It's been a good year to say the least, but all is about to be said and done with 2010. It's time to start something new as we all do at the end of the year and the start of a new one. We all make promises to ourselves to either try something different or maybe change an aspect of our lives that we don't like. Maybe we promise to change something about ourselves. Either way evolution and change must happen not only to survive but to better ourselves and our lives.
I have many ideas on what can be done in 2011 to make my life more enjoyable, to be more fruitful. It's all so scattered, however, and I can't quite get a grip on exactly what needs to be done. Here are a few.
The education system here in Duval is facing a $100 million dollar shortfall. Another budget crisis indeed. Combine that with the fact my certificate expires in June and I refuse to go through Duval County's "alternative certification" program, I will be looking for a new job come summer. I know it sounds terrible, but worse things can happen. I'll still be teaching until the end of the school year which will give me adequate time to prepare for the next job. I still plan on giving the best quality music education I can to the children of George W. Carver and Rutledge Pearson Elementary. FCAT is coming up and I hope both schools improve their school grades for both the students' and classroom teachers' sakes.
I'm not too sure what line of work I'll fall into next. I'm willing and open to work anything. Maybe I'll substitute teach again. Maybe I'll get into a completely different field. Whatever it may be I'm excited about the new opportunity to acquire new work experience in whatever I can find.
I need to start writing again. I haven't written a new song in ages it seems. Maybe we need to take some time off from gigging with Oscar Mike so we can work up new material. Sharing your music with different audiences is great, but there comes a time where you just have to slow down and begin creating new tunes. I'm looking forward to experimenting with new progressions and arrangements. I really like the musical direction our band is heading.
The relationships I'm blessed to have with Daniel, Tiffany, Nick, and Chelsie are most important to me. Relationships themselves evolve and change. I'm greatly anticipating what direction each of the relationships I have with my brother, my girlfriend, my bandmate, and my friend, will go. These people mean the world to me and I am very thankful to have each and every one of them in my life.
Looking ahead I'm not too sure what I need to do, but I have faith that I will figure it out along the way with a little help from my friends. Looking ahead I feel good about the future.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Gigs
I've never been good at booking gigs. I mean sometimes I'd get lucky every now and then, but I must say my track record is less than impressive. I've always wished someone could just do the booking part and I could just worry about getting whatever equipment situation there may be sorted away and of course the actual playing of the music. Thankfully, Chelsie discovered a new talent of hers. The talent I'm speaking of is booking gigs-duh.
The past two months have been pretty busy. Oscar Mike is coming along. It's still a work in progress and we still have a lot to do before we actually make a splash on any kind of scene that might exist here, but to say that we haven't gotten any kind of opportunity would be crazy and down right wrong. We've played at least twice every week since we started playing out again back in September. I'd been out of it for a few years prior, but some things never change. Owners will over book bands. There will be a crappy PA systems(thankfully we have our own!) There will be other asshole musicians. There will be music snobs. But it's all good. I'm just happy to be up there again playing original music (with the occasional Michael Jackson cover)
We got involved with this local label in town called Infintesmal Records and they pretty much got us started, booking us at venues like Shantytown and Underbelly. Once we played Underbelly it was Daniel who booked the residency there every other Wednesday. The every other Wednesday line up usually consists of singer/songwriter Stacey Bennet, Jesse Kennedy, and this cello and bass viol-driven group appropriately named Antique Animals. Occasionally another band will be on the bill. For instance a 10-piece band from California popped up out of nowhere. That was a fun night. Great band. Great sound. They're called Red River. Listen to 'em.
It was Chelsie, however, who booked us at 1st Friday (where we now have a residency) and The Sinclair for the Conmoto Music and Art Festival. I really didn't think we flew over well there, but we've recently been booked again for next month, apparently opening for some popular band. I still don't know who the band is, and I didn't drop ANY kind of name so the last thing I want to hear is, "David said that his band is opening for DMB!!!" I NEVER said that!!
It is cool though when you go into Cool Moose to grab some breakfast with a gig hangover and the restaurant is playing your CD. It's even cooler when the waitress asks for your autograph. I felt really "cool".
All of this is besides the point. I set out this year to get up in front of people and play music again on a regular basis. It's taken all year, but it's finally starting to happen. It's quite nice.
The past two months have been pretty busy. Oscar Mike is coming along. It's still a work in progress and we still have a lot to do before we actually make a splash on any kind of scene that might exist here, but to say that we haven't gotten any kind of opportunity would be crazy and down right wrong. We've played at least twice every week since we started playing out again back in September. I'd been out of it for a few years prior, but some things never change. Owners will over book bands. There will be a crappy PA systems(thankfully we have our own!) There will be other asshole musicians. There will be music snobs. But it's all good. I'm just happy to be up there again playing original music (with the occasional Michael Jackson cover)
We got involved with this local label in town called Infintesmal Records and they pretty much got us started, booking us at venues like Shantytown and Underbelly. Once we played Underbelly it was Daniel who booked the residency there every other Wednesday. The every other Wednesday line up usually consists of singer/songwriter Stacey Bennet, Jesse Kennedy, and this cello and bass viol-driven group appropriately named Antique Animals. Occasionally another band will be on the bill. For instance a 10-piece band from California popped up out of nowhere. That was a fun night. Great band. Great sound. They're called Red River. Listen to 'em.
It was Chelsie, however, who booked us at 1st Friday (where we now have a residency) and The Sinclair for the Conmoto Music and Art Festival. I really didn't think we flew over well there, but we've recently been booked again for next month, apparently opening for some popular band. I still don't know who the band is, and I didn't drop ANY kind of name so the last thing I want to hear is, "David said that his band is opening for DMB!!!" I NEVER said that!!
It is cool though when you go into Cool Moose to grab some breakfast with a gig hangover and the restaurant is playing your CD. It's even cooler when the waitress asks for your autograph. I felt really "cool".
All of this is besides the point. I set out this year to get up in front of people and play music again on a regular basis. It's taken all year, but it's finally starting to happen. It's quite nice.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A Moment of Clarity
I was watching Andrew York playing one of his compositions, Letting Go, on YouTube today and realized something very simple yet very true. As long as there are people out there playing music, making art, writing, etc. we will all be alright. Be creative everyone. Whatever it is you do, be creative and ensure we're all alright.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Random Thoughts Can't Be Spoken Pt. 1
-I was watching the Dallas Cowboys lose to the Titans yesterday and a thought popped up in me head. "Ya can't win 'em all." That's a very common saying, however, something gets lost in translation. While ya can't win 'em all you can definitely lose them all if you're not careful and that's life.
-511 yards of total offense and my Boys still can't win the game! It's hard to win though when you give up 6 sacks, 12 penalties, and give up 3 turnovers.
-Oscar Mike gig at Underbelly in Riverside on Thursday night. Stand up and clap your hands it's the Neptunian way.
-Monday Night Football here in Jax next week. Looking forward to seeing Chris Johnson run in person.
-Tiffany is quite possibly the quirkiest person I've ever met.
-Everyday I realize more and more I'm in the WRONG profession.
-Most people I know tell me I have it made. I've yet to see what I've made. Maybe I need to reflect more often.
-Breathing is very important and I still forget to do it sometimes.
-Hank Williams Jr. has written 16 songs for Monday Night Football every season the program has been on the air.
-I hope I beat Daniel in fantasy football tonight.
-Daniel has strep throat right now.
-Zach and Rachel visited this past weekend. It was good having all of us together again before he goes to Afghanistan.
-Paramore is my guilty pleasure.
-No one makes me laugh like Tiffany does.
-I just watched one of my videos I took while I was in New York over the summer. I miss that city very much. I have to go back sometime soon.
-Ever since we did the Mendlessohn in April singing in German has become easier making the Brahm's not so bad. What a beautiful requiem.
-I don't understand girls and their hair. I think Chelsie's looks great, but I do understand it's not what she wanted.
-Jenn Sterger might have ended up in a garbage can if she fooled around with Favre.
-Public education is a JOKE. The only thing I like about teaching is when I'm actually doing it. Unfortunately that's about 40% of the time and the rest I'm trying to make sure everyone makes it out alive.
-No one takes music resource seriously, but I know how important it is.
-Everyone loves music, but most don't know how important it is.
-I need to write a new song STAT.
-The best part of my life are the people in it. I love you all. They're what matters most to me.
-This is a helluva ride. Your to do list must be a baffling document.
-Mumford and Sons-LISTEN to them. Good stuff.
-I've began eating tomatoes like apples. Yum Yum Yum. Fresh produce is my new addiction.
-I just need to exist and stop thinking so much.
-My twin brother Daniel is and always will be my best friend. I hope he starts feeling better.
"That's about it."-Tiffany
-511 yards of total offense and my Boys still can't win the game! It's hard to win though when you give up 6 sacks, 12 penalties, and give up 3 turnovers.
-Oscar Mike gig at Underbelly in Riverside on Thursday night. Stand up and clap your hands it's the Neptunian way.
-Monday Night Football here in Jax next week. Looking forward to seeing Chris Johnson run in person.
-Tiffany is quite possibly the quirkiest person I've ever met.
-Everyday I realize more and more I'm in the WRONG profession.
-Most people I know tell me I have it made. I've yet to see what I've made. Maybe I need to reflect more often.
-Breathing is very important and I still forget to do it sometimes.
-Hank Williams Jr. has written 16 songs for Monday Night Football every season the program has been on the air.
-I hope I beat Daniel in fantasy football tonight.
-Daniel has strep throat right now.
-Zach and Rachel visited this past weekend. It was good having all of us together again before he goes to Afghanistan.
-Paramore is my guilty pleasure.
-No one makes me laugh like Tiffany does.
-I just watched one of my videos I took while I was in New York over the summer. I miss that city very much. I have to go back sometime soon.
-Ever since we did the Mendlessohn in April singing in German has become easier making the Brahm's not so bad. What a beautiful requiem.
-I don't understand girls and their hair. I think Chelsie's looks great, but I do understand it's not what she wanted.
-Jenn Sterger might have ended up in a garbage can if she fooled around with Favre.
-Public education is a JOKE. The only thing I like about teaching is when I'm actually doing it. Unfortunately that's about 40% of the time and the rest I'm trying to make sure everyone makes it out alive.
-No one takes music resource seriously, but I know how important it is.
-Everyone loves music, but most don't know how important it is.
-I need to write a new song STAT.
-The best part of my life are the people in it. I love you all. They're what matters most to me.
-This is a helluva ride. Your to do list must be a baffling document.
-Mumford and Sons-LISTEN to them. Good stuff.
-I've began eating tomatoes like apples. Yum Yum Yum. Fresh produce is my new addiction.
-I just need to exist and stop thinking so much.
-My twin brother Daniel is and always will be my best friend. I hope he starts feeling better.
"That's about it."-Tiffany
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Don't Gimme No Bar and Grill
Last night marked the first gig we've done with Nick since he moved here last month. We played at this gritty original music bar in Springfield appropriately called Shantytown. Throughout the year Daniel and I have been writing new music. We've done some open mics. We've played a few Art Walks at London Bridge Pub. All of which have been great, but there's just something about a full band that I really like. Don't get me wrong. I love acoustic music. Our new CD is all acoustic. But a live band can be much more entertaining and it has the ability to add more elements and excitement to the songs. Not to mention I'm more confident on bass than I am guitar and Nick and I have established a very solid pocket.
It was amazing playing for a crowd that actually wanted to listen to original music as opposed to cover tunes. I don't want to sound arrogant, but we were very well received. We managed to get rid of more CDs and the audience was very responsive. There's a few key moments that continue to stick out in my mind.
One in particular is the moment between the transition of the 2nd chorus and bridge of a tune called "Ghost". After the second chorus all of the instrumentation except for acoustic guitar and vocal drop out. There's an eighth rest right before we explode into the bridge and go to the m6 instead of the 7th. The entire timbre of the song then changes. The vocal line is different. The feel of the song is different and it comes out of nowhere. I like surprises, especially in music. Automatically I see smiles on the faces of other musicians in the crowd. They know what that feels like. It's a great feeling, but oddly enough my favorite part of that section isn't the transition or the bridge. It's that eighth rest. That damn eighth rest really makes me fill up with anticipation. Aaaahhh. So nice. "I'm not afraid to live in the bed I've made." It's a very powerful bridge in my opinion.
Some people may think it's easy to like your own music, but honestly it's one of the toughest things to do. So when you finally do write or play something you like, you know it has to be at least somewhat good.
I hope they have us back. I have to get more of that. Props to my bandmates and brothers in music, Daniel and Nick. We've been playing together since we were 14 and we're all finally back together in the same place. What we have is more than a band. It's a brotherhood. I look forward to the next time we get to share our musical ideas with other musicians and true lovers of music.
It was amazing playing for a crowd that actually wanted to listen to original music as opposed to cover tunes. I don't want to sound arrogant, but we were very well received. We managed to get rid of more CDs and the audience was very responsive. There's a few key moments that continue to stick out in my mind.
One in particular is the moment between the transition of the 2nd chorus and bridge of a tune called "Ghost". After the second chorus all of the instrumentation except for acoustic guitar and vocal drop out. There's an eighth rest right before we explode into the bridge and go to the m6 instead of the 7th. The entire timbre of the song then changes. The vocal line is different. The feel of the song is different and it comes out of nowhere. I like surprises, especially in music. Automatically I see smiles on the faces of other musicians in the crowd. They know what that feels like. It's a great feeling, but oddly enough my favorite part of that section isn't the transition or the bridge. It's that eighth rest. That damn eighth rest really makes me fill up with anticipation. Aaaahhh. So nice. "I'm not afraid to live in the bed I've made." It's a very powerful bridge in my opinion.
Some people may think it's easy to like your own music, but honestly it's one of the toughest things to do. So when you finally do write or play something you like, you know it has to be at least somewhat good.
I hope they have us back. I have to get more of that. Props to my bandmates and brothers in music, Daniel and Nick. We've been playing together since we were 14 and we're all finally back together in the same place. What we have is more than a band. It's a brotherhood. I look forward to the next time we get to share our musical ideas with other musicians and true lovers of music.
Monday, August 23, 2010
It doesn't have to be perfect.
Perfect is a man made idea. It's an idea we've created for ourselves. It's this peak that some people think they have to reach. Everyone's definition of perfect is different. They all have one common denominator, however. I don't think I need to say anymore on perfect.
I really just don't care. I do what I do and that's it. Work is something I do for money so I can survive and that's it. Music is what I create to make sense to myself and out of life. I day dream and I dream big. I like people who are different from me. I really like people who are like me. I don't care much for structure or authority. I don't care if anyone reads this. I don't feel pressure. I don't feel insulted. I love my brother. I love my friends. I love my girlfriend.
Is that perfect? It's close enough for jazz. If you play a wrong note, make sure you play it loud. It doesn't have to be perfect.
I really just don't care. I do what I do and that's it. Work is something I do for money so I can survive and that's it. Music is what I create to make sense to myself and out of life. I day dream and I dream big. I like people who are different from me. I really like people who are like me. I don't care much for structure or authority. I don't care if anyone reads this. I don't feel pressure. I don't feel insulted. I love my brother. I love my friends. I love my girlfriend.
Is that perfect? It's close enough for jazz. If you play a wrong note, make sure you play it loud. It doesn't have to be perfect.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Try a Little Harder
Back in the Durty Duval. Sunshine, palm trees, slow drivers, and homicide. It's funny. I kinda missed it when I absolutely swore up and down that I wouldn't. I guessed I've carved out enough of a life here to stay after all. I feel good about my decision.
New York...a great city, but not the ONLY city. Now that I'm back home and I have time to think, I've come to the conclusion that I just wanted to try something different. I don't think deep down I ever wanted to move. I just wanted some excitement, some adventure. Whether it was getting wrapped up with an underground comedy troupe, getting chased by pitbulls in the slums of Prospect Heights, watching the fireworks from a rooftop in Brooklyn, singing karaoke in Korea Town, getting lost in Spanish Harlem, or staying punch drunk from whiskey, culture shock, overstimulation, or all three there was always something happening. I'll never forget the people I met, and I hope we stay in touch. The universe will decide. Beyond everything that happened during my two week stay, I left the Big Apple feeling fulfilled and satisfied.
NOW. That is that. I was convinced through and through that I would be moving about right now. I've been convinced of other things. I've been wrong plently of times. It's ok. I love surprises. I will teach again when I said I wouldn't. I will stay in Jax when I said I wouldn't. There are some things I will be doing differently, however.
Daniel and I have written between 20-25 songs in the last six months alone. Now that's not nearly enough, but it's more than the six we've totaled in the previous two years. So what we've decided to do is record another cd. It's happening this Thursday. I've already booked the studio and everything. I am beyond THRILLED about this. I have a very good feeling. Once this is finished we will start gigging. We've played a few art walks and open mics here in Jax, but we can do a little better with how often we play out.
I am hell bent on singing with the symphony chorus again. We're doing Brahm's Requiem! I can't even put into words how excited I am for this. I'm also planning on auditioning for the opera, Elixir of Love. There's just something about singing that's very basic yet so spiritual, especially with a chorus and an orchestra. It will be a great concert season.
There were times when I thought I was unhappy. It's strange how a person can beat themselves up over this or that. I was never unhappy. I just needed to try a little harder. It's been a year of growth. I'm ready to keep trying. Thank you, universe.
New York...a great city, but not the ONLY city. Now that I'm back home and I have time to think, I've come to the conclusion that I just wanted to try something different. I don't think deep down I ever wanted to move. I just wanted some excitement, some adventure. Whether it was getting wrapped up with an underground comedy troupe, getting chased by pitbulls in the slums of Prospect Heights, watching the fireworks from a rooftop in Brooklyn, singing karaoke in Korea Town, getting lost in Spanish Harlem, or staying punch drunk from whiskey, culture shock, overstimulation, or all three there was always something happening. I'll never forget the people I met, and I hope we stay in touch. The universe will decide. Beyond everything that happened during my two week stay, I left the Big Apple feeling fulfilled and satisfied.
NOW. That is that. I was convinced through and through that I would be moving about right now. I've been convinced of other things. I've been wrong plently of times. It's ok. I love surprises. I will teach again when I said I wouldn't. I will stay in Jax when I said I wouldn't. There are some things I will be doing differently, however.
Daniel and I have written between 20-25 songs in the last six months alone. Now that's not nearly enough, but it's more than the six we've totaled in the previous two years. So what we've decided to do is record another cd. It's happening this Thursday. I've already booked the studio and everything. I am beyond THRILLED about this. I have a very good feeling. Once this is finished we will start gigging. We've played a few art walks and open mics here in Jax, but we can do a little better with how often we play out.
I am hell bent on singing with the symphony chorus again. We're doing Brahm's Requiem! I can't even put into words how excited I am for this. I'm also planning on auditioning for the opera, Elixir of Love. There's just something about singing that's very basic yet so spiritual, especially with a chorus and an orchestra. It will be a great concert season.
There were times when I thought I was unhappy. It's strange how a person can beat themselves up over this or that. I was never unhappy. I just needed to try a little harder. It's been a year of growth. I'm ready to keep trying. Thank you, universe.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Why Am I Still Here?
It's 4:15 a.m. and I'm sitting on an air mattress. I've been sleeping on this air mattress for the last week now, and I was getting used to it until the heat decided to ravage the northeast. It's hot. I thought the south was hot. This heat is like nothing I've ever experienced. It was 99 today. I think it's 99 tomorrow. It's supposed to cool down later in the week. I'm looking forward to that.
I've been in New York a little over a week now. It's an enchanting city. There's lots of culture, art, etc.. If you've been here before, you know what I'm talking about. I think that's been my favorite part of New York. For the past two years I've sat at lunch and dinner tables with people I have absolutely nothing in common with. I have had nothing to talk to them about. We share no common interests. The conversation dies. Here, so far it's been a different story. I've met more actors, musicians, artists, than I have my whole life. It's great. It's like they all share this common bond, this common goal to pursue their craft in the self-proclaimed world's greatest city.
I can't really explain the experiences I've had here. I would try, but I'm sure I would fail miserably. It's been awesome and I'll leave it at that. I've been building this trip, this visit up in my head now for quite some time. I was sure that everything was going to work out, and I really believed that this was something I could do. But this was not that kind of trip. Basically, in a nutshell, shit just fell apart to be honest. See, if you know me you know that I'm attempting to move here. I want to live here. I want to live here? Anyways we found a place. It's a great apartment in a great location in a quaint Brooklyn neighborhood. I would go into the logistics of what exactly went wrong, but I'll spare you the details. I still had a choice, however, despite Murphy rearing his ugly head.
I decided that at this point in my life, the risk greatly outweighed the rewards. Plain and simple. And that's why I can't sleep. That and the fact there's no AC in my friend's apartment I'm staying in. I'm still thankful, nevertheless! I guess I'm a bit angry with myself for thinking so safe and boring. I just wasn't sure if this kind of life was what I wanted, and with a drastic life change such as this, I would need to be sure of it.
So now I'm looking to hop a flight outta this damn heat box back to Florida. And the tickets are just too pricey. I come back to Jax on Sunday. God damn where the hell do I go from here? I'm right back at square one.
What's done is done. It's time to move forward. I really feel like a chapter of my life has ended with the conclusion of this trip. It will be time for something new. Some people can and probably will say that I failed. That's true, I have. I set out to move here and I'm not. But it's a helluva lot better than not trying at all. It's somewhat of a moral victory if there is such a thing.
I've been in New York a little over a week now. It's an enchanting city. There's lots of culture, art, etc.. If you've been here before, you know what I'm talking about. I think that's been my favorite part of New York. For the past two years I've sat at lunch and dinner tables with people I have absolutely nothing in common with. I have had nothing to talk to them about. We share no common interests. The conversation dies. Here, so far it's been a different story. I've met more actors, musicians, artists, than I have my whole life. It's great. It's like they all share this common bond, this common goal to pursue their craft in the self-proclaimed world's greatest city.
I can't really explain the experiences I've had here. I would try, but I'm sure I would fail miserably. It's been awesome and I'll leave it at that. I've been building this trip, this visit up in my head now for quite some time. I was sure that everything was going to work out, and I really believed that this was something I could do. But this was not that kind of trip. Basically, in a nutshell, shit just fell apart to be honest. See, if you know me you know that I'm attempting to move here. I want to live here. I want to live here? Anyways we found a place. It's a great apartment in a great location in a quaint Brooklyn neighborhood. I would go into the logistics of what exactly went wrong, but I'll spare you the details. I still had a choice, however, despite Murphy rearing his ugly head.
I decided that at this point in my life, the risk greatly outweighed the rewards. Plain and simple. And that's why I can't sleep. That and the fact there's no AC in my friend's apartment I'm staying in. I'm still thankful, nevertheless! I guess I'm a bit angry with myself for thinking so safe and boring. I just wasn't sure if this kind of life was what I wanted, and with a drastic life change such as this, I would need to be sure of it.
So now I'm looking to hop a flight outta this damn heat box back to Florida. And the tickets are just too pricey. I come back to Jax on Sunday. God damn where the hell do I go from here? I'm right back at square one.
What's done is done. It's time to move forward. I really feel like a chapter of my life has ended with the conclusion of this trip. It will be time for something new. Some people can and probably will say that I failed. That's true, I have. I set out to move here and I'm not. But it's a helluva lot better than not trying at all. It's somewhat of a moral victory if there is such a thing.
Friday, June 11, 2010
That's All Folks
Another school year is in the books. The only thing that stands between me and ultimate summer liberation is post planning. I must say that this has been a very difficult school year. So much has happened both at work and in my personal life, there were times I just wanted to throw in the towel. This is another small victory. Score one for the home team right?
It's almost been a year since I got this job. My perspective is completely different. Teaching in St. Johns County last year was a polar opposite experience. I was a high school choir director teaching white high school kids how to sing. I've spent this year in Duval County as an elementary music teacher teaching African-American children anything and everything I can offer about general music. I told you they are polar opposite experiences. The side of town I teach in is considered the "bad" part of town. I got caught up in a gang war (literally), witnessed parents give their only attention to their children in the form of a back hand, and saw and heard things from these children only grown folk should do and say. It was hard to teach these children about music when they mostly needed an education in life. I made many great friends in the forms of both teachers and students. I took K-3 students from Carver to the symphony and even put on a concert or two. It's difficult being a music teacher in a district that doesn't take the arts seriously. I didn't waste my time trying to convince the people in charge that music can change lives. I only tried to convince the students that the arts can do so. Just ask Terrence, one of my 3rd graders. He'll tell you up and down that violins told him music can change lives. Isn't that amazing? Even a 3rd grader can tell you the power of music while the DOE can't or won't even open their hearts and minds. It must be nice and safe only concerning oneself with stats and numbers. These students are so much more than an acronym. They are the bravest people I've ever met.
I offered everything that I possibly could, but it can only go so far. Until we as people start recognizing what needs to be done, life for children like these will not change. Yes, funding does help. Yes, new programs work wonders and grant new opportunities. What else can we do right? How about love? Chuckle and call it cliche if you want, but I'm serious. A little love can go a long way. SHOW people that you care. Show someone who you don't even know, who has never experienced what it is, what life can be like when someone is in your corner. You can't just throw money at these things. Funding and new programs are nothing more to these children than a faceless wonder. When they see you there, when they throw everything they have at you, when they consistently disobey and beat each other up, and you're STILL there...they may not thank you, but they know. A child is much more perseptive than we give them credit for. These children are no different and some are being denied a future due to a missing ingredient.
Now I'm not saying everyone take up arms and rush to their nearest hood and start giving everyone hugs. Some members of these communities are dangerous and will mess you up real good if they don't know who you are. The only thing I'm asking is that we all take a step back and evaluate ourselves. Who are we really? How can you give back and contribute? Maybe it's a smile at a complete stranger. Maybe it's opening a door for the little old lady walking slowly out of your neighborhood Publix. Whatever it is, money alone cannot cure a broken spirit.
My twin brother Daniel has been teaching in this area for two years. His experience has been more consistent than mine. Today he told me that when you go into that area, the chances of you changing things are very low. However, the chances of that area changing you are extremely high. He's right and I'm glad that it did.
It's almost been a year since I got this job. My perspective is completely different. Teaching in St. Johns County last year was a polar opposite experience. I was a high school choir director teaching white high school kids how to sing. I've spent this year in Duval County as an elementary music teacher teaching African-American children anything and everything I can offer about general music. I told you they are polar opposite experiences. The side of town I teach in is considered the "bad" part of town. I got caught up in a gang war (literally), witnessed parents give their only attention to their children in the form of a back hand, and saw and heard things from these children only grown folk should do and say. It was hard to teach these children about music when they mostly needed an education in life. I made many great friends in the forms of both teachers and students. I took K-3 students from Carver to the symphony and even put on a concert or two. It's difficult being a music teacher in a district that doesn't take the arts seriously. I didn't waste my time trying to convince the people in charge that music can change lives. I only tried to convince the students that the arts can do so. Just ask Terrence, one of my 3rd graders. He'll tell you up and down that violins told him music can change lives. Isn't that amazing? Even a 3rd grader can tell you the power of music while the DOE can't or won't even open their hearts and minds. It must be nice and safe only concerning oneself with stats and numbers. These students are so much more than an acronym. They are the bravest people I've ever met.
I offered everything that I possibly could, but it can only go so far. Until we as people start recognizing what needs to be done, life for children like these will not change. Yes, funding does help. Yes, new programs work wonders and grant new opportunities. What else can we do right? How about love? Chuckle and call it cliche if you want, but I'm serious. A little love can go a long way. SHOW people that you care. Show someone who you don't even know, who has never experienced what it is, what life can be like when someone is in your corner. You can't just throw money at these things. Funding and new programs are nothing more to these children than a faceless wonder. When they see you there, when they throw everything they have at you, when they consistently disobey and beat each other up, and you're STILL there...they may not thank you, but they know. A child is much more perseptive than we give them credit for. These children are no different and some are being denied a future due to a missing ingredient.
Now I'm not saying everyone take up arms and rush to their nearest hood and start giving everyone hugs. Some members of these communities are dangerous and will mess you up real good if they don't know who you are. The only thing I'm asking is that we all take a step back and evaluate ourselves. Who are we really? How can you give back and contribute? Maybe it's a smile at a complete stranger. Maybe it's opening a door for the little old lady walking slowly out of your neighborhood Publix. Whatever it is, money alone cannot cure a broken spirit.
My twin brother Daniel has been teaching in this area for two years. His experience has been more consistent than mine. Today he told me that when you go into that area, the chances of you changing things are very low. However, the chances of that area changing you are extremely high. He's right and I'm glad that it did.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Shoot From The Hip
Growing up no one really expected much of me. I wasn't an outstanding student in high school. I only made the dean's list once in college and I graduated with a 2.7. I was stuck in "the black hole" as people call it. My entire life I fantasized about moving away from home. Many of my friends were the same. When I moved, many thought I would be back within a couple of months. Here I am two and a half years later finishing my 2nd year of teaching. No one really thought I would move let alone stay out of "the black hole" let alone start and sustain a career. It's everything I wanted right? Maybe it's everything they wanted. Maybe I've focused on what everyone else has wanted for themselves without really asking myself, "what do you want, David?" I finally asked myself this question. The answer was puzzling as I came to figure out I had no idea what I wanted. Not until now.
Teaching is great. It's steady. The pay isn't outstanding, but at least I have some sort of status in life. However, I've come to realize I am not defined by a degree. I'm not defined by a career or a label. I've come to the realization that one's quality of life will be defined by what he or she values. So one must ask, "what do I value?" Ahh...that's a question I can answer.
I value self-expression. I value life experience. I don't want to just "be steady" anymore. It's no longer enough. Using my new discovery of what I as an individual values, I've come to the conclusion that it's time for another life change. I'm confident that these will be my last 3 weeks as a music educator. Once the school year is out, I'm flying to New York City with Daniel. We will look for work. We will look for a place to live. More than anything we will try something different. I want to be a musician. I'm taking a leap of faith. I will let the universe do the rest. Everything that is meant to be will be. If this is meant to be it will be. I've already made my peace with all of the possibilities.
"Our creative dreams and yearnings come from a divine source. As we move toward our dreams, we move toward our divinity."-The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Teaching is great. It's steady. The pay isn't outstanding, but at least I have some sort of status in life. However, I've come to realize I am not defined by a degree. I'm not defined by a career or a label. I've come to the realization that one's quality of life will be defined by what he or she values. So one must ask, "what do I value?" Ahh...that's a question I can answer.
I value self-expression. I value life experience. I don't want to just "be steady" anymore. It's no longer enough. Using my new discovery of what I as an individual values, I've come to the conclusion that it's time for another life change. I'm confident that these will be my last 3 weeks as a music educator. Once the school year is out, I'm flying to New York City with Daniel. We will look for work. We will look for a place to live. More than anything we will try something different. I want to be a musician. I'm taking a leap of faith. I will let the universe do the rest. Everything that is meant to be will be. If this is meant to be it will be. I've already made my peace with all of the possibilities.
"Our creative dreams and yearnings come from a divine source. As we move toward our dreams, we move toward our divinity."-The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Me vs. The Traffic Lights
I'm driving. STOP! Driving again. STOP! Oh traffic light how you trouble me so. It's like you've planned it on the corner of San Jose and Baymeadows. I try to go fast but you make me go slow.
Driver in front of me driving 35 in a 45. Do you have nowhere to go? Are you Sunday driving on a Wednesday afternoon? Get out of my way Sunday driver. I'm always in a hurry and I'm obsessed with time. You can waste your own but don't waste mine. Then again it's not your responsibility. Maybe I should have left earlier. Maybe you should go just a little bit faster. I can always go around but my blind side is clear with congestion. Snot. Snot. Snot. The End.
Driver in front of me driving 35 in a 45. Do you have nowhere to go? Are you Sunday driving on a Wednesday afternoon? Get out of my way Sunday driver. I'm always in a hurry and I'm obsessed with time. You can waste your own but don't waste mine. Then again it's not your responsibility. Maybe I should have left earlier. Maybe you should go just a little bit faster. I can always go around but my blind side is clear with congestion. Snot. Snot. Snot. The End.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Entry 1
Hello wide world of social networking fiends. I am David. This is my first blog. I'm not quite sure if it will be read at all. Fortunately for me those are not my intentions for this blog. My intentions are simple. I'm not a fantastic writer. I certainly don't have a way with words. But I believe a blog could be good for me. Do I really need to explain myself?
Why not start from where I'm at right now? I'm a 26 year old elementary music teacher living in Jacksonville, FL. I have my B.A. in Music from a small college in Alabama no one really knows about. I kind of just moved after I graduated in 2007. Someone told me that Jax, FL is where it's at. I'm still trying to find out where to find "it". I teach elementary music at George W. Carver Elem. M-W and Rutledge Pearson Elem. Th-F. I do freelance gigs and open mics with my twin brother Daniel. We call ourselves "Oscar Mike". Clever name I know. You don't have to tell me. We write our own music. He plays guitar and I sing. Straight up acoustic act. We enjoy being as creative as we possibly can with our music. Music in my humble opinion is very liberating and we enjoy exploring its dimensions. I sing tenor in the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus. We perform with the orchestra here in Jax. Singing is great, but I'm not limited to voice only. I studied the trumpet in college, and taught myself the bass guitar while I was a teenager. Over the past few years I've picked up the guitar and the piano. I guess you could say I'm a musician. I have a nice life here in Jax. Change, however, always has a way of finding you no matter how comfortable or stable one might believe he or she is. I am no different.
This is my first entry. It's not where "it's" at, but it's definitely where "I'm" at.
Why not start from where I'm at right now? I'm a 26 year old elementary music teacher living in Jacksonville, FL. I have my B.A. in Music from a small college in Alabama no one really knows about. I kind of just moved after I graduated in 2007. Someone told me that Jax, FL is where it's at. I'm still trying to find out where to find "it". I teach elementary music at George W. Carver Elem. M-W and Rutledge Pearson Elem. Th-F. I do freelance gigs and open mics with my twin brother Daniel. We call ourselves "Oscar Mike". Clever name I know. You don't have to tell me. We write our own music. He plays guitar and I sing. Straight up acoustic act. We enjoy being as creative as we possibly can with our music. Music in my humble opinion is very liberating and we enjoy exploring its dimensions. I sing tenor in the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus. We perform with the orchestra here in Jax. Singing is great, but I'm not limited to voice only. I studied the trumpet in college, and taught myself the bass guitar while I was a teenager. Over the past few years I've picked up the guitar and the piano. I guess you could say I'm a musician. I have a nice life here in Jax. Change, however, always has a way of finding you no matter how comfortable or stable one might believe he or she is. I am no different.
This is my first entry. It's not where "it's" at, but it's definitely where "I'm" at.
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