Last night I went along to the Birmingham Bloggers Meet-up as I heard lots of interesting things about the last one via twitter feeds and Brum blogs.

I wanted to rep the ladeez- since I heard few female bloggers had attended previous ones (for whatever valid reasons). I was also curious to meet other bloggers.

Demographics: mainly white, male, geek/tech-head; which as we all know isn’t representative of the multi-faceted, diverse world of blogging. I wonder what can be done to get different types of bloggers attend?

I arrived late (GCSE exams all day and after school commitments) and I didn’t really know where to put myself. No name badges? I was told that they had been used in previous meet-ups. I didn’t know very many people and it was hard to find an opening for networking.

I confess I didn’t stay too long- but my wisdom teeth were/are manic so went home for cocodamol!

What do the Brum Bloggers Meet-up organisers think about…

1. Bloggers speed dating? It could help bloggers who wouldn’t necessarily be paired together to share ideas. Have you done this already?

2. Lady bloggers meet-ups?

What is the overall aim for these gatherings? Is it just a social? Do they aim to do something groundbreaking? Hmmmmm.

Originally uploaded by guitarfrenzi

Last night there was brief discussion about the future of robots as music makers.

In 2108 will humans pay to watch robots play jazz? Most at last night’s event said no- we want eye balls, sweat, nerves, mistakes and a human presence. I read on the Wired music blog/Frankel’s blog that Robots are trying their (metal/plastic) hand to conducting.

The Robot on the blog page looks a bit menacing. If only they knew how hard it is for budding female conductors to get work!

Tonight, I went along to Creative Networks, I really enjoyed myself!

Soweto Kinch was tonight’s guest speaker; whilst he was talking I turned round and saw how enthralled his audience were, they became putty in his jazz hands (sorry couldn’t help myself), but seriously, the smiles and grins I witnessed!- wow!

He is an excellent public speaker and very inspiring, self-assured but not at all arrogant. I first heard him play at the mac when he had just released his first album; I went out to buy it the following day. Release it on vinyl!! Vinyl!!!!

For me, the key messages to take away were:

• As an artist one should always be true to their passions and self
• Digital technology is an important tool that enables and allows for democracy
• If you are truly passionate about your art form/creativity just get on with it

I was also really inspired by a lady called Tracy whom I met on the stairs; she was such an enthusiastic, amazing spirit and kindly shared some funny tales. I received some good networking tips too, cos I suck! Self-belief, self-belief!

Soweto also announced a Hockley Flyover, (Aston) music project that will happen on 31st May featuring top class artists such as TY as well as budding musicians from Birmingham showcasing their compositions.

At the end, I got into a bit of a chat with Mr. Kinch about education, it is good to see that he is giving his music knowledge and skills back to his local community.

I was a tiny, tiny, bit jealous that some well connected big wig, seemed to basically offer Soweto the (seemingly) immediate chance to work in loads of Birmingham Schools, when the Brum school database I am compiling has been a laborious task of cold calls, meetings and networking. If only I had such appeal, oh and virtuosity playing jazz scales- sigh!

So what am I going to do? What have I been thinking about but not doing?

• Will try and sort an afternoon for a few schools and community centres to have taster workshops from local community musos, inspired by Music Leader’s Market Place idea that has take a bit of a back burner.
• Do some more training in music technology- get me some more skillz
• Do some more composing and stop using the excuse that I haven’t got a new copy of Sibelius to do so!! I have manuscript paper and pencils too!
• Play music more- how did I go from practicing 4 hrs a day to nuttin’? Does anyone hate keyboards like I do? Pianos make me want to practice! Can you buy me one please?
• Stop being a hermit and go to more gigs! Although- I went to the Glee club yesterday and got roped into seeing Nizlopi- I lasted 10 minutes. I prefer the Counting Crows and my beat boxing separate thanks!

Just read an article by Ejos Ubiribo in the Guardian- an excellent, yet moving account of how after the tragic death of her brother, she channeled her energies into combating and exploring the different facets that enable gun crime to destroy inner city London communities. I found this paragraph the most poignant:

“Sir Ian Blair, acknowledges that gun crime represents the biggest problem in Britain after terrorism. But millions of pounds and hours of police time are put into countering terrorism, and the government is unwavering in its commitment to see off this threat. Why aren’t the same resources, the same commitment, given to countering gun and knife crime? Given that so many perpetrators are also victims, the government’s knee-jerk reaction of stauncher law enforcement is never going to be enough”.

Today was the final Music Igniter session. It was a chance for everyone to share the projects they had delivered, discuss the processes and whether the guinea-pig test worked; if you put 10 teachers and 10 community musicians together and ask them to work towards creating innovative, fun, successful fun projects- does it work?

The answer was yes- and even more so if there is proper support from the school.

Nearly all the projects had a few issues, be them organisational ones, staffing or equipment related, but regardless of any problems faced, each group was able to get good results and had young people making music and having fun.

It was interesting to observe that after a lot of work had gone into breaking down tribes- after months apart, (most, not all) teachers instinctively sat together and likewise with the music practitioners. I found myself very guilty here! When we first started the course, Phil Mullen (lead trainer) went to great measures to break down these barriers and there were changes for the first couple of months thanks to music making, bonding etc. Old habits die hard.

I love meeting up with musicians working in the education field- there is always so much to learn and share, and it makes me sad that these things don’t happen enough. I wish there were more opportunities…

I really enjoyed seeing the documentation of a special needs project that happened in Stoke- Steve had brilliantly used wii remotes and wired them to Ableton live so that young people with even the most limited of movement could be musical! Impressive!

I learn’t about the future of Creative Partnerships- that the Change School Programme has been launched and will focus on smaller scale projects focuses on creativity:

“The Change Schools programme is one of three new Creative Partnerships School Programmes, which will be launched in 2008. It will enable schools to enter into a 3-year partnership arrangement (1-3 years for schools already involved with Creative Partnerships) that can radically transform the ways in which the school operates, placing creativity at the heart of its ethos and operation”.

I wish all Music Ignitees well with their futures! Best of luck!

A cool video (link from James Frankel) made in 1967 about the future of education, its over reliance on the Internet and computers.

Props to Created in Birmingham for this article!

Blogging as a working artist!

I had two Birmingham City University students James and Lee, pop round to show and try and sell me the Pacemaker- a hand-held DJing piece of equipment that has just been released.

I could see the appeal- small, sexy gadget, lets you load mp3s relatively easily and tries hard to mimic the operations of a turntable. It boasts EQ effects such as reverb and lets you change the pitch relatively easily.

Yet I still found it troublesome, I didn’t like having to raise or lower the side button to change the pitch and for various effects.

The sound quality wasn’t bad at all, but for me what will always see vinyl as THE winner is its tangibility and warm sound. Possibly a dated view, but I shall always be a vinyl purist. (I hope I don’t eat my words in the future!)

Whilst on a bus/coach heading back to Yamagata, quite a few special needs people/students got on the bus. (I had to work with special Ed students each week at my school in Sendai- so could tell straight away). Chris thought they were drunk because of the atypical rowdiness and most seemed to be drinking out of cans that looked like they contained alcohol (I could read the coffee sign).

A guy sat next to Chris and starred him out real intensely. Body touching and angled right towards him. Chris took it well.

Sat in front of me, 2 lads were drinking their coffee- pretending it was beer, saying ‘Kampai’ and then because they thought I couldn’t understand Japanese gave me a little autopsy. Starring, giggling, starring again.

They checked me out a few times and then one said:

Person 1: “That outsider is cute right?”
Person 2: “NOOOO! You are joking- she’s not cute at all!”

The reactions I bring out in men! Well I found the situation funny. It’s seldom you get to see into the Japanese inner circle; the honne.

Chris and I awoke very early- 5am to get to Tsukiji Fish Market. It was something I had never been to before so was quite excited! It was a very vibrant, noisy (and for little people), scary place. Fishermen would rapidly run around selling and packaging newly arrived fish.

For a more comprehensive, informative account of Tsukiji- read Chris’ blog post.

I am allergic to fish but found it very interesting to watch how they slaughtered and de-scaled produce.

We then had a freshly caught breakfast of sushi! Apparently the fish was melt in your mouth butter-licious- I wouldn’t know, I was limited to seafood! Bah!!

I’ll put some more pics up later, oh and some anecdotes.

This is one of my favourite coffee shops in Sendai. It is called Lindenbaum. It is very relaxing, I love the use of concrete for interior, classical music that would quietly ease your woes and calm, friendly atmosphere.

The coffee shop is named after German composer Schubert’s “Der Lindenbaum” a well- known song in the classical world. The Linden tree represents tranquility and solice that it so often provides for those who rest against it.

The owners make it a very special place- Tsugio and Keiko- are a couple that are very much in love and very passionate about their work. They make every effort to learn each customer’s name and give the best service possible.

They helped me with my Japanese and encouraged me to speak and practice more. The cake here is amazing!!! Tsugio makes it all, and when I was good would allow me to lick the spoon or be given little treats.

One of my favourites was his Devil’s cake- rich chocolate mouse on a thin bed of digestive and caramel with a subtle raspberry sauce. I also loved his mascapone cake. Yummmm! Tabetaiiiii naaaa!

I returned to Sendai to see my good friend Stephanie. We traveled together loads- Thailand, Australia and around Japan . She was my rock; she listened to me moan about how home sick I was and my cultural frustrations- she helped move them from polemic to pragmatic.

Stephanie is an architect by trade but is very passionate about teaching English as a Foreign Language.

We were study buddies- and would spend hours in funky kissatens (Japanese style coffee shops) eating cake, drinking iced lattes whilst learning kanji and sharing phrases.

Easter weekend, we caught a bullet train to Sendai. We stayed with Stephanie and she made us a lovely breakfast! Japanese people don’t do breakie culture well- they normally eat the previous evening meal’s leftovers.

I promised to upload some pictures and posts about my Easter holiday in Japan, so as promised here they are.

I returned to Japan as a tourist, to show my boy around a country where I had spent 3 years of my life. I introduced him to my friends, the amazing food culture I so greatly miss, the mish-mash and wacky juxtaposition of ultra modern and traditional architecture and insight into the eastern way of thought. We went to Tokyo and travelled up north to Sendai and Zao- for a good soak in some hot springs.

On return, I immediately resumed my J-Bobbie persona- not wishing to talk loudly on buses and stand out as the urusai foreigner but as the person who knew the place inside out (I don’t and never will); I became the J-Bobbie that was a bit of a stress head.

This was because I spent my last 7 months in Tokyo continually wired. Hours of dedicated study for Japanese exams and a nasty commute to work (where I’d teach rich 2 year olds how to speak English) resulted in me leaving Japan exhausted, negative- because I would never be able to integrate, yet sad to go.

After my realisation, I was able to relax more and could enjoy being back a lot better.

Anyway, these are some pictures of my Japanese friends. The last time I saw them was in 2005.

We went to Yoyogi Park to do some cherry blossom viewing. In Japan the cherry blossom signifies the arrival of spring, innocence and is adored by most. We drank beer, sake, ate Japanese snacks- such as dried squid and mochi and watched people enjoy themselves under the trees; we watched people get really wasted.

After dark we went to a tapas restaurant where Hiroshi works.

Nice to catch up with you again- Hilo, Satomi, Hiroshi, Megu, Jun-chan, Yotsu and Saika! Mata Aimashou! x

I am in Yamagata, Japan, sitting in a little Internet/magazine shop trying to find out where my lost pair of glasses are.

It is really nice to be back; I’m slowly realising that my Japanese isn’t too bad, but my pronunciation sucks!!

Getting a bit bored of being a tourist- expatriatism all the way!

The food is great and it has been a blast meeting up with old friends. What is disappointing is that there are few wi-fi spots that are free- cos everyone has Internet and GPS on their keitei.

I have been loving the Ipod Touch- it has been really useful for web browsing and sending quick emails.

Japan anecdotes and pics to follow.

Oh, and I got the MediaSnackers job! Yippee yay!

Early this morning, I went along to DK’s recruitment day and now I am exhausted. It all happened at The Hub Bristol. Twas a cool space!

I was one of 6 candidates bidding for the trainer positions. We had to give a 20-minute presentation on a social media platform/tool and then after playtime faced the MediaSnackers dons for the serious bit; a 30-minute interview.

It was really stimulating to see the vast array of people talent that was brought together. Different fields brought to the table were; music theatre, community music, video bloggers, really technically advanced developers/consultancy and law.

All of us were connected by a love and fascination for new technology developments. What really came across was how we’re all avid users of social media platforms and are aware of how it is changing and shaping the way humans interact. I did not have one boring conversation!

I think my presentation on a wiki called wetpaint.com went quite well, but my fatigue and nerves during the interview saw some average answers…. hmpf!

Keynote is sooo much better to use than Powerpoint- well impressed! Yes, I know everyone has been saying this!

It was a pleasure to meet such interesting people!

Here are some of their blogs:

Chris Unitt- also from Brummage. Licensing consultant
Phil Campbell the super, street tech guru! Project manager for media mashups
Beth Taliston- Video blogger and has a teaching background
Guy- for a day job works in PR but game designer, online community and digital strategy dude
Tim- an MA in music theatre but again web head. Will get blog address up soon.

Time to pack for Japan!

Heading nodding tune about web 2.0. I love his southern drawl!

My head hurts; I can’t concentrate very well. This always happens, whenever I have my hair put in braids the first week is my scalp’s moody reaction to my natty ‘fro being neatly parted and plaited.

At present my hair is in the most beautiful shoulder length twists thanks to a lovely lady whom I had the fortune of meeting on Monday. As I walked into Kumba’s welcoming and cosy house, I was given the most genuine, loving hug from her 2 year old son- he had never met me before!

Whilst the hours passed I proceeded to bond with Kumba’s big brain of a fourteen year old- MM. He has to be one of the brightest, analytical, articulate (he busted out words I needed a dictionary for) young men I have come across. We conversed about consumerism, US politics vs UK, literature and memory techniques. Before you conjure up images of a super geek with all the trimmings- this young man oozes super cool and the most amazing thing is he wants to be an English teacher; so our conversation swiftly moved to pedagogy.

I need a word that transcends inspired cos that’s how I felt that night! You rock MM!!!

The Respect Programme at St. Alban’s finished today for the academic year. It has been a roller coaster- but I have had so much fun working with peer mentors and mentees.

We finally completed the tracks- had a few hiccups what with work being deleted but we got there in the end.

I hope that the young men I worked with continue to show their true potential, continue to work hard and inspire. They motivated me; I have never ever been so happy to wake up on a Monday morning before! Their smiles and spirit would always set me up for a good start to the week!

This weekend I have been working with lovely students from Hamstead Hall School to compose, arrange and perform an original piece of music. It had a fusion of reggae, bashment and jazz.

Most students had never played in a band before so were pretty nervous- but everyone did a great job- although I fluffed some of my directing cues- whops!!

Many thanks to Head of music Mr. Rogers for all his support!

I really enjoyed the big band sessions at the end- effortlessly directed and shaped by composer Sid Peacock! There were some really amazing, big sounds!!

This weekend I arranged to meet my lil sis and her chums regarding a social media experiment.Tbratz (my adoring nickname for her) and her friends seem to love congregating at a certain shop in town and share/chip in towards buying their favourite books if they don’t have enough money- how cute! I told them they were cool geeks!

Many of Tbratz’s friends professed to not liking computers at all- preferring ‘pen and paper’, so I wanted to show them how social media platforms could become a useful part of their everyday lives.

Anyway- because they are all in their final year of GCSEs and are heading to different colleges, I helped them come up with a fun way to stay in contact.

After several cups of tea, lots of giggles and 1 hour, I helped them set up a wiki were they can all work towards creating a space brimming with memories.

Thanks to Debbie Cavalier for the link to what is a satirical video highlighting the importance of music education and it’s lack of credibility in US classrooms! Hilarious- what a depressing way to be sung to sleep!

When putting together a database of schools to approach regarding work- it saddened me to see that there was either: no music department, or music was no longer studied for it’s own sake. Rather it is put under the cross-discipline of “Creative Arts” or “Performing Arts”- for whatever valid reasons; be they staffing, timetabling- still a shame, but I am biased.

This Saturday 15th at 4pm in the CBSO centre there will be an informal concert by the Birmingham Jazz Youth Group.

It is the result of 3 sessions at the CBSO and workshops at schools across Birmingham. It will feature small groups pieces and a very innovative, energetic and creative big band.

The concert is free and will last just over an hour. It would be a great benefit if you could come and support the young musicians.

One of the pieces I have co-written with Hamstead Hall students will be showcased.

Hope to see you there!

Apologies in advance for this. I was tagged…

1. I was called Roberta up until the age of 18. I honestly thought this was my name until I saw my birth certificate which clearly states Bobbie-Jane (like something out ‘The Waltons”). People from my past and my mum (when I am naughty) still use it.

2. I am allergic to fish. This makes me sad.

3. I speak Japanese and can write some kanji.

4. I sailed from Aberdeen, UK to Trondheim, Norway in the Cutty Sark Tall Ships’ Race ‘97. I was the only student that wasn’t sick and made a roast dinner whilst sailing across the North Sea.

5. I used to aspire to be like my private French tutor Isobelle (a bohemian, sensual 20 something with hairy pits, big boobs, blue hair and drove a Citroen). A couple months back, we met randomly at local pub and I could still sing to her the songs she taught me. It was lovely and a bit weird.

6. I wanted to travel to James Bond Island, Phuket, Thailand around the disastrous tsunami time ‘03 but because it was so far south went to Koh Phangan instead. I was kayaking at the time…

7. I have tiny ears, no, really.

8. I was premature by 2 months so an incubator was my first home.

I have been tagged by mediasnackers’ DK regarding Ewan McIntosh’s passion quilt meme. Rules: present an image and statement exploring your passion regarding teaching/learning.

“The creative path leading to self-fulfillment and confidence, is an interminable process of trial and error”.

I’ll be tagging:
Antonio Gould- Executive Producer for 4Pioneers
Clare Edwards- Runs Gigbeth- A diverse music festival set in Brum
Synergy- Pioneers of participative media and social networking in education
Yemisi Blake- London based writer and performer
Andrew Dubber- Brum based big thinker on the developments of online music

Originally uploaded by Smaku
Have a read of this article found on the independent wesbite- it documents quite well the inequality of Japanese women in the workplace. I return to Japan in a couple of weeks after being away for 2 years. One of my Japanese nicknames was ‘fire woman’…

I always found it difficult to accept the treatment of Japanese women when I was an expat. Whenever me and my Japanese mates would come back from clubbing it would always be the ladies in the kitchen cooking up ramen.

Guess who got served first and received the biggest portions?