I started my new classes today!

[cookie]

Hey, folks. I don't think I've mentioned this yet, but I've gotten a little boost in my position at the college for the semester. You know that I direct the Vocal Jazz Ensemble at Ithaca College. That's cool and all and I'll continue to do that but this semester, for the first time, I get to teach daytime jazz classes, too! I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity.

I'll be teaching Jazz Improvisation I, Music Calligraphy (yes, we still teach that), and advising some jazz chamber ensembles.

It's only for this semester (class schedule is different for Spring), but I'm thrilled to get a crack at it and confident I can do a good job. I started today and it went very well.

20 years ago (fall of 1984) I started as a freshman at IC and took both of the courses I'm teaching that first year. I never imagined that 20 years later, I'd be teaching them!

Anyway, I'm very happy and will be celebrating with a Thai food dinner in minutes.

Thanks for letting me share!

[john williams]

Good Luck Cookie!

[Ron Thorne]

Thanks for letting you share? Are you kidding, Cookie?

Hope your Thai dinner was perfect. It's among my very favorite ethnic foods, and I can make a few dishes to perfection, if I say so ...

Congratulations, and have a blast this year!

[mke]

Congratulations on the new classes!

[claude]

Congratulations! From your contributions to this board I would say that the students are fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and passionate teacher.

[bluenoter]

Cookie--
Mazel tov! Mit a rechte foos!

[That's Yiddish for Congratulations! May you begin the journey "with the right foot" (which you already have); may the enterprise have an auspicious start (which it already did)--and may it continue to be a happy, successful trip!]

[Dr Dave]

Congratulations.

How satisfying to feel the wheel go round, eh? Savor the moment.

[Gary Sisco]

Cool, Cookie.

[Gentle Giant]

[clinthopson]

Way to go Cookie! I wish I could audit your classes.

[tippy]

Right on, busy girl! What is music calligraphy by the way? Good luck and congratulations! Hope you have a wonderful semester.

[graypencil]

Yo Cookie!

Big time props on your promotion and the new classes ..

Are you gonna teach the kids HAND calligraphy ..or the new Finale/ Sibelius method ..or both ?

have a great year!!

phil ( gp) K

[cookie]

Thanks, guys! And, yes, GP, we do still teach the ancient art of hand calligraphy (the art of writing/copying music by pen, Tipp!). There are also computer classes but the jazz department still offers this course.

I'm also hearing some *very* good singers in the auditions. Nice!

[GoodSpeak]

Very, very cool, Cookie



Show 'em what its all about, OK?

[Ron Thorne]

Somewhere, I have a very cool old music calligraphy pen which got clogged and stopped working years ago. I'd love to drag it out and get it cleaned in an ultrasonic machine and see if it will flow again. I love the other form of calligraphy (with letters), too.

[cookie]

When I took the Calligraphy course 20 years ago, I learned to write with the Osmoroid Music Callegraphy pen. Unfortunately, it's no longer available so we substitute a Flair. You can get good, clear, readable copy, but the art of the real calligraphy pen made for some pretty scores. You just can't effect the same curves.

I like calligraphic words, too, Ron. I've learned some of that and enjoy using my skills from time to time on cards and such.

My favorite tool in calligraphy is the single-edge razor. I am VERY skilled in scratching out mistakes!

[Ron Thorne]

Yep, that's the one, Cookie. I also have an Osmoroid. I agree that it was a perfect tool, although there are still dip-style pens which work equally well, though not as conveniently.

I use both current technology calligraphic pens for writing, as well as old-school Japanese bamboo pens and brushes. They're all a gas, and keep creative, artistic writing style alive.

[SinginSumo]

Wishing you the most talented and enthusiastic of students, Cookie!