On Japanese Language Learning Games

Last class, our substitute teacher had us play Japanese Jeopardy. Only, sensei explained everything in Japanese - very quickly. This, I'm sure, met with lots of blank stares (not just mine).

We had three categories: Location, Work and Body. Not only did we have to deal with a sensei who spoke quickly, but one who threw in vocabulary that many of us didn't know. It was a clear sign that we need to study more and beef up our vocabulary before playing another Japanese language learning game.

I finally figured out how to conjugate my response properly towards the end, when there were only three blank squares ("The place you mail a letter at is the post office.").

At any rate, the game idea is a pretty good one as far as study ideas go. Here are a few sites that I've tracked down:

Digital Dialects

Japanese Language Toy Chest

Hiragana and Katakana Games

I'll some of the Japanese language learning apps that are popular with my Japanese language class next time.

Interview with Laura Slattery of Virtual Choir 3.0

When I was with Suite101, I interviewed Laura Slattery of Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir 3.0 to discuss music, the links between music and medicine and Eric Whitacre.

Laura Slattery of Limerick, Ireland, recorded the Soprano 4 and 5 parts to Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir 3 project: “Water Night” from the Grammy-winning album, Light & Gold. This huge multi-track project involved 3,746 videos submitted by amateur and professional singers from 73 countries.

Laura sat down with me on April 27, 2012 via Skype to discuss Eric Whitacre's music, the connections between music and medicine, musical obsessions and Virtual Choir.

Laura Slattery on Choral Singing

Laura has sung in choirs since the age of nine. “Actually, I tried to join my school choir when I was nine and I was told I wasn't good enough,” she recalled. “I said, 'Well I'll show you!' and went in and started getting voice lessons.”

Although Laura plays several instruments, including piano, guitar and tin whistle, choral music holds a special place in her heart. “There's nothing quite like choral singing. You can sing on your own, all you like; but there's just nothing like the experience you get with the people you meet.”

On Singing Eric Whitacre's Music for the First Time

“I think the first that I had heard of Eric Whitacre was actually my current choir,” Laura mused. She sings with the Tullamore Academy Chamber Choir, which recently was named National Choir of the Year.

She went on to recall the first time she sang an Eric Whitacre composition. “I kind of got drafted in at the last minute to sing tenor in “This Marriage” and it was kind of like, 'Wow, this is sick!'” Her conductor advised her to listen to more of Whitacre's music. “He said to go listen to “Cloudburst” . I was absolutely blown away,” she murmured.

Virtual Choir 3.0

“I had only heard “Water Night” once in my life,” she said. “When he announced it in December, I was like, 'Oops.' ” With a chuckle, she added, “I think it's fair to say I procrastinated – a lot. An awful, awful lot.”

She recorded countless times for VC3 and admitted that she was plagued with doubts. “There's just something about listening back to yourself. I hate it at the worst of times,” she admitted.

“We came up to the night before the submissions and I had been talking to my housemate about it. He was like, 'Look, just get and do it. Get up in the morning and get and do it. When are you going to get and do something like this again?' ”

Revitalized, Laura Slattery tried again. “I went into the college at 6:00 in the morning – the day of submissions. Had several failed attempts.” Then there were website and server issues. “I decided to go back home and record the S5 line in the car, just sitting outside of my apartment.”

Once she sent in her submission, Laura made a post to Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir page on Facebook, saying, “Am I out of my mind? I recorded it in the car!” Responses came within seconds. “There were loads of people, 'You did great! We're delighted to have you.' ”

When Eric Whitacre announced that the Virtual Choir submission deadline would be extended, Laura decided to record the Soprano 4 line as well. “If he had gone for another day, I would have recorded another one. It was a labour of love.”

She fell in love with “Water Night”. “It's just such a fabulous piece. It's just so complicated. It's kind of counter-intuitive. How does he come up with these things? It just sounds so perfect but when you separate them out, you're like, 'These things shouldn't work together.' ”

Musical Obsessions

When asked about her favourite music, Laura quipped, “Does it sound cliché if I say any of Eric Whitacre's music? That's my study music now.”

“I've gone through kind of phases of being Handel-obsessed. I've gone through Evanescence. Take everything. Irish folk. I have great love obviously, for Irish music. I will absolutely listen to anything. There's very little that I don't like in music.”

“There's something intrinsically intense about music,” she mused. “It's people putting themselves out there, putting their heart out there on a plate.”

On Eric Whitacre and His Music

“Eric Whitacre is unique,” said Laura, matter-of-factly. “There's not a lot of people who utilize digital media.” She went on to explain. “I can put something up on Facebook and can hear back what he's thinking. You know, get an insight of his thought process.”

“He just captures words so well,” she said of Whitacre's music. “Every word you can see is thought out: 'Exactly how am I going to put those harmonies there? How am I going to get the message across?' “

“There's such feeling in it and a kind of purity and honesty,” she said. “Going back to the heart on a plate analogy, he's someone who literally, I imagine, gives all of himself. It's certainly how it comes across in his music.”

“He's exploded onto the choral scene,” she reported. “Every competition you go to – Ireland's not a big country – there's five or six choirs doing an Eric Whitacre piece.”

The Connections Between Music and Medicine

Ms. Slattery is a second-year medical student at the University of Limerick. She's in the graduate program, specializing in pediatrics oncology.

“Music is kind of like a vocation,” she said after pondering the question. “Medicine obviously has to be. The art of being a good musician, shall we say, is making it sound simple. It requires massive dedication, from the time you're a young child.

“And the ability to communicate emotions and the ability to understand emotion,” she added. “That is massive as a doctor, that too often is missing. You know, focus on the condition, focus on disease and fail to see the person, the emotion, the experience.”

Another link Laura recognized is the connection between creativity and adaptation. “There's obvious creativity in music. In medicine you have to think on your feet – adapt to situations.”

“Interestingly enough, an awful lot of people in my course are musical,” she admitted. “We've had talent nights.” She mentioned also that some medical students sing in choirs, while others teach music part-time.

“It's great to have something to escape to. Something to balance your life with. If you become too one-dimensional, then you lose the human aspect. If anything, I want to be a human doctor.”

Musical Dogs

Maestro has selected video clips of other musical dogs to share. Here's Porter playing and singing on a Casio keyboard:

Maestro is used to singing in "doggy trios" like this one:

This poodle has been making the rounds on Facebook for a while now:

These two have a really good ear:

And for some reason, Maestro becomes quite excited when he sees and hears himself play or sing:

Summer Music Camps in Alberta for Children, Youth and Adults

Summer music camps enable musicians to hone their skills, learn new techniques and explore new styles. A look at five summer programs in Alberta.

Some people attend summer hockey camp, while others go to Tech Camp. For musicians, there's summer music camp.

Music camps are typically day camps that run for one to two weeks. They generally involve private lessons, ensemble work, and master classes with leading teachers, conductors, and performers. Many offer seminars on various aspects of performing, such as:

• accompanying

• improvisation

• memorization

• movement

• musical interpretation and style

• performance anxiety

• proper technique

The programs often conclude with a performance. Some also feature performances by faculty members.

Here is a look at five Alberta-based summer music camps for students of various ages and abilities. These programs attract students from across Canada and the northwestern United States.

Singspiration Singing Camp for Youth Singers

Singspiration was established in 2000 for youths in Grades 4 through 12. Campers sing in a choir, learn handbells, attend art classes, and enjoy some outdoor activities. In 2006, Singspiration received the Patricia Cook Memorial Award from the the Alberta Choral Federation for its service to advocacy in arts education in Alberta. Singspiration is held at Concordia University College.

Band, Choir, Piano and Musical Theatre for Youth at Music Camp Alberta

Music Camp Alberta has been offering summer music programs since 1957. Seven summer programs are offered, which are held at Red Deer College:

1. David J. Peterkin Symphonic Band Camp: For high school students with at least three years experience on their instrument.

2. Piano Workshop: For high school students with at least their Grade 5 piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music (or equivalent).

3. Youth Contemporary Choir Workshop: For high school students with choral experience to study acoustic vocal jazz techniques and learn about contemporary music genres.

4. Intermediate Band Camp: For students in Grades 8 - 10 with at least two years' experience on their instrument.

5. MusicCamp Girls' Choir: For girls aged nine to 14.

6. MusicCamp Boys' Choir: For boys with unchanged voices.

7. Musical Theatre for Young Singers: For students aged nine to 14.

Fine Arts Camps for Children, Youth and Adults at the Calgary Arts Summer School

The Calgary Arts Summer School (CASS) is an inter-disciplinary summer arts school established in 1993. CASS currently offers seven camps:

1. Musical Theatre Showtime: For students aged nine to 19. Students plan, produce and present a scripted musical production.

2. Exploring the Arts Camp: This camp offers students an introduction to music, drama, movement and art. For students aged 4 to 10. No previous experience is necessary but is welcome.

3. Play Writing Camp: For students aged seven to 12. Students create, rehearse and perform their own unique play in five days.

4. Adult Piano Camp: For adult pianists of various levels.

5. Piano Camp: For pianists aged 10 to adult, intermediate to advanced. Students also explore choir, art, improvisation, the Alexander Technique, and more.

6. Jazz Keyboard Workshop: For all instrumentalists aged 13 through adult. Students will exploring comping, solo and listening techniques.

7. Piano Pedagogy Workshop: For music teachers as well as advanced music students.

CASS also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Check CASS' website for camp locations and registration information.

Guitar, Drums, Recording and Jazz at Alberta College

Alberta College at Grant MacEwan University offers seven summer music programs on the Alberta College campus:

1. Guitar Basics: For beginners to provide an introduction to the guitar.

2. Guitar/Drum Workshop: For beginner to advanced level guitarists.

3. Studio Recording Techniques: Explores the techniques involved in the operation of studio recording equipment. Students receive a combination of instruction and studio time.

4. MacEwan Summer Jazz Workshop: For students aged 13 to 20. Students explore improvisation, jazz styles through working in combos and big-bands.

5. All that Jazz - Jazz Appreciation: Students will explore musicians and major influences in jazz using A/V examples and basic musical analysis.

6. Vocal Workshop: Students will develop their skills in vocal production, music reading, harmonization and improvisation as they perform in solo and ensemble situations.

7. Musical Theatre: Students aged seven to 16 years of age will learn singing, acting and movement.

Complete Vocal Experience at The University of Lethbridge

The Southern Alberta Vocal Experience is open to students aged 13 - 20 years of age. Students will explore choral repertoire and creative movement.

They will receive private lessons, and master classes. Students will perform in a vocal recital featuring works for vocal solo and piano as well as an ensemble oriented performance, featuring operetta and musical theatre repertoire. Both performances are open to the public.

Registering for a Summer Music Camp

Summer music camps do fill up quickly. Check the camp websites for detailed registration information. Some offer scholarships and bursaries for those who require financial assistance.

Musicians can research the summer programs available in their area. Young musicians should discuss with their music teacher and parents which program is most suitable for them.

Whether the goal is to learn a new skill, keep those musician fingers nimble, continuing education, or improve one's performance savvy, summer music camps are a wonderful way to further one's musical development. They also offer the valuable opportunities of making new friends and working with world-class musicians, teachers and conductors.

Originally published on Suite101 on April 16, 2010. Information updated on March 10, 2013. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Product Review: FitBall Seating Disc

The average person sits 56 hours a week, leading to sitting fatigue, chronic pain and poor posture. Wiggle your way to better health with the FitBall Seating Disc.

On December 11, 2009, Fox News reported on a study which stated the average American spends 56 hours a week sitting. In Sitting Too Much?, Seline Yager states that oversitting has detrimental effects, from obesity to heart disease, and from diabetes to chronic pain stemming from improper posture.

Active sitting involves constantly adjusting your body position while seated. Fitterfirst, a manufacturer and supplier of active seating devises, state the benefits as being:

• improved core stability

• mild exercise (burn up to 350 calories a day from active sitting)

• ergonomic seating

• improved balance

• improved body posture and spinal alignment

• increased blood flow

• decreased stiffness

• pain relief

Who Can Use the FitBall Seating Disc

Anyone who sits for long periods of time will benefit from using the FitBall Seating Disc, from office workers to truck drivers, from musicians to painters and from students to seniors. People who wish to improve their posture can use the FitBall Seating Disc.

In "Effects of Stability Balls on Behavior and Achievement in the Special Education Classroom", Action Research Project (May 2008) by Victoria N. Bill, Master of Science in Special Education, she concludes that students with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) benefited from using an active seating device. Active sitting improves their alertness, attention and focus.

Warnings about Using the FitBall Seating Disc

People with poor balance should consult with a medical professional first prior to using the FitBall Seating Disc. Those who have recently had back surgery should get a medical professional's recommendation on the best active seating device for their condition. Finally, improper usage and posture on the disc can negate the benefits of active sitting and hurt your body.

FitBall Seating Disc Features

Think of the FitBall Seating Disc as a miniature fitness ball that can be placed on any office chair or task chair. The FitBall SeatingDisc is 15" in diameter and made of PVC. One side is smooth while the other side has sensory bumps. To inflate, use an air raft or air mattress pump. For increased instability, fill the FitBall Seating Disc with more air.

There is also a 13" FitBall Seating Disc Jr. for children. Optional sitting disc covers are also available. To clean, simply wipe down with soap and water.

FitBall Seating Disc Uses

1. Ease back pain, correct body posture and engage in active sitting by using the FitBall Seating Disc as an Active Sitting Cushion. Place on your seat and your body will take care of the rest. Your body will automatically adjust to healthy sitting posture. Make sure your feet are firmly planted on the floor as you will be continually swaying, wiggling and bouncing to maintain core stability. Place on the floor to work your legs and feet.

2. Improve your sense of balance by using the FitBall Seating Disc to make your ground unstable. Place on the floor and the disc becomes a Balance Training Tool to use for standing and sitting balance exercises.

3. The FitBall Disc can be used as a general training aid. It can Increase the level of difficulty of any standard exercise, e.g. stomach crunches, lunges

User Testing and Assessment of the FitBall Seating Disc

I purchased the FitBall Seating Disc to use when teaching piano. It is the largest of the three active sitting devices in my studio and the least portable. I would have preferred a different colour to create a "cushion rainbow" but it only comes in one colour. The bumpy side gives you a bit of a massage when used.I fell off my drum throne three times when using the Seating Disc. Unfortunately, the disc is 2" wider than the seat. Then, I moved it to a "normal" wooden chair with a back. When demonstrating at the piano, I have no problems with it. When sitting to listen to a student play, my bad habits return - leaning back and slouching so my feet can touch the floor or sitting with one foot on the seat while dangling the other since I can't touch the floor seated that way.

My three fidgety students used the disc as a foot cushion while using the FitBall Wedge as a seat cushion. Their feet didn't wander up and down keyboard stands, piano legs or wind up in the wastebasket as much when using the disc. Partway through a song, they simply stood on the cushion, shifting their weight in time to the music. This was the most successful application of the disc.

Fitter USA and Ball Dynamics International

The FitBall Seating Disc is manufactured by Fitter USA, part of Ball Dynamics International, LLC. BDI sells a variety of active sitting, resistance training, balance training aids and equipment.

It is a popular item on Amazon, ranking in the Top 40 of Amazon Best Sellers for Balance Trainers. For more information, read Exercise Ball Moves to the Office,and Product Review: FitBall Seating Wedge.

The FitBall Seating Disc is an affordable back pain remedy that fosters active sitting, core stability and posture correction. It is fun but use with care.

The FitBallSeating Disc is available at FitterFirst and Amazon.