A TEACHER'S GREATEST GIFT

Former students, who continue to pursue their passion, because their orbit once momentarily passed through ours, insures us teachers we did make a difference.

NOTE: This is the written blog of Podcast #26. Please listen to the podcast first. Links to the music may be found embedded in this blog.

As promised in my last post, you will be experiencing some very cool vibes from a former student. A former student, but not in the strictest sense. Isaiah Grip, a relative new writer on this platform (isaiahgrip.substack.com) never sang a note in our choir program. However it was through a talent show sponsored by our choir program that Isaiah’s orbit momentarily passed through mine. Although I take no claim for his awe-inspiring talent, I will be forever grateful our paths crossed. This young man continues, four and a half years after my departure, to make some pretty great music.

I just want to take a moment to share with you one of the greatest gifts teachers receive. When students continue to communicate through social media their post graduation thoughts, skills and in Isaiah’s case,  “products”, our teacher hearts beat brighter and faster! So if you have not conversed with that instructor who played even a small role in your life, please do so today!

Before you have the listening privilege of Isaiah Grips’s composition, let me set it up. You will hear a repeated piano riff which serves as the initial layer of this beautiful piece. Do not let the repetition lull you into staring into the abyss! Listen to it carefully and understand this segment plays a major role in the cement foundation of these very cool vibes. Isaiah Grip’s One Ethereal Prison:

*music*

We will continue with One Ethereal Prison in just a moment. First, here is more about Isaiah Grip. He is now 21 years old and a multi-instrumentalist composer (playing guitar, piano, violin and singing). Even recently he started learning the cello. Isaiah currently resides in Longmont, Colorado and studies music independently under the name Tetra Veda. Isaiah also collaborates with Ghostwrite Inc and performs in the progressive metal band Cloud Temple, which I personally have enjoyed hearing. His repertoire can be found on Bandcamp and YouTube under the name Tetra Veda.

I thought it important to ask Isaiah to explain his thought process when composing. He states: This song’s writing process is similar to my other songs in the sense that I’ll start with some kind of musical idea, record it and then start building from there. With my style it is all about getting the ball rolling, and by that I mean I never have a clear final picture with how I want the song to sound. It’s always about generating ideas and layering different instruments as I go. And that is probably what makes me most unique. I play a ton of different instruments and am constantly noodling around with different riffs and how they layer on top of each other. So with ‘One Ethereal Prison’, it started with the beginning piano riff, [which you heard at the start of this podcast] and then I programmed the drums, and after that wrote/recorded the lead part which was a synthesis of lead electric guitar and violin. I discovered they sounded absolutely amazing layered . With me, it is always a learning process in the sense that I am continually in discovery mode. I don’t have a list of rules I follow other than to write music that is authentic to me and to be proud of the music I compose.

So back to One Ethereal Prison, we left off with the piano riff and now drums will be added followed by the synthesizer. So as not to disturb the flow of the content,I will not interrupt. Just listen for the drums to ignite the piano riff with lead synthesizer for exciting electronic sounds. Seconds later you’ll hear a transition lead by a feel of jazz piano. This followed by the guitar and violin beginning their uneasy feel created through dissonances. Throughout the remainder of the piece listen for more transitions, unique sounds and a steady pulse taking you to the end of your musical journey through the incredible talent of Isaiah Grip.

*music*

My take away? As a music major with two degrees, I took a great disliking to required music composition classes. Overpaid stuffy professors with their inhibiting rules alleviated free expression and creative musical nuances. When I listen to Isaiah’s music, the non-adherence to the rules of composition make my ears truly engage and my soul rejoice in the creation of such magical sounds. I would encourage you to go to the links Isaiah listed and purchase his music. You will not be sorry!

TUNE IN SOON. Here’s a tease: Having spent 46 years as a public school teacher, it hurts me to say: public school education will continue its spiraling downfall unless catastrophic federal and state governances are prohibited in creating an environment of inequity for our children. Yes, you heard right. There is inequity in our children’s education but it is created through underperforming school districts who emphasize ideology and experimentation with woke subject matters.

PLEASE SHARE THIS LINK WITH ANY AND ALL . Read more of my thoughts at: rescuetheteacher.com. If you’re experiencing unfair practices in your teaching position, please reach out to me at rescuetheteacher @yahoo.com! Here is even a better idea: propose a book study of Rescue the Teacher, Save the Child! for your school district. I would be happy to come and lead it!