Archive for November, 2007
Sure, it was my idea, as it usually always is. It turned out very well, incredibly well, actually. I couldn't have asked for more. I had this incredible lake to my right, and a serious vertical ski slope a hundred yards in front of me as I soaked in the hot tub on our third floor balcony. This was about as close to Heaven on earth as i could summise.
First of all, my first name is indeed Bobby. The girls always loved that name. My mother, as screwed up as she is, is probably the only person who ever actually called me Bobby. Personally, I hated that name. I thought it too feminine, too gayish, too, ... well not worthy of a guy as comfortable on a horse as I was running over defensive backs. Yet, as I come to grips with turning 40 next month, I am also coming to grips with much more. Honestly? I like the name Bobby. Kind of sexy isn't it? Hah.
Continue Reading November 30th, 2007
Today was the last day of our extended Ski Conditioning program for 2007. I must admit, this year was a bit different than past years. The “crowd” this year was the most committed, excited, dedicated and involved group I have ever had. They were there from day one and most were there to the bitter end. When they had to leave town they hated it and could not wait to “get back to it”. The one thing I apprectiated was their hard work and the fun they brought to classes.
Continue Reading November 30th, 2007
On Michael Conniff’s show today Barry Schochet regurgitated the popular myth that peace is not possible between Israel and the Palestinians because a majority of the Palestinians don’t want peace and want to take all of Israel for themselves. This myth of hatred has been perpetuated by the Israel propaganda machine for so long now that it is accepted as fact by a majority of Americans including Mr. Schochet, despite Conman’s touting him as the “resident expert.”
Apparently Barry didn’t bother to check the facts before blurting out this arrogant racist statement. But why should he, no one cares about the facts. The truth is, as Al Gore says; inconvenient. Claiming that the Palestinians are the obstacle to peace allows Israel to continue its illegal settlement of Palestinian land. “They hate us” is all Israel and American supporters of Israel need to justify the continued denial of the creation of a Palestinian homeland.
Continue Reading November 30th, 2007
Day 3 of Aspen Music Festival and School Education Outreach Director Debby Barnekow and young composer Andrew Norman's musical odyssey to Roaring Fork Valley schools.
In our second visit to the Aspen High IB program we added student Nick Holloran from Basalt who had the morning free (I don't remember this in my high school days!). An accomplished pianist (he participated in the PALS program this summer), Nick began composing this summer.
Continue Reading November 30th, 2007
Day 2 from the road with Aspen Music Festival and School Education Outreach Director Debby Barnekow and young composer Andrew Norman.
Today was spent in one of our adopted schools in the PLUS program, Glenwood Springs Elementary. The fifth graders will begin a composition right after Christmas using their recorder instruments, so the goal was to help them find a process to begin. Using his verb piece with video that he presented yesterday to the high school students, Andrew had them improvise sounds that corresponded to the 13 verbs: "... drip, blip, sparkle, glint, float, ... chop, pop, splash." We split the group into two groups and with Andrew and me conducting, creating a sound piece. Of course, then when they heard/saw the piece that Andrew composed, the whole process was very clear... and fun!
November 29th, 2007
Each year, at the height of Aspen’s ski season, the Aspen Music Festival and School presents a stellar line-up of classical music’s top artists as part of its winter Artist Recital Series in Harris Concert Hall, giving this tiny mountain town a unique opportunity to see, and hear, the very same artists that appear at the world’s most prestigious venues.
The Series opens February 12 with Aspen favorites cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han, presenting a rich program of works by Schubert, Webern, Beethoven and Brahms. Finckel, also a member of the acclaimed Emerson String Quartet, and Wu Han rank among the most esteemed and influential classical musicians in the world today. Their duo performances have garnered superlatives from the press, public and presenters alike.
Continue Reading November 29th, 2007
I read the article in today's local paper about the X Games ending the concerts in the park. What the bleep are you thinking? "I would say concerts were taking on a life of their own, but I still think they complemented (the games)," Stiepock. Duh! But you still decide to end them? It is such a great event for town. It creates tremendous energy in the core all weekend long.
But by far the stupidest and most ridiculous comment is this, "You can't bring that band (Dave Matthews) in without having half the Front Range show up in town," Stiepock said. Hello isn't that what we want. Last I looked we are a tourist town and we love when people come to Aspen to ski, stay in our hotels and visit our stores.
Continue Reading November 29th, 2007
Day 1
What a great first day! Anticipation segued into excitement-Andrew is a real charmer, tuned into what appeals to young people. Much of his music is generated from a visual source: architecture, paintings and film.
Continue Reading November 28th, 2007
The case of ICE agent Cory Voorhis is properly getting more attention. It is a somewhat complicated story. View this Denver Channel 31 Fox News video update on the story to get an better understanding of some of the implications in this case. The story features former ICE Senior Speaial Agent, Mike Riebau, a guest on today's Con Games' Immgration Wednesday.
FBI Looking into Controversial Political Ad
November 28th, 2007
Before Day 1
As the Composer Forum begins once again, I find the same excitement that began the very first one six years ago. Then, there was the question of, would any of the plans work? Would there be children who actually would compose some music based on their interaction with Derek Bermel, the guest composer? And would anyone come hear their pieces? We received a resounding "yes" to these questions and here we are again, bringing another composer, Andrew Norman, into the schools, to work with a variety of select students. Some of these students have participated before and I am excited to see their growth in the new pieces.
Deborah Barnekow
Director of Educational Outreach
Aspen Music Festival and School
November 27th, 2007
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