Meditations for a Young Man's Life

Sharing

2011-05-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

Dear people of Earth:
Please think before thou speakest.

This weekend yet another case of people sticking their noses where they don't belong and causing problems for someone who shouldn't have been involved.

Here's the lesson for today, gentleman:
It is very easy to determine when certain conversations can be considered "sensitive." Sensitive conversations are meant to be kept private and between the people that held the conversation. Sensitive conversation is usually only held between parties that consider themselves moderately close and therefore have an inherent level of trust. Don't divulge details of a sensitive conversation or a sensitive issue to others, it is not your place. These shared details will generally do nothing but cause hurt to others not directly involved and excite others to salaciousness.
You might ask- "Is it gentlemanly to keep/tell secrets?" The short answer is no. But taking part in a confidential, private conversation and not telling others is not keeping a secret. It is being a confidant and a good friend to another. Often friends need to talk about the issues they are facing in seek of advice or merely support, and the chance to do that for a friend is a sacred thing.
If you do not feel comfortable with hearing this information, or feel that you will be tempted to share it, express that feeling, that you would feel better if this person shared this issue with someone else. In the long run, it will be a much more healthy situation and your friend will appreciate your honesty and feel more secure with their issues of confidence.

Dumb question

2011-04-25T16:32:00.001-07:00

So, for those of you who may be reading these and they don't pertain to you...sorry.

For you who they do pertain to....

Do you want to maybe go grab dinner?
(This is my healthy outlet of getting things out so they don't build up and cause me to do something really stupid.)

Outlet

2011-04-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

Only place I could say it out loud and not really be heard...
Miss you

Humility

2009-11-04T18:03:00.001-08:00

You are not better than anyone else. No one is better than you. It sounds cliche, and it is, but everyone is just, different.

Too many people feel as though they are better than everyone else, or at least better than some people. It's funny, but that is exactly what makes those people not any better than anyone else. I have found that humility in all areas of your life can take you much farther than anything else. Humility does not mean a lack of confidence in your abilities or constantly underselling yourself. Humility merely means a graciousness and appreciation for what you are capable of, and a willingness to share your talents and positive characteristics with those around you for the betterment of everyone. Chances are, somebody somewhere is better than you at something. Don't be envious, be happy for them, and strive to achieve what they have achieved.

I consider myself a moderately successful young man both in my personal and professional life, but I also know I did not get where I am by myself, nor do I consider myself at the pinnacle of my professional and personal life. I have received the help and support of countless people in my life, and I am finally at a point where I can start to give back the support I received to others. Humility has kept me from shutting myself off from others, and humility has taught me to appreciate what I have because it can be taken at any time. I get so tired of those people who don't know the meaning of the word humble. They have this over-inflated image of themselves and think the world owes them something, or that they are something for the rest of us in the world to behold. You can be proud of what you have done, but without humility, no one else will be proud with you.

Until next time,

Your humble servant,

Charles

A Little Poetry

2009-10-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

Confusion...

Not working with all the pieces

Everybody trying to find their peaces

You wonder what you're missing

and then you find out...

Time...

Can mean so much

Can mean so little

You wish you had more

sometimes you wish it would just pass you by

Yourself...

You think you question

you try not to think, try not to question

Why...

Things are different, so different

Not just the obvious.

It's very strange, you're almost

Angry...

Disappointed, worried, frustrated, hurt,

You wish it was simply

Confusion...

Friendship

2009-10-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

Friends are an integral part of everyone's life, whether it be a positive or negative part, they are a part. Never make the mistake of thinking you can make it on your own. Friendship is what keeps us connected, it is what makes everything else you do in life bearable. Of course you have your family, but can they not also be considered extremely close friends? Conversely, can close friends not be considered almost like family? Your friends, your true friends are there for you. They do not judge, they do not disapprove or distance themselves from you. True friends do not boast or seek approval. True friends do not speak negatively of you,(unless they say it to your face.) A true friend listens, supports and offers whatever help they can. Take a look at your friends. Do these people fit one of these two descriptions? If so, which one? Which category do you fit in as a friend? It is never too soon or too late to evaluate your life and the people you have asked into yours. I would like to close by saying thank you to all of my friends. I would not be who I am today without you in my life, whether we are still close friends, have fallen out of touch, or if you can't stand the thought of me, you have had an impact on my life, thank you. And to my nearest and dearest friends, love to you (whatever type of love makes you the least uncomfortable.)

Charles

Have a Good Time...

2009-10-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

But, You Play Hard, You Pay Hard.

The Submission of Will

2009-09-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Two extremely important people in my life have shared something extraordinary with me over the past few weeks. First of all, you need to know that I am a Christian. Here are the two things that these people have shared with me.

1. There is no harder prayer to pray than "Lord, Thy will be done."

2. If Jesus could do it in the Garden, we should be able to do it too.

That's it.

Thank you to these two people.

I'm working on it.

I'll get the hang of this eventually...

2009-09-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, my blog posts are extremely sporadic, but now that I have a handle on school and my schedule, I will try to do better.

For tonight, an observation followed by my thoughts on this observation.

The observation:

Many people, school age, teenagers, college students, even adults, do not have clearly defined goals in life. They are content with where they are, or worse, they are content with whatever happens TO them. They do not view life as something they do, they view it as something that happens to them and something they have no control over. I am severely disappointed when I ask any of my students what their goals are and I get a shrug of the shoulders or the always popular, "I dunno."

Here are my goals, followed by my thoughts on why I think goals are so important.

1. Be a part of and help to raise a wonderful, Christian family, sharing the upbringing I received from my parents, especially my mom.

2. Ultimately become Dr. Charles F. Henry, and conduct a stellar choir at the university level.

3. To have a positive effect on any and all students and people I encounter along the way.

My thoughts on the importance of goals are easy to explain. They give us direction and drive, a sense of purpose that everyone wants and needs. I think someone once told me, or maybe I just came up with this, that everything you do in life is an audition or application for the next step. High school is an audition for college, college an application for a job, your first job the audition for your next and so on. If you do not know your goals, these things no longer become steps but merely treading water or running in place. People have asked me how long I plan to stay where I am and I tell them, "Until the next step up becomes available." Certainly there is something to be said for feeling satisfied and happy, but there is a difference between being satisfied and settling. Don't settle. Always look for and be ready to take the next step.

The easiest thing...

2009-07-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

So many people today say "Chivalry is dead." I disagree, I don't think it's dead, just not necessarily vibrant at the present. Here is the easiest task you can complete on the road to becoming a respectable gentleman.

-Open doors for others.

This task requires little to no effort, no money, no thought and no time but can make a tremendous improvement in the way others view you and how you feel about yourself. You may wonder who to open doors for. The answer is everyone. Open it for adults, open it for senior citizens, for your friends, for men and women and children. Make it a conscious effort. Think to yourself that if you see a person entering an establishment where you are going in, you will hold the door open for at least one person. This also applies to getting in and out of an automobile. If you are driving, certainly make the effort to open your passenger's door first, and if you are not driving, you can offer to open the person's door on your side of the car. It is incredible how the little things can mean so much. You young men out there may think this is cheesy, but you can ask my wonderful and beautiful girlfriend how much the little things mean. Take the extra two seconds to open the door for someone, soon it will become a habit and you will find yourself on the way to becoming a gentleman.

Waiting at the door for you to enter,

Charles

New Direction

2009-06-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

Being a teacher the last two years has opened my eyes to a huge gap in the education of younger generations. So many young people today are never taught etiquette, decorum and other basic needs to function at a high level in society. I have been fortunate enough to receive a "Gentleman's Education" from the adults in my life, and I feel somewhat called to share that information with today's young men. My hope is that this blog will touch subjects that all young men are dealing with, and provide them with advice and a sense of relief knowing that others face the same challenge, all in the comfort of complete confidentiality. I will be starting this blog with subjects that I know many young men confront, and hope that soon you will have your own questions, scenarios, etc. to ask about and share.

Just needed to talk

2007-08-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Things have been very different for the last few weeks in my life..things are changing, I'm doing more, a real job, scary, and lots of other things. I don't know, I've just been very used to and comfortable in my life for the past three or four years, and now it seems like everything is changing or has changed. I'm not quite sure I like it either. I mean, I like my job and I know music is what I want to do, but my maturation and new life is just making other things impossible or putting stress on them or, I'm not really sure. Relationships with friends and others have changed, and not always for the best. Things aren't terrible by any means, and maybe that's why I feel so guilty complaining about them right now, but they're just not the way I want them to be. I get the feeling sometimes that I'm being left out of things or not completely let in, and that is not a good feeling if you've never experienced it. I feel like I have my world, and then, there's this whole other thing going on that I'm not a part of that I used to be. Yeah, there are certain things that I'm talking about more than others, but I don't mean this to be incriminating, just expression. I don't know...I just don't really know

The First of Many...

2007-04-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

I was looking around online and found this...I was happy to have it on record for posterity.

http://www.music.uab.edu/Site2/media/Department%20Programs/10-21-06%20Choral%20Concert.pdf

2007-02-21T20:49:00.000-08:00

Well, it's time to go to bed...but first some musings. It has been a strange week. As probably most of you who read my blog know, Delia and I broke up this weekend on Sunday after three years of serious dating. It was a very difficult decision to make and it was not enjoyable to follow through with this decision. Delia and I dated for a very long time and were very good for each other for quite a long time. However, I did make this decision, one that I thought long and hard about. I have seen quite a few of you since this has happened, in class, around, etc. and most of you have had some kind words to say, niceties and what have you, and they are appreciated. I know that Delia and I breaking up was probably a big deal to a lot of people. When we all have been around each other so much and come to be so close and know so much about each other, we naturally become involved in everything that everybody else is doing. But, there comes a time when things have to be left at the personal level. I honestly do not wish to hear any more comments about the situation. Yes, I know, many of you may have at least some, if not strong, feelings on the subject. Please keep them to yourself. This was not an enjoyable experience, and I do not wish to belabour the point anymore. I mean this in as polite a way as I possibly know how, but if you have anything to say, positive, negative, inbetween, about any of the parties involved, the situation, timing, anything related, I respectfully ask that you keep them to yourselves. I know this may sound a bit pleading or trying to get people to stop gossiping or whatever it is that people do, but that is not my point. I personally just don't want anything to do with it. I have enjoyed my time at UAB far too much to have it scarred at the very end by a situation about which nothing more could be done. I do not want this to be my last memory of the school and of the people and my time here, nor do I want people's possible negative impressions of the situation or myself included for that matter, to be the last thing that I am remembered for here at this school. I just want people to realize and accept what has happened and move on. It does no one any good to dwell on what has happened when nothing can be done to change it. Acknowledge what has happened, then act as though nothing has happened at all. That's it. Thank you my friends
sincerely
charles

Holidays

2006-12-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

Back at home for the Christmas holidays...It feels more and more like a time warp every time I go home now, weird. Anyways, Delia got to come up for a day so that was nice, but then she had to go back to work, yuck. Ohh yeah, my sister Beth is engaged now! Yayy Beth! Her fiance's name is Jason and he's cool. He likes Family Guy, so of COURSE I like him. Oh well, time to go watch Law and Order with the family, until later
Charles

The Operation of an Automobile

2006-11-19T20:32:00.000-08:00

I will assume for the sake of this post that most if not all of you out there are drivers or have been at some point in your life...If so, this post is for you.
For the better part of six years, I have owned and operated my own vehicle with no blemishes on my driving record, except for a wreck which occured while driving very carefully in heavy rain. It is beyond my comprehension how poorly 98.4 percent of the driving population operate their automobile. This task is not that difficult. The first rule of driving is one of the first rules we learn as a baby, "Don't run into things!" yet this rule is somehow forgotten or ignored. These people have no concern for others as they are driving, they are going where they are going and you'd better get out of the way. So for these reasons, I've created a list for these horrible drivers so when they search, "Operation of an Automobile," which they definitely should because they, for lack of a better word, suck at driving, they can reference these points and hopefully become better drivers, or realize they should stay off the road.

Charles Henry's Rules for Driving
1. Speed limits are not absolute. If you go 30 miles an hour in a 30 mile an hour zone, you will probably get run over. Go with the flow of traffic.
2. Red lights however, ARE absolute. Even if no one is coming through the intersection, stop....no, just STOP.
3. Green lights mean GO! G-G-G-Green....G-G-G-Goooo I don't many kindergarten failures that wouldn't be able to match these up. When you see a green light, it means, "Yes, you may take your foot off of the brake and depress the accelerator you MORON!"
4. When you are sitting at a red light and are planning on turning right, you can turn when there is no traffic. I know this may be advanced for some people, but it's true. I read it, IN A BOOK! This is one of Charles' biggest pet peeves.
5. If you're planning on making a turn, left or right, please use your blinker when there is other traffic around. These people would probably like to know which way you're going so they can go ahead and turn or NOT GET RUN INTO! This shouldn't be a guessing game.
6. Oh yeah, in relation to number 2, stop signs...correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't stop mean, "not moving?" YIELD signs mean to slow down, not STOP signs. Again, even if no one is coming, you should STOP at a STOP sign. (G-G-G remember?)
7. Look before you change lanes. Just because you drive a Jaguar doesn't mean that you're better than me. You can't just cut me off. Trust me, I'm a lot less concerned about wrecking my '92 Ford POS than you should be about your Jaguar. I'll gladly take a sore neck and a wrecked door to see you write me a check and get a blemish on your nice car.
8. And oh yeah, SIGNAL when you change lanes too ya jerks!
9. Don't stop your car in the middle of the road ANYWHERE unless it's an emergency. I WILL honk at you, and you do not want that to happen. A wise driving guru taught me the skill of following whoever made me honk my horn and honk the horn continuously up to and including one entire minute. It has made people cry, seriously.
(A note about number nine: yes, it made people cry, but did they make the same mistake again? Probably)
10. I do NOT want to hear your music. Oops, sorry, I said music, I meant Rap. It is amazing someone can function in their car with the noise turned up that loud. If it's shaking MY windows, it's definitely too loud. This loud music does not make you look cool. It just makes you look fuzzy because my car shakes every time the bass plays.
11. Soccer moms, find a new mode of transportation. Yall are obviously not bright enough to operate an SUV. Almost every curb in Homewood has skid marks from being run over by these massive gas guzzlers. Perhaps a minivan would work well for you? See www.uabchoirs.blogspot.com
12. Don't tailgate me please. It's really annoying, and I guarantee you I'm not going to speed up. A nice trick: while still depressing the accelerator, tap the brakes just to where your brake lights come on. This way it's not dangerous, but it will scare the CRAP out of the person behind you. They'll get the message, and a clean pair of boxers.
There are probably many more rules to written here, but this is a good starting point. Bottom line, just don't suck at driving. Cause if you do, you will hear my car horn in your dreams.
Shake n bake
charles

Driving

2006-11-03T23:56:00.000-08:00

This is a reminder to Charles to blog about driving and how terrible people are at driving...Hey Charles, dummy! Blog about drivers!

Invincible

2006-09-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of seeing a truly great movie, a movie that really made me appreciate the strength of the human spirit. That movie, was Invincible. For those of you who may not know, this movie tells the story of a south Philadelphia native, Vince Papali, a man who only played one year of high school football, and eventually played for the Philadelphia Eagles. This man had been told all his life that he would never be anything, that he should never aspire to anything because it would only end in failure. This man rose up to meet the challenge, and triumphed over all those that didn't believe in him. Invincible made me feel privileged to be a human being, to be alive. This movie made me realize that we can do anything, as cheesy as that may sound. Thank you to Vince Papali for being who you are.

Expression v. Technique

2006-08-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

The eternal question: what is the conductor's responsibility to the ensemble, a technical clinic of all conducting gestures to completely execute the composers music to the letter, or an emotional filter through which the ensembles music is expressed? With new friends beginning their conducting sequence at UAB, this old question popped up into my head. I have been under conductors and watched conductors who ascribe to both philosophies, I want to know some other people's opinions. This also leads to another question, and one I would like to get some opinions on as well. What does the conductor owe to the composer in a performance? What should be observed and kept in the performance from the composer? Hopefully, these composers are musicians and will use appropriate instructions, but what are the boundaries to be set for the conductor? and what are the ramifications if the conductor disagrees with the instructions of the composer, but likes the piece enough to perform it in his/her own interpretation?

Leadership

2006-08-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

Another year of school has started, and with it come all the trials and tribulations, hard work, dedication, etc. This is my final year of undergraduate study, if all goes according to plan, and I feel as though I am in a certain position of leadership in school. These feelings have also sparked an awareness and a curiosity on my part into leadership in general. The motivation for this blog was a self-help commercial I saw on the TV, and also Delia's orientation "Team Building" at Samford.
It seems in the last ten to twenty years, there has been a spike in the self-help, motivational speaking industry, with bustling technology and an increasing desire to create the "global economy." Am I the only one who gets a bad taste in his mouth when I think about these things. I personally don't feel as though I need someone to tell me how I should live my life, and in what way I should conduct my affairs. I feel successful in myself, and I believe I will be successful as an adult with a career. It is wonderful that these people who write books and speak have become successful, but why do they think that the way the lead their lives will help me at all? I know a lot of people swear by these systems, but I just have a hard time believing that these actually work, or that they would make a difference in my life. Perhaps that's why it's a good thing I'm having to research "Getting Things Done" for Dr. Copeland's class. Maybe it will open my eyes to what these systems are REALLY about.
The other half of this blog is on the issue of building teamwork and "leadership skills." Anyone that's ever been to camp, or an orientation, or something like that knows what I am talking about. I find these exercises usually pointless. But the question is why? Is it because, I believe, I already feel like a leader, and don't need to build these skills? or am I just missing the point altogether? We watched Troy last night, and I said that I hope I would be like Hector, a great leader of men. I hope I conduct myself that way and that I am a leader in my adult life.
Ohh well, this was sort of a ramble, kinda missed my point from what I was originally going to blog a few days ago.
charles

The Recapitulation

2006-07-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

For the record, if you haven't tried Mexico Lindo's margaritas, you should put that high on the priority list.
My, my my, it has been a while my fellow blogging compatriots. I apologize for the extended absence from the community. A lot has happened since my last post.
The choir did amicably in Carnegie Hall in NY performing the Mozart Solemn Vespers, I enjoyed almost two weeks of summer before classes started, I completed Foundations of Education I in June, I am working almost 30 hours a week, and I probably totaled Delia's car last week. We are both okay, but the car had a tree inserted into its, eh hem, rear end, and yes, I was driving.
Things are definitely changing here. I am in my last year of school, if all goes as planned. Dr. Ray, my private voice teacher is moving to Nashville, a truly sad occasion for myself and others. Dr. Clemmons, my theory teacher for 2 years has retired, and I am actually done with all my music courses, except for Class Strings and Percussion. I can feel the impending graduation in everything that I do, and I am thrilled. The other day, I actually got a phone call from my high school choir director telling me that a half-time music ed. position was being created at my high school, and he asked me to fill it before it was advertised! Sadly, I was not able to accept because I will not have graduated, but what a thrill to be considered. Delia said, "I hope they just throw jobs at you when you finally do graduate!" Me too! I just hope when the time comes, I can excel. The thing I worry about most is getting the students to follow the rules, obey, etc., even though I will be so close to their age. I hope that I can do that. There will probably be more to that later on. But that's it for now, just wanted to remind myself how to do this.
Until later
Psalm 54:4
ps thanks delia

For my next trick...

2006-03-20T19:31:00.000-08:00

For those of you who own, or know somebody who owns the Nickel Creek CD "This Side," listen to "Smoothie Song". My next goal is to turn this into a choral arrangement a la Swingle Singers, it will be incredible.
String Bass-Bass/Baritone
Guitar-Tenor/Baritone
Violin-Alto
Mandolin-Soprano

Two totally unrelated topics

2006-03-16T16:29:00.000-08:00

First, I want to say congratulations for Delia getting into pharmacy school! YES! That is so amazing, great job babe! I couldn't be prouder, especially after the fun (haha) experience of this past year, right?
Secondly, I just wanted to take a moment to pontificate my current stress inducer, it's called a Music History paper. However, I'm actually enjoying the research and score study. I feel like I'm becoming a MUSICIAN, not just a member of a choir or future choir director, (Next May, YES!) I'm beginning to understand the excellent craftsmanship a composer uses in writing every note of a superb piece of music. My paper is on Mendelssohn's oratorio, "Elijah", the story of the great Old Testament prophet, and the song I am analyzing is "Lord God of Abraham." There are so many subtle tools Mendelssohn has used...anyways, I'll shut up. I mainly wanted to use this post as another way to say that I can't wait to be a conductor. I'm finally beginning to understand what Elizabeth Green, (The Modern Conductor) was talking about when she said "a joy in study." I love it. I am a dork, and that's okay.
Till next time, read 1 Kings 18. Then you'll understand my paper when I post it in the next month or so.
charles

Understanding

2006-03-06T20:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I had the honor and privilege of singing at the M-Power Awareness Concert at the Alys Stephens Center with the Vestavia Hills UMC Chancel Choir. The other choirs there were Shades Crest Baptist, Vestavia Baptist, Cathedral Church of the Advent, Independent Pres., Sixth Ave. Baptist and New Hope Baptist Church. What an experience it was to watch the two black churches, Sixth ave. and New Hope sing in worship. The look on their faces and in their movements was one of full surrender and exultation. I really felt that the Holy Spirit was in that place when they were singing. That's not to say that every other choir didn't perform wonderfully, but there was just something special about these two choirs. As I watched and listened to them, I began to VAGUELY understand what a source of comfort and hope faith must have been during the terrible stain of slavery in this country. You hear so much about slaves singing and having such a strong faith in God through song, etc., that you couldn't help but think about that and be touched by that music. I understand that that is what no man can take away from you. No matter how much power they have over you here, no matter how much those slaves were beaten, tortured, or humiliated, no amount of that can touch their unshakeable faith in Christ. I want to say thank you to those choirs. I didn't get to speak to them after the concert was over, because there were SO MANY PEOPLE, but thank you. You touched me in a way that doesn't happen very often. Thank you, and God bless.
Charles

Hooray!

2006-03-01T20:13:00.000-08:00

Delia gets here tomorrow!! Everyone wish her luck on her pharmacy interview tomorrow!

Unbelievably Bored

2006-02-25T18:17:00.000-08:00

The choir performed admirably in West Virginia, and finally arrived back in B'ham about ten o'clock last night. I had such a great time on the way to and from WV and while there...walking around, looking for the rite aid, leaving a little bit of myself in that alley, it was all great. I had such a good time that today, since I didn't have something to do every minute of the day with somebody, i got really bored, and slightly depressed. Today kind of reminded me of my first year of college, something I wish to forget almost everything about. Anyway, I know this was kind of a downer blog and sorry about that....but it's sad because I had such an awesome time on the choir trip!
later
charles

Early...

2006-02-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

So, tomorrow Concert Choir leaves for West Virginia...yes, West Virginia. You're probably asking yourself why would ANYONE go there, and I did too for a while. But anyways, we are leaving to sing at the ACDA Regional Convention in Charleston, and I can't wait. However, the only drawback is that I have to get up about 345ish, in the AM! And yes, that time REALLY exists. Ohh yeah, I talked to God today and he said he needed a wake up call tomorrow, he usually sleeps till about 4...gotcha covered. So that is where I will be the next few days, and oh yeah, I CAN NOT WAIT TO BE A CHOIR DIRECTOR!
Charles
P.s. Props to Dr. Jordan for coming to listen/talk to us today. What a blessing and gift to our choir.

Baritone

2006-02-07T19:48:00.000-08:00

Clay, unbelievably hilarious post on the "Gizoogle." I would pay good money to hear Copeland say that one time in my life. And on another note,
Choir beware. The strong and steady path of World Baritone Domination has begun. Under the orders of our incomparable leader, Dr. Copeland, (yes, he sang baritone in the "Messiah,") our colonization has commenced. First, it was the move from the back row to the third row. Then, it was a lateral move to the Western Hemisphere with New Baritoneland. Keith, Clay and I have firmly established ourselves on this side of the choir, even assimilating with some of the natives, (singing second tenor in places.) Yes, I know, diminishing ourselves by mixing with the commoners, but hey, even the angels mixed with the humans. I read it, in the Bible. So, rest of the choir, be forewarned. It is only a matter of time. It starts with a humming of your part and hearing the bass and baritone parts of the chord, then comes the mourning for our departed brethren Kevin, who though he is gone, his vibrato will always, ALWAYS be with us (Martin ;-) And then, pretty soon, you find yourself singing the fifth of every chord and being asked to show the second tenors how their part is REALLY supposed to sound. In closing, Baritonia (Martin, Evan, Chris, Jason and Luke) and New Baritoneland will be imposing their will on the rest of the choir, and you will be fortunate enough to take part in it. You're welcome.
Charles
Keeper of the Pitch

Update

2006-01-27T11:38:00.000-08:00

I don't blog quite as much because I want to make sure I can spell words like "update"...(see right column of UAB Choir blog) Dr. Copeland
charles

Not so much meditation, more just an update...

2006-01-23T19:58:00.000-08:00

Hello to all...Yes, I am still alive and everything is pretty much back in full swing. I'm ALMOST completely recovered from some surgery I had over the holidays....It's a sensitive area, enough said. I spent part of this past weekend with beautiful Delia, and had a great (but short time). I'm back at work at Panera and have just about settled into my new schedule. Hope everything is going well with everybody and there will be more meditations in the weeks to follow, until then, I leave you with this....
Sorry, I just decided to leave instead
charles

People

2005-12-01T18:55:00.000-08:00

Has anyone else noticed how bitter some of the people in our music department seem? And I'm not talking about the professors, I'm talking about some of the students. Yes, I know we have a lot asked of us, but what could be better? If you are a music major, you obviously love music, so why is it such an inconvenience or an unpleasant experience even to do something music related? Yes, I know sometimes I gripe and grumble about rehearsals, but I think generally I'm a happy person, and I think overall I have a positive attitude about the rehearsals etc. But some of these people, it makes me wonder, "Why are you a music major if you hate music so much?" I could think of nothing better than going to "class" and it being something that I enjoy learning about. That would be like going to a class that only discusses Harry Potter or SEC (Auburn) football. Everything we learn in our ensembles and academic classes is valuable information and something that will help us once we graduate and try to find a real job. Again, I feel like when I become a choral conductor that I'll be like the athletes who say, "I can't believe I'm being paid to do what I love and what I would do anyways." I am so thankful for the Music Department at UAB, it has changed my life dramatically. I know my purpose in life, I've made wonderful friends, met my beautiful girlfriend, got (get) to travel the world, and perform. It has been incredible so far, and I get another year and a half. I hope a lot of people read this. These are (Some of) my feelings on our position and time here at UAB. I'm sure there will be more at a later date.
Good luck on finals
you know who

Silence...creepy

2005-11-18T21:03:00.000-08:00

Confused by the title yet? I think I still am also. Anyways, let us venture on and maybe we will find our way out. An interesting topic crossed my path today, that of an "awkward silence" with a certain teacher. We'll call him MR....Copeland to protect his identity. An awkward silence is one of the most uncomfortable experiences a person can endure. Mere seconds can seem like an eternity. First the conversers, (word?), break eye contact, an unspoken rule in human interaction. You can not look at the person when you don't have anything to say, that's just strange, and a little frightening honestly. Then, the fidgeting starts. Shifting in the chair, tapping one's foot and faking an itch are all popular choices, but my personal favorite is the raising of the eyebrows when the two people accidentally make eye contact again. This is followed IMMEDIATELY by a glare down at the floor.
Now, this Mr. Copeland, again, someone none of you know, asked if I could see an awkward silence from miles away, why didn't I get out of his office befhorehand. Touche, sir, touche. However, if there were a preemptive departure from the conversation, an abrupt halt of all returned speech, would this not rob us of that conversation which leads to the awkward silence? the all important recapitulation of the conversation and the establishment of a conversation in the near future? But truly my response is this, an awkward silence is like a firecracker going off. You can sit there and watch the fuse burn all the way down to ignition, but no matter how much you anticipate it, you're always going to be surprised when it blows up.
But this leads me to a deeper point still. Silence. What do you think of it? Have you ever heard absolute silence? It is quite possibly the most terrifying experience to me. Monsters and boogie men don't frighten me, but those things that interfere with the psyche, and allow you to terrify yourself, those are truly scary. Complete silence seems unnatural to me. There almost always is SOME sort of noise, but when there is an absence, something seems wrong to me. It feels almost like the calm before the storm, something is about to happen, something is about to break the silence. What is it? Think about that the next time you're sitting around and don't hear anything.
Listening
charles

I am...Big Bird

2005-11-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

Big BirdYou scored 83% Organization, 58% abstract, and 84% extroverted!
This test measured 3 variables.
First, this test measured how organized you are. Some muppets like Cookie Monster make big messes, while others like Bert are quite anal about things being clean.
Second, this test measured if you prefer a concrete or an abstract viewpoint. For the purposes of this test, concrete people are considered to gravitate more to mathematical and logical approaches, whereas abstract people are more the dreamers and artistic type.
Third, this test measured if you are more of an introvert or an extrovert. By definition, an introvert concentrates more on herself and an extrovert focuses more on others. In this test an introvert was somebody that either tends to spend more time alone or thinks more about herself.
You are very organized, both concrete and abstract, and more extroverted.
Here is why are you Big Bird.
You are both very organized. You almost always know where your belongings are and you prefer things neat. You may even enjoy cleaning and find it therapeutic. Big Bird is never sloppy and always under control... pretty good for a 6 year old bird living without a family.You both are sometimes concrete and sometimes abstract thinkers. Big Bird can be quite dreamy at times and has no problem using his imagination. At the same time he is also practical and can be methodical in his search for answers to questions. You have a good balance in your life. You know when to be logical at times, but you also aren't afraid to explore your dreams and desires... within limits of course.You are both extroverts. Big Bird gets along with everyone. He makes friends easily and always has a positive attitude. You definitely enjoy the company of others, and you don't have problems meeting new people... in fact you probably look forward to it. You are willing to take charge when necessary or work as part of a team.
I can not BELIEVE I scored more organized than my delia on organization! Wow.
Ohh well....ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ.
That's a song...hit me up if you figure it out
charles

Wow...

2005-10-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time...my sincerest apologies. Let's see if I still remember how to do this. This is an update blog, just want to catch everybody up, there will be more in depth action soon...
School is in full swing, busy as Hades, but I'm enjoying it. My Delia is back in Jackson, but luckily I get to see her every couple of weeks, and that's not too bad. Our first choir concert is tomorrow night and I'm ready. There are few things more enjoyable that performing a great concert.
I feel like I sing more than I do anything else. I'm surprised I'm able to speak without being in some sort of key. Ohh well, I'm just hoping I can stay healthy through the opera. Oh you didn't know? I am privileged enough to be able to play Daniel Webster in "The Devil and Daniel Webster" in November along side a great cast. Anthony Concepcion, Chris Carter and Maggie Hendricks. It is o' so fun. Well, it's definitely bed time, catch you on the far side.
charles

Sadness

2005-09-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

This past week, we have all had the misfortune of witnessing one of the most terrible disasters ever to hit our country. This storm caught me by surprise, and apparently it either caught people by surprise in New Orleans or they did not think it would be this bad. I knew a hurricane was coming, but I had no idea of its magnitude. The scenes I have seen on TV over the past few days are sobering at best. I hear people talk about feet of water, people with no food or shelter, the inhumantiy of man as he loots the city, taking advantage of the lawlessness, and even of people dying in the streets. Luckily, my girlfriend, Delia, and her family have all survived this storm. They live just outside of Jackson, Miss. and it was also hit very hard. Their house is still without power, but they have been able to stay at her grandmother's house because she does have power. Thank the Lord. As I watched TV the other night, I realized how petty my frustration at my loss of power was compared to what these people have had to endure and are enduring. What they wouldn't give to be in a dry house with no power?!
This situation has brought me to tears. It is so disturbing and heart-wrenching to hear that not only are people still stranded with no resources, but that people are resorting to animalism, stealing things totally unnecessary such as tvs, guns, etc. It is appalling. I know that the government is doing everything they can, but, does it seem to anyone else that NOTHING is happening? I know that it is hard to start, but doesn't the military have boats they can use to navigate the city? At least get the people to dry land...ALL of them. People seem to have just been left for dead. I actually saw that rescue efforts had to be halted because it was too dangerous. Too dangerous? Something has to be done, I know people were shooting at them, but non-lethal weapons can be used against them. Send boats up the river from the gulf, do SOMETHING. I wish I had a boat, I would go down myself if I could get there and start transporting people. I want to do something. I will donate money, but it seems that that only does so much good. These people need a hand, they need PEOPLE to help them.
My thoughts
charles

Intramurals

2005-08-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

To all those in Concert Choir take heed:
It is my belief that it is time that Concert Choir form some sort of intramural team. The three sports I think that would best suit us and we could POSSIBLY excel at are dodgeball, wiffleball, or flag football, although I've seen us try to play football, and we ain't that good. Anyways, let's talk about it sometime, I don't know much about it, except registration is due first week of October? and fees are $20 per team. Anyone interested?

Intrusion

2005-08-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

This blog is in response to the MASSIVE "response" given to my sorting hat post.
I wonder why this person chose to post this on my blog. I know that it MUST have something to do with their job, but I can't imagine what it would have to do with me. I mean, yes, I can take a hint, I'm poor, but you don't have to rub it in my face by saying I should jump at some stock I've never heard of before. Maybe I should take it as a compliment. Maybe these people consider me a stock market genius, and they want to see what I would do in this situation, and make their decisions based on my actions. I mean, after all, I am a good one to judge YOUR decisions on...hahaha, j/k. Or option three: is this some new sting operation designed to take out normally law abiding citizens? Is it so hard for the American government to believe that there are good, wholesome people out there who don't break the rules? I believe their plan is to catch me taking part in insider trading. Well, WAAHAHAHAHA, I have foiled your evil plan Federal Government. You may still have income tax, and selective service, but here is where I make my stand. Finally, what do you think would happen if I went to this stock broker's web page or blog and started writing about "what an incredible chance UAB Choir is offering this year!" "Dr. Philip Copeland has 'just' joined UAB and this has HUGE implications for the choir program!" The truth is they probably couldn't care less, they might ask me to remove my post, and may even think me a little...off. Well, anyways, I've ranted long enough, I'll ask this person not to post rubbish like this on my website again, but they're welcome to post anything relating to growing up or choir. For now, stay off my lawn.
charles

2005-08-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

I'm a Gryffindor!

did you expect anything else?

An Arch Nemesis?

2005-07-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

So I took the quiz Dr. Copeland mentioned on his blog and here are my results:

the Idiot Savant
(43% dark, 52% spontaneous, 50% vulgar)
your humor style:VULGAR SPONTANEOUS LIGHTYou like things silly, immediate, and, above all, outrageous. Ixne on the subtle word play, more testicles on fire, please. People like you are the most likely to RECEIVE internet forwards--and also the most likely to save them in a special folder entitled 'HOLY SHIT'. Because it's so easily appreciated, and often a little physical, your sense of humor never ceases to amuse your friends. But most realize that there's a sly intelligence and a knowing wink to your tastes. Your sense of humor could be called 'anti-pretentious'--but ironically, that definitely indicates you're smarter than most. PEOPLE LIKE YOU: Johnny Knoxville - Jimmy Kimmel
My Polar Opposite: The wit
hahaha, we meet again, Dr. Copeland!
charles
(p.s. he's ahead of me by the way, he's already got the cool built in evil name, DOCTOR copeland)

The music of France

2005-07-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know...two blogs in one day, I must be mental. I think it is this literary kick I am on. I finished the sixth Harry Potter Monday, (fantastic by the way), and now I'm all into reading and writing. How much can you say about singing in France, quite possibly the most enjoyable experience I've ever had, with the likelihood of anything in the near future coming close very slim. I felt as though the choir had finally spent enough time with the music. It felt like there was a point we reached where it was automatic, in a good way. The emotion, expression, technique and performance of the music could be at its highest level at any instant. The music we made while we were there is something I will remember and cherish always. I know people say performing is for your audience, but I would beg to differ. When we reached that level of performance, I didn't care about the audience. All I could see was Dr. Copeland, and all I could hear was the music. I think athletes call it "being in the zone." Everything else disappears. I hope this is a feeling we can re-create through my next two years here.
As for the negatives, I felt somewhat like the choir, myself first of all, was too excited and focused on simply getting into the finals. Granted, without MAKING the finals, there is not much to be excited. But, with all the energy and intensity bent on making the finals, it is hard to reach beyond that point again. Secondly, I remembered the other day how our time slot for the day of the finals was pushed up drastically, forcing us to inhale our food and be ready ten minutes after we arrived at the cafeteria. I think all of us were still not quite focused where we should have been, because all of us were planning on another couple of hours to find that place. Severe lack of communication on the competitions part in not relaying this message to us earlier. I feel as though this was a detriment to our performance in the finals of category I.
Back to the lighter side of things, France is a place I believe everyone should visit before they die, and a place I plan on visiting again, when I bring my own choir to an international competition. Ahh, something to look forward to...anyways, tonight, it's "Wedding Crashers" and I'm pumped. Thanks for stopping bye, be good.
charles

Life...As it were...

2005-07-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

To all my nearest and dearest, those who know me and those who don't, friends, compatriots and loyal subjects, I bid you hello, and a sincere apology for my long absence from the blogging community. Time has been filled with time with others, time by myself, time in class, and time at work. My wonderful Delia is leaving in but a short while. What a devastating blow to the comfortable life that I lead. She is going to Jackson to help take care of her family. I know she doesn't want to go, and I don't want her to go, but maybe there will be some good that comes of this. I know that it is my responsibility to take care of her and help her through all of this as she goes through it. However, this touches on slightly different subject. Is it the man's responsibility to be strong for the woman and act as though he is not affected and that all will be okay, or is it better for the man to share his emotions and show the woman she is not alone in her malady? Just one of those questions I guess. Delia has been a prototypical girl in our relationship, in all good senses of the word, and I feel like I have counteracted her femininity with my masculinity. It has been fabulous, and quite interesting. Moving on....school starts in a few weeks, and I can honestly say I am excited. Not because my girlfriend will be leaving me, but because I will be that much closer to being a choir director. There are few things in my life that I have been as excited about before. Well, hopefully the elapsed time between this and my next post will be drastically reduced. Until then, bask in these golden days, and enjoy these golden times.
charles

France...a ma cherie

2005-06-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I know it has been a while, but I think I have allowed France to percolate in my brain long enough. This was by far the most amazing, memorable and enjoyable experience of my life, easily. Every moment I can replay instantly in my head, it's like a movie. I love a quote I found from Ernest Hemingway, "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go the rest of your life, it stays with you...For Paris is a moveable feast." And what a feast it was. The sights, sounds, smells and the ambience of being in a different world was electric. Delia and I are already making plans to live there someday in the future. This trip to Paris changed my life. It strengthened my already steadfast belief that I am finally doing what God intends for me to do with my life, music. I could not fathom the beauty and majesty of Notre Dame as we sang from the sanctuary steps, thinking that we were singing the same language and scripture that had been echoed throughout those halls for centuries before us. The immensity and grandeur of the Eiffel Tower. It was awe inspiring. I never knew it was so gigantic. I can remember every second of every day as if I am still there. I may have left Paris, but I don't believe Paris will ever leave me. This was one of those life experiences that make you who you are, and I can't express enough gratitude to Dr. Copeland for making it happen.
Charles
P.s. there will be more on the music making of the trip later

France

2005-05-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, so hello blogging community, or should I say "Bonsoir!" Yes, we are all back from France, and I think most if not all are ready to go back, now that real life has set in. This trip was a trip of enlightenment for me. I was incredibly lucky to spend ten days in such a beautiful place with my Delia, so many others didn't have the same luck. We got to share everything together. (By the way, there's a lot in my head right now, so this blog is just sort of an outline, beggin your pardon). Secondly, this trip was validation and a realization for the UAB concert choir. I remember my first day in Chamber choir here, yes, dr. copeland, i was there, and the three years up until now have been incredible, the growth and maturation of the choir is uncanny. Third, I can not wait to be a choral director. it is such a beautiful dream come true to know exactly what I am going to be doing with my life, looking forward to it, and taking the necessary steps to accomplish that dream. i hope everyone i know or in college gets that same feeling eventually. Wow, I was so proud of the UAB concert choir, it was unbelievable, and i want to thank everyone involved for creating such an opportunity, especially Dr. Copeland, you are an incredible person, and I thank you for the support, brilliance and "je ne se cua" Thank you.
charles

That Saturday

2005-03-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

Deep, but not real wide...anyways...
It being Easter weekend and all, or it having just passed, made me think about something. We celebrate Good Friday and Easter, but what about that Saturday? It is interesting to me what this day might have been like. We know that Friday afternoon was dark and miserable, but what might that Saturday have been like? Purgatory? A state of limbo on the way to Christ's resurrection. And if you look into it further still, how depressing and lonely it must have felt, for if Christ was fully man AND fully God, the thought that man had killed God is extremely frightening. A whole 24 hours where God was not in the world? Scary. Yes, God still WAS, but Christ WAS also FULLY GOD. Ohh well, it just makes me think about what that Saturday really was like. Until later
charles

well, some one had to do it...

2005-03-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

so i (delia) have been studying physics all day at charles (b/c i would get distracted at home) and finally my head is about to bust open b/c i have crammed so much crap into it...so i decided to take a break (my first one since 4, its now 930) and blog, b/c thats what i do to help me release stress and tension...so i went to my blog page and then clicked on "get your own blog" b/c thats how i get to my dashboard (on my computer, right now im on charles's) and as the page was loading (b/c its dial up and takes more time than im used to) i thought, "i wonder if this will take me to a sign on page or directly to charles's dashboard" i really did not mean to just go here, honestly...but since i was here and it has been forever and a day since charles posted i decided to grace his blog with my thoughts (i saved this originnaly as a draft so he could choose to post it or not, im not completely evil)...but as charles's blog is generally thoughts deeper than i can usually fathom i am at a loss of what else to say, i already feel as if i have decreased the IQ of his blog significantly...so i will go now, back to my physics, leaving you with this quote "It is possible to store the mind with a million facts and still be entirely uneducated" Alec Bourne

"There are no antebellum homes in Latvia!"

2005-02-04T16:30:00.000-08:00

What a great privilege having Dr. Jerry Jordan come to work with our choir this week. I feel as though a cycle in my life has been completed, from the days of first wanting to be in a choir in high school till now. My junior year in high school, and up until then intermittently, I was exposed to wonderful choral music via a cd entitled "Light and Live" by the Ole Miss Concert Singers. This music REALLY made me want to be in a choir like that in college, and only after some time did I find out about Dr. Jordan's being the conductor. When I found out about Dr. Copeland's time at Ole Miss and exposure to that level of excellence, I was ecstatic when I came to be in UAB's choir. And now, now that we have made a name for ourselves as the UAB Concert Choir, to have Dr. Jordan come work with us was a dream come true. It is funny to think that three or four years ago I was thinking wow, that would be awesome to be in that group, but it's even better now, knowing that we are our OWN choir, but still with those same influences. ANNNYways, as I sit in class, I felt like a sponge soaking up every word Dr. Jordan had to say to us. It was exciting sitting in the presence of genius like that, and it made me realize that that is NOT as an unusual experience as it may sound, we are so INCREDIBLY lucky to have Dr. Copeland working with us three days a week working to make us an incredible choir. I know the things we learned this week will help us all in the coming months to become better choral singers, and I know Dr. Copeland will use what we learned to its furthest extent. I also think maybe we'll understand Dr. Copeland a little better, I know a lot of us commented, "Now I know why Dr. Copeland is the way he is" ;) Anyways, thanks so much to Dr. Jordan, and I know we're ready to get back to work with Dr. Copeland....see ya next week
charles

Lux Aurumque

2005-01-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

Today was the first day the choir began work on a brilliant piece of music by Eric Whitacre entitled, "Lux Aurumque." First of all, let me extend a deep, heartfelt thank you to Dr. Copeland for choosing this piece for our competition. I have loved this song the first time I heard it on a CD, when I heard one choir do it at Collegiate Choral Festival, and when I heard Mortimer Jordan perform it superbly at Christmas at the Alys. As we sang this song, I started to form a mental image, as happens with me during most of our songs that we work on. However, none have ever been this vivid that I recall. The piercing high notes, heavy, thick, full chords and the beautiful Latin language all intertwined to present to me a perfect scene: Heaven at Night. I know we all think of Heaven probably as a beautiful sunlit place with shimmering floors and towering ivory ceilings, but what about when it's nighttime? Many people think night is even more beautiful than day here on Earth, so wouldn't you imagine that night in Heaven would be that much better? Can't you see and feel the warm darkness enveloping you in safety and sleep when you listen to that song? This song describes this scene so well to me, that it makes me think, if I could spend one night in heaven, it would be worth a thousand lifetimes. Even myself, who is sometimes afraid of the quiet darkness, when I listen to this song, it makes me feel as though everyone is either sitting reflectively or lying in their beds, and God and his angels are walking around, checking with everyone, just peeking in. It's everyone's alone time of reflection in heaven at this time of night, and the angels are singing their lullabies. Believe it or not, I got this image of this song, and felt and sensed all of these things, before I even read the translation of the words, something to the effect of, "Light, pure and heavy as pure gold, and the angels sing to the newborn baby," that's all I can remember of it. But maybe it could give you something to think about when we work on this piece next time. Until next time, just think, it's nighttime in heaven sometime.
charles

(Not) In a Hurry to Grow Up

2005-01-12T21:05:00.000-08:00

"You can't take life too seriously, otherwise, you might never get out alive." These are the words of the brilliant, at times disgusting, Van Wilder. The more this year has progressed, I have discovered that being a grown up is a lot of hard work, and I am not sure that I am ready for that. I'm sure most of you out there are thinking, "yeah, you're certainly not showing any signs of growing up," and that's fair. But it's just that, as I am exposed to more adult situations, and involved in more serious decisions, I see why becoming an adult is such a long, continual process. I guess what I'm trying get across is that I don't see why people are in such a hurry to be grown up and be out of school and out on there own and then having to be the ones that are making the decisions for another human being. I feel like we are all where we should be, and when the day comes for us to be the decision makers in the world, we will be ready. I guess, in a way, I'm a little nervous about being an adult. After being a child for the better part of, eh hem, 20 years, it is going to be a big change. Well, I've rambled on about how much I suffer from peter pan syndrome, my real point is, we shouldn't be in a hurry to grow up, it will come soon enough, all we can do is try our best to ready when it does happen. until then, I'll keep thinking good thoughts and trying to fly....
charles

Taking Risks....on sour milk?

2005-01-04T18:16:00.000-08:00

I will open this blog by saying that writing it is taking a risk itself. I'm hoping that the muses will look down upon me and shine down their inspiration....still waiting...
okay, anyways.
The other day I was struck with a great idea for a blog similar to what I am writing now, but I can't EXACTLY remember what it was. I was at Delia's, and about to enjoy a delicious bowl of cereal when I noticed the expiration date was the day before. Now ordinarily, this does not deter my enjoyment of the milk, but Delia's amazement, and I believe disgust at the fact that I drink EXPIRED milk made me think twice. I drank the milk with the cereal and enjoyed it thoroughly, but it sent me into a series of thoughts on the expiration date of milk. Where does this date come from? I know it is stamped onto the battle at the factory, but why is it THAT day? Why not the day before? I don't think there are certain cows that give longer lasting milk than others. Do the cows tell those milking them what day it will be when this milk goes bad? And, if so, how can we trust these cows? What if they are mad cows? I don't think this would bother me quite so much, except for the finality of the expiration date. It does not say on the bottle, "Around Jan 15," or "Appx. Jan 15", it says JAN 15 arrogantly and unwaveringly, as if to say, HAHAHA, it's a race against time, you can bake bread and eat cereal all day, but you'll STILL have to throw me out. So I guess my drinking milk after the expiration day, is, in my own way, a way to fightback against those cows and the milk cartons. I refuse to give in to their tyranny, and only hope one day that I don't tip up the jug for a long chug, and end up eating cottage cheese. Until next time,
Milk...it does a body good (for two weeks).

The Importance of Being Silent

2004-12-17T10:14:00.000-08:00

Over these past few days, I have now more than ever learned the importance of being silent. Being in the field of study that I am, music, there is not much time allowed for silence. Whether it be classes such as concert choir, chamber choir or opera, or private rehearsal for voice or just listening to music in the car, I find myself rarely, if ever, listening to absolute silence. However, with so many things going on during our Madrigal Feaste, I realize that silence is part of what makes music, and life enjoyable, and bearable.
Being silent, in my opinion, can be a necessity, or an easy way to heighten an emotional experience. With the twenty-one people on stage during madrigal feast, there was rarely a question asked when at least 10 people didn't answer. People don't understand the fact that you don't HAVE to say anything if a question is irrelevant to you. The thing that really, for lack of a better word, irritated me, was the fact that when a question was asked with a specific answer in mind, people would blurt things out that were completely unrelated. Completely. If you are not silent at least part of the time, then you are speaking ALL the time, and nobody is that intelligent or interesting I'm sorry to say. Oh well, so much for silence as a necessity.
Also, I have found that silence can be a tool used for increasing an experience or making you more aware of the sounds in your life. As I was standing on the balcony with my girlfriend Delia, it was so quiet and still looking out over Birmingham, it was an extreme moment of clarity and reflection. It allowed me to enjoy the sights, smells, and sensations all around me. Silence can be beautiful, if you only listen.
One composer perhaps got it right when he wrote his, "3'44", I don't remember the composer, but the concept behind this piece is incredible. A man sits at his piano for three minutes and forty four seconds, absolutely silent, so as to make the audience aware of their breating, heartbeat, and all the other sounds that are a part of the "silence." Incredible. This man truly understood the importance and beauty of being silent.

"It is better to be silent and to have someone think you a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."
-Abraham Lincoln
p.s. happy six months delia!!

On a Lighter Note....

2004-12-02T10:18:00.000-08:00

At long last, the tyrannical rule is over!! The peasants of all the land rejoice as the evil dictator has been toppled!! The 75 day long occupation of my TV has been ended. Let it be known from the highest peaks to the lowest valleys that the brutal, relentless, brilliant Mr. Jennings has been deposed! The Land of Jeopardy shall have a new champion!

Mediocrity

2004-12-01T21:27:00.000-08:00

Does this word frighten anyone else as it does myself? In closing of my last post, I said "Be Special," and I know that everyone has aspirations of being acceptional. But does anyone's drive for success come not only from a desire to accomplish but from a fear of being average? To me, mediocrity is unacceptable, and inevitably precedes anonymity. I aspire to greatness, and though this may seem hard to believe, it is none the less, true. A mediocre life is one that has nothing to show for itself, one that has been satisfied with a bare minimum, and with "scraping by." This willingness to settle is hard for me to comprehend. I have seen the wonderful people in my life, and the greatness that not only have the achieved, but I have caught a glimpse of what they will achieve in the future. To me, being average is easy. It requires no great talent, no dedication, no hard work or sacrifice. In a way, mediocrity is non-existence. Well, I think I've been inspired enough for one night. It's time for bed. Remember....Exist, aspire to greatness.
chalres

"Find the Miraculous in the Common Place"

2004-12-01T21:09:00.000-08:00

I am very curious as to whether anyone who might read this blog could tell me who wrote these words over a hundred years ago.
My junior year of high school, I wrote a research paper on Ralph Waldo Emerson and found these inspiring words in one of his essays. All this to introduce my first personal blog.

I am a content person. For the past year or so, things have been steadily getting better and better, and I feel this is due in large part to my new found faith in God, and subsequent affirmations of his existence. It worries me when people say that "Miracles don't exist or happen," or, "I don't believe in miracles." While it may be true that waters have not been parted, or someone has not been physically raised from the dead in thousands of years, it is my strong belief that miracles happen every day, and are much more commonplace than people want to or can believe. Take today for example, I had a test that I had not prepared for and would not have done well on, and, even though it was my fault that I was not better prepared, the test was postponed until Friday. A miracle. Finding out that a class is canceled, a spiritual moment in choir (personally speaking), and getting two cokes for the price of one (that happened yesterday), these are all miracles that I think people grossly overlook. It is these "small" miracles that make a life worth living. Whether you hold any of the same convictions I hold or not, I do hope that you realize that there are forces in the world stronger and bigger than you, and for some reason, some times, these forces work for you and create miracles all the time that people are so desperately looking for, but are blind to the fact that they are staring them in the face. Well, so much for the first meditation, hopefully I might have peaked your interest for a while and gotten you to think seriously for a bit. I know it doesn't seem like I do very much, but hopefully this blog will open a side of me to every one out there. Thanks so much, and remember....If everyone is special, that means no one is. Be Special.
Charles