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Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Jamii Szmadzinski
Check out the following article on New Age violinist, Jamii Szmedzinski. It comes from the December 13, 2009 edition of the Muskegon Chronicle.
By Dave LeMieux | Muskegon Chronicle
Jamii Szmadzinski, who still has family in Muskegon, decided at a young age that it was time to move on.TAIWAN — Even after the winter monsoon clears, fog still shrouds the mountains near the tiny apartment in Taiwan that musician and composer Jamii Szmadzinski shares with his wife, Christina Kao.
“We’re outside Taipei, close to the River Bitan,” the Muskegon native said in a recent phone interview.
Although development is encroaching on nearby Sunrise National Park, cranes still rise from the river in scenes that mirror ancient Chinese block prints.
“We didn’t know it would be so attractive (to developers) when we moved here,” Szmadzinski said. “We’re right on the mountainside, but it’s only 15 minutes to Taipei by car.”
Szmadzinski sat for
this photo for The
Muskegon Chronicle
in 1994. He was in
town for a concert
at the Frauenthal.
Although he says he’s a country boy at heart, Szmadzinski, 55, needs to be near the second most congested city in the world in order to pursue his still-hectic music career.
Szmadzinski, who attended Muskegon Public Schools and still has family here, first gained fame in the 1980s as an electric violinist with the popular new-age music group Shadowfax.
Earlier this month, the Universal Peace Federation named Szmadzinski, now a well-established figure on the Asian music scene, as an Ambassador for Peace. Szmadzinski says the federation, which has ties to the Unification Church, has offered to send him on a world concert tour.
In the late 1970s, long before Szmadzinski was famous, now Mona Shores music teacher Rod Schaub recognized the mercurial Szmadzinski’s rare talents.
“He was a child genius,” said Schaub. Schaub, a music student in Boston at the time, became a mentor for the teenage Szmadzinski.
“I’ve never heard him play out of tune and his technique is just phenomenal. He was just born to play the violin and, of course, he works really hard at it,” Schaub said.
Certain at 16 that music was his future, Szmadzinski left home.
“He refused to stay in Muskegon,” Schaub said. “He kept running away and coming to Boston.”
For Szmadzinski, dropping out of high school, moving to Boston and taking private music lessons proved to be the right move, Schaub said.
Szmadzinski studied at the Interlochen Arts Academy, the Boston Conservatory, the Berklee College of Music in Boston and at UCLA.
By the mid-1980s, Szmadzinski was a member of the popular new-age musical group Shadowfax.
After spending time in Muskegon in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Szmadzinski moved to Los Angeles and released the first of his many solo albums.
Over the years since then, his collaborators have included Chick Corea, George Winston, Spyro Gyra, Chet Akins, Earl Klugh, Frank Zappa and Wynton Marsalis.
His most important collaborator turned out to be David Lee, who was a star in Taiwan and did the sound engineering for music Szmadzinski wrote for the trailer of “Superman III.”
The two co-wrote four songs together, including what turned out to be one of the biggest Asian hits of the 1980s.
Szmadzinski says his success in Asia stems from his talent for blending a variety of modern, Western genres with traditional Asian music.
Schaub says there’s always been an important spiritual element to Szmadzinski’s music that he finds easy to express in Eastern genres.
“One of his projects was taking ancient Buddhist chants and putting them to music for the first time ever,” Schaub said.
For the past two decades, Szmadzinski has split time between the United States and Asia — touring, recording and working on film scores.
“Twenty years go by and I ended up working on a TV drama in Shanghai,” Szmadzinski said.
The drama, the 2004 Chinese miniseries “Romance in the White House,” turned out to be a huge hit.
Szmadzinski not only wrote and recorded music for the series, he acted in it as well.
Szmadzinski returned to Los Angeles when work on the series was finished, but he didn’t stay in the U.S. long. Within six months he’d sold his house in the states and moved to Taiwan. He and Kao were married on Dec. 12, 2007.
Szmadzinski said he’s enjoying his life in Asia. “I’m just back from the Shanghai Film Festival and my wife and I are involved in a TV project called ‘The Lost Temple,’ he said.
“A lot of people are opening doors now. China and Taiwan are shaking hands,” Szmadzinski said.
Hollywood and Bollywood are both eager for a share of the huge entertainment market in China, Szmadzinski said.
On the border between East and West, Szmadzinski appears to be the right man, in the right place, at the right time.
Former 'child genius' fiddling around in Far East
By Dave LeMieux | Muskegon Chronicle
published December 13, 2009
Jamii Szmadzinski, who still has family in Muskegon, decided at a young age that it was time to move on.TAIWAN — Even after the winter monsoon clears, fog still shrouds the mountains near the tiny apartment in Taiwan that musician and composer Jamii Szmadzinski shares with his wife, Christina Kao.
“We’re outside Taipei, close to the River Bitan,” the Muskegon native said in a recent phone interview.
Although development is encroaching on nearby Sunrise National Park, cranes still rise from the river in scenes that mirror ancient Chinese block prints.
“We didn’t know it would be so attractive (to developers) when we moved here,” Szmadzinski said. “We’re right on the mountainside, but it’s only 15 minutes to Taipei by car.”
Szmadzinski sat for
this photo for The
Muskegon Chronicle
in 1994. He was in
town for a concert
at the Frauenthal.
Although he says he’s a country boy at heart, Szmadzinski, 55, needs to be near the second most congested city in the world in order to pursue his still-hectic music career.
Szmadzinski, who attended Muskegon Public Schools and still has family here, first gained fame in the 1980s as an electric violinist with the popular new-age music group Shadowfax.
Earlier this month, the Universal Peace Federation named Szmadzinski, now a well-established figure on the Asian music scene, as an Ambassador for Peace. Szmadzinski says the federation, which has ties to the Unification Church, has offered to send him on a world concert tour.
In the late 1970s, long before Szmadzinski was famous, now Mona Shores music teacher Rod Schaub recognized the mercurial Szmadzinski’s rare talents.
“He was a child genius,” said Schaub. Schaub, a music student in Boston at the time, became a mentor for the teenage Szmadzinski.
“I’ve never heard him play out of tune and his technique is just phenomenal. He was just born to play the violin and, of course, he works really hard at it,” Schaub said.
Certain at 16 that music was his future, Szmadzinski left home.
“He refused to stay in Muskegon,” Schaub said. “He kept running away and coming to Boston.”
For Szmadzinski, dropping out of high school, moving to Boston and taking private music lessons proved to be the right move, Schaub said.
Szmadzinski studied at the Interlochen Arts Academy, the Boston Conservatory, the Berklee College of Music in Boston and at UCLA.
After spending time in Muskegon in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Szmadzinski moved to Los Angeles and released the first of his many solo albums.
Over the years since then, his collaborators have included Chick Corea, George Winston, Spyro Gyra, Chet Akins, Earl Klugh, Frank Zappa and Wynton Marsalis.
His most important collaborator turned out to be David Lee, who was a star in Taiwan and did the sound engineering for music Szmadzinski wrote for the trailer of “Superman III.”
The two co-wrote four songs together, including what turned out to be one of the biggest Asian hits of the 1980s.
Szmadzinski says his success in Asia stems from his talent for blending a variety of modern, Western genres with traditional Asian music.
Schaub says there’s always been an important spiritual element to Szmadzinski’s music that he finds easy to express in Eastern genres.
“One of his projects was taking ancient Buddhist chants and putting them to music for the first time ever,” Schaub said.
For the past two decades, Szmadzinski has split time between the United States and Asia — touring, recording and working on film scores.
“Twenty years go by and I ended up working on a TV drama in Shanghai,” Szmadzinski said.
The drama, the 2004 Chinese miniseries “Romance in the White House,” turned out to be a huge hit.
Szmadzinski not only wrote and recorded music for the series, he acted in it as well.
Szmadzinski returned to Los Angeles when work on the series was finished, but he didn’t stay in the U.S. long. Within six months he’d sold his house in the states and moved to Taiwan. He and Kao were married on Dec. 12, 2007.
Szmadzinski said he’s enjoying his life in Asia. “I’m just back from the Shanghai Film Festival and my wife and I are involved in a TV project called ‘The Lost Temple,’ he said.
“A lot of people are opening doors now. China and Taiwan are shaking hands,” Szmadzinski said.
Hollywood and Bollywood are both eager for a share of the huge entertainment market in China, Szmadzinski said.
On the border between East and West, Szmadzinski appears to be the right man, in the right place, at the right time.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Muskegon Mirror - Fall Edition
Band Camp
Through the eyes of the drum majors
Many Big Red Band students had sectional practices, weekly color guard and percussion rehearsals throughout the summer. Drum majors begin their own preparation by studying musical scores, recordings,vocal commands and conducting techniques. But the official band camp adventure begins early in August when most students and teachers were still enjoying the last few weeks of summer. The students and directors of the Big Red Marching Band begin their preseason rehearsals with "two a day" practices known as pre-band camp week. After this intensive week, the students, directors, camp nurse, auxiliary staff, and chaperones pack up their equipment and head to Grace Adventures Youth Camp in Mears, MI for an even more intensive experience lasting four nights in five days.
Three students in particular have a very important role in the success of the Big Red Band. They are the drum majors, who are the student leaders of the group. Nate Smith (senior), Elijah Curry (Junior) and Molly Christopherson (Junior) returning drum majors for the 2009 Big Red Marching Band. They help teach the new band members, push the returning members to be better, and keep the focus of all the students during rehearsals. They also organize freshmen/senior buddies, they protect the traditions that make the Big Red Band strong, they conduct, they march, they drive... in short they lead!
"Yes, be
ing a drum major is demanding at times, but it not only helps the band get better, it helps us become stronger leaders," says Elijah Curry. Molly Christopherson adds, "Band Camp takes dedication, determination, discipline, trust, heart and respect. I really do care about this program and realize how 'big' it is. I believe if I show that, others will pick him on my attitude. I want the other members to respect the band like I do." Nate Smith says, "I feel like the drum major is sort of the 'poster child' for the band. If I am positive and respectful, then the other members will follow my leadership. I can see why the directors get so frustrated. It takes a lot of patience and determination to be a drum major, but the satisfaction at the end of a successful season makes it all worthwhile."
The drum majors see band camp as an opportunity for all band members to be focused without the distractions of school and home. Elijah Curry said, "I believe that we accomplish much more while at band camp because we see people as they really are. We see the good, the bad, and everything in between. But, we still make it work." Molly Christopherson agrees and says, "We actually get stuff done. Band Camp takes you away from your other problems, you get lost in the music." However all of them believe the most important goal of band camp is for the members to bond together and become a family. "You have no choice but to become family because you are with each other 24/7." Nate Smith became quiet again. He looked up and said, "I do a lot of things, but I need this band. It's just part of who I am."
Through the eyes of the drum majors
When asked to think about the above statement made Smith became silent. Was it because he didn't need another assignment due to his juggling football and drum major duties or because his brain was thinking back to those days at Grace adventures in late August?
Many Big Red Band students had sectional practices, weekly color guard and percussion rehearsals throughout the summer. Drum majors begin their own preparation by studying musical scores, recordings,vocal commands and conducting techniques. But the official band camp adventure begins early in August when most students and teachers were still enjoying the last few weeks of summer. The students and directors of the Big Red Marching Band begin their preseason rehearsals with "two a day" practices known as pre-band camp week. After this intensive week, the students, directors, camp nurse, auxiliary staff, and chaperones pack up their equipment and head to Grace Adventures Youth Camp in Mears, MI for an even more intensive experience lasting four nights in five days.Three students in particular have a very important role in the success of the Big Red Band. They are the drum majors, who are the student leaders of the group. Nate Smith (senior), Elijah Curry (Junior) and Molly Christopherson (Junior) returning drum majors for the 2009 Big Red Marching Band. They help teach the new band members, push the returning members to be better, and keep the focus of all the students during rehearsals. They also organize freshmen/senior buddies, they protect the traditions that make the Big Red Band strong, they conduct, they march, they drive... in short they lead!
"Yes, be
ing a drum major is demanding at times, but it not only helps the band get better, it helps us become stronger leaders," says Elijah Curry. Molly Christopherson adds, "Band Camp takes dedication, determination, discipline, trust, heart and respect. I really do care about this program and realize how 'big' it is. I believe if I show that, others will pick him on my attitude. I want the other members to respect the band like I do." Nate Smith says, "I feel like the drum major is sort of the 'poster child' for the band. If I am positive and respectful, then the other members will follow my leadership. I can see why the directors get so frustrated. It takes a lot of patience and determination to be a drum major, but the satisfaction at the end of a successful season makes it all worthwhile."
The drum majors see band camp as an opportunity for all band members to be focused without the distractions of school and home. Elijah Curry said, "I believe that we accomplish much more while at band camp because we see people as they really are. We see the good, the bad, and everything in between. But, we still make it work." Molly Christopherson agrees and says, "We actually get stuff done. Band Camp takes you away from your other problems, you get lost in the music." However all of them believe the most important goal of band camp is for the members to bond together and become a family. "You have no choice but to become family because you are with each other 24/7." Nate Smith became quiet again. He looked up and said, "I do a lot of things, but I need this band. It's just part of who I am."
Monday, September 14, 2009
Muskegon school students want your musical instruments
by Lynn Moore | The Muskegon Chronicle Monday December 01, 2008, 11:21 PM
If your dad's old trumpet is gathering dust in the attic, or your son's violin -- that he tried and gave up -- has been relegated to a closet, Muskegon Public Schools has a better place for them.
The school district's music program is looking for donated instruments that will allow children, whose families can't afford to purchase instruments, to participate in band or orchestra.
While the district provides larger, very expensive instruments, like French horns, oboes, basses and cellos, it's up to students to provide most other instruments. If their parents can't afford to buy or rent instruments -- or don't have the credit needed to enter a lease agreement -- children are out of luck, and participating in band isn't an option for them.
The cost of renting instruments can range from $25 to $50 per month.
"There are kids who cannot be in the band program for the simple fact they cannot get an instrument -- it's impossible for them," said Janice Lawrence, director of Muskegon's instrumental music program.
At the same time, Lawrence said, "there are homes within our district, within Muskegon County, where instruments are sitting there not being used."
"We can take that instrument and give it to a kid so they can be in band," she said.
The district will provide a receipt so that donors can claim a tax deduction for their donation.
The district is seeking all types of instruments used in band and orchestra programs, including flutes, violas, clarinets, violins, trombones and cellos.
Lawrence estimates that 20 to 60 middle school students each year can't participate in band because they don't have instruments. Most students wanting to be in band or orchestra need to begin before high school, or they simply can't catch up, Lawrence said.
Kathy Cron, the district's orchestra director, said she hasn't had to turn away students, but they often have to switch to instruments that weren't their first choice.
"We need all the instruments," Cron said. "Even if they're broken, we can have them repaired."
She estimated 80 percent of her students can't afford to provide their own instruments -- compared with a few years ago when 75 percent could.
"We're just in a bad way right now," Cron said.
Music helps with brain development, providing students instruction in "another foreign language" as well as mathematics concepts, Lawrence and Cron said.
"But bigger than that, it's belonging to a group and understanding they are parts of a whole," Lawrence said. "They are responsible to people in the group. ... It's a family thing that they do."
Cron said music helps students academically and socially.
"These kids don't get in trouble because they're busy," she said. "We're making music together, we're not going out to look for things to do. ... These children are motivated."
At Muskegon High, the marching band is an important part of the school's storied tradition, Lawrence said.
"When they leave as seniors we have had them for seven years, and it is a part of who they are as a person," she said. "It's huge."
Contact the Instrumental Music Department at 231-720-2850The address is:
Instrumental Music Dept.
c/o Muskegon High School
80 W. Southern Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49441
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Return from Band Camp 2009
Wednesday, August 26, marked the return of the Big Red Marching Band from a short trip north taken to prepare for the 2009 season.
Met with wild applause as they hit the field at Hackley Stadium, the band presented highlights from their upcoming halftime show, featuring the music of The Beatles.
Don't miss it!
Met with wild applause as they hit the field at Hackley Stadium, the band presented highlights from their upcoming halftime show, featuring the music of The Beatles.
Don't miss it!
Click on an image to enlarge it.
Camper awards: Veterans - Misty Harden and Kyesha Noble
New Camper - Emily Ferris
Camper awards: Veteran - Corey Bankhead
New Camper - Owen Verge
New Camper - Emily Ferris
Camper awards: Veteran - Corey BankheadNew Camper - Owen Verge
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Tunnel
Jamie Pesch
Johnson
Creative Writing
29 May 2009
people line my walls like sardines in a can. It's dark outside, but
bright in here, for my lights glow with a strong intensity. My walls
are now completely plastered with bodies, and I hear the distant
beat. The deep pounding, like the heartbeat I never had. The sound
grows louder, and the source comes into view. The gleaming brass,
swinging through the air to the rhythm of the drums. Endless rows
of night black and blood red uniforms passing by, one after another.
The strong look on their faces illustrates the meaning of the word
"Pride." I think back and remember the man who started it all,
William Stewart. He started the Friday night tradition; he started
the event that gives me life. I see the people pursuing behind the
band. Within minutes, my tunnel is empty. I am alone again. There
is always an eerie emptiness left behind when my walls are bare.
It could be the spirits of past tradition. Either way, I am dormant,
yet again.
Johnson
Creative Writing
29 May 2009
The Tunnel
I hear cheering, music and chanting. The buzzer sounds, and thepeople line my walls like sardines in a can. It's dark outside, but
bright in here, for my lights glow with a strong intensity. My walls
are now completely plastered with bodies, and I hear the distant
beat. The deep pounding, like the heartbeat I never had. The sound
grows louder, and the source comes into view. The gleaming brass,
swinging through the air to the rhythm of the drums. Endless rows
of night black and blood red uniforms passing by, one after another.
The strong look on their faces illustrates the meaning of the word
"Pride." I think back and remember the man who started it all,
William Stewart. He started the Friday night tradition; he started
the event that gives me life. I see the people pursuing behind the
band. Within minutes, my tunnel is empty. I am alone again. There
is always an eerie emptiness left behind when my walls are bare.
It could be the spirits of past tradition. Either way, I am dormant,
yet again.
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