The Music Hit a Sour Note

One likes to believe we are living in enlightened times. Just as I try to convey in my Race and Ethnicity classes when students claim racism is dead, to which I say naturally you do, you are white! Well here is another example with a twist. It is difficult to believe anyone would pass up earning money just because the clients are gay. Well, let me tell you…

We have been trying to find musicians for our reception. Doing it from afar with a 7 hour time difference and cultures apart, has been a hassle. I happened upon a site called Gig Salad, which is apparently a consolidator for entertainers. What I am about to share has nothing to do directly with Gig Salad, but one of the bands they contract with. In fact, initially, I could not register with Gig Salad since their form only includes the US and Canada. After a polite little note about our living situation as well as our needs, they opened the site to Hungary and allowed me to create an account. I was pleased and thus far I continue to be pleased with their service.

I contacted one of bands listed. Their repertoire matched our desires in musical range; there was a little something to please all generations attending. My note was short and to the point.

“Will you work with a male-male couple? Before I explain further, we should get that out of the way.”

Within a day, I received a response. It was not one I wanted to read; nevertheless, it was extremely polite and nonjudgmental. There is no point in naming the band. I am not out for revenge; I appreciate his forthrightness.

Hey Ryan,
Thanks for the inquiry and for asking about working with a same-sex marriage. I really appreciate the respect in asking about that.

I would like to be completely honest in my answer, because you deserve it. So here's my respectful and honest attempt at answering your question -

With our beliefs and backgrounds, we would be uncomfortable doing it so I would prefer to turn it down. I don't want that statement to come across personally; I truly wish the best for you and yours. With whatever level or lack of comfort, I'm afraid our services might not meet our own expectations for you and I wouldn't want your day to be affected by us. There are many wedding vendors that are excited to work with same-sex couples who I believe would provide better service because of it.

If you are looking for photography in particular I may be able to make recommendations if you would like.

Hope you understand! Wish nothing but the best for you!

Thank you,


And the Band Will Play On with another group, hopefully. This is paraphrasing the title of the famous book from 1988 And the Band Played On by Randy Shilts.
Later it became a movie, but this is drifting from the point.

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What Type Entertains You?

I subscribe to a number of computer newsletter. Most of them I actually read. This little piece rang out from the screen.

"With the holidays coming up, it's time to take a look at some fun and frivolous downloads. I recently ran across one called KeyMusic, a little freeware program  that turns your keyboard into a musical instrument so that your typing creates unique melodies. You can select from a number of different instrument sounds (piano, xylophone, harmonica, violin and many more). Check it out if you're in the mood for a little musical accompaniment to your work."
 

Let your typing entertain you, but if you are not a fast typist, it is only going to annoy those around you as well as the dog. Use a headset for a merrier Christmas.

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One Thing Leads to Another

My friend Daphnee sent me a note about a medicine wheel video someone sent to her. Since she is technologically challenged, she only sent part of the name and told me to search YouTube for it. What I found with her partial title did not fit her description, so back and forth we went. I have not been able to teach her how to copy and paste a url. In my pursuit of inquiry, I came across this video which I found very interesting. Life can be a series of 'flow of consciousness' moments with one thing leading to another and another...so finally I had downloaded four different videos. I am sharing two of them here. Whether or not you believe in any of the 'theory', I found the graphics and music soothing enough to listen to repeatedly on Thursday night and in the wee hours of Friday morning.

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A Day With Students

One of the students who I advised for her thesis wanted to meet with me for a coffee. We arranged to meet at one of my favorite cafés at 11:00. We chatted about a dozen different topics and then she presented me with gifts as a ‘Thank you’ for my advisor role. I was so touched. She used one of her sister’s photos of a sunflower and transferred it onto a t-shirt. Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers, but she had no idea until today. She also made me a picture hanger and had my travel photos that I had shared with students printed and placed. I will put this in the kitchen as a constant reminder. She is also part of a small orchestra, so my gift included 2 CDs of their music. I had attended one of their Christmas concerts a couple of years ago and was enthralled even not being a music lover.

We continued talking until the second student came along who also wanted to meet with me. I had a CD to share with her, so she was coming to pick it up. The first student left a half hour after the second student’s arrival. Then I received an SMS from a third student who also wanted to meet with me. After arranging the third meeting, I said good-bye to number 2 and moved on to student number 3. We finally parted at 6:00 pm. A seven hour day with students, tiring, but fulfilling to know they want to spend time with me. One of the joys of teaching!

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