Halloween..ok, this may be a touchy subject!

[jpianoflorida]

so as a teacher...at my studio I put out fall decorations but I am careful not to put out "halloween" decorations.   My students are from a lot of different backgrounds,etc so I'm not going to offend the ones who don't believe in having fun at halloween! ok..this might be a controverisal subject..but here we go! lol

[pianistimo]

my husband is the exact same way.  he gets load of candy and allows the kids to pass it out - but for quite a few years we didn't let our children go trick or treating - on the basis that it is really a threat.  you'll do a trick unless you get a treat. 

perhaps it is an issue of love.  to allow others to enjoy what they like and also keep to your own beliefs?!

[jpianoflorida]

I guess I should clarify  what I believe....I see nothing wrong with dressing up , trick or treating and having fun...I'm going to dress on the cruise(and so are many of my fellow travelers, which happen to be from my church)...      I see it as a fun , fantasy thing..not devil worship.....however i have many families that come to me for lessons that think it would be a sin...but then again, they would say it is a sin to drink and play slot machines, and I would have probably felt that was before I was "set free" and changed denominations(which I won't name lol=--you'll have to guess)

[prometheus]

I don't understand this threat.

[jpianoflorida]

threat or thread?   it's a subject for teachers to discuss studio policy, etc.

[thalbergmad]

President Bliar will probably ban halloween, just in case it might offend the Muslim Community.

Christmas will also be cancelled this year as well.

Thal

[Bob]

I think pianistimo meant the kids are saying "Give me a trick, or I'll give you a trick" when they show up at the door.

I don't see anything wrong with the tradition really.  Assuming they aren't destroying anything.

As a teacher, it's good to cover yourself.  There are plenty of fall decorations that look good without being "Halloween."  Someone may have a problem with it.  Plus, you can leave them up longer. 

In the public schools, I haven't seen as much concern with Halloween as with Christmas.  I see a lot of Halloween decorations going up.  It depends on the "culture" of your studio, like the culture of the schools.

[penguinlover]

I would just go with fall decorations, you are on safe ground.  I think it is more the culture of America.  Halloween is Ok because it doesn't mention Christ.  Christmas on the other hand threatens people and their belief in God, or non-belief.   It seems like anything even remotely Christian is questioned, while basically anything else goes.  And we are suppose to be the nation that embraces different cultures and religions.  It is fast becoming a nation NOT like that anymore.

[lagin]

I would say just play it safe, too.  There's some really nice fall/thanksgiving decorations. 


Now, I'm going to preach, AGAIN (I know, I know), so if you're not in the mood, simply don't read the next paragraph, for you have been fairly warned!

To jpianoflorida, I just remembered that section in the new testament, where Paul says some feel that one day is more special than others, and some only eat certain meats, while others eat anything, and that he (Paul), respects whatever the people he is with, are doing.  (As long as it isn't contrary to Scripture, of course).  So I agree with Bob, that playing it safe would be the right thing to do.  You won't offend anyone by not doing it, but like you said, some might be if you do do it.  Regardless of whether they are right or wrong, respecting the fact that some might be offended, and not doing so, imo, would be a good idea. 

I will mention on the side, though, to anyone in general, that in regards to switching denominations, and one denomination celebrating halloween and the other not, if you want to get really Christian, "denominations" aren't even in the Bible.  People just made those up!  So please don't anyone base whether something is right or wrong depending on what a certain church says.  If you're a Christian, just go straight to the Bible, or else you're just getting that denominations "spin" on things.  And if the Bible doesn't address whatever issue directly, you can be sure it will address it in principle.  So that goes to follow, that just because alot of people from a certain church are embracing or condemning something, that doesn't mean they are right or wrong either.   Also, everyone is at a different stage in their "walk."  It's not, boom, I'm a Christian, so I'm totally perfect!     I'm not denying that their is definate change, but like all things in life, it's also a process, so never rely on what other people do, but instead on what God's Word tells you to do.   Sometimes, well, alot of the time, even pastors/priests/ect. aren't where they should be in their walk with God, so best to just go to the source!   I'm not picking a fight with anyone, but just thought I'd mention that because denominations are a pet peeve of mine, especially the "non-denominational denomination."      

[jpianoflorida]

yes...playing it safe and respecting others views is what i do..i've had my fulltime studio for over 12 years...and that's what's I've always done.....just wanted to see what others do!

[pianistimo]

the schools here are equally respectful and call it a 'fall harvest festival' season or some such thing.  they usually put up the same stuff as they would for thanksgiving and double up.  this year they decided not to do the costume show because i think a minority would not be in it.  last year they did.  i think they go every other year - to show respect for all people's beliefs.  it's nice. 

[gruffalo]

i dont see it as wrong unless you feel the desire to worship the devil on this day. if you are just having fun, whats the big deal?


Gruff

[ahinton]

President Bliar will probably ban halloween, just in case it might offend the Muslim Community.

Christmas will also be cancelled this year as well.

Thal

Yes, but they're not cancelling 11/11 at The Warehouse (at least not as far as I know).

President Blair will soon be ousted anyway, to be replaced (it seems likely) by President-of-Europe-for-Life Kim Jong Brown; I have my emigration papers ready...

Best,

Alistair

[jpianoflorida]

Yes, but they're not cancelling 11/11 at The Warehouse (at least not as far as I know).

President Blair will soon be ousted anyway, to be replaced (it seems likely) by President-of-Europe-for-Life Kim Jong Brown; I have my emigration papers ready...

Best,

Alistair

for us in th US tell us what 11/11 at the warehouse  is please..thanks!

[ahinton]

for us in th US tell us what 11/11 at the warehouse  is please..thanks!

Sorry - perhaps a rather bad joke (in the present context), as well as what some might call a shameless piece of advertising (so I may as well own up to that); this is the date of 11 November 2006 on which British pianist Jonathan Powell plays Chopin's Polonaise-Fantaisie, Beethoven's Sonata No. 30 in E op. 109 and the première of my Sequentia Claviensis; his programme begins at 7.30 and is at The Warehouse, Theed Street, London.

Best,

Alistair

[ted]

My only objection to it, along with Valentine's Day, Christmas, Fathers' Day, Mothers' Day and the rest is that they have all been turned into a commercial poultice, socially pressuring families to spend large amounts of money on things they often cannot afford. We always buy a few bags of sweets to dish out. Some of the kids end up with colossal heaps of lollies, so I imagine the occasion must be dear to the heart of the more unscrupulous dentist.

[jpianoflorida]

My only objection to it, along with Valentine's Day, Christmas, Fathers' Day, Mothers' Day and the rest is that they have all been turned into a commercial poultice, socially pressuring families to spend large amounts of money on things they often cannot afford. We always buy a few bags of sweets to dish out. Some of the kids end up with colossal heaps of lollies, so I imagine the occasion must be dear to the heart of the more unscrupulous dentist.

I agree...I hate that all the holidays have gotten so commercial.   Like valentines day, if i don't send my girlfriend flowers at her office, i will be in troulbe cause all the guys at her office do, it's like a contest...and yeah all the other holidays you have to acknowledge or people think you are cheap....

[ihatepop]

We don't celebrate holoween in Singapore.

ihatepop

[jpianoflorida]

Now,
I will mention on the side, though, to anyone in general, that in regards to switching denominations, and one denomination celebrating halloween and the other not, if you want to get really Christian, "denominations" aren't even in the Bible.  People just made those up!  So please don't anyone base whether something is right or wrong depending on what a certain church says.  If you're a Christian, just go straight to the Bible, or else you're just getting that denominations "spin" on things.  And if the Bible doesn't address whatever issue directly, you can be sure it will address it in principle.  So that goes to follow, that just because alot of people from a certain church are embracing or condemning something, that doesn't mean they are right or wrong either.   Also, everyone is at a different stage in their "walk."  It's not, boom, I'm a Christian, so I'm totally perfect!     I'm not denying that their is definate change, but like all things in life, it's also a process, so never rely on what other people do, but instead on what God's Word tells you to do.   Sometimes, well, alot of the time, even pastors/priests/ect. aren't where they should be in their walk with God, so best to just go to the source!   I'm not picking a fight with anyone, but just thought I'd mention that because denominations are a pet peeve of mine, especially the "non-denominational denomination."      

Lagin....very good and true post! I agree!

[thalbergmad]

We don't celebrate holoween in Singapore.

ihatepop

I don't think holoween is celebrated anywhere.

Thal

[ahinton]

I don't think holoween is celebrated anywhere.

Thal

No, I've not heard that it is, either - not even in Holloway prison...

Perhaps the reason for this fact is that a "holoween" is a hologram on a biometric Irish passport...

Best,

Alistair

[pianolist]

OK, Yanks, Chinks and any others of persuasions and races whom I am too cowardly to denigrate; you asked about 11/11.

Here is the concert venue, to which I am reliably informed we gain entrance by purchasing programmes at the door:
https://www.thewarehouselondon.co.uk/artistic_images1.html
The audience in this picture woud seem to be Barry Gavin, film and TV music producer, and Alexander Goehr, composer. I don't know whether they will be gracing 11/11 with their presence.

Here is the world-class patisserie where British audiences buy chocolate cake to sustain them during the first halves of cutting edge piano recitals:
https://www.konditorandcook.com/flash/Main.html
You'll need to select the Waterloo branch. The cakes are scrummy beyond belief, and you need a mortgage to buy one.

Here is the pub where the same audiences escape during the second halves of the recitals:
https://www.randompubfinder.com/review.php?Name=The_King's_Arms,_25,_Roupell_St&Pub=341
They serve Adnams' Ales, and Fuller's London Pride, which we drink at room temperature. These days they have a Thai restaurant as well - ugh!

Finally, the main link to the concert series is here:
https://www.lfo.co.uk/warehouse/November%202006.html?skin=default&sub-page=1&platform=pcie
Interestingly enough, on 16/11 (11/16 in American) a group called "COMA" is performing pieces that include "Whiskies of Islay" and "Dutch Courage". Sounds like my sort of concert.

[ahinton]

OK, Yanks, Chinks and any others of persuasions and races whom I am too cowardly to denigrate; you asked about 11/11.

Here is the concert venue, to which I am reliably informed we gain entrance by purchasing programmes at the door:
https://www.thewarehouselondon.co.uk/artistic_images1.html
The audience in this picture woud seem to be Barry Gavin, film and TV music producer, and Alexander Goehr, composer. I don't know whether they will be gracing 11/11 with their presence.

Here is the world-class patisserie where British audiences buy chocolate cake to sustain them during the first halves of cutting edge piano recitals:
https://www.konditorandcook.com/flash/Main.html
You'll need to select the Waterloo branch. The cakes are scrummy beyond belief, and you need a mortgage to buy one.

Here is the pub where the same audiences escape during the second halves of the recitals:
https://www.randompubfinder.com/review.php?Name=The_King's_Arms,_25,_Roupell_St&Pub=341
They serve Adnams' Ales, and Fuller's London Pride, which we drink at room temperature. These days they have a Thai restaurant as well - ugh!

Finally, the main link to the concert series is here:
https://www.lfo.co.uk/warehouse/November%202006.html?skin=default&sub-page=1&platform=pcie
Interestingly enough, on 16/11 (11/16 in American) a group called "COMA" is performing pieces that include "Whiskies of Islay" and "Dutch Courage". Sounds like my sort of concert.

Many thanks for providing this helpful information. I have only two observations to make here. Firstly, the idea that the pub you mention is
"where the same audiences escape during the second halves of the recitals"
is indeed a nice joke as it stands but I would, if being serious, have to amend this to the pub
"where the same audiences escape during the INTERVALS of the recitals"
(especially since, if the audience that shows on 11/11 does this, no member of it will hear Jonathan Powell premièring my piece, which will rather defeat the objects of (a) his having spent so much time in preparing his performance and (b) RVW Trust / Holst Foundation / Hinrichsen Foundation / (possibly also) Britten-Pears Foundation in supporting this event. Secondly, Mr Powell's performance is not part of any series being run at The Warehouse but a one-off concert entirely independent of any series that actually are running at that venue during next month.

I hope that you don't mind my pointing out these small details - and I do look forward to meeting you there, provided that you have not made such meeting impossible by having absconded to the above or any other nearby pub!...

Best,

Alistair

[thalbergmad]

Here is the world-class patisserie where British audiences buy chocolate cake to sustain them during the first halves of cutting edge piano recitals:

I think i will need something for the 2nd half, more than the first.

Thal

[ahinton]

I think i will need something for the 2nd half, more than the first.

Thal

OK - but plese do not go out of the venue to get it while that second half is in progress!

Also, you do not say what that "something" might be...

Best,

Alistair

[thalbergmad]

OK - but plese do not go out of the venue to get it while that second half is in progress!

Also, you do not say what that "something" might be...

Best,

Alistair

Earplugs

[ahinton]

Earplugs

OK - but now that you have said what it is that you want to bring for the second half (and assuming that you want not merely to bring them but to use them), why attend that half? I don't want at all ot discourage you from being there for the second half - very much the reverse, in fact (as surely you know) - but sitting through 80 or so minutes of earplugged piano sound at a public concert performance is arguably not the best use of anyone's time...

Best,

Alistair

[pianolist]

I've not tried chocolate cake as earplugs before. You'd need a blonde to lick it out afterwards. Pianistimo?

[jpianoflorida]

so i wonder(and i'm laughing as I post this)  is it ever possible to have a thread STAY ON TOPIC? lol      I'm thinking NO.....   but I"m not complaining, it's fun!

[pianolist]

I bet John Cage would have loved the idea of sitting through 4' 33" with earplugs. Actually, his piece can be any length, and it's simply up to the performer to choose, though the longer it goes on, the more performing rights you have to pay to Peters Edition. There's a nice legal point there, I think: if everyone were to wear earplugs for a piece lasting, say, 80 minutes, as a form of homage to John Cage, would this mean that the performing rights for the evening had to go to Peters, because no-one would have heard the original piece, which would therefore not have been publicly played?

I did the first performance of 4' 33" on Pianola, by the way, back in 1976. I made three separate rolls, all with no perforations, and pedalled them through at the Purcell Room. I remember Hugo Cole in the Guardian saying that some people were beginning to whisper, and others shushed them to be quiet. That's 30 years ago, grandad!

Don't worry, Alistair, you know it's our strange English humour. We're rooting for you really.

[ahinton]

I've not tried chocolate cake as earplugs before. You'd need a blonde to lick it out afterwards. Pianistimo?

Nor have I. I do not know if "pianistimo" is blonde. I do know that she cannot make it to the concert, so if you want to try to prove or disprove the effectiveness of chocolate cake as earplugs, I guess you'd better do so at some other event.

Best,

Alistair

[ahinton]

I bet John Cage would have loved the idea of sitting through 4' 33" with earplugs. Actually, his piece can be any length, and it's simply up to the performer to choose, though the longer it goes on, the more performing rights you have to pay to Peters Edition. There's a nice legal point there, I think: if everyone were to wear earplugs for a piece lasting, say, 80 minutes, as a form of homage to John Cage, would this mean that the performing rights for the evening had to go to Peters, because no-one would have heard the original piece, which would therefore not have been publicly played?

Dunno, guv. All that I do know is that performing rights for the 80-or-so-minute piece that Mr Powell is about to première will NOT go to Peters...

Don't worry, Alistair, you know it's our strange English humour. We're rooting for you really.

No, I'm not worried, thanks - and I really do appreciate your (and others') rooting/s; at the same time, I should perhaps declare that, as a long-serving ex-pat Scotsman, I have only recently managed just about to appreciate the niceties of your
strange English humour

Best,

Alistair

[pianistimo]

this is all too complex.  btw, i'm not blond anymore.  i'm back to red.  well, reddish brown.  it's my natural color.

if thal insisted that chocolate cake was imparing his hearing - i'm sure i'd try to help him.  graciously, of course.

[jpianoflorida]

yes... i agree..tooo compleeeeexxxxxxxxxxxx!    after a long day of teaching(it's 830pm and i still have one more student)... my mind can't comprehend the long posts..lol

[jpianoflorida]

ok...happy subject! give me a good idea for a couples costume for a costume contest on the cruise ship!      She says "ragedy ann and andy" and I'm not wanting to do that!

[ahinton]

yes... i agree..tooo compleeeeexxxxxxxxxxxx!    after a long day of teaching(it's 830pm and i still have one more student)... my mind can't comprehend the long posts..lol

Or maybe even the short(er) ones - after all, the last ones haven't been especially long...

Best,

Alistair

[jpianoflorida]

Or maybe even the short)er) ones - after all, the last ones haven't been especially long...

Best,

Alistair

yes....shorter , longer....had to read the long ones to understand the short ones, ...the vicious cycle....i'm just simple person ha!

[ahinton]

this is all too complex.

What is? And why?

btw, i'm not blond anymore.

"Blonde", surely? I do know that you're a woman, Susan...

i'm back to red.  well, reddish brown.  it's my natural color.

So you have coloured yourself de temps en temps to suit what might have been the mood or whim of the moment; OK.

if thal insisted that chocolate cake was imparing his hearing - i'm sure i'd try to help him.  graciously, of course.

Graciously or otherwise, it might nevertheless be most entertaining of you to specify just how you might propose to do this...

Best,

Alistair

[pianolist]

To be serious just for a mo, and in deference to our friends across the pond who may wonder at the Brits, I remember Jonathan Miller once making the point that humour was frequently a sign of seriousness of purpose. Audiences like to label performers, and I have found to my cost that people often think that if you include humour in a concert, then you must be somehow lightweight.

So maybe just this once I should wish you luck, Alistair, just in case any of our distant friends thinks any of us might be doing otherwise.

Now, to revert to simplicity, my wife always makes a pumpkin mask for HALLOWEEN, which we call "Pumpky". He ends up on the compost heap by mid-November, but he is much loved in the interim. Here he is in 2003:

[jpianoflorida]

"keepin up appearances" is my favorite british comedy...   why I'm telling you that? I have no idea .

[pianolist]

Despite the randomness, and occasional erudition, of these non-piano threads, it is rather wonderful that a piano teacher in Florida, and another in Pennsylvania, a composer in Bath (not in THE bath, note), a pianola player in London, and a banjo enthusiast in Gravesend should be able to befriend each other across 3,500 miles.

Is "Keeping Up Appearances" a TV programme? We don't have a TV, and sometimes it makes following conversations quite difficult!

[jpianoflorida]

Despite the randomness, and occasional erudition, of these non-piano threads, it is rather wonderful that a piano teacher in Florida, and another in Pennsylvania, a composer in Bath (not in THE bath, note), a pianola player in London, and a banjo enthusiast in Gravesend should be able to befriend each other across 3,500 miles.

Is "Keeping Up Appearances" a TV programme? We don't have a TV, and sometimes it makes following conversations quite difficult!

GOOD POINT...I'll take a moment and say I'm glad I joined the forum..it's been a great way to discuss things....I have plenty of friends but there are some things better discussed with fellow musicians.       "keeping up appearances" is a tv show we get on public television...british comedy...I love british comedy.   YES, it's excellent we can discuss and have common bonds..and I must say this is my first experience with any kind of forum, chat room, or anything like that.

[ihatepop]

I don't think holoween is celebrated anywhere.

Thal

Sigh.......Ok, We don't celebrate Halloween in Singapore.

ihatepop

[ahinton]

To be serious just for a mo, and in deference to our friends across the pond who may wonder at the Brits, I remember Jonathan Miller once making the point that humour was frequently a sign of seriousness of purpose. Audiences like to label performers, and I have found to my cost that people often think that if you include humour in a concert, then you must be somehow lightweight.

So maybe just this once I should wish you luck, Alistair, just in case any of our distant friends thinks any of us might be doing otherwise.

Good point here - except that you need not feel restricted to wishing me luck only once! (no, don't worry - I know what you meant in this context!). In this case, there's not likely to be a whole lot of "humour" in the concert itself, but that doesn't stop the composer of one of the pieces therein from exercising a bit of it (as you may have noticed...)

Best,

Alistair

[ahinton]

Despite the randomness, and occasional erudition, of these non-piano threads, it is rather wonderful that a piano teacher in Florida, and another in Pennsylvania, a composer in Bath (not in THE bath, note), a pianola player in London, and a banjo enthusiast in Gravesend should be able to befriend each other across 3,500 miles.

Indeed so!

Is "Keeping Up Appearances" a TV programme? We don't have a TV, and sometimes it makes following conversations quite difficult!

The question itself has already been answered, so I have only to add that I thought that having a TV - rather than not having one - is more likely to make "following conversations quite difficult" (as in curtailing them altogether...)

Best,

Alistair

[pianistimo]

pondering all this - i keep wondering what woman in her right mind (even if she colors her hair at whim) would visit a warehouse at night.  especially since the majority of people that seem to be going are men.  what if it's a sort of music bashing experience.  you know, people start saying 'that's not music - that's an alarm!'  what if some of the music is scary?  what if thal leaves at intermission and i can't find him.  what to do on the streets of london at night in november.  this sounds scarier than halloween.

ok. if noone was looking - i'd blow the cake from the left ear out the right - for thal.  only if i a properly asked for permission.  bobbie pins would be another alternative.

btw, visiting pubs inbetween and afterwards reminds me of football season here.  i have simply lost interest.  someoen?  come and take me to high tea.

[ahinton]

pondering all this - i keep wondering what woman in her right mind (even if she colors her hair at whim) would visit a warehouse at night.

Ponder all that you wish - but do remember that this is not "A" warehouse but "THE" Warehouse.

especially since the majority of people that seem to be going are men.

For one thing you cannot know that - and, for another, why would that make any difference? Attending any public performance might mean your joining an audience mainly of men or of women - or it might not.

what if it's a sort of music bashing experience.

It's a concert - so why would it be that?

what if some of the music is scary?

You mean to you? Well, all kinds of music can contain scary moments for all kinds of people, but I imagine that you merely deal with that, if it occurs on this occasion, in the same way as you would at any other public concert where it might occur.

what if thal leaves at intermission and i can't find him.

I am not party to the specific arrangments, if any, that you may have with Thal on that evening, so I cannot say; you'll have to ask Thal that question if you have to ask it of anyo9ne...

what to do on the streets of london at night in november.  this sounds scarier than halloween.

But why would you be spending any appreciable amount of time on the streets? You'd surely be at the concert for a substantial part of the evening, wouldn't you?

ok. if noone was looking - i'd blow the cake from the left ear out the right - for thal.  only if i a properly asked for permission.  bobbie pins would be another alternative.

Er - you've lost me there...

btw, visiting pubs inbetween and afterwards reminds me of football season here.  i have simply lost interest.  someoen?  come and take me to high tea.

I do not suppose that the interval in that concert will be especially long, so I'd forget about the pub idea during it if I were you.

Best,

Alistair

[pianistimo]

can you assure my safety?  are you sure it is THE warehouse and not A warehouse?  are you sure this is a good area of town?  i'm beginning to think i need a long overcoat and a sort of anonymous look.  shades.  hat.  i want to hear jonathon powell play your piece (and the beethoven)- but i don't want to end up a piece of meat hanging over in the corner if i end up at the wrong warehouse.  i've looked up addresses in philly and los angeles.  this sounds suspicioius to me.

[ahinton]

can you assure my safety?

Being a composer rather than a police, security, army, navy or air force officer, bodyguard or member of MI5, MI6, the SAS or any other such organisation, I cannot actually do that in terms of providing an absolute written guarantee, but at the same time I have no idea why you would be more worried about it than anyone else that plans to attend the concert?

are you sure it is THE warehouse and not A warehouse?

Having been there to several concerts in the past, the straight and unequivocal answer to that is YES. That said, "Pianolist" has in any case posted a map on this forum as to how to get to the venue, as well as The Warehouse's own URL.

are you sure this is a good area of town?

It's very close to Waterloo train station, whence the Eurostar trains to France and Belgium depart. Why would you be worred about this? We're talking London here - not Pyongyang, Beirut, Baghdad, Kabul, Tehran...

i'm beginning to think i need a long overcoat and a sort of anonymous look.  shades.  hat.

There is no offical formal dress code for this concert - and a long overcoat might be an OK idea in London in mid-November - but why you'd want to make yourself as incognito as possible I have less than no idea.

i want to hear jonathon

Jonathan

powell play your piece (and the beethoven)

Don't you also want to hear the Chopin?

- but i don't want to end up a piece of meat hanging over in the corner if i end up at the wrong warehouse.

I'm quite sure that none of us would want that - but then where would be the risk of this if you follow the correct directions as to how to get there?

i've looked up addresses in philly and los angeles.

What's that - or rather what have they - to do with this?

this sounds suspicioius to me.

If by "suspicioius" you mean "suspicious" (which I assume you to do), may I ask of what, precisely? Why would this venue engender suspicion?

Must go book a page turner; anyone have the head office number for al-Qaeda, by chance?...

Best,

Alistair

[jpianoflorida]

you guys are too much! too funny!