Eugene, October 26, 2008
The ITA Eugene South Axemen destroyed their opponents yesterday at the District Cross Country Championships at Alton Baker park. It was one of my proudest moments as peer coach. All the kids ran their utter hearts out. We won the girls title 33 to 34 to South Medford. Sasha, Paige, Rachel, Nora, and Amelia ran beyond themselves with no room to spare. Congratulations! The boys won 43 to 49 to North Medford. Eamon, Scotty, Brian and Simon had clutch performances! All racing their best race of the season when it counted most. Both races were extremely close and exciting! It is ineffable for me to express how excited I am for both teams. I could hardly sleep last night replaying the races in my mind's eye. Next weekend we have the State Championships. Sammy is in contention for a State Title if he puts himself out there and tries to run away from the field at 2000m. Sasha is also in contention for a State Title, although she doesn't realize her potential, which makes it difficult to achieve high performance. Both teams have the opportunity to post impressive marks.
My grandma is also turning 80 years old this week and the whole family is throwing a huge party for her on Saturday. Congratulations Grandma! I am currently living with Grandma, and we are having a grand old time going to concerts, watching "Gone with the Wind," having dinners together and just being companions in general. Grandma is an inspiration to me. She was a virtuoso professional violinist in her day. May you live to see the century Grandma! I want you to train my kids (yet to be born (or conceived (I think?))) in Violin.
At the moment I am exhausted in runner's fatigue. That satisfying feeling where gravity sits you down and endorphins bubble up around your temple, impressing a sort of happy if dull bliss. The miles are logging up over 100 with 20 mile long runs. Fall is popping with yellows, reds, greens, and golds like never before.
Godspeed elfman!
Gabriel
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
South Sister
Eugene, August 9, 2008
This past weekend Auspicious signs started to turn against me, and I have begun to wonder if Fate has some serious atonement in store for me. I don't know exactly what I should be repentant for, so many personal limitations, hard to say, but sometimes just being an American is enough to rile my blood and puke in disgust. I am resentful at my inability to achieve the success I yearn for; what is it that is obstructing my motion. Recently, little things trouble me: like a flat tire, forgetting to pay my credit card bill on time, sleeping in past an appointment, a bad dream of a spider eating off my head (spurred on by Strauss' Salome).
A storm started to brew as I drove on highway 242 past the lava highlands leading to Mt. Washington, sliding almost out of control, almost off the road. An outsider could reflect and say, "No Gabe," that is not bad luck, that is just stupid unpreparedness, and reckless impulsiveness. Today Dick Brown alluded my floundering to a Niel Young song, "running in circles." My Grandma tells me I am always living on the edge and taking risks, implying that if I take enough risks I am bound to have a run in with the gods every now and again. I say, "Grandma, don't be an old dotard; get off that old walker of yours, and go for a jog, live on the edge, you might like it, it might bring some energy into your life." She says, "Are you crazy, I would have heart attack." She might be right, and I worry about her. I might even start listening to her a bit more; but not if I have to sacrifice all the adventure! I loathe a boring dull life!
Anyways, this Saturday I began driving to Bend to support the South team at the Puma Invitational. But as I approached the city I felt this strong pull away from the meet, call it a state of aporia, depression, whatever, but somehow I knew that I was in no position to be supportive, positive influence to a team that I love and respect. Instead I went to a park on the Deschuttes river in downtown Bend and read Nietzsche's "Genealogy of Morals." Of course the reading made me even more reflective as I pondered phenomenology of myself as Artist and Creator; but the truth is that I was shirking my responsibility, being a terrible role model. And all of this supercilious philosophising was nothing but hurtful to myself and my relationships! But I couldn't help myself; I was possessed! I had to read on: what does Nietzsche mean by "Good" and "Evil," "Guilt," "Shame," and the "Ascetic Ideal?" Is he completely off his rocker, is he MAD? Is he making me mad? Usually, after reading Nietzsche I need to heal with St. Thomas Aquinas, Schopenhauer, Plato; God help me see the VIRTUE in humanity! I tell you, Nietzschian thought and scepticism has been the main reason I RUN. Thinking too much brings on melancholia. Like I have said before, "Action is thy only salvation." Overly consumed reflection is dangerous for your body and your mind. Better to run. Yet, one with out the other is hopeless. After all, as Schopenhauer points out, it is ability to Will and abstract that gives the human oversoul the ability to deliberate into the future, cut out a mold of phenomenal substance to play and harmonize. For me, it remains a balancing act. Perhaps, Ralph Waldo Emerson grounds me best by essaying a sort of "practical power" as a virtue generating maxim.
Anyways, after reading "The Genealogy" and blowing off my commitments I started driving in desperation to the South Sister on the eastern edge of the Cascades. Earlier this summer the South Axemen had summitted the South Sister on the final day of their summer preseason camp from the campsite at Elk Lake, just a few miles from Devil's Lake. Unfortunately, at the time I had missed the opportunity for a joint climb by about an hour, tardy for my rendezvous with the team. Consequently, I have been curious about the South Sister ever since. With my head full of Nietzsche and insatiable curiosity I now found myself driving along Centennial Avenue with a quarter tank of Gas and a partially flat back tire--a test of faith? Or just stupidity? I pulled into Devil's Lake at about 3:30pm, and set off for the summit via the climber's trail without any of the usual provisions for such an effort: all I wore was running shoes, Munich pants, motorcycle gloves and a pendleton long sleeve; no food, water, nothing. Mean clouds had been brewing all day, with storming winds and rain at the lower elevations. Less than a mile into my ascent the snow started falling. Pretty soon I was running through a foot of snow in a blizzard. I generated enough heat by running to stay warm, but my face started to get wind chill from the frigid blizzard on the windward side of my face. At about 8,000 ft I lost all traces of the trail in about 2 ft of snow. Without hesitation I kept trucking straight up the mountain. In fact, it was a relief to leave the trail, the invisible trail that is. I just went straight up the most direct route, navigating around rocks and stumps. The snow was fresh, just having fallen that morning, so even with running shoes, I was able to get good traction. Climbing at a steep vertical I used my gloves to pull myself up. At about 6pm I figured I was less than 1,000 ft from the summit, but I couldn't hardly see more than 10 ft ahead of me in the blizzard. One side of my face was completely frozen, my beard was an icicle, my hands were frozen! I reached this rocky bluff outlook, with the wind almost blowing me off the opposite side of the cliff. There was no more going up; I had reached a sort of perch, so I either needed to go back down and angle around the butte, or I needed to jump off a 20 ft ledge in order to continue my climb. It took me about 2 seconds. "I am going home, get me off this mountain."
After a string of defeats, luck seemingly against me, I am forlorn and miserable. I want all of this insecurity to stop. But the road ahead looks impossible, impassible. My enemies seem to close in around me at ever corner; at every turn new obstacles turn up.
This weekend I intend on supporting the South Axemen at a Portland Cross Country invitational. I think I will take the bus this time! With Districts next week and the High School State Championships in three weeks, the high school season is proving much more exciting than my own. Sammy, our star senior and State leader with a 15:44 posting at Nike PreNats, is capable of turning some major heads and winning a State Title! Yesterday, Sammy and I hammered away at a string of 7 kilometers of race pace on Amazon trail--meaning K's in 3:00 to 3:10. That was encouraging for both of us.
This past weekend Auspicious signs started to turn against me, and I have begun to wonder if Fate has some serious atonement in store for me. I don't know exactly what I should be repentant for, so many personal limitations, hard to say, but sometimes just being an American is enough to rile my blood and puke in disgust. I am resentful at my inability to achieve the success I yearn for; what is it that is obstructing my motion. Recently, little things trouble me: like a flat tire, forgetting to pay my credit card bill on time, sleeping in past an appointment, a bad dream of a spider eating off my head (spurred on by Strauss' Salome).
A storm started to brew as I drove on highway 242 past the lava highlands leading to Mt. Washington, sliding almost out of control, almost off the road. An outsider could reflect and say, "No Gabe," that is not bad luck, that is just stupid unpreparedness, and reckless impulsiveness. Today Dick Brown alluded my floundering to a Niel Young song, "running in circles." My Grandma tells me I am always living on the edge and taking risks, implying that if I take enough risks I am bound to have a run in with the gods every now and again. I say, "Grandma, don't be an old dotard; get off that old walker of yours, and go for a jog, live on the edge, you might like it, it might bring some energy into your life." She says, "Are you crazy, I would have heart attack." She might be right, and I worry about her. I might even start listening to her a bit more; but not if I have to sacrifice all the adventure! I loathe a boring dull life!
Anyways, this Saturday I began driving to Bend to support the South team at the Puma Invitational. But as I approached the city I felt this strong pull away from the meet, call it a state of aporia, depression, whatever, but somehow I knew that I was in no position to be supportive, positive influence to a team that I love and respect. Instead I went to a park on the Deschuttes river in downtown Bend and read Nietzsche's "Genealogy of Morals." Of course the reading made me even more reflective as I pondered phenomenology of myself as Artist and Creator; but the truth is that I was shirking my responsibility, being a terrible role model. And all of this supercilious philosophising was nothing but hurtful to myself and my relationships! But I couldn't help myself; I was possessed! I had to read on: what does Nietzsche mean by "Good" and "Evil," "Guilt," "Shame," and the "Ascetic Ideal?" Is he completely off his rocker, is he MAD? Is he making me mad? Usually, after reading Nietzsche I need to heal with St. Thomas Aquinas, Schopenhauer, Plato; God help me see the VIRTUE in humanity! I tell you, Nietzschian thought and scepticism has been the main reason I RUN. Thinking too much brings on melancholia. Like I have said before, "Action is thy only salvation." Overly consumed reflection is dangerous for your body and your mind. Better to run. Yet, one with out the other is hopeless. After all, as Schopenhauer points out, it is ability to Will and abstract that gives the human oversoul the ability to deliberate into the future, cut out a mold of phenomenal substance to play and harmonize. For me, it remains a balancing act. Perhaps, Ralph Waldo Emerson grounds me best by essaying a sort of "practical power" as a virtue generating maxim.
Anyways, after reading "The Genealogy" and blowing off my commitments I started driving in desperation to the South Sister on the eastern edge of the Cascades. Earlier this summer the South Axemen had summitted the South Sister on the final day of their summer preseason camp from the campsite at Elk Lake, just a few miles from Devil's Lake. Unfortunately, at the time I had missed the opportunity for a joint climb by about an hour, tardy for my rendezvous with the team. Consequently, I have been curious about the South Sister ever since. With my head full of Nietzsche and insatiable curiosity I now found myself driving along Centennial Avenue with a quarter tank of Gas and a partially flat back tire--a test of faith? Or just stupidity? I pulled into Devil's Lake at about 3:30pm, and set off for the summit via the climber's trail without any of the usual provisions for such an effort: all I wore was running shoes, Munich pants, motorcycle gloves and a pendleton long sleeve; no food, water, nothing. Mean clouds had been brewing all day, with storming winds and rain at the lower elevations. Less than a mile into my ascent the snow started falling. Pretty soon I was running through a foot of snow in a blizzard. I generated enough heat by running to stay warm, but my face started to get wind chill from the frigid blizzard on the windward side of my face. At about 8,000 ft I lost all traces of the trail in about 2 ft of snow. Without hesitation I kept trucking straight up the mountain. In fact, it was a relief to leave the trail, the invisible trail that is. I just went straight up the most direct route, navigating around rocks and stumps. The snow was fresh, just having fallen that morning, so even with running shoes, I was able to get good traction. Climbing at a steep vertical I used my gloves to pull myself up. At about 6pm I figured I was less than 1,000 ft from the summit, but I couldn't hardly see more than 10 ft ahead of me in the blizzard. One side of my face was completely frozen, my beard was an icicle, my hands were frozen! I reached this rocky bluff outlook, with the wind almost blowing me off the opposite side of the cliff. There was no more going up; I had reached a sort of perch, so I either needed to go back down and angle around the butte, or I needed to jump off a 20 ft ledge in order to continue my climb. It took me about 2 seconds. "I am going home, get me off this mountain."
After a string of defeats, luck seemingly against me, I am forlorn and miserable. I want all of this insecurity to stop. But the road ahead looks impossible, impassible. My enemies seem to close in around me at ever corner; at every turn new obstacles turn up.
This weekend I intend on supporting the South Axemen at a Portland Cross Country invitational. I think I will take the bus this time! With Districts next week and the High School State Championships in three weeks, the high school season is proving much more exciting than my own. Sammy, our star senior and State leader with a 15:44 posting at Nike PreNats, is capable of turning some major heads and winning a State Title! Yesterday, Sammy and I hammered away at a string of 7 kilometers of race pace on Amazon trail--meaning K's in 3:00 to 3:10. That was encouraging for both of us.
A new year is upon us!
Gabriel
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Mt. Jefferson
Eugene, September21, 2008
This past weekend I attempted to summit Mt. Jefferson from the Woodpecker Ridge trail head (on the south side of the mountain) with my friend Kelsey. Oregon's second largest mountain (at almost 11,000 ft) proved too much for us as we descended in defeat just below the top cliffs at around 9,000ft, flanked by glaciers, and strewn with treacherous scaly shale. Besides the difficult climb to the summit ahead and lack of provisions or gear (ice climbing crampons, ropes, harness, etc.) we were concerned at the loss of sun light (being 4pm), and our need to return to base camp on Woodpecker ridge before daylight closed her eyes and darkness blanketed the land. Although the mountain is supposed to be one of the most popular in the cascades, we did not see a soul our entire climb! The reason: the route we chose was absolutely mad: eroded hills without trail, glaciered river with crevices, impassable waterfalls and the final cliffs at the top. But beautiful! and Sublime! We made it safely back to base camp and spent most of the next day licking our wounds and recuperating at the glorious Britenbush hot springs, only 20 miles away from the mountain. Yesterday, not quite ready to return home we made a half-day canoe trip from Monroe to Corvallis, some 18 miles. The river was majestic, showing off her fall colors, while giant blue herons fished along the shore, and we even spotted a bald eagle! I am just not ready for summer to end, wanting to make the most of every remaining sunny day. Next weekend we are planning an overnighter via canoe at Waldo lake, and another dip in the North Umpqua hot springs, more single scotch at McMiniman's?
Training is coming along. I am starting to find my stride again since Coach Tom Telez visited last month to "correct" my form. I have been visualizing the push-off, extension, dropping my legs naturally in front of me (no lifting with the hip-flexers), running more flat-footed, while using the arms to control the tempo. Running is a meditation! There are no drills, weights, or other replacement for focused running. The goal is to let the body find its most natural rhythm, a sort of wheel that generates its own momentum by renewing energy. As training progresses the miles are going up and the tempos are speeding up. In preparing for this marathon, CIM, December 7, I am trusting the three simple components of 1. long runs, 2. long tempos and 3. long intervals to bring me to the finish line a champion. By following a simple program with proper recovery, and keeping my focus on form, maintaining the discipline to make running a priority first thing in the morning, I pray that I will achieve a higher power and unity in my running.
My ITA project with the South Axemen has been up and running for almost a month now. Once again I am finding the young athletes to be a huge motivator: the curiosity and freshness that a beginner brings to a discipline helps the veterans remember the purpose in our sport; in return the veterans offer experience, skill and wisdom. And so my approach this fall has been more of a peer than a coach, as I try to lead by example. As a student of dance I am often struck how dance is almost entirely an imitative art; we emulate the grace, rhythm and movements of the masters. I am taking this approach with running. As a master of my sport I want to be a model to be followed. I think there are too many fat coaches that exhort there athletes from the sidelines without knowing or feeling the pain, transcendence, focused form, courage and habitual discipline that it takes to be a champion. I want to lead champions!
Godbless and Godspeed!
Gabe
This past weekend I attempted to summit Mt. Jefferson from the Woodpecker Ridge trail head (on the south side of the mountain) with my friend Kelsey. Oregon's second largest mountain (at almost 11,000 ft) proved too much for us as we descended in defeat just below the top cliffs at around 9,000ft, flanked by glaciers, and strewn with treacherous scaly shale. Besides the difficult climb to the summit ahead and lack of provisions or gear (ice climbing crampons, ropes, harness, etc.) we were concerned at the loss of sun light (being 4pm), and our need to return to base camp on Woodpecker ridge before daylight closed her eyes and darkness blanketed the land. Although the mountain is supposed to be one of the most popular in the cascades, we did not see a soul our entire climb! The reason: the route we chose was absolutely mad: eroded hills without trail, glaciered river with crevices, impassable waterfalls and the final cliffs at the top. But beautiful! and Sublime! We made it safely back to base camp and spent most of the next day licking our wounds and recuperating at the glorious Britenbush hot springs, only 20 miles away from the mountain. Yesterday, not quite ready to return home we made a half-day canoe trip from Monroe to Corvallis, some 18 miles. The river was majestic, showing off her fall colors, while giant blue herons fished along the shore, and we even spotted a bald eagle! I am just not ready for summer to end, wanting to make the most of every remaining sunny day. Next weekend we are planning an overnighter via canoe at Waldo lake, and another dip in the North Umpqua hot springs, more single scotch at McMiniman's?
Training is coming along. I am starting to find my stride again since Coach Tom Telez visited last month to "correct" my form. I have been visualizing the push-off, extension, dropping my legs naturally in front of me (no lifting with the hip-flexers), running more flat-footed, while using the arms to control the tempo. Running is a meditation! There are no drills, weights, or other replacement for focused running. The goal is to let the body find its most natural rhythm, a sort of wheel that generates its own momentum by renewing energy. As training progresses the miles are going up and the tempos are speeding up. In preparing for this marathon, CIM, December 7, I am trusting the three simple components of 1. long runs, 2. long tempos and 3. long intervals to bring me to the finish line a champion. By following a simple program with proper recovery, and keeping my focus on form, maintaining the discipline to make running a priority first thing in the morning, I pray that I will achieve a higher power and unity in my running.
My ITA project with the South Axemen has been up and running for almost a month now. Once again I am finding the young athletes to be a huge motivator: the curiosity and freshness that a beginner brings to a discipline helps the veterans remember the purpose in our sport; in return the veterans offer experience, skill and wisdom. And so my approach this fall has been more of a peer than a coach, as I try to lead by example. As a student of dance I am often struck how dance is almost entirely an imitative art; we emulate the grace, rhythm and movements of the masters. I am taking this approach with running. As a master of my sport I want to be a model to be followed. I think there are too many fat coaches that exhort there athletes from the sidelines without knowing or feeling the pain, transcendence, focused form, courage and habitual discipline that it takes to be a champion. I want to lead champions!
Godbless and Godspeed!
Gabe
Friday, August 29, 2008
Habana Bound
Eugene, August 29, 2008
After a very busy summer I have finally settled at my Grandmother's house in Eugene just below Spencer's Butte. I arrived Monday and began running Tuesday; it is now Friday. Since the Trials I took almost 5 weeks of no running, which is probably the biggest break of my career. The time was well served, and I find my self eager to expand lungs and heart and grapple with demons. Today and continuing over the weekend I have a conference with Coach Tom Telez, Carl Lewis' coach, and my own Coach, Dick Brown. Coach Telez aims at helping me with my form so that I run with greater efficiency and power. Coach Brown and I are planning to run CIM marathon December 7 in Sacramento, while keeping sharp enough to time trial a 1:51 800m. As usual, the goal is ambitious considering my time frame, but there is nothing like the pressure of performance as a motivator.
After a brief rendezvous with the South Axemen at Elk Lake two weeks ago I will be fully integrated into the fall program this Monday with the start of school. Head Coach Jeff Hess is excited at the dedication and excitement on the team. The kids just finished two weeks of "daily doubles," meaning working out twice a day. I am kind of glad I missed daily doubles, because the kids would have surely destroyed me in my naked state, but now I am eager to begin anew. Our star senior, Sammy, is probably going to prove the perfect training partner while I make the adjustment back to fitness.
From August 16 to August 24 I was in Habana Cuba learning Afro-Cuban folkloric songs, drums and dance. The trip solidified my dance knowledge and made me realize how restless I continue to be. After making numerous connections in Cuba I am determined to live and train in Cuba over the next quadrennial. My fantasy is to garner a coaching position for the Cuban national team while I continue to train and learn music. The way I look at it: I was going to invest in graduate school--but, living, learning and giving in Cuba is a better education. However, there are numerous details that need to be worked out before my tentative departure this winter after the CIM marathon. Foremost, my contract with Saucony is up in December and I need to try to get a renewal. Secondly, visas for Cuba only last one month, so I need to find a way to get a work permit and gain citizenship. Thirdly, I need to set up a foreign bank account so that I can access my US dollars while in Cuba. There are no easy answers to any of these questions, and how my running will fit into this new vision. But one thing is for certain, life is exciting and full of promise!
Gabe
After a very busy summer I have finally settled at my Grandmother's house in Eugene just below Spencer's Butte. I arrived Monday and began running Tuesday; it is now Friday. Since the Trials I took almost 5 weeks of no running, which is probably the biggest break of my career. The time was well served, and I find my self eager to expand lungs and heart and grapple with demons. Today and continuing over the weekend I have a conference with Coach Tom Telez, Carl Lewis' coach, and my own Coach, Dick Brown. Coach Telez aims at helping me with my form so that I run with greater efficiency and power. Coach Brown and I are planning to run CIM marathon December 7 in Sacramento, while keeping sharp enough to time trial a 1:51 800m. As usual, the goal is ambitious considering my time frame, but there is nothing like the pressure of performance as a motivator.
After a brief rendezvous with the South Axemen at Elk Lake two weeks ago I will be fully integrated into the fall program this Monday with the start of school. Head Coach Jeff Hess is excited at the dedication and excitement on the team. The kids just finished two weeks of "daily doubles," meaning working out twice a day. I am kind of glad I missed daily doubles, because the kids would have surely destroyed me in my naked state, but now I am eager to begin anew. Our star senior, Sammy, is probably going to prove the perfect training partner while I make the adjustment back to fitness.
From August 16 to August 24 I was in Habana Cuba learning Afro-Cuban folkloric songs, drums and dance. The trip solidified my dance knowledge and made me realize how restless I continue to be. After making numerous connections in Cuba I am determined to live and train in Cuba over the next quadrennial. My fantasy is to garner a coaching position for the Cuban national team while I continue to train and learn music. The way I look at it: I was going to invest in graduate school--but, living, learning and giving in Cuba is a better education. However, there are numerous details that need to be worked out before my tentative departure this winter after the CIM marathon. Foremost, my contract with Saucony is up in December and I need to try to get a renewal. Secondly, visas for Cuba only last one month, so I need to find a way to get a work permit and gain citizenship. Thirdly, I need to set up a foreign bank account so that I can access my US dollars while in Cuba. There are no easy answers to any of these questions, and how my running will fit into this new vision. But one thing is for certain, life is exciting and full of promise!
Gabe
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Orff
San Rafael, August 9, 2008
The past two weeks I have been studying at the San Francisco School for the levels II Orff Schulwerk training. Two years ago when Ms. Rowe relayed to me her idea of founding In The Area, she stressed the volunteer component of giving directly to the communities where the ITA athletes live. This got me thinking, what skills do I possess that I might transfer into my volunteer work. Running and coaching obviously come to mind, but I also hoped to integrate my latent skill in music and dance into a teachable form. While scrambling to put together a comprehensive lesson plan to teach music to kids, my mom and her sister, my aunt, both pointed me towards the Orff Schulwerk, which they have both utilized themselves in the classroom with much success. Two weeks later I attended the annual Orff conference in Omaha Nebraska, with Ms. Rowe's blessings in November 2006, I was completely hooked, and the rest is history: I attended the levels I training last summer 2007, this past year's conference in San Jose, November 2007, and now levels II training August 2008.
The program is a three year program and takes place once a year in August for two weeks. Next year will be my last year, and hopefully I will graduate from level III with an Orff certification. Carl Orff, the founder of the method, composed the famous opera Carmina Burana, he is also founder of the Orff Institute in Salzburg Austria and developed five volumes of scores to facilitate a method of teaching music to children. The method involves movement; mallet instruments like xylophones, glockenspiels, marimba, etc. (but instruments were the bars or keys can be removed, so that scales can be simplified for kids); recorder (flute) instruments; and singing, starting with the solfeggi approach to learning note names with easy to sing syllables like: do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do, as demonstrated famously in The Sound of Music.
Orff theory involves a sort of species counterpoint that enables children to progress from "little" to "big." We focus on basic musical feeling of harmonic sounds through the body while encouraging improvisation, and performance. Last year in level I I learned a basic approach for teaching K - 3rd grade music with recorder, mallet, voice and movement but while staying exclusively in the Do pentatonic (or five a five note scale), meaning in Do pentatonic taking out the F and B bars or notes in the scale. On the soprano recorder we start with improvising on E and G because the minor third is the easiest interval for kids to sing and also easy to finger on the recorder at 6 years old, which means we need to transpose to Fa and Sol pentatonic. This year I studied the Level II training which is geared for 4th to 7th graders. In level II I learned how to integrate the hexatonic scale (or six note scale), basically adding Fa or a perfect forth interval into Do major; next we learn the complete eight note major and minor scales; and finally we learn the basic modes that complement major and minor (Ionian and Aeolian): Dorian or minor D scale with flatted sixth, Mixolydian or major G scale with flatted seventh, Phrygian or minor E scale with flatted second, Lydian or major F scale with raised forth (tritone interval). This all seems very theoretical but you must keep in mind that we are learning this basic species counterpoint via singing, dancing and playing; there are few formal theory lessons on the chalkboard. Next year I plan on taking level III, which is more advanced, geared to 8th grade and above. In level three I will finally learn how to integrate chordal music into the Orff approach! Doug Goodkin is our level III master teacher. Lord Douglass leads the music department at the San Francisco School, leads the Orff levels training, has his own master classes though out the year, is a world renowned Orff practitioner, and teaches in the "special" yearl long program at the Orff Institute. I am excited to tackle level III next year and beyond! See Lord Douglas' website:
http://www.douggoodkin.com/AboutDougGoodkin/index.shtml
Doug Goodkin has a vision for founding Orff West in San Francisco to bridge the Orff Worlds, and integrate Orff methods into the classroom from sea to shining sea! I am one of many hearty disciples and I look forward to using my new found skills to enlighten the youth in the spirit of In The Arena.
The bond that I have formed with my classmates is unbelievable, now that most of us have completed two years together in an intimate collaboration for two weeks each summer of long days of continual "orffing." Almost all of the levels training attendees are music teachers, with degrees in music, I am the exception, as a coach, though I did study for a music major at Stanford University.
This next season I plan on continue my work with the Eugene South Axemen Cross Country team. In fact, August 12th I plan on rendezvousing with a group out in Elk Lake, on the east side of the Cascades for the end of their summer pre-season camp. I hope to begin teaching keyboard, voice, recorder and movement to students on a private and small group basis this fall.
God Bless! Can you hear the music?!
Gabriel
The past two weeks I have been studying at the San Francisco School for the levels II Orff Schulwerk training. Two years ago when Ms. Rowe relayed to me her idea of founding In The Area, she stressed the volunteer component of giving directly to the communities where the ITA athletes live. This got me thinking, what skills do I possess that I might transfer into my volunteer work. Running and coaching obviously come to mind, but I also hoped to integrate my latent skill in music and dance into a teachable form. While scrambling to put together a comprehensive lesson plan to teach music to kids, my mom and her sister, my aunt, both pointed me towards the Orff Schulwerk, which they have both utilized themselves in the classroom with much success. Two weeks later I attended the annual Orff conference in Omaha Nebraska, with Ms. Rowe's blessings in November 2006, I was completely hooked, and the rest is history: I attended the levels I training last summer 2007, this past year's conference in San Jose, November 2007, and now levels II training August 2008.
The program is a three year program and takes place once a year in August for two weeks. Next year will be my last year, and hopefully I will graduate from level III with an Orff certification. Carl Orff, the founder of the method, composed the famous opera Carmina Burana, he is also founder of the Orff Institute in Salzburg Austria and developed five volumes of scores to facilitate a method of teaching music to children. The method involves movement; mallet instruments like xylophones, glockenspiels, marimba, etc. (but instruments were the bars or keys can be removed, so that scales can be simplified for kids); recorder (flute) instruments; and singing, starting with the solfeggi approach to learning note names with easy to sing syllables like: do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do, as demonstrated famously in The Sound of Music.
Orff theory involves a sort of species counterpoint that enables children to progress from "little" to "big." We focus on basic musical feeling of harmonic sounds through the body while encouraging improvisation, and performance. Last year in level I I learned a basic approach for teaching K - 3rd grade music with recorder, mallet, voice and movement but while staying exclusively in the Do pentatonic (or five a five note scale), meaning in Do pentatonic taking out the F and B bars or notes in the scale. On the soprano recorder we start with improvising on E and G because the minor third is the easiest interval for kids to sing and also easy to finger on the recorder at 6 years old, which means we need to transpose to Fa and Sol pentatonic. This year I studied the Level II training which is geared for 4th to 7th graders. In level II I learned how to integrate the hexatonic scale (or six note scale), basically adding Fa or a perfect forth interval into Do major; next we learn the complete eight note major and minor scales; and finally we learn the basic modes that complement major and minor (Ionian and Aeolian): Dorian or minor D scale with flatted sixth, Mixolydian or major G scale with flatted seventh, Phrygian or minor E scale with flatted second, Lydian or major F scale with raised forth (tritone interval). This all seems very theoretical but you must keep in mind that we are learning this basic species counterpoint via singing, dancing and playing; there are few formal theory lessons on the chalkboard. Next year I plan on taking level III, which is more advanced, geared to 8th grade and above. In level three I will finally learn how to integrate chordal music into the Orff approach! Doug Goodkin is our level III master teacher. Lord Douglass leads the music department at the San Francisco School, leads the Orff levels training, has his own master classes though out the year, is a world renowned Orff practitioner, and teaches in the "special" yearl long program at the Orff Institute. I am excited to tackle level III next year and beyond! See Lord Douglas' website:
http://www.douggoodkin.com/AboutDougGoodkin/index.shtml
Doug Goodkin has a vision for founding Orff West in San Francisco to bridge the Orff Worlds, and integrate Orff methods into the classroom from sea to shining sea! I am one of many hearty disciples and I look forward to using my new found skills to enlighten the youth in the spirit of In The Arena.
The bond that I have formed with my classmates is unbelievable, now that most of us have completed two years together in an intimate collaboration for two weeks each summer of long days of continual "orffing." Almost all of the levels training attendees are music teachers, with degrees in music, I am the exception, as a coach, though I did study for a music major at Stanford University.
This next season I plan on continue my work with the Eugene South Axemen Cross Country team. In fact, August 12th I plan on rendezvousing with a group out in Elk Lake, on the east side of the Cascades for the end of their summer pre-season camp. I hope to begin teaching keyboard, voice, recorder and movement to students on a private and small group basis this fall.
God Bless! Can you hear the music?!
Gabriel
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Vino
Caspar California, July 17, 2008
Since the Trials are through I have a month of active rest to get my feet under me, or over me. Cloud me! Cloud me!
The adventure continues. . .
My cousin, Jules Maltz, married Kelly Greenwood July 12th at Viansa Vineyard in Sonoma. I made the trek south, and have been wine tasting ever since. I have been thoroughly exploring Sonoma, Napa, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek, Rock Pile, Russian River, Garcia River, Anderson Valley, Navarro River and everything in between. A story couldn't possibly do justice to my journey. My zigzags have taken me over hill, dale, river and everything in between. I am sipping on Dry Creek meritage blend at the moment: the flavor, and warmth is very grounding. I have been searching for the perfect big Red, a cab that can age 15 years, hold its bite, while maturing the tannins. Rafinelli's unfiltered cab has changed my life and my palette forever, and I can thank Kelly and the Roger's family for opening up the wine cellar to me, and their kitchen. However, Rafinelli's does not sell its wine but to an exclusive list of patrons, of which I am not included. Unfiltered wine has all of the microbials buzzing around in its raw essence, piercing the soul, chakras inflamed, singing to angels.
Two nights ago I descended three miles down the sharp canyon walls of the Garcia River, from Fish Rock road outside Point Arena on the Mendocino Coast. I took no water, and had no provisions. My goal was to find the remote hot springs five miles up the river from its ocean confluence. However, with only rough directions from John the bartender at the Lost Whale Inn, the treasure hunt took on epic proportions as I set off down the cliff at close to 9pm with only 45 minutes of twilight before dark. I managed to reach the river at around half past 11pm by pure determination. No hot springs. The trek back up the steep hillside in the dark, through brush, fallen trees, and obstacles of immeasurable description, was one of the most challenging of my career. Luckily it was a full moon! Yet, as midnight came, so did a mist that covered my trail. Soon I was very lost, thirsty and fatigued. I dug a bed out of the hillside, using a log for my base, and covered my self in leaves to keep me warm. I slept most of the night in the woods to the sound of owls.
Now water turns to wine and I am grateful for the simple blessings of life.
I will be at the Afro-Cuban dance and drum camp all of next week. At the closure of camp I will be the featured speaker at the Humboldt Cross-Country camp, coinciding with my own. The last week of July and the first week of August I will be training in the the second level of the Orff Schulwerk at the San Francisco School. Orff is a methodology for teaching music to children! It is my dream to be a children's choir director someday, and this is the perfect training grounds.
I plan on making it back to Eugene August 10th or so, but who can tell where the adventure will take me until then. There are many more valleys to explore on my way. . .
Gabriel
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Lyre
Eugene, June 11, 2008
I have been working on constructing a harp from a kit. The kit is pretty minimal so I am needing to do some pretty fine woodworking. She is walnut, her curves are smooth and round, her angles captivating. I was turned onto the harp through my girlfriend, Kelsey, when she was keeping hers in my room to practice. When she plays for me I am transported to a calm peaceful world, and all my troules seem to dissolve. When I play, the strings almost play me; the meditation resonates a basic vibration that unifies the Spirit of the universe.
I will be putting on the second coat of varnish after blogging. Then bed time. The light lingers until almost 10pm, only ten days away from summer solstice. Where have the seasons gone?
Love and Light
Gabe
I have been working on constructing a harp from a kit. The kit is pretty minimal so I am needing to do some pretty fine woodworking. She is walnut, her curves are smooth and round, her angles captivating. I was turned onto the harp through my girlfriend, Kelsey, when she was keeping hers in my room to practice. When she plays for me I am transported to a calm peaceful world, and all my troules seem to dissolve. When I play, the strings almost play me; the meditation resonates a basic vibration that unifies the Spirit of the universe.
I will be putting on the second coat of varnish after blogging. Then bed time. The light lingers until almost 10pm, only ten days away from summer solstice. Where have the seasons gone?
Love and Light
Gabe
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