Background music affects attitudes toward sharks
Music shapes our perceptions and emotions, even about sharks. It has long been a part of a well-rounded education in our schools.
Fine Arts
Metea Valley musical is crazy good, crazy political
A musical at a suburban Chicago high school foreshadowed, in a crazy, creepy, kooky way, the Republican Party's nominee for president.
Apparently, sea lions can also keep the beat
A few non-human animals have been known to have the ability to keep a musical beat, and now research has been published looking at what may be the mechanism.
Rich Twp. high schools lose a band director
The band programs at Rich Twp. high schools are being reduced: declining enrollment, budget issues (of course). Not my favorite decision.
Classical composers’ creativity & the blues
Great composers were most creative during periods in their lives when they felt the greatest sadness, new economics research suggests.
Why do we tap our feet to the beat?
We tap our foot to the beat when we listen to or perform music. Why is it such a subconscious, almost automatic response?
One more parade before the rains
The Elk Grove HS band marched in the Nat'l Independence Day Parade. It was an emotional experience, esp. for a handful of super-seniors.
May musicals at IL high schools
Musicals wind down for the academic year every May. Just a few remain in Illinois. Break a leg.
Creativity gets kids to perform music, by Yo-Yo Ma
What does it take to be a world-class musician — or world citizen? Yo-Yo Ma, a cellist, and his Silk Road Ensemble give us a peek.
Here’s how Dist. 204 wins so many Grammys
Metea Valley HS in Aurora, IL, will receive a Grammy this year, when the awards are announced, and Dist 204 in the western suburbs is familiar with the honor.