Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA)’s Post

Listen to the interview.

Prescriptive rules vs guided adaptability. Guided adaptability isn’t about having NO rules. But it is about not having an insane amount of bureaucracy and overly complex requirements. It is based on the assumption with a decent, uncomplicated, basic level of compliance humans will come through using their adaptability, agility and resilience. Case in point. I wrote the following piece of music about a month ago. It’s for a full symphony orchestra (plus some extra instruments) and even if you can’t read music, you can see (and hear) all hell breaking loose around the midpoint from all the black notes on the screen. The thing is, I have only a high school music education and nothing like that compared with John Williams or Hans Zimmer, for example. I can’t name the chords and largely built the piece from imagination and by ear (listening). The outcome, I think, is quite good, if not better. In this case 40 years of playing instruments and observing those around me coupled with my basic theory in music provided me the guided adaptability for the exact outcome I desired. I though this may be a useful example - here’s the piece, enjoy and happy Sunday! #sms #newviewsafety #guidedadaptability #resilience #safetyresilience #complexity #music #composer #musicalcomposition

2024’s greatest losses: A year of farewells to luminaries across music, cinema, politics, sports and the arts - The year 2024 has been marked by the loss of remarkable individuals across diverse fields, including music, cinema, politics, sports, and the arts. These luminaries, celebrated for their exceptional c - https://lnkd.in/g_WnT5vE

What might make a good first post? I’ll go on a hunch that it has to be both interesting and insightful. I guess a short read might be nice too for engagement. So here goes… This is the striking (tearing down) of a stage extension. One of the many hidden aspects of theatre/concert production. These pits serve to store the unused seats and double as the orchestra pit where musicians play during theatrical performances. In our case, we had it raised to stage level so that our performers could be closer to audience members. One of the things I love about concerts is that behind (and underneath) the stage, there is another “orchestra” that aims to go unoticed. An orchestra of staging, sound, lights, and coordination. A great metaphor for how our most public moments of triumph are underwritten by the silent efforts of the many who have helped us there.

New article up for my blog: highlighting the general public’s rise in what can only be described as- ‘Musical Snobbery’- give it a read here!

We can now announce that The Bigg Theatre in Biggleswade 🎭, in partnership with Biggleswade Arts Collective CIC will receive £37,160 of UKSPF community grants which will allow them to expand the seating areas, as well as buy new stage lighting 💡 and sound 🔊 equipment. They are also investing in their larger musical instrument selection, such as keyboards and a piano 🎼 so performers don’t have to bring their own when performing. For more information on these community grants, as well as the UKSPF visit: https://ow.ly/M4Bp50UjR9o And for The Bigg Theatre and Biggleswade Arts Collective CIC: https://ow.ly/nLgO50UjR9n

GA Arts Education Data Dashboard The Georgia Insights Arts Education Data Dashboard allows users to view arts access statewide, see arts courses taught by school, and the number of art disciplines taught (dance, music, theatre, visual, and media arts). GA Arts Data Dashboard. #ArtsedGA

I recently had the privilege of attending the “The Color of Surveillance: Surveillance & Resistance” conference, hosted by the Georgetown Law Center on Privacy and Technology. Thank you to Georgetown University and the organizers for curating such a powerful and thought-provoking event. Conferences like these spotlight critical issues and connect people and communities dedicated to justice. One of the most memorable moments for me was the interactive poetry session led by Sunu Chandi and Michael Colonese. Reflecting on experiences with strangers and turning those into poetry was deeply moving. It was a reminder of how art transcends barriers and creates “heart spaces” where solidarity thrives. In an era increasingly defined by surveillance and control, humanizing resistance through art feels more important than ever. The grassroots resistance stories shared at the conference were equally powerful. I was particularly struck by: • David, a refugee who shared his journey of resilience in the face of systemic surveillance. • Rami, who exposed the intersection of militarization and digital surveillance in Palestine. Their experiences underscored the critical role of community mobilization and grassroots action in fighting oppressive systems. What resonated most was the global scale of these challenges—whether it’s AI in border control, state-sponsored hacking in the Gulf, or the commercialization of surveillance technology. These stories remind us that collaborative resistance and international solidarity are essential. By amplifying voices, sharing resources, and building connections across borders, we can counter these pervasive systems of control. This event inspired me to reflect on how we, as individuals and professionals, can contribute to the collective fight against surveillance. Whether through advocacy, art, or grassroots organizing, every effort counts. For those who couldn’t attend, I encourage you to explore the work of the Georgetown Law Center on Privacy and Technology and connect with organizations and individuals in this space. We can build networks that resist oppression and champion equity and justice. If you also attended the event, I’d love to hear your reflections. And if you’re working in privacy, technology, or human rights, let’s connect—I’m eager to learn from your experiences and continue this important conversation. #SurveillanceResistance #GrassrootsAction #PrivacyRights #GeorgetownLaw #HumanRightsNetworking

Eurydice Fragments: Auditions Open Call Be part of a contemporary performance that fuses opera with modern technology. Through an immersive exploration of our digital and carbon existences, the performance dissolves the binaries we are bound to from birth until death, and strums the threads between heaven and hell, male and female, maker and muse, performer and audience. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dKFDipvF #CreativePathways

Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s tumultuous year continues following the company’s decision to fire all 10 of its dancers this summer, which led to an unprecedented “Do Not Work” order by the American Guild of Musical Artists. This month, DBDT reached a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board, ahead of a scheduled hearing on multiple allegations of unfair labor practices that the agency found to have merit. Just a few days later, the company lost a critical revenue stream for the upcoming season when the Dallas City Council voted to cut nearly $250,000 in funding. Head to https://lnkd.in/eg3bVYX9 to read the full story. 📸: Getty Images 📝: Lauren Warnecke #DallasBlackDanceTheatre #dancenews Descriptions: 1) A black-and-white photo of an empty dance studio. Text: Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Future Remains Unclear as Labor Dispute Approaches Resolution