Week 3 - Response to Marty Denson’s Post on Zander

Marty wrote:

While reading chapters 5 through 8 of The Art of Possibility, I was most intrigued by chapter 8, which speaks of giving way to passion. My first thought was that I felt I must share this idea with my students as way to suggest to each of them how important it is to be completely committed to the activities they choose to take on. I often remind them that participating in any activity or organization for the sake of tile, position, and/or stature is neither beneficial to them nor the activity or organization they are involved in. Reading the suggested two steps in giving way to passion are notable concepts that I will include when discussing this overall theme of passion to my students.

How gratifying it was for me when chapter 8 later used Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata as an analogy to long lines discussed in that chapter. That particular sonata, which is one of my most favorite pieces to perform, is ironically the piece that I often use to demonstrate several concepts when working with select students. I think because of the familiarity of the piece, students become more engaged, which allows me to really articulate the expressive movements within the music. The Moonlight Sonata, when misinterpreted musically, bares a strong resemblance to life itself. Just as in the Moonlight Sonata, life can produce a “dull and numbing performance” when emphasis is placed in the wrong areas.

The heart of the matter, in my opinion, and as suggested in the reading, is that knowing your passion and allowing yourself to be consciously open to discovering that energy and life force, enables you to demonstrate a positive uniqueness. That uniqueness in expression is what brings meaning that extends beyond the “meaning viewed from the ground.”

My comment to Marty:

Marty, I too was intrigued by chapter 8. I love that your ‘first thought’ was to immediately share this idea with your students in order to emphasize the importance of being totally committed to their projects and activities. It sounds to me like the commitment level you have to your students is gigantic, which is so refreshing. I know that each person here in this program with me shares the same vision to an extent, to bring the latest technology and the passion for sharing that with the young people who will be the next generation of teachers and other professionals. I also share your love of Moonlight Sonata, it being one of the pieces I taught myself to play later on in life. Your final analysis at the end of your post really sums everything Zander is trying to get across, I believe. Well done and another insightful, enjoyable post from you Marty!