Take a look at this article from Christianity Today’s website. Titled “Saying More than We Can Say,” it defends the value of the arts even in light of ever-shrinking spending habits as a result of the current recession. I was personally very glad to read this article, and not just because my future career depends on the existence of a demand for the arts, but also because I genuinely believe that the arts are the best ways to declare the glory of God.
First a word to my friends in the sciences: I have always been a strong believer of science’s ability to soften some of the effects of sin (e.g., medicine, psychiatry, technology), and I it was in my high school math classes that I realized how strongly the simplicity behind the complexity in mathematics reflects the majesty of the Creator. I have no end of gratitude for the brain God gave me that allowed me to study the sciences at an advanced level in high school and foster my appreciation for them.
Which leads to what I believe is science’s shortcoming: it is somewhat inaccessible. A physician can see for himself or herself the “fearfully and wonderfully made” nature of the human body, but how many people are able to go to medical school?
I would argue that the arts are not so inaccessible. To be sure, just as not everyone can go to medical school, not everyone can be a professional sculptor or violinist (but I am Facebook friends with some future professional violinists, so I am perfectly content with not being one myself). The difference is that the threshold for engaging in the sciences is higher than for the arts. A child at play will far more likely be doing something of an artistic nature than of a scientific nature.
(Allow me to pause to define the two adjectives artistic and scientific. For my purposes, artistic is synonymous with creative, and scientific is synonymous with investigative.)
Because the arts are so accessible, the Church can more readily use this medium to point people toward Christ. And one can quickly see that local churches do in their music ministries, which in some churches may include or be augmented by drama and other creative arts ministries (and what would Vacation Bible School be without craft time?).
Last fall, I began the music history sequence as part of my major requirements at Wheaton College. My professor for Baroque and Classical Eras in the fall and Nineteenth Century Music this past spring, Dr. Jonathan Saylor, showed us that the hearts of many composers in the classical literature were focused on Christ, resulting in some of the most beautiful music in history. Their compositions were their cries of adoration to their Savior. And what (Who) else would have inspired the medieval church to build soaring cathedrals? What (Who) was behind the painters and sculptors of the Renaissance when they painted and sculpted images from the gospels?
Engage the arts…for the glory of God.
This is Rubio, over and out.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Early Summer Musings
The people who know me well will roll their eyes but will not be at all surprised when I state that I know exactly how long my summer break is: 98 days (which is exactly fourteen weeks). Today, Tuesday, is day 29, or one day past the four-week mark.
My obsessive counting skills aside, this first almost-month seems to have gone rather fast, despite the fact that my prediction in my last post was correct: I have only had a handful of days where I had scheduled activities between getting up in the morning and going to bed at night. I do at times miss the incessant pace of classes, rehearsals, meetings, and everything else that (very colorfully, as I use iCal) fills my schedule during the school year, but I have enjoyed the chance thus far this summer to read for pleasure, watch movies, and sleep. The first four weeks were not without its highlights.
As I mentioned in my last post, for the fourth summer in a row, I am in the seasonal employ of the Park District of Oak Park. To be honest, the weather has not been kind to us thus far: we have had more than a few days on which the outdoor air temperature was too low to open the pool. But (speaking for myself), the quieter work environment has given me a chance to reorient myself to the procedures, some of which have changed for this season.
Also, thank God for communication technology. Keeping up with friends scattered across the country and around the world (so many of my friends are spending time in Europe at some point this summer) is never easy, but it is made less difficult with such efficient technology that my generation really does take for granted. I have also been privileged to see a few of my friends from school in person since the end of the spring semester, and I hope the trend continues.
This Sunday, Oak Park and River Forest High School will celebrate its One Hundred and Thirty-Third Commencement. One of the distinguished members of the Class of 2009 is my younger brother, Paul. (The reactions of many of my childhood friends on realizing that Paul is graduating from high school were quite amusing.) And the forecast looks good, so the ceremony should be outside.
Todd Wilson, senior pastor at my home church, Calvary Memorial, started a new sermon series on the Book of Titus three Sundays ago. Pastor Todd was called to the pastorate quite literally the weekend I moved back to school in August, so I have only had sporadic exposure to his preaching in the nine months of the school year. I am really pleased that I will be in town and in the pews for the entirety of this series, which so far has been good.
And, as always, my summer involves following the triumphs and trials of the Chicago Cubs. I went to a game at Wrigley for the first time in a few years with an old friend two weeks ago, and quite enjoyed myself.
In short, my summer is going well. Nothing overly dramatic, but God forbid I ever underestimate the value of rest.
This is Rubio, over and out.
My obsessive counting skills aside, this first almost-month seems to have gone rather fast, despite the fact that my prediction in my last post was correct: I have only had a handful of days where I had scheduled activities between getting up in the morning and going to bed at night. I do at times miss the incessant pace of classes, rehearsals, meetings, and everything else that (very colorfully, as I use iCal) fills my schedule during the school year, but I have enjoyed the chance thus far this summer to read for pleasure, watch movies, and sleep. The first four weeks were not without its highlights.
As I mentioned in my last post, for the fourth summer in a row, I am in the seasonal employ of the Park District of Oak Park. To be honest, the weather has not been kind to us thus far: we have had more than a few days on which the outdoor air temperature was too low to open the pool. But (speaking for myself), the quieter work environment has given me a chance to reorient myself to the procedures, some of which have changed for this season.
Also, thank God for communication technology. Keeping up with friends scattered across the country and around the world (so many of my friends are spending time in Europe at some point this summer) is never easy, but it is made less difficult with such efficient technology that my generation really does take for granted. I have also been privileged to see a few of my friends from school in person since the end of the spring semester, and I hope the trend continues.
This Sunday, Oak Park and River Forest High School will celebrate its One Hundred and Thirty-Third Commencement. One of the distinguished members of the Class of 2009 is my younger brother, Paul. (The reactions of many of my childhood friends on realizing that Paul is graduating from high school were quite amusing.) And the forecast looks good, so the ceremony should be outside.
Todd Wilson, senior pastor at my home church, Calvary Memorial, started a new sermon series on the Book of Titus three Sundays ago. Pastor Todd was called to the pastorate quite literally the weekend I moved back to school in August, so I have only had sporadic exposure to his preaching in the nine months of the school year. I am really pleased that I will be in town and in the pews for the entirety of this series, which so far has been good.
And, as always, my summer involves following the triumphs and trials of the Chicago Cubs. I went to a game at Wrigley for the first time in a few years with an old friend two weeks ago, and quite enjoyed myself.
In short, my summer is going well. Nothing overly dramatic, but God forbid I ever underestimate the value of rest.
This is Rubio, over and out.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Summer Reading
This summer looks to be substantially more laid-back than last summer. Last summer I had two summer classes at a community college, two week-long trips, and work. This summer, all I have on a rigid schedule is work (I am once again working in pool operations for the Park District of Oak Park). As a result, I have substantially more “free time” to pursue personal interests, see friends, and relax (and practice). Knowing that I would have more time on my hands at the outset, I decided that the first thing I should do is to find a good book.
I have only been home from school for thirteen days, but already I am in the middle of reading four different books. Allow me to mention each and explain why I am reading each.
Christianity through the Centuries: A History of the Christian Church
Earle E. Cairns
I made some adjustments to my course schedule for the fall semester last week, which resulted in the addition of an elective course, Introduction to the History of Christianity. I had been looking around for an interesting elective course to make my schedule a little fuller, and when I came across this one and saw that it had several seats open, I quickly registered. I have never been a particularly strong student in history courses, so in preparation for taking a college-level history course, I picked up Cairns’ book to familiarize myself with the material before actually studying it. Thus far, I am finding it to be an excellent survey of the history of Christianity.
Economics for Dummies
Sean Masaki Flynn
Yes, I am a nerd. But I like to use my summers to obtain a cursory understanding of some disciplines that interest me but will not fit into my four-year plan at school. I am a big fan of the For Dummies series, so if ever I have an interest that I am unable to pursue as a student, I see what For Dummies has to say. I now have a basic knowledge of macroeconomics, and am looking forward to learning about the particulars of microeconomics.
Non-Profit Kit for Dummies
Stan Hutton and Frances Phillips
In my last post, I mentioned my new career interest of performing arts management. I figured that I might want to invest some of my leisure time this summer into familiarizing myself with that industry and related disciplines. I was browsing at Borders last week (armed with a Borders Rewards 40% off coupon!) and struck gold with this For Dummies book. It covers everything: starting a non-profit, management, and fundraising. The authors probably did not write the book with a performing arts organization in mind, but nonetheless many of the principles and certainly most of the information about nonprofit law will apply to whatever future career I might have. (Additionally, nonprofit law applies in some ways to schools, as well, where I will almost certainly start my career.)
The Pillars of the Earth
Ken Follett
Of the four books, Pillars is the only novel. I picked it up last summer and used it as reading material on the four different plane flights in July and August. I decided to read it again this summer, but in the comfort of my beanbag chair. It is a fictional account of the building of a cathedral in twelfth century England, set against the backdrop of the political drama of the time; most notably, the Anarchy. It is a long novel, covering a period of some forty years, and the follows the adventures and interactions of five characters, rotating perspectives.
And I still have some twelve weeks left before I return to school: plenty of time to read a few more books. Once I finish The Pillars of the Earth, a little British history might be next. Or maybe I will see about getting a head start on the teacher education course I have this fall: Introduction to Special Education. No promises, but I might publish another blog entry later in the summer on this same topic.
This is Rubio, over and out.
P.S. Happy Memorial Day!
I have only been home from school for thirteen days, but already I am in the middle of reading four different books. Allow me to mention each and explain why I am reading each.
Christianity through the Centuries: A History of the Christian Church
Earle E. Cairns
I made some adjustments to my course schedule for the fall semester last week, which resulted in the addition of an elective course, Introduction to the History of Christianity. I had been looking around for an interesting elective course to make my schedule a little fuller, and when I came across this one and saw that it had several seats open, I quickly registered. I have never been a particularly strong student in history courses, so in preparation for taking a college-level history course, I picked up Cairns’ book to familiarize myself with the material before actually studying it. Thus far, I am finding it to be an excellent survey of the history of Christianity.
Economics for Dummies
Sean Masaki Flynn
Yes, I am a nerd. But I like to use my summers to obtain a cursory understanding of some disciplines that interest me but will not fit into my four-year plan at school. I am a big fan of the For Dummies series, so if ever I have an interest that I am unable to pursue as a student, I see what For Dummies has to say. I now have a basic knowledge of macroeconomics, and am looking forward to learning about the particulars of microeconomics.
Non-Profit Kit for Dummies
Stan Hutton and Frances Phillips
In my last post, I mentioned my new career interest of performing arts management. I figured that I might want to invest some of my leisure time this summer into familiarizing myself with that industry and related disciplines. I was browsing at Borders last week (armed with a Borders Rewards 40% off coupon!) and struck gold with this For Dummies book. It covers everything: starting a non-profit, management, and fundraising. The authors probably did not write the book with a performing arts organization in mind, but nonetheless many of the principles and certainly most of the information about nonprofit law will apply to whatever future career I might have. (Additionally, nonprofit law applies in some ways to schools, as well, where I will almost certainly start my career.)
The Pillars of the Earth
Ken Follett
Of the four books, Pillars is the only novel. I picked it up last summer and used it as reading material on the four different plane flights in July and August. I decided to read it again this summer, but in the comfort of my beanbag chair. It is a fictional account of the building of a cathedral in twelfth century England, set against the backdrop of the political drama of the time; most notably, the Anarchy. It is a long novel, covering a period of some forty years, and the follows the adventures and interactions of five characters, rotating perspectives.
And I still have some twelve weeks left before I return to school: plenty of time to read a few more books. Once I finish The Pillars of the Earth, a little British history might be next. Or maybe I will see about getting a head start on the teacher education course I have this fall: Introduction to Special Education. No promises, but I might publish another blog entry later in the summer on this same topic.
This is Rubio, over and out.
P.S. Happy Memorial Day!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
My New Career Interest
This past Saturday evening was the final event of the 2008-2009 season of The Artist Series at Wheaton College. Composer Marvin Hamlisch and actor-singer Joel Grey, joined by our own Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra, performed major stage and screen music from the heights of the mid-twentieth century to an enthusiastic audience in Edman Memorial Chapel. I was privileged to serve as acting head stage manager for the event, and I had one of the best days of my life working the show.
Working for the Artist Series has been a huge blessing in my life the past year and a quarter. Readers of this blog will remember my enthusiastic recap of the April 2008 Artist Series presentation of Hector Berlioz' Requiem, for which I also served as acting head stage manager. In the 2008-2009 season, I have been backstage for four of the nine events: Branford Marsalis with the Filharmonia Brasileira, the National Acrobats of China, the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra, and of course Marvin Hamlisch and Joel Grey.
My experience with the Artist Series has exposed me to the world of performing arts management which, as anybody who has been around me during an “Artist Series weekend” will know, is something that really excites me, to the point of being a second career interest for me.
I say second because I am not for a minute abandoning my passion for music education. And music education and performing arts management are not at all mutually exclusive fields. In fact, the Artist Series seems to be the perfect marriage of the two in a unique program that brings world-class performing arts events into a world-class academic institution, providing a rare opportunity for exposure to the performing arts. What excites me about music education is the unique way it brings people together when they collaborate to produce a concert that in turn brings together an audience. High school students (my preferred level of teaching) are by no means the only demographic who can profit from exposure to and experience in the performing arts.
At this point, I am continuing work toward completion of a Bachelor of Music Education. My own opinion and the opinion of various Conservatory faculty are that music education is an excellent undergraduate degree for a career in performing arts management, especially for one interested in the education and outreach side of the industry. As for what happens after I graduate, I will wait for the Lord’s leading. At this point I want to start my career as a school music teacher, and probably work toward a master’s degree in performing arts management. But for now, as I said, I will continue to work toward my BME and to stay involved with the Artist Series. If it is possible, I encourage you to come to some of next season’s events (great deals on subscription packages are available!). They are:
Alison Balsom (October 2)
Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company (October 24)
The King’s Singers (November 13)
Russian National Ballet Theatre (January 23)
Band of the Irish Guards and Royal Regiment of Scotland (February 5)
Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra (February 27)
Festival of Voices (March 20)
This is Rubio, over and out.
Working for the Artist Series has been a huge blessing in my life the past year and a quarter. Readers of this blog will remember my enthusiastic recap of the April 2008 Artist Series presentation of Hector Berlioz' Requiem, for which I also served as acting head stage manager. In the 2008-2009 season, I have been backstage for four of the nine events: Branford Marsalis with the Filharmonia Brasileira, the National Acrobats of China, the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra, and of course Marvin Hamlisch and Joel Grey.
My experience with the Artist Series has exposed me to the world of performing arts management which, as anybody who has been around me during an “Artist Series weekend” will know, is something that really excites me, to the point of being a second career interest for me.
I say second because I am not for a minute abandoning my passion for music education. And music education and performing arts management are not at all mutually exclusive fields. In fact, the Artist Series seems to be the perfect marriage of the two in a unique program that brings world-class performing arts events into a world-class academic institution, providing a rare opportunity for exposure to the performing arts. What excites me about music education is the unique way it brings people together when they collaborate to produce a concert that in turn brings together an audience. High school students (my preferred level of teaching) are by no means the only demographic who can profit from exposure to and experience in the performing arts.
At this point, I am continuing work toward completion of a Bachelor of Music Education. My own opinion and the opinion of various Conservatory faculty are that music education is an excellent undergraduate degree for a career in performing arts management, especially for one interested in the education and outreach side of the industry. As for what happens after I graduate, I will wait for the Lord’s leading. At this point I want to start my career as a school music teacher, and probably work toward a master’s degree in performing arts management. But for now, as I said, I will continue to work toward my BME and to stay involved with the Artist Series. If it is possible, I encourage you to come to some of next season’s events (great deals on subscription packages are available!). They are:
Alison Balsom (October 2)
Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company (October 24)
The King’s Singers (November 13)
Russian National Ballet Theatre (January 23)
Band of the Irish Guards and Royal Regiment of Scotland (February 5)
Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra (February 27)
Festival of Voices (March 20)
This is Rubio, over and out.
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