by Rachel | Uncategorized
One of my favorite parts of being in high school show choir was singing at graduation every year. It was always a little bittersweet, especially the year I graduated, but I loved it. I’m not in school anymore, obviously, but I still get to sing at my students’ graduation.
Every May, one of my job duties at The Hope Institute is choosing and performing a graduation song. In years past, I’ve sung In My Life, Seasons of Love, You Raise Me Up and For Good. It’s always a big decision, and this year I’m a little stuck.
So far, here are the front-runners:
- “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” the Israel Kamakawiwo’ole version
- “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
- “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
I know most of these are a bit dated, but I’m keeping in mind who the graduates are as well as the audience. So this is where I need your help: what options am I missing?! I’d really like to do something more current, however, I’m at a bit of a loss for ideas.
Please leave a comment with your ideas and input!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
My former high school’s show choir is coming to perform for my students today. I was a member of Seven & Senators at Springfield High School from 1998-2001, and can’t wait to see and hear how the group has evolved over the last ten years.
I wrote about my show choir experience (which is probably the reason that I am a total Gleek) last year, but think it’s worth bringing up again…this time, in relation to my career. Because as far-fetched as it might sound, those three years in Seven & Senators actually helped prepare me for life as a music therapist:
I gained an appreciation for all genres of music. We performed Broadway, golden oldies, love songs, classic rock, jazz, and just about everything else under the sun. Now there’s a special place in my heart for “Blue Skies”, “Bill Bailey”, and lots of other music therapy standards.
I got experience singing in front of audiences of all ages and abilities. Every year, we made the rounds at elementary schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and facilities like The Hope Institute (where I work now). I always enjoyed talking with the students and residents and brightening their day with our performances.
I learned how to improvise. Both vocally, and otherwise! Reinterpreting choreography when my dance partner was MIA, riffing with the audience when our sound system failed us, and creatively solving various other issues were par for the course as a member of show choir.
I taught myself how to memorize at lightning speed. Not only did my brain have to remember all of the music we sang, but it also had to remember countless dance steps, positions, and song order. Now, working with children, I memorize all of the music I use in music therapy sessions so that I can focus on my students — not the lyrics or chords. All that memorizing I did back in the day has served me well.
I bonded with others through music. We all know that the therapeutic relationship is a crucial aspect of music therapy. There’s something about music that speeds up a budding friendship, as I realized early on being involved in show choir and musical theatre. And though my clients aren’t necessarily my friends, our relationship is strong because of the music that we make together.
I’m sure there are other ways in which show choir helped shape me into the music therapist I am today. It’s so cool to look back at my past and realize how all the dots connect perfectly. What about you? Did your past experiences (show choir or otherwise) prepare you for your current career?
by Rachel | Listen & Learn Music, Uncategorized
Every year, my husband and I look forward to our April vacation. In years past, we’ve gone to Palm Springs, Hilton Head, San Diego, San Antonio, and this year…Scottsdale (that’s our hotel, the Westin Kierland, pictured above). What do all five of those destinations have in common? They’re all much warmer than where we’re coming from.
Even though it’s April, it’s still not very spring-like in central Illinois. Seriously, temperatures in the 50s and low 60s…ugh. But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, which is why I’m optimistically posting this song today:
Well it’s not too cold and it’s not too hot,
It’s warm, it’s warm.
Don’t need a coat, won’t sweat a lot,
It’s warm, it’s warm, it’s warm.
It’s warm outside, right in between
Spring is here, the trees are green
And so today we’ll play outside
Hop on our bikes, and take a ride
It’s warm, it’s warm, it’s warm.
Well it’s not too cold and it’s not too hot,
It’s warm, it’s warm.
Don’t need a coat, won’t sweat a lot,
It’s warm, it’s warm, it’s
Warm, not hot, not cold, just right.
Enjoy the day, it’s shining bright.
It’s warm, it’s warm, it’s warm.
Whether or not it actually starts to warm up here in the Midwest, I’m not worried about the temperatures where we’re headed tomorrow. Hello, 80 degrees and sunshine! Perfect weather for chilling out in the lazy river at our hotel (how cool is that?!) and exploring Scottsdale.
I most definitely won’t be spending much time on the computer while I’m away, but not to worry…I have blog posts ready and waiting to be posted. After all, vacation is no excuse to slack on my 365 in 2011 goal!
Is it warming up yet where you are?
by Rachel | Uncategorized
Even though Sadie spends her afternoons romping around with her cousin at my in-laws’ house (so as to keep her occupied while I work with students), I still refer to her as the official Music Therapy Connections studio mascot. After all, my students know her and ask about her all the time, plus she’s my constant companion as I blog away and plan music therapy sessions. Sadie even makes a star appearance in one of my songs.
So how do we plan to celebrate the big 2? This is one spoiled pup to begin with, which means we’ll have to outdo ourselves today. Sadie’s favorite treat is a peanut butter-filled Kong, and today she’ll get an upgrade from the mini to the full-sized version. My little girl is growing up!
Sadie is still a bit hyper, which is why I keep her out of the way of students as they come and go. But I can’t wait for the day she calms down and can handle a little more interaction every once in a while. I know a few kids who look forward to that day, as well :)
If you see this dog today, please wish her happy birthday!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
Confession: this post has nothing to do with music therapy, education, or children. But I’m so excited for my trip to the Windy City this weekend that I couldn’t resist writing about it. It’s been a long winter full of work-related weekend obligations, which means this trip — which has NOTHING to do with work — is the perfect way to ring in spring.
Our little weekend getaway does have something to do with my husband’s work, but that’s a good thing. Every March, his company invites its top performers to Chicago for a hotel stay and awards banquet. Zach and I have attended for the last 4 years, and this will be his 2nd year receiving the Agent of the Year title.
So that’s what we’ll be up to on Saturday night. But we’re heading out this afternoon with plans for a fancy dinner tonight followed by an overnight stay in a suite at the Wyndham Hotel. We love trying out new hotels every time we visit Chicago; back in August, we stayed at the super-cool W Hotel, and on Saturday night Zach’s company is putting us up at the Sax Hotel. Our favorite is the Peninsula, but you have to take out a small loan in order to stay there :)
Ahh, a weekend full of eating out, dressing up, and relaxing. It doesn’t get much better than that. What are your plans for this weekend? Hopefully they’re equally as fun!
