I had the great fortune of being able to hear BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet perform and perform back up with them in the Rapides Symphony Orchestra. Although I was born and raised in Louisiana, I have never been very interested in listening to cajun music. However, this music, this band and this concert spoke to my soul! I absolutely loved hearing this music.
Of course you can't beat a live performance of this music. There is no wonder that this music spoke to me the way it did as this band had been lauded as "The best cajun band in the world," and that they play music that is "honest to the bone." I believe that is the best way I can think of to describe the music-honest to the bone.
The Rapides Symphony Orchestra has been playing with great groups for the Season Opener Pops Concerts for years! I feel as if these are my favorite concerts because they expose me to such talented musicians in other genres besides classical music. I love learning about music that is not your typical classical music. It makes me feel so educated. I feel like a more well-rounded musician when I can listen and try to allow other types of music to influence my approach to my flute playing. I am not sure how I will be able to incorporate Zydeco in my playing, but I have no regrets at all at attending this concert.
To my students:
Here is your first sticker earning opportunity. Remember, you want to earn as many stickers as possible. The one with the most stickers at the end of the semester gets a prize!
On a separate piece of paper, answer the following questions.
1. Watch the above video. In 3-5 complete sentences, describe your reaction to this music.
2. Visit the BeauSoleil website. List 3 awards this group has received with the year in which they received it.
3. What instrument(s) does/do Michael Doucet play? Hint: Voice counts as an instrument.
4. When is the next performance of BeauSoliel in Houston? Where will they perform?
Please give the answers to these questions to me in email by midnight (12am) December 7, 2011 to earn up to 5 extra stickers.
Good luck!
