Fun is the Fuel

 "Fun is the Fuel"

by Sara Penny, CCAC Vice President (column for Iron County Today)

"Fun is the fuel", wrote Steve Magness when describing the Norwegian soccer player Erling Haaland. This is true in the arts as well. If you love the music you are playing the audience feels that and enjoys it a lot more. If you are having fun in any performance, that emotion transmits to everyone on stage and in the audience in an authentic way. Deeply felt emotions transmit. Art that connects is memorable.

"No matter what happens just smile and enjoy it. Just live in the moment," said Haaland. I remember when Xun Sun was directing the Orchestra of Southern Utah and when we were struggling with intonation or rhythm he would just smile bigger as an encouragement to get us on track. I like the advice to students that when they make a mistake they smile and then I know they realize the error and we don't have to stop for a correction.

As Magness writes, "Our image of elite performers is often one of stoic seriousness.  We mistake being serious for being dedicated.  They are not the same thing. and confusing them has consequences." I understand that art can also need serious focus, but there are lots of times when having fun and enjoying our art is more rewarding for everyone involved. My goal is more cooperation and minimizing competition. I like the students to celebrate each other's accomplishments rather than feeling diminished if someone else does well. In group classes and ensembles this idea of celebration builds connection and longlasting accomplishments. 

"Joy is an expansive emotion," adds Magness. More joy creates even more joy for those involved in the performance. I am loving the Greenshows at the Utah Shakespeare Festival this year. It is so fun seeing the children getting involved and having such a great time. We have seen some wonderful plays already this season and are looking forward to more. 

Congratulations to the America250 Iron County committee for bringing a lot of happiness to the community as we celebrate the best of America this year. One of the projects is the playlist of American music. I am still working my way through it, but the variety is impressive. What is the essential music of America for you? The playlist is on Spotify under "Iron County's America 250". Ryan Paul and Joe Howe selected the music. Folk, pop, classical, rock, and rap are represented. Some of the vintage recordings are especially interesting. The song "Strange Fruit" by Billy Holiday is definitely not in the joyful category, but it conveys the strong emotions and challenges of our history. I first heard it in Denver when I was at a national orchestra conference. I am glad they included such a wide variety of music. It is a good reminder of the energy and exuberance of American music.

As we tackle our art projects I hope we can remember to enjoy the process and find the fun and authentic emotions whenever possible.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Finding the Node for Clear Harmonics

Image
  Natural harmonics  video.  Help with finding the correct pressure and the node on the string where the harmonic will sound.  Includes taps demonstration. Excellent for helping with intonation because the harmonic will only sound at the exactly right spot on the string. Fingerings, listen to bugle taps to get the articulation. Bugle taps video   My rhythms are not exact so listen to bugle to get the correct feeling. Divide the string into 4 parts. This is 3rd finger in the first position for the violin and viola. Sound the harmonic.  Now go to the upper 4th near the bridge and sound harmonic. You will find this is the same pitch. Handout from American String Teacher's Association Workshop Classroom demonstration of the physics of harmonics video  by Dr. Desmond Penny with help from cellist Brooke MacNaughtan at a STEAM Festival at Southern Utah University. The vibration of the string Using 1st harmonic at the middle of the stri...
Read more

Video Index, updated periodically

Image
https://www.youtube.com/ channel/ UCWMkn2CgTSLwAMRjQLxDtxA Video channel includes playlists of educational videos, performances, and nature videos. Music learning videos are designed so the student can play along, rewind the tricky bits, and then each piece has a straight-through playing without talking. These are not perfect, but I hope they will be helpful. It is vital that you continue to listen to the reference recordings with your book for tempo, intonation, and phrasing so when you are able to play in groups you will match the other participants. Sara Penny Bow as a Magic Wand:  Video:  Creating magic in your music.  More ideas on musical interpretation:  Ideas for music nuance Setting Up a Small Child for Violin or Viola plus Rhythm Tools Video: Magic wands, feathers, and other ways to engage small children Opening left hand and Balance :   Relax left hand for better results Violin: Pre-Twinkle and Bingo :  Link for finger exercises, pr...
Read more

Merry Christmas 2020

Image
When we were children our parents had a monster open house with lots of food and fun. We even had Laurel and Hardy movies for the children downstairs. We cooked for weeks and every year Mom changed the color scheme for the Christmas tree. The blue/green one with white doves was particularly lovely. This year we will have a quiet Christmas for two and will look forward to when we can have company and students in our home again. Last year I was too overwhelmed to decorate, but we got out everything for this year. It reminds me of the people who gave us these decorations. We are well and send best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful 2021. Sara and Des Merry Christmas from Sara and Des 2020 Christmas Carols: Click on the title for the video Sing along to Jingle Bells and Rudolph O Holy Night on viola Wexford Carol  on viola Lo, How the Rose E’er Blooming on viola Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates  on viola At Home: Wreath from my mother from our first Christmas back in...
Read more