Nice and simple, the bio…. But you didn’t mention books. If I made a bio, I’d have to mention you read and study a lot.

Good point. But I’ve already sent it to her.

Ok – two comments, which you probably won’t even read, being away now.
But 1 – whadda ya mean “we’ll see if she uses it?” What else would I use?
and 2. – why is it too late to add anything about books?
It’s too late if you aren’t checking email anymore, but I can attempt to add something about books and studying, using verbs, even if you don’t see this before Tuesday morning…

Rhonda,

My comment, “we’ll see if she uses it” was only to refer to the actual provisional nature of my suggestions. I wasn’t 100 per cent sure my bio would fit what you expected from me. That’s all.

So, how about adding this:

Steve Jenkins plays piano and organ for Grace Episcopal Church in Holland, Michigan. He also conducts the choir. He improvises piano accompaniment to Ballet Classes at Hope College. Besides composing, he enjoys reading, research and conversation. His compositions and observations can be found at www.jupiterjenkins.com.

Its David. I feel compelled to reply and please be advised that the majority is just my opion. =^)

With respect to the Amber Alerts, it is my opinion that they are an invaluable tool for local small-scale law enforcement as well as overly populated metropolitan areas regardless of media sensationalism, misinterpretation or human emotional regressive theories.

The basic idea behind them is to give those in search of someone who is either presumed or actually missing a lengthier reach in a timely manner. The alerts are also geared towards safely finding and returning the person in the most efficient and effective manner utilizing the most resources available e.g. phone alerts, texts, billboards, television and social media.

When I think of the criminological aspect of this and those detecting or policing this issues, I am reminded that the more time that elapses post crime, the less likely (statistically) that there will be a positive outcome or that the crime will be solved.

This is why I have this alert on my phone and pay attention to road signs when they arise or other media sources that utilize the alerts. I would presume it is most effectively used in both rural and urban areas specifically places like Southern California that is overly populated or the farmlands of the Midwest that are sparse in terms of resources for such situations. But if I can assist by basically being aware of my surroundings than I believe it is my civic duty to be involved if only to be aware.

Basically, I care about others regardless of what else is going on. And recently there are a lot of people behaving poorly around me both related and unrelated.

This does not make me loose sight of my belief that people are not inherently evil, but rather, intrinsically good. My belief is that people learn poor behaviors and a good example is when I used to counsel families. I would have families come into my office and after some time find out that the parents would be under the impression that they have a “bad kid” and that they literally would want to get rid of him/her (very unfortunate but it happens). So my job would be to educate them about the familial dynamics, systems, child development and emphasize that “there is no such thing as a bad kid, only kids that have learned to exhibit bad behaviors.” Of course this would sometimes upset the parents and they would become defensive and we would have to work through it. Other times, albeit rarely, this was reassuring and parents quickly got on board with helping the family heal.

All that to say, I care about others so if I can help in any small way when an alert is sent out, than I have no problem with it and most often ignore the fear mongering, ridiculous media’s exaggerating ignorance or the mainstream regression into an “immature” state (not to sound hypocritical, but i, like the rest of the world am guilty of regressing into my own immature state, but lets not go there).

Hows that for food for thought?
David

I have seen the amber alert issued for adults as well such as an older adult that is incapacitated mentally, Alzheimer’s comes to mind.
I would argue the opposite of Friedman’s theory (yes I have read some of Friedman’s things among many others that focus on family systems, dynamics and the psyche) that “child-focus” is within our innate abilities to have concern of others (in this instance our children) for procreation purposes. This instinctual drive necessitates that, yes we ultimately focus on self for survival, but must also focus on securing our future as a species through procreation. If I’m not mistaken, procreation only happens when our children reproduce.
If we were to focus solely on our own individuation and functioning for the purpose of helping others, it would seem that this would most likely lead to a similar society much like our current one with primary examples of “self-centric” being most apparent within our circles and daily interactions. (I see this as happening to you, although I could be wrong =^). In this respect, it may be detrimental to try to help ourselves more often than help others, especially with those who may be mentally or developmentally challenged or immature. The regression is “self-centric” driven, but is not inherent in my little opinion. (Forgive me I subscribe to the behaviorism, psychodynamic, social learning, Bowenian Family Systems, etc schools of thought just to name a few)
We define ourselves and our individuation or functioning based on many facets such as environment, genetic make-up, intrinsic ego, differentiation levels, triangulated relationships, etc. These learned both healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms for living daily life and upholding relationships require daily maintenance for some, but not necessarily for all. I’m sure within your circle of people you could find some examples of both. It is my opinion that many people vacillate between focus on self and being “people-centric” most probably due to being inundated by technology and social media.
Again all this is opinion and I’m sure you have had enough of it. ;^)
David
PS: Ironically, I read your blog for today after I wrote this and you in fact I touch on many things you describe in your most recent update. I guess great minds think alike.

Sorry about the stuff with Grandma… And I didn’t see that John Renbourn died. Ugh.

That last quote here is great for thinking about with kids, and not just choir members…
Think I need to copy it out and post it in the kitchen. Or maybe every room of the house.

Glad you liked it!

I thoroughly enjoyed Takemitsu’s music. Thank YOU!

I could have found you a sub for that funeral if you would have asked…

I didn’t know you read aloud so much. I would love to hear your readings – I wonder if there is an app which would send them to me…. But maybe you wouldn’t like to record yourself. 🙂

I haven’t been reading poetry much lately. The Greek probably wouldn’t interest you. If I start doing it again, I’ll record some of it for you.

Well, that’s not just your ears. There are many sub-optimal issues with that instrument… However, I take it as a compliment that they didn’t strike you when you heard me playing it! I work hard to draw attention away from less attractive features of an instrument.

I know it’s a silly piece, but I was in that post-Easter/post-other-recitals slump, and digging around for something to play, and saw your piece, and thought it would be fun to do Sunday. Especially since I can’t help singing along (silently) as I play it!

Dude, I thought you’d like the piece because it’s not a Christian/sacred piece, as you keep calling it! He’s setting all these sacred texts from all kinds of traditions. “Measuring the Holy”, because it’s kind of a meditation on what is holy in various traditions, cultures, religions, lands, etc. Not that it’s a big deal if you don’t want to look at it, but still. I’m not that clueless about what you’re into (I don’t think…)
And the Bach article seemed, in my memory at least, to have some other connections, about some books about the Goldberg as well? Maybe….
Anyway, hope you both are feeling better soon!

Rhonda, I am grateful for the chance to look at another composer’s work. Thank you! I did see that Kesselman was doing the uber religious thing of crossing faith boundaries. As soon as my taste for things holy returns I will definitely take a look.

Looking once again at that article online, I see that the author mentions four books related to the Goldbergs….Goldberg Variations by Gabriel Josipovici, The Goldberg Variations by Nancy Huston, Bradshaw Variations by Rachel Cusk and Gold Bug Variations by Richard Powers. I think they are all novels. Will have to check them out.

Wow – that’s actually super interesting – to have those folks all together in the same meeting, make them talk with one another, and try to get them to work together to come up with a solution that fits all your needs (and not just the ones they like…)
I’d like to hear more about that sometime.

I think this was a test… You posted that link about episcopal fonts on the 18th already 😛 I know, because I clicked on it. See? Your audience does pay attention.

I need some new wedding rep – that Mozart is actually a good idea. The other thing I learned recently that would be good for weddings is an arrangement for solo organ of the Sinfonia from Bach’s Cantata 29 Wir danken dir Gott, wir danken dir – one of the obbligato organ cantatas. I got a Guillmant arr on IMSLP, which is fine, and played it for Western’s commencement. It’s festive and happy sounding.
Glad you like the Zsolt and Zoltan. I was trying to decide if Zsolt was some kind of nicknamed version of Zoltan. Think I’m going to learn that EGATOP.
Barry’s piece was great – I messed up the middle, during a piston change, and omitted some cool parts while I was lost, but it doesn’t sound bad on the video, all things considering.