Category Archives: Music and Theatre

Emotional Health, Family, Goals and Dreams, Health and Long Life, Home and Hearth, Music and Theatre, Uncategorized

Leave a Legacy

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The Grandmas and Selah 2

Originally uploaded by sarahgrace

Its number three on the aforementioned Bucket List; but right up there with number one on mine.
My three children are by far the greatest thing that has come out of this challenge and chaos called life.

They are not mine to buy and sell and use and own; but, they are mine to love, and to provide wings for. They are the primary recipients of the LEGACY I long to leave. A legacy that includes:
1) Plenty of music and musical opportunities
2) A classical education
3) Rewarding work ethic
4) The proper tools and gifts to help the tree grow in the way it is bent
5) Freedom to be oneself, who one is meant, by the Creator, to be
6) A well of memories and experiences to grow on
My professional friend has a large matted gold frame on her office wall. The frame proudly displays all the major accomplishments of her life: diplomas, professional licenses – and a portrait of her three children. I could not illustrate it better. Children are a heritage from the Lord. They are my life’s magnum opus. Children’s Children are the crown of old age. I must be old, because I have a three jeweled crown.

Emotional Health, Family, Goals and Dreams, Health and Long Life, Home and Hearth, Music and Theatre, Uncategorized

Leave a Legacy

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The Grandmas and Selah 2

Originally uploaded by sarahgrace

Its number three on the aforementioned Bucket List; but right up there with number one on mine.
My three children are by far the greatest thing that has come out of this challenge and chaos called life.

They are not mine to buy and sell and use and own; but, they are mine to love, and to provide wings for. They are the primary recipients of the LEGACY I long to leave. A legacy that includes:
1) Plenty of music and musical opportunities
2) A classical education
3) Rewarding work ethic
4) The proper tools and gifts to help the tree grow in the way it is bent
5) Freedom to be oneself, who one is meant, by the Creator, to be
6) A well of memories and experiences to grow on
My professional friend has a large matted gold frame on her office wall. The frame proudly displays all the major accomplishments of her life: diplomas, professional licenses – and a portrait of her three children. I could not illustrate it better. Children are a heritage from the Lord. They are my life’s magnum opus. Children’s Children are the crown of old age. I must be old, because I have a three jeweled crown.

Emotional Health, Family, Goals and Dreams, Health and Long Life, Music and Theatre, Religion, Uncategorized

The Bucket List

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Definitely, it goes on my list of movies I want to see.  It is also reminiscent of my thinking and Blog writing of last year at this same time, Ten Things I Want to Do Before I Die. 

On Sunday morning I heard a “Bucket List” message at church, complete with trailers from said movie.  The speakers said that a survey was taken of folks in their 90s. Following are the top 5 items on the bucket lists of those elders:

1)       Reflect more

2)       Live life like it is an adventure

3)       Leave a Legacy

4)       Give other people Joy

5)       Have Joy in my own life 

Not bad.  I kinda like that list; in fact, I think I will reflect on it in the coming days and see how well it fits my current list of Ten Things I Want to Do Before I Die.  

Emotional Health, Goals and Dreams, Music and Theatre, Poetry and Prose, Uncategorized

Happy New Year!

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May You Achieve a Substantial Percent of Your Goals and Dreams!
2007 has been a very GOOD year in many ways; despite lots of shake-ups.
I have succeeded musically this year: In the classroom, in the private studio, in the church and volunteer category, in encouraging my own offspring in their chosen musical endeavors.
I have succeeded in my writing goals in that I really did start the novel, and work on the novel as many days as not. I have changed drastically and dramatically; but my basic character, world view, and moral fiber has not altered course; it has strengthened. What has changed is what I know; what I have apprehended and am cognizant of; and, more importantly; what I DO, what action I take, with that knowledge. I am still Eine Feisty Berg; only more mighty and more feisty.
Ironically and providentially, my cognizance has increased through my writing as I get inside the characters and understand what they think and why they act as they do. I have gained tremendous insight in conversations with counselors, a couple of cousins, a dear SIL, other close family and friends, and great books.
May your new year be filled with courage; and resolve to do what you are called to do!

Family, Home and Hearth, Music and Theatre, Uncategorized

Launch

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launch

Originally uploaded by ein feisty Berg

A Golden Birthday
My youngest just turned 17 on the 17th and therefore dubbed it a golden birthday. He even asked if he happened to be born at 1700 hours – I told him “yes, somewhere in the world, I am sure it was 1700 hours. 1743 to be more precise.”
In 17 short years he has accomplished many things that still remain only a dream for me: performing internationally, singing on TV, soloing on the stage of Boettcher Concert Hall with the Symphony, creating movies, playing bass, jamming, forming, and performing with a band…
He has also done many things I have never dreamed of doing and will probably never attempt: back-flips on a trampoline, wall flips in a school hall, snowboarding, skateboarding.
He is also very tech savvy. As we were downloading this picture from his cell phone camera, he ran into a snafu and called, “Dad, what do I do now?” Doug (who can figure out anything computer or mechanic when given time enough) said, “Here, let me see,” and reached for the mouse. We all groaned (given time enough is the key word here), and said, “No.” Doug exited the room and Philip figured out the problem and had the pictures downloaded and accessible in 15 seconds…..Sometimes you only have to offer unwanted help to a teenager to get results

Family, Home and Hearth, Music and Theatre, Uncategorized

Launch

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launch

Originally uploaded by ein feisty Berg

A Golden Birthday
My youngest just turned 17 on the 17th and therefore dubbed it a golden birthday. He even asked if he happened to be born at 1700 hours – I told him “yes, somewhere in the world, I am sure it was 1700 hours. 1743 to be more precise.”
In 17 short years he has accomplished many things that still remain only a dream for me: performing internationally, singing on TV, soloing on the stage of Boettcher Concert Hall with the Symphony, creating movies, playing bass, jamming, forming, and performing with a band…
He has also done many things I have never dreamed of doing and will probably never attempt: back-flips on a trampoline, wall flips in a school hall, snowboarding, skateboarding.
He is also very tech savvy. As we were downloading this picture from his cell phone camera, he ran into a snafu and called, “Dad, what do I do now?” Doug (who can figure out anything computer or mechanic when given time enough) said, “Here, let me see,” and reached for the mouse. We all groaned (given time enough is the key word here), and said, “No.” Doug exited the room and Philip figured out the problem and had the pictures downloaded and accessible in 15 seconds…..Sometimes you only have to offer unwanted help to a teenager to get results

Emotional Health, Family, Goals and Dreams, Music and Theatre

Marathon Week and Happy Holidays!

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My marathon week is finished so now I have time to stop and wish you a very Merry Christmas and holiday season! Last night’s most excellent performance of “Mystery of the Manger” (Celeste Clydesdale) by my children’s music and drama team at church wrapped up my Christmas performance season nicely. The night before I directed a Core Knowledge concert and Mythical Musical (script mine) at the academy at which I teach. Monday was Philip’s 17th birthday.  Sunday morning the church team did their first performance in the Gym of the church (last night was in the sanctuary which seats 2,000; state of the art sound, lights, and stage).  Sunday afternoon I spent 10 and a half hours with Philip and his band (UPC) for Battle of the Bands. Saturday was the dress rehearsal for the church music and drama team.  Saturday afternoon I treated myself to a ladies tea. This afternoon Andrea arrives from college.  The tree is up on the deck.  The snowmen are arranged on the dining room table.  Today I am off to school to give and receive my final Secret Santa gift. Let the holidays begin!

Emotional Health, Family, Goals and Dreams, Health and Long Life, Music and Theatre

Dancing the Night Away

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We did it!  After 53 years of living with a great sense of toe tapping rhythm, but not knowing which foot to put where.  After years of childhood in which I felt condemned if I danced and knew I would pop if I didn’t get the rhythm out somewhere.  After learning the drills for marching band and the choreography for stage productions; after sending my kids to Cotillion to learn social grace and ballroom etiquette and joyfully experiencing Colorado Children’s Chorale performances where-in my son eclipsed my wildest dreams by singing and dancing internationally; we finally did it. 

Doug and I took ballroom dance lessons for three months and then, early in November, we bought tickets to the Jazz Dinner Dance at the high school.  Sure, it was a fund –raiser for the instrumental music department where our kids have enjoyed a combined five years of music experience, and just as sure that we could have enjoyed hearing the music for free by signing up to set up, serve, and clean-up.  I have done that a couple of times before and each time I got very itchy feet, had no partner, and surely didn’t know which foot came first. This year was my year.  We dressed up.  We went to the dinner.  We ate.  We danced to all the Jazz band standards.  We were uninhibited enough to cut up the dance floor; laugh at our faux pass, hazard some turns and twirls and work up a healthy glow. 

Done.  One more thing crossed off my “to do before I die,” list.  

By the way; I highly recommend ballroom dance lessons for married couples!  It can be a great “reframe” at the end of a tense day.  It is good to learn something together.  It is great exercise.

Emotional Health, Goals and Dreams, Music and Theatre, Politics, Wealth and Fame

I Don’t Baby-sit. I Raise Future Presidents

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I teach music; in a Core Knowledge Charter School.  From time to time I am accosted or confronted by angry parents who think I am picking on their child, or just too plain strict in general.I have heard parents say such things as, “Why should the kids have to be quiet in the halls?  That’s only for the teacher’s convenience.”  “Why should the kids have to keep their eyes on the director?”  “Music should be fun.  Why are there any rules at all?” 

I don’t baby-sit.  I raise future presidents. 

I don’t GIVE students a grade.  The student EARNS a grade. 

If the ability to sing is a natural, genetic gift; then I would be wholly in error to GIVE a grade based on singing ability. 

The ability to perform music correctly is a learned behavior; therefore any one can earn a good grade through giving one’s best effort. 

About those rules:  I raise future presidents! Eight years ago I was saying, “Of course the students have to stand up straight.  I raise future presidents, no one is ever going to call one of my former students, ‘slouch Bush,’ when (s)he is debating for the presidency. 

Today I am saying, “Of course they have to assume the correct stance when singing the National Anthem, of course they must learn to sing The Star Spangled Banner.”  Just last week I reminded the fourth grade that one’s hand goes over the heart; we don’t salute unless in full / authentic military uniform.  Obama is a fine young man.  I should have been his music teacher. 

Family, Goals and Dreams, Music and Theatre, Uncategorized

The Band that Meets in My Basement

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AR BandOriginally uploaded by ein feisty Berg

It is a hobby, it is something I want to do once, it is a goal to reach over and over; it is on the list of 10 things I want to do before I die.

I want to raise and launch healthy, well balanced kids; I have been about the business of raising young musicians since I began teaching piano at the age of 15.

I stood in the back and cheered when I first experienced the tour concert of my oldest in which he was lead vocalist and simultaneous master of drum kit. My heart was full and I remember responding to the anxious queries of other parents, “How can I not be FOR this? If I were 24 and single, that’s exactly what I would love to be doing!” That same son still works in media, making a living for his growing family while continuing to pursue his dreams. Last month my two youngest offspring and an additional band member of Accidental Revenge (the band that meets in my basement) made their way over the mountain to record in the state of the art studio of big brother. The result? A five song CD representing musical and writing talents of three teenagers, age 18 and under. For a sampling of the new brand of music, please click on the Accidental Revenge link to the left – and if its too loud, turn down your volume knob and remember what Kev said of the Bass player, “you should write a song called, ‘Way too nice to be a teenager.’”

May I, as an aging baby-boomer, never say “That’s too loud! I can’t understand the words,” as part of a widening generation gap. If I utter those phrases, let it be for the sake of polishing, honing, and marketing the very best and most commercial product possible from the heart of the emerging generation.