Have you ever been so awed by something so much, that you just kind of sit there with that stupid look on your face with your chin resting on your bellybutton and your eyes as big as donuts? Yeah, I think we've all been there. I've been awed by many things over my minuscule years, but I definitely wasn't as shocked until I heard this one.
Stan Kenton is the absolute sparkle to any piece of music, whether or not it was written by him. As a child, he learned piano. During his time in high school, he developed fully as a musician and toured around with multiple bands. In 1941, Stan formed his own band. Of course, with his amazing sparkle, Stan's band became one of the best-known ensembles in the 1940's. Just a little bit later, his magic had rubbed of on the ears of others and the ensemble's style and sound became known as "The Wall of Sound".
In my jazz band, we're playing Artistry In Rhythm. I'm on lead, so I get to play the solo. It's quite exiting, actually. I get to play both at the beginning and end by myself in front of judgey people. However, most of the solo is pretty easy and all I need to do is keep track of time and pitch.
Stan Kenton is the absolute sparkle to any piece of music, whether or not it was written by him. As a child, he learned piano. During his time in high school, he developed fully as a musician and toured around with multiple bands. In 1941, Stan formed his own band. Of course, with his amazing sparkle, Stan's band became one of the best-known ensembles in the 1940's. Just a little bit later, his magic had rubbed of on the ears of others and the ensemble's style and sound became known as "The Wall of Sound".
Stan had played piano is swing-dance bands directed by Vido Musso and Gus Arnheim. He was meant to be a natural band leader, and he was quite successful with it. His orchestra was named after his theme song, Artistry In Rhythm. Stan was a man of his own at that time, and he went against what was popular to pursue his own way. He called his style progressive jazz and experimented with great ways to play and represent that genre of music.
Courtesy of AllMusic
At one point, Stan composed the classic Christmas carols, with a little bit of magic sprinkled in them. The Boston Brass played the pieces so amazingly it was hard not to smile afterward. My absolute favorite is O Holy Night. The horns on this track play exceptionally well, and Stan's touch involve some pretty high notes. In fact, it was so good and his touch was so surprising that someone lost control of their car. (Ahem, Croce.)
In my jazz band, we're playing Artistry In Rhythm. I'm on lead, so I get to play the solo. It's quite exiting, actually. I get to play both at the beginning and end by myself in front of judgey people. However, most of the solo is pretty easy and all I need to do is keep track of time and pitch.
You know what I hate? I really strongly dislike compliments. Compliments offer no benefits other than attention and what is you're right. I agree, it's absolutely horrible! Despite what most people want, I'd much rather have constructive criticism and improve rather than just knowing what I do right. Cause I never know what I do right.
Because science also plays a major role in this thing called everyday life, there are logical explanations as to why women can't accept compliments. For most girls and women, it's a self esteem issue. When women can't accept compliments, either
A) She will become shy and look around, not responding too well.
She can't accept the compliment because she doesn't know if it's true and she wants
to seem modest, no matter how bad she is at it.
B) She will put the compliment down.
She accepts the compliment, but doesn't believe it's true, because "a child could've
built the space rocket I just built."
C) She will immediately give the person a compliment back.
She doesn't want the attention and thinks the other person feels sorry for her.
Did anybody notice anything? Where's the thank you? Does any women say thank you? No. Because we are just like that, and science can't explain it this time.
So when my teacher decides to yell at me for not accepting a compliment.... that is just wrong. He said I needed to learn to accept a compliment graciously and that "I appreciate the help from you guys and why thank you for the wonderful compliment." Maybe it also has to do with the fact that "good job" are possibly the two most harmful words in the English language.
Although, it turns out I can accept a compliment graciously. There is one thing that I can do right, and I know it. One spiff-tastic day I was called up for my solo, without even warming up on my instrument. Funny story, I played one of the highest notes any trombone player can play for the first note of my solo. Great tone quality and everything. After it ended, my teacher walked up and fist bumped me, which he rarely ever does. So I smiled and fist bumped him back, and I was completely content with it.
Although, it turns out I can accept a compliment graciously. There is one thing that I can do right, and I know it. One spiff-tastic day I was called up for my solo, without even warming up on my instrument. Funny story, I played one of the highest notes any trombone player can play for the first note of my solo. Great tone quality and everything. After it ended, my teacher walked up and fist bumped me, which he rarely ever does. So I smiled and fist bumped him back, and I was completely content with it.
