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This is incredibly sad for the acting community.  Paul Newman was one of the greatest performers ever.  I absolutely LOVE his work….”Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “The Sting,” “The Color of Money,” “Hud,”…I could go on and on.  He’s one of the few actors that I have intentionaly watched the majority of his work.  He’s just that good. 

As Shakespeare said…Goodnight Sweet Prince.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26913988/

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For my Beatles babies, a live version of Sgt. Pepper with Paul McCartney and U2 (one of my absolute favorites, as well).

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This is a role that I HAVE TO PLAY at some point.  I really want to play Donna (the mom)!  This musical is just fun (not deep, by no means), but fun

This clip is from the 2002 Tonys when it was up for Best Musical.  It’s the original cast performing.

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This is my favorite song from the musical Wicked.  Gets me every time!

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For my musical theatre babies…….

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I know I’ve talked a lot about Aristotle quite a bit lately ;), and he has a major significance to theatre, as I hope you have learned.  We still objectively judge theatre by what he wrote 2500 years ago.  Aristotle said in his writings:

“The aim of Art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”

How do you feel about this?  Think about when you go to a film…one based in spectacle or one based in plot….do you still expect or desire the inward significance of life (things)?  What theatrical production or film or television show have you seen recently that met the “aim Art” by showing the inward significance?

As always, I look forward to your posts!  You guys are so smart and thoughtful!

Peace~Ms. N.

There is a long history of the connection between politics and social issues and music.  Musicians, who have become “famous,” often become activists (if not already), and use their status to speak out in forums where they would be heard.  These are sometimes the individuals that are called “role models.”  This is nothing new–a history of musicians being activists goes all the way back to classical musicians such as Beethovan and Verdi.  (Men we will begin discussion on this week).

Can you name an example of someone using their fame towards activism and change?  What do you think of those who use this status to be activists?  Do you think it is their “right” or that they have valid opinions?  Or are they just using their fame?  And in the midst of this, what happens to the quality of their music?

Much food for thought!

Remember your answers are due by Tuesday, September 30.

Peace & Love ~Ms. N. 

Because this is just cool.  And you need to hear the guitar in a different way. 

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In honor of the Beatles medley we’re working on in chorus….here’s “All You Need is Love,” from the movie “Across the Universe” (which I loved). 

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This is from the Emmy Awards tonight.  I know I have a few Josh Groban fans….he did a send up of classic television show songs.  It’s interesting how they looped all those songs together.  And really, really quirky.

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In light of our discussion on Wednesday and Friday of “why we create art,” I want to read the following quote.  It comes from one of my personal favorite musicals, Sunday in the Park with George by Stephen Sondheim.  Sonheim has written of the famous artist George Suerat and imagined what would have taken place in the years it took him to create his masterpiece, “Sunday on the Isle of Grande Jatte.”  George is torn between his need to create and his love for his muse, Dot.  At one point in the musical, one of the other characters says:

“Work is what you do for others… Art is what you do for yourself.”

What do you think that means in terms of theatre?  And what do think it means in terms of any and all artforms (as I know several of you are dancers, writers, and the like).  Finally, how does it apply to YOU.

Looking forward to reading your responses.

Peace~Ms. N. 

As we wrapped up our discussions from Unit 1, understanding what is music and what is taste, reflect on the following quote from Billy Joel:

“Videos destroyed the vitality of rock and roll. Before that, music said ‘Listen to me.’ Now it says, ‘Look at me.’”

What do you think of this quote?  Do you agree or disagree and why?  We’ve studied topics related this in class, so I expect the comments to reflect your learning thus far.  What do you think of the role and/or importance of music videos?

Peace~Ms. N.

Ok, guys, tomorrow is a big game!  Kings Fork!  Come out and support our school and our football team as they play cross-town rivals, Kings Fork.   Show your pride and wear red or black and show that Warrior Spirit! Good luck to my students Colin Small and Damien Bester, who are part of the team ~ Ms. N.

Today I heard an interesting comment.  It regarded the importance that a teacher was placing on an assignment and his/her class.  All classes and disciplines are equally important.  Performing arts is my passion, and yes, I will always be incredibly passionate about what I am teaching.  While you are in my class, you should be geared toward my class.  When you are in other classes, you should be geared toward that class.  All classes are important, and all work is important.  Remember, every class you take factors into your GPA and overall eligibility for sports and activites, and ultimately graduating! 

If you didn’t know, there is a spaghetti dinner this Friday night before the football team.  It is a fundraiser for the girls’ volleyball teams.  It starts at 5 PM and is only $5.  You can’t eat fast food for that price!!!! Please support your fellow students.  It’s VERY important to support each other!!! I’ll be there with my daughter…hope to see you then! ~Ms. N.

The whole concept of using the blogs this year, so far, has been incredibly intriguing.  I’m really getting to know you guys, particularly in light of the number of students I have in some of my classes.  Although I may not get significant feedback verbally in class, I am getting on here.  It is WONDERFUL.  I have bragged constantly at how articulate and thoughtful you all are.

That being said, please remember to answer the blogs.  It is a part of your work in my classes.  I check the timestamp, so post when you are supposed to!  I hate giving 0’s, but I will do it.  So let me know how you feel in the blogs and get to say those things about music and theatre that you may not have gotten to in class!

Looking forward to reading!

~ Ms. N.

This weekend, I went to the Taste of Suffolk in Downtown Suffolk.  It was a culturally diverse street fair, with music, arts & crafts, food, jewelry, and other interesting items and vendors lining the street.  On one end of the street, by Wachovia, they had a stage with gospel groups, dance groups, and the like.  On the end by Washington St., they had “mainstage” performance acts, mainly bands.  It was incredibly diverse and interesting; and I loved that SUFFOLK has an event like that (I wish they had many more).

So my question to you is, did you see or hear anything that was interesting or opened your eyes to anything new this weekend, culturally?  Did you see a movie that you liked or disliked?  Hear a new song?  Go see a band?  I’d love to hear what some of you did that was cultural!

Congratulations to the Warrior Football Team!  They posted a win against Wilson High School 14-12.  It was very good game.  Congrats guys, and to my student Damien Bester, who is on the team!

Many psychologlists have determined that our favorite music can define us and let others know what we are like.  Numerous studies have been done on ‘taste’ and what it means.  We find references to this often in pop culture.  For example, in the book and movie “High Fidelity,” the main character Rob reccomneds judging potential dates by their album covers and CD collections. 

Based on discussion and lessons you have so far, what do you think of this notion that our musical tastes defines who we are, or rather, is a part of our defintion of self?  Please use language taught in the class.

Second part of this response is to tell me what you think of your own taste in relation to who you are.  How does your taste in music define or aid in the defintion of yourself.

Everyone understand?  1.) Do you agree or disagree with the notion that music is part of our definition, why or why not, and 2.) How does your taste in music define or aid in the defintion of yourself?  (if you say it doesn’t, you must defend that statement).

Looking foward to your responses! 

Have a WONDERFUL WEEKEND! ~ Ms. N.

In leiu of this week’s acting/memorization assignment, responde to the following quotes:

“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being” ~ Oscar Wilde

“Acting is half shame, half glory.  Shame at exhibting yourself, glory when you can forget yourself.” ~ John Gielgud      

I know that getting in front of the class to perform can be scary, exhilarating, rewarding, freaky, and embarssing at all one.  :)  I commend each and everyone for you for trying.  Now, think of these quotes and compare them to how you felt when performing and how feel about your memorization thus far.  

I look forward to your responses as always!

Peace & Love ~ Ms. N.

Hello my music affectionatos!

Again, I loved the discussion today in Music App. about the qualities of music.  I have put the lecture’s powerpoint online here.  You will need to study this and your worksheet that will be returned to you Friday.  You will have a TEST on Tuesday on “introduction to music appreciation.”   Let me know if you have any questions!

unit-one-pp-intro-to-music-app.pptx - BTW - it’s in Powerpoint 2007

Peace ~ Ms. N.

OK, so I know having to memorize something right off the bat is a little tough.  I don’t make excuses for being demanding.  Remember my “mama bird pushing the baby out of the nest” analogy? lol.  I want you try.   We all get nervous and scared, but you have to try.

That being said….if you think you’re messing up, KEEP GOING.  You CAN do it!  I’m more impressed when students do not give up and they push through.  Some of the best actors are the best improvisationists.  Don’t stop and start, stop and start.  Go through the memorization.  If you think you missed something and know where…ask if you can do it again (but give me a reason why)

Anyway, I was very impressed with what I saw today.  And you guys were very, very respectiful…a great audience for your peers.  Kudos to you all.

Now go memorize the rest of your assignments!

Hey folks going to VTA!

First let me say welcome to Grace.  Glad to have you on board with the trip, and glad you find your way back into theatre after having been in it at your former school. 

Secondly, those of you interested in “Auditionee #8,” please practice that part.  I’ll listen to different interpretations of it on Thursday and pick one of you.

Finally, see me tomorrow for your rehearsal schedule.  I will have available during lunch.  I’ll post some on the main board by the cafeteria.

Mucho love & respect, my talented ones <3 Ms. N

Well I have to tell you that I was most impressed with the quality of the discussion in class today.  You are beginning to think open-mindedly and culturally when it comes to artistic expressions.  I loved the element of “what is ‘real’” to the teenage experience in relation to music.  I hope that as you continue this year, you really examine that concept of what is real and what is not real when it relates to YOU.  We will talk more about music relating to the individual as well as music relating to our sense of aesthetics.  We will begin a lecture on aesthetics Wednesday, so you’ll understand more of what I am referring. 

Again, kudos to you classmates who were vocal today and articulate.  And kudos to you who had your assignments.  Those of you who did not….I expect way more than that.  Do your work. 

Peace~Ms. N.

I hope this finds everyone doing just fine with no limbs or crazy things blown over in their yards.  :-)  Today we’ve all been regulated to our homes with Tropical Storm Hanna…..my daughter’s soccer was cancelled (obviously), so we’ve been in, watching movies.  I rediscovered a couple of great old films on TCM last night and she’s enjoying The Incredibles for the 2nd time today! LOL!

Anyway, while staying in, I hope that you guys “rediscover” or, perhaps in your cases, discover classic, quality art/entertainment.  Tune in to the old movie channels sometimes–you’ll see what acting and character work is all about.  You’ll hear true music in it’s most pure form without the aid of technology.  Check out “an oldie” sometime.  You’ll find a treasure you never knew. 

Be safe-Ms. N.

Hi Theatre Arts Students!

For this week’s question, I’ll have both sections answer to the same blog post.  Here you go:

Please comment on the following quotes:

1.  “I think theatre ought to be theatrical…you know, shuffling the pack in different ways so that there is always some kind of ambush involved in the experience.  You’re being ambushed by an unexpected word, or by an elephant falling out of the cupboard, whatever it is.”  ~ Tom Stoppard, interview 1999. 

2.  “A theatre, a literature, an artistic expression that does not speak for its own time has no relevance.”  ~ Dario Fo, Nobel lecture, 1997

Within your comment, formulate a conscise, thorough, well-thought point regarding how YOU FEEL about these two quotes.  Compare and/or contrast the two quotes, and relate them to you personally, in relation to what theatre is and what it is supposed to do.  Think about what these two quotes mean in terms of the affect theatre has on lives, and more specifically, your life. 

I’m looking forward to reading your responses.  Deadline is end of school day Tuesday, September 9, 2008 to respond.

Ms. N.

Music Theory, Appreciation, and History (MTAH) Students,

Please comment on the following quotes:

1.  “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”  ~Berthold Auerbach

2.  “Most of us go to our graves with our music still inside of us.” ~Unknown

Within your comment, formulate a conscise, thorough, well-though point regarding how YOU FEEL about these two quotes.  Compare and/or contrast the two quotes, and relate them to you personally.  Think about what these two quotes mean in terms of the affect music has on lives, and more specifically, your life.

I’m looking forward to reading your responses.  Deadline is end of school day Monday, September 8, 2008 to respond.

Ms. N.

Starting today, I will be weekly posting a response question for the theatre classes and the music app. classes.  I will post these every week, and you will have over the weekend to respond.  These are always worth a homework grade–to respond.  However, your response must be articulate and culturally literate.  I want you to THINK and FEEL and formulate opinions of art and culture based on your education.  These questions will also be categorized under their individual area.

Any questions?  Post a comment!

Peace-Ms. N

Well guys, you’ve gotten through your first even day of school.  Congrats!  I hope that everyone is still finding their rooms and so forth and are following all school rules!  (no cells!)

I will be posting response blogs for MTAH and TI/II tomorrow.  I want interaction on the blogs.  Stay tuned, and be ready when I assign it in your class.

Peace&Love,

Ms. N.

Well guys, you’ve done it!  You’ve gotten through the first day of school!  For you new students and Freshman, I hope that you found Nansemond River High School to fairly easy to navigate and that you found your classes with realitive ease.  For you returning students, I hope that you helped your fellow new classmates out and are glad to be back. 

Today was a busy one for me.  I have classes all day long.  Odd days are exciting because it’s all music!  I am dissappointed that time did not allow my choirs to sing today, but we will on Thursday!  I am anxious to hear the blends, combinations, and your voice development over the summer.

Tommorrow is an “even day,” so remember to go to your 2nd block class.  I’m excited to see all the theatre students — we’ve had an absolute explosion with numbers for theatre this year; it’s exciting as a teacher and as an artist to see the interest.  Kudos to those of you trying some new!

Get some rest tonight and be at school bright and early!  See you tomorrow!

Ms. N.

Ah, my music lovers…..

I have attached to this blog the syllabus for MTAH.  This goes over the basic class and procedures.  More information will be given to you on Tuesday (which is tomorrow!!!!!!)

music-theory-history-appreciation_syllabus_08-09.docmusic-theory-history-appreciation_syllabus_08-09.doc

See you then!

Ms. N.

Hello budding thespians!

I am linking in the theatre arts I and II syllabus here.  To save paper, (try to be green!), I put the syllabus all together.

theatrearts-i_ii_syllabus_08-09.doc 

I’ll be seeing you actors on Wednesday during 4th block!  Act on!

Ms. N.

Hi guys,

It looks like the Gulf Coast is taking a big hit by another hurricane today.  Say a prayer for that area and the people that live there.  New Orleans is one of my favorite places in the U.S., and it’s not the same since Katrina.  Only 2/3 of the population have returned since 2005, and most of them had only been in the last year.  I was there last summer and got some unnerving photographs of the Ninth Ward and really saw how bad it is with my own eyes.  Let’s all hope and pray it doesn’t happen again. 

Trivia for you…..what is the ONLY truly American artform?  JAZZ music birthed in New Orleans.  Everything else that is considered American “art” (includes music, tv, etc.) has it’s roots in some European or African artform.

Ms. N.