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Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | Well Al, my Ovational obsession during working hours has a definite upside! I have been bringing my 1117 Legend to school lately, and playing it during reading classes. During class breaks, I hold my breath, say a quick prayer, and hand my Legend to this new generation of musicians, and listen to their interpretations of Led Zepplin, Ozzy Osborne, and alternative guys I've never heard of (and probably better off that way!).
Needless to say, most of these 14-18 year olds have either never heard of Ovation, or never played one. They are quickly becoming Ovation fans, as they love the sound of this old legend (referring to the guitar of course!).
Norse(having fun in the classroom)man1
p.s. Anyone willing to donate an Elite for the cause of improved education in US schools? I am willing to put it to good use! (worth a shot, I missed out on my e-bay dream machine sweet Elite that was so neat, it hurt my feet [Their alternative lyrics are rubbing off on me!].) |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Call the Marketing department of Kaman Music, maybe they'll toss one in. 860-509-8888 |
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Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | I was just kidding about the donation, I am however seriously thinking of buying a couple of inexpensive guitars for these kids to learn on. I teach in an alternative setting, and it's really important to help these kids find some positives in their lives. They may not do as well in the traditional 3 R's but as a whole, their creative/artistic expression is astounding!
Norse(who knows, maybe I'll give them a call, I would be left speechless with gratitude if they were willing to actually donate some instruments!)man1
[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: Norseman1 ]
[ July 11, 2002: Message edited by: Norseman1 ] |
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Location: Baton Rouge, LA | Norsey(Sweet!)Man...
What a sweet soul you are to these kids. Young people need such positive influences as you!
If I were you, I'd go to some of your local dealers and beg them for donations.
It'd be a great income-tax write-off for them, I'm sure.
Now, if someone would just "donate" a Glen Campbell acoustic shiny bowl in mint condition to me I will do my utmost to preserve it!!! |
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Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | Thanks for the kind words Tom.
Norse(blushing)man1 |
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Location: NJ | Is there a Minnesota-based guitar company?
That may be your best bet.
There is also a program called the "Mr. Holland's Opus Fund" that you may want to look into. |
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Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | I'll check into it Cliff. I know I could afford a couple of cheapos like a "Johnson" (the new age Harmony), but a couple of quality plunkers would be sweet.
Norse(Perhaps I could write to Gov. Ventura for a special stipend [insert laugh here... most educationally Unfriendly politician I can remember]!)man1 |
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Location: NJ | You COULD pose it to him under the guise that you're teaching kids to bash each other over the head (El Kabong-style) in the wrestling ring.
(He'd probably GO for it!)
Something tells me the good people of Minnesota woke up the the day after Election Day (much like the guitarist that blearily wakes up in bed with the pig from the bar the night before) and wondered what the HELL they were thinking!! |
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Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | Boy, you hit that nail on the head!
Norse(would have been better off voting in Mad Dog Voshon!)man1 |
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Location: NJ | I think teaching reading to those that need it is slightly more important than guitar. especially if they are going to summer school they flunked the course the first time around.go to the good will and buy some books or get free menus from restaurants, there are also many cheap computer based programs that help vocabulary like american standard dictionary and word games etc. there is another program that I used to use that made great word finds with there vocabulary words.
no more teaching advice from me I retired.
[ July 13, 2002: Message edited by: alpep ] |
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Location: Scotland | I've been involved in music education for nearly 20 years & the politics sickens me. Al's right, basic skills are vital, but without art we are nothing.
Paul |
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Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | Believe me Al, the basics are being taught, and as you know being an educator yourself, the regulations and testing being mandated for teachers and students (at least in Minnesota) have just about choked the arts out of education. Without getting into specifics, the school program I run is a year round program for troubled teens. The curriculum(s) I provide/implement in my school program have been individualized to meet the needs of each student, and praised by state monitors. However, one area I cannot put enough emphasis on, is life skills, and encouraging my students to find healthy alternatives/choices to replace some of their current "recreational" activities.
What better avenues for self expression/growth are there than the arts (and in my opinion, specifically music)?
To each his own, as for me, I follow my heart!
Norse(as Harry Chapin expressed, we don't all color within the lines!)man1
[ July 13, 2002: Message edited by: Norseman1 ]
[ July 13, 2002: Message edited by: Norseman1 ] |
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New generation of budding Ovation fans!
