Bird School of Music - Newsletter

November 1, 2005
Have you ever noticed that when you ask a kid what he wants to do, depending on age and experience, you'll hear goals ranging from lofty but honest, like "I wanna be the first person to walk on Mars" to the more jaded but equally honest, "I dunno." If you ask an adult the same question, you're certain to receive a quizzical stare, as if to ask, "Do I have a choice?" or "Isn’t this it?" Could it be that children are open to new ideas because they have not yet encountered what adults call "the real world" and that adults are surprised by the inquiry because it is so rarely made to anyone in the middle stages of life? Everyone, young and old thrives on the curiosity associated with the dawning of a new day. And while a child's expectations might resemble fantasy —- "I want to be a rock star" -- and an adult's will more predictably (and hence the predicament) fall into the realm of the mundane -— "I wonder what would happen if I brought Twinkies to soccer practice," we all need and want to ask and be asked questions. Questions suspend us beyond the moment. They make us nervous about what’s around the corner. It's thrilling to consider that we have not seen it all.

OPENING DAY
On September 19, we officially began the first 6-week session of Bird. Through its doors came drummers, guitar players, bassists, singers and songwriters. Some had experience, some had nothing more than a desire to get some and share it with others. I think I can safely say that each of them is unguarded about exploring how old knowledge and new transfer into a cooperative setting. It is also a sure bet that each and every one of these students will at some time over the course of the session experiment with an instrument or musical idea they’ve never touched before. We are looking forward to watching this group evolve and know they’ll have a great time doing it.

SESSION 2 PERFORMANCE
Our next six week session starts today. When you sign on with your band, you promise to learn, practice and finally perform your wares on December 11, along with the other Bird bands of the session. On stage at Bird from 5:30 to 7:30 that evening, your friends and family will find you sharing what you have to share. Ask them to bring earplugs.

YOGA
We welcomed 3 outstanding yoga teachers to our morning program. Each of them has created his/her own class that integrates music into the movement that we have all found to be so energizing, strengthening and grounding. It's an exciting combination that is sure to translate to the younger set. Please be sure to check the website for bios of this wonderful trio, schedules of their classes and special weekend workshops catering specifically to children.

SCHEDULES, CAPACITY, DOWN THE ROAD
Because we anticipate construction occurring at Bird sometime in the near future (pending finalized design and permits), our capacity is currently limited by space and the equipment that will fit there. We are thrilled to be able to provide right here, right now private lessons, band rehearsals and recording capabilities.

Completion of the construction will allow us to do more of the same and the following:

4 Audio Work Stations capable of supporting up to 8 players at once with complete studio recording capabilities, a host of learning tools and endless sounds that can be accessed through the use of MIDI controlled keyboards. Plug in and play along with favorite songs, record solo or with a group, check progress, learn the theory behind the songs and use them as tools to write original material.

3 sound-proof classrooms for private instruction and recording.

1 isolation booth for solo and group vocal recording.

Student Lounge/underground performance space, stage, lights and sound.

Recording technology like you read about with on-site instruction available.

The projected timeline for construction is:

December 11, 2005 -- Bird Session Two closes. 1924 Polk Street becomes a construction zone. Enjoy the Holidays and less driving.

May 2006 -- Bird reopens — mark your calendars for the final six-week session of the school year and a host of summer clinics and intensives. Consider writing a protest song.

Lane and I wholeheartedly thank you all for your support and enthusiasm over the past few months. The fun is only just beginning. You all rock!