The Muse Project - JULY 2007 News

Dear Friends of the Project.

The summer of '07 finds The Muse Project growing on many fronts:

Our salon on June 10 was an enormous success. In addition to hearing from Stephanie Goldstein (Director of Development, PLN) and Ingrid Gustavson (Chair of the History Dept., Sage Hill School), our guests had the singular opportunity of hearing students from the Sage Hill School Choir debut the music for The Declaration of Independence. As an unplanned encore of sorts, Megan Eddy, Choir Director, guided the students in a rehearsal of a second piece, "You Will Go" (based on the Indian Removal Bill of 1830). The audience was mesmerized. To witness the teaching/learning process of a choral piece was a unique experience for most.

The Q and A which followed was engaging and informative, as students from Sage Hill related their experiences singing the music, and the impact the music had on them.

I've attached a few photos from the salon. Also, video clips from both the salon and a prior rehearsal at Sage Hill School can be viewed at lyndaroth.com.

Since the salon, a Project Director has found us! Brenda Stouffer is now working with us. In addition to serving as campaign manager for Toni Iseman (Mayor of Laguna Beach and a Muse Project board member), her background in marketing and project development will benefit The Muse Project. Coordinating all aspects of fund raising and researching costs of our modules, Brenda will be taking over most of the jobs I've been doing. This will allow me to focus on research of textual material, working with educators, and composing. The Board Members and I are absolutely ecstatic that she has joined us.

During the month of August, staff members from the Penn Literacy Network will be in OC for a series of meetings with the Board of The Muse Project and with educators from various local schools. At these meetings, we will be structuring the details of our relationship and developing a curriculum workbook. Educators in attendance will have the opportunity to meet and work with the staff of PLN first hand.

Also in August, we will be recording "The Declaration of Independence" and "You Will Go" with a combination professional/student choir. Under the direction of Megan Eddy, we will be recording at Tom Zink Studios in Long Beach. We are focusing on these two pieces for the purpose of test piloting them this fall in the Lancaster County School District and at Sage Hill School. Soon, you will be receiving a letter from Brenda Stouffer regarding raising funds specifically for this recording session.

We are also making inroads on the college level. Penny Bryan, Associate Professor of Education at Chapman University has asked me to speak this fall at her masters level course, "Democracy in America." Like PLN, she understands the importance of "teaching the teachers" the concept of music across the curriculum.

As you can see, The Muse Project continues to grow and morph. We still await our 501c3 status. When that comes, you'll hear a scream emanating from Laguna Beach across the country!!!

Thank-you for your continued support.

As ever,

Lynda