Author: blhaskett

I’ve gotten more used to traveling over the years. I don’t like big airports but I navigate them well (and I always leave extra time).

Accepting that you likely forgot something, will need more of something, or have something unexpected occur is important for dealing with it calmly. This was not a skill I had in my younger years.

I love the adventure of a new place, a bit of the unknown. It’s exciting and also a bit scary, even if well-prepared. I’ve always learned the most when challenging myself to go out of my comfort zone.

Lastly, it’s always so hard to leave my wife and daughters at home (research trip). There are always pictures and videos to share and great stories to tell. However, it is still hard to be apart.

I’ll be posting this week about my first trip to St. Lucia. I’m excited to see what adventures it holds. More soon.

Well, it’s about time . . .

I haven’t posted new material (in the blog) on my website since 2016. Time flies . . .

Things have been busy and it’s time for an update. I have recently been working through data collected from a survey study of steel band directors regarding curriculum and pedagogy. I hope to get the article submitted for publication in coming months. I presented a preliminary report on the findings at a poster session at the Michigan Music Conference in January 2024.

In the next few days, I’m headed to Laborie, St. Lucia to work on a biography project on the great steelpan composer / performer, Andy Narell. I hope to post some pictures and reflections from this trip over the next couple of weeks. I’m deeply honored and excited to take these next steps with my research agenda and sharing the story of steelpan and its artists.

• The pieces played were typically arrangements of calypso and soca tunes; some do use originals now, but these are not favored by judges or the public
• Panorama includes performances in the street and on the track leading to the judges stand
• Pieces are introduced by playing a commercial version of the song while the steel band sets up for the judges
• More to come…

Below is a picture of a youth (junior) steel band associated with the steel band Exodus. Many kids learn music by ear through these groups, which also serve as feeder programs to the (senior) steel bands.

Beyond this, Birdsong, the group I am playing with has a music program to teach students various instruments, note reading, and music theory. This program occurs after school and in the summer.

I’ve been in the panyard all day practicing after the masterclass. We had some changes in the music last night. Our arranger, Andy Narell, played them by ear to us and we had to pick them up. We refer to this as rote learning. I’m trying to get this changes settled in my hands today and review my part. Earlier, a tuner adjusted a couple bad notes on my instrument and right now  I’m waiting for our 7:30-11:00 rehearsal.

Lord Relator is a famous calypsonian. Calypso singers have functions that have some similarities to West African griot and American blues singers. The calypso typically provides lyrical commentary about society, government, politics as well as more light hearted topics related to love, scandalous happenings, or comedy. Additionally, many engage in picong (verbal battles) using extempo (improvised lyrics).

Lord Relator performed calypsonian for us from several famous artists including Lord Kitchener and Mighty Sparrow along with his own songs.

Photos from prelims (crowd and judges table).   
 

Tonight we play for the judges in the Birdsong panyard. We’ve been working to get the music memorized,with the right feel, and up to speed. Andy Narell is explaining his composition to us this morning, breaking it down with theory. This is an unusual aspect that the Birdsong program provides, but a helpful one to understand the music better and for those interested in writing music.

There is much collaborative learning occurring at this point as well as individual practice. We check parts with each other to make sure we have the detail, but we also have sectional rehearsal to ensure everyone is playing uniform parts. More to come . . .

Top Pic: Engine Room- the driving force of a steel band. Consists of iron, congas, drum set,  bells, and scratcher.

Below: evening rehearsal. Rehearsals are at night. Ours go until 11pm. Other bands sometimes go into the morning.

A few thoughts on life-long learning as we send freshly minted music teachers out into the field.

-Humble yourself. There is always something you don’t know or are (currently) unable to do. Face these challenges head-on and hold yourself accountable.

-Have others work with your ensembles. Pay close attention and take good notes. Ask for feedback (and be genuine in your request for feedback).

-Talk less and ask questions frequently. Many people will gladly help you down the path, but they are horrible mind-readers.

-Challenge yourself to listen/watch more accomplished groups than your own. Do this not only for performances, but ask to watch them rehearsals as well. Pay close attention to the routines of these groups and their directors.


-Be active in professional learning networks and associations.

-Challenge yourself to attend music educator conference sessions that address your weaknesses. It is far TOO EASY to attend sessions where we feel comfortable and/or accomplished.