La Paz = Peace

por la Musica = Through Music

Peace Through Music

You might think musicians only study and practice playing music. Nope.

They must practice music AND words.

In a string quartet, there are four equal musicians with equal voices on all the decisions they make. No-one tells them what to do. Everyone leads and everyone follows. Together the musicians guide themselves using words, gestures, sounds, movements, eye-contact, and LOTS of practice so they know the music well.

* Because they are together so much, they must get along.
* Sometimes they disagree about what pieces of music to practice.
* Sometimes they disagree about how the music should be played.
* Sometimes they are just plain GRUMPY!

What should they do to get along?

These two mules have a problem.

How do you think they will solve it?


www.hrea.org

In cooperation there are no winners and no losers.
Conflicts are solved using a few simple skills.


Decide on common goals.


Help when you can.


Let others help when they can.


Learn from another's differences.

Above images by Joyce Jordan (c) Music at Kohl Mansion

And one more thing: Listen more than you talk.

Which Color is Best?

The colors of the world began to quarrel.
Each claimed that she was the best.

Put your mouse on each color to "hear" them argue.

Image by Joyce Jordan (c) Music at Kohl Mansion

The colors went on and on. Their quarrelling became louder and louder. Suddenly there was a startling flash of brilliant white lightning and thunder rolled and boomed. Rain poured down silencing the fearful colors who drew close to one another for comfort.

Rain spoke, "You foolish colors! None of you can exist without the others. Each of you has a special purpose, unique and different. Join hands with one another and come with me."

What is a Rehearsal, and What is it For?

A rehearsal is a time for practice. Musicians practice every day, sometimes alone, and sometimes with other musicians. When a concert is coming up, musicians rehearse often, and have to get along or their performance will sound BAD.

The musicians usually wear casual clothes and meet on stage, in a music room or even in their homes. Professional musicians practice a lot by themselves so that when they meet they don't waste anyone's time. Being prepared before a rehearsal shows respect for each other.

During the rehearsal, the musicians play through some or all of each piece that has been selected for their program. In an orchestra, the conductor leads the rehearsal, keeping the players together and balancing the tones, speed, volume and rhythm of the music. In a string quartet, the musicians lead themselves. Together they start to play, stop, try new things, start over, discuss the music and choose the best way to play it.

Reference: pbs.org