The Haasienda on Shroyer…

I have some pretty amazing weekends, but this weekend which is nearly over, rocked in a number of ways.

FRIDAY was fairly normal:

• Coffee on the deck with the trio
• Ran some errands
• Planted mums

And then the fun really got underway.  My friend, Suzanne, asked me to to go with her to Dayton’s Black Box Improv Theatre because they were going to improv a musical.

I was somewhat hesitant in agreeing to go.  The last time I saw improv was back in college, and I was terribly bored and unimpressed.  I knew Suzanne was wanting to go, and I was afraid she would stay home.  I agreed.

Then, we agreed to grab dinner before the 8 PM show.  After tossing around a few ideas, I remembered Tanks Bar & Grill.  For years, friends had recommended their food, But for some reason I had never made it.

So, it was kind of an evening of firsts.

Tanks has now joined the ranks of Bill’s Donuts and Awesome Yogurt!

A few minutes before 8 PM, Suzanne and I wedged our way to a table in the blackbox theater.  It was a different crowd than the ones I normally see at all the local theater productions.  Yet, the atmosphere was electrifying even before the event got underway.

And then it happened!

It was one of the most incredible times I’ve had in ages.  It was a personal competition of marveling at the tremendous talent assembled on stage for the improv, and laughing my ass off!  The director/writer side of me was absolutely dumbfounded.  The “I love to laugh” side of me was having the best damn time!

The improvised musical was one of the most outstanding theatrical events I’ve ever witnessed.  SHEER GENIUS!

It was almost inconceivable that I was sitting there laughing hysterically, while trying to grasp the fact these incredible actors were actually making up this musical second by second, on the fly!

One of my newest inspirations is Justin Howard, the founder and owner of Dayton’s Black Box Improv Theatre.  I felt, at times, I was watching the late great Robin Williams in action.   Justin is incredibly brilliant, and hysterically funny.

And this was just the first day!

SATURDAY dawned chilly, and damp from the lengthy soaking we received through most of Friday afternoon and evening.  Still, I could not abandon my precious quiet time on the deck.

I chatted with Mother for 45 minutes while driving to Troy Ohio to see the replica of the funeral train that carried the body of President Lincoln from Washington DC to Springfield Illinois, 150 years ago.

What a beautiful, moving experience.  My photos of the Lincoln Funeral Train.

I returned home by 1 PM, and had a few hours to accomplish a few items before I hopped back into the van to return to Troy, this time for the high schools’ annual marching band contest.  I decided to give myself some extra time so I could experience the funeral train, again.

I also spent a good deal of time taking photographs of downtown Troy Ohio, one of the most beautiful Midwestern communities I’ve ever seen.  My photographs of Troy Ohio. 

After another fantastic experience reliving an incredible moment in history, I crossed the river to the stadium where the marching band contest was already in progress.  It was a good contest, and the Beavercreek high school marching band pretty much cleaned up all the awards.

Video of the Beavercreek High School Marching Band, and their competition show, the music of The Who.

Wow!  This was actually my weekend!

Dayton Black Box Improv Theatre (photo courtesy of their website) featuring founder, and owner, Justin Howard, in white shirt.

I absolutely love my deck.  It’s nothing fancy, very utilitarian for my life, and needs, but it’s my special place.

Every summer, my deck has been more than just a place to relax, drinking in the completeness of summer.  It’s been an Al fresco dining room, an area to grill, my garden center, a dog corral, a clothes dryer, etc..

About six years ago, I bought a table that had an opening for a large umbrella.  I bought my first umbrella and immediate believed I had struck gold.  I spent more time on the deck with my laptop, enjoying as much writing time in the shade as the ever moving sun would allow.

At some point this past spring, I discovered sun sails – screened cloth coverings that block 90% of the sun.  I purchased two screens: one 16′ x 16′ screen, and a 9′ x 9′ x 9′ triangular screen.

Due to consistent rain showers on every blasted day off between May and July, the wrestling brothers I always hire to assist with various projects, Cody and Cooper, and I could not begin the process of securing the sunshades.

Finally, in early July, I found a great price for one of those heavy-duty pop up tents.  I placed it on the deck, secured it, and turned it into my little piece of heaven.   

However, the deck continues to remain much more of a multipurpose activity center then most of the lovely arrangements designed by many of my friends.

^ An overview of the deck/tent from my bedroom.

^ In my own little corner, in my own little chair.

^ My garden center corner.

^ The laundry line.

^ One of the neatest, most unique feature of this deck. A tree grows right up through the railing.

^ On the other side of this tree/rail combination is one of my wisteria trees being trained to grow out on the limb.

I intend to keep the tent on the deck, however, the unused sunshades now have a new proposed location for a new little patio area out in the yard.  I may complete this patio project in late summer.

Right now, the deck is the most wonderful place to be. However, by noon, the afternoons misery of heat and high humidity will begin to take affect.  

Twenty minutes ago, the deck was NOT my “happy place.”

I could not get to sleep last night, and it was after 2 AM that I finally dozed off, only to wake again at 3:15 AM because the dogs heard something and reacted.
I ignored the “Franklin & Eleanor” theme (from the 1970’s movie) this morning, opting to sleep until 8:30 AM. Because I made the mistake of rolling over to check the clock a few minutes before 8 AM, the three for balls kicked into action. I held them at bay, with attempted additional slumber, until 8:26 AM.
Breakfast for the dogs, coffee for the dad.

We four moved to the deck at 8:42 AM to discover a squirrel was hanging out on the inside of the tent.  

That melee of ferocious activity was not how I wished to begin this day.  
After tons of debating, and hiding out in the Rose of Sharon, the squirrel finally made it to the yard with all three of my tigers within inches of capturing him. He barely made it to the 8 foot chain-link fence for his final escape. 
Harrigan scaled the newly constructed fences and chicken wire, surrounding the hostas and other new plants, to pursue the rascally squirrel. A colorful litany of words spewed from my mouth, demanding she remove herself at once, and even more followed as she dove under the chickenwire enclosure, pulling up some stakes.  
Yes, Harrigan did as I asked, but not with my anticipated results.
It was then I noticed four freshly washed bath towels in the yard, covered in mud and dirt. I completed a load of towels, yesterday, and had them drying on my deck’s clothesline.  
Chief has already had two major episodes of wanting to rid passing dogs from Shroyer Road.  
At 8:57 AM, Bailey is the only one of my three who’s not taken advantage of my very unusual less than happy mood.  
The beauty of this morning’s glow, the cool, gentle breeze conducting four sets of wind chimes to create a peaceful, unscored sonata, and accompaniment of nature, is the perfect salve for my tired body, and cranky attitude.
  

  
I’ve always been lucky to have some of the most unique, interesting, talented, and wonderful pets.  Sometimes, Bailey’s finer qualities are overlooked by her wiggley exuberance, and the fact that she is still much like a three-month-old puppy.

Bailey is simply her own dog.  She is still part of the pack, but definitely has her own mind, and marches to the beat of her own proverbial drummer – a drummer that is wildly excited and jumps around a lot.

  
 This morning, as I drank my coffee and shivered in the 63° chilly breezes blasting across the deck, I just sat watching Bailey laying out in an area of earth/mud – a 16′ x 25′ stretch of space that’s never succeeded in being fruitful of vegetation – I admired how she could be out there on her own, and not snuggled up on the deck with the other two.  Many times, when I’m working in my study, or teaching, Chief and Harrigan will be nearby, but Bailey will be asleep on one of the beds in the guest bedroom around the corner.  When Bailey is in the study, she is almost always snuggled next to Chief.

Bailey, unlike her fairly mature-acting, highly intelligent, plotting sister/littermate, Harrigan, is a beagle ball of energy, playfulness, and tender affection.  Harrigan and Chief both share their affection; Bailey is the Niagara Falls of affection!

How I do love my little Beagle Bailey!

My Saturday began around 8:00 AM with Harrigan nibbling on my ear.  I finally gave in to her nudging.

While eating breakfast on the deck, I spied something white in the yard.  Upon closer investigation I discovered it was a pair of my underwear!  When I picked them up and turned to look toward the deck, Bailey immediately darted behind Chief, peeking around him to check my mood.  When I arrived at the steps of the deck, I asked who had taken my underwear out into the yard.  Bailey promptly came forward, and gave me the business!

By Noon I was at Alter High School’s soccer stadium to watch my freshman voice student, Jack, in a scrimmage.  

What fun this was!  Something completely different, and quite enjoyable.  I was pretty pleased with the results of my action photography.

Alter HS Men’s Junior Varsity Soccer
By 2:30 PM, I was home long enough to grab a second shower, play with the dogs, download the soccer game photos, take a nap, and head off to the first senior portrait shoot for the afternoon.

We finished just as the clouds were beginning to share some of their moisture.   After I stepped into the house, the deluge again.

I grabbed a third shower, a second nap, a quick bite to eat, fed the dogs, and hurried off to Cox Arboretum for my second senior photo shoot of the day. 
By 9 PM, I was back inside my house. Dinner, a fourth shower,and now some quiet time on the deck with Chief resting at my side, and Thelma and Louise tackling each other in the yard.

Sleep is quickly owning me.

Jack

In bed by 3:30 AM.

Teaching schedule 95% set up. 

Rita was an absolute gem, and kept pushing me along through the process (I don’t think we’ve ever Skyped at 2:30 AM!)

Around 7:05 AM, the strange but very familiar sound poked me awake. The school buses had returned to Fairmont high school.

A long day of teaching awaits me, with show choir camp in the afternoon, followed by more teaching through the evening.

Last lesson tonight with a young man I’ve known since he was four months old.  I am really going to miss Ty, but I’m so excited for the future that awaits him in music education.

Chief rests at the top of the deck steps surveying his kingdom like Mufasa on Pride Rock, and Thelma and Louise wrestle it out in the backyard.

On with my day…

It was a little disheartening to look out my bedroom window to see the parking lot next-door filled with teachers’ cars.  It’s their first day back to school, a major signal summer is coming to an end.

While the “back to school” ads have been popping up everywhere for weeks, and students have been going to orientations and posting their schedules on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, seeing the teachers’ cars in the parking lot was that proverbial final nail.

My fall schedule will kick in to place starting this Sunday.  While this opens up every weekday morning, with Friday, Saturday and most of Sunday off, I will miss having four days off in a row.  There is just always something freeing about having several days off in a row.

 
However, it was one of the busiest Summers I’ve ever had.  I thought my summers were always busy when the boys were home, but this past July hit an all new high for me.  

My hours spent out on the deck eating my meals, relaxing in my Adirondack chair, and watching the kids play on the deck or out in the yard, is quickly winding down as well.  

I love my little sanctuary.  

It is my alcohol.  

It is my methamphetamine.  

It is my pot.  It is all the other escapes folks apply.  

The deck is peaceful, even with the delightful energy of frolicking dogs.

August 9, 1974.  A president resigned. A new president was sworn in. 

The next morning, at their modest Alexandria Virginia home where they returned following the swearing in, Betty Ford, while standing at the stove with a spatula in her hand, jokingly questioned whether she should still be cooking now that she was First Lady.

The Ford family had arrived.

This is the president speech upon his swearing in, 41 years ago today.

 
“I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, and so I ask you to confirm me as your President with your prayers. And I hope that such prayers will also be the first of many… If you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I gained office by any secret promises. I have not campaigned either for the Presidency or the Vice Presidency. I have not subscribed to any partisan platform. I am indebted to no man, and only to one woman—my dear wife, Betty—as I begin this very difficult job… My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over… Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule. But there is a higher Power, by whatever name we honor Him, who ordains not only righteousness but love, not only justice but mercy.”

—Gerald Ford, Swearing-in Ceremony speech

it won’t be long until my mornings, and evenings, on the deck will come to an end as the chillier days of autumn approach.

I love listening to the mourning doves who offer their gentle, mournful greeting.  We’ve been blessed with a continual round of dovess using our yard as their concert hall since moving here in 2002.

I also love our resident cardinals to take up their song later in the day.  As a young boy growing up in Indiana, I loved listening to the cardinals that lived in our walnut tree.  One of my bedroom windows look down into the cool shade of the backyard, and I can remember lying on my bed, next to the window, listening… just listening.

My three furry kids have been exploring the backyard four three quarters of an hour.  Chief just came up to the deck, followed by the girls, and they are all standing by the door.

Yes. I know. It’s time for breakfast.

I located this poem on Stampers Border Collies, a local business.  It is so touching, and beautiful!

Just My Dog

by Gene Hill

He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
my other ears that hear above the winds.
He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.

He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason
for being by the way he rests against my leg;
by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile;
by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.
(I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)

When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.

When I am a fool, he ignores it.
When I succeed, he brags.

Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful.

He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion.

With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.

His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things.

He has promised to wait for me… whenever… wherever – in case I need him.
And I expect I will – as I always have.

Flyer

Navi

I’ve lived here on Shroyer Road since July 2002.  In those 13 years, Waste Management has missed my collection 48 times.

In 2003 (I’ve kept the emails), after countless discussions with WM’s people, I contacted Channel 2’s “Turn To 2.”  Within an hour, a representative from WM and an assistant city manager were on my front porch, apologizing profusely.  They explained that, due to me being the only house on this brief section of Shroyer – sandwiched between Rockhill Avenue and Shroyer Road, it was difficult for the workers to remember.

“But, it’s not difficult for you to accept my payment each month?”

That was a way to shut down officials!  They had nothing, whatsoever, to say, except, “We’ll work on this.”

I’ve recorded every missed collection.  I follow the shifted dates due to holidays, and I have observed all their rules and regulations.  I even pushed my container, faithfully, down a ways so they men would see it.

September 2013, I discovered my business checking account had been hacked by someone in a Walgreen’s store outside of Chicago.  $1800.  My bank worked quickly in resolving the issue, and all was well.  I sat down on afternoon and changed my account information on my utilities for which I have set on autopay.

I missed Waste Management.  (Keep in mind, this is the end of September 2013).

April 2014, the WM collectors dropped my container, and broke the lid.  I contacted WM for a replacement, and was told my account was suspended for non-payment in October 2013.

Why wasn’t I notified?  No explanation.

They would not replace the container until I forked over $79.  Their dialog was much like I was negligent, idiotic, and incapable of managing my affairs, and my reasoning -a hacked account – did not matter, as the one associate said, “We receive those type of excuses all the time!”

Last straw!  I burrowed in, and refused to pay the $79.  My waste, however, was still collected, and they continued taking quarterly invoice amounts from my checking.

The new 2nd containers with the yellow caps arrived.  These new containers are for recyclables.

In mid-July, I finally reconciled that I was an all too small David up against the all powerful, bullying Goliath.  I paid the $79.

I waited a few days, and requested a new container.

Nope.  “Your account was suspended for non-payment back in June 2015.”  If I wanted a new container, I needed to call their number provided.

I let them have it with both barrels, recounting the history of their negligence – 48 times,  requesting a visit from one of their representatives before contacting the media, and an explanation why I was not notified.

Their associate, Erin from Michigan, replied with:

“We did attempt to notify you of this via automated phone message. The number we have on file for you 937-***-****. Do we need to update this phone number? Please understand that the automated message system will not deliver to cell phones, or any number that has been added to the National Do Not Call Registry. That being said, what is the best contact telephone number for you?

Sunday, I prepared all the information over the past 13 years, compiled it into a letter, and sent it to Congressman Mike Turner’s office.  The gentleman was amazing in how he handled the IRS who would not accept the fact my son from New Mexico had been living with me, and still not in New Mexico – two years in a row!

Last night, I sat out my two containers – THREE FEET APART per their request. Actually, they were more like six feet apart.

This morning, I was spraying weeds, and the non-recycle team came up.  The guy shouted to me that they could not collect my waste because the containers were too close.  The recycling container team had already been through, emptied my recyclables, and SET THE CONTAINER IMMEDIATELY NEXT TO THE BROKEN CONTAINER WITH NO LID!

When I pointed out how their team had erred in this matter, I was told I needed to always check for these things.

I kept my mouth shut, because I knew jail time would have probably been in order with the verbal response that ran through my mind.  Despite one’s intelligence level, it is still not kind to throw it in their face.

Some folks are joining the war against Planned Parenthood.  Mine is against the bullying corporation: Waste Management.

41 years ago, about this time, was quite exciting!

I was under two months away from turning 10 years old… I was ready to being the 4th grade with Diana Lane who I always thought was so neat… My mother was expecting my baby brother, Destin, the end of October… My neighbors, Betsy and Dick Herndon, were also expecting their son, Carter, the beginning of November, and actually flip-flopped due-dates with my brother… and I got to watch the Watergate Hearings on television after school.

Say what you will about my television viewing options, but I was stoked!

I went on vacation with my grandparents to visit my uncle in Norfolk VA where he was stationed in the US Navy. We stopped at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello​ on the way, and before returning to Indiana, we stopped in Washington, DC to meet our congressman, Elwood “Bud” Hillis.

We had a grand tour of the Capitol Building, saw Chief Justice Earl Warren lying in state in the Supreme Court, met briefly with Vice-President Gerald Ford on the steps of the Senate.

Two weeks later, while on vacation with my parents in Myrtle Beach, we watched President Nixon’s administration fully collapse.

It’s been nearly a week since Epiphany Lutheran Church’s production, TARZAN, took its final bow.  My students, who were in the cast, are experiencing the typical post-production blues.  I just read a Facebook post from the director who is also feeling the weight of this production’s departure.

I’ve felt the weight of post-production blues 85 times as a director/conductor, and 40+ times as a performer.  I’ve never had the weight of a show’s final curtain as an audience member, and it’s been peculiar to experience this.

The only thing I invested in the show, personally, was helping students prepare for the audition, and only a few times, assist them during their lessons with their music.  Other than delighting in watching my students, as well as the others in the cast, orchestra, and crew, give this production so much punch, that was really my only connection.

Yes, the story-line, which I will address in another blog post, was compelling, and personally magnetic for me given the strong ties to the world of adoption.

Professionally, I was simply drawn to the talent, work, guidance, teaching, and directing of Megan Wean Sears.  The fact that her productions are exceptionally strong, and artistically outstanding, plus the fact that my students return each year, often bringing others with them, cements for me, the integrity, and soundness of Megan’s work.  My students and their families adore her, and that makes me respect and love Megan, even more.

And for the record: I never even met Megan until last Sunday afternoon when we exchanged less than 15 seconds of conversation.  In fact, for the past three years, I always thought parent production volunteer, Kristen Russ, was Megan.

Following a production’s closing curtain, I engage my students in a postmortem assessment.  The standard questions are:

What were the three things you enjoyed most about this production?

What were the three things that were not as positive about this production?

What did you learn the most about theater from this production?

What did you learn the most about yourself, or about life, from this production?

Last week, I went ahead and proposed the postmortem discussion with one of my little piano students who was a Nugget Ape and Flower in the show.

Readily, she dove into all the things she loved about the show, ignoring the three question/answer proposal. When I asked little Sarah what she learned the most about theatre, she promptly stated, “my part was just as important as Tarzan or Jane’s part.” Finishing up postmortem, I asked what she learned the most about herself, or life (and you never know what response you will get from an eight year old!).

“I learned that I am needed and that I matter.”

This week, I’ve conducted postmortem discussions with the remainder of my students from the TARZAN cast.  Generally, from other non-Megan-directed productions, students will say, “it was fun.”  Then, they launch into multiple reasons why they did not enjoy the experience.

From my students in the TARZAN cast, not once have I heard, “it was fun” quoted.

I did hear “it was the best thing I’ve experienced,” “I learned so much about life,” “I loved all the new friends I made,” “I discovered how closely we are related to apes,” “I did not want it to end,” “I cannot wait until next year.”

And, the unamious answer I heard, “Even as an ape, I never once felt that my part was not important.”

Like Sarah, all my other students felt they mattered as individuals.

Yes, I believe my students did have fun, but it went so far beyond what my other students experience in other teen summer productions.  This particular crew of students was not heading off to Kings Island all the time, or doing all sorts of extracurricular production activities to promote bonding, and that strong sense of building relationships.  The bonding, lessons of theatre-life and production, and education were conducted during the rehearsal, thus carrying through outside the rehearsal.

Like her mother, Kay Wean, who proceeded her for many years as Epiphany’s director, Megan understands the crucial art of successful leadership by selecting, recruiting, and delegating the artistic, musical, and technical responsibilities to the best people, and not just her theater pals.  Yes, I am certain she is dear friends with many of the people with whom she shares the daunting task of mounting a full production, but it is evident that those friends are quite artistically, and professionally adept at their jobs.  She’s much like President Lincoln, who, when elected chose only the best men, even his rivals, for his cabinet secretaries.

Having followed Epiphany Lutheran Church’s productions these past 25 years due to the involvement of a college friend, Nancy Southerland, who at the start of this theatrical endeavor, was Epiphany’s director of music, I’ve always marveled at the enthusiasm generated from entering the parking lot to exiting the parking lot.  From ticket sales to ushers to ticket takers, guests are always embraced with warmth, and genuine delight.

Due to having so many students involved in these summer productions, I also hear stories from their parents who become involved as volunteers in various ways.  They, too, always seem genuinely eager to participate, and appreciative at the end.

One thing I believe I appreciate the most from the anecdotes, is the professional element that is involved in every aspect of a production at Epiphany Lutheran Church.  The volunteers take their responsibilities with a tremendous amount of professional weight as though this is their full-time career at which they make a living.  And, the results are always astonishing, but not surprising.

This is exactly how community productions, church productions, and school productions should be lead.  Epiphany Lutheran Church, in my book, does not fit into the category of a church production, nor a community production.

Epiphany Lutheran Church is always a damned good production company that exceeds categorization.

Epiphany Lutheran Church, and especially the crew under Megan’s tutelage as director, and even more so, educator, grasps the understanding of theater arts, never failing to mix in some Disney magic, and hospitality.

It is not only a ministry, it’s a blessing.  And I am fortunate to be one of those who have been blessed for many years!

When you have a deep, touching story and plot, an outstanding director who never once abandons the writers’ intent or ignores even the smallest detail, surrounded by an equally talented team of professionals and volunteers, it is so easy to be embraced by the magic, the artistry, and the love that is embedded in every inch of the production.

Thank you, Epiphany Lutheran Church, for taking so many of us on this summer’s wonderfully touching expedition into a clever, magical, beautiful, and musical jungle!

Like Jane Porter, I’m having difficulty making it up the gangplank.

TARZAN photographs by Lynn Mallare.

An addendum…

Why is the non-theatrical components of Epiphany’s summer theatre work so important to me?

This is why:

Paula Simmons

“I just finished marching band camp last night and we have a circle ceremony at the end of it. I had three or four kids who said, ‘I felt like an outcast, I felt like I did not belong, I did not think people cared about me until I joined this music group.’ When you hear a student say that, you know that music touches their lives, you know that music makes an impact. When they say, ‘if I were not in this group then I don’t know where I’d be,’ that makes your job as a teacher that much more important.”

Paula Simmons is the teacher/director who taught me far more about music!  I had Miss Simmons from 7th grade through my graduation, and post-Elwood, we worked together on marching band contests, marching band shows, Variety Shows, and especially, Ball State’s summer music camps.

This lady sums up not only what I believe as a teacher, and director, but what she demonstrated, and taught me as her student.

To my recent post-grad students who are preparing to leave for college to become band/choir directors:

This is exactly what I’ve been describing in our after-lesson life chats!  This is what you may never hear addressed in a college course.  You cannot start to learn this after you’ve begun your first teaching assignment; you must embrace it now, understand the process while recognizing that it is very much a part of your current life.  Know this, and have it in you BEFORE you begin your teaching career!  You will never build a program by celebrating your best students. You will build, and succeed only when each and every student believes they are the best they can be, that they matter, and that they are just as important, and vital to your program as soloists, section leaders, other student leadership personnel. Know I am proud of you, and know you are loved….

I am sure some folks would find my home’s location, immediately next door to a major southwestern Ohio high school, to be too noisy, too busy, and too annoying.

For me, it is absolutely wonderful!

When I first moved here 13 years ago, it was all about location for my private teaching from home, and my sons getting to and from school, and extracurricular events with ease.  Since all the boys were involved in choir, show choir, musicals, concert bands, marching band, and winter percussion, I could not have picked a better location.

The high school’s campus is quite extensive in property, stretching from Shroyer Road, where I reside, to nearly a half mile to the west where it is bordered by Far Hills Avenue.

Right now, at 9:30 AM, I am sitting on my deck enjoying a beautiful Thursday morning in mid-late July.  On the western side of the school’s backfield, overlooking Far Hills Avenue, the marching band is practicing.  I can hear one of the director’s amplified voice, as well as the metallic beat of the marching metronome.  Just a few hundred yards south, and to my left, the marching band’s front percussion ensemble, consisting of xylophones, marimbas, electric keyboards, and other auxiliary percussion instruments, rehearses in front of the high school.

Several times throughout the day, cross country runners, and other athletes pass in front of the house, or turn at the parking lot that borders our property.  In a few weeks, even more activities will commence nearing the start of a new school year.

In some ways, I do hate the beginning of marching band season because it signals summer nearing its end. However, nothing beats the energy, the excitement, and the thrill of experiencing music education in my own backyard, as well as inside my house.

“Isn’t all that noise distracting or annoying?”

Not at all!  It’s some of the greatest sound to my ears!

Support music education in our schools, and cheer on your own local marching bands at football games, and attend a marching band contest in your area!

Photographs of The 2014 marching season featuring Ohio marching bands from Fairmont high school in Kettering, Centerville high school in Centerville, and Beavercreek high school in Beavercreek.

Tonight I saw Epiphany Lutheran Church’s production of Disney’s TARZAN, again.  How fun to sit on the opposite side of the stage to see an entirely different perspective of the show.

Epiphany has historically double cast its summer productions.  It is a tough balancing act for directors, costumers, and cast, but Epiphany seems to have this routine down to a science.

The show that follows the opening production, or especially, opening night, most generally seems to be set with emotional booby-traps that sometimes clips energy, and focus.  I was not surprised that the first thirty minutes of this evening’s performance contained what I’ve always called, POD: Post-Opening Drag.  It happens.

Unfortunately, it happened for the other cast which was their opening night.  But, POD was short-lived, and due to all the rain we’ve had in the Miami Valley, yesterday, and today, I am betting the super line-up of performers had to slice their way through the rapidly growing jungle foliage.

Did it deter the production?

Not in the least.

This is where clear, firm guidance from a director, and well trained… um… apes, in this case, know how to get disentangled from the jungle vines.

As with last night’s cast, there were several performances that stood out this evening:

Brady Kress, who portrays Jane’s father, Professor Porter, came to me about five weeks before auditions, determined to participate in TARZAN.  During the day, Brady is the Walt Disney of Dayton History, serving as the CEO/President of Dayton History at Carillon Park.  This man is genius at bringing Dayton’s history to life for all ages, and has an amazing array of interests, and experiences that seem unbelievable at times.  Twenty minutes into his first lesson, it was apparent this newcomer to the well-trod theatrical boards was a fine bet for Porter.  Over the next few weeks, he proved it over and over.  Tonight, making his stage debut, Brady Kress was a damn fine Porter!  The father-daughter chemistry between he and Jane was believable, and tender.

One of my favorites to watch on Centerville High School’s stage is Cecily Dowd, tonight’s stage daughter of Brady Kress.  Cecily continues to grow as an actress/singer, and tonight, I found her to be especially appealing as Jane Porter.  The character demonstrated tremendous resolve, yet a deep compassion for the families of all species, especially, the apes.  Several times I wished I was playing the part of Porter just to work with Cecily.

Brady’s eldest daughter, Kate, has been a piano and voice student of mine for several years.  Tonight, she went on as Young Terk.  Kate, unlike her father, Brady, making his debut, has clocked in a good deal of stage time, most recently as the title role, MULAN, in Town Hall’s Children’s Theatre (and that is another gem in The Valley of Gems!).  As always, I was/am proud of Ms. Kate’s hard work, and fantastic performance.

I seem to be typing the name, “Kress,” often, but another Kress family member took to the spotlight in tonight’s cast, as well.  Brady’s niece (which makes her Kate’s cousin), Abby, knocked out a superb job as Kala, the ape who takes Tarzan in as her own child.  Wow!  The older Ms. Kress, who will be a senior at Bellbrook High School, stole my heart in one particular scene, cementing her outstanding performance.  Toward the end of Act Two, Kala leads Tarzan to his true origins where he discovers who his real parents were.  This is such a powerful, tender moment.  While Tarzan is discovering himself, Kala silently expresses the heartache, knowing she will probably need to let go of her adopted son, allowing him to grow as a human.  Abby’s agony could be felt thirty feet away.  It was magnificent to be that engaged with her character from where I was seated.  In many ways, it also reflected the fear we adoptive parents experience when our children turn 18, and are allowed to get in touch with their birth parents.  Will they still be ours?

I was really taken tonight with older Terk, played by Kathy Meyer.  Kathy, who I believe is the last of the tremendously talented Meyer siblings trio, pounced around the stage with a super blend of energy and talent.  “Trashing the Camp,” the rousing opening number for Act Two, where Terk leads the other apes in a cleverly choreographed production number is OUTSTANDING!  Kathy is perky, cute, and such fun.  I really appreciated her performance.

The one thing I love about twin casts is that I get to see two similar, yet, different characterizations of the same role.  Sometimes, there’s a chasm between performances, but for the two Tarzans, it is pretty even.  Last night’s Jeffrey Mack, and tonight’s Kean Petrello, each brought something to Epiphany’s Pride Rock, sans Simba & Company, that was similar, but each Tarzan was slightly different in great ways.  One offered more facial expressions, and responses, where the other showed it more with his entire body.  Each one worked, and each one was strong, and capable of swinging above the crowd in a loin cloth.

Tonight, there was an issue with a costume piece, and poor Kean/Tarzan had a few moments looking like Captain Hook without his hook, as he hand became trapped in the sleeve lining of his suit coat.  Again, a smart actor, dutifully trained by a capable director, knows how to handle the moment without making the moment about the wardrobe malfunction.  Bravo!

Thankfully, his loin cloth was not the wardrobe malfunction.

There really should be a fraternity for those of us who pranced around in waist wraps/loin cloths on stage!  Once upon a time, I was a part of this club wearing an Egyptian wrap, numerous times as Joseph in JOSEPH… and dying on a cross in JESUS CHRIST, SUPERSTAR.  I guess when one is younger, modesty is not such an issue…  At 50, it is… moving on…

There were so many new items I got to see tonight that I had not noticed last night.  In some ways, it was almost a new production.  I absolutely love the apes!  They crack me up!

I’ve added my thoughts from last night’s production at the end.  Other than the second cast making its debut, the remainder of my notes remains the same.

This is a damn fine production!

If you’ve not seen this production of Epiphany’s TARZAN, and you don’t have tickets, get off your jungle butt, and order your tickets, NOW!

Click on this link, NOW, and order your tickets for TARZAN! NOW!!!!  <– I’ve gone to the trouble of being user-friendly for you.

Thank you, Epiphany!

THURSDAY NIGHT’S PRODUCTION….

This Epiphany production of TARZAN contains 10 of my private students – several in principal roles, and a number of friends and colleagues in the cast, crew, and orchestra.

The cast is outstanding.  This production, as in previous Epiphany productions, is double cast.  Since I will be attending a second production to see the other cast perform, I just want to offer a Tarzan-yell shout out to Centerville graduate and Wright State University bound freshman, Justin Mathews, as Kerchak, Jeffrey Mack as Tarzan, Rachael Woeste as Jane, and my student who sings “the human invasion” solo, Mia Bridgman.  Super work!

The entire cast is tight, talented, very character driven, and energetic.  I was seated in the back where I observed a number of cast entrances and exits always conducted without ever losing character.   Impressive.

The orchestra, nestled backstage, has a beautiful blend, and a perfect balance.  To achieve this oft difficult challenge, I’ve always believed it goes beyond basic musicianship, incorporating a strong sense of theatrical understanding and artistry.  They certainly have the right artists on this job.

And supreme artistry is evident in almost every other aspect of this musical expedition.

I only recognized a handful of my own students on stage.  Why?  Well, the costuming was adorable, and a majority of the cast was cleverly disguised as apes.  For over a week, I’ve been hearing stories of especially fast costume changes, and from what I observed tonight, there was certainly a great deal of fast changing – including make up – backstage.

Matthew Benjamin never fails in creating further theatrical illusions, and beauty with his lighting plots.  More and more, I’ve become enchanted with lighting design.  I do not wish to do it myself, but because of artists like Matthew, my enjoyment, and especially, my respect, has been greatly deepened.  I believe my directing mentor, Joshua Logan, who often worked with Broadway lighting guru, Jo Mielziner, would heartily applaud Matthew Benjamin’s artistry.

Epiphany generously brings its audience closer to the heart of the story by using a thrust stage.  The set is a huge, fun junglized jungle gym complete with a slide, rock stairs, ladders, a climbing net, a bridge, and swinging ropes.  This is a director’s blocking playground!

A professional flying system was installed for this production.  Even though I’m aware of, and understand theatrical magic, it was still exciting to see actors flying and swinging overhead.

Two years ago, I was so enchanted with Epiphany Lutheran Church’s production, JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, directed by Megan Wean Sears.  There are times I dread attending this musical due to my extensive connection in the title role for 29 productions, and as director for 15 productions.  I attended this particular production three additional times.

Megan’s exciting expeditionary leadership through this musical jungle of TARZAN is energizing.  With the exception of Joe Deer, Stuart McDowell, and Greg Hellems, three extraordinary Wright State University musical theatre directors, Megan is unlike most area directors and gets the job done like a true professional.

So often I attend local productions, only to leave slightly agitated that so many directors miss many obvious, minute items. I have difficulty grasping how these wonderful opportunities can be missed, and in some cases, there are absolutely no excuses for mishandling directing responsibilities.

But this is certainly not the case with Megan.  While some less experienced directors might be envious of her success, especially her intense attention to detail, I’m cheering it on.

The performing arts arena is horribly competitive.  Sadly, it’s a vicious jungle filled with jealousy, and backbiting.  Due to Megan’s solid professionalism, I’m sure she has her envious detractors, but even colleagues who are not as adept could never deny she knows her stuff, and knows how to use it.

Megan’s productions are like a grand ballet that incorporates all the wonderful components of each artistic genre from the performing arts.  The pictures, though staged, always appear free of the director’s hand.  Unlike so many directors – the Wright State contingent excluded – Megan does not leave characterization to chance.  The characters in this vehicle are 3-D, and quite lovable.

I thought it was an absolute hoot to see so many talented performers taking such great pride in executing the personalities and behaviors of jungle apes.  When they pound the stage floor, grunting and yelping like real apes, I am howling!

The energy is strong, and even during the quieter moments the pacing does not lag, and the energetic undercurrent is always felt.  There are several moments when all the apes are on stage that it feels like it’s PLANET OF THE APES on musical steroids, supplemented by Red Bull.

It’s really an incredible feeling!

Do not waste time in ordering your tickets.  Make Jane Lane’s job much easier by hopping on the website to order your tickets.  There’s no reason for you to miss this production.

Grab the nearest vine, and swing into this incredible musical jungle.

A while back, my cousin, the very wise Dewey Smith, posted a clever comment on Facebook regarding the liquid consistency of oatmeal.  Should if contain less, or more water/milk.

I am quite fond of peaches and cream oatmeal.

However, when I prepare my oatmeal, I am now always critical of:

How much boiling water?

How much milk?

More water?

Less water?

More milk?

Less milk?

Do I wish to spoon it?

Do I wish to drink it?

I generally like to glide into my morning.  However, there is no ease when I am confronted with this never ending oatmeal option that harangues me in those crucial moments of adding the liquids.

Still, I push forward, with Cousin Dewey’s lament ringing in my ear (I’m mostly deaf in my right ear), hoping I might achieve the perfect consistency.

This morning, by golly, I did it!

Peaches and cream have become Darin’s delight!

Epiphany Lutheran Church.

Disney’s TARZAN, the musical.

Go see it!  

This was my first TARZAN expedition. In fact, I’ve never even seen Disney’s animated feature.  I know it must’ve come out around 2001 or 2002, because one of my newly adopted sons referenced his own adoption to Tarzan’s adoption in the animated movie.

Despite the fact that Disney stages phenomenal productions of their animated movies, I still remain slightly skeptical.  In fact, when I was working on a major project in New York City in 1997, the producer bought me a ticket to the fairly new BEAUTY & THE BEAST.  I dreaded going, thinking it would be more like Chucky Cheese with music.  According to my colleagues seated with me, my back stopped touching the chair by the end of the prologue, and I had completely invaded the space of the two guests seated in front of me during, “Be Our Guest.”

This Epiphany production of TARZAN contains 10 of my private students – several in principal roles, and a number of friends and colleagues in the cast, crew, and orchestra.

The cast is outstanding.  This production, as in previous Epiphany productions, is double cast.  Since I will be attending a second production to see the other cast perform, I just want to offer a Tarzan-yell shout out to Centerville graduate and Wright State University bound freshman, Justin Mathews, as Kerchak, Jeffrey Mack as Tarzan, Rachael Woeste as Jane, and my student who sings “the human invasion” solo, Mia Bridgman.  Super work!

The entire cast is tight, talented, very character driven, and energetic.  I was seated in the back where I observed a number of cast entrances and exits always conducted without ever losing character.   Impressive.

The orchestra, nestled backstage, has a beautiful blend, and a perfect balance.  To achieve this oft difficult challenge, I’ve always believed it goes beyond basic musicianship, incorporating a strong sense of theatrical understanding and artistry.  They certainly have the right artists on this job. 

And supreme artistry is evident in almost every other aspect of this musical expedition.

I only recognized a handful of my own students on stage.  Why?  Well, the costuming was adorable, and a majority of the cast was cleverly disguised as apes.  For over a week, I’ve been hearing stories of especially fast costume changes, and from what I observed tonight, there was certainly a great deal of fast changing – including make up – backstage.

Matthew Benjamin never fails in creating further theatrical illusions, and beauty with his lighting plots.  More and more, I’ve become enchanted with lighting design.  I do not wish to do it myself, but because of artists like Matthew, my enjoyment, and especially, my respect, has been greatly deepened.  I believe my directing mentor, Joshua Logan, who often worked with Broadway lighting guru, Jo Mielziner, would heartily applaud Matthew Benjamin’s artistry.

Epiphany generously brings its audience closer to the heart of the story by using a thrust stage.  The set is a huge, fun junglized jungle gym complete with a slide, rock stairs, ladders, a climbing net, a bridge, and swinging ropes.  This is a director’s blocking playground!

A professional flying system was installed for this production.  Even though I’m aware of, and understand theatrical magic, it was still exciting to see actors flying and swinging overhead.

Two years ago, I was so enchanted with Epiphany Lutheran Church’s production, JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, directed by Megan Wean Sears.  There are times I dread attending this musical due to my extensive connection in the title role for 29 productions, and as director for 15 productions.  I attended this particular production three additional times.

Megan’s exciting expeditionary leadership through this musical jungle of TARZAN is energizing.  With the exception of Joe Deer, Stuart McDowell, and Greg Hellems, three extraordinary Wright State University musical theatre directors, Megan is unlike most area directors and gets the job done like a true professional.  

So often I attend local productions, only to leave slightly agitated that so many directors miss many obvious, minute items. I have difficulty grasping how these wonderful opportunities can be missed, and in some cases, there are absolutely no excuses for mishandling directing responsibilities.  

But this is certainly not the case with Megan.  While some less experienced directors might be envious of her success, especially her intense attention to detail, I’m cheering it on.  

The performing arts arena is horribly competitive.  Sadly, it’s a vicious jungle filled with jealousy, and backbiting.  Due to Megan’s solid professionalism, I’m sure she has her envious detractors, but even colleagues who are not as adept could never deny she knows her stuff, and knows how to use it.

Megan’s productions are like a grand ballet that incorporates all the wonderful components of each artistic genre from the performing arts.  The pictures, though staged, always appear free of the director’s hand.  Unlike so many directors – the Wright State contingent excluded – Megan does not leave characterization to chance.  The characters in this vehicle are 3-D, and quite lovable.

I thought it was an absolute hoot to see so many talented performers taking such great pride in executing the personalities and behaviors of jungle apes.  When they pound the stage floor, grunting and yelping like real apes, I am howling!

The energy is strong, and even during the quieter moments the pacing does not lag, and the energetic undercurrent is always felt.  There are several moments when all the apes are on stage that it feels like it’s PLANET OF THE APES on musical steroids, supplemented by Red Bull.  

It’s really an incredible feeling!

Do not waste time in ordering your tickets.  Make Jane Lane’s job much easier by hopping on the website to order your tickets.  There’s no reason for you to miss this production.

Grab the nearest vine, and swing into this incredible musical jungle.   
    
   

One of my favorite holidays upon us – the Fourth of July or Independence Day.

The first three days of the week are incredibly swamped. However, it is a great price to pay so I can have four days for me alone.  The past three weekends of consistent rain and have me horribly behind schedule in completing my backyard projects.  I’ve managed to accomplish some of the little things, but it’s the big projects that I really want completed.

The front yard, on the other hand, is looking, and feeling mighty swell.

At nearly 5:00 AM, the deck is cool and peaceful.

4:00 AM, I responded to nature’s semi-gentle urging, and after feeling the strong, cool breezes overpowering the first floor, I decided to relax outside a bit. The wind is 15+ mph, and the wind chimes are clanging around to a bizarre rhythm that only Bernstein could decipher, and the dogs are lounging near by. 

 I am wanting to return to my bed, but this is relaxing and peaceful as the storm front, stretching all the way north to Canada and all the way back to St. Louis, prepares to enter the Miami Valley. 

 It’s 4:45 AM, and I am hoping it will be the rain that forces me the to finally make a retreat inside. These wind chimes have actually become maddening. 

This four-day weekend has come to an end.  

I absolutely love my summer teaching schedule which is generally 12 to 13 hours each on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.  It sounds grueling, but it is not. I get the teaching week over in three days, and then I have four days to devote to yardwork, writing, spending time with my dogs, traveling here and there, photographing to my heart’s delight, and if I so choose, relaxing.  I can relax and take naps any time, but during the summer months, I hate wasting a minute inside.

Right now I am relaxing in my Adirondack chair on the deck, listening to the distant thunder, watching the skylight up, feeling a few drops of rain, and delighting in the instrumental chorus of two windchimes doing their thing.

  
It’s the perfect way to end a Sunday evening after a full weekend of eight graduation parties, two parties, several breakfasts and lunches, yardwork, laundry, and housework.

It was such a beautiful weekend.

I’ve been busy with more gardening projects.  I always think I am done when I complete one project, but then come up with another idea. 

Bushes from the front yard now rest in the back, a semi-circle around the fire pit.  They will soon be joined by three box elders.

The very slender flower bed has been extended with hostas.  Later in the evening I added some impatiens.

This afternoon I received notice to head to Bern’s Garden Center where I was surprised by two newwisteria trees. 

12:00 PM:  ate lunch; showered

01:00 PM: headed to St. Charles school to watch a student kick major butt on his solo.

02:00 PM: at the middle school.

05:00 PM: ran some errands; more yard work.

8:00 PM: more yard work completed.

9:00 PM: my studio manager, Rita, stopped by so we could build the sign-up link.

11:30 PM: finished the sign-up link.

02:10 PM: finally in bed

Tuckered out….

I’ve had some time off, and though I planned to relax, read, enjoy walks with the dogs, I’ve not gotten to do any of these items.

Friday: I taught several lessons (on my first day off), completed some housework, began rearranging pictures on walls, kept busy until well after midnight.

Saturday: I finally got around to mowing the front yard, met some new neighbors, attended a graduation party, celebrated my friend Suzanne’s birthday.

  
Sunday: finished the wall hangings, attended to some errands, finally got  nap in, went to The Heritage Festival at Carillon Park to watch students in the concert band and then The Dayton Philhaomic’s performance. 

  
Monday: laundry, more house items, lunch with Suzanne & Erin, four graduation parties, worked with saxophone students on their concert band auditon music, more errands and house items.

  
Tuesday: taught some saxophone lessons at the middle school, grabbed a few items from Lowe’s, chatted with Mother, grabbed a quick nap, went outside at 3:00 PM to pull out the three shrubs in front (to move to the backyard), my 89 year old neighbor, Kate, came over to chat, then the storm hit…. The wind was strong, and three miles away a tornado struck at The Greene, overturning 20+ automobiles.  Spent some time with friends for dinner.  When the rain clouds cleared I returned to work in the yard: I dug up 18 hostas in the backyard, dug up three shrubs in the front and took them to the back; planted all the hostas.

Last year I combined some of Flyer and Navi’s ashes and buried them on the inside of the corner fence.  The baggie had deteriorated and their ashes resurfaced…  It seemed fitting.

Due to the rain showers earlier the ground was quite wet, and I was drenched, covered in mud. 

After showering I worked around the house until 11:55 PM. 

It’s now 12:50 AM, and I am finally ready to turn in.  What a great five days!

I met Nancy Winslow at Normandy United Methodist Church in 1996 when I became the director of music. We became fast friends, and still remain so to this day.

Nancy and I discovered so many things we shared in common.  Nancy and her husband, Elvin, have two sons, Steve and Phil.  Steve was born in 1963, and Phil was born in 1965; I was born between the Winslow sons, and Nancy referred to me as her “Hoosier son.”

One of my favorite stories: before I adopted my sons, I spent many Friday nights at Borders Books & Music, drinking coffee and reading books.  I fell in love with this one particular book, The White House: The History of an American Idea by William Seale; however, it was quite an expensive book.  Every week, I would use my coffee receipt to mark my place in the book.   Thanksgiving, 1997, I went to the bookstore and discovered the book was no longer there.  I ordered the book, and then when I received a call that the book was in, I explained that I no longer needed the book.

The ritual continued.

To my great surprise, and amusement, Nancy had purchased the book for me as a Christmas gift.  Even more hilarious: my receipts for coffee were still in the book!

For nearly 20 years, this book has remained one of my favorites.

 
Seven years ago, I began teaching Nancy’s granddaughter, Samantha, a sixth grade student in Centerville.

Two years ago, Nancy and Elvin moved to Kansas.  I did not relish the thought of Nancy being so far away, but via Sam and the world of technology, we’ve remained close.

Saturday morning, Samantha will graduate from high school. Nancy and her husband returned from Kansas for this big event.  They brought Samantha to her lesson tonight, and Nancy presented me with this beautiful cross stitch of the White House.  I had considered asking Nancy if she would make me a small cross stitch of my initials so I could have one of her creations for myself.

This beautiful gift touched me greatly.