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An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.


"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil—he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good—he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you—and inside every other person, too."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

First People - The Legends. Cherokee Legend of Two Wolves. November 16, 2004. [accessed April 7, 2012].

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Kiplin Hall: Birthplace of Maryland | MPT

Kiplin Hall: Birthplace of Maryland | MPT

A must see for students and those whose desire to learn never sims

"Kiplin Hall: Birthplace of Maryland is a remarkable story of history, religion and politics that could have been ripped from today's headlines - except that it occurred over the past four centuries. This magnificent 17th century manor house in the north of England - north Yorkshire to be precise - is often described as the "birthplace of Maryland", for it was here that George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, developed the concept of a colony in the Americas dedicated to religious freedom for Catholics. Rising from humble beginnings without title or riches, Calvert's genius and pluck took him into the King's inner sanctum - a feat almost unheard of in those days - to become Secretary of State to King James, whom he persuaded to accept his dream of a colony."

Monday, April 08, 2013

Saturday, April 6th, 2013, the Prince George's Philharmonic treated its audience to a splendid concert


               
Gabriel Cabezas, soloist
Sphinx's 2012 Isaac Stern Award
                 On Saturday, April 6th, 2013, the Prince George's Philharmonic treated its audience to a symphonic evening at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, here in Prince George's County, Maryland.

               The orchestra was led by guest conductor, Anthony D. Elliott, Professor of Cello, and Conductor of the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra at the University of Michigan.  Mr. Elliott last performed with the Philharmonic on March 31st, 2012 in an "extraordinary rendition" of the Prokofiev Sinfonia Concertante for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 125. [Review: Prince Georgian April 1, 2012]

               This time Maestro Elliott lent his formidable musical talents in support of an amazing young soloist, Gabriel Cabezas, in a performance of one of the great cello concerti, the Saint-Saëns  Concerto for Cello No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33. At twenty, Mr. Cabezas is the winner of the 15th annual Sphinx Competition, and Sphinx's 2012 Isaac Stern Award. As soloist, he has appeared with the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, the National Symphony of Costa Rica, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the New World Symphony, and the Nashville Symphony. His technical proficiency and musicianship was partnered with the Philharmonic's demonstrated musical ability to showcase and not overwhelm guest soloists. The brilliance of Mr. Cabezas' playing electrified the audience.

Anthony Elliott
Conductor and Cellist

               At the end of the performance, the audience was treated to a very special unannounced performance of the Sonata for Two Cellos in G Major by Jean-Baptiste Barrière (1707 – 1747). With two masters of the instrument playing together the result was magical.  I asked Mr. Ellis about the tonal qualities of the two instruments and he kindly explained to me that Mr. Cabezas played a very good 80 year old American made cello, while Mr. Elliott's instrument was made in Italy in 1703.  

               After intermission, Mr. Elliott conducted the Brahms Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73. Sometimes referred to as the 'Pastoral' Symphony because of perceived hints of the famous Beethoven's Sixth, and accordingly most times performed with that reference in mind, this time Mr. Elliott brought out what Brahms wrote about his work: that it is "...so melancholy that you will not be able to bear it. I have never written anything so sad, and the score must come out in mourning." The emotional content of music was writ large in Mr. Elliott's performance and the Philharmonic rose to the occasion.

               Mr. Elliott was able to fuse the strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion into a personal tonal statement that supported his interpretation. This fusion of the parts into a whole is distinct from Mr. Ellis, who produces a musical parfait of layered distinct sounds, crystallized in a glittering sound. The Philharmonic's ability to respond to two distinct conducting styles and interpretations is a sign of their splendid professional abilities.

               The evening started with a performance of Roussel's  Bacchus et Ariane, Suite No. 2, Op. 43. I was delighted that Maestro Elliott kept the Prince George's Philharmonic tradition of a musical preview and explanation (with the orchestra playing musical motifs of significance) to help the audience understand what they were about to hear. Mr. Elliott began the night with a wonderful spirited performance.

               The Prince George's Philharmonic continues to dazzle; you really need to come and listen to this first-rate ensemble, a county treasure.

Saturday, May 11, 2013 - 8:00pm
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, College Park, MD
Charles Ellis, conductor - Michael Mizrahi, piano

Mozart                      Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491
Mahler                      Symphony No. 1 in D Major (Titan)



Saturday, April 06, 2013

Wanted - Student Video Project Lead


Video production project
The Bladensburg History Project is seeking a student with social media platform design, production, implementation and operation skills to assist in the creation of three short videos and accompanying podcasts. The content will focus beyond the Battle of Bladensburg in 1814. Proposed 3-5 minute videos topics include a tour of the historic site within the City of Bladensburg; interviews with project researcher partners and town officials; and an introduction to Bostwick House (or another specific historic structure form the period of interest).

The Bladensburg History Project:
Bladensburg was more than a battlefield in the War of 1812. From its beginnings as a colonial seaport to the present vibrant metropolitan Washington, D.C. community, Bladensburg has been and continues to be a place that matters.
The Bladensburg History Project seeks to recover the town's hidden and often forgotten past by sharing stories about the its people, places and events that shaped the town, the state and the nation. From the letters of George Washington, a frequent visitor, to the oral histories of enslaved Americans, the story of Bladensburg provides a context for exploring many themes in America and the world.

Start Date: immediately End Date: August 31, 2013

Eligibility: Open to High School seniors, Undergraduates or Graduates

Responsibilities
Field Production
In cooperation with other staff, partners and volunteers, coordinates pre-production and production planning activities including content research, layout design and story boarding; conducts field-based video production which involves interacting with subject matter experts, historic site managers, public officials, and the general public,  and operating all portable video and audio equipment; transports and sets up lighting and audio equipment as required; provides limited troubleshooting and maintenance of field production equipment.
Post-Production
Plans and performs video post-production tasks which includes reviewing footage, making editorial decisions, tape logging, rough cuts, audio adjustment, familiarity with color correction and final editing software; utilizes computer graphics and special effects for video post-production in accordance with the overall production concepts; compresses video projects for output; makes video products available in a variety of formats; coordinates internal and external duplication services as required. Experience with social media page set up; design skills with info graphics a plus.

Minimum Qualifications
Education
Any combination of education, training or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties and responsibilities as described. A typical qualifying background would include advanced college level coursework in video production and/or completion of a certificate program in television production from an accredited technical institute.
Experience
Progressively responsible experience in video editing/producing environment demonstrating competence in all areas of video production. Portfolio of recent video, social media design and implementation projects.
Knowledge of:
video production procedures, practices, techniques, and terminology; principles of digital video capture; production equipment operation including video cameras and recorders, audio recording equipment, file compression, video switching, character generation, graphics manipulation, lighting, and post-production equipment; video editing software; proper handling and troubleshooting of broadcast quality video production and post-production equipment.
Skill and Ability to:
Operate f analog and digital video cameras and video editing equipment; creatively plan and translate abstract concepts into effective visual form; work with other technical and non-technical staff to organize and implement videotaping of instructional or other educational related projects; work with clients and talent to be comfortable in front of the camera; adapt video products to fit needs of clients and target audience; optimize workflow techniques to manage complex video projects effectively and efficiently; troubleshoot video product complications; communicate effectively with individuals and groups; write clearly, concisely and effectively; meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities; research and remain current on the developments and applications of state of the art video production technology.
Other Requirements:
Possession of a valid Maryland driver’s license and/or able to provide own transportation in conduct of work assignments; willingness to travel in Prince George's County, Maryland.

Compensation:
               This is a contract position with payment based upon schedule of deliverables.Please put                         "Video Project War of  1812" in subject line.

Contact:
                John Peter Thompson, Project Manager at ipetrus 'at' msn.com for details and information