Loving Life

Yes, I'm loving lifeWe are loving life. True, things are super busy these days around our house. Our family calendar is full of concerts, recitals, lessons, rehearsals and all the other things that make a life. But, we still take time to check in with those we love.

Checking in means taking time to visit each day with our immediate family. Knowing where we can find those we love makes life feel more connected though our actual time together is limited. We also call and check in with our extended family.

We also love the parts of life with share with others in our work. So if you are attending the Kansas Music Educators Conference in Wichita, be sure and stop by the Fort Hays State University booth and say hello to Jeff.  You can also catch him attending the following concerts on Friday, February 22, 2013:

  • Smoky Valley HS 12:15 PM
  • FHSU Percussion 1PM
  • FHSU Jazz 2:45pm 
  • FHSU Concert Choir 4PM

JoAnn can be found at the Hays Public Library Children’s Department:

  • Friday, February 15, 2013 at 10AM for Cre-8-ive Moments
  • Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 4PM for Music Sparks at HPL

Various new classes through Hays Recreation are also starting up.

How are you loving life and enjoying music these days?

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

I’m singing because you… – A look at January 2013

I’ve sung most of my life. I sing most days. Sometimes I get asked why I am singing. Here are my January 2013 answers.

Singer

Singer (Photo credit: Boston Public Library)

  • I’m singing because you...are explore some Music Sparks posts for children. Specifically, last years Ode to the Tooth Fairy and Time Song for Children were some of the top read posts this month.
  • I’m singing because you…have been reading about music therapy advocacy and top ranked music therapy blogs. Sharing the word about music therapy makes me happy! The music therapy community has had an amazing amount of special shares this month.
  • I’m singing because you…have followed the journey of Cre-8-tiveSpark in a variety of posts. I’d love to hear your comments on which ideas most encouraged you - stepping forward, musical fun, kazoos,…
  • I’m singing because you…have allowed me to be a part of your life through reading the blogs and enrolling in Music Sparks groups offered at the Hays Recreation Commission and the Hays Public Library.
  • I’m singing because…such a variety of folks came to hear Dr. Cory Hills share percussive storytelling at the Hays Public Library.
  • I’m singing because…the Hays High Chamber Singers (of which our daughter is a member) did such a wonderful job on a recent concert trip. YouTube Preview Image
  • I’m singing because…I look forward with joy to what February 2013 has to offer all of us.

Share what has you singing in the comments below!

Enhanced by Zemanta

Stepping into the new year

Stepping into the new yearThe new year has arrived. The files from 2012 are being closed and the 2013 files are in the drawer. We stepped into the new year with a family walk on the beach. Now we are preparing to start our 2013 events.

Jordan Enterprise in Music is still in action even though our posts here have been less frequent. In 2013 we will step-up our efforts to post at least twice a month.

There are many opportunities for you interact with us in the next two months.

Jeff is currently preparing for the spring semester at Fort Hays State University. His newest composition “The Heartfelt Spirituality of the Groove” is scheduled for a February premiere and performance at the Kansas Music Educators All-State Convention. While at the conference he will also guest conduct the Smoky Valley High School Band in a performance of“Tharsos”.

JoAnn is preparing for her January Music Spark’s sessions which begin next week.

  • Assisted  living residents will be exploring The American Dream is songs, drumming and discussion. Our theme song for the month is “Dream A Little Dream of Me”.
  • Intergenerational programming is on Lions, Tigers and Bears. A wild, fun time will be had here on the plains.
  • Little Sparks will be exploring winter weather and have a lot of shaking going on.
  • Cre-8-tive Moments of Musical Fun is the newest way for preschoolers with an adult to join in the fun. In January we will explore the wind! Any guesses as to what instrument we will make?
  • Music Sparks at HPL continues with love! We’ll explore love through songs, movement and books. Come catch the beat!

How are you stepping into the new year? We’d love to hear so leave a comment.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Hurdles of September

Hurdler

Hurdler (Photo credit: Boston Public Library)

We have cleared the hurdles of September!

Jeff jumped into the 2012-13 school year at Fort Hays State University. Lessons are scheduled. Classes are in full swing (including the grading). Marching band season is rolling. And, Jeff’s fanfare “Overdrive” was premiered. (We wish we could have been in Dallas to hear it.)

As for me, the first series of Music Sparks Sharing is almost completed. Music Sparks at Hays Public Library painted up a storm of almost 50 this month. The regular sessions in area senior living communities continue to generate lots of smiles.

On Music Sparks, there will be 10 new posts this month. There are 5 singalongs and conversations, a singable book, and 4 informational posts. And two newsletters of bright ideas for older adults, preschoolers and both together have been released. After struggling with my intergenerational book, I have set a timeline and am planning on a January 2013 release.

As you can see, we have been jumping! October’s calendar looks to keep us popping.

Keeping a tune glowing in your heart! – JoAnn

 

Enhanced by Zemanta

Premiere: Overdrive

Dallas Wind Symphony

Dallas Wind Symphony (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Overdrive” a brass and percussion fanfare will be premiered by The University of Texas–Arlington brass under the direction of Dr. Douglas Stotter on September 18, 2012 at the season opening of the Dallas Wind Symphony.

This piece was composed by Dr. Jeff Jordan, my husband.  He describes this 1 minute 20 second piece as “having enough notes for a much longer piece. It’s high, fast loud, and takes no prisoners.”

If you attend the performance, please share your impressions of the piece in the comments below.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Music Lasts a Lifetime Posts

March is “Music in our Schools Month” here in the United States. These posts were written in response to this wonderful theme.

It all started with “Music and relationships with your child“. In this posts I share a new four-week FREE resource for parents of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Come find out what “I SEE” is all about.

In “Music Lasts a Lifetime” I reflected in what I observe in music sessions with children, older adults, and intergenerational groups.

My final post in this series is “5 Take-aways for Singing with Your Child” I offer some thoughts on sharing music with your child that can be remembered by “I SEEK“.

How did you observe Music in Our Schools Month? Please share it in the comment below.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Meet my guests!

Handshake

Handshake (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Over on Music Sparks, there have been several guest posts in the last month. Come on over and check these out:

A Multi-Dimensional Musical Experience

Laura Crum looks at our senses other than hearing as they relate to music.

And I will always love you….!

Laura Crum reflects on Whitney Houston’s legacy.

So Long, Farewell

Laura Crum bids readers goodbye! See what is happening.

Sharing Music – Connecting The Generations

This guest post is by Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou. An award-winning children’s performer, DARIA (Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou) has seven cd’s that have won national honors. It looks at music in intergenerational relationships.

 

Enhanced by Zemanta

Here’s what we’re reading…

Books Books

Image via Wikipedia

Jeff and JoAnn are both reading a lot this year. Here are some posts that may provide you some ideas for materials to read:

In What should I read? Jeff comments on Milt Allen’s new book: Music, Artistry and Education: A Journey Towards Musical Growth and Enlightenment.

In Here’s what I’m reading this month JoAnn highlights the two books on her professional shelf as the year starts: Ethical Thinking in Music Therapy by Cheryl Dileo and Music Therapy, and Early Childhood: A Developmental Approach by Elizabeth Schwartz.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Quick update on Music Sparks

Lots of activity has been happening at Music Sparks including a new logo.

Here are some posts from the last couple months you may find informative:

  • Conscious Aging – This post explores several questions including  1) When someone is old; 2) What role does health have in aging; 3) Is growing old a negative event.
  • Using Music to Address Social Issues – I believe music can transform lives in many ways. Other people and research seems to leaning this same way.
  • Art to Inspire – January 31st was Inspire Your Heart with Art Day. Here are four ways you can inspire those around you.
  • Music for Creativity - Three types of music listening are highlighted to inspire creativity.
  • Catch the Caregiver Support Bug – Caregiving is a big issue and one most of us deal with at some point in life. Everyone needs to feel supported while caregiving. Learn more.

This and more is available at Music Sparks. Come share in the music (and ideas) to spark a better life. 

 

Enhanced by Zemanta

Resources for You

English: Old and young ‪Norsk (bokmål)‬: Gam...

Image via Wikipedia

I am so thankful for the many people who receive my newsletter. Their feedback has encouraged me to offer something exciting! Beginning in January 2012,two new resources will become available throughMusic Sparks at NO COST to those who sign up. Both are scheduled for monthly release. (My current newsletter will continue to be released with one issue a month having a shared idea and the other issue sharing a resource or other gem I think you will find helpful.) These new resources will build on theAWESOME ideas you have come to expect from Music Sparks.

Click here to continue learning about two resources and a way of sharing!

Enhanced by Zemanta