Our Kindermusik Friend, Daniel Levitin

About a year ago, at Kindermusik International, we were heavily anticipating a convention that featured "This is Your Brain on Music" author Daniel Levitin. Well, he's back with a new book!

The Seattle Times quotes Daniel in saying, 'Music has "been with humans since we first became humans. It has shaped the world through six kinds of songs: friendship, joy, comfort, knowledge, religion, and love." The book then devotes a chapter to each song type, blending neuroscience, evolutionary biology, social anthropology, musicology and conversations with contemporary musical greats such as Sting and Joni Mitchell, who seem as enthralled with the author's six-songs thesis as he is.'

I couldn't agree more with Levitin in admiring the power of music I often think back upon my life and remember specific songs attached to the moment.

A very nice segue to say that I'm greatly looking forward to this year's Convention in a few short months. Are you registered?!?

Wishing You a Colorful Day!

I was reminded last night about the great Bravia ad campaign. It features music of Jose Gonzalez, Rolling Stones, and others. And also features brilliant colors...

“If you dream as big as you can dream, anything is possible.”

Beijing!

An estimated four BILLION people will tune in tonight to the Beijing Opening Ceremonies. I've Tivo'd the evening because I don't want to miss a minute!

Above is a beautiful picture from New York Times showing a performance of drummers during the Opening Cermonies.

Hello to Sarah Peel Li and all of our Kindermusik Educators in China! We are so excited to see your home over the next few weeks!

YEA: Youth Education in the Arts

One might say that Kindermusik is Youth Education in the Arts, but there is a stellar group, YEA, that runs the Cadets Drum Corps, a competitive marching band made of students under the age of 21. These groups compete all summer, practice a grueling show 7 days a week, all in the pursuit of perfection.

My husband marched with them when he was in college. He joined some of his friends last weekend for an amazing show in Allentown, PA. His friends, Cory and Kurt are bass drum alumni and this group (50+) traveled from across the US for this memorable reunion:




Mira! El Sistema en Venezuela



Watch this when you have 12 minutes and a box of tissues. (to view the presentation in larger screen, simply click on the icon with rectangles in the bottom of the viewer)