Simplicity is Golden

This came up while I was writing my debate cases. I had an argument, and I attempted to throw in a million pieces of evidence and analysis. It was a huge two page mess. When my assistant coach took a look at it, he pointed out about 2 sentences that worked. That was all that I had truly said. All of my smoke and mirrors had done nothing but confuse my audience. That proves that more often than not, simplicity is the best option.

Simplicity is shown in everything. We are all made up of a complexity of different things, such as tissues, cells, and proteins. These are further complicated into molecules and atoms. However, the further we get down, the simpler things get. Eventually all matter is broken down into particles called quarks. Very simple, yet because of their simplicity they are able to be built upon.

The same thing happens to me all the time in music. When given a complicated piece of piano music, my piano teaches finds the very simple melody below the blur of notes and haves me practice that over and over. After that is accomplished, I put the next layer of notes on top of that. Eventually, I get the whole thing completed, but only because I had a strong and simple foundation.

Overall, simplicity is the best option because sometimes you don't need to complicate things, and you need a strong foundation to build on.

A Little Update

To my loyal followers and readers,

I apologize for my lack of a real post this week. My debate has picked up, and I'm trying to meet my many deadlines for both that and piano. I will continue this blog, and post as often as I get ideas for meaningful posts. On a side note, in my English class I am required to post a blog. It will mostly be assignments for that class, but will also have some free writes that might be the same as posts on this blog. If you wish to view it, it is under the Non-blogger Links.

Thank you again for your faithful following of my blog, and I will pick up my writings as soon as possible.

Diversify Yourself

Believe it or not, I got the idea for this post off of my horoscope. Normally I'm not superstitious, but for some reason I always check it. Today's demanded that I experience new things. While vague, I still liked the advice. A talented musician does not only play one style. That shows that they are limited. Each type of music brings different things to the table; different chords, different tempos, and different effects to the listener. Just like styles of music, different experiences bring new benefits. If you keep on doing the same things over and over you won't get any additional benefits. Therefore, don't get stuck in a rut. It will keep you from experiencing the world.

Interlocking Parts Cont.

This post elaborates on my last idea. During a debate practice a couple of days ago we talked about two of the major ideas of philosophy; utilitarianism and deontology. The two are complete opposites in many ways. The former, which was developed by John Stuart Mills and Jeremy Bentham, says that an action is right if it gets the greatest good for the greatest number of people. If it does not, it is wrong. The latter, mostly developed by Emanuel Kant, says that even if it does get the greatest good for the greatest number of people, it may be wrong. Under deontology, if something conforms with the duties of people, then it is right. An example of these two ideas conflicting is the example of killing a person to save 10 others. Utilitarianism says that it gets the greatest good for the greatest amount of people, so it is the right decision. Deontology says that, since we as people obviously have a duty not to commit murder, that it is the wrong decision. I personally agree with deontology. Just like notes in music, every part is important. Utilitarianism says that we should get the best for as many people as possible, but must make sacrifices. This is like having a really complicated melody without any harmony. Deontology says we need to get the best for everyone, even if that means we all have to make slight sacrifices. That is like have a simple melody and a simple harmony. Because every part is important, I agree with the latter. Which idea do you agree with?

Interlocking Parts

There was an assembly in my high school today called Rachel's Challenge. For those of you unaware of what this is, it's about a girl named Rachel Scott who was the first person killed in the Columbine shootings. The assembly talked about several things she believed, all of which can be found at the organization's website. One idea that stuck out to me, however, was her view on being yourself. "Don't let your character change it's color with your environment, find out who you are and let it stay its true color." I could not agree more with this statement. She's saying that you can't let others shape you, and that you have to be true to yourself. Expanding on this idea, I believe it's almost your responsibility to be true to yourself. Just like in an orchestra, every part does something. Whether it's the melody, right at the front lines taking all the glory, or the harmony and rhythm, building the foundation on which the melody can stand on, it is needed to create true music. Therefore, be true to yourself. Not only is it beneficial to you, it's your responsibility to society to fill your unique niche.

The Human Touch

During band class today my director was talking about the difference between playing the notes on a page and actually making music. This brought into mind an episode of "The Outer Limits" I once saw. It was about a man with an increasingly large brain that made him super-intelligent. One thing that bugged me, however, was when the guy just sat down and played the piano without ever playing it before. "It's a simple mathematical formula" he stated, and I almost jumped out of my seat. No matter how advanced a computer gets, it can never create music like a person. There is an added touch that people give to music that can't be reproduced. The best way I can explain it is that our mind is like a mathematical function. You put in one thing, and get something else out. However, our function is one of a kind. Therefore, you can put notes on a page in and get that ,plus the added human emotion, out. Machines may be able to do everything else in our life, but one thing they will never take is our wonderful ability to create real music.

Rally for Music Class

Something I don't get about the school system is the loose emphasis on the arts. Every math teacher I have talked to has explained that most math is used to teach students critical thinking. Therefore, no matter how much certain students may not like the class, they must take it. Why, then, has music or art not become a major class? The Center for Educator Development in Fine Arts, or CEDFA, has done several studies, all which prove that the fine arts contribute to learning critical thinking and promblem solving. Now, I know they offer music classes as electives, or in the elementary once a week, but this is not enough. You need to get in depth with the theory to get the critical thinking to come into play. Even if students don't actually touch an instrument, the class would do its job just as well as any math class. Therefore, I don't see why the arts are not equal to all other major classes. Ask your superintendent, write your congressman. If you agree with me , let your voice be heard and rally for major music classes.