Music Moment (choral) :

I got a bit tearful hearing this yesterday, because our choir sopranos and altos (and Tom Derthick) sang it twice! It’s “Wanting Memories” by Ysaye Barnwell (songs by this Sweet Honey in The Rock alum are in our teal songbook). I first found it via the great Hawaiian musician Keali’i Reichel. More sadness — we can’t travel to favorite places, like Hawaii for me. This is by the Cantus men’s chorus (virtually – 5 min).

For those of a certain age (and tastes and memories), check out this virtual classic by Chicago – 25 or 6 to 4. Look closely to see if that’s trombonist James Pankow or if Gordon Gerwig changed instruments! 😁🎵(5+ min)

Music Moment ( instrumental):

When I was teaching elementary, middle, and high school bands many years ago, I noticed the same separation of selected instrument choices by sex that I (barely) noticed as a 10 year old budding trombonist. Woodwinds tended to be “girl’s” instruments, while brass and drums were “for boys.” Now, some were apparently fine for both sexes – clarinet and flute, and maybe a trumpet and horn here and there. But boys went for trombone, tuba, drums, and the bigger, heavier saxophones. When I taught at the Catholic high school where I met Jean, one brother and sister (Patrick and Moira?) both played the flute, because their Irish American parents were I think inspired by James Galway. He did get some adolescent teasing, as did the few girls who took up the stereotypical “boys'” instruments. Even a progressive band teacher like me had little sway in these choices :(

To honor busting gender barriers, I share this gorgeous jazz ballad by English trombonist Carol Jarvis – “In the Wee Small Hours” (4 min)

UUSS news:

I’ve been asked by Beth TenPas to encourage you to look at this fall’s UU book club books — one on American songs! — although I hope it’s not at the same time as Tuesday vespers!

September 29th: Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest and the Music That Made a Nation
October 27th: How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa
December 1st: The Burning: Massacre, Destruction, and the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921
December 29th: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

For those who missed the service with “our own” Allison CLaire and her inspiring get-up-and-dance message, I share below a photo of Jean and her dance ensemble “Sarpika” (she’s got aqua flower and skirt). I couldn’t display it behind me as planned via zoom, even with Dirk Tuell’s help, due to my ipad etc. older technology.

Finally, my trombone themed humor. I know a couple of parents who follow my Moments ( I guess I have a blog now!!) and share the humor with their kids!

Namaste Keith

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