My plans are to present at the CMEA Music Conference in 2013. CMEA stands for CT Music Educators Association. It encompasses the music educators from all school districts in the state of CT from Kindergarten all the way up to grade 12. Each region meets in January, and then all regions meet together for an in-service day in mid-April.
www.cmea.org
I would laos like to present this on a different level to the NorthEastern District of the Barbershop Harmony Society. This district encompasses all states in New England (ME, MA, CT, RI, NH, VT) Eastern NY and Eastern Canada.
www.nedistrict.org
Links for leadership posts:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Link for presentation:
hudson_joseph_leadership_presentation
Sunday, January 29, 2012
MAC Week 4-3: Classmate Comment 2
MARQUITA GULLEY:
Week 4 Blog Post
Chapter 9
Enrollment. Wow. Creating that spark. I honestly hope that when people meet me they feel the spark of life that I try so hard to give off. Enrollment is being positive so that others pick up your positivity. It is like how my family portrays blessings. When someone you know has received a blessing just know that yours is right around the corner. Be happy for people and be positive. Influence others to want to be positive as well. Spark a light is someone so they can spark a light in someone else.
Chapter 10
The board. Having the option to change the course of action before it occurs. Instead of placing the blame on someone else, be responsible to take the blame yourself. Even if you know it is not your fault you could still have some fault. Now that I think about it, there are some situations where the blame could have been on me.
Chapter 11
The Framework. Making ways better for everyone. I really enjoyed the story about the second grade student that lost her hair from chemotherapy. Her classmates picked on her and she did not want to go to school the next day. The framework is all about bringing people together with no divisions. Also, we have to be able to see the true vision and not just state false ones. A vision could change how someone feels about an idea.
Chapter 12
WE!!!! Instead of looking at the world as if it only affects you, think of things in the perspective of how it impacts all of those around you. That is so powerful because quite frequently we have thought that our worlds were so bad but we never really take to time to look at the world through the eyes of some who is really going through things. There are so many people that do not have job, have been diagnosed with cancer, who are innocent in jail. We sometimes seem to get upset about the crazy stuff and forget there are bigger issues in the world. Look at how you can make the world better instead of how the world can be so hard on you!!
JOSEPH HUDSON:
I wish more educators and adults in general were like you. You bring enthusiasm, enlightenment and passion to your reading posts and to your students.
Keep up your good work!
Week 4 Blog Post
Chapter 9
Enrollment. Wow. Creating that spark. I honestly hope that when people meet me they feel the spark of life that I try so hard to give off. Enrollment is being positive so that others pick up your positivity. It is like how my family portrays blessings. When someone you know has received a blessing just know that yours is right around the corner. Be happy for people and be positive. Influence others to want to be positive as well. Spark a light is someone so they can spark a light in someone else.
Chapter 10
The board. Having the option to change the course of action before it occurs. Instead of placing the blame on someone else, be responsible to take the blame yourself. Even if you know it is not your fault you could still have some fault. Now that I think about it, there are some situations where the blame could have been on me.
Chapter 11
The Framework. Making ways better for everyone. I really enjoyed the story about the second grade student that lost her hair from chemotherapy. Her classmates picked on her and she did not want to go to school the next day. The framework is all about bringing people together with no divisions. Also, we have to be able to see the true vision and not just state false ones. A vision could change how someone feels about an idea.
Chapter 12
WE!!!! Instead of looking at the world as if it only affects you, think of things in the perspective of how it impacts all of those around you. That is so powerful because quite frequently we have thought that our worlds were so bad but we never really take to time to look at the world through the eyes of some who is really going through things. There are so many people that do not have job, have been diagnosed with cancer, who are innocent in jail. We sometimes seem to get upset about the crazy stuff and forget there are bigger issues in the world. Look at how you can make the world better instead of how the world can be so hard on you!!
JOSEPH HUDSON:
I wish more educators and adults in general were like you. You bring enthusiasm, enlightenment and passion to your reading posts and to your students.
Keep up your good work!
MAC Week 4-2: Classmate Comment 1
GAIL MEBANE:
MAC Wk 4-1: Reading Post -- THE ART OF POSSIBILITY
“Certain things in life are better done in person.”
- - Ben Zander, quoting his father Walter Zander, from The Art of Possibility
Chapter nine of The Art of Possibility, Lighting a Spark, brought tears to my eyes as I read, through the chapter. Through the stories in this chapter, I reconfirmed that making connections with others and lighting a spark has amazing potential to create a huge blaze of success in any venture. I learned, confirmed and reinforced many things in my mind by reading this chapter. I have had some experiences similar to the one described by Roz and I was hugely inspired by her story of the bicycle incident. Thinking in terms of possibilities instead of impossibilities is a refreshing paradigm shift. I like the way she explained the dynamics of the shift in perception as the three people involved changed their perception and transcended an impasse. The remainder of the chapter is an incredible description of events surrounding the development of a music intervention program for a failing school. Though Ben sought to enroll another in his venture, he became enrolled in a bigger venture that encompassed his own. I learned that enrollment on either side of an interaction equation has within it the tremendous power of synergy. The creative venture of the collaborating members is limited only by the imaginations of those involved. The quote above that I chose from this chapter was very inspiring to me. The story of Ben’s father and his remembrance of the lesson he learned on personal interaction came into play beautifully, when he chose to approach and enroll Rostropovich, the renown cellist. I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter and I plan to apply the lesson of lighting a spark and enrollment in my life and work.
“You can always grace yourself with responsibility for anything that happens in your life. You can always find within yourself, the source of any problem you have.” - - Rosamond Zander, from The Art of Possibility
Chapter ten - Being the Board, “You move the problematic aspects of any circumstance from the outside world inside the boundaries of yourself.” Chapter ten is about taking responsibility for what happens in your own life. Not blaming others and not blaming yourself for circumstances and situations but viewing negative events from a new perspective. I like this chapter because I feel that it is empowering to think in these terms. The alternative is, being frustrated by problems, giving control of your life to others, and being a victim of circumstances. This chapter shows how a simple adjustment of perspective can change the course of events in ones life and open up new possibilities. The stories and examples in this chapter clearly illustrate the dynamics of being the board and taking responsibility by asking the simple question: “How did this situation get on the board that I am? From this vantage point, it is easy to reassess a situation and create new possibilities that will turn the tide and get things moving in a different direction, more advantageously.
Chapter eleven, the eleventh practice of Creating Frameworks for Possibility is about resisting the “downward spiral” that can easily draws us into a negative system of thinking, sowing and reaping. The chapter begins with a mention of the “I Have a Dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King and describes a leadership role as touching others and creating a chain reaction that opening up possibilities for the greater good. I appreciate the notion that everyone can be a leader in any situation and create a framework that allows for the fresh air of new possibilities. This type of leadership has the power to transform situations from negative/stagnant to positive/dynamic. The stories and examples in this chapter provide excellent insight into the use of the practice. I particularly appreciate the explanation of the difference between a “visionless” mission statement and one that contains a vision that will provide a springboard to possibilities as opposed to a springboard to the downward spiral. One of my favorite quotes, a quote by Nelson Mandela, was provided in this chapter:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous – Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone, and as we let our own life shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” - - Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love, (New York: Harper Collins, 1992) - - as quoted in The Art of Possibility (Formatting has been changed)
This chapter was inspirational in that it made me think about my creative resources and ability to structure a framework for amazing outcomes.
Chapter twelve, the final chapter of The Art of Possibility, Telling the We Story is about human connections and the fact that we are all part of the same story in one way or another. Often, making meaningful connections means coming to terms with historical injustices and forging new possibilities based on a renewed collective vision. This chapter drives home the fact that there is always more than one perspective to an event or experience involving people. I particularly liked the account of Ben Zander’s father relating the histories of the Jewish people and the Arab people going all the way back to Abraham and culminating in Palestine in 1947. The resulting quote from a student provided a profound realization that things can be different if people are willing to look for opportunities to converge and appreciate the strengths one another other possess. Thereby, they can work together for the good of all. The story of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, TRC in South Africa also provided a profound realization about the power of people to connect and rise above the role of perpetrator and victim, to reconciliation and the possibility of a brighter future. This chapter was very meaningful for me in that it reminded me that possibilities mean that we are never alone and there is always a “we”. The We Story can be a formidable force to employ in bringing about the bright future that we envision, hope for and work toward. The Art of Possibility is a “must read” for anyone interested in being proactive about creating a life of their dreams with unlimited opportunities and possibilities.
JOSEPH HUDSON:
Once again Gail, you brought insight and wisdom into the chapters. I always enjoy seeing your personal take on it, because you put your personality and beliefs into each reading post.
MAC Wk 4-1: Reading Post -- THE ART OF POSSIBILITY
“Certain things in life are better done in person.”
- - Ben Zander, quoting his father Walter Zander, from The Art of Possibility
Chapter nine of The Art of Possibility, Lighting a Spark, brought tears to my eyes as I read, through the chapter. Through the stories in this chapter, I reconfirmed that making connections with others and lighting a spark has amazing potential to create a huge blaze of success in any venture. I learned, confirmed and reinforced many things in my mind by reading this chapter. I have had some experiences similar to the one described by Roz and I was hugely inspired by her story of the bicycle incident. Thinking in terms of possibilities instead of impossibilities is a refreshing paradigm shift. I like the way she explained the dynamics of the shift in perception as the three people involved changed their perception and transcended an impasse. The remainder of the chapter is an incredible description of events surrounding the development of a music intervention program for a failing school. Though Ben sought to enroll another in his venture, he became enrolled in a bigger venture that encompassed his own. I learned that enrollment on either side of an interaction equation has within it the tremendous power of synergy. The creative venture of the collaborating members is limited only by the imaginations of those involved. The quote above that I chose from this chapter was very inspiring to me. The story of Ben’s father and his remembrance of the lesson he learned on personal interaction came into play beautifully, when he chose to approach and enroll Rostropovich, the renown cellist. I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter and I plan to apply the lesson of lighting a spark and enrollment in my life and work.
“You can always grace yourself with responsibility for anything that happens in your life. You can always find within yourself, the source of any problem you have.” - - Rosamond Zander, from The Art of Possibility
Chapter ten - Being the Board, “You move the problematic aspects of any circumstance from the outside world inside the boundaries of yourself.” Chapter ten is about taking responsibility for what happens in your own life. Not blaming others and not blaming yourself for circumstances and situations but viewing negative events from a new perspective. I like this chapter because I feel that it is empowering to think in these terms. The alternative is, being frustrated by problems, giving control of your life to others, and being a victim of circumstances. This chapter shows how a simple adjustment of perspective can change the course of events in ones life and open up new possibilities. The stories and examples in this chapter clearly illustrate the dynamics of being the board and taking responsibility by asking the simple question: “How did this situation get on the board that I am? From this vantage point, it is easy to reassess a situation and create new possibilities that will turn the tide and get things moving in a different direction, more advantageously.
Chapter eleven, the eleventh practice of Creating Frameworks for Possibility is about resisting the “downward spiral” that can easily draws us into a negative system of thinking, sowing and reaping. The chapter begins with a mention of the “I Have a Dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King and describes a leadership role as touching others and creating a chain reaction that opening up possibilities for the greater good. I appreciate the notion that everyone can be a leader in any situation and create a framework that allows for the fresh air of new possibilities. This type of leadership has the power to transform situations from negative/stagnant to positive/dynamic. The stories and examples in this chapter provide excellent insight into the use of the practice. I particularly appreciate the explanation of the difference between a “visionless” mission statement and one that contains a vision that will provide a springboard to possibilities as opposed to a springboard to the downward spiral. One of my favorite quotes, a quote by Nelson Mandela, was provided in this chapter:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous – Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone, and as we let our own life shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” - - Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love, (New York: Harper Collins, 1992) - - as quoted in The Art of Possibility (Formatting has been changed)
This chapter was inspirational in that it made me think about my creative resources and ability to structure a framework for amazing outcomes.
Chapter twelve, the final chapter of The Art of Possibility, Telling the We Story is about human connections and the fact that we are all part of the same story in one way or another. Often, making meaningful connections means coming to terms with historical injustices and forging new possibilities based on a renewed collective vision. This chapter drives home the fact that there is always more than one perspective to an event or experience involving people. I particularly liked the account of Ben Zander’s father relating the histories of the Jewish people and the Arab people going all the way back to Abraham and culminating in Palestine in 1947. The resulting quote from a student provided a profound realization that things can be different if people are willing to look for opportunities to converge and appreciate the strengths one another other possess. Thereby, they can work together for the good of all. The story of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, TRC in South Africa also provided a profound realization about the power of people to connect and rise above the role of perpetrator and victim, to reconciliation and the possibility of a brighter future. This chapter was very meaningful for me in that it reminded me that possibilities mean that we are never alone and there is always a “we”. The We Story can be a formidable force to employ in bringing about the bright future that we envision, hope for and work toward. The Art of Possibility is a “must read” for anyone interested in being proactive about creating a life of their dreams with unlimited opportunities and possibilities.
JOSEPH HUDSON:
Once again Gail, you brought insight and wisdom into the chapters. I always enjoy seeing your personal take on it, because you put your personality and beliefs into each reading post.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
MAC Week 4-1: Reading Post
Chapter Nine (Lighting A Spark) was a very interesting read. I would have to agree with the authors that each person has within them a “spark of possibility”. Our job is to have the capability and mindset to have other people’s spark catch fire. As it is put in the book, the way to do this is:
1. Imagine that people are an invitation for enrollment
2. Stand ready to participate, willing to be moved and inspired
3. Offer that which lights you up
4. Have no doubt that others are eager to catch the spark
What this is saying is that you must believe that each person has the possibility for greatness, be ready yourself to inspire, show what excites you, and believe that others WANT to be inspired!
Chapter Ten (Being The Board) talks about changes the aspects of life into your favor. Don’t play the blame game on other people, but look at the aspects behind the situation and figure out a way to change it. The reason behind this is because the minute you place the blame elsewhere, you lose your ability to have a say in the outcome. It is out of your hands. To do quote the Andrew Lloyd Webber music “Jesus Christ Superstar”: PONTIOUS PILATE: I wash my hands of your demolition.
Chapter Eleven (Creating Frameworks For Possibility) discusses the fact that things may appear to be going in a downward spiral, but each one of us has the opportunity or ability to change that in three simple steps:
1. Create a feeling of substitution for this downward spiral
2. Make the effort of making the new philosophy everything
3. Keep track of what is going right and what is going wrong
This is a great philosophy, because if you do not make the effort to change things around you and make that your goal….nothing will change for you.
Chapter Twelve (Telling The WE Story) discusses the WE story. The WE story to me is very similar to the six degrees of separation. The WE story says you must:
1. Tell the story that relates to all
2. Listen and look for the rising person or things around you
3. Ask yourself “where do WE go from here?”
What a concept! We are all connected, all we have to do is look around us for someone or something else to join us and figure out where to go to make everything better TOGETHER!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
MAC 3-5: WIMBA
A very informative WIMBA session.
Here re my answers to the questions asked:
How is the Art of Possibility different from the Power of Positive Thinking or Oprah's "The Secret"?
The Art of Possibility discusses ways of changing your own attitude to improve others...whereas The Secret discusses ways of changing the way the "UNIVERSE" thinks about you to improve YOUR life. Having seen "The Secret" I would have to say that the Art of Possibility is a better way of looking at how to change, because it helps you change others as opposed to yourself.
What chapter meant the most to you and why?
Two chapters stood out to me. The first one was "Giving An A". I enjoyed this chapter because that is the philosophy that my Unified Arts team has created. Each student starts with an A and can go up to an A+ or go down. The stipulations to going up or down is attitude and effort.
The second chapter was Giving Way To Passion. As a musical director and a singer, I see what drives my singers and friends to do better. Same thing for my students. You give them praise, they appreciate it. A gentlemen I had the pleasure of seeing talk live was Dr. Tom Steiner. He had an idea that fits perfectly into this chapter's philosophy. His thought was to have...and I quote...have a mediocrity parade.
My chorus members know when I am happy...they sing a key change correctly the first time -- I CHEER THEM ON! They sing completely in-tune for a full song--I CHEER THEM ON!
Imagine if we all celebrated the little things as if they were big things. It would make the big things bigger.
What things are you going to take from the reading and use in your teaching and your life?
I hope to continually remember to celebrate the small things...and always remember -- RULE #6!
Here re my answers to the questions asked:
How is the Art of Possibility different from the Power of Positive Thinking or Oprah's "The Secret"?
The Art of Possibility discusses ways of changing your own attitude to improve others...whereas The Secret discusses ways of changing the way the "UNIVERSE" thinks about you to improve YOUR life. Having seen "The Secret" I would have to say that the Art of Possibility is a better way of looking at how to change, because it helps you change others as opposed to yourself.
What chapter meant the most to you and why?
Two chapters stood out to me. The first one was "Giving An A". I enjoyed this chapter because that is the philosophy that my Unified Arts team has created. Each student starts with an A and can go up to an A+ or go down. The stipulations to going up or down is attitude and effort.
The second chapter was Giving Way To Passion. As a musical director and a singer, I see what drives my singers and friends to do better. Same thing for my students. You give them praise, they appreciate it. A gentlemen I had the pleasure of seeing talk live was Dr. Tom Steiner. He had an idea that fits perfectly into this chapter's philosophy. His thought was to have...and I quote...have a mediocrity parade.
My chorus members know when I am happy...they sing a key change correctly the first time -- I CHEER THEM ON! They sing completely in-tune for a full song--I CHEER THEM ON!
Imagine if we all celebrated the little things as if they were big things. It would make the big things bigger.
What things are you going to take from the reading and use in your teaching and your life?
I hope to continually remember to celebrate the small things...and always remember -- RULE #6!
MAC 3-4: Leadership Post
WHERE:
I plan on presenting at two summer events. One is entitled Harmony University. The Barbershop Harmony Society presents Harmony University during the summer. Every summer, they offer various classes for one week during the first week of August. It is offered to music educators and barbershop harmony singers from all 50 states, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand and Finland.
The second place I plan on presenting is at Harmony College NorthEast. It is a weekend seminar series presented the second weekend in August by the NorthEastern District of the Barbershop Harmony Society. It is offered to music educators, barbershop harmony singers and to high school students form New England and eastern New York State.
WHY:
I believe that presenting at these places, where I have already presented in previous years, would be a great way to get the word out about my presentation to many more persons than just in my school district or state. Also, as I have presented there previously, it would be a good place to begin as I would be less nervous than presenting elsewhere. I also have persons who would be willing to sit in on the presentation and give me pointers on how to improve it if need be.
I plan on presenting at two summer events. One is entitled Harmony University. The Barbershop Harmony Society presents Harmony University during the summer. Every summer, they offer various classes for one week during the first week of August. It is offered to music educators and barbershop harmony singers from all 50 states, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand and Finland.
The second place I plan on presenting is at Harmony College NorthEast. It is a weekend seminar series presented the second weekend in August by the NorthEastern District of the Barbershop Harmony Society. It is offered to music educators, barbershop harmony singers and to high school students form New England and eastern New York State.
WHY:
I believe that presenting at these places, where I have already presented in previous years, would be a great way to get the word out about my presentation to many more persons than just in my school district or state. Also, as I have presented there previously, it would be a good place to begin as I would be less nervous than presenting elsewhere. I also have persons who would be willing to sit in on the presentation and give me pointers on how to improve it if need be.
MAC 3-3: Classmate Comment 2
CHONNIE BLAIR:
MAC Week 3 Blog 1
Chapter 5 reminded us of a fundamental principle – there is no I in team. Every member of a team has a significant and critical contribution that he presents to the overall project or goal. Using the orchestra as method of demonstrating this principle, the chapter focused on the conductor as person in front that gets the recognition and blame, but each person playing an instrument is critical important to the piece being played correctly and beautifully.
“Lighten up, which may well light up those around you” is the liberating practice presented in chapter 6 of the book. This very short phrase has a tremendous impact on me as an educator in a tested area in an high school environment as the pressure to have students perform at a certain level can sometimes cause undo stress that is easily transferred to our students. This message was heard and received by me and others with whom I have shared it.
Chapter 7 helps us to assess the current situation in which we find ourselves, its impact and encourages us to focus intently on our next course of action based on the present circumstances. This is a chapter full of wisdom for plotting a course for you life.
I often tell others to function professionally in a capacity which embodies that thing about which you are passionate. Chapter 8 charges us with running face first into a dark room faithfully in the direction of our passion. What an awesome charge!
1 comments:
jphudson2006Jan 22, 2012 12:03 PM
Very nice description of the chapters. Very concise, and to the point.
I also makes it clear to someone who has not read the book exactly what went on in each chapter in a short amount of time.
Keep up the good work.
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