I will truly be happy just to finish the race.  I will be running with Donna Searer, with whom I've been doing a lot of the training -- this is also her first marathon!  The picture below is from our 20-mile run with some others from the group!  

20-Mile Training Run ("Big Long Fun Run") - October 30, 2010

If you are interested in coming out to the race to cheer us on, here is a map of the race course -- there are also designated cheer zones.  I would be delighted to see any friends and family members who can make it.  The race starts bright and early, at 7 am, on the Ben Franklin Parkway.  I will likely cross the starting line around 7:20 or so.

My journey to get to this point has been a challenging one, with ups and downs, much like anything else in life.  Training for this marathon has only reinforced my beliefs that you can achieve your goals, whatever they are, as long as you have the will and determination to achieve them.  

And with that, I'd like to leave you with the lyrics to a Rush song called "Marathon."  Enjoy, and I hope to see some of you along the race course this Sunday.  Wish me luck!

Tina

"Marathon" by Rush

It's not how fast you can go

The force goes into the flow

If you pick up the beat

You can forget about the heat

More than just survival

More than just a flash

More than just a dotted line

More than just a dash

It's a test of ultimate will

The heartbreak climb uphill

Got to pick up the pace

If you want to stay in the race

More than blind ambition

More than simple greed

More than a finish line

Must feed this burning need 

In the long run...

Chorus

From first to last

The peak is never passed

Something always fires the light that gets in your eyes

One moment's high, and glory rolls on by

Like a streak of lightning

That flashes and fades in the summer sky

Your meters may overload

You can rest at the side of the road

You can miss a stride

But nobody gets a free ride

More than high performance

More than just a spark

More than just the bottom line

Or a lucky shot in the dark

In the long run...

Chorus

You can do a lot in a lifetime

If you don't burn out too fast

You can make the most of the distance

First you need endurance

First you've got to last...

Chorus

Interesting Article in Scientific American

Hi Friends!

Life has been busy of late, so it's been tough to write as much as I'd like to.  Wait, who am I kidding, life is always busy!  In any event, I wanted to take this moment to just quickly share an article that a friend recently shared with me, that addresses the importance of music in childhood development and education.

If you are remotely involved or interested in music, you have undoubtedly heard at one point in time over the years about the importance of music, and the arts in general, in a child's education.  This is a topic I have been particularly concerned with for a long time, particularly as schools are increasingly slashing budgets and classes related to music programs.  I hope to find time in the future to personally do some more research and write my own article on the topic; however, in the meantime, a substantial amount of research and studies have been performed, and there is extensive information out there that is worth reading. So don't hold your breath waiting for my article!  :)

The article I wanted to share with you today, is one I thought was worth reading.  Recently published in Scientific American, "Hearing the Music, Honing the Mind" is a brief article reinforcing the benefits of children being exposed to music at an early age, not only in school, but at home.

Feel free to leave comments with your thoughts!

Musically yours,
Tina

P.S. Don't forget to check out Archbishop Prendergast's production of "Annie," which opens this weekend and runs through next weekend!  There are lots of children in the show, demonstrating first-hand how we can get our kids involved in music!  How do you like that plug?? :)

"Annie" at Archbishop Prendergast High School

Hi Friends and Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday weekend.  Mine was great -- baked lots of yummy Halloween treats and enjoyed a fun Halloween get-together with friends last night.  Today, however, it was back to business, with rehearsal for Archbishop Prendergast High School's production of "Annie!"  I will be playing in the pit orchestra for this production, which opens in less than two weeks on Friday, November 12th.

For those of you not familiar, "Annie" tells the story of a young orphan girl and her adventures in finding a family who will take her.  You are likely familiar with the most popular tune from the musical, "Tomorrow."  The show will feature not only the talented high school students at Prendie, but also several young children acting as the "orphans," who are adorable and also very talented!  You can also "bet your bottom dollar" it will feature a large and very talented pit orchestra.  Come on, I had to!  :)

On a personal note, I am most excited about this performance, because it will be the first time I have ever played four different instruments in a show.  I know what you're probably thinking - what's so great about that, don't most woodwind players do this all the time?  Well, up until now, I have only ever traded off between clarinet and sax in the shows I have played.  So this is a new milestone for me.  But what's more exciting, is that two of the instruments I am playing are ones I had never before picked up before this show--flute and soprano sax!  I intend to write more about my journey teaching myself to play flute in a later post, so stay tuned!  Anyway, you should definitely come check this out, even if it's just to see whether I am capable of juggling all of those instruments!!

"Annie" will run at Prendie through two weekends, at the following dates and times:

Friday, Nov 12, 7:30 pm

Saturday, Nov 13, 7:30 pm

Sunday, Nov 14, 2:00 pm

Friday, Nov 19, 7:30 pm

Saturday, Nov 20, 7:30 pm

Sunday, Nov 20, 2:00 pm

Tickets are $10 at the door.  You may also purchase your tickets in advance, beginning this Tuesday, November 2nd.  However, tickets purchased in advance must be picked up prior to the show (no tickets will be left at the door).  Please call 610-259-0280 for more information!

Hope to see you out at one of the performances!

Musically yours,

Tina

"So You Think You Can Sing?"

That was the headline I read for a small blurb in the South Philly Review early on a Monday morning in the spring of 2007, while living in Queen Village with my best friend Darcy.  I hardly ever read the newspaper, but for some reason that morning I picked the paper up off our doorstep and decided to read it.  The minute I saw that headline I said to myself, "Yeah, as a matter of fact I do think I can sing."  So I read on.  It turned out that the blurb I found was referring to auditions for the Holiday POPS Festival Chorus, which sings with Peter Nero and the Philly POPS for the ten Holiday POPS concerts each December at the Kimmel Center.  I called that day to schedule an audition, and, as the saying goes, the rest is history.

This year will be my fourth year singing with the Festival Chorus, and, as I think I mentioned in a prior post, I could not be more delighted.  The director of the chorus, Jeffrey Kern, is amazing, and of course it is an honor to perform with Peter and the POPS ("the best orchestra in the entire cosmos", as Peter would say).  Tonight was the choir's first rehearsal, and we have a great group of singers, with an already solid tone.  It should be an excellent year!

Anyway, the real intent of this post is to let you all know that membership into the choir is still open, to both male and female singers.  SO, if "you think you can sing," can read music decently well, and would be willing to make the commitment to the rehearsals and concerts, please get in touch with me.  I believe membership is available to anyone over the age of 16.  I would be happy to provide a schedule of the rehearsals and performances, upon request.  Existing choir members are able to bring new singers to rehearsal for the next two Tuesday evening rehearsals. After that, membership will be closed.

If you would like to contact me about singing with the Holiday POPS Festival Chorus, please e-mail me at tinadmusic@gmail.com.

Thanks and I hope to sing with some of you this year!

Musically yours,
Tina

Local High School in Need of Reed Players!

Hi Friends!

I will try to keep this post brief.  Archbishop Prendergast High School in Upper Darby, PA (Delco!) is putting on a production of "Annie" (more to come on this later!), and we are currently looking for a few good musicians to help fill our pit. Predominantly, we are looking to fill some positions in the woodwind section (especially flute).  We are (desperately) in need of the following:

Reed 2 (alto/bari/clar/flute)

Reed 4 (alto/clar/flute/picc)

Reed 5 (clar/flute), tuba, and aux percussion (including mallets/bells)

I am covering the Reed 1 book, and we have someone covering the Reed 3 book.  I am excited to report that in addition to playing clarinet and also sax, I will also be playing a little soprano sax, and with any luck some flute, for this show.  (More on that later also.) That said, as much as I'd like to, I cannot unfortunately play four reed books simultaneously.  So that's where you come in :)

If you or someone you know is willing and able to help out (you will also earn a "modest" stipend), please please get in touch with me as soon as possible.  You can contact me via e-mail at tinadmusic@gmail.com, or via Facebook, and I can get you in touch with the music director, Rick Sayers, for any questions about pay, etc.  If you haven't had the opportunity to work with Rick in the past, he is a fabulous director, who has a knack for making these shows really enjoyable.

The show runs the weekends of November 12th - 14th and 19th - 21st.  I would be happy to provide anyone with a complete list of rehearsal and show times, upon request.  Rehearsals started yesterday with the pit, and the books are very manageable.  The first rehearsal with the cast is this coming Sunday, October 24th, from 1 pm - 5 pm.  We would love to be able to have some more reed players by then.

Thanks for your help!!
~Tina

Jazz by Night Celebration - Downtown Media, PA

Hi Friends!

It's that time of year again... Media's "Jazz by Night Celebration" is back this Saturday night, October 16, 2010!  The festival, which takes place in downtown Media, PA, will feature performers in 13 different venues, performing a variety of jazz types--from Bebop to Avant-Guard to NuJazz--from 7:30 pm - 1 am.  The focus of this year's festival is the "Women of Jazz," and a complete list of performers and venues can be found here.

The Jazz by Night festival is one of several in Media's "America's Music Festival Series."  Others in the series include the "Media Americana Roots Ramble" in the spring, and the "State Street Blues Stroll" in the summer.  I personally attended both the Roots Ramble and the Blues Stroll this year, and have attended the Jazz by Night festival several years running, and I am never disappointed!  It is truly a lovely night and if you've never been--or even if you have--I encourage you all to come out this year!

Denise King will perform at Iron Hill Brewery at 9:30 pm

I also would encourage you to buy your tickets in advance if possible!  Tickets are $15 the day of, or $10 in advance, if you purchase them online through October 15th.  Tickets offer you free admission into any and all venues throughout the evening.  The drinks, unfortunately, are on your own tab!  ;)

The festival is held rain or shine and parking is free!  So come one, come all, to Media's "Jazz by Night Celebration" this Saturday!

Cheers!

Tina

Live Band or DJ? THAT is the question!

Hi Friends!

So, a little departure from the norm, but today I hope to offer some advice on music as you plan your next big event. Specifically, your wedding day.  You may be wondering about the timeliness of this post.  Quite simply, the month of October is, in my humble opinion, the perfect month to celebrate a wedding (it is my favorite month of the year).  So there you go.  And for me, the most important components of a wedding are, in this order: 1) the perfect mate and 2) great music.  (Open bar and bacon-wrapped shrimp, coming in at 3 and 4, are pretty important too.)

So, you're planning your "big day," and so far you've compiled your guest list (closest friends and family only, thanks), decided who will be in your wedding party, even picked your venue... let's say... The Waterworks, for example....

The next big question to ask yourself is, what do you do about music?  Mainly, should you hire a live band or a DJ?  Now, I am by no means a "wedding coordinator," but I at least feel that I can give some advice on music.  So, what I hope to do in the remainder of this post, is to offer some pros and cons of both, and make some recommendations on a few live bands, if you choose to go that route for your big day!

Pros and Cons

Live Band

Pros
- There is nothing like live music - it will likely encourage more of your guests to dance all evening long.
- A live band will sound more vibrant and bring energy that is lacking in pre-recorded music.
- Hiring a band that specializes in a specific genre can easily accommodate a themed reception.

Cons
- Generally, live bands cost more than a DJ (as in thousands of dollars compared to hundreds).
- A band's repertoire of music may be somewhat limited.
- Most bands will have to take a break (however, any good band will typically be prepared to play pre-recorded music in between sets).

DJ

Pros
- Generally, a DJ will be more affordable than a live band.
- Most DJs have an unlimited selection of music, and will typically accept requests.
- Most DJs don't take breaks, therefore you would have continuous music throughout the reception.

Cons
- It may take longer to get guests to dance with a DJ.
- A DJ may play all the songs on your playlist, but will not come close to providing the energy of a live band.
- A DJ may not be able to set the same "mood" or fit as well into a specific theme, if you have one.

This is just my abbreviated list of "Pros and Cons"--for a more substantive discussion on the issues, The Knot has a nice article on its website about choosing a live band vs. a DJ.  Of course, you don't necessarily have to choose one or the other... if your budget allows, you could always do some kind of combination!  

My Recommendations

If you are considering hiring a live band in the Philadelphia area, depending on the type of music you are going for, I would like to highly recommend a couple of bands.

If you are interested in a mix of big band and swing music for your big day, check out Jump City Jazz Orchestra, an 18-piece big band that has been performing at events in the Delaware Valley since 1994.  

To give you an idea, Jump City's song list includes: The WWI-era sounds of Glenn Miller, Woody Herman, and Count Basie, Songs from the 50s and 60s from Duke Ellington and Stan Kenton, and jump swing pieces of modern artists like the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Big Bad Vooddoo Daddy.  They also have talented vocalists who perform songs of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, Rosemary Clooney, and others!

If you are more interested in music that spans all decades and genres, and a lot of great energy, consider hiring Chico's Vibe, the Philadelphia area's "Premiere Party Band." 

The Vibe, a 9-piece band (featuring an awesome dancing horn section, see above photo) was voted "Best Live Band" by the Main Line Times.  If you'd like to see the band for yourself, check out the schedule on their website for a list of upcoming free live performances.  A sample of their music (some of my personal favorites...) follows:

Al Green "Let's Stay Together"
B-52's "Love Shack"

Barry White "My First, Last, My Everything"

Chicago "Saturday in the Park"

Earth Wind & Fire "September"

Etta James "At Last"

Frank Sinatra "The Way You Look Tonight"
Michael Buble "Save the Last Dance for Me"

...I could go on, but go ahead and check out their song list for yourself!  

Of course there are tons of other bands out there, but I have to give my favorites a special plug here.  Also, I'll admit I'm a little biased, and there is almost no question that I will have a live band perform at my wedding... whenever that day shall come! Whatever you decide, I hope your day is filled with great music!

Musically yours,

Tina