You really don't, and that's why I always attempt to show people how much I love music, and that they should, too. I once showed an 11-yr-old kid a few chords, and wrote some some funny songs to impress his cute sister... he's a very talented songwriter now, in Nashville, and one of my closest friends. His cousin used to tag around all the time, maybe 8 or 9 yrs old... now he's one of those guys who knows everything about every band he ever heard, he's obsessed. I once urged an enthusiastic fan that, "...everyone should have a band, at least for a little while"... he's BadDazeRob now. At a show at the Huntingdon High School Auditorium, I was waxing philosophical, bringing one of the best shows I ever played to a complete halt by tellng the school-age audience that I once daydreamed about playing that auditorium, that it was possible to do anything if you worked and dreamed hard enough. Now, I understand that playing your old high school isn't exactly like a sold-out world tour, but it is pretty damned cool, especially to the schoolkids. I recently spoke to a vocalist in a punk/metal/hardcore band (now pushing 30), who told me that not only did he remember me saying that, but that it was a watershed moment for him, and he knew what he wanted to do, right then. I have no kids of my own, so to hear that was a very proud and satisfying moment for me.
When you talk to kids about music, try not to be jaded, or complain... use a few less cuss words, so it's a positive experience. They're kids, they'll read your face, and get things you don't even say out loud... they'll see how much you love music, or they'll see that you're a self-absorbed egotist, so be careful.
I'm looking forward to Saturday. It's not paying my dues, it's a reward for paying them.----------->JMS
Help Get Kids Involved In Music !
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HurricaneBob
- AA Member
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- Joined: Monday Dec 09, 2002
- Location: /root/2/pub
- Contact:
What an incredible day!
As I'm sure Ed and Cathy will elaborate, the Get Closer To The Music 3rd annual Music Festival was the biggest and best yet! Continuous crowd throughout the day, people were even arriving during the event's final hour! Lots of kids got hands-on experience sampling with drums, guitars, keys, basses and more. The drums were especially popular; at one point, Lisa Fazenbaker was showing a group of little girls how to play the drums, so don't be surprised to see more ladies behind area drum kits in years to come!
There were highlights throughout the day, from .00 Buck recruiting the young drummers to the front of the room to provide the stick hits during Roger Miller's "King Of The Road" to Felix & the Hurricanes letting the little drummers bang away in front of the stage during "Wipe Out;" to Ricky Lee making his cameo appearance and singing with the Hurricanes on "Johnny B. Goode," and more. And thanks to my luck in the raffle at the end of the day, I now have a cool pair of bongos!
In addition, ten more folks signed the PACAG's letter to have the PLCB noise law changed - those letters went in the mail later that evening!
It was just a very good day all around. Hats off to Ed and Cathy for their work and diligence in making this day happen for the kids - at the rate that this event is growing, they're going to need the Frankstown Armory or the Jaffa Shrine to stage it in another couple of years!
As I'm sure Ed and Cathy will elaborate, the Get Closer To The Music 3rd annual Music Festival was the biggest and best yet! Continuous crowd throughout the day, people were even arriving during the event's final hour! Lots of kids got hands-on experience sampling with drums, guitars, keys, basses and more. The drums were especially popular; at one point, Lisa Fazenbaker was showing a group of little girls how to play the drums, so don't be surprised to see more ladies behind area drum kits in years to come!
There were highlights throughout the day, from .00 Buck recruiting the young drummers to the front of the room to provide the stick hits during Roger Miller's "King Of The Road" to Felix & the Hurricanes letting the little drummers bang away in front of the stage during "Wipe Out;" to Ricky Lee making his cameo appearance and singing with the Hurricanes on "Johnny B. Goode," and more. And thanks to my luck in the raffle at the end of the day, I now have a cool pair of bongos!
In addition, ten more folks signed the PACAG's letter to have the PLCB noise law changed - those letters went in the mail later that evening!
It was just a very good day all around. Hats off to Ed and Cathy for their work and diligence in making this day happen for the kids - at the rate that this event is growing, they're going to need the Frankstown Armory or the Jaffa Shrine to stage it in another couple of years!
I, too, thoroughly enjoyed that show... the highlight for me was when Felix heard that young cat playing Sweet Home Alabama (I think LoneWolf taught him that song), called him up onstage ("No, bring that guitar!"), and
allowed him to assume guitar duties on the song. The crowd went nuts, the kid was grinning like a mule eating briars, and I'm certain a performing musician was born. The Hurricanes have always understood how special sharing a stage can be for some, and I'm glad I got to see it.
Thanks all, and call me next year... I'll be sure to bring ear plugs!
---->JMS
allowed him to assume guitar duties on the song. The crowd went nuts, the kid was grinning like a mule eating briars, and I'm certain a performing musician was born. The Hurricanes have always understood how special sharing a stage can be for some, and I'm glad I got to see it.
Thanks all, and call me next year... I'll be sure to bring ear plugs!
---->JMS-
YankeeRose
- Diamond Member
- Posts: 2523
- Joined: Saturday Oct 09, 2004
- Location: Altunea, PA
- Contact:
Okay Cathy, here's my $2 worth...
My son Thomas and I arrived relatively early - compared to last year -
and I also was pleased to see such a crowd that never waned!
JP, congrats on the "Shelia E" Bongos and if you are going to be able to go to the Hoedown this year, Bongos or not, you'll have a BLAST.
Thomas wanted to try and win that Black Fender and the signed Steeler Football, so I bought 3 chances each for those, but with a Free "Blue Ticket" Door Prize, he won 2 all day ride and slide passes for Lakemont. Of course we both jumped up and down!
Way before the young cat ("Cats" are cooler than "dudes".) got up and played "Sweet Home Alabama", when he was first jamming with Lonewolf's Red Guitar, my son and I said we thought we heard a few passing bars of that very tune. It's one of our favorites, we'd know it anywhere. I agree Songsmith, that WAS a great moment to witness! I feel that children participation with the Bands is most definitely one aspect of what "Get Closer To The Music" is all about.
Thank you Lonewolf, for showing my son what he said was "some power chords" - he was practicing last night. (I'm glad the upstairs apartment is empty! )
KUDOS to Ed and Cathy, as well as to all of the tireless Volunteers!
My son Thomas and I arrived relatively early - compared to last year -
and I also was pleased to see such a crowd that never waned! JP, congrats on the "Shelia E" Bongos and if you are going to be able to go to the Hoedown this year, Bongos or not, you'll have a BLAST.
Thomas wanted to try and win that Black Fender and the signed Steeler Football, so I bought 3 chances each for those, but with a Free "Blue Ticket" Door Prize, he won 2 all day ride and slide passes for Lakemont. Of course we both jumped up and down!
Way before the young cat ("Cats" are cooler than "dudes".
) got up and played "Sweet Home Alabama", when he was first jamming with Lonewolf's Red Guitar, my son and I said we thought we heard a few passing bars of that very tune. It's one of our favorites, we'd know it anywhere. I agree Songsmith, that WAS a great moment to witness! I feel that children participation with the Bands is most definitely one aspect of what "Get Closer To The Music" is all about. Thank you Lonewolf, for showing my son what he said was "some power chords" - he was practicing last night.
(I'm glad the upstairs apartment is empty! ) KUDOS to Ed and Cathy, as well as to all of the tireless Volunteers!
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getclosertothemusic
- Gold Member
- Posts: 237
- Joined: Saturday Apr 24, 2004
- Location: Tyrone,PA.
- Contact:
reply
First and for most our thanks to everyone that volunteered, Jim Price and Q-94 for Public Service Announcements, Live Broadcast and just being J.P. we love all you guys.
Bill Hochrel, Lisa Fazenbaker, Don Hughes, Jeff Renner, Tim Aungst, Harry Walter, Ricky Lee, Mike Griffiths, Felix Kos, Jeff Clapper, Bobby Watters, John Stevens, T.J. Kelly, Brian Cupples, Brian Elliot (who was just Superman).
Other volunteers
Bob, Donna, and Kylie Ash, Maryanne Hughes, Kevin, Billie and Jess Shinn, Mae Fink, Jess Berg, Tammy Fenchak, Anita Stitt, Bre & Trish Elliott.
Special Recognition goes to Don Hughes, he has completed the circle from keyboard student, to amateur talent show winner at Crazy Fest, to the teacher, mentor and musician that he has become. My hats off to you Don. Thank you for being a part of this year’s music festival, your mom is very proud of you and so are we.
I would also like to thank Ed for all the hard work he did to help make this event happen. I’m sure that I wouldn’t have ever been able to do this alone. I know that with as much dedication and enthusiasm as this year, next year’s event is going to be absolutely outstanding. Thanks Ed! I am so very fortunate to be involved in this with you and so many other amazing people. Thank you all for allowing me to become part of this “musical” family. Thank you all for allowing me to be part of getting the future of our communities involved in one of the most beneficial things they will experience, music!
Highlights of the day
.OO Buck and Felix and the Canes with Hawks percussion section.
Hope your headache went away Hawk I know Lisa still had to play last night at the Tyrone Legion. WOW did you two have the kids rocking with the drums.
The young gent that just whaled on Sweet Home Alabama with Felix and the Canes, Felix had an easy song, all he had to do was sing that one, that young gent had a huge smile on his face and life long memory.
It was an awesome thing to see lines of kids at the Drums, Electric Guitar, Keyboards, and Bass Guitar let alone the huge smiles on all kids and instructors alike, it was an unforgettable moment.
The response of kids and parents asking the instructors where they could receive lessons on there favorite instrument, and smiles, smiles, and more smiles.
Ricky Lee giving every single kid a free ticket to his show last night at the Jaffa Shrine. Signing autographs for the moms and kids, getting up and doing Johnny B. Goode with the Hurricanes.
Thank You to every single one of you, can’t wait till next year, yes J.P. the Frankstown Armory or the Jaffa Shrine to stage it in another couple of years, is not that far of a dream.
Ed and Cathy
GCTTM
Bill Hochrel, Lisa Fazenbaker, Don Hughes, Jeff Renner, Tim Aungst, Harry Walter, Ricky Lee, Mike Griffiths, Felix Kos, Jeff Clapper, Bobby Watters, John Stevens, T.J. Kelly, Brian Cupples, Brian Elliot (who was just Superman).
Other volunteers
Bob, Donna, and Kylie Ash, Maryanne Hughes, Kevin, Billie and Jess Shinn, Mae Fink, Jess Berg, Tammy Fenchak, Anita Stitt, Bre & Trish Elliott.
Special Recognition goes to Don Hughes, he has completed the circle from keyboard student, to amateur talent show winner at Crazy Fest, to the teacher, mentor and musician that he has become. My hats off to you Don. Thank you for being a part of this year’s music festival, your mom is very proud of you and so are we.
I would also like to thank Ed for all the hard work he did to help make this event happen. I’m sure that I wouldn’t have ever been able to do this alone. I know that with as much dedication and enthusiasm as this year, next year’s event is going to be absolutely outstanding. Thanks Ed! I am so very fortunate to be involved in this with you and so many other amazing people. Thank you all for allowing me to become part of this “musical” family. Thank you all for allowing me to be part of getting the future of our communities involved in one of the most beneficial things they will experience, music!
Highlights of the day
.OO Buck and Felix and the Canes with Hawks percussion section.
Hope your headache went away Hawk
I know Lisa still had to play last night at the Tyrone Legion. WOW did you two have the kids rocking with the drums.The young gent that just whaled on Sweet Home Alabama with Felix and the Canes, Felix had an easy song, all he had to do was sing that one, that young gent had a huge smile on his face and life long memory.
It was an awesome thing to see lines of kids at the Drums, Electric Guitar, Keyboards, and Bass Guitar let alone the huge smiles on all kids and instructors alike, it was an unforgettable moment.
The response of kids and parents asking the instructors where they could receive lessons on there favorite instrument, and smiles, smiles, and more smiles.
Ricky Lee giving every single kid a free ticket to his show last night at the Jaffa Shrine. Signing autographs for the moms and kids, getting up and doing Johnny B. Goode with the Hurricanes.
Thank You to every single one of you, can’t wait till next year, yes J.P. the Frankstown Armory or the Jaffa Shrine to stage it in another couple of years, is not that far of a dream.
Ed and Cathy
GCTTM
Last edited by getclosertothemusic on Sunday Apr 30, 2006, edited 1 time in total.
Give the kids an instrument and let their minds explore!
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RobTheDrummer
- Diamond Member
- Posts: 5227
- Joined: Tuesday Dec 10, 2002
- Location: Tiptonia, Pa
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nakedtwister
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 942
- Joined: Tuesday Feb 22, 2005
- Location: Altoona,Pa
Man what a time!!!!!! I had a blast. Thanks John for playing the mouth harp with us on Boom Boom. You gave it the icing on the cake that it needed. Thanks to Griff for doing a fabulous job of filling in for Jarrett. Thaks to all of the volunteers also. A special thanks to my daughter Brianna for helping out with the games. She did a hell of a job for a 9 year old. Great job Ed and Cathy!!!!! Oh also would like to thank Jeff Renner for helping us stretch out the show with his remarkable guitar work!!!
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AllHolLowsEVe
- Gold Member
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Sunday Nov 20, 2005
hey guys. im so incredibly sorry that i missed the GCTTM Festival. this is my first year knowing you guys so this would have been my first year with you guys but you know how the military works. 
anyway its people like you that make a difference in the community. when i was growing up i was forded alot of musical opportunitys that eventually led me into the US Army band and allowed me to play music all over the world and then some. i dont think i could ever explain what the feeling is when you get to play in a foreign country and though you dont speak the same language, the music you play seems to transend any language barrier. thats a feeling i hope some of the kids at your fesival get to experience someday and hopefully they can say that you guys made a difference in their lives. with all the drugs and crime in this area it was nice to see something possitive in the area that people could bring their kids to outside of school affiliated programs. music kept me on the "straightish" hahaha path growing up. but not having music in my life as a kid who knows where i would have ended up. thank you for your friendship, the chance to play with you in Generation Gap, and for all you guys have done for me and for the community. its really nice to read something positive in the newspaper every once in awhile.
Jarrett
anyway its people like you that make a difference in the community. when i was growing up i was forded alot of musical opportunitys that eventually led me into the US Army band and allowed me to play music all over the world and then some. i dont think i could ever explain what the feeling is when you get to play in a foreign country and though you dont speak the same language, the music you play seems to transend any language barrier. thats a feeling i hope some of the kids at your fesival get to experience someday and hopefully they can say that you guys made a difference in their lives. with all the drugs and crime in this area it was nice to see something possitive in the area that people could bring their kids to outside of school affiliated programs. music kept me on the "straightish" hahaha path growing up. but not having music in my life as a kid who knows where i would have ended up. thank you for your friendship, the chance to play with you in Generation Gap, and for all you guys have done for me and for the community. its really nice to read something positive in the newspaper every once in awhile.Jarrett
Videos destroyed the vitality of rock and roll. Before that, music said, "Listen to me." Now it says, "Look at me."
Re: Get Closer
Dave, are you being a promo whore on our behalf here?!? That's awesome ...tornandfrayed wrote:We all have bad daze but we get back up and make ammends and then move on and learn from the bad.
Kudos for the work GCTTM does ...
r:>)
That's what she said.
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bassist_25
- Senior Member
- Posts: 6815
- Joined: Monday Dec 09, 2002
- Location: Indiana
Such a good quote that it warrants repeating.Hawk wrote:Every successful musician, regardless of what level they take it to, and I mean EVERY one, got where they are because SOMEONE gave them an opportunity.
"He's the electric horseman, you better back off!" - old sKool making a reference to the culturally relevant 1979 film.