Random thoughts

I decided to move to a once a month board meeting. This gives us a chance to get things done in between meetings. So far, I heard from a couple of board members about their availability. Personally, I think it is a good idea to have a standing meeting. 

I also decided to keep moving forward with some of the tasks that need to get done. It makes the most sense to keep things moving for the association. I'm also thinking of starting my own steel pan orchestra. There are a ton of little duos, trios, part time community band, but no full time big band. Wouldn't that be great. 

I was wondering if Pan! A Modern Odyssey is getting anywhere close to finishing. I would do what I can to get it shown in Denver. It looks like it will be a great film.

Practiced yesterday. I think I spent about two hours playing pan. It seemed more like 30 minutes. Anyway, it was nice to get back on the pan. It feels so good. I have a gig on my own next Saturday. Should be fun. There are a ton of songs I know by heart. I just have to play as well as I can- which is pretty good. I just need to focus and not get too distracted with the goings on around me. When I do that, I'll be fine.

I'm giving myself a goal for next year, get my very own first steel pan in 2014. Should it be a tenor? Should it be a double tenor/second? That I'm not sure about.

I played along to a Trini to the Bone recording on You Tube last night. The arrangement was by Calypsociation. It was a little different than the sheet music we got on Monday. Still, it was fun to play along and to see where it was different and try to pick out what they were doing. I got some of it. 

Anyway. I'm off for the day. Play later. 

Where to Start?

Working on a couple of things as a result of a conversation I had with another nonprofit founder. I've been thinking about this one a lot. She had recommended that our board be between eight and twelve people. The main reason being you'll have more people to dole out responsibilities. It would help tremendously in separating different committees. 

I was going to pull together another board meeting, but wonder if I shouldn't get an agenda that includes this process. We could use people with development, legal, and accounting experience on it. I should have the existing board members help pull together names. I think I'll do that.

On another note, I've been thinking of just pursuing some of the things I know we need to get going. We need a blog, a Facebook page, a website. I'm not sure what I'm waiting for. The board doesn't meet often enough to get those areas addressed. I think I will start those and at least bring them up to speed at the next board meeting. Also, I do think we need an event to plan for. This would help in terms of coming up with membership and $$.

I still think the whole thing is doable. I just want to make sure I don't get too far away from my original intent, which is to grow steel pan in the Rockies.

Show Me the Money

One of the toughest things I have run across is starting an organization with no money. It has been difficult for the Steel Pan Collective to get going. However, I received a great idea from someone who started her own. She said get a letter writing campaign going. Ask everyone we know to contribute to getting it going. All you have to do is ask.

We don't have a 501(c)(3) designation yet. This is one of the things we are raising the money for. We would still proceed with that process. We would also let people know that our designation is pending. The monies raised will help in our initial funding.

I thought this was a brilliant idea. What is the worst thing that can happen - someone says no. Rejection is part of the process. You just get one step closer to getting a yes.

I thought of waiting to get the board together to begin this process. However, I think this is something I can start and enlist help via email from the board and other people. We can all get together shortly thereafter. Why not? It will be a great way to see the interest in the steel pan community for this type of organization.

So we begin.....

Move Forward in Your Desires

I mentioned in the previous blog that a fellow musician offered to help me grow as a musician. It was a very enlightening experience. He clearly had more experience than I and was willing to share it. I am grateful for that. For him to take time out of his day to spend it with me was inspirational. I had several key takeaways from the experience.

1) We have to make the move towards those things we want. It can be a thought, a discussion, a physical act. For musicians, it is the art of practicing and performing. I'm always reminded of the Beatles who worked very hard before they made it big. They all were from working class neighborhoods, had no formal music training. They stuck to playing everyday and when they got stuck in their learning, they asked for help from other musicians. I'm also reminded of Andy Narell. I'm not as up on his background, but clearly his father laid the foundation for him to be a solid pan player. He entered into a field where he would be a minority, but it was his desire to be a solid player and his love for the pan that drove him forward. Nothing deterred him and he is now known as one of the world's premier jazz pannist. So move towards your goal!

2) Establish good habits. Focus on those things most important to you. Ignore and discard those things that don't help you or lead you away from your goals. For me, it was a recent job that sucked the life force out of me. I had no energy or desire to move forward with my own goals. I was doing something that I did not like and I felt that it started to show. So find those things that help you everyday and lead you forward. If you get a chance, you watch a steel pan group rehearse. They play songs endlessly, it is even more if they have learned the piece by rote. They never waiver. They establish good habits from the start.

3) Share your hopes and desires. You never know who'll be listening. Get your joy out there. Most people will do anything to help you. I think the universe moves to help align things to help you as well. I found it more frustrating when people didn't know what I wanted to do. I kept those desires to myself, but got nowhere. It wasn't until recently with my desire to launch a steel pan foundation that things started to move in that direction.

So, I'll keep these things in mind as I move forward with steel pan playing and the work associated with it. I will also keep it mind as we move forward to starting our steel pan organization.

The Non-Profit Gets A Nod of Approval

Life is truly amazing. Here I am, back at my blog. After weeks of intermittent writing about steel pan, we are beginning to make some headway on the association. I think I mentioned previously that we have a board of five people. We have had several meetings and I get the sense they are eager to move forward.

I had a recent phone conversation with another non-profit founder. She told me about their journey to viability and what to look for as our organization gets going. The conversation was enlightening and I enjoyed it immensely. She even took the time to write up her answers. I shared those with the other board members.

A couple of areas she mentioned was expanding our board to 8 to 12 members, forming that advisory board of five people and getting that 501(c)(3). Now, I need to set up another meeting and get each of those items worked on. The larger number on the board will give us the freedom to break into committees. We also need to come up with some sort of fundraiser in addition to the steel pan festival.

I shared with her our ideas for the organization and she was pretty excited about it. So, we continue to move forward.

On a personal note, got some personal instruction on steel pan playing from one of our board members. It was extremely helpful as I grow into an accomplished player. I know the more I practice the closer I will get to achieving that goal.

Yes We Pan

Been awhile since I've been on these pages. So much has happened. All good too. Got a board for the pan association. They all are very talented and motivated. Most importantly, they are genuinely interested in getting the association off the ground. So we'll be kicking things off before the end of the year. The biggest issue is money - but I know that one will be solved. Everyone else does it. There is money out there. We just have to go get it.

I am so optimistic about the whole thing. I guess that keeps me going. It is pretty cool to create something out of just a desire, an idea and this time I'm right in the middle of it. Way cool.

The new association will have its own blog, so I'm sure I'll be blogging there as well. I won't neglect these pages though. Why should I? They've been very good to me. They helped me stay focused and now look where we are. Ready to go.

Camp is Fun

Last week I was at steel drum camp. It is held every year in Denver and features players and instructors from all over the country. It was my first year at this event. I really didn't know what to expect. What I got was something I will always remember. It was a chance for me to play steel drums all day long, no distractions, no errands, no outside pressures. It was steel drums from 9-5pm. It was great. We learned five new songs and played them all at a final concert. I learned songs by rote and traditional sight reading. It really depended on the instructor. I met people from all over. I bounced my idea of a steel pan association and conference and it was very well received.  I left feeling more confident as a steel pan musician.

The whole week got me to thinking. What if you could spend a lifetime just doing what you want? How happy would you be? For me, I would be very happy. It was a wonderful feeling - one that you don't want to lose. The worse part came when the week was over and you had to return to your "normal" life. It took a few days to get over that withdrawal feeling. I am determined more than ever to get back to that feeling somehow.

If I had a wish for anyone, it is to do what you love as much as you can.

The Odyssey Continues

Here's a quick update. Met with  a potential board member, along with the previous partner I mentioned in my earlier post. She was very interested in what we were doing. You could tell immediately she wanted to be a part of it. It took very little convincing. She is well traveled and ventured to Trinidad to play steel drums with bands there. She is familiar with Panorama and had some interesting insights for us doing an event in Denver. After the meeting, I walked home where I had time to process it all.

It finally dawned on me that this (the non-profit and the steel band jamboree) might actually happen. I shot off another email to another potential party to gauge his interest this morning. I'm waiting to hear back. I must admit that taking a different tact and sharing my passion with others have made things easier. I no longer feel like I have to do everything. The main reason I'm sharing my ideas instead of processing them myself. I am starting to attract people who want the same thing I do. That is why I feel so confident that the Steel Pan Collective (SPC) will happen.

Ran across a film on steel pan. It is called Pan! A Modern Odyssey. The trailer looks very professional and hopefully the film maintains the same creative standards. It would be a great film to show at a steel pan festival or one of those artsy theaters.

Here's another thought. I would love it if one of our SPC members or the group was able to funded by the non-profit to participate in Panorama in Trinidad one year. That would be the ultimate.

In the film, I saw people from France, Japan, U.S., and India. I figure they might fly here as well for an event. Not as prestigious as T&T Panorama, but definitely something worth shooting for.

Anyway, I feel like I'm rambling at this point. So many great thoughts, ideas, and insights. Now, I turn my attention to the more traditional side of business --- budgeting for the organization and the festival. Oh joy!

Sure there's an "I" in Team, there's also a U (You)

It's been a good week and it's only Monday! Today's theme is teamwork. Launching a project, business, or endeavor most times takes more effort than any one person can do alone. I'm finding that out more and more each day. My previous two companies were relatively small shops. It was me doing the work - sales, production, and accounting. Now as I embark on helping to launch a new non-profit - you realize just how much you can and can't do. That's why you need a solid team to help. One that capitalizes on each individual's strengths.

I had a great meeting with a partner last week. I was trying to gauge where her strengths were in pulling off an annual steel pan festival. The best thing I did was to just come out and ask her. She told me point blank what they were. Now, my job is to find her opportunities to utilize those skills. I have a team player who brings different strengths to the organization than I would bring. Can you imagine what a full blow team looks like.

I guess that's why I love playing a steel pan orchestra. Everyone has their tasks and strengths. Everyone capitalizes on what they do well. Some are great a creating improv melodies/solos, others are super at rolling their notes, others keep our rhythm together. Everyone brings their strengths - and minimizes their weaknesses. Teamwork is so important.

Sharps and Flats - Friends At Last

As I take a moment between writing and festival planning, my mind is thinking about my band's last rehearsal. The thing I am impressed with is how tight the group is becoming. We are a pretty good sounding band. We just need a few more gigs for the summer. You always want more chances to perform for people.

The other thing is I am very happy with my own progress. When I started out a couple years back, I was super rusty on reading music. (I still am). But you know what? I'm getting better. And that's all you can hope for. Between understanding the nature of Sharps and Flats and other parts of music theory, I can't help but think I am on the right track. Site reading is something that I work on and it doesn't take nearly as long to learn a piece as it did two years ago.

 Getting back to Sharps and Flats. Always in between. Half steps. Not full. They weren't always my friends. When I took up piano at the age of seven and when picked up the flute in my thirties, I dreaded seeing them on the score sheet. We had an estranged relationship. I probably just didn't know a ton about them. I do remember that if I just played the black keys on the piano, my music had that exotic asian sound to it. Still, it wasn't until I learned steel drums and found that my music was that much fuller that I began to really appreciate Shares and Flats. To me, they are the details inside of music.

Man, I had just not been intimidated when I was younger - who knows what I would have done with music. Still, the discover at this point is just fine with me. I'm enjoying it. Sharps and Flats. They're A-OK.

Was Away But Now I'm Back

There is something to be said about taking time out for yourself. I was traveling over the past couple of weeks. That meant time away from the computer, all my notes, and preoccupation with business stuff. It took me about a week to recover. Now, I'm back. Ready to dig in and make stuff happen. Isn't that the way it is normally. You take a step back and get refreshed. When you return, you are more motivated to see things through, to get stuff accomplished, and to create something from nothing. That's how I'm feeling now. Ready to go.

I've talked to several people about my idea for a steel pan festival and the non-profit. By the feedback I'm getting, it is certainly something worth pursuing. Trust me, I would kick myself if I didn't try to make this happen. It'll be fun no matter what comes of it. (I hope a chance to not only play more, but to help others play steel pans). That would be the best.

So, I imagine continuing to share my thoughts and progress on this blog. I write for me more than anyone else. But if you are lucky enough to be following along, stay tuned.

Get Your Nose To The Grindstone

One of the things I am learning quickly is the fact that disappointment can be part of the process of starting something new. There are days when you get bogged down in details and start to lose sight of what you are trying to achieve. Admittedly, that happened to me yesterday. However, today is a little different. I have to make sure that I don't spend the majority of my day on other people's stuff and jobs. I know what needs to get done and I just need to do it. I guess perseverance is something you need to have to be ultimately successful at starting and running a business. I'm feeling a little more motivated to make the calls I need to do, to complete the paperwork I need to hand in, and brainstorm the ideas I need to put in place. I can't bellyache about the lack of help. It is what it is. There will be others down the road. I already had one person saying they would be interested in joining the board. That was very nice to hear. Now back to the paperwork and brainstorming.

Limitations

Been busy lately. Created the non-profit organization - The Steel Pan Collective. At least to the point, where it is recognized by state and the federal government. It's official now. Starting to work on pulling in other people, as well fleshing out a website and figuring out how to make a go of it all. I hope those who come along for the ride enjoy themselves too. It'll be fun.

While doing this, "limitations" seem to be on my mind a lot more lately. Limitations are unique in that they either hold you back and you let them or you overcome them. Some are imposed on you from the outside. Some are of your own doing. When I look for a traditional job, I reminded of my own limitations.

The best analogy I can think of is the relationship of a river to its banks, an ocean to its shore.  While they may remake each of their boundaries, most times those bodies of water stay within their confines. Sometimes though, they flow over their boundaries. The result is either a new landscape through destructive or even constructive means. When I think of personal limitations, I kind of think of things in the same way. I understand my own limitations and those imposed on me by circumstances outside of my control. But that doesn't prevent me from pushing the boundaries every once in awhile. It won't prevent me from calling on help, something I used to be reluctant to do, when needed. This can be good or bad. It really depends.

As I embark on this journey of starting yet another organization, I feel I have a deeper understanding of what I think lies ahead. Still, I'm not sure where I end up. Although, I feel this organization has a good chance of helping a ton of people and being successful. Staying stuck in one spot which is doing nothing is certainly not an option, nor is failure. Got to make this all happen. If I take a lesson from learning the steel pan it is this, you got to work on things every day to be credible, relevant, and good. My sail is set and I'm heading down the river. No turning back now. I can do this and will as long as I keep my focus on what lies ahead.

Rote Learner or Sight Reader?

It's been a week since I sat down to throw a few words on to the page. Last week I was doing a proposal for a grant. It was an interesting experience. I had to really focus and hone in on what this steel pan organization and festival is all about. It took some work but I got it down and sent in.

While I was doing that, there was a section where I was extolling the virtues of learning music. I used steel pans as the focal point. One thing I realized is that it was one of the few instruments where there are just as many if not more rote learners than there are sight readers. I think this is more true outside of the U.S. Not sure which method is better. Since I'm a little weak on the sight reading of music, I depend heavily on learning by rote. Not to brag or anything, but I know most of the songs the band I play with by heart. While I occasionally have a slip of the memory, those are few and far between these days. (I chalk it up to being an age thing). Who knows it may stave off Alzheimer's but working the brain a little more.

So which is better? Not sure. Both have their plusses and minuses. I like the fact I don't have to worry about it being a windy or rainy day - since I'm not reading off a sheet anyway. Plus, I get to put a little feeling into the music. I never really felt the feeling was on the page anyhow. Still, reading music would allow me to be more versatile and start playing songs right away if needed. I guess I can do both and just be good at each.

What do you think?

Like the image I used for this image? We all have to learn the scales somehow. This is the first one I ever read that referred to burritos. It's funny that the preceding sentence refers to cars being the one with gas.

Taking Care of Myself

What would you guess would be the most important aspect of life that I learned during my musical journey? Practicing? Playing Well? Overcoming Shyness? Sight Reading? Nope, while all of those are certainly things I have learned, none were the most important. The most important I gathered so far is to take care of myself. The importance of working hard and then taking breaks before starting again. This aspect has spilled over into my other activities. I was working on the business plan for the steel pan organization today - didn't quite finish it, but made progress. It was among a long list of things I wanted to accomplish today. When I was done, I ate lunch and took a couple of minutes to gather my thoughts. Now, I'm writing this blog. The thing is I feel great - emotionally, physically, and mentally. I owe it all to how I learned how to practice and execute my music. Many thanks to the book Musician's Way.

I had a person in my class who worked so hard on practicing that he ended up with carpal tunnel. Now, he hasn't played steel drums for about three weeks. He hasn't even come to class. Unfortunately, I think he may be behind when he returns. He was so determined to conquer one of our longer pieces that he injured himself. I vowed never to have that happen to me. I love steel drums, but not enough to injure myself. Take those breaks when you can and more importantly - take care of yourself.

(Photo courtesy of Bullet Proof Musician Blog)

Out of the Mouths of Babes

One of the most difficult things you can do when starting a business or any endeavor is getting focused. I found myself in this predicament as I was trying to narrow just what our business is all about. On one hand, I thought we could just be a non-profit focused on our local scene. Many of the resources I would utilize to get started are right here in my state. Our area is where some of the steel pan services are in desperate need compared to other states. Then again, I want to be able to reach out to other organizations and states to help foster a network of like minded individuals with the same appreciation for the instrument. Since we are so spread out here in the western states, one organization that could help coordinate resources, help promote activities, and create a huge event for pan performers is sorely needed. I thought we (our organization) could fill that void. But which one should we do?

I told my youngest daughter the dilemma. We talked through it and she rightly said to start small and grow the business. In other words, my situation is not an either/or predicament. She's pretty insightful and more importantly, she's right. I can start in my state by beginning to put in place those things that help steel pan grow in this market. I can see what works and what doesn't. For example, how organizations raise money, work with educational institutions, and how they promote themselves within the state. As that process gets underway, you begin to reach out to other organizations as well. Get best practices under your belt and be the conduit that shares with others. In other words, you start small and grow the business. My previous work with a very old non-profit is a reminder that model works. It started with a small group of doctors at the turn of the century and has grown into a national organization. As I relook at our recently developed mission statement, it certainly does fit an organization that is built for growth.

So, in the next couple of days I set myself the goal of finalizing a name and beginning the process of writing down the game plan. This way, I can put my thoughts on paper and use it as a guide for the future. Without that discussion with my daughter, I would have been completely lost.

Business and Jazz - What they have in common

What makes for a great organizational environment? I've been wrestling with this as we talk through the steel drum festival and the accompanying organization. Not sure, what works best. I've never been a teacher. While I've owned my own business a couple of times, my sense is that the next organization will have more than just me working at it. I read an interesting take on business and what it has in common with jazz musicians. It is well worth the read and was posted CNN. It was titled "What the best jazz musicians and business brains have in common. " It made me think of why I am drawn to music and business at the same time. I realize I thrive when in those situations like the one described in the article. It made me think of what I would need to do to encourage the development of a similar type environment in the organization we create. I think that philosophy would need to be clear up front. Plus, I would have to live it each day and recognize and reward others for doing the same. The article is well worth the read. Check it out.

It's All Down To You

Today's title is from a Joni Mitchell song which I love. It is a reminder that this life is mine ultimately.  For example, one of the things we all wrestle with whether a musician or in some other profession is the pressure to be good. It is a constant companion. It can be what drives us to commit hours to whatever we are focused on at the time. What I found is that the self induced pressure can also be the difference between success and failure. Who are we trying to be excellent for?

My experience has shown that if I try and do things because of what I think others think of me, I some how end up not very happy in the long run. The number of jobs and fields I entered because of others expectations is way too many to admit. I ended up with a kind of sadness on my spirit. I decided for the next 50 years, I will enjoy what I'm doing. I guess that's why I enjoy the steel drum. I understand that my desire to be good at it is for me only. It would be great if I can share my talents with others. However, ultimately it is for no one else. Isn't that what we all should be striving for? I practice because I want to be good at it. That's my time commitment.

I wonder if all steel pan players do it for the same reason. I would imagine those in Trinidad and Tobago do it because of the expectation from the community, friends, and family.  It may be a little different around the U.S. since the steel drum community is still growing. The only pressure as players we experience is what we put on ourselves. I guess that's why I think the idea of a non-profit dedicated to playing steel drums is a great idea. Without all the expectations bearing down on us, others can be successful and thrive because they want to for themselves. The same is true for me. I guess it really does come down to me and what I expect from my life.

(Button is from Zazzle.com)

Schools and Universities Like Steel Pan

As we prep for this steel pan festival in Denver for next year, one of the tasks is to figure out how large is the steel pan community as it stands now. I was lucky enough to come across a study done by Brandon Heskett of Arizona State University. He did an exhaustive three year study of the all the steel pans associated with schools and universities across the country. To my surprise and pleasure, he hooked me up with his study. The list was certainly impressive. There were over 500 schools with a steel pan program. That's a ton of students. It is fertile ground for growing the exposure of steel pan. In particular, I was very interested in those schools west of the Mississippi. I haven't had a chance to closely examine those schools, but I am interested to see what the distribution is. I was surprised at the high number back east and the midwest. It was fascinating.

Now, think about this. If we could develop a large steel pan festival and invite schools/colleges to participate, I know the festival would be successful. Couple that with the unknown number of community and professional bands and invite them as well, I think we could have a very well rounded program. My goal will be to figure out what to have them do once they get here. Sure, they could see the sites of Denver. There has got to be more than performing for them. Is it a competition component to the festival? Is it access to steel pan/musician workshops? Not sure. I have a brainstorming session with my partner next week for about three hours. I'm sure we'll hash this out. Today, I'm off to pick up resources on starting a non-profit which I had out from the library before.

Heart Skips a Beat

I'll let you in on a little secret. Whenever I walk into an auditorium or get up on a stage, I feel sooo comfortable up there. Just like I belong there. Whenever I go and watch any event in these settings, I can't help but think of what it would be like to be up there right now. Isn't that weird? Am I supposed to be on the stage. I guess that has always been a nagging feeling for me ever since I was kid. So as I embark on this journey playing steel pans and playing a festival - I can't help but think about this feeling. It doesn't really go away. It is kind of a sense of belonging. I like that part of me. Don't want to lose that part in the next 50 years.

Making a Cool Festival

Ok, just got through reading a bunch about festival planning. There was a great document published by L.A. that had a ton of great information. Not that Denver is L.A., the purpose of doing a festival was throughout the document. Most of the document translates well to the Denver festival we are planning. Admittedly, I want the pan festival we do to knock the socks off Denver. Make it memorable for everyone. While I think the initial reason for doing it was the musicians, the more I think about it, I want the audience to be as much the focal point of the festival as the performers. I want to make sure we go beyond what I have seen at other festivals. Booths, food, and an occasional performer. Sometimes these are good, but other times kind of boring. I'd like to see more interaction opportunities for all attendees and performers.

Today, we meet with the volunteer coordinator for Denver ComicCon. I'll be interested to see how they planned and coordinated what could be the largest use of manpower at a festival - its volunteers. How do you keep them motivated and interested? How do you know what you'll need help with? These are all questions that we'll get answered today.

Location, Location, and yes - location

There is a saying in real estate - it's all about location, location, location. This is also so true in planning a music festival - especially one for steel pans. There are a number of things we are contending with in Denver. First, there isn't a ton of exposure to the general population to the instrument. Sure, people have heard if they travel to the Caribbean or some other exotic place. But in Denver, highly unlikely. Second, what locale helps our image. As we drove today in the snow, we kept asking that question. In a way, it is very much about brand. We had a chance to look at other organization websites and they look very professional and traditional. Where they hold their events range from gyms to local parks. To some extent, we want to portray an image of being hip, edgy, and cool. That's how we see our town of Denver. Knowing this will help drive our decision of where to be. Where in town is the hip, edgy, and cool areas to be and be seen? I think we found it, but we have a few more on the list to go through. Stay tuned.

Mastering a piece of music

There is nothing more satisfying than finally having a music piece memorized. It takes an unusual amount of patience and perseverance. You have to put in the time. I'm sure it would be easier to just read the music and play from there. But then, you have to be one heck of a site reader. I'm not there yet. I think you sacrifice something when you are trying to figure out notes at the same time you are searching for spots in the pan. You have more of a chance of hitting a clinker note if not careful. Accuracy is key for me. I'm sure even the professional musician's still memorize their music even if they are reading in concert.

So how long does it take before I get a piece? Not sure. I guess it depends on the piece and the complexity.  I just finished a piece called Jouvert Morning which was huge. It took three - four weeks for me to finally feel comfortable that I knew it. It was a ton of listening to recordings, reading the sheet music, playing it over and over again. Then one day, I didn't open up the music and played it. Voila.

I read recently that it takes about 10 years or 10,000 hours to reach an expert level of performance. But how do you break that down by music piece? Who knows. It's funny. There are a ton of sites on the web on the topic of practicing. It is a struggle for musicians, athletes, etc. I get that. But I honestly feel I cannot improve or be anywhere close to performance level if I'm not deliberately practicing every day. So when I accomplish learning a piece, I definitely feel a sense of achievement. Totally worth it. I guess  for the stuff that is important, you put in the time.

Music in Schools

When I was younger, music was very much apart of the school curriculum. I didn't know all the politics  at the time like I do now. All I know is that we still had music. It was something to look forward to. I remember that on certain days of the week, the music teacher came to sing and teach us new songs. I continued that love of music throughout my education. I still remember many of the songs we learned - most of them very patriotic.

Music has always been a part of my life. I feel most at ease when there is music. I can't help but wonder about the kids today. While grownups fight over the cost of education (public and private), kids are the ones left behind. Arts programs seem to be the first ones cut. With no outlet to express themselves through the arts, they are stuck. And so are we in terms of not appreciating the whole child.

I guess there are those who feel that music doesn't lead to a good paying job or make your employable. I would argue it does. Music appreciation is at the core of who we are as a civilization. It is that appreciation for the creative that gets stuff invented and understood. Take me for example, I'm writing right this minute with music in the background. I couldn't imagine writing without music. For me, music is the difference between being creative/happy and struggling with expressing myself/being unhappy. Expression in some form is a big deal for us introverts.

So as I ponder a steel pan non-profit and festival, at the very core of it all is what am I doing for kids. I can't sit back and not let kids have the same opportunity I had to express themselves.  I was sitting with Elizabeth today trying to figure out the whole steel pan in the west deal. I realized that the thought of a school teaching steel pan and other forms of music is not only a public service but a public necessity. It is something that has to be done. Our kids need us to open this world up to them and most importantly keep it open.

Steel pan affords us that opportunity. The opportunity to form and strengthen community, to appreciate music, and to learn how to create. What more can you ask for? Found that cool saying at the top on the internet. Should be poster you know. Funny part is I never really considered myself a music teacher - more a music appreciator. Perhaps that is what I would help teach.

Kids and Steel Pans

What is about steel pans that draws people to it? Me included. I don't know and I'm not sure why I question it. As I scan through the web pages trying to figure out if I can do a steel pan festival in Denver, I can't help but notice all the bands/orchestras around the world. Admittedly the sound does get to you, but is that all there is to it? Is striking out on an oil drum a metaphor for us striking out as humans showing that we can make music out of anything - even the most industrial of product, an oil barrel. I think about that as I turn my attention to the possibility of starting a steel pan non-profit, one that helps kids by teaching them music, teamwork, and creativity. I notice many of the bands/orchestras have programs to teach the next generation. Not only does it help the bands with a pipeline of talent, but you are investing in the next generation. If you have seen any videos of kids playing, you can see they really enjoy it. What is most natural for a kid but to be banging on something. Most of us started doing that to metal pots and pans. Its feel like kids and steel pans are a natural fit. Maybe a non-profit where kids can take classes and learn about the music and history is not so far fetched.

Practice Makes Perfect - Or Does It?

Things are moving along so far on the steel pan festival front. We are busily connecting with people who have either put on concerts or festivals before. So far, we have three meetings set up. 

The information gathering has been fascinating. It speaks so much of how people's preparation. It got me thinking about the importance of practice. When I was doing writing for a living, I would be writing everyday. Sometimes for pay or a client. Sometimes for me. The act of constantly writing was a kin to practicing. 

Now that I've taken up an instrument - steel pans. I see it as a need to practice everyday in order to grow in my playing of that instrument. I did the same thing when I learned the flute and piano. Sometimes it was not fun, but I found a way to make it so. I am a strong believer that preparation / practice may not always make perfect, but it gets you pretty darn close. Growth as a musician, working professional, and person comes during those times between music classes. It is in the applying of what you learned in class that you grow the most. I recently read a book called the Musician's Way. Without the best book I've read on approaching music and getting the most out of practice. 

So, I'll keep practicing and prepping for the steel pan festival. I think both will result in success. 

I found the following image on the web, that sums up my thoughts. 

First Experience Listening to Pan

I remember the first time I heard steel pan. My family had the good fortune of going to Barbados years ago. On one of the evenings after dinner, there was a steel drum band playing on the beach. It was the Air Canada Steel Drum Band. This was back when steel drum bands sometimes took on the names of their sponsors. It was pretty cool. Here they were playing the instruments made out of old oil barrels. What a beautiful sound. It was nothing that I had heard before. The following year, a steel drum band came through my small town in New Jersey. Now, that was even cooler because I got to get up real close to them to see their technique and how they all move in unison. I hung out by one of the bass players. He was a real technician. Had two sticks in each hand and was playing the bass pans. I have yet to see anyone duplicate that feat. My parents took me up to see the bands in New York as well. My uncle was also a steel pan musician.  Each experience made a huge impression on me as a kid. Once you hear that sound, you'll either want to listen to more or learn to play. I always wanted to play and now I'm living that dream.

Things are moving along when it comes to the steel pan festival. We received several responses to our inquiries regarding how other festival/concern/events pull their programs together. We have about three meeting set up next week. Some events are actually non-profits, some coordinate with a non-profit, others I'm just not sure? Well, we'll just have to see. I think it is tremendous that folks will take the time to tell us what they do. I always liked that when I was writing articles profiling individuals. It is pretty cool. I got a real hair brain idea late last night. Why not have you final professional concert at the Botanical Gardens? I'll put it on my list as a possibility

In the meantime, I finished practicing a pretty long piece on the steel pan yesterday. I was very excited to finish the whole thing. Now, all I have to do is clean up the messy parts and just keep practicing and memorizing. I'll be one tenor player that will be ready for the upcoming 2013 summer season.

Where does pan sound best - indoors or out?

I had just two assignments today regarding pulling together a steel pan festival in Denver. One, follow up with those I had contacted previously for information interview. Two, start creating a list of potential venues. The nice thing about my hometown of Denver is they have the festival process established. From what I can tell, all you need to do is pick your location and come up with the money. All the forms and stuff are online. So my lists includes parks all over town. Several of the parks are downtown. Could you imagine listening to steel pan players and orchestras outside in Denver? That would be cool. Gives me goosebumps already. I have about ten locations so far. I'm trying to think of those that are close to indoor facilities for possible workshops etc. In my opinion, steel pan is best played outdoors. Hopefully, we can make that happen in 2014.

Pan in the Great Lakes region

My friend Elizabeth and I had a conference call with someone starting their first steel pan festival. His name is Matt Potts, the owner of the Steel Pan Store. He had attended the Virginia Beach event on the east coast. Matt and another steel pan player decided that they needed something in their part of the U.S. (Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana) to have a similar event.

Right away listenting to Matt on the call, we could sense his excitement. The event is the Great Lakes Steelpan Festival. We are so excited for him. His enthusiasm is certainly contagious. He was more than willing to share his lessons learned in this his first year of the event. This helped us tremendously. We will certainly keep in touch with him as we continue figuring out if we can do something of this scale in our area. In the meantime, check out his site. His event and store are top drawer stuff.

Ready Set Go

It was about a year ago that I was hoping to embark on a new journey in 2012. I even did a few blog posts hoping to see if anything came to mind as to what kind of journey that would be. Reading back on those blogs, I realized how bored I was and how boring I became.

Well my journey did commence in 2012. I'd like to think of it as getting my life back and seeing opportunities I would have ignored previously. I was laid off in August. No worries. Par for the course I figure. As a matter of fact, I think I've been downsized or had my position eliminated at least three times in my career. I think I finally got the message. First off, I'm not going to dwell on it. Better things await me I know.

Back in November 2011 I began learning steel pan (drums). It has been a kick. I really enjoy it. My extended family has always been a fan of this instrument. As a matter of fact, I had a relative who actually played in a steel pan orchestra. My parents (Mom and Dad) even took lessons. I currently play with Rocky Mountain Steel Bands in the Steel Works group. I like it and work hard at trying to be good at it.

Any how, who knows where it will take me. I decided to launch a steel pan festival in 2014 in the Rocky Mountain region. With the help of a very cool neighbor and some contacts in the music community, we just might pull it off. One day, I hope to corral all the steel pan players on the front range into one huge steel pan orchestra. Perhaps even have a non-profit where anyone who is interested can learn.

This blog will help get things rolling. Actually, it was my sister's idea to write about my experience. "YOU'RE A WRITER, AREN'T YOU? SO WRITE," she said. The writing will help me process and plan. And who knows, it may help someone else plan something in their area. Any way stay tuned. We have a phone call with someone tomorrow who actually was planning a steel pan festival in Illinois.