World Music Exploration - Tarantella

Now that the ensemble classes and Virtual Choir 3.0 (that's another story) are behind us, we can resume our world music exploration. This month, my students and I are exploring one of my favourite countries in the world: Italy.

Italy is rich in history, food, culture and of course - music! This is perhaps one of Italy's most famous folk dances, the Tarrantella:

It translates to "tarantula". It's a circle dance which features changes in direction and tempo. This recording features the mandolin. The above version is Neopeltana one. There is also a Sicilian and Calabrese Tarantella.

All this talk of Italy has given me a huge craving for Italian cuisine and limone gelato.

(c) 2012 by Musespeak(TM), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

Doggone Holidays - Unique Ideas for Dog-Friendly Vacations

I was quite surprised that this piece of mine fell victim to Suite101.com 's Great Purge. I had a blast writing this. There are just so many places to take Maestro to!

People love their pets. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, over 49% of Americans consider their pets to be full-fledged members of the family. In 2009, 18% of Americans took their pets on vacation with them.Businesses in the tourism industry are getting the hint. Some establishments offer packages for dogs and the people in their lives, such as activity camps and canoeing adventures; while one beach town has opened the majority of its doors to canine visitors.Outdoor Vacations for Adventurous Dogs and Their Families Camps are sprouting up with fun activities for dogs to enjoy with their entire family. These companies include classes such as agility, flyball, frisbee, rally obedience and swimming. In addition, these camps offer workshops and demonstrations for human family members on various topics, such as first aid for dogs, understanding your dog's body language and troubleshooting behavioral issues.

Canine Club Getaway on Roaring Brook Ranch (Lake George, NY), offers five-day getaways for the entire family. In addition to classes and demonstrations, they offer hikes, Barks and Crafts, a costume contest, Yappy Hour and doggie weddings.

In Chicago, IL, Camp Dogwood designs offers weekend and extended camps throughout the fall, winter and spring. Some of their unique classes include Training Secrets: Teach Your Dog to Do Anything, Dock Diving Workshop and their Rowdy Rover Workshop.

For active dogs and their humans, Dog Paddling Adventures in Richmond Hill, ON, offers exciting outdoor adventures year-round. They offer canoe trips in the summer and in the winter, they offer skijoring and kicksledding in trips. They run hikes in the spring and fall.

Luxurious Vacations for Pampered Dogs and Their Families

An increasing number of hotels, motels and bed and breakfast establishments welcome pets. They offer amenities for their canine guests, ranging from pet beds and water dishes to massages and special menus for the dog. Pet sitters can be arranged when owners want to do some sight-seeing or shopping without the dog.

Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ is one of four hotel resorts recommended by Modern Dog Magazine. Canine guests arrive to find treats, a water bowl and dog blanket in their room. Their goodie bag includes a leash, tennis ball, dog toy, MANKINDog wristband, waste bags and more treats. Hotel Valley Ho offers in-room doggie massages for their canine guests.

In Vancouver, BC, dogs and cats registered in the Palisades Pooch Program at the Pacific Palisades Hotel are welcomed in grand style. In the pet corner, visiting pets are listed on the hotel welcome board. Each canine and feline guest receives treats, water bowls and a special door sign to use when the pet does not want to be disturbed.

For families who want to include their dog on all aspects of their vacation, head to Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. In "Carmel redefines dog-friendly vacations", Ann Tatko-Peterson states "It has 25 hotels, inns and bed-and-breakfasts welcome pets of all sizes, and 44 restaurants, bars and coffee houses that offer seating where dogs are permitted." Various art galleries, stores, city hall and even the Church of the Wayfarer welcome pets.

Families who consider their dog a full-fledged member of the family have a growing number of vacation spots that welcome and cater to these pampered pets, including activity camps, hotels and tourism sites. Pet owners should research traveling with their dog and handling pet travel anxiety before embarking on a dog-friendly vacation. It is best to make reservations in advance to ensure that the accommodations are prepared to receive all members of the family, furry and non-furry.

(c) Rhona-Mae Arca, 2010. All rights reserved.

Iaido - The Art of Traditional Japanese Swordmanship

Another one of my Suite101.com articles that got cut in The Big Purge. I'm not entirely sure why this one didn't make it but as you can see, not concerned enough to dispute it:

In times of war, samurai honed their swordsmanship skills on the battlefield. Iaido was developed as a means for samurai to maintain their skills during times of peace. Today, it is a martial art that attracts practitioners seeking moving meditation. Iaido is related to Kendo and Jodo.

Like its siblings, Iaido involves traditional Japanese weaponry. Unlike Kendo and Jodo, Iaido is a solitary, non-combative martial art. One common translation of the kanji for "Iaido" is the one used by Chris Gilham sensei of Ka Muso Kai: “the way of harmonizing one's self in action at all times and in all conditions.”

An iaito, or practice sword is custom-made to the users tastes and size. Photo by R-M Arca.

Iaido Clothing and Equipment

Iaido practitioners, called "iaidoka", begin training with a wooden practice sword (bokuto or bokken). As training progresses, they invest in an iaito, a dull-blade training sword. Advanced practitioners can use a shinken (live blade). Only iaito and shinken are allowed when grading. The Iaido uniform consists of a black gi, hakama and obi. The sheathed sword is inserted through the obi. The sheath (saya), is secured to the uniform by tying a silk or cotton cord (sageo), to the hakama.

Iaido Customs and Etiquette

The newest students in the dojo are responsible for set-up and clean-up of the training space. Upon entering the dojo, Iaido practitioners bow towards the shrine (shinzen or kamiza). While in the dojo, iaidoka traverse barefoot and in straight lines. They walk along the periphery of the dojo as a safety precaution.

The instructor is addressed as “sensei” (teacher) while the more senior students are called “senpai” (seniors). Junior members are called “kohai.” When responding to one another, practitioners respond affirmatively in Japanese. When greeting or thanking one another, iaidoka bow to each other as a sign of respect.

Iaido Training and Techniques

Iaido training is comprised of reiho (etiquette), warm-up exercises and kata (forms). Opening and closing reiho involve bowing to the shinzen, sensei and sword. Warm-up exercises include sword cuts in various positions. The sensei introduces a technique to a student and then leaves the student to practice. Periodically, the sensei and senpai check on a kohai's progress. Once a student masters a technique to the sensei's satisfaction, a new one is taught.

Iaido kata are patterns that represent everyday situations a samurai might have faced, such as drinking with someone who suddenly draws his sword. Iaidoka perform these kata while facing an imaginary opponent (teki). From a state of relaxed awareness and with the eyes focused on the horizon (metsuke), the Iaido practitioner reacts to an envisioned threat.

There are five parts to every kata:

• Nukitsuke: drawing the sword and making the initial cut,

• Furikaburi: raising the sword overhead,

• Kiri-oroshi: killing cut,

• Chiburi: shaking the blood from the blade and

• Noto: re-sheathing the sword.

Each kata is completed by returning to one’s original position. Jo-ha-kyu is integral to the rhythm-timing in Iaido. Forms should be executed with fluidity, efficiency and precision, all while the practitioner's eyes are focused on the opponent.

There are 12 forms in the Seitei Iai Gata: mae, ushiro, uke nagashi, tsuka ate, kesa giri, morote zuki, sanpo giri, ganmen ate, soete zuki, shiho giri, sou giri and nuki uchi. After mastering these kata, Iaido practitioners learn older styles of Iaido, such as koryu and okuden.

Iaido is the art of of Japanese swordmanship. Photo by Jonathon Wilkes.

Iaido practitioners can participate in tournaments and grading. The All-Japan Federation adopted a -kyu ranking for lower levels and a -dan ranking system for grading black belt levels in Iaido. Many federations, such as the Canadian Kendo Federation, the British Kendo Federation and the All United States Kendo Federation, follow this system.

History of Iaido

Iaido can trace its roots to a Japanese swordsman named Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu, who lived from 1546 - 1601. His sword techniques were called Batto-Jutsu, Shin Muso Hayashizaki Ryu, Junpaku Den, Shigenobu Ryu and Iai-jutsu.

Upon Hayashizaki's death, his style was carried on by the first Soke (headmaster), Tamiya Taira-no-Hyoe Narimasa, who instructed Tokugawa Ieyasu. By the eleventh Soke, two distinct sword styles emerged: Shimomura-ha and Tanimura-ha. These later evolved into Muso Shinden Ryu and Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, two popular styles of Iaido today. The term "Iaido" was first used by grand master Nakayama Hakudo in 1932. He was involved with codifying the techniques for both schools.

Once a means for samurai to maintain their swordsmanship skills during times of peace, Iaido is now a non-combative martial art. Although it is a sword-based art, Iaido is a form of meditation in motion, in which the practitioner strives to reach "mushin" (no-mindedness).

Sources:

Chris Gilham sensei (4th dan), Colin Pitman (4nd dan) and Alex Cook (4nd dan) of Ka Muso Kai.

Aukland Kendo Club: History of Iaido (accessed June 30, 2010).

Fighting Arts: Iaido (accessed June 30, 2010).

Fighting Arts: From the Beginning: The Importance of Reishiki in Iaido (accessed June 30, 2010).

The Iaido Journal: An Introduction to Iaido: Its Purpose and Benefits (accessed June 30, 2010). Copyright Rhona-Mae Arca, 2010. All rights reserved.

Product Review: FitBall Wedge

Originally written for Suite101.com in November 2010. Another one that didn't survive "The  Big Purge"

Do you suffer from back pain or poor posture? Sway, wiggle and squirm your way to correct posture and pain relief with the FitBall Wedge.

On December 11, 2009, Fox News reported that a study conducted by the Institute for Medicine and Public Health found that people spend an average of 56 hours a week sitting. In "That's the Way the Ball Bounces!" from Working Well, it states that the average American spends 14 hours a day sitting.

Even more alarming is the conclusion Genevieve Healy, Ph.D. from at the Cancer Prevention Research Centre after a conducting a study at the University of Queensland in Australia. She reports that not even 30 minutes a day at the gym can counteract the effects of sitting for eight, nine, or 10 hours a day.

Active sitting can relieve pain and fosters overall health. It is also known as "unsupported seating" and "sitting in motion." Active sitting encourages the body to move and adjust constantly. It also encourages the body to sit in a more natural position.

There are numerous benefits to active sitting, as stated by

Fitterfirst

, a supplier of active sitting devices:

• improved core fitness: Continuous movement to re-stabilize your torso strengthens your spinal and abdominal muscles.

• burn calories: You can burn up to 350 calories a day from active sitting.

• improved balance: Active sitting is a form of balance training.

• fosters natural body posture and alignment.

• maintains blood flow.

What is the FitBall Wedge?

The FitBall Wedge is an active dynamic seating device. It is an 13" inflatable wedge made of PVC. One side is smooth while the other has sensory bumps. There is also a 10" FitBall Wedge Junior for children.

The FitBall Wedge can be placed on the seat of any office chair or task chair. While sitting with the FitBall Wedge, make sure that both feet are firmly on the floor. Bounce in your seat, move back and forth and from side to side to enjoy the benefits of active sitting.

Alternatively, you can place the FitBall Wedge on the back of a chair for extra lumbar support.

You can use an air mattress pump or air raft pump to inflate the FitBall Wedge. Beginners should start with more air in their FitBall Wedge until they have adjusted to active sitting.

Simply wipe down the FitBall Wedge with soap and water to clean it.

User Testing and Assessment of the FitBall Wedge

I purchased the FitBall Wedge one week ago to encourage my piano students to sit properly at the piano and to ease my own back pain.

My students, aged five to 50+, giggled over the new cushion and its bumps. "This is fun!" was a sentiment shared by most of my students just minutes into a lesson. My three fidgety students appeared more focused during their lessons. It helped that I placed another active seating disc at their feet. Each student who used the FitBall Wedge looked more relaxed at the piano bench and sat with proper posture. I have often noticed classically-trained pianists play with stiff posture and limited range of motion. My students were forced to move with the wedge, making their playing more natural looking, ergonomic and expressive.

I found the FitBall Wedge a back-saver. Between teaching and preparing for eight performances this month, I am at the piano over 30 hours a week and then sitting in front of a computer for at least an additional 10 hours a week. My back pain disappeared within minutes of sitting on the FitBall Wedge.

There are two minor drawbacks. The FitBall Wedge is available in only one colour. I also wish it could fit more easily into a bag full of music books. However, it still is more portable than a core stability ball.

As with any active sitting device, people with poor balance or who recently had back surgery should consult with a medical professional first prior to using the FitBall Wedge. If used improperly or with incorrect posture, the positive effects of active sitting can be nullified.

About the FitBall Wedge and Ball Dynamics International

The FitBall Wedge is manufactured by Ball Dynamics International LLC

It was founded Joanne Posner-Mayer, P.T., an expert on therapeutic Swiss Ball applications. It is available on Amazon. Locally, you may purchase it at Fitter First.

For more information, read "Sitting Too Much?" by Selene Yager, Women's Health Magazine, Exercise Ball Moves to the Office and Understanding Musician Injuries.

THWOMP Interview: On Convention Gigs

Originally written for Suite101.com on July 27, 2010 as part of my  Interview with Dave Marshall and Brad Stanton of THWOMP series. This one didn't make the cut (although the other parts did, go figure). Here, Brad Stanton and Dave Marshall of the Nintendo® cover band THWOMP discuss convention gigs:

Calgary-based Nintendo® cover band THWOMP has attracted a growing fan base of gaming enthusiasts. They will rock Edmonton on August 6, 2010 at Animethon 17.

In the fall, they will release their debut CD. Band members Brad Stanton and Dave Marshall came for an exclusive chat with Suite 101. In this segment, they talk about this year’s convention gigs.

Video Game Bands and Conventions – A Good Fit 

Conventions draw anime otaku, hardcore gamers and comic book fanatics, giving them a platform to publicly indulge in their geeky passions. In On Gigs, Past, Present and Future, Brad explained that these enthusiasts make for their ideal audience.

Having performed at Alberta's anime conventions for a couple of years has given the group members a unique insight in convention organization. "It’s interesting being on the inside a little bit, seeing how some of them are run," shared Brad. "How completely different they are, even when it’s a lot of the same people because it’s people from the same circle."

Anime conventions are mostly volunteer run, which the group admires. "They’re doing it just because they love the experience, which is kind of like what we’re doing," said Dave. "It’s a good fit in that respect too." 

Animethon is Alberta's longest running anime convention. The anime con takes place every summer at Edmonton's Grant MacEwan University. The guys from THWOMP are looking forward to their August 6 gig. "Last year was such a hoot," said Brad. "We tore it up. We had some fun. So we’re gonna expect some good people there. It’s a good show."

The group is appreciative of the efforts that convention organizers put towards hosting an entertaining show. man, they put in a huge effort into it last year, too," said Brad in relation to Animethon 16. "The stage last year was so wicked."

THWOMP at the Calgary ExpoLast year marked THWOMP's debut gig at the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo, held every spring on the Calgary Stampede grounds. The Calgary Expo attracts high profile guests such as Star Trek's Leonard Nimoy and Brent Spiner.

THWOMP's expo experience hit some sour notes. The guys tried their best to rock the convention "on some risers in a box" during their half-hour gig. Unfortunately, their gig was scheduled at the same time as the cosplay contest. "That was lame!" said Brad. "You can’t rock out in convention hall lighting. It just doesn’t happen."

THWOMP at Otafest  

THWOMP also enjoys their gigs at Calgary's annual anime convention, Otafest. This anime con is held every May long weekend at the University of Calgary. The organizers have experience hosting anime cover bands and video game cover bands and take great efforts to staging the shows properly.

The 2010 Otafest was extremely memorable. THWOMP's show blew a fuse, cutting off power in one side of the building. "It was exciting," recalled Dave. THWOMP is a Nintendo® band comprised of Calgarians Brad Stanton (lead guitar), Colin Mitchel (lead guitar), Scott Munro (bass), Scott Moffat (drums), David Marshall (keyboards/percussion) and Kirk McVean (keyboards).

For more information about THWOMP, the band or to listen to audio clips, visit their website and Myspace page. In upcoming installments of this Suite 101 exclusive interview, Brad and Dave discuss video games, fun and food.

Full interview series: Part 1 – THWOMP’s Origins | Part 2 – Band Names & Niches | Part 3 – Songwriting | Part 4 - Hey! Listen! CD Release | Part 5 - On Gigs | Part 6 - Convention Gigs | Part 7 - Video Games | Part 8 - Fun & Food

(c) Rhona-Mae Arca, 2010. All rights reserved.