Downstrike/music

What can you expect of an institution that "forgives" ancient and medieval scientists for being right about how God created the heavens and the earth?

Did Symphonic Rap and 70s Pop lose to Traditional Opera tonight?

I don't think so.  The entire audience, all three judges, and numerous people at home were stunned when Nuttin' but Stringz was sent home in Third Place, even those of us who were rooting for Neil.  We knew those two belonged in first place.

What we learned tonight, those of us who hadn't already figured it out - that includes me - is that America votes for a person with a touching story, not for the best entertainment.  After all, what in America were Donald Braswell and Eli Mattson doing in the Top 5?!?

They were there to place happy endings on touching stories, particularly Donald, whom doctors told he would never sing again, after his injury.  However, what story is quite as touching as the kid who too many other kids picked on, and who everyone else said would never amount to anything, growing up to make his mama pround?

Eli?  What youthful singer or pianist hasn't dreamed of becoming the next Elton John or who ever?  Eli told that story so well that, even though the vast majority never stood a chance to be Elton John, tonight they were dreaming they were Eli.  Never mind that the world already has an Elton John.  For the moment, America wants one of its own.

I don't mind at all. Opera has been under-rated for quite some time now, and even 70s Pop could use a resurgence.  Opera really deserves a break.  Meanwhile, Symphonic Rap is in its infancy.  It has a future, and Nuttin' but Stringz is poised on the crest of its wave.

This is one of those things that I remember knowing, after being told. What I'd like to know is, how old they were.

I can't think of anyone other than myself who would enjoy reading this. Be that as it may, this is my blog, and I enjoy it, so I'm blogging it!

From the page: "ACTUAL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE ORCHESTRA FROM PROFESSIONAL CONDUCTORS (IN REHEARSAL).

• Please don't use the depth-charge pizzicato.
• Pianissimo doesn't mean to drop the fuck out.
• Listen to the tune, and then accompany it in a non-disgraceful fashion.
• Let's see if you can pizzicato together in a non-banjo-like way.
• It's very hard to raise money for something that sounds like this does.
• Imagine you're getting enough money for what you do.
• Not so bright. It sounds like "Orpheus in His Underwear."
• Play short, especially if you don't know where you are.
• That was a drive-by viola solo.
• Horns, imagine that you've had a really ugly breakfast and it's about to come up.
• There is a lot of fishing for notes. I wish you would catch them.
• Strings, I know what you're thinking: "With all this racket going on, why am I playing?"
• Well, there's no time for existential questions right now.
• This must be much more agitated. Think of someone you hate. Think of your mother-in-law.
• The place where you will be shot if you come in early is the bar before 26.
• Now forget all the nasty things I said and play naturally.
• You're all wondering what speed it's going to go. Well, so am I.
• Play as if you were musicians."

From the page:

"Q: What is the definition of "perfect pitch."?
A: When you throw an accordion into a dumpster and it lands on a banjo."

"Q: What is the difference between a drummer and a vacuum cleaner?
A: You have to plug one of them in before it sucks."

"Q: What's the difference between a Tenor sax player and a macaw?
A: One is loud, obnoxious and noisy, and the other is a bird."

"Q: What is the dynamic range of a bass trombone?
A: On or off."

"Q: What do all great conductors have in common?
A: They're all dead."

"Q: What's the difference between a cello and a coffin?
A: A coffin has the corpse inside."

"Q: What's the difference between a soprano and a piranha?
A: Lipstick."

From the page: "

• FLUTE- Slightly less effective as the piccolo but still nothing to be trifled with. The flute possesses the same destructive qualities as the piccolo but is required in greater numbers to do so. 6th and 7th grade females are especially effective with this weapon and are to be approached with extreme caution."

The original Crazy Girl on Train remixed to make a rap single. It's good enough that even a white fogy like me can enjoy it, and I haven't enjoyed rap since Kriss Kross grew up.