Zachary at Berklee

Summertime, and the Livin' is Easy

zacharykrodel — Sun, 12 May 2013 21:36:37 -0400

It was a horrendous trip back to Indiana. I got stuck in Baltimore after huge delays at the airport, and then since that wasn’t bad enough, I had to evacuate the hotel I was staying in due to someone smoking in one of the rooms and setting off the fire alarms.

However, I have made it back alive. I’ve spent the weekend doing pretty much nothing except resting, eating, and playing the Wii U, but on Monday morning, my busy summer will officially begin.

Although I will not be at Berklee this summer, that doesn’t mean that the music simply stops. I have plans to write and record like crazy. Everything will be uploaded in due time to my YouTube channel, so be on the lookout.

As for final words concerning this past semester…. Well, I really don’t have much to say. It wasn’t as exciting as past semesters, but I still learned a lot, made some new friends, and joined the greatest choir ever, the VGMC. I am definitely looking forward to whatever happens next.

As usual, I will most likely not update the blog on a regular basis throughout the summer break unless something absolutely spectacular or catastrophic occurs.

So yeah. See you next semester.

I want it.

zacharykrodel — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:22:00 -0400

I want it.

Auguries of Innocence

zacharykrodel — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:03:38 -0400

A great poem by William Blake.

To see a world in a grain of sand

And a heaven in a wild flower,

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,

And eternity in an hour.

A robin redbreast in a cage

Puts all heaven in a rage.

A dove-house fill’d with doves and pigeons

Shudders hell thro’ all its regions.

A dog starv’d at his master’s gate

Predicts the ruin of the state.

A horse misused upon the road

Calls to heaven for human blood.

Each outcry of the hunted hare

A fibre from the brain does tear.

A skylark wounded in the wing,

A cherubim does cease to sing.

The game-cock clipt and arm’d for fight

Does the rising sun affright.

Every wolf’s and lion’s howl

Raises from hell a human soul.

The wild deer, wand’ring here and there,

Keeps the human soul from care.

The lamb misus’d breeds public strife,

And yet forgives the butcher’s knife.

The bat that flits at close of eve

Has left the brain that won’t believe.

The owl that calls upon the night

Speaks the unbeliever’s fright.

He who shall hurt the little wren

Shall never be belov’d by men.

He who the ox to wrath has mov’d

Shall never be by woman lov’d.

The wanton boy that kills the fly

Shall feel the spider’s enmity.

He who torments the chafer’s sprite

Weaves a bower in endless night.

The caterpillar on the leaf

Repeats to thee thy mother’s grief.

Kill not the moth nor butterfly,

For the last judgement draweth nigh.

He who shall train the horse to war

Shall never pass the polar bar.

The beggar’s dog and widow’s cat,

Feed them and thou wilt grow fat.

The gnat that sings his summer’s song

Poison gets from slander’s tongue.

The poison of the snake and newt

Is the sweat of envy’s foot.

The poison of the honey bee

Is the artist’s jealousy.

The prince’s robes and beggar’s rags

Are toadstools on the miser’s bags.

A truth that’s told with bad intent

Beats all the lies you can invent.

It is right it should be so;

Man was made for joy and woe;

And when this we rightly know,

Thro’ the world we safely go.

Joy and woe are woven fine,

A clothing for the soul divine.

Under every grief and pine

Runs a joy with silken twine.

The babe is more than swaddling bands;

Every farmer understands.

Every tear from every eye

Becomes a babe in eternity;

This is caught by females bright,

And return’d to its own delight.

The bleat, the bark, bellow, and roar,

Are waves that beat on heaven’s shore.

The babe that weeps the rod beneath

Writes revenge in realms of death.

The beggar’s rags, fluttering in air,

Does to rags the heavens tear.

The soldier, arm’d with sword and gun,

Palsied strikes the summer’s sun.

The poor man’s farthing is worth more

Than all the gold on Afric’s shore.

One mite wrung from the lab’rer’s hands

Shall buy and sell the miser’s lands;

Or, if protected from on high,

Does that whole nation sell and buy.

He who mocks the infant’s faith

Shall be mock’d in age and death.

He who shall teach the child to doubt

The rotting grave shall ne’er get out.

He who respects the infant’s faith

Triumphs over hell and death.

The child’s toys and the old man’s reasons

Are the fruits of the two seasons.

The questioner, who sits so sly,

Shall never know how to reply.

He who replies to words of doubt

Doth put the light of knowledge out.

The strongest poison ever known

Came from Caesar’s laurel crown.

Nought can deform the human race

Like to the armour’s iron brace.

When gold and gems adorn the plow,

To peaceful arts shall envy bow.

A riddle, or the cricket’s cry,

Is to doubt a fit reply.

The emmet’s inch and eagle’s mile

Make lame philosophy to smile.

He who doubts from what he sees

Will ne’er believe, do what you please.

If the sun and moon should doubt,

They’d immediately go out.

To be in a passion you good may do,

But no good if a passion is in you.

The whore and gambler, by the state

Licensed, build that nation’s fate.

The harlot’s cry from street to street

Shall weave old England’s winding-sheet.

The winner’s shout, the loser’s curse,

Dance before dead England’s hearse.

Every night and every morn

Some to misery are born,

Every morn and every night

Some are born to sweet delight.

Some are born to sweet delight,

Some are born to endless night.

We are led to believe a lie

When we see not thro’ the eye,

Which was born in a night to perish in a night,

When the soul slept in beams of light.

God appears, and God is light,

To those poor souls who dwell in night;

But does a human form display

To those who dwell in realms of day.

Photo

zacharykrodel — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:18:00 -0400

160 Mass Ave. Yesterday I was lucky enough to go on a tour of...

zacharykrodel — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:36:00 -0400

160 Mass Ave.

Yesterday I was lucky enough to go on a tour of the 160 Mass Ave. construction site. This 17-story tower will soon become Berklee’s main building. It features dormitories, tons of recording space including a film scoring dubbing stage, ensemble rooms, practice rooms, and an all-new cafeteria twice the size as our old one that also doubles as a performance venue for students.

The best part of the tour was the fact that we got to ride a lift all the way to the roof. Viewing Boston from the top of a 17-story building is breathtaking. And it wasn’t through windows either. We were literally standing on the roof. It was incredible.

Photo

zacharykrodel — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:20:05 -0400

Recording Session

zacharykrodel — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:05:16 -0400

I just got back from a 3-hour recording session with the Video Game Music Choir. There is nothing quite like that moment of silence at the end of the recording. I think that is one of those experiences that musicians just can’t get enough of. It is utterly captivating.

I will post the recordings as soon as I can get a hold of them. I am really excited to hear the final result.

Students From Indiana: 3

zacharykrodel — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:38:22 -0400

It’s official. There are now three students from Indiana who attend the Berklee College of Music. There’s me, some random guy I met last semester whose name I can’t remember, and my most recent discovery, a girl named Stephanie in the Video Game Music Choir. How I participated in this choir for half a semester without figuring this out is beyond me.

Indiana FTW!

An Eerie Peacefulness

zacharykrodel — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:21:35 -0400

Despite the tragic events of the past week, today is oddly peaceful. I went on a walk in the area around the Museum of Fine Arts and I was surprised at how quiet everything was. The few people who were about were just calmly strolling along.

How come every day can’t be like this?

Cabin Fever

zacharykrodel — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:53:00 -0400

I haven’t had any classes for five days now due to the continuing investigation concerning the Boston Marathon explosions and the more recent shootings. Furthermore, we have been advised to stay indoors so that we won’t get blown up or shot.

I now pose you a question: What do two college students who are locked in an apartment for five days do? Let me give you the rundown.

Sleep late, play video games, watch movies, watch a Dr. Seuss documentary, change lightbulbs, bake brownies, have an intense one-hour long game of chess, listen to Stevie Wonder, play more video games, cook awesome food, read aloud dramatically from David Foster Wallace’s epic novel, “Infinite Jest”, make fun of your third roommate behind his back and then proceed to feel bad about it, act like you’re a drummer using spoons, plates, and glasses, play more video games, watch more movies, drink tea, discuss the current state of the U.S. economy, and last but most certainly not least:

WISH THAT YOU COULD GO OUTSIDE!

More Klezmer

zacharykrodel — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:04:00 -0400

More Klezmer

Klezmer music

zacharykrodel — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:51:00 -0400

Klezmer music

Registered!

zacharykrodel — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:02:00 -0400

I just finished registering for my classes. For once, it actually went really well. I got into a Klezmer music ensemble, a Hammond organ lab, and an Instrumentation and Score Preparation class with Andrew List. After hearing List’s 21st century piano pieces earlier this semester, I have been eager to study under him.

I also am taking conducting with Isaiah Jackson. Everyone tells me that he is ridiculously tough. I am kind of scared now.

And then of course I have some core music classes and stuff. Plus the VGMC, which I definitely plan on participating in again.

Next Fall looks like it will be a pretty cool semester. I am looking forward to it.

The First Draft

zacharykrodel — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:21:10 -0400

So, I finally finished the outline for my book. I think. Did I ever mention that I am writing a book? Well now you know. I am writing book.

In fact, I have been thinking about this book for years, and I have worked on the outline for months, beginning at the start of this semester.

I honestly don’t know what to think of this outline. All I know is that I have an uncontainable desire to start writing the first draft and go from there.

You just have to start writing.

Physics of Musical Instruments So I guess that I am technically...

zacharykrodel — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:26:52 -0400

Physics of Musical Instruments

So I guess that I am technically a physics major. I think.

Explosions at Boston Marathon Finish Line

zacharykrodel — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:47:49 -0400

Read the news: Click here

Just two hours ago, there were two explosions at the Boston Marathon finish line. 2 dead, 22 injured. Intentional bombing. Terrible news.

Creativity vs Management

zacharykrodel — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:12:33 -0400

Harvard Business Review recently posted a horribly offensive article entitled, ”Seven Rules for Managing Creative People”. Every creative individual needs to read this article, as it clearly explains why non-creative types don’t understand anything.

Read the article: Click here

The negative response to this was so overwhelming that HBR was forced to make edits to the original article. One of these negative responses took the form of another, much more accurate article, titled “Seven Rules for Putting up with Management”.

Read the response: Click here

Disney Stole Alice in Wonderland Artwork From a College Student

zacharykrodel — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:58:29 -0400

Read the article: Click here

What is wrong with you, Disney?

Where Does the Time Go?

zacharykrodel — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:17:52 -0400

It’s 6pm already!? I can’t believe it. Today went by so fast that I can barely remember it. Maybe it didn’t even happen.

During my first semester at Berklee, I attended a Studio Ghibli...

zacharykrodel — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:10:00 -0400

During my first semester at Berklee, I attended a Studio Ghibli retrospective hosted by GKIDS. Now, a year later, GKIDS is back with Studio Ghibli’s newest film, “From Up On Poppy Hill.” They are screening the film at select theaters nationwide. There were only three showings here in Boston at the Landmark Cinema in Kendall Square. I went to one of these showings on Friday.

Considering that I reviewed all of the films I watched during the Ghibli retrospective, it would seem appropriate that I do the same with this film. Here is what I think of “From Up On Poppy Hill.”

“Poppy Hill” is directed by none other than Hayao Miyazaki’s son, Goro Miyazaki. It tells the story of young girl named Umi living in 1963 post-war Japan, a time when the country was evolving into what it has become today. Umi develops a romantic relationship with a boy named Shun, and together they fight to prevent the destruction of a historical landmark.

After Goro’s previous disaster of a film, “Tales From Earthsea”, many fans were worried about the fate of his sophomore project. I think “Poppy Hill” signifies a huge step in the right direction, while many others were not so fond of it.

People constantly bring attention to Goro’s lack of directorial experience, his lack of a unique artistic voice, and they always mention his father’s legacy.

All of this is rubbish.

1. Lack of directorial experience. This is such a harsh statement. Have you seen Hayao Miyazaki’s early work? It was not much better than “Poppy Hill”, and depending on your perspective of animation, it may even be considered worse. Goro, just like everyone else, needs the time to develop his skill at directing. This is his second film. Give him a break, people.

2. Lack of a unique artistic voice. Not only is this statement also harsh, but it is untrue as well. Just because his father’s artistic voice was more outspoken and at times blatantly obvious does not invalidate Goro’s voice, which I believe is much quieter and inconspicuous.

Take for example the stark contrast between Hayao Miyazaki’s fantastical adventures, and Goro’s tendency to move towards realism. Hayao Miyazaki can simply not make a film without at least one scene of action or fantasy. It is against his very nature. However, this is not the case with his son.

You could also look at their strikingly different ways of creating heroines. Miyazaki’s heroines are strong, bold, heroic, extroverted. Goro’s heroine Umi is thoughtful, quiet, good-natured, introverted, peaceful. Polar opposites. Goro does not lack a voice. His is just different from his father’s. I will admit that it is not quite as developed as his father’s voice is, but that does not mean that it is nonexistent.

3. His father’s legacy. This has been going on for years, all the way back to “The Cat Returns” if not even farther back than that. No one will ever be like Hayao Miyazaki. In order for Studio Ghibli to not end up like the travesty that Disney has ended up in, they need to strive for a new leader of Ghibli, not a Miyazaki copycat. I honestly believe that Goro is the perfect candidate for the job. In my humble opinion, any other person would be a mistake. Fortunately, I also believe that Hayao Miyazaki realizes this himself. It is mainly just the general public who thinks otherwise.

Now that I have stated my defense of Goro Miyazaki, I would like to say a few things about his film.

The concept behind “Poppy Hill” is the idea that if you “worship the future and forget your past”, you are doomed to fail. This heavy-handed statement is embedded inside what is essentially a romantic period film. While the idea itself seems influenced by Hayao Miyazaki’s generation, the presentation of it is definitely Goro’s work.

The fact that Umi’s father has passed away fits perfectly, considering Goro’s mostly negative and distanced relationship with his own father. Her contemplative, gentle personality also syncs well the personality of Goro. While his father was much more ambitious, with more of a “go big or go home” type of attitude, Goro is content with simply expressing himself in a pure form. He has only made two films, one a failure, and I already relate to Goro more than his father. How can people say that he does not have a voice? If he does not have voice, then how did he speak to me?

The films’s score was a total shock for fans of Joe Hisaishi’s work with Miyazaki. Goro’s taste in music is jazzier and much more upbeat, with a greater emphasis on vocal works. “Poppy Hill”, just like Goro’s previous film, features a song by Aoi Teshima. Teshima’s voice works really well with Goro’s style. Could this be the beginning of a career long artistic relationship?

Visually, “Poppy Hill” was a little weak. The animation was not bad, but it was not spectacular by any means. “Whisper of the Heart”, an earlier Ghibli film with similar themes, was made over a decade ago and it actually looks better to my eyes. This is not completely Goro’s fault, as time and budget constraints must be considered as well. This is only his sophomore film. I would expect that Ghibli gave him a much smaller budget than they would for Hayao Miyazaki.

In regards to the story, there were a few pacing issues here and there, but overall I thought it was very well done. I feel as if some people left the theater disappointed, probably expecting something more dramatic. I think it is disrespectful to assume that the creator’s of a film will appeal to your individual desires. Art is an expression of the person who makes it. It is not meant to please you. It is meant to please the artist. People need to learn to respect the artist. I for one am glad that Goro was willing to show me his world. If you want a lame movie that is designed specifically to appease the masses, go watch a Disney film.

Concerning my time at the theater, I must once again express my amazement at the people who, like myself, stay present in the theater until the credits have ended. They even kept the lights dimmed. How cool is that? I hate how people just get up and leave right when the first credit appears. People do realize that the credits are part of the movie, right? The music has to be composed for it, so an artist is involved. Not only that, but it is a time to show your respect for the people who created it. These people spent two or more years of their life creating a film that lasts a little under two hours in length. Can you not give them a couple more minutes of you time?

I think that is about all I have to say, pertaining to this film at least. I could rant for a few more paragraphs about how much I hate how modern artists are so disrespected, but I will refrain from that for now.

Check out the GKIDS “From Up On Poppy Hill” Facebook page for a listing of all theaters that will be screening the film. There are not very many, so if there is one even remotely close to where you live, I highly recommend seeing it. It is so rare for Studio Ghibli films to be shown theatrically in the U.S. Take advantage of any chance you get.

“Poppy Hill” Facebook: Click here