"Django" by The Modern Jazz Quartet, Written by John Lewis

Finally I get to talk about music, specifically Jazz!!!!!! First, a brief history:

Go to this address to listen to their version of Django: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmpLtYmSlvM

     This is a song called Django, a classic Jazz tune everyone should know. It was originally written by John Lewis after traveling to Louisiana and witnessing a funeral, which is exactly what the song represents--a Louisiana funeral.
     My personal favorite version is that which is performed by the Modern Jazz Quartet. Need I say more? The Modern Jazz Quartet is one of the most famous Jazz groups ever, as most other Jazz musicians flock to play with other musicians and never settle down in one group. This is what makes the Modern Jazz Quartet unique--they have played together since we've been alive, and hopefully always will be playing together.
     The group is all African-American, with Milt Jackson, the vibraphone player, otherwise known as a vibraharpist. He is considered to be legendary and is highly respected. I idolize him in my mind as one of the greatest improvisers of all time, to me. Whenever I improvise, I think of his solos, especially those in his performances of Django.
    Percy Heath is the bass player, whom I refer to as the "metronome". He is completely solid as far as tempo, and I always try to emulate his rhythm. My father actually photographed his son!
     Connie Kay is on drums, and his fills always leave me wanting more, especially between the cadences and transitions between chords and sections.
     Finally, John Lewis himself is the pianist and musical director, which are self-explanatory (Just go up a few paragraphs). He is legendary as well, mostly for his incredible compositions.What more is necessary?
     This song is an intercourse between a sad funeral march and a festive party in F Minor, as Louisiana funerals involve an exciting gala afterward, and then it eventually returns to the chorus--the funeral procession and leaves the reader in pensive remembrance.
     From an improviser's perspective, the song hold many opportunities to jam on Ab Major and F Minor Pentatonic scales as well as F Dorian and Ab Mixolydian modes to choose from. Of course, one can also always use chord tones to play the changes and cadences.
     The performance of the song is phenomenal. The visual effect of the vibraphone is fantastic to behold as well as its pervasive reverberation. The improvisation is, as always with the Modern Jazz Quartet, outstanding, especially (to me) that of Milt Jackson.
     With Jazz, one can never go wrong, as very little of it is written on paper. It is a special thing, as all jazz that is not recorded is lost, as a piece may sound different from day to day, by means of different people playing it, or, probably, because the improvisers have thought of something new to try out. I know these feelings and situations from experience. Playing jazz with friends, if anything, is truly exhilarating, which is exactly what the Modern Jazz Quartet does every time they perform a song.
A Presto,
Simon

Perfect Strangers...or are They?

     Jay and Nick, Nick and Jay...the two men in The Great Gatsby seemingly destined to become friends...or are they? These two "friends", or so it seems, have much in common with each other. Both can, at times, act in a rye, sarcastic way, and the reader comes to appreciate their humor. They are able to exist without much distracting banter, which says that they are relatively misunderstood people. Both of them seem to generally do more listening than active participation in conversation, otherwise known as talking.
     They seem to be very good friends from the moment they meet, which was under rather odd circumstances. They meet at one of Jay Gatsby's parties, and Nick doesn't even know who he is, though he is his host. However, they engage in bonding experiences shortly after, such as flying Gatsby's sea plane as well as going out to lunch. From then on, Gatsby sends Nick personal invitations to his parties. However, is it really friendship? Or Gatsby just using Nick?
     It is revealed that Jay was in love with an early character in the book, Daisy, cousin to Nick. It is then left up to the reader to determine whether or not Gatsby is using Nick solely in order to get to know Daisy. If one were to ask me, I believe Gatsby has a genuine interest in Nick, though he is more interested in Daisy. Because of this, Jay is willing to sacrifice his friendship with Nick in order to establish a romantic relationship with his cousin, and possibly rekindle their friendship at a later date. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I believe Jay Gatsby has little regard for meaningful relationships with other human beings in the form of friendship.
     How about you? What do you think of Jay Gatsby's and Nick's relationship?

Energizing Others

Creation.
What a word,
the inexplicably fundamental noun of existence.

It is everything and nothing.
It has no form,
though everyone and everything existing proves it to be true.

There is nothing, then everything,
all at once,
stimulating each and every sense,
every microscopic nerve ending,
each cell,
down to the last atom.

It is truly incredible...

How incredible is it,
to be sucked into a vortex at maximum velocity,
after being born at the drop of a dime,
in the blink of an eye,
in a split second,
making slow, soft, gently violent gyrations,
thrusting, spinning, and flipping through the air
with the smooth, arching swoops of a falcon,
plummeting toward the Earth.

How incredible is it,
to lose oneself in a sea of swirling faces
of love ones you've never met.
Dancing and turning and revolving,
in a social gathering with everyone and no one.

How incredible is it,
to softly slow one's momentum,
and on a cushion of air,
land on a young child's soft, crimson, exposed tongue,
and to rest there in gratification,
gloriously satisfied,
           satiated,
                      and comfortably content with life itself.

How incredible is it to invoke fiery feelings of joy in someone you've never known to exist.

Language and Arts vs. Social Life: Thankful for a Classmate

     There exists such a thing as favoritism, which, among individuals, can create meaningful relationships as well as ill-mannered ones. Though favoritism is subjective, meaning the outcome changes based on whom one asks, it is a useful tool which can help one figure out the closest people to him or her. Because of these reasons, I don't particularly enjoy "playing favorites", as far as friends or classmates go, though if I had to choose, two people rise to to top of the list. These two individuals are named Gabrielle (Gabby) Burns and Shiloh Psujek.
     It's a little surprising that I'm writing this, as I've only known Gabby since the start of this year, and we haven't exchanged many words, though I have experienced enough to truly know I am thankful for her. Whenever we see each other in the halls, we say hello, and I try to encourage her as much as I can to be persistent with her INCREDIBLE Trombone playing-skills, as well as with her Spanish, as I am both a linguist and a musician. (Though, I wish she played jazz...we would jam so much!) She is a fantastic student, and always tries her best. She's always there for me when I need help, and I've even worked on a project with her. I also try to boost her confidence. Gabby, if you had more confidence in your excellent self, you'd be almost perfect.
     I've known Shiloh since Freshman Connection in the Summer of 2009. I didn't know her very well then, but we've become much closer since. She is one of the cleverest individuals I know, and always has to have the last word. She knows how to argue, and always has another sarcastic comment to make, after which I always laugh. That's probably the biggest reason I'm thankful for Shiloh--she knows how to make me laugh. It's something I can always count on when in her presence. Shiloh is probably THE BEST clarinetist in the world, which I knew the first time I listened to the gorgeous notes float gently out of her instument's bell.   She's one of the most beautiful people I know, both inside and out, and is one of my best friends. I can always talk to Shiloh about anything, no matter how difficult it might be to say. (I'm actually on the verge of "happy/remembrance tears as I'm writing this, because it's all very real and true). We talk about anything ranging from personal problems to jokes, school, relationships, and, Shiloh's favorite, RaNdOmNeSs!!!!! Shiloh, I'm thankful for you because you're one of my best friends, and I know I can always trust in you, and you can always trust in me as well! (OK, the tears have started to cascade down my cheeks...seriously......)
     In conclusion, my friends Gabby and Shiloh keep my life interesting and play at two different extremes of my life--language and arts vs. social skills. Both are very special to me, as are both of my friends. What would I do without them? I don't know. Although, I do know I have them as my very good friends, so why question it? Thank you so much, Gabby and Shiloh! I love you guys! (Now I need to go and wash my face...)
A Presto,
Simon

Be a Leader, be the Plow!

     What are some defining characteristics of a plow? Good question, I'm glad you asked! A plow is a hard-working, slightly old-fashioned piece of technology! It is a way of clearing a path for some larger force, creature, machine, person, or even a soccer ball! I even did my invention project in biology last year on snow plows, where I turned my bicycle into a snow plow. Could one ride it? Not really, especially since it couldn't turn right.....*whistles*. Anyways.....If we were taking this literally, a plow would be just that, a tool. However, in order to interpret how I am a "plow", we must delve deeper into the purposes and functions of a plow, or, alternatively, what a plow represents.
     My Italian IV teacher, Dr. Foy, calls me a firecracker. What does this mean, you ask? Well, she's never called me one to my face, just to my parents. Therefore, I have to infer what it means. I think it means I get people going. I motivate people to do better. Because I only, and I mean only speak in Italian in her class, I motivate both her and others to speak more Italian in class as well. Basically, it means I clear the way for others to follow in my footsteps. Get it? That's where the plow comes in!!!!! By "clearing the way", I become a leader in the class, which makes me more confident. It's a mutual benefit which helps others to aspire to be leaders and study harder as well, while I feel personal gain because I have helped others as well as having inspired them.
     In the future, I hope to plow my way through all the obstacles I may face, which is another defining characteristic of plows--they are able to overcome any obstacle. The plow is an ideal person, and obviously no one is perfect. To me, one can exhibit qualities of a "plow", but one cannot be a plow all of the time. Thus, when someone exhibits plow-like qualities, he or she is acting as a leader.
    In conclusion, I believe no one is a full-time plow, or else he or she would be perfect! Take me for example. I may be a plow in my Italian IV class, and at the same time,  I want to follow in the paths of Dr. Foy and Ms. Floreani, as they both teach an English literature class as well as Italian, and I would like to do just that. I would like to be a teacher of English literature as well as a high-level Italian teacher. How about you guys? What is one way in which you are a "plow", and one way in which you walk on a path cleared by another?
A Presto,
Simon

Ninjas in Mr. McCarthy's Class?

      Being a human, I have preferences, ideals, unique ideas, and beliefs which make me who I am. Because every human is unique and special, we all have certain categories which we fit into, which others can use to describe us to people who do not know us that well in order for him or her to mentally recognize us. For instance, I could say to one of Mr. Fanning's students, "Oh, you know Mr. McCarthy! He's the best, coolest soccer player/English teacher ever! " (Which I would record on tape and bring to Mr. McCarthy for extra credit).....Because of these preferences, everyone ends up being good at a certain array of things, or subjects. Therefore, what I personally believe could be changed, or not changed, as far as our American Literature classroom activities and atmosphere go, could, and most likely will be different than those which someone else thinks.
     Personally, I believe our classroom activities and atmosphere are nearly perfect the way they are. I love how every person can speak his or her mind and need not be afraid of being "shunned" based on his or her opinions. I love our discussions and our time debating about anything ranging from Nikes to child labor laws. We are free to be ourselves. One thing I really enjoy in this particular class is the daily journal. It helps me loosen up and get in my "literature zone" every time. Also, because Mr. McCarthy reads each and every one, I feel like we are able to establish a new level of connection with our teacher.
     Alternatively, one thing that I think could be improved on in our American Literature class is something contributing to discussion. I believe it would be fun if every night, one new person would be ULTRA-NINJA on the reading and know it completely inside and out, prepare discussion questions for the next day, and become the moderator of discussion in class the next day. This would remove the shyness from people as well as help them present something they know to their peers. I believe it would help us come together even more as a class.
     Well, that's it! Other than that, our class is pretty much perfect! (Mr. McCarthy, more extra credit, please?). It is the format and type of class I would like to be emulated by every other teacher in the school. It helps me think on my feet and learn in new ways, and ultimately, it allows me to be myself inside of the classroom.

Are we Still Puritan at Heart?

     When I first read about Salem, the witch trials, Puritans, and the House of the Seven Gables, I didn't think much of them. To me, they were simply words written about a place I'd never been to, about people I'd never met, and about a time to which I could not relate. However, more of the stories are true than one would think, and after reading about the background of the time period, Nathaniel Hawthorne, the house itself, and Puritans in Salem, I feel as if  I can understand more of the information presented in books I have already read or will read. It's pretty spooky, actually--seeing as it's Halloween.......BOO!!!

     For example, Nathaniel Hawthorne has more in common with Salem than one would think. For instance,  one of his relatives was John Hathorne, a judge during the Salem Witch trials. Some trivia about Nathaniel Hawthorne include that he eventually changed his name to "Hawthorne" in order to separate himself from his infamous ancestors. Also, he was born on July 4, 1804, and graduated from college in 1825 with Franklin Pierce, who would later become a United States President. Finally, Hawthorne often visited Salem, specifically the House of the Seven Gables, in order to be entertained by his cousin, Susannah Ingersoll, whose family occupied the house at the time.

     Speaking of the House of the Seven Gables, let's delve a bit deeper! This house is located in Salem, Massachusetts (yes, THE Salem, Massachusetts!), at 54 Turner Street. It is called "The house of the seven gables" because it literally has seven gables,which are the pointy things on the tops of the roof. It is quite interesting that the house where Nathaniel Hawthorne was born was moved to The House of the Seven Gables and is now extremely close in proximity to it--they are separated by only a few feet! As stated in the novel, The House of the Seven Gables, the building itself has an impressive history. It has been in the control of several different families, all of which have a story to tell. For instance, by Hawthorne's time, the house could only be seen with three gables. However, his cousin told him the house's history, and showed him the evidence of former gables. The house itself can still be seen today.

     The novel, The House of the Seven Gables, is partially about the town of Salem dealing with its past--a past which is now referred to as the Salem Witch trials. There are many possible explanations as to why these trials occurred. One of these possibilities could simply be teenage boredom. These teenagers who pointed fingers at so many villagers in order to have them executed could have simply attributed to the lack of excitement in the village. Then, there is the matter of the children falling ill in Salem. These sicknesses could have been attributed to ergot, a fungus which is easily grows in warm, damp, rainy springs and summers. Is it just a coincidence that this is how the Summer of 1691 was described? Nearly all of the young girls lived to the West within the Salem village, which was an area with swampy meadows would have allowed ergot to thrive. Furthermore, ergot is commonly found in rye, a staple ingredient in almost every type of food in Salem. Alternatively, the summer of 1692, which was towards the end of the time of the "bewitchments", was extremely dry, eliminating the risk of ergot in the village. Some symptoms that may result from eating ergot-contaminated food include violent muscle spasms, vomiting, delusions, hallucinations, crawling sensations on the skin, and a host of other symptoms, many of which were experienced by Ruth and Betty in The Crucible. Lovely.....

     Finally, we have the Puritans. The Puritans were extremely radical Christian thinkers which occupied the town of Salem at the time. They were categorized as believing in a theocracy, or government by religion. Basically, this meant that the government officials in the Puritan towns were the Priests and Reverends. The Puritans had some very odd traditions and rituals, at least from our perspective. For example, they believed a child born on a Sunday was a child of sin. This is because they thought that children born on the Sabbath Day were conceived on a Sabbath Day as well. You see, in Puritan society, sexual intercourse on Sundays was forbidden. (So, being born on a Sunday, made you like Black Sabbath, right? ...Right? ...No? Whistles..... Anyways.....) Puritans lived their lives in fear of a God as well as in fear of his counterpart, the Devil. It seems like an extremely humble yet unenjoyable and fearful lifestyle. 
     How does the Puritan-type society that existed so long ago still influence us today? Well, our religious diversity in the United States is a prime example! Many states do not yet allow gay marriage. The constitution does not mention it as being a bad thing, though the bible does. This represents some of our Puritan theocracy roots, though there is supposed to be a separation of Church and State. Our Puritan ancestors still influence us today because of the laws that they set in place before our system of government came around. Some of them just happened to stick around. Leave me a comment as to what evidence of Puritan roots influences you in your everyday life!
A Presto,
Simon