Minnesota School Of Music - October 2019

10. 2019 763-432-9713 www.mnschoolofmusic.com

THE MONTHLY MUSICIAN

A STORY OF MUSICAL INSPIRATION SUBLIME AND SUBWOOFERS

I ’ve spent so much of the last year thanking people who have helped me build my music career that I almost missed touching on the moment that made me want to pursue music in the first place. Every musician has that moment when they really “find” music for themselves. They hear something that really speaks to them and lights the fire that makes them say: “I want to learn to play that!” For me, this moment of self-discovery came in 1996, thanks to a little band called Sublime. It was late summer, and I was 16 years old. I was just getting used to all the freedom being a teenager brings — I had a car, I was making new friends, and I could buy my own music. Having been raised on country music almost exclusively, a whole new world had opened up for me when I started going to record stores on my own. I’d been getting into hip hop, and then that fateful day in the Burger King parking lot came. My friend and I were sitting in my red Ford Escort, blasting my subwoofers and most likely annoying nearby shopkeepers. I was playing my usual tracks when my buddy brought out a CD by a group I’d never heard of before. They were this band from Long Beach, California, who blended the syncopated rhythms of ska and reggae with the edginess of punk rock. I gave the disk a listen, and thought, “Meh, this isn’t for me.”

I went a month or two without really thinking about that album. Then, in early fall, I was working as a dishwasher at Boston Market when one of the cooks put on the same disk over the kitchen sound system. It was the song “Santeria,” and, even though I’d heard it months before, this was the first time I was really hearing it. I remember turning toward the speaker and thinking to myself, “I need this album.” surprising to those who know me today. Their songs definitely cover some seedy topics about life in the rough parts of SoCal—experiences a kid from Circle Pines couldn’t fully understand. But that was part of the appeal and the power of lead singer Bradley Nowell’s lyrics. They made what was totally foreign to me relatable and emotional. Now, this was in the days before the internet was the wide-spread powerhouse it is now. Cutting edge in the 1990s was having an AOL account — information didn’t spread very fast back then. So, imagine my confusion when I learned that radio stations were spinning Sublime’s albums “posthumously.” It turns out that in May of ‘96, months before I’d heard his album, Bradley Nowell died of a heroine overdose. Finding out the lead singer passed away before I even discovered Sublime’s music was heartbreaking. In the wake of this news, Soon enough, I was bumping Sublime everywhere I went, which may be

I came to really appreciate the power of music. Even after passing away, Nowell’s voice had reached millions and so had his stories and experiences. His songs didn’t just span distance; they were, and still are, spanning time. Inspired by his story, I felt a calling. I knew I had to become a musician. Since that time, I’ve traveled the country, played on national television, taught at a Big-Ten University, and mentored over 1,000 young people. To say I’ve been blessed would be an understatement. And none of it would have been possible without Brad. His voice, his lyrics, and his passion awakened something in my soul. Still today, when I hear his music, I am transported to 1996—to that parking lot where I first felt the music that forever changed my life.

Thanks Bradley,

–Eric Nehring

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FALL FAMILY FUN DECORATE YOUR HOUSE WITH YOUR OWN CREATIONS!

THANKSGIVING CRAFTS Thanksgiving is only a month away, and your possibilities for holiday-themed crafts are endless with just a few supplies like paper, scissors, markers, and string. You can make turkey placemats, tissue paper trees, pumpkin garlands, paper pumpkins, or leaf mobiles to hang from the ceiling. Compile a list of ideas and have your kids pick out which craft they want to do first, then get to work together to create as many decorations as you want to display for Turkey Day. With these engaging craft ideas, the whole family will be eager to make their own decorations and show them off for months to come!

The leaves are turning, the weather is changing, and the holidays are right around the corner, which means it’s time to bring out the fall decor! To make this season especially memorable for your family, create your own decorations with these fun ideas below. PINE CONE PAINTING Go on a family walk through the park to pick up a few fallen pine cones or take a quick trip to the store to buy a bag. Once everyone has their own hand-picked pine cone, grab a paintbrush and a few colors and have at it! For extra flair, add some fixings like glitter, beads, sequins, string, and more. LEAF PAINTING Take a trip outside with the kids to pick out some large, unbroken leaves, then head back inside and get creative! You

can pull out the construction paper and paint trees, using handprints and “arm prints” as the trunks and branches. Paint the leaves you found to spruce up your trees or use them as decorations on their own. You can also use them for leaf printing or leaf pressing. FUN FINGER FOOD When you’ve got multiple friends and family members coming over and you need snacks, edible decorations are the way to go. You can get a little creative and make elaborate treats, or you can opt for delicious and easy- to-make finger foods with your kids. A good starting treat for your family is a batch of pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats. Add orange food coloring to the mix and get your kids to shape the treats like pumpkins before using a few pretzel sticks to make sturdy stems.

OUR STAR GUITARIST MEET CARLY HAFFERMAN

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LEARN THE GUITAR? Well, five years ago, I was in third grade, and, in the mind of a 9-year-old, playing the guitar sounded like an exciting and fun thing to learn. But what really inspired me to play the guitar was hearing some of my favorite musicians at the time and wanting to play like them. WHAT’S CHANGED AT MNSOM SINCE YOU STARTED? When I started to play the guitar, Eric was the only instructor at the time, and we had lessons in a room at Club West in Blaine. There were also only a handful of other students. Many things have changed since I started, but what has remained the same is Eric’s love of music and his passion to share it with other people.

WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN? I don’t really have a favorite musician, but I like a variety of music. Some of my favorite pieces of music to play include “Friends” by Marshmallow & Anne-Marie, as well as “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty. HOW DO YOU BALANCE MUSIC PRACTICE WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES? I play high school tennis and gymnastics for fun, but I usually find time to play the guitar in the late evenings before I go to bed. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME TO WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED LEARNING THE GUITAR, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF? I would tell myself the work is worth the reward!

This year another one of our star students has hit an amazing milestone. Carly Hafferman has been learning the guitar with us since she was just 9 years old! Now, five years down the line, she’s our most senior student! We sat down with Carly to find out what inspires her to play her instrument.

Thanks Carly!

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FINDING THE FUN IN MUSIC GOING BEYOND PRACTICE

WELCOME NEW STUDENTS

Cash S. Eric S. Mina Y. Luella B. Sebastian C. AUGUST

Grace V. Aiyana D. Jackson L. Alyce P. Madilynn P. Leann B. Kinsley V. Cassady C. Liam S. Levi S. Arunaa M. Lincoln E.

Levi W. Sophia S. Matilda H. Giatta R. Natalie R. Skylar K. Sophia M. Lily E. Clara K. Molly M. Genna M. Elizabeth B.

Sophia D. Isabella D. Shawn D. Cedric T. Daniel S. David S. Alaina R.

In this newsletter, we’ve talked a lot about ways to structure practices and regiment your student’s schedule, so this month, we wanted to take a step back. As Eric’s cover reminds us, people are rarely drawn to learning instruments for the formality and discipline it takes to master. Most people, including musicians, find their love of music through the raw experience of hearing a song and being drawn to it. Here are some ways that love can be nurtured and grown. DON’T PRACTICE FOR PRACTICE’S SAKE All the expectations around learning an instrument come from a good place but can be counter-intuitive. As important as having a structured practice routine is, music can begin to feel like a chore if a student loses sight of why they’re practicing it. If you feel like you keep getting pushback from your child when it’s time for them to break out their instrument, it may be time to take a break from the same old scales and, instead, talk about the big picture. LEARN WHAT THEY LOVE Chances are your student has a genre or artist they can’t stop listening to. One of the most supportive things you can do as the parent of a budding musician is talk to them about these interests and listen to what they have to say. What is it about the music they like that they find so enticing? What ideas, themes, and sounds excite them? If you come into these conversations with an open mind, you and your student are sure to learn a lot. PRACTICE MEETS PERSPECTIVE Encourage your student to research the history of some of their favorite artists. Chances are, those musicians had their own struggles with music in their early days. Hearing that can help students appreciate the heights music practice can take them to. You can take things a step further by encouraging them to learn a few of their favorite songs — if they haven’t already. Even if your student is learning an instrument typically used by their favorite artists, they can view it as creating their own piano cover or acoustic version of some of their most beloved tracks. 

IS YOUR TEACHER If you’ve tried to make a schedule change recently, you’ve seen firsthand how full our teachers’ schedules are. If you are looking to make an upcoming schedule change, please read below to see if your teacher is sold out. Note: Teacher availability is subject to change based on enrollment. Please contact the front desk at 763-432-9713 for up-to-date schedule information. SOLD OUT?

Mr. Barrett - SOLD OUT Miss Ferbuyt - SOLD OUT Miss Hoops - SOLD OUT Mrs. Lehner: SOLD OUT Mr. Membrez - SOLD OUT Mrs. Morris - SOLD OUT

Mr. Nistler - SOLD OUT Mr. Norell - SOLD OUT Miss Palmquist - SOLD OUT Miss Pliam - SOLD OUT Miss Schwefel - SOLD OUT

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3533 88th Ave. NE, Blaine, MN 55014 763-432-9713 www.mnschoolofmusic.com

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

The Band That Changed Eric

Fall Crafts for the Whole Family Meet Carly Hafferman!

Welcome New Students Finding the Fun in Music

The Real Legend of Sleepy Hollow

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS IN SLEEPY HOLLOW HAYRIDES AND HEADLESS HORSEMEN

In 1790, a school teacher named Ichabod Crane was riding home alone from a harvest festival in the village of Sleepy Hollow when he encountered a mysterious rider on horseback. Crane, horrified by the horseman’s missing head, turned and ran in the opposite direction. The Headless

“Dark Shadows” will be delighted to enter the crypt of famed vampire Barnabas Collins. 

Another highly anticipated stop for many guests is Sleepy Hollow’s premier annual attraction, Horseman’s Hollow, an experience not for the faint of heart. During the event, the 300-year-old Philipsburg Manor is transformed into a living nightmare, where vampires, witches, ghouls, and undead soldiers lurk in the shadows. They all serve the dreaded Headless Horseman and are determined to make sure guests don’t leave alive! But it’s not all scares in Sleepy Hollow. There’s plenty of Halloween fun for all ages. Sleepy Hollow boasts relaxing hayrides, tours of Irving’s home, live readings of famous Halloween stories, performances of a brand-new musical based on Irving’s spooky tale, and the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, an incredible exhibition of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins.

Horseman gave chase, hurling his own decapitated head at the terrified teacher. Ichabod Crane was never heard from again ... or so goes “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving.  This story, first published in 1820, has become a Halloween favorite. The legend is so beloved that in 1997, the village of North Tarrytown, New York, where many events of the story take place, officially changed its name to Sleepy Hollow. Today, the town becomes one big Halloween party during the month of October.  Sleepy Hollow is home to many historic landmarks, including the Headless Horseman Bridge and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Washington Irving himself was laid to rest. Evening lantern tours of the cemetery are a popular attraction, and Irving isn’t the only spooky celebrity buried there. Fans of the Gothic soap opera

If you want a real Halloween experience, you can’t go wrong in Sleepy Hollow. Just be careful not to lose your head!

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