tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17758172031486904012024-02-06T22:29:07.748-08:00Tish Oney's Music BlogTish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-59990782467080297562020-12-28T07:21:00.004-08:002020-12-28T12:57:07.356-08:00Balancing Writing and Performance (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmsvhzybh8Sh2jUklWoTXnmVrTf9Ge4TQkMNCj9mjOK05ITttVX7vyQX_J8BHvDfE1KOLTWNMKG92pwcE8T8lntcsrSxQCv5kyEOoT4z9EkFOjF1a7arxSfTQahhhOEGX6WHZRM0wHinF/s750/tricia_9267_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmsvhzybh8Sh2jUklWoTXnmVrTf9Ge4TQkMNCj9mjOK05ITttVX7vyQX_J8BHvDfE1KOLTWNMKG92pwcE8T8lntcsrSxQCv5kyEOoT4z9EkFOjF1a7arxSfTQahhhOEGX6WHZRM0wHinF/w133-h200/tricia_9267_web.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span> </span><span> </span><span></span>Where there is joy in our work, there is God. </span>That
said, times like these invite us to find balance by embracing acceptance.
Things will never again be exactly as they were. Living in the present is so
much healthier than getting tangled up in the past or future, and the present
is the only moment we can truly control. That is where we LIVE. Embracing this
truth helps me prioritize those things that are rewarding in some way, either
for my career, for my well-being, or for the sake of someone else I am looking
to help. This means that I must prioritize time to write one of the articles coming
due, or a chapter for my next book, or a song arrangement for an impending
concert. This is the hardest responsibility of all. Saying “not yet” to the
work I see around me, like laundry and dusting, or the emails piling up in my
account (which are generally not urgent if they arrived in the past hour or so)
will help me to spend the needed time on my ACTUAL JOB—the act of creating.
Until I have acknowledged that being a creative spirit IS my job, other
distractions will ultimately prevent me from making progress on that song,
book, or conference presentation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Routines
tend to help some people accomplish their goals. One routine I have tried to
stick with is designating blocks of time each day to devote to various tasks.
Another method is simply to decide that I will spend any two hours of the
workday writing, one hour updating my website, one hour practicing, and one
hour planning a conference presentation (for example). This allows my artist
the time she needs to get creative work done while embracing her need for
variety and freedom. I find that I have to vary not only my daily schedule, but
also my work approach in order to keep my creative artist engaged. This is not
an easy task, as any successful artist knows.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Artists
are aware that there are two paradigms of time we can inhabit. Living according
to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chronos</i>, (by calendars, clocks,
and deadlines) is what the world generally expects us to do. We turn in work by
a certain date, meet for lunch at a specified time, and keep to a carefully scheduled
routine dictated by the clock. A more eternal, inspired outlook of time is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kairos</i>. In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kairos</i>, we lose track of time; find ourselves “in the zone” as we
write, create, or practice; enjoy the timelessness of a romantic evening; and
lay down our stress and strain that is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chronos</i>-driven.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chronos</i> is heavy traffic making us
late for an appointment. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kairos</i> is
hours spent hiking or beachcombing that felt like only a few minutes. In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kairos</i> we accept the gift of the present
moment and stretch it to encompass a lovely interlude of creativity, unrushed time
with loved ones making memories, or spiritual refreshment. The artist’s
challenge is to find ways to balance <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chronos</i>
with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kairos</i>—we must have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kairos</i> to create, but we often have to
operate within the world’s imposed deadlines. Learning to meditate can be a
helpful tool toward cultivating <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kairos</i>
in our daily round. Carving out undistracted time to do the creative work while
the world is knocking on my door represents the single most challenging task
for this artist/writer. Only when I give myself permission to let <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chronos</i> slide a bit can my artist feel
free to inhabit <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kairos</i> long enough to
finish those creative tasks.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Balance
will always be elusive to the busy person. Our lives may perpetually seem out
of balance to us, while to others, we may possess poise and wisdom as we wend
our path through a variety of responsibilities. Most important is to give
yourself permission to do the work first that will bring the most lasting
benefit to you. This is rarely the “urgent” work which is lying in your email
box or voicemail (since you turned off your phone during your creativity
session). It is more likely the book, song, or invention you would create if
only you had the time…</p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p><br /><br /><br /></div>Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-20643485537388326002020-11-20T08:23:00.000-08:002020-11-20T08:23:34.877-08:00Balancing Writing and Performance (Part 1)<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> <span><span></span></span><span><span> </span><span> </span></span> <span> </span><span> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuCmZ4LsB5dj5f9BMPKkGI8CXqZQcXX5iR5b7tngWyTImPIhlGKkZXHW0gxac6j-zeggbSBzaahgy9cpDuoVwT9Gxves4TeXaVIRkCO08MoYyyNDRzjHSBXXTMsCdkmIJ8Xe0Kce_t-e6/s2048/IMG_1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuCmZ4LsB5dj5f9BMPKkGI8CXqZQcXX5iR5b7tngWyTImPIhlGKkZXHW0gxac6j-zeggbSBzaahgy9cpDuoVwT9Gxves4TeXaVIRkCO08MoYyyNDRzjHSBXXTMsCdkmIJ8Xe0Kce_t-e6/s320/IMG_1663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The term “balance” is a tricky concept. My efforts toward life balance sometimes leave me feeling like I am standing atop a seesaw leaning first to one side, and then to the other to prevent one side from toppling over from too much weight while the other side flies upward from having no weight at all. How can we get anything done when we don’t know where to start, having several projects and tasks that need attention?<br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>When a person does a lot of things well (s)he finds there are many who will bid for his/her time and energy, making boundaries difficult to set. Balance may feel
like an elusive ideal that cannot be attained without excluding one important
area for a period of time. This truth is crucial to understand. Unless one
plans to author sixty books, for example, writing will not be a perpetual
priority, but it must be attended to while the book is in progress. It may therefore
be given attention at the exclusion of several other things that will regain
their previous attention after the manuscript has been turned in. While steady
progress toward an enormous goal like finishing a book manuscript is necessary,
so it is necessary to prioritize the smaller but no less important tasks that
also need doing.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
order to maintain this life adjustment, a writer must persevere as often as
possible to make steady progress toward the goal of finishing the monumental
project of writing a book. Books often come with deadlines imposed by a
publisher, so finding ways to make the daily quota (again, at the exclusion of
other activities like laundry, housecleaning, cooking, lawn work, gardening,
etc.) can become burdensome when other work is clearly being neglected. Here is
where asking for help becomes paramount! Dividing up tasks into achievable
daily goals may also permit a few minutes per day to be spent in order to make
sure work does not pile up to an insurmountable burden. The more individual
projects one takes on, the more difficult this balancing act obviously becomes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
am currently an author and musician with a separate, full-time day job
(Director of Music Ministries at a local church). I just released my first book
for a mainstream, international publisher (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peggy
Lee: A Century of Song, </i>Rowman & Littlefield) and am in the throes of
writing my second which has an impending deadline. I am also a freelance performer,
arranger, composer, music journalist, educator, podcaster (“The Singer’s Muse”
launched on WGJC radio in November!), and community volunteer. I have learned
the importance of setting boundaries to make writing time and music practice
time sacred. Always trying to make room for the Spirit to orchestrate my days,
though, I notice the occasional, unexpected phone call from someone who needs a
lift and I look forward to accepting that as my Spirit work for the day.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
am thankful to be moving forward in a lot of ways, in spite of our current
state of the world. I’ve completed one third of my second book; I am slowly writing
pieces for five publications that have requested guest articles by the end of
the year; I am designing a research presentation for an international jazz conference
audience in January; I am practicing, arranging, directing, and producing a
newly commissioned concert to be performed and recorded later that month; and am continuing
my work as a church musician and director, guiding scores of singers and
musicians through this awkward time of pandemic when gathering to play and sing
are still not encouraged. Creativity, as always, is key to fulfilling my
commitments! Instead of meeting to rehearse my choirs and other ensembles in
the traditional sense, we are meeting virtually. Coming up with meaningful activities
for our online gatherings continues to present creative challenges.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
thing I have learned not to do is compare myself to anyone else. Comparisons
are ALWAYS bad for self-esteem and will wind up causing me to feel somewhat
inadequate when I am MORE than adequate for the tasks God has legitimately
given me. As I look around it is clear which tasks are from God. God-given
tasks have real meaning and value. They involve investment in others’ lives for
good. They are ongoing opportunities that keep flowing in because I have done
similar things before that have prepared me for the next big opportunity.
Hallelujah when clarity arrives to guide me to the right or to the left when
faced with an important decision! Where there is joy in my work, there is God.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> </p><i>The full version of this article will be featured as a guest blog post on <a href="https://loriannking.com/latest-news/" target="_blank">Lori Ann King's website</a>... </i><p><style>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-75872325594760716702020-10-21T13:04:00.000-07:002020-10-21T13:04:17.443-07:00The Singer's Muse<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxLUbO60nIAnS7bTyU-K1En-DqJx9pchqs9gGfwcDcpDxI5DKWTR2driQOPBna9AwF2rBUOm-SH6Eu0F7tJ7VWtyKK_SYrD31hKPl-sX4v0PvzPDNa6iW94FWKarFHQnF3NZc4XlL2YjJ/s2048/tricia_9324_5x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1463" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxLUbO60nIAnS7bTyU-K1En-DqJx9pchqs9gGfwcDcpDxI5DKWTR2driQOPBna9AwF2rBUOm-SH6Eu0F7tJ7VWtyKK_SYrD31hKPl-sX4v0PvzPDNa6iW94FWKarFHQnF3NZc4XlL2YjJ/s320/tricia_9324_5x7.jpg" /></a></div> What inspires singers? Toward whom does a singer glance when searching for musical ideas? Where do singers travel to fill their wells with creativity? When do singers reach for outside inspiration and why do they turn where they turn? I am delighted to investigate some of these direct and rhetorical questions in a new podcast I will host on WGJC radio called "The Singer's Muse." <p></p><p>Singers from all genres and styles will be invited to contribute their thoughts as podcast guests. As we share our journeys, stories, and experiences, we will learn from one another and hold each other up at a time when singing in public requires considerable modification or postponement. Whether hailing from the opera house, jazz festival, Broadway stage, church choir, baroque ensemble, or pop music scene, singers from all walks of life and masters of many different styles of music will provide thought-provoking dialogue and encouragement for our fellow musicians yearning to heal the world with their gifts, talents, art, and generosity.</p><p>My first episode of this monthly podcast series will air in early November on <a href="https://live365.com/station/WGJC---Greenville-Jazz-Collect-a88760" target="_blank">WGJC</a> internet radio, and will be broadcast several times that month. The inaugural episode will introduce the premise of the podcast, a 110-year-old poem by the same name, and your podcast host.<br /></p><p>I sincerely hope that you will join me for an eclectic series of conversations about music, life, art, poetry, creativity, success, failure, beauty, singing, hope, and inspiration. I look forward to sharing this artistic journey with you!<br /></p>Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-86662585621339148232020-09-19T07:58:00.008-07:002020-09-19T07:58:59.718-07:00Creating Art in Trying Times<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_QUfNJsxQAVJqrg9PAIIQf1Vxnl1YTcTGyHPg8lqk9vDqVvRF3tK1Sd1sFN1mxPNy-Aao1R6BSRRjEONLFbGIQVDzXCueK9vaPnfvlcaubyyOZZMTxBiSwRvTptRKySv7J6oRzIBTKoE/s2048/tish_9275_8x12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_QUfNJsxQAVJqrg9PAIIQf1Vxnl1YTcTGyHPg8lqk9vDqVvRF3tK1Sd1sFN1mxPNy-Aao1R6BSRRjEONLFbGIQVDzXCueK9vaPnfvlcaubyyOZZMTxBiSwRvTptRKySv7J6oRzIBTKoE/w178-h267/tish_9275_8x12.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When the pandemic first hit I, like so many others, paused and looked around before determining how to move forward. I saw other artists immediately getting busy on the ground floor with podcasting, home concerts, and the like, but I really didn’t feel like joining in yet. I had a book release forthcoming, and simply adjusting to what was going on took a great deal of energy, not to mention grieving for the life I missed. Gradually I began to notice that I was receiving more and more offers to write, to teach online, to share my book via radio and newspaper interviews, book reviews, and magazines, and to my delight, that trend has continued through and beyond the date of this writing. I have never been busier, in fact, at any other time in my career, and the future is looking bright, thank God. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After these months of rolling with the changes I have learned the importance of limiting my screen time in order to reclaim some time for music-making and writing. Multiple Zoom meetings, virtual conferences, FaceBook Live events, learning new technology, and simply writing at my laptop for hours must be mitigated by an occasional walk outside, a singing practice session, a phone call, or an artistic interlude. Now that so many of our interactions have gone online, my computer time (which I never really enjoyed in the first place) has usurped much of my time to the detriment of more productive artistic activities including practicing the piano and singing, composing my song cycle, writing poetry, and using other means besides the computer to create. Although several formerly out-of-reach opportunities have floated my way over the past six months, I find as I look toward the autumn season an authentic need to unplug again… Every effort to restore my sacred practice time, prayer, and good old-fashioned creativity AWAY from my computer is hereby warmly welcomed and must rise higher on my ladder of daily priorities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am grateful for so many things in this season…for living in a relatively quiet neighborhood, for my health and my husband’s, for our new puppy who reminds me to disconnect and just play every so often (and that life must go on during trying times), for my family ties and friendships, and for my volunteer work which involves connecting with people in need and having meaningful conversations. As wonderful as new, exciting opportunities to work online first appear, we are reminded that we must distance ourselves from Cyberland sometimes, to not let it overtake or overwhelm us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To all my fellow artists, I encourage you to take some time each day to get some fresh air, paint a picture, reach out to help someone, listen to some soothing music, read a worthwhile book, sing a new song… do SOMETHING nurturing for yourself and for someone else every day. As we join our freshly-washed hands (virtually, while observing social distancing) on our onward walk toward the autumn of 2020, we never needed beauty, art, kindness, and a thankful spirit more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-4356904665317440012020-07-29T13:16:00.003-07:002020-08-01T20:07:10.316-07:00Peggy Lee: A Century of Song Book Launch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r0h9URQ4-Sp0rI7UzAlQl4MDCZYx9b3YhCH1tkgGGnSLeW26SWz0C6eEzcw4xN0aQkGCCTUX38DD7XMouuBx_BBj_uAgq7KoEk1KnQjQPy-GQaJoUPRQHlWCFoKm7LxRjTAu-kzIYVOq/s940/Lauch+Party+flyer+web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r0h9URQ4-Sp0rI7UzAlQl4MDCZYx9b3YhCH1tkgGGnSLeW26SWz0C6eEzcw4xN0aQkGCCTUX38DD7XMouuBx_BBj_uAgq7KoEk1KnQjQPy-GQaJoUPRQHlWCFoKm7LxRjTAu-kzIYVOq/s320/Lauch+Party+flyer+web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For several years I have been entertaining the idea of authoring a book on a
topic I researched extensively when I was a doctoral student at the University
of Southern California. The book is finally here! <i>Peggy Lee: A Century of Song</i>,
I am pleased to announce, is available for purchase at the <a href="https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538128473/Peggy-Lee-A-Century-of-Song" target="_blank">website</a>
of my publisher Rowman & Littlefield. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This volume celebrates the one hundredth birthday of Peggy Lee, a pillar of twentieth-century American popular music, jazz, and blues. It recounts her expansive work as a film composer, actress, radio host, songwriter of 270 songs, voiceover artist, live performer, and recording artist of 1100 recorded masters. Lee's contributions to American music run the gamut from a large catalog of recorded music and original songs (many which became hits), exceptional stagecraft and performance practice, exemplary musicianship, nuance, authentic style in a wide palette of genres, music advocacy, and much more. Her pioneering work as a female bandleader/artist/music creator paved the pathway upon which hundreds of her successors have traveled.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The book has earned a starred review from <a href="https://www.libraryjournal.com/?reviewDetail=peggy-lee-a-century-of-song" target="_blank">Library Journal</a> and many favorable reviews from several media outlets including Talk Radio Europe, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Universal Music Group, and others. We will be launching a virtual book signing event August 20 on FaceBook Live at my musician/author page (@TishOneyFan) at 1pm EDT to which the public is warmly invited! That event will include personalized book signings from my home music studio, LIVE MUSIC, special guests, prize giveaways, and interactive Q&A. I hope you will join me for this free event. You can purchase your copy of the book in advance if you wish, and come ready to submit your questions! I look forward to seeing you there... Thanks so much, and please keep yourselves and those around you safe...<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-1556056337940017022018-05-31T10:00:00.000-07:002018-05-31T10:00:17.294-07:00A blank summer slate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnoJo4GkaVOochiBGZVMBSwZAkOuAfyv3A9TPL_k0tmdiJ6TGwSf5yn0PNWcAMiRvYym8r2LTOiA9q2VhxZl44TxxfHRUAYe6DRxBlitJ-vkVcWW2G7IX-tbePMd183k9dOYofIr1VN7j/s1600/IMG_1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnoJo4GkaVOochiBGZVMBSwZAkOuAfyv3A9TPL_k0tmdiJ6TGwSf5yn0PNWcAMiRvYym8r2LTOiA9q2VhxZl44TxxfHRUAYe6DRxBlitJ-vkVcWW2G7IX-tbePMd183k9dOYofIr1VN7j/s320/IMG_1663.JPG" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
What are you doing this summer? Whether or not we have made plans that leave little room for anything else, summer is still a blank slate as we look ahead toward it on May 31. It can be a time for much-needed refreshment, recreation and rest, and/or a time many of us use to accomplish goals we had no time for during the fall, winter and spring. I look forward to some traveling, a bit of singing, and a good deal of writing to keep me busy. I also have delved my attentions into so many books that my desire for mental stimulation should be quite satisfied.
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This moment in time gives rise to an important annual rite of passage in looking ahead to what summer should include, accomplish, create, improve, or retire. Taking a break from normalcy over the summer months often gives one a chance to re-evaluate priorities and activities. Is anything currently taking up my time without showing any kind of purpose? Do my activities get me closer to my life goals or are they mere distractions? Do my current daily tasks add or subtract peace to or from my life? How can I streamline my thought process to maximize efficiency, productivity, contentment, and personal progress? A well-planned summer, replete with inventories of spiritual, emotional, physical, mental, financial, nutritional, and relational health and wellness, can reap a multitude of benefits, as I have recently discovered.
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There is no better time than NOW to address things that are not working properly. If my car needs urgent care, I take it to a mechanic for repair as soon as possible. But what about my psyche? If my emotional health needs a tune-up, isn't that just as important as caring for my car? Perhaps even more so. And how about nutrition and exercise? Have my formerly daily workouts slipped to an every-other-day commitment? This self-reflection is not about perfectionism--it's about making my own needs a higher priority through greater awareness of what is really happening in my life. It's also about taking advantage of travel time and summer breaks to provide opportunities to BE rather than to WORK. To observe, to listen, to be part of the earth in a simpler, more serene way, rather than chasing after anything. Diligence and discipline are necessary, true, in this artist's life. But the art is nurtured by nature, by quiet solitude, by wisdom, patience and contentment. Those things, I have also recently learned, are not accessible while one is actively engaged in the rat race. They only come when one agrees to step out of the race and let opportunities for growth make themselves present. This is a hard lesson for one who was taught that hard work is always rewarded, that holding myself to insanely high standards of excellence will yield the best job or the most "success." Life is a long-distance run and moments of rest are required to finish well. Moreover, life is so much more than work. Sometimes the inner work that I find challenging IS the work I am supposed to be accomplishing. . .
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So, finding equilibrium among one's physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, financial, vocational and relational needs becomes a task more important than "success" in any one area of life (like career). Best wishes as you consider your own balance of these areas in your life--and may we all find this summer to be most helpful in achieving that balance we need for greater wellness.Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-4077640107625776382018-04-30T08:11:00.000-07:002018-04-30T08:54:33.733-07:00Giuseppe Verdi and The Divine Sarah Vaughan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrJ84B6F8XC0tu_CcH0VAUGK7Y-MmlopN38LSA2wOxr0v8siGcFkjYJXlz1I8siwxM9cNxlGQOH2z_eH7Sndh4Abj-hPY2BeeEgIf8hotBJzNgaKjJhgDL1y1TwkbwJKcEjg92nf0eH-K/s1600/408px-Sarah_Vaughan_1955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrJ84B6F8XC0tu_CcH0VAUGK7Y-MmlopN38LSA2wOxr0v8siGcFkjYJXlz1I8siwxM9cNxlGQOH2z_eH7Sndh4Abj-hPY2BeeEgIf8hotBJzNgaKjJhgDL1y1TwkbwJKcEjg92nf0eH-K/s320/408px-Sarah_Vaughan_1955.jpg" width="272" height="320" data-original-width="408" data-original-height="480" /></a></div>
My career path has opened up into a place in which I have the unique opportunity to create concerts honoring pioneers of the music that resonates deep within my soul. Not many performers have these amazing and challenging opportunities, so I consider the responsibility of caring for the music as it is delivered to the audience to be sacred and extremely meaningful. Artists and composers about whom I have created, arranged, and performed concerts in the past include Ella Fitzgerald, Jimmy Van Heusen, Peggy Lee, Jerome Kern, and J.S. Bach, among countless compilation performances honoring multiple music masters. My next concert celebration, occurring this weekend, consists of performing the passionate and unparalleled <i>Requiem</i> by Giuseppe Verdi at The Peace Center with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and the Greenville Chorale, conducted by Edvard Tchivzhel. Just two weeks later I will be fronting the best jazz band in Upstate South Carolina, the Greenville Jazz Collective Contemporary Quartet, in our collaborative romp honoring the musical legacy of Sarah Vaughan. Wildly different extremes? Maybe, maybe not.
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I once studied classical voice with a teacher who told me, "One day you will have to make a choice between singing classical music or jazz. You won't be able to do both well." A few weeks later she finally heard me sing jazz in a public performance and told me, "Now that I have heard you sing jazz, I may have been wrong. You may be one of few people able to pull off singing both styles at a high level. . ." A few decades later, I AM singing both, and I attribute this to my adopting a mindset taught to me by Duke Ellington: "There are only two kinds of music: good and bad." I have endeavored to only listen to and to perform the former, while eschewing the latter. As I have progressed through my career, I have enjoyed performing (and teaching others to perform) authentically in more than one style. It takes very good ears to do this, as well as a willingness to continue to learn from other performers, and a technique that is malleable. Moreover, a disciplined lifestyle and commitment to the art form are necessary, too, as any high level singer can attest. Performing "good" music well is no small feat.
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The fire of Verdi's music juxtaposed with the cool simmer of Vaughan's represents a challenge that I have relished over the last month or so. Working on these two bodies of literature simultaneously has actually helped to create balance in my vocal instrument, in that the Verdi requires full, operatic, powerful singing and dynamic extremes, while the Vaughan music allows for more improvisational interpretation, gentler singing, but with no less breath management and precision. In a way, the Verdi has honed my chops in preparation for the Vaughan, since Sarah was known for having an instrument as supple, seamless, rich, musical, and full of beauty as those possessed by the finest operatic singers of her day. Perhaps this eclectic juxtaposition in my concert calendar was divinely planned! Perhaps I needed the Verdi to correctly interpret the Vaughan. . . the serendipitous ordering of these events is not lost on me.
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So get ready, Greenville! You can witness the angst, fury and spiritual upheaval of Verdi's masterwork on May 5 and 6 at <a href="https://tickets.peacecenter.org/online/default.asp">The Peace Center</a>, and then join me on May 22 at the <a href="https://squareup.com/store/greenville-jazz-collective/">Coffee Underground Theater</a> (1 Coffee St. @ 7:30 pm) for the denouement--an equally satisfying breath of sweet music so effortlessly bestowed upon us by Sarah Vaughan, "The Divine One." Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-26893053278066004362018-03-31T20:59:00.001-07:002018-03-31T21:11:33.387-07:00JournalingWhy should artists journal? What could there possibly be to write about? I have noticed over the past couple of months that I personally journal more than I initially realized I did before I gave it serious thought. To give you a description, I have one journal that I write in like a diary, recording things I am learning, quotations I wish to remember, events that are significant, a daily list of things for which I am thankful, thoughts, feelings, patterns I notice in my life, goals, and other miscellany. Another (separate) journal I maintain on a daily basis is a business log of all the work I complete during the course of a day. This helps me keep track of important contacts, dates of possible future concerts, progress on any projects I am in the middle of, work done at home or away from home, errands run, strategic planning, commissions, songs or articles written, and so forth. Being a self-employed, entrepreneurial, performing artist, composer, and author, this log helps me both assign and complete the work I set out to do according to goals set and projected timelines.
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Yet another notebook is used to log in my daily practice time including start and end times and total number of minutes practiced, as well as the instrument and repertoire. This log is necessary, because with several projects on my plate at once, I have to have a system through which I plan enough preparation in advance of a project, so my practice log is a wonderful way I can keep my commitment to practicing for jazz shows, symphony concerts, church solo repertoire, and any impending piano performances. I also write about any problems, challenges, or victories/revelations that come to light in each practice session. I've been encouraging my students for many years to journal about their practice sessions and things they learn when they delve into the music and text. Music provides so much that we can learn and apply to life, but to continue to be a student willing to absorb learning takes continued discipline long after our schooling is done...
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Still another log is used to record my physical exercise. For this I use my old-fashioned day planner (a small notebook, not a computer or phone) so that I can quickly access and chart my schedule of workouts, recording which workout I did on which day. Since I aim to cover cardio, weight training, stretching, yoga and various body-targeted regimens each week, recording them in my calendar is necessary so that I don't miss any or skip the ever-important and long-awaited "rest" day when it comes around in the rotation. :)
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I strongly maintain that I am more apt to remember something I wrote longer than something I typed or clicked into a digital calendar, so I am glad to keep with the familiar written word when I record all of these daily tasks. I have started something else called an illustrated discovery journal (suggested by Sarah Ban Breathnach in <i>Simple Abundance</i>) in which I cut, paste and write things I love--it is more of a scissor/paper type of journaling system in which I have fun drawing pictures and writing in colored markers when I'm feeling the need to be juvenile... All told, my journaling habits have expanded and evolved over time to include so many aspects of my daily life. When disciplined routines become necessary, I embrace this long-practiced habit and am thankful to have been shown at a young age the benefits of journaling and the myriad ways it can be utilized to accomplish one's goals for work and personal growth!Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-15077571083132168702018-02-27T11:49:00.000-08:002018-02-27T12:31:11.535-08:00Literacy and then some<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTiC_cNTUJBIfpE_xraKEQ4eaXeQBJbCID5fSw-69Af6-XMwAP4TBb8i-QSh_AoFaYNJVPeBbsMea77JEUWci6sgPcmEmu9fvkJK31KIxCZ6x6GyBuCPPKO6dbz1qopZ995qsk-oxnMNB/s1600/tricia_9053_5x7_redo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTiC_cNTUJBIfpE_xraKEQ4eaXeQBJbCID5fSw-69Af6-XMwAP4TBb8i-QSh_AoFaYNJVPeBbsMea77JEUWci6sgPcmEmu9fvkJK31KIxCZ6x6GyBuCPPKO6dbz1qopZ995qsk-oxnMNB/s320/tricia_9053_5x7_redo.jpg" width="229" height="320" data-original-width="1143" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
I have recently given myself permission to read for pleasure again. This has been a long time coming. I have been elbow-deep in so many creative projects, with even more pressing things on my to-do list related to home maintenance, family obligations, and mundane tasks, that I had begun to view books as "time luxuries" I could not afford. On the contrary, it has been reiterated to me by multiple trusted sources that if I am to remain intellectually sharp and artistically inspired, I must not neglect the important personal growth that devotion to reading great authors' works affords.
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That said, in the past thirty days I have gleaned inspiration from books by Twyla Tharp, Sarah Ban Breathnach, Diane Ackerman, Sarah Palin, Eugenia Price and Edith Wharton, among others. Turning toward women whose ideas and/or language mastery enrich my experience has proven to bring a sense of well-being and balance back into a formerly crowded and stressed existence. These women have aptly reminded me that life's beauty, simplicity and opportunities for growth are mine today, but only if I claim and cherish them. I also am choosing more and more how my time will be spent rather than defaulting to the work that piles up around me. Several years ago I gave up television entirely--I proudly state that I have not owned a TV since 2011 (the only time I miss having a TV is during the Olympics!) Freedom from the tyranny of TV has loosed so much time that I now spend practicing, writing, composing, or sharing quality time with my husband. The act of choosing to create something, or to finish something I have started, provides more of the sense of accomplishment and productivity I continually seek.
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But I don't stop there. In addition to carving out time to read, I have proactively purchased Grammy-nominated albums that I found appealing and inspiring during the 2018 Grammy deliberation process. I have enjoyed listening to those for artistic reasons as well as for pure entertainment. Also, last summer I purchased a book of photographs at Brookgreen Gardens, which showcased the beautiful sculptures, landscapes and etched poems posted throughout that gorgeous property near Myrtle Beach, SC, and so I have been enjoying a refresher of last summer's vacation. My awareness about things that interest me has piqued: a book of Scottish poetry, a hyacinth in a flower shop, a set of hand-drawn note cards… and I have realized that the part of me that loves life is nurtured when I allow myself these simple indulgences. For too many years I deprived myself of everything that I could conceivably live without, but now I am finding joy in allowing that once-deprived girl to experience the gift of procuring something that sets her heart aflutter.
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To my compatriots in this boat: may you discover the blessing of granting yourself simple pleasures--like reading classic literature (which increases your vocabulary, contentment, and general knowledge), taking creative excursions to museums, botanical gardens, and beaches, purchasing and listening to music by artists you admire and would like to support, and engaging in more self-nurturing activities. We live in a world that pulls us in a million distracting directions, and we are drawn into trances by technology that will not let us go. Imagine how creative and productive we all would be if more of our time were spent writing that book, practicing that aria, beginning that project, or finishing that long-awaited goal? You can do it. So can I. Success and triumph await.
Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-13352555831184339022017-12-31T12:55:00.001-08:002018-04-30T08:12:04.808-07:00The Importance of Cultivating TasteIn completing my responsibilities as a voting NARAS member (the Recording Academy), I was recently dismayed to discover a downturn in the moral content (and in some respects, musical quality) among the top five contenders for this year's Record of the Year category. Without mentioning any names, all five songs being considered for the prized Grammy award contain lyrics that are highly objectionable, to say the least, and not only to those with traditional, conservative values. Any parent or teacher conscientious about protecting their children/students from filling their ears and minds with downright destructive, obscene, inappropriate-for-any-age messages should be concerned about this trend. So I endeavor now to urge not only those that have the honor (I'm beginning to wonder about that, too... it's a responsibility, to be sure) of deliberating over Grammy awards, but everyone in the listening public, to ramp up their standards of quality, and not to simply tolerate listening to less-than-excellent music any longer.
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Before I get too many objections related to this post, please hear me out. I do not mean to impose my own standards on anyone. On the contrary--what I am asking is that you challenge the music you find yourself listening to and ask yourself a few questions: Do the lyrics of this song mesh with my moral and ethical principles? Does the music itself meet my standards for artistic quality (whatever those standards may be)? Is this the best music I can find to saturate my mind, or could I find something of better quality than this? Are there ways this music raises my artistic ears to new heights, or inspires me in a positive way, or improves my mood, or makes me a better person? Do the music's lyrics and overall theme resonate with that which is important to me, or do they contradict it? Do the artists/songwriters succeed in adding beauty or value to the world in some way by putting this song into our world and consciousness? These are worthy questions in a world 1) that seems to value destruction more and more, and 2) that is moving away from optimism, unity and tolerance among cultures and races. We as the listening public have the power to reward the finest examples of music in each category (and to shape the future of music) by simply being decisive about what we will and won't listen to. That which is worthwhile art is well worth the effort, my friends! We can transform the quality of music that is lifted up for our children (and world) to hear by purchasing, playing, and supporting live performances of music that represents only the best we can access. There are several ways to proactively become involved in this effort: Attend local concerts by children and youth and show your support of school music programs. Give alternate styles a chance and purchase tickets to local symphony, jazz, classical, and quality pop, bluegrass, and country performances in your community. Make the effort to learn about art and culture, and work to support and cherish it. Children emulate those they respect, so your efforts to clean up your listening environment won't fall on deaf ears.
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In light of the recent Grammy deliberation process, I have decided to no longer allow any music I feel doesn't represent something valuable (worth sharing) to flow into my ears. I can and have set boundaries. While I am still committed to being aware of prevailing trends and to the quality level of songs achieving award status, I refuse to condone the wave of mediocrity, baseness, and less-than-deserving music which has crept onto the popular consumer's plate. I will not acclimate and I will not lower my standards while I have music in me (and while other composers/artists have worthy music in them) which strives to elevate the human condition, and works to improve the world around those who listen. We can all make the decision to live on a higher cultural plane, as there are millions of choices today regarding what we allow into our ears, and into our brains... these stimuli eventually find their way back out to the world through our mouths and actions, as it has been shown that our lives and words reflect what we allow into our minds. Our responsibility as listeners has never been greater: to be discriminating about what we allow into our ears, and to not underestimate the influence our choices of music have upon our behaviors and belief systems. The responsibility of artists continues to be, and has always been, to enhance the lives of those we serve, and to improve the world around us, influencing society for good. Grammy-contender recording artists and songwriters, those who listen to our art deserve better.Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-62829130451051273802017-11-30T11:57:00.000-08:002017-11-30T12:16:36.568-08:00Working Through Illness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSjHMsIV662X3gMF01PVxUdkCFtHK7IUOC8CBOnlkR02j1mZ6Q_tSyspwNWUV84wfI_tsB84IIXBrmDLmiUoS1ymRPn593JGiYdBGcve0vauWQftpDPruef_1_Anw_UrqPQq1hR0TTOCe/s1600/tish_213web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSjHMsIV662X3gMF01PVxUdkCFtHK7IUOC8CBOnlkR02j1mZ6Q_tSyspwNWUV84wfI_tsB84IIXBrmDLmiUoS1ymRPn593JGiYdBGcve0vauWQftpDPruef_1_Anw_UrqPQq1hR0TTOCe/s320/tish_213web.jpg" width="320" height="220" data-original-width="1094" data-original-height="751" /></a></div>
From time to time, everyone must pass through seasons of forced rest and recovery. Often through no fault of our own, we find ourselves exposed to germs at a time when the immune system we rely on is depressed for one reason or another. One mentor of mine phrased it thus: "Sometimes there's just a bug with your name on it." It's important for singers to remember that these times require careful attention to one's instrument. Vocal rest, when there is pain in the throat or larynx, is an absolute necessity. However, much work can still be accomplished during this time-out from singing.
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Score study, which too many singers ignore, to their detriment, can still be undertaken while in the sick bed. In fact, this mental practice is every bit as necessary as the physical kind whenever one is preparing music for performance. Too often we picture "practicing" as something we do in the same manner every day, when it needs to be an organic process that ebbs and flows with our voice's preferences, moods and hormonal fluctuations day-to-day. Studying the historical context of one's repertoire is another important step which is often overlooked in favor of literal singing practice. Researching one's music will always provide greater context and depth to the work, and it can easily be done when singing feels less than therapeutic. Cleaning up one's diction and clarifying translations of songs in various languages should not be neglected at times when the voice needs rest. Studying musicological discourse on one's repertoire is another wonderful way to put the daily practice time to good use. When a singer must rest the voice, I recommend trying to honor one's usual practice time with equivalent time spent doing non-singing practice, research, score study or diction/translation work (when one's health permits it). Undergraduate voice majors would go a long way in their professional preparation to remember this type of commitment to their craft.
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More times than I could count did my undergraduate voice students try to justify an entire week (or more) of no progress made in their song preparation because of sore throats or other illnesses. I reiterated over and over again that those times are GOLDEN for accomplishing this non-singing work that is vital to every successful performance. It may even seem convenient (when looked at in an optimistic light) that one's voice needs rest so that one can jump into this type of intellectual work that always makes a song's performance more authentic and well-prepared, because when we possess good health, that work generally gets overlooked in favor of singing through the repertoire for the one hundredth time. Smart practice, my dears, ensures that a work never gets dull, but grows ever more dear to one's heart through further exploration, experimentation, research and ownership conferred to the one endeavoring to study it. Singers, let us encourage one another to pursue this necessary work when our voices could use a day off.Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-91082536935595534602017-10-31T20:19:00.000-07:002017-10-31T21:22:28.599-07:00The U.S. Army Voices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXW7dkmhHR_2JnWe7Huz1oEwir7JsEp5uo420PyEfG5h4WrJI3_Qj5ThU9zTzheUG7nZR3bXbszaVXvwJ_2lYTOOcnnWEpceoaa-728Oyh1XOj7v7fI1B_6lYumqUIIXAO_WNYdJpqZIh/s1600/Army+Voices+with+Tish.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXW7dkmhHR_2JnWe7Huz1oEwir7JsEp5uo420PyEfG5h4WrJI3_Qj5ThU9zTzheUG7nZR3bXbszaVXvwJ_2lYTOOcnnWEpceoaa-728Oyh1XOj7v7fI1B_6lYumqUIIXAO_WNYdJpqZIh/s320/Army+Voices+with+Tish.jpeg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
I had the distinct honor and pleasure of spending a week this month with some of the finest musicians and classiest people I have ever met--the distinguished members of the U.S. Army Voices. This ensemble is a highly select vocal ensemble within the elite Army Band known as Pershing's Own. They are the bearers of the singing burden for official government ceremonies in Washington, D.C. including appearances at the Pentagon, White House, Capitol Building, monuments, and Arlington National Cemetery. They also get flown to many different places to sing the national anthem (like the Super Bowl and professional ball games) as well as on international performance tours. The auditions to become accepted into this amazing group are rigorous and competitive, yielding a crop of professional voices that can and do sing everything extraordinarily well. The impressive multitude of styles these individuals sing (not just well, but at amazingly professional levels) includes classical music, symphonic concert solos, musical theatre, jazz, rock, and endless renditions of every American patriotic standard known. My appreciation and respect for these heroes know no bounds.
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During my workshop, we dove into working on vocal jazz repertoire, from solo pieces with a jazz piano accompaniment to 8-part ensemble arrangements replete with scat choruses and harmonic splits formidable enough to make professional jazz vocalists shy away from attempts at public performance. Not these brave men and women! Although only a few of them had any real jazz experience, they all (yes, ALL!) willingly laid down their inhibitions and embraced my workshop in improvisation and Dalcroze Eurythmics (the expression of music through kinesthetic movement) and enjoyed learning together. They supportively offered feedback to one another about improvements made during the course of our work (accepting criticism from other professionals is not known to be the pro singer's strong suit...) Kudos to these humble, excellent performers for being willing to learn from and with one another! Not only did they make amazing progress during the course of our three hour workshop, but they also carried that new-found expertise into our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_xELj2gIyI">performance</a> the next day (click for video). I couldn't have been prouder of them all!<br /><br />
During the week it was brought to my attention by an Army singer being honored at the time of his retirement that many international diplomats have commented to him over the years about the extremely valuable work the Army Bands and Army Choruses (and all the musicians in our American armed forces) do. When, for instance, foreign diplomats meet with our government representatives and the meetings do not go well, sometimes the last impression is made by these national musicians who paint a better picture of America--singing and playing songs from the native lands of those diplomats... the song in French, Japanese, German or Korean, may do a whole lot more to smooth America's relations with those countries' leaders than our government leaders and representatives often do. Our Army musicians are national heroes--they keep the peace, put a professional, respectful and patriotic face upon everything they do, and are so often the most successful representatives of our country (and of our citizens' good will) than anyone else in the negotiating process. This reality should be reported in the news, for our future is much brighter in this day and age knowing that our Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine musicians are working around the clock to help our relations with every country in the world. For this we all ought to be tremendously grateful. They are heroes deserving of our praise, support, attention (they are so musically gifted, I wish everyone in the world could hear them perform!) and most of all, our loyalty. They provide necessary relief, honor and support for our soldiers serving on the front lines all over the world, and they themselves have made sacrifices that will never come to light. They have done it willingly because they love our country. Long live the U.S. Army Bands! <br /><br />
I would suggest to every outstanding young vocalist or instrumentalist right out of college, looking for a full-time singing or playing job, to pause long enough to take a good look at the opportunity that a career in the U.S. Army Band would offer. Folks, this organization is definitely worth considering in a world where recorded music is worth just about nothing anymore (because the internet has rendered it free for the stealing), and everyone knows that to perform music for a living means that you need to have another job to pay the bills. Not so for the U.S. Army Voices and Army Band personnel... their full-time salaries, benefits and retirement packages are quite attractive considering the slim pickins' of alternatives for new music grads. If you're interested in learning more, I have some friends I can put you in touch with! ;) Long live the U.S. Army Band and the U.S. Army Voices, and thank you for all your immeasurably valuable service! Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-63379763069901714492017-08-31T11:16:00.000-07:002017-08-31T11:20:56.861-07:00Writer's BlockHmmm... what to write... what to write? From time to time, those who call themselves writers, composers, songwriters or poets experience that null... that vacuous state of blank-mindedness during which we struggle to finish something, or just to write anything at all. It can be attributed to stress, fear of committing words (or music) to paper, burnout, or to any number of causes. Since this is a universal problem, and since I value too highly the inspiration others confer upon me, I am happy to offer a few suggestions for handling such times.
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At the risk of portraying meditation as a panacea for just about every ailment known to man (it's not!) I do highly recommend this method for bringing one's mind back into focus. I know that I sing with greater concentration and refinement immediately after I meditate. I write with less distraction after I meditate. I even cook better, clean the house with greater efficiency-- I may even drive more patiently. Ok, it is a panacea. Just don't overdo it.
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Simply disciplining oneself to sit down, open up the laptop and make time to do the writing on a consistent, predictable basis can be enough to facilitate results. Often I find myself lamenting that I haven't composed a new song lately, only to remember that I have not set aside time to do it! It cannot get done if it is not a priority, so writers, give yourself permission to sit quietly and let your muse work. This will likely involve shutting off other distractions like television, your phone, social media, etc. Unplug from technology and watch your creativity come to life. We choose what we spend our minutes and hours doing, so choose wisely.
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One rewarding solution to this issue is to go and get inspired! Attend an opera, read a classic novel, listen to some great music you have not dived into before. Newness is the key--let someone else's talents and artistic contributions feed your own. I once read that artists ought to be well-rounded and open to experiencing beauty in all its forms. Cultivating genuine fascination for nature, science, history, architecture, dance, and visual arts can only enhance one's musical and/or writing talents. For example, one mentor of mine stated that singers can learn a great deal about singing by watching world-class ice skating! How true that is... the grace, flowing lines, muscular control, performance joy, smoothness and awe-inspiring beauty that Olympic-level skaters display always inspire me toward greater artistic heights. It's okay that I will never skate in the Olympics--but I can learn so much about how to better execute my own musical goals by studying the disciplined, confident, capable ice skater's seemingly flawless performance. Learning to absorb beauty and to channel it toward one's own talent and aspirations are skills worth cultivating. Good luck and happy writing!Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-84313234419034016082017-06-30T16:23:00.000-07:002017-06-30T16:23:29.988-07:00GreenThis hue begets a host of symbolic impressions, depending on the context… Green can represent money, envy, growth, freshness, or youth. It also stands for nature/the environment, and brings to mind chlorophyll-producing plants and algae. In a performance context, the term “green” may describe a person lacking in experience or polish. Kermit the Frog famously remarked “It ain’t easy being green…” which may well be the less-than-ready, immature performer’s mournful reality.
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How to avoid being viewed as “green” (in the inexperienced sense) by one’s peers? Pursue study and practice, of course, and always show up fully prepared for each performance. I find that even experienced performers sometimes find themselves feeling a sense of under-readiness when returning to literature they have not performed in several years, or returning to a performance schedule after a long hiatus. In those times, it is imperative to do the necessary preparation “in spades” months before the concert date.
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I once heard a wise counselor remark that green is also a color of growth… reminiscent of the pale, almost yellow shade characteristic of early springtime leaves. I have noticed that master performers are always seeking growth: growth in technique, growth in repertoire, growth in performance authenticity, growth in stage presence and poise, growth in confidence, growth in artistic awareness… Without continuous growth, careers and voices stagnate. If one is to cultivate an enduring career with stamina and strength to see one through during the tough times, growth that can best be described as “sacrificial” becomes necessary. By sacrificial, I mean sacrificing time- and energy-wasting activities as well as toxic situations for the good of one’s mental and emotional health. I also mean giving up certain things like dairy, caffeine, alcohol, junk food, and loud party atmospheres to pursue a lifestyle that will better care for one’s vocal health. Singers often have healthier hearts and lungs than their peers due to the consistent, strenuous exercise that high-level singing requires, but this of course demands discipline and daily commitment. We also have less time for TV and internet surfing than many, having to carve out time for dedicated practice, physical exercise, meditation, mental practice, performance preparation and other career-oriented disciplines. Pursuing the life of a professional singer means making tough choices and seeing them through every single day.
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In an effort to remain “green” with continuous growth, I am endeavoring to attend more live concerts in the coming year than ever before. How wonderful would it be if more artists replaced television with attending high quality live performances?! Perhaps we would see our cognitive abilities enhanced rather than deadened, our mental sharpness become keener, and our motivation boosted by taking in more inspiring performances by those around us also seeking continuous artistic growth. Long live the “green” artists who habitually seek consistent growth as a lifestyle choice—it is these whom I aspire to emulate until the day I am forced to lay down my conductor’s baton, my microphone, my composer’s pen, and my choir folder at my final bow…
Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-80939764138085083512017-05-31T20:45:00.000-07:002017-05-31T20:49:56.570-07:00A Tisket-A-Tasket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub4byZgoc5Fhwx_GpPUwR-kZ1RolCUGJCENP9zwx9OnMlQpcODuicgZFArrAD-V0qnkpanGuuy2-46sJVe_BSPSw9O7FdC6NQYpjw3VDnwqqv8vKZhldkHrPgquLwIq6gB4VuTTP2_xuR/s1600/Ella+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub4byZgoc5Fhwx_GpPUwR-kZ1RolCUGJCENP9zwx9OnMlQpcODuicgZFArrAD-V0qnkpanGuuy2-46sJVe_BSPSw9O7FdC6NQYpjw3VDnwqqv8vKZhldkHrPgquLwIq6gB4VuTTP2_xuR/s320/Ella+copy.jpg" width="221" height="320" data-original-width="600" data-original-height="870" /></a></div>Last week I had the time of my life singing a centennial tribute performance honoring the great Ella Fitzgerald. What a special moment in the career of this singer to formally and publicly pay tribute to the one performing artist who had provided the greatest inspiration... who served as the primary model after which my own voice developed. To say that I grew up listening and singing Ella's songs would be a gross understatement. Most jazz vocalists have several influences. I had Ella. While yes, I was also enjoying the beautiful radio voices of Olivia and later, Whitney, my truly formative years were spent learning every nuance, pitch, smear and syllable sung by the First Lady of Song herself.
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In preparing my show last week, I dusted off several transcriptions of Ella's arrangements that I had written very early in my career. Those were, after all, the first songs I wished to learn how to transcribe when I was a jazz arranging student. I have been singing them in public for so many years and they never get old, because, well, let's face it--the music of Nelson Riddle and George Shearing is timeless. So those transcriptions will be used again and again, long after I'm gone, I am sure.
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I also ventured to create a few new arrangements, plus one that was essentially a note-for-note transcription of Ella's original recording of "A Tisket-A-Tasket" with the Chick Webb Orchestra. This was her first big hit with the band, and it made her an instant international star. I was a bit surprised that the entire audience (as well as the band) did not know the parts in which audience participation was traditionally included ("So do we, so do we..." and "Was it green? Was it red? Was it blue?") It is hard to remember sometimes that my obsession with Ella dating back to the 1970s was not shared by American youth's cultural consciousness... I did not hear this song on the radio--I heard it because I FOUND it and listened to it tirelessly for years and years... So again, I was surprised that my fascination with Ella actually set me apart from the band and the audience last week to a certain degree. Of course I knew the songs very well because I had prepared to perform them...for several decades, in fact... but why didn't they?
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There is one aspect of this song that I find somewhat confusing. The poem reads "I sent a letter to my Mommy and on the way I dropped it." Later the text says "a little girlie picked it up and put it in her pocket..." Still later, Ella complains that she wonders about the whereabouts of her "little yellow basket" and hopes the girl will bring it back. The letter or the basket? Didn't she drop a letter on the way to the post office? What's this about dropping a basket? And how can a little girl put a basket in her pocket? This ambiguity really sets me off. How can I properly prepare a performance when I can't even ascertain what the song is about? A lost letter or a lost basket? What happened to the letter? Did it ever get delivered? Isn't that more important than stewing about an over-the-arm, wicker, letter- carrying basket? Sometimes I just don't know...
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Well, I have accepted that I may never learn the secret to the letter/basket question. The answer, like a host of other ambiguous song lyrics, is probably blowing in the wind.Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-1226255338458965322017-04-23T14:40:00.000-07:002017-04-23T14:41:57.808-07:00Singing Through Discouragement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtRIkU49kdJF7mIlpP8bEjakbEHLTcNdatghopwOkt6_uSZ7PYkm_7KQByTBegjY6zs8bylKT3aBsBwfoguvW1bFZgD0zrBx_xP6slMarRib3SyGZig0fwdncNDxYMZo9MacuuUjwQXgy/s1600/tish_241web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtRIkU49kdJF7mIlpP8bEjakbEHLTcNdatghopwOkt6_uSZ7PYkm_7KQByTBegjY6zs8bylKT3aBsBwfoguvW1bFZgD0zrBx_xP6slMarRib3SyGZig0fwdncNDxYMZo9MacuuUjwQXgy/s320/tish_241web.jpg" width="219" height="320" /></a></div>This blog post represents a new leaf I am turning over as a blogger. From now on, rather than use the blog to talk primarily about forthcoming concert events, I have decided to devote my blogging energies to discussing topics that are relevant to performing artists, recording artists, and other creative artists in modern times. Or I may wax on a historical or theoretical topic related to music... or the teaching of music... So if the reader has any specific requests for topics you would like me to take on, please feel free to send an email and make a suggestion! This blog is for you...
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So many days of our lives, depending on who we are, and on our psychological makeup, are dotted with moments of discouragement. How do we move through them as artists, and how do we give our audiences the quality shows they expect, even during these trying times? I am helped when I concentrate my mental focus on "the zone..." that beautiful milieu of freedom, creativity, awareness of the music around me, and complete divorce from distraction. Negative self-talk is particularly destructive during a performance, so part of this strategy is to grasp my mental energies onto something positive--the present moment of music-making--so that I cannot devote any energy whatsoever toward criticizing my performance, or thinking about discouraging circumstances. The time and place for self-analysis is always in the practice room before and after a performance--NEVER DURING!
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Another strategy for managing the challenging circumstances of our up-and-down lives is to work in time for meditation every day. I confess that I do not always manage this well, but when I do, my ability to concentrate, to stay positive, and to feel productive in my life and work are always enhanced. Meditation is accomplished in many different ways by different people. One must not feel threatened by the spiritual energy of the process--meditation is healthy for people of all faiths. It has been said by Christian, Jewish, and other philosophers that, through meditation, God speaks to us... Prayer, of course, represents us speaking to God. It seems that if an individual seeks healthy two-way communication in any relationship, one must be as willing to listen as to speak! And so we meditate our way back to emotional health and wellness...
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Physical exercise has helped to get me through so many rough patches in life. When truly upset about something, there's nothing like a good, long run to spend that energy in a healthy way. Exercise also clears one's head and dispels the high emotional response of stress and overwhelm. Getting into shape also helps us feel better about ourselves, which is a key way to combat discouragement when circumstances of life are less than ideal.
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Finally, remembering that we are in very good company can be most comforting. All of our heroes battle discouragement at one time or another, and rising above one's difficulty is itself a heroic act. While situations change, our attitudes can reflect gratitude, kindness and love for those around us. Forgetting our troubles and helping someone with theirs is a sure way to improve our moods. Put another way, carrying our crosses, and acknowledging the crosses that others carry, remind us that we are all human and we are on this journey together. Happy to journey with you...Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-68996221518627835912017-02-28T06:31:00.000-08:002017-03-16T20:23:55.394-07:00Musical Ensembles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWkGIl5NaTVNNKsMUHRsOFK9lUmN4JRfNSOPuYfevW7NM_xW_Ds3Zx2OtM4wjlFmy2AESDrABeDFsuVocOgs0xnHgpGotfdgG7CsB_l_zidlLSOgSjgyKwgDJds7QJ6Q7Mud0yCZAQBZ7/s1600/TishUSArmyBand2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWkGIl5NaTVNNKsMUHRsOFK9lUmN4JRfNSOPuYfevW7NM_xW_Ds3Zx2OtM4wjlFmy2AESDrABeDFsuVocOgs0xnHgpGotfdgG7CsB_l_zidlLSOgSjgyKwgDJds7QJ6Q7Mud0yCZAQBZ7/s400/TishUSArmyBand2+copy.jpg" width="400" height="267" /></a></div>
Performing with a wide variety of ensembles is one of the distinctly enjoyable aspects of this performer's career. One week I may be fronting a jazz orchestra, while the next I may be playing the piano myself in my own cabaret show in an intimate room. My need for variety and fresh challenges has historically been responsible for my booking certain themed shows before they exist, and then writing the musical arrangements for them out of the necessity of delivering a performance date. Any musician's thirst for new experiences would show this to be the way many of us operate. Along with the theme of the show, I often invite a concert presenter to choose the size of the ensemble they wish to book, which proffers me a great deal of booking flexibility, while giving the presenter some options.
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Next month I have the distinct privilege of serving the U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own," as their Artist-In-Residence for a few days. During our time together, I will teach a master class and lead an improvisation workshop, and offer two coaching sessions for the Army Voices, a highly select group of professional singers who perform a variety of genres well, including vocal jazz. The highlight of this journey will be sharing a <a href="http://usarmyband.com/event-calendar.html">joint concert (date to be rescheduled due to winter storm Stella)</a> with Army Voices and Army Blues (a most outstanding jazz "big band") as their guest artist. The concert will open at Brucker Hall, Arlington National Cemetery, and include a number of various ensemble configurations. There will be a set of my original pieces which I will sing with a small jazz combo (and I'll play the piano with the trio on one tune). There will also be a set of pieces during which I will perform with the big band, and another set with the vocal jazz ensemble. This concert mash-up lends itself to the variety I cherish, and is a great honor, because this band and vocal jazz ensemble are among the best in the world!
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Another ensemble configuration I absolutely love is the symphony orchestra. I am fortunate to have two symphony shows (holiday pops and jazz pops) which I perform with various symphonies here and there. Conductors and executive directors of American symphonies (or those abroad) are welcome to contact me to discuss dates and programs available. Regardless of the ensemble size or instrumentation, live music itself is paramount and its culturally vital message of beauty and inherent value should never be underestimated. I hope that those of you in the Washington, D.C. area will join us for a fabulous show of the immense talent possessed by our young men and women serving in the U.S. Army Bands!
Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-43825776591746564762016-12-31T06:47:00.000-08:002016-12-31T06:49:07.134-08:00Holiday Musical TraditionsWe all have holiday traditions ranging from waking up Santa (who's sleeping under one's Christmas tree) and chasing him up the chimney before the children come racing down the stairs (we always heard his jingle bells, but never did catch a glimpse of him rushing up the flue, even though Dad insisted he had to chase him out of the house every year) to drinking egg nog on New Year's Eve... But what about musical traditions associated with the holidays?
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Many families and individuals make a concerted (pun intended) effort to attend a Messiah sing-in, during which members of the audience bring or are given copies of Handel's famous score with which to sing along. I personally love this tradition, and lament the fact that in some areas of our country this tradition seems to be waning. Others participate in caroling expeditions through their neighborhoods and to nursing homes to spread good will and Christmas cheer. This year I coordinated a neighborhood caroling night and it served to introduce us to other music-loving families in our community, as well as bring both the singers and the recipients of an unexpected serenade a keen sense of love, local good will and purity in the midst of all else happening in the world. It was a sweet departure from reality into heaven for a few hours, albeit cold! This is a tradition that anyone can plan, and it brings a large return of friendship and joy on your relatively small investment of energy and time. Another tradition that I have established in my household is playing and singing carols at the piano at various times of the season. Now that I am a professional pianist as well as a professional vocalist, I find great pleasure in singing the songs of Christmas (and New Year's) for my family to enjoy. I think it is important that those who identify themselves as musicians find ways to share their music with others as often as possible--the world needs us! Still other musical traditions include putting Christmas albums on to listen to during gift exchanges, cooking and baking marathons, and breakfasts throughout the twelve (yes, TWELVE!) days of Christmas.
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Since Christmas is a season in the Christian calendar and not just a single day, it is important to remember to honor the Christmas spirit, story, scriptures, songs, traditions and cheer throughout the period from Advent (when we await the coming of Christ and celebrate the anticipation of His blessed birth) through to Epiphany (January 6, the traditional day we acknowledge the visitation of the three wise men/kings/magi to the infant Messiah, and the revelation of God to mankind). Being a season of forty days (Advent) plus twelve days of Christmas, the possibilities for enjoying a long season of holiday music are many. I love the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" because it reminds me to celebrate each day of the Christmas season.
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Some members of my family get together and play music in what we call "the family band" featuring several brass players (french horns, trumpet, tuba, trombone, saxes, clarinet, flute and drum set). This is a wonderful tradition that I highly recommend for any musical families to start--it programs great memories of making music with your own family right into your holiday calendar each year (our family band also meets to play together on Independence Day!) A new tradition that I aim to start next year is to enjoy some kind of musical activity which celebrates the season every day of Advent and Christmas--whether being a different seasonal song I sing or play each day, or attending a Christmas concert by my local symphony or community choir, or writing a holiday song, or coordinating another caroling expedition, or playing a new album of Christmas big band arrangements... Again, the possibilities are endless. I look forward to the holidays each year and intend to continue enjoying this Christmas season (we are currently at the seventh day) with an emphasis on the music and how it contributes to our joy, peace and worship. I wish you all a happy, holy and safe remainder of the Christmas season and a 2017 that exceeds your wildest dreams! Thank you always for your support of live music and of those who create it. Blessings to all!Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-58044453859393095212016-11-30T08:25:00.000-08:002016-11-30T08:25:12.562-08:00An Open Letter to Gladys Knight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN17BCbmuBCa9Y_tKwZ29PtHaNcl9MYtDlyfg3GA1meWV0lc9qJnHFrWmK44kBS3mfbyk2pOV87VBUKaBmuz7oKzfe4WW5i9cX971hlmDvSUGR3ibtx_1Po3PTn8W3jffxHZjUFLoAO6ZU/s1600/Gladys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN17BCbmuBCa9Y_tKwZ29PtHaNcl9MYtDlyfg3GA1meWV0lc9qJnHFrWmK44kBS3mfbyk2pOV87VBUKaBmuz7oKzfe4WW5i9cX971hlmDvSUGR3ibtx_1Po3PTn8W3jffxHZjUFLoAO6ZU/s320/Gladys.jpg" width="320" height="236" /></a></div>
Dear Ms. Knight,
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My husband and I spent a wonderful evening with you a few weeks ago when you performed in Greenville, South Carolina at the Peace Center. What a tremendous show you gave your audience! I marveled at the vibrancy, fullness of tone, and outstanding control that you still have after singing professionally for over fifty years. Forgive my surprise, but there was no trace of the wobble that plagues so many older singers, and you commanded the entire stage with élan and great energy. Your pitch, rhythm, and phrasing were, as always, flawless. I particularly appreciated the rapport you built with your audience and the graciousness that flowed out of you toward us. Young performers should take heed of this--enduring performers APPRECIATE and VALUE their audience members--you thanked us several times when we wanted to be thanking you for enriching our lives with your music, grace and love.
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My favorite moments included when you sang a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald--you chose the Gershwin standard,"The Man I Love." I found that to be extremely interesting and ironic, because when I performed on the PBS-broadcast show, "We Love Ella! A Tribute to the First Lady of Song," also featuring Natalie Cole, Patti Austin, Take 6, Quincy Jones, Wynonna, Nancy Wilson and so many other masterful artists, that is the song I was given to sing as a soloist with the Thornton orchestra and big band. Great choice!
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Another favorite moment was when you paused from singing so many songs associated with your recording career and sang two well-known praise songs lifting up your heart to God with the other singers on stage. Your faithfulness in sharing with your audience about the heavenly source of joy in your life was so inspiring. Finally, your unbelievable rendition of "Midnight Train to Georgia," which we had all been waiting for, of course, was worth the wait and very moving for me. That song has special meaning for me and has helped to bring me through some painful, sacrificial times in my life, so thank you for sharing it with us in such a poignant way.
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Since I was a young child you have been and always will remain one of my favorite singers, and I am better at what I do because of people like you who have remained so true to their art form, true to themselves, true to the public and true to the Lord. God bless you, Ms. Knight--I look forward to our next visit together.
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Sincerely Your Fan,
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TishTish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-46563296984851711262016-10-27T16:15:00.000-07:002016-10-27T16:15:04.754-07:0059th Grammy Awards Consideration--and Finding Your Own Path<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nt0PL3toyOTfQqx-g67cKjqbzaPHBa0H3sp1MBhsX71fzpqsT7mbB_jHpO_XtN-8sPcRRuEVcZiPlLz66_1Zc_9pXuFzy15T6EODPnH8udR-cOxt-9f-v5N7jCOSZ8EiHclxrhi0oCoJ/s1600/tish_SFTH_cover_art_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nt0PL3toyOTfQqx-g67cKjqbzaPHBa0H3sp1MBhsX71fzpqsT7mbB_jHpO_XtN-8sPcRRuEVcZiPlLz66_1Zc_9pXuFzy15T6EODPnH8udR-cOxt-9f-v5N7jCOSZ8EiHclxrhi0oCoJ/s320/tish_SFTH_cover_art_web.jpg" width="320" height="320" /></a></div>
I was duly surprised earlier this month to discover that the <a href="http://www.grammy.com">59th Grammy Awards</a> has decided to honor my 2015 <i><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/tishoney2">Songs From the Heart</a></i> EP with consideration in three categories! The first track, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh65JZUwXC8">Follow Me</a>," was co-written by my husband, George Gábor, and has been listed for Grammy consideration in "Song of the Year" and "Best Pop Solo Performance" categories. Track two, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZBRWhF2tS8">Be Still and Know</a>," is being considered in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song" category. I am super-excited about this attention my original songs have received--and fully realize that I am so blessed to be able to do what I absolutely love as my profession. Both songs come from an EP of guitar/vocal duets and were recorded with my favorite collaborative artist, the amazing guitar master <a href="http://www.johnchiodini.com">John Chiodini</a>, who performs with incredible emotion, originality, style and artistry in everything he does. Our 2016 recording, a jazz album yet to be released or titled, is still in production and will be out next year. That project has its own set of enormously exciting tales to tell, but its time will come... NARAS members, thank you so much for your consideration of my songs on this ballot round!
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As a youth, I often wondered how artists became noticed and included in these awards deliberations... Why are some talented artists seemingly overlooked while others, perhaps not nearly as gifted or skilled, get so much attention? Naturally, life has taught me the answers to those questions, and very hard work, diligence, discipline and sheer perseverance cannot be minimized when looking back on my career. The school of hard knocks may be the more difficult way to go, but it does produce its own unparalleled brand of achievement and satisfaction eventually. At many junctures in life, I think I took the less-traveled road... I have never entered a singing or jazz competition, so I never had a career or recording contract handed to me, as some have. I never was "discovered" at a young age (well, actually I was, but I felt my Ivy-League education was too important to give up for a possible Miss America title... true story.) In another instance, when an ABC network producer called me on the phone to invite me to star in their reality music show pilot, I turned them down--with the caviat that I would be glad to accept employment from them to coach their contestants instead. The producer was speechless and stated that he had never experienced a turn-down from an artist before. I was too concerned about preserving the integrity of my music career (in which I always have called the shots) to hand it over to a possibly irresponsible producer who would be willing to sacrifice my career to improve the network's ratings. As tempting as worldwide fame and attention may have been in previous moments, I am grateful that I had the presence of mind and self-respect in that moment to do what was best for me, which was to turn down ABC's offer.
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My advice to young artists today (should you choose to accept it) is this: ALWAYS be true to yourself and to your art. Do not be tempted by agents, managers, opportunities or offers that feel out of step with where you would like your career (and life!) to go. If you cannot be in control of your career, or if the offer does not align with your value system, it could be unwise to follow someone else's concept of who you could become. I have since been approached by managers and Broadway producers who may yet contact me for collaborative work... who knows? I will entertain each offer individually as it comes, and if it happens to align with my goals, GREAT! But often, if it comes with a "catch" or a cost, that's a danger sign. I am content to go where my Lord leads me. And even if my life includes not another single awesome gig, opportunity, job, or award, I can honestly say that I have lived my dreams... even now I am living them... and for that I am eternally thankful.Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-67725114505376256882016-09-12T12:32:00.001-07:002016-09-12T12:32:13.274-07:00Music for Wellness, Part II: Physical Benefits<i>Here is Part II of an article I initially wrote as a guest blogger for my friend's fitness blog. For the full article, see <a href="http://loriking.us/2016/08/music-for-wellness/">www.LoriKing.us</a>.</i><br /><br />
Music’s healing properties have been applied in recent decades to the field of medicine under the umbrella of Music Therapy. According to the American Music Therapy Association, “Music therapy interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication and promote physical rehabilitation.” (<a href="http://www.musictherapy.org">www.musictherapy.org</a>). If music can have such a powerful healing effect upon those in need of medical attention, imagine the ways we all could benefit from its healing properties and positive health benefits each and every day!<br /><br />
One key area of physical benefit from musical performance is the cultivation of a deep breath. Deep breathing is a necessary element of correct technique for singers, woodwind players, brass players, conductors and pianists. Many string players and percussionists also benefit from the study of deep breathing techniques that coordinate with the rhythms of the music they play. The study, practice and performance of music for these breath-conscious musicians often results in greater lung capacity, relief from (or better management of) breathing maladies including asthma, decreased stress and anxiety, slower heart rate, stronger intercostal and abdominal muscles, and better oxygenation of blood cells. Deep, full breathing can slow a rapid heartbeat, calm a panic attack and provide a nearly instant supply of fresh oxygen to a stressed brain. By means of improving breath management, musical study comes out on top as a wellness-promoting activity!<br /><br />
Improved posture is another physical benefit of musical study. Trained musicians are taught to align their bodies properly in order to promote maximum efficiency of the muscles, breathing mechanism and resonance chambers necessary for optimal performance results. Our postures change as we age, so continued attention to posture through an ongoing pursuit of musical engagement results in potentially huge health benefits. Choral singing, band or orchestra performance, solo practicing/performing or private lessons can provide these benefits. The coordination of deep breathing techniques within the framework of excellent posture during active engagement of the body for a musical performance delivers a surprisingly empowering, positive result upon one’s health. The aerobic activity of coordinating a performance with good breath management and proper spinal and physical alignment explains why so many professional musicians are in outstanding physical condition.<br /><br />
For those who are not inclined to pursue musical study or performance in their adult years, enjoying recorded or live music can also create a positive atmosphere for wellness. Dancing is an excellent form of exercise and stress relief. Soft, soothing music can aid meditation or help a person wind down and relax after a long workday. Listening to jazz or classical music may help organize brain pathways. Music can improve a mood, facilitate mindfulness (staying in the present moment) and provide a lovely background to otherwise mundane activities. Being creative about implementing a musical accompaniment to parts of one’s day can be fun and joy-giving.<br /><br />
Music and the arts contribute immeasurably to the core of our culture, and to the beauty and creativity within our daily lives. The mental, emotional and physical benefits of incorporating music for wellness are significant and measurable. How can you immerse yourself in a health-giving musical activity today?
Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-84339964240083051042016-08-14T16:23:00.001-07:002016-08-14T16:28:07.759-07:00Music for Wellness, Part I: Mental and Emotional Benefits<i>I initially wrote this article by invitation from a friend. She asked me to contribute a "guest writer" article for her awesome fitness blog. She then published it at <a href="http://www.LoriKing.us">www.LoriKing.us</a>. It will be reprinted here in two parts...</i>
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It is gratifying to see that the arts may finally be reclaiming their prior stake among core classes in the American educational system, and that more children may be offered the opportunity to explore and practice visual and performing arts as part of their regular school day once again. Countless studies have shown that engagement in musical study enhances a child’s cognitive development, which enhances his/her performance in math and science. Music represents not only a necessary part of a child’s education, but also an important source of mental, emotional and physical wellness throughout one’s life.
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The arts in general provide so much to our core being as humans on this planet. Visual arts, music, theater, dance. . . each discipline exercises our right brain, stretching our global and spatial learning capacities, and igniting our creativity. Using one’s whole brain (rather than simply the analytical/logical aspects of cognition, understood to be located on the left side of the brain) contributes balance to life and “opens the mind.” Using both right and left sides of the brain at a high level of proficiency enables children to learn in multiple ways and promotes different types of concentration.
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Sustained concentration during musical performance accompanied by freedom from stress or distraction (often referred to as being “in the zone” or finding “flow state”) allows for an elevated level of performance excellence so often elusive in day-to-day work. The ability to find that “flow state” can enhance one’s work life, home life and personal goal attainment. “Flow” can be applied to other disciplines such as meditation, exercise, sports, cooking, writing, public speaking or a host of other normal activities, resulting in a highly efficient, productive period of accomplishment. Cultivating “flow state” through the study and performance of music simply adds to one’s quality of life, and is good for the brain, body and soul!
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In addition to increasing mental acuity, the emotional benefits of habitual engagement with music cannot be overstated. Choral music in particular holds important emotional benefits in that the act of group singing builds a sense of belonging, cooperation, team-work, camaraderie, and overall well-being for the group as well as for each individual. Instrumentalists receive similar benefits when they actively engage with a band or orchestra. The achievement of a positive performance result in a group or solo situation creates confidence, trust, and feelings of accomplishment. Musical performance also provides a needed outlet for reducing stress, thereby recharging one’s joy reserves. The interpersonal and emotional benefits provided by musical engagement are vitally important facets of a healthy life, a healthy family and a healthy workplace!
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<b><i>Music for Wellness, Part II: Physical Benefits</i></b>, <i>will be posted in September. Thanks for staying tuned!</i>Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-6805691842216231842016-07-11T11:43:00.000-07:002016-07-11T11:48:53.380-07:00Grammy buzz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0D9bqt2yOtbqdgwK4PN8cLQeRvKUOrTjJniRTnJ9Ze827wx8xhS-tQtT5KBIMf5iG_KBT-Yc9WNfKUN20OR-mu3QKmkm3TJI_oQywNFOzh_T70RrzjT9e6K70Mtv5avBtZwS6Evzhgzfe/s1600/tish_SFTH_cover_art_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0D9bqt2yOtbqdgwK4PN8cLQeRvKUOrTjJniRTnJ9Ze827wx8xhS-tQtT5KBIMf5iG_KBT-Yc9WNfKUN20OR-mu3QKmkm3TJI_oQywNFOzh_T70RrzjT9e6K70Mtv5avBtZwS6Evzhgzfe/s400/tish_SFTH_cover_art_web.jpg" width="400" height="400" /></a></div>This week I was pleased to share on local television (<a href="http://carolinascw.com/2016/07/05/studio-session-jazz-singer-and-composer-dr-tish-oney/">Studio 62 TV</a>, Spartanburg) news that my most recent recording, <b><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/tishoney2">Songs From The Heart</a><i><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/tishoney2"></a></i></b>, has been submitted for <a href="http://www.grammy.com">Grammy</a> consideration in five categories: Tracks 1 and 5 (different versions of "Follow Me,") were submitted for Song of the Year, Best Solo Country Performance, Best Duo Country Performance and Best Country Song. Track 2 ("Be Still and Know") was submitted for Best Contemporary Christian Performance/Song. I am so excited that the Grammy selection committee will be listening to these original songs ("Follow Me" was co-written by my husband, George Gábor) and possibly including them on the first-round Grammy ballot later this year. All three of my previous albums were on the first-round ballot in jazz categories, but it honestly feels gratifying to have my compositions outside of jazz also be given serious consideration. John Chiodini's consistently outstanding performances on the acoustic guitar also execute this music as well as it could possibly be played.
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<i><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/tishoney2">Songs From the Heart</a></i>, released last December, is a five track EP (Extended Play) compilation consisting of two acoustic country tracks and three contemporary Christian songs--all original material. While a departure from my jazz catalog, it represents creative output from a transitional point in my life following a period of deep grieving and adjustment. It is a pivotal point from which I have moved onward and upward, and so, while atypical in style for me, its beauty and honesty were therapeutic at just the right time. I am grateful that that music was with me through the difficult times, and am eager to share it with the world. I encourage you to give the EP a listen, and to purchase it through <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/tishoney2">CD Baby</a>, either via downloads or even buying the actual CD (the art on the back contains a treasured photo of myself with John Chiodini following one of our many live concerts). May it soothe an aching heart, add some hope or peace to a worried mind, or just serve as a backdrop for mellow, peaceful moments amidst our busy, frantic lives.Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-54365518967419323262016-06-16T12:12:00.000-07:002016-06-16T12:13:53.110-07:00South Carolina Music Awards, Summer Travel, and Jane Austen revisitedThis month I received an invitation from a fellow vocalist to take part in voting to select winners from among the nominees for the 2016 South Carolina Music Awards, which uses an open voting system (voters may cast as many votes as they choose and may be from anywhere in the world). To my surprise, my name was on the ballot as well, under "Jazz Artist/Group of the Year!" Apparently, the selection committee receives write-in nominations from fans of particular music styles throughout the state of South Carolina during the nomination period (the spring of each year), then selects nominees from that pool based on the number of fans they hear from, and opens up the voting during the early summer. The awards presentation and red carpet event will occur July 23 in our state capital, Columbia, South Carolina. Having never previously experienced these awards, I am excited to participate and attend, and possibly perform there as well. Anyone interested in casting votes is warmly invited to click on the ballot <a href="http://www.scmusicawards.com/">here</a> (you will need to enter a valid email address each time you vote so that the selection committee knows you are not a robot, but you will not be contacted or placed on any email list for doing so). If you would like to hear and see some of my live performances to help you decide, you are welcome to go to my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/tishoney1">YouTube channel</a>. Thanks!
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The summer brings more than a bit of traveling--replete with stops in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Oregon, Washington, New York, Georgia and Florida. While on the road it always seems most challenging to find places to practice the piano and to get enough rest and proper nutrition, not to mention accomplish other necessary work. Visiting family and friends will be a beautiful perk this summer, as dedication to one's profession and geographical distance tend to limit the frequency of visits through the years. I look forward to enjoying mountains, TWO oceans, forests, lakes, state and national parks and long highways amid family visits, rehearsals, concerts, and business-related work, squeezing in vacation time wherever possible. <br /><br />
For those reading this blog regularly, you must know that I will be bringing Jane Austen's <i>Persuasion</i> with me on these trips... I have read through Chapter 5 or 6 and still have a ways to go... Even though my month of "rest and reflection" is over, the book is not. Let's face it--I can't REALLY devote an entire month to only rest and reflection... can anyone?? I did slow down, though, and completed my life audit and career audit, which I discussed in last month's blog. I also worked diligently on the business aspects of being a professional musician, practiced regularly, wrote song lyrics, spent time in the flower garden, and taught some Skype voice lessons, among myriad other responsibilities. Even today the worklist is too long to accomplish it all... so perhaps being away will be the ticket to making faster progress through the book. Let's hope so.
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Gotta run... and I hope you enjoy your summertime!Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1775817203148690401.post-43599743749773017772016-05-31T17:54:00.003-07:002016-06-09T08:33:23.450-07:00Creating Space<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKO7eylsfUmaF2LynCncZrMNOfIpB5VbvHQ249sgg5qV0AFR7pDwujRbCm5B39tbqBMnUausJMWTL5nvH6vCnRjmqXN4CA1AUY7zH6lVvbjeUVNCLon7DbAvgqE-YNp8T7OJoh28NC0bZ/s1600/tricia_9262_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKO7eylsfUmaF2LynCncZrMNOfIpB5VbvHQ249sgg5qV0AFR7pDwujRbCm5B39tbqBMnUausJMWTL5nvH6vCnRjmqXN4CA1AUY7zH6lVvbjeUVNCLon7DbAvgqE-YNp8T7OJoh28NC0bZ/s320/tricia_9262_web.jpg" /></a></div>
I have arrived to the spot in my yearly calendar when I spend a month or so recharging and redirecting. Following last season's busy schedule of out-of-state performances, hundreds of different songs arranged and performed, two new albums recorded and produced, contracts negotiated, tours managed and planned, artist residencies given, and many hours of music practiced... a month or so of "Whew! How did all that go? Where do I go from here?" time is not only a relief, it's much needed.
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So the month involves recharging my batteries and resting from jam-packed daily activity. As difficult as it may be for me (and how it is!) I force myself to pick up a book of classic literature which, don't get me wrong, I ADORE reading. The forcing comes in because many years ago I gave up reading for pleasure and other non-essential activities in order to spend more time working. There is always more work I could find to do, and there are several projects that I have tabled in favor of more urgent matters, so in the "old days" I rarely permitted myself to take a few minutes to lose myself in a Jane Austen novel... but now it is part of my annual routine. This year's choice is her <i>Persuasion</i>, and I'm loving every paragraph.
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Recharging also involves resting my singing voice for a few days following my final tour performance--no practicing or humming or singing in the car (which I rarely do anyway because it is unhealthy for the professional voice user--all that road noise to compete with). Resting the body and mind are important, too, given that I am prone to the post-performance emotional *crash* so prevalent among performing artists. Nutrition, exercise, sleep and vitamin supplementation are crucial during this time to properly restore oneself to peak performance condition, so I take this very seriously. I have found that truly caring for my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs is far more challenging than maintaining a full concert schedule! Finding ways to ENJOY this part of the work has been a steep and worthy challenge for me, masochist that I am.
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Redirecting after the recharging period is absolutely essential. This is the time during which my inner artist evaluates how the year has gone, what is going well and what could use some tweaking. Once that career audit has taken place, it behooves me to find ways to maximize things headed in a positive direction and redirect those not working as well. How to redirect? Well, as one example, I have hesitated programming one particular concert I have performed many times over the years because of its intense difficulty. Now I am beginning to see interest in it again--it seems to still have magnetism for concert presenters, so to re-orient my practicing to include that difficult material is necessary six months in advance of the first revival of that program. Not redirecting my practice patterns now would not only be unwise for me vocally, but unwise practically as well, since I could likely book several other iterations of that concert for the same month and create a tour. This approach would help me justify all the time, energy and preparation it costs to pull something that challenging out of my past catalogue and perform it again, and it gives me multiple opportunities to enjoy performing it. In this case, redirecting for the music's sake is necessary.
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Not only the inner artist is involved in this audit process, however. There is also room for an annual life balance audit which requires looking at my life priorities and goals. This inner work is more important than the career audit work! I assess how contented I am with different aspects of my life which are important to me (for example, family, friend relationships, finances, faith, etc.) and make changes accordingly to support the redirection of my priorities. This is an amazing, peace-giving exercise, and is something I recommend to everyone. In fact, I'd recommend doing it monthly if you have the time! For me, the value of taking precious hours to assess how effectively I am meeting my goals and attending to my priorities cannot be adequately measured. For the effective entrepreneur, this is essential work, and, in my experience, for the happy human it is as well! That said, I wish you all a wonderful and restful summer. Happy auditing! :)Tish Oney Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03924067221114513294noreply@blogger.com