Hello and welcome to the Tugboat Times! The new newsletter from Flute Sweets & Tickletoons & Tugboat Music. We're so pleased that you came to see one of our shows and on this occasion we'd like to share what's happening in our world; our plans, our projects, our upcoming performances, and our new programs.
We've recently returned from a performance tour of South Florida. January is a good time to be down south (unless of course you like to ski!). We had a wonderful time and met some really terrific people - like all the kids who came to see us perform "Little Kids Little Songs" at the Miami Children's Museum, and those terrific folk at the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton (Green Golly really enjoyed performing in that beautiful theatre), and the patrons of the library's of Delray Beach, Coral Reef and Country Walk.
Our upcoming schedule includes tours of California's Bay Area in April, another trip to Florida for the Miami-Dade Library System's "Art of Story" event, an exploration of New England and (we're really excited) we've been invited to Chicago!!! If you'd like to invite us to your town let us know।
(see our full schedule at http://www.tugboatmusic.com/ .)
Along with our work for children we're also releasing Barbara's new CD of Great American Flute Music on the American Music Media label. If you saw "Green Golly" and loved the music or if you just love music this is your chance to hear Barbara play some really extraordinary classical music in her own extraordinary way. We're also just finishing our new DVD preview of "Now We Can Sing", a theatrical recital that centers around music banned to Jewish performers in Pre-WWII Germany. Please let us know if you're like to find out more about it - we'll happily send you a copy.
And speaking of things for older folk - at long last Keith is going to be performing his one person show! It will premiere on the 29th of March and will be the beginning of a new series of programs devoted to his original songs. We'll let you know the details as the time approaches.
If you didn't get a chance this past holiday season to see our fabulous sequel to "Green Golly & Her Golden Flute" - "Green Golly & The Treasure of Light", a most enchanting tale about what happens to Green Golly after she escapes the tower and goes on tour, come see it this fall. Not only is it another wonderful Green Golly story - it's also a holiday show. Green Golly discovers a rusty old chest filled with dusty old scrolls of music and as she plays each one of them she's transported to a different holiday. Learn all about Diwali, Ramadan, Hanukah and Christmas - and share the joy! If it's not playing near you - perhaps you'd like to invite us to your school or library or performing arts center.
We're always creating new songs and new stories to share with you. If you've a song or story to share let us know - we'd love to hear about it. Just remember:
"You're more than half way to the moon
Without the help of wings
When you can find the magic
In the simple things!"
Have a wonderful and happy New Year!
Keith & Barbara
Flute Sweets & Tickletoons
http://www.tugboatmusic.com/
(Barbara's Blog)
http://www.tugboatmusic.blogspot.com/
Monday, February 11, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Response from Obama for America
I've just received this from the Obama Campaign - I think this is a very good position, thoughtful, and with a great understanding of the importance of arts education both nationally and internationally. Have to go watch the debates now!!
Dear Barbara,
Thank you for contacting us in support of the arts. Senator Obama is a champion for arts and culture. He knows that our nation’s creativity has filled the world’s libraries, museums, recital halls, movie houses, and marketplaces with works of genius. The arts embody the American spirit of self-definition. As the author of two best-selling books - Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope - Barack Obama uniquely appreciates the role and value of creative expression.That's why he will reinvest in Arts Education. To remain competitive in the global economy, America needs to reinvigorate the kind of creativity and innovation that has made this country great. To do so, we must nourish our children’s creative skills. In addition to giving our children the science and math skills they need to compete in the newglobal context, we should also encourage the ability to think creatively that comes from a meaningful arts education. Unfortunately, many school districts are cutting instructional time for art and music education.Barack believes that the arts should be a central part of effective teaching and learning. The Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts recently said, “The purpose of arts education is not to produce more artists, though that is a byproduct. The real purpose of arts education is to create complete human beings capable of leading successful and productive lives in a free society.” To support greater arts education, Obama will:- Expand Public/Private Partnerships Between Schools and Arts Organizations: Barack Obama willincrease resources for the U.S. Department of Education’s Arts Education Model Development and Dissemination Grants, which develop public/private partnerships between schools and arts organizations. Obama will also engage the foundation and corporate community to increase support for public/private partnerships.- Create an Artist Corps: Barack Obama supports the creation of an “Artists Corps” of young artiststrained to work in low-income schools and their communities. Studies in Chicago have demonstratedthat test scores improved faster for students enrolled in low-income schools that link arts across thecurriculum than scores for students in schools lacking such programs.- Publicly Champion the Importance of Arts Education: As president, Barack Obama will use thebully pulpit and the example he will set in the White House to promote the importance of arts and artseducation in America. Not only is arts education indispensable for success in a rapidly changing, highskill, information economy, but studies show that arts education raises test scores in other subject areasas well.- Support Increased Funding for the NEA: Over the last 15 years, government funding for the NationalEndowment for the Arts has been slashed from $175 million annually in 1992 to $125 million today. BarackObama supports increased funding for the NEA, the support of which enriches schools and neighborhoods allacross the nation and helps to promote the economic development of countless communities.- Promote Cultural Diplomacy: American artists, performers and thinkers representing our values and idealscan inspire people both at home and all over the world. Through efforts like that of the United StatesInformation Agency, America’s cultural leaders were deployed around the world during the Cold War as artisticambassadors and helped win the war of ideas by demonstrating to the world the promise of America. Artistscan be utilized again to help us win the war of ideas against Islamic extremism. Unfortunately, our resourcesfor cultural diplomacy are at their lowest level in a decade. Barack Obama will work to reverse this trend andimprove and expand public-private partnerships to expand cultural and arts exchanges throughout the world.Attract Foreign Talent: The flipside to promoting American arts and culture abroad is welcoming members ofthe foreign arts community to America. Opening America’s doors to students and professional artists providesthe kind of two-way cultural understanding that can break down the barriers that feed hatred and fear. AsAmerica tightened visa restrictions after 9/11, the world’s most talented students and artists, who used to comehere, went elsewhere. Barack Obama will streamline the visa process to return America to its rightful place asthe world’s top destination for artists and art students.- Provide Health Care to Artists: Finding affordable health coverage has often been one of the most vexingobstacles for artists and those in the creative community. Since many artists work independently or have nontraditionalemployment relationships, employer-based coverage is unavailable and individual policies arefinancially out of reach. Barack Obama’s plan will provide all Americans with quality, affordable health care.His plan includes the creation of a new public program that will allow individuals and small businesses to buyaffordable health care similar to that available to federal employees. His plan also creates a National HealthInsurance Exchange to reform the private insurance market and allow Americans to enroll in participatingprivate plans, which would have to provide comprehensive benefits, issue every applicant a policy, and chargefair and stable premiums. For those who still cannot afford coverage, the government will provide a subsidy.His health plan will lower costs for the typical American family by up to $2,500 per year.- Ensure Tax Fairness for Artists: Barack Obama supports the Artist-Museum Partnership Act, introduced bySenator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). The Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow artists to deduct the fairmarket value of their work, rather than just the costs of the materials, when they make charitable contributions.Thank you again for contacting us. We appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Obama for America
Dear Barbara,
Thank you for contacting us in support of the arts. Senator Obama is a champion for arts and culture. He knows that our nation’s creativity has filled the world’s libraries, museums, recital halls, movie houses, and marketplaces with works of genius. The arts embody the American spirit of self-definition. As the author of two best-selling books - Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope - Barack Obama uniquely appreciates the role and value of creative expression.That's why he will reinvest in Arts Education. To remain competitive in the global economy, America needs to reinvigorate the kind of creativity and innovation that has made this country great. To do so, we must nourish our children’s creative skills. In addition to giving our children the science and math skills they need to compete in the newglobal context, we should also encourage the ability to think creatively that comes from a meaningful arts education. Unfortunately, many school districts are cutting instructional time for art and music education.Barack believes that the arts should be a central part of effective teaching and learning. The Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts recently said, “The purpose of arts education is not to produce more artists, though that is a byproduct. The real purpose of arts education is to create complete human beings capable of leading successful and productive lives in a free society.” To support greater arts education, Obama will:- Expand Public/Private Partnerships Between Schools and Arts Organizations: Barack Obama willincrease resources for the U.S. Department of Education’s Arts Education Model Development and Dissemination Grants, which develop public/private partnerships between schools and arts organizations. Obama will also engage the foundation and corporate community to increase support for public/private partnerships.- Create an Artist Corps: Barack Obama supports the creation of an “Artists Corps” of young artiststrained to work in low-income schools and their communities. Studies in Chicago have demonstratedthat test scores improved faster for students enrolled in low-income schools that link arts across thecurriculum than scores for students in schools lacking such programs.- Publicly Champion the Importance of Arts Education: As president, Barack Obama will use thebully pulpit and the example he will set in the White House to promote the importance of arts and artseducation in America. Not only is arts education indispensable for success in a rapidly changing, highskill, information economy, but studies show that arts education raises test scores in other subject areasas well.- Support Increased Funding for the NEA: Over the last 15 years, government funding for the NationalEndowment for the Arts has been slashed from $175 million annually in 1992 to $125 million today. BarackObama supports increased funding for the NEA, the support of which enriches schools and neighborhoods allacross the nation and helps to promote the economic development of countless communities.- Promote Cultural Diplomacy: American artists, performers and thinkers representing our values and idealscan inspire people both at home and all over the world. Through efforts like that of the United StatesInformation Agency, America’s cultural leaders were deployed around the world during the Cold War as artisticambassadors and helped win the war of ideas by demonstrating to the world the promise of America. Artistscan be utilized again to help us win the war of ideas against Islamic extremism. Unfortunately, our resourcesfor cultural diplomacy are at their lowest level in a decade. Barack Obama will work to reverse this trend andimprove and expand public-private partnerships to expand cultural and arts exchanges throughout the world.Attract Foreign Talent: The flipside to promoting American arts and culture abroad is welcoming members ofthe foreign arts community to America. Opening America’s doors to students and professional artists providesthe kind of two-way cultural understanding that can break down the barriers that feed hatred and fear. AsAmerica tightened visa restrictions after 9/11, the world’s most talented students and artists, who used to comehere, went elsewhere. Barack Obama will streamline the visa process to return America to its rightful place asthe world’s top destination for artists and art students.- Provide Health Care to Artists: Finding affordable health coverage has often been one of the most vexingobstacles for artists and those in the creative community. Since many artists work independently or have nontraditionalemployment relationships, employer-based coverage is unavailable and individual policies arefinancially out of reach. Barack Obama’s plan will provide all Americans with quality, affordable health care.His plan includes the creation of a new public program that will allow individuals and small businesses to buyaffordable health care similar to that available to federal employees. His plan also creates a National HealthInsurance Exchange to reform the private insurance market and allow Americans to enroll in participatingprivate plans, which would have to provide comprehensive benefits, issue every applicant a policy, and chargefair and stable premiums. For those who still cannot afford coverage, the government will provide a subsidy.His health plan will lower costs for the typical American family by up to $2,500 per year.- Ensure Tax Fairness for Artists: Barack Obama supports the Artist-Museum Partnership Act, introduced bySenator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). The Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow artists to deduct the fairmarket value of their work, rather than just the costs of the materials, when they make charitable contributions.Thank you again for contacting us. We appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Obama for America
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Open letter to Barak Obama
I consider the arts a very important part of govermental policy. Haven't figured out who I will be supporting yet. looking at Barak Obama's site I didn't find any mention of the arts so I thought I'd ask him!
Greetings,
Congratulations on the South Carolina win! I've searched the beautiful website for an answer to my question and since it is not there I thought I send it on.
I'm a professional musician, producer and educator who tours the country performing- here's my company: http://www.tugboatmusic.com/ . I'm doing what I do these days (instead of teaching in a university) because I see a real need for live performance, especially classical music, and music education for children and families nationwide. I haven't seen a word about the arts and arts education and their importance to the well-being of our society and culture in Obama's platform. If we are discussing the survival of our way of life and a culture of change, which I do think Obama is committed to, then let's think about what the arts mean in a historical context. When we study ancient cultures - what is it that we remember about them? Often it is their achievments in the arts, literature, architecture, that we admire and remember. When we think of the recent past - say 200 years ago - there are of course political events we remember (that still effect us today) but, we also listen to great music - think of Beethoven, Mozart, Mendelssohn, read great books, I could go on.(and on)! My argument is that if we only focus on the immediate problems (both economic and worldwide) without nurturing what is creative and expressive in our culture, we run the risk of losing the very center of the culture that gave rise to all the amazing innovations of the last 200 years of American history. So, although I know this is a long-winded approach to a basic question- What is Barak Obama's plan for nurturing and encouraging arts and arts education for all in America?
Greetings,
Congratulations on the South Carolina win! I've searched the beautiful website for an answer to my question and since it is not there I thought I send it on.
I'm a professional musician, producer and educator who tours the country performing- here's my company: http://www.tugboatmusic.com/ . I'm doing what I do these days (instead of teaching in a university) because I see a real need for live performance, especially classical music, and music education for children and families nationwide. I haven't seen a word about the arts and arts education and their importance to the well-being of our society and culture in Obama's platform. If we are discussing the survival of our way of life and a culture of change, which I do think Obama is committed to, then let's think about what the arts mean in a historical context. When we study ancient cultures - what is it that we remember about them? Often it is their achievments in the arts, literature, architecture, that we admire and remember. When we think of the recent past - say 200 years ago - there are of course political events we remember (that still effect us today) but, we also listen to great music - think of Beethoven, Mozart, Mendelssohn, read great books, I could go on.(and on)! My argument is that if we only focus on the immediate problems (both economic and worldwide) without nurturing what is creative and expressive in our culture, we run the risk of losing the very center of the culture that gave rise to all the amazing innovations of the last 200 years of American history. So, although I know this is a long-winded approach to a basic question- What is Barak Obama's plan for nurturing and encouraging arts and arts education for all in America?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Why Live Music?
Welcome new friends to my blog about music, arts and education (as well as various other thoughts I might have about subjects related or not)! I'm especially interested in discussing the state of classical music and new music in these rapidly changing times. I feel compelled to write because of the many voices out there describing the end of classical music, and/or the irrelevance of the concert experience. You might ask - why do I think my views are important? I'll tell you about me! I'm a classical flutist, trained at The Juilliard School, I've been a professor at various universities, performed worldwide and founded and ran both The Storm King Music Festival (devoted to new music and new technology) and Art Culture & Technology. I'm currently co-owner of Tugboat Music (www.tugboatmusic.com) a company dedicated to the performance of music for both children and families as well as theatrical recitals, in venues large and small ( the tugboat can go anywhere) all over the US. So I'm out and about performing, listening and asking my audience questions, as well as learning what really moves them and excites them. I 'm unique in my perspective because I have spent years promoting, performing and commissioning new music, as well as playing in orchestra's and chamber music groups in NYC. Now I'm "in the trenches" so to speak, performing for children and families in large and small venues (over 200 a year). I can compare reactions and experiences and hope to shed some light on what audiences want to learn about and listen to. I hope you will join me as we discuss the state of music and culture in America. Stay tuned!!
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