The Funniest Political Commentary Ever?
As I was surfing around the net checking out the news I stopped off at the Daily Kos to see how they may be covering the Republican Presidential Debate in Baltimore. I must say I was disappointed by ALL of the coverage, or lack there of, about this gathering of candidates that promised to focus […]
Trust… But Verify!
After three years of work we finally finished our major project conducting an arts education census of every public school for the state of New Jersey. It was a long, involved, complicated process involving two agencies of state government, dozens of organizations, hundreds of people and thousands of schools. The results create the most comprehensive […]
Sandy Feldstein
I heard the news today… It is with great sadness, that my mom, Tracy and I announce that Sandy Feldstein has ended his year long battle with cancer. We were all together at home in Tarzana California when he passed very early this morning. He was at peace, surrounded by his family and the […]
“Money doesn’t make the difference, accountability does.”
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the city’s plans to add accountability in arts education to the measures principals will be graded on for the success of their schools. This announcement follows months of concern that the Department of Education was more concerned about releasing the funds that had been dedicated to the arts […]
Do Schools Kill Creativity?
One of the most enjoyable parts of my work is that I get to hang out with people who are significantly smarter than I (as a drummer this means just about anything with a pulse!) Sir Ken Robinson has been a personal friend and advisor to my work for the past several years. He is […]
Mike Huckabee Brings Arts Ed to N.E.A. Convention
Governor Mike Huckabee continues to push the issue of music and arts education as a central cause of his campaign for president. Although he has voiced his frustration that education has not come up in the debates as much as it is brought up by voters on the campaign trail. After three presidential debates and […]
The Boys in the Band Are in AARP
When I speak the concept of "music for all" the all part means just that… all. All people. All ages. All backgrounds. This story from the NY Times highlights a particular group – baby boomers – we focused on more than a decade ago. I was at NAMM and put together NAMM's "Weekend Warrior Program" […]
My Interview with Mike Huckabee
Last week at the Iowa Bandmasters Association meeting I was able to sit down with Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee to talk about music in his life and the reasons he is focusing on music and arts education in his campaign. The complete unedited interview is part of our most recnt version of From the Trenches. […]
Weapons of Mass Instruction
Mike Huckabee made a surprise appearance at the Iowa Bandmasters Association meeting in Des Moines on Friday and made sure there was no mistaking his position on music and arts education. Radio Iowa documented his visit: Huckabee: musical instruments can be "weapons of mass instruction" Friday, May 11, 2007, 1:27 PM By O.Kay Henderson Republican […]
Musical Tastes of the Candidates
In our continued efforts to unwrap the musical and artistic sides of our presidential candidates we have been given this gift from the Associated Press. In their musical tastes, the presidential candidates are a little bit country, a little bit opera, oldies, pop, soul and goth rock. The Associated Press is asking the candidates a […]
