Band Fundraiser Idea - Is it a good one?

I am part of the Band Boosters Club at my old high school. I usually look outside the box when it comes to fundraising. I'm going to run my ideas by you followers and you tell me if they are good or not. The local college thought they were but I would like to hear the opinions of others. Thank you for your opinion.

1. Have the band make CDs/digital music - The main problem with our band and chorus is that the students don't get to show off their talent. I was thinking since I have the know how to put out music, why doesn't the band? I've also seen other schools around our parts using this as a successful fundraiser. 
2. Youtube - have commercials for events such as battle of the bands, and performances.
3. Advertise - Advertise concerts at local businesses.
4. Concerts - Make the concerts worth it (because right now they are pathetic), and fun for the audience.

Please feel free to share thoughts!

~H

Music & Arts looked down upon in my old high school

              There's something about high school that I couldn't completely understand. Why exactly was it so bad being a Music Kid? And why do the music and art kids feel like they need full acceptance from everyone? Not only do I see it in high school, but I notice it in everyday life too. I've never saw a problem with being a music kid. I stuck to my own because music is my passion. I didn't care if the captain of the basketball team thought I was a nerd. Maybe I am? Big deal so what. I love my music. I love the music history. I love it because it's part of me. Being ashamed of my love for music and art is like being ashamed of myself. 
             I live in a small town where everyone knows everyone. It's full of gossip, rumors, and idiotic fights. In high school, there was a big divide between the music/art kids and the sports players. You can still see that big divide today. In my school, the sports coaches don't communicate well with the band and choir teacher. They expect the kids that are interested in both to forget the music because the sports practice is mandatory. People don't understand the music is a skill. It takes discipline and time to learn. You can't just take that away from the people that are interested in it. There is a lack of respect that is hard to ignore, even the administration and teachers look down upon us artistic kids. 
            It broke my heart when I guest played as the bassist for the studio band at my old school and the concert had to be rushed. What type of crap is that? At games people will stay there for hours but they won't sit back and appreciate the hard work and effort that goes into learning a musical piece? The choir and band numbers have dropped severely since I've graduated. I remember being there and seeing the hurt on my choir teachers face when a student dropped. Since that person was a close friend of mine I asked them why they quit and their reply was because I'm tired of being bullied and disrespected. How could a school district allow this to go on? And most of all... how can the administration and teacher faculty play a part in this? I respect those people that chose to play sports as well, although it's not my thing, but I would never try to diminish their self confidence. 
          From my personal experiences, I've received verbal abuse for picking up a bass guitar, I've had to take detentions for a sports kid because they had a game that night, and most of all I had to stick up for my rights. I am a human being no matter what my interests are. I would think that a high school would want to encourage the students no matter their interest of studies. For example, in my school we received music history in 8th grade, then it was optional when you entered high school ( my old school is Pre-K through 12 in one school), I took music history and music theory in high school, the classes were pathetic! The high school music history was a repeat of the 8th grade music history course, no effort to expand the horizons of young musicians. The music theory class was a joke because it rushed it so fast no one could grasp the concept. There are only three music classes available (Band and Chorus are considered Electives): Music History Grade 8, Music Appreciation, and Music Theory. 
        As for the concert subject, the band and choir had to up the tempo of the songs and squeeze everything together so that it only lasted an hour. When I was in high school, they were elegant lovely concerts. Everyone enjoyed music and between the band and choruses there were solo acts as everyone was getting set up. The principal would come out and joke with the audience, everyone had a smile on their face and had a wonderful time. There is no reason to get rid of such programs in a small school or make those programs feel less worth. It's completely sad that there has to be booster clubs for the band and chorus because they loose so much funding. It's also sad that we have to memorize all the music because  we can't afford sheet music. 
      I would really like to see respect being equal in those hallways. My friends that are still high school and I frequently visit often tell me that things have gotten worse within those walls. In my head I just want to grab people and shake them saying WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU! But, since I'm not one to cause a scene, I told my friends that if they want to get respect they shouldn't run from what they love. They should hold their head up high and be proud to be a music and art student. They are starting to take my advice, but sadly the administration is seeing it as a bad thing. I never backed down though. Even when the principal threatened me with detention or suspension. Because then he'd be punishing me for who I am.


I am a proud music student and musician. 

                                          Above is me at a young age messing around on the guitar.

                              

                                          Attempting to write my first song (According to home video its about              "skelskins" and "Ghooosts")




My name is Heidi and I'm not ashamed for being a music kid. And neither should you!




~ H

Moi Dix Mois

I apologize for not posting in a long while...or anything worth your while. I've been away for a family issue that came up suddenly. Tonight I will take the time out to talk about one of my guilty pleasure bands. I'm not really big on the J-Rock genre because in all honest, the singing gets on my nerves. But there is one band that I can listen to non-stop because of their great musical talent. And that band would be as the title says, Moi Dix Mois. This band can be placed under the Symphonic/Gothic/Industrial Metal genres.

Here is a taste of what they are like:

Moi Dix Mois was formed in 2002 by Mana who was in the band Malice Mizer. Moi Dix Mois is his solo project. I find there music to be neat and something other than the norm to listen too. 

Must apologize again for the short post. Due to family issues I don't have enough time to be on right now.

~ H

A Year Ago We said Farewell...

A year ago today we said farewell to a very talented and truly unique musician; Peter Steele. I grew up listening to the band, (And remember singing Black No 1 in my car seat), and I also had the pleasure of seeing the band 10.24.09 down in Clifton Park, Ny. That concert was very special to my family and myself. I never really knew how much Type O Negative's music touched me until I received a phone call from my boyfriend that Steele had passed away. I told my dad and he was in complete shock. It was also a big "wow" factor when all TON fans seemed to unite after the passing and so many tribute blogs and video emerged all over the web. He will definitely be remembered as one of the greats and be dear to the hearts of many fans. Tears are shed during certain songs (I've even seen my father shed a few),  I've even seen local shows give a moment of silence for him before each show. Thank you for your music. You have touched the hearts of many...Many miss you...


                                                           ~ May You Rest in Peace ~ 
                                                                   

Estatic Fear

Dear Followers (Or Blog Browsers), 

I'm going to be introducing one of my favorite listens the Austrian symphonic metal (You may also see them in the genres: Gothic Black Metal, Doom Metal, and/or Folk Metal) band, Estatic Fear. Estatic Fear has quite an interesting sound and long songs. Now I realize the sound of this band may not be to your liking. It took me a good three or four listens to get into them. Estatic Fear was founded in 1994; the main goal was to combine classical melodies, with dark/gothic metal. Their music is rather interesting because they combine instruments such as the flute and lute with regular metal band instruments. This combination is rather peaceful. For me this is one of the bands I could listen too when I want to relax. As I am a fan of Classical music and the Gothic Metal genre this band is perfect in combining the two elements. I find this band to be an inspiration of mine. 

The  songs I would like to share with you are off the CD A Sombre Dance:

                                  

The emotion running through their songs is hard to pinpoint. You tend to feel different emotions with each of their  pieces. One minute you want to feel bravery then it slowly drifts to an emotion of devastation. I must apologize for my short blog posts. Maybe I should write them at a more reasonable time than 3:43 AM. But I hope you've enjoyed the music.

~ H.K. ~

Band Recommendation: My Dying Bride

          Good evening. I welcome you to my page this time with a music recommendation. Tonight I can't seem to stop listening to the band, My Dying Bride. This is one of my favorite bands and they are on my need to see live list. To sum up My Dying Bride you can use this equation ( In my opinion): Edgar Allan Poe + Metal Band = My Dying Bride. If you are the type of person that likes bands for their lyrical content or a fan of poetry for that matter, then you may want to give them a listen. Every time you hear the lyrics of their songs you can't help but be overwhelmed with emotion. For me this is an "easy listening" kind of metal band. Check out the recommended songs & music videos from youtube below:

Writing - Don't Be Afraid

[ This post is the beginning of my writing tips.]

Tip Number One: You can't be afraid when you go to write. What gets released on that page is a portion of your soul. As cliche as that may sound, it's the truth. When you go to put that pencil on the paper you are saying yes, I'm listening. I started writing lyrics and poems when I was a little girl. It became my outlet and still is today. I believe in order to be a successful writer you must be confident with who you are. Your opinions, values, personality. You have to be able to admit your flaws and good points. For example: I'm defensive/protective of my family. My flaw is that I sometimes get too defensive. Once you are accepting of yourself as a whole you will be able to pour your heart out onto the page. 

Tip Number Two:  You must have a great writing place. You need to feel comfortable and have no distractions. For example: My writing place is on top of a rock in my back woods. I find nature to be a great inspiration and very soothing. Although, some people do not work well in quiet environments. Some people prefer to be where others go in and out, like a coffee shop or a cafe. All that matters is that you feel comfortable.

Tip Number Three:       Use a notebook and pencil instead of your laptop or digital devices. Yes, I know what you're thinking. What? Why would you say such a thing? Well, I'm saying it because it's a better way of getting your ideas down (not to mention you won't be distracted by your Facebook page). When writing it on paper your ideas flow better. 

Tip Number Four: Don't worry about form when writing. Sometimes I get my best lyrics/poems when I write in a journal format. Just rambling sentences then I look at them and put them in the order I want. Just spill what you want on the page. Always carry a notebook with you! You never know when inspiration is going to hit you!

I'm sorry for the poorly written blog this evening. But I do hope you enjoy those tips. Before I leave you this evening, I will share with you a poem I wrote in 2007.  This piece is called "Lullaby of You". After the passing of my grandfather I couldn't sing or write for a while. Then one night I woke up in the middle of the night and composed this work. I felt as if my grandpa was speaking to me, telling me to sing again. I hope you enjoy it. If you are a deviantart member and would like to watch my page click this link: www.hushedvoice.deviantart.com

Join me next post to hear a band recommend!

~H

Lullaby of You

by *hushedvoice

Lullaby Of You

Don't be worried.
hush don't cry.
I fell asleep with a lullaby.
It might seem that were far
apart. But, the day will come
when were back again.

In the blue sky, we'll
live again. The smiles
will grow upon us then.

Don't be worried.
Hush don't cry.
I fell asleep with a lullaby.
I might have never went to
rest. You soothed me into
my eternal sleep.

With that you know,
you must not weep.
Keep being strong,
you'll last long.

Don't be worried.
hush don't cry.
I fell asleep with a lullaby.
Your voice my passage to
the other side.

I held on as long I could.
We both know the birdies
fly. For this, I don't want
to see you cry.

Don't be worried.
hush don't cry.
I fell asleep with a lullaby.
I'm dreaming in my eternal sleep.
Your voice inside my head.
I see your faces everyday.
As if I were alive.

Stop holding yourself back.
Sing, sing again.
I want to see you singing.
And, being happy again.

Don't be worried.
hush don't cry.
I fell asleep with a lullaby.
The lullaby that let me rest,
was the lullaby of you.

                

And so it begins...

Hello everyone and thank you for taking time to gaze at the text before you.  Let me take this time to introduce to you the subjects that will be taking part in my blog.  My blog is based on my hobbies, which are actually steps I’m taking to achieve my dream.  What will be in this blog are three things: Music & Venues; Writing; Band Boosters. Now, you’re probably wondering what I mean by those three things. Relax; don’t feel confused I’m going to go into depth now. Let’s start with Music & Venues. Within this category I will be discussing music recommends and opinions. Also, I will recommend some concert venues that I’ve attended; my goal is to have video and photos [I just have to go through my shoeboxes of photos… so it may take a few posts…] for you guys too. Please feel free to share your recommends/photos as well. Moving on to writing. I write my own lyrics, poems and short stories [which can be seen on my deviantart page www.hushedvoice.deviantart.com] I want to share with you some of the writing techniques I use and expose the meaning behind some of my writings. I hope this helps any fellow writers and/or DA members. The third category is the Band Boosters club. This is a club at my old high school that raises money for the music program because it’s close to losing it’s funding. I feel a very strong love for music and the arts, so I partake in this. I think that music and art is important to students because it’s one of the few places in life where our imagination can come to life. So there you have it. A brief introduction to what I’ll be talking about. So feel free to comment and share. Looking forward to hearing your words!



- H