Last night saw the first “listening room” in Imugan, I believe, ever. A slightly captive audience and I listened to Miles Davis’ "Kind of Blue". It was a bit disjointed of a presentation as no one attending had ever a.) listened to jazz before, and were therefore had no reference for any significant aspect of the music, instrumentation, or personnel or b.) listened to music in an appreciative or understanding manner, as music is predominately distilled through pop radio. I would say that the interest level in the experiment was about 25% favorable, and 75% ambivalent. I predict that the next several listening rooms will see a precipitous drop in attendance, but also a significant rise in the interest of those attending. This is just fine with me. I’d rather hang out with three or four really interested people than twenty-five “I’m only here ‘cause I have to be’s.”

The supreme upshot of this experience is that my musical muscles are being exercised in a way not seen since college. Actually, this may be even more beneficial as the music and concepts pursued already have a firm foundation upon which a deeper understanding and familiarity is developing. Deepness isn’t something that, I think, is often found in college; it is too tumultuous and varied an experience for that. Necessary yes, but deep, probably not. Currently I’m debating what the next room will cover – probably Jazz more so than Classical at this point. For people who have never used their ears and mind together, Classical may be too far out of reach. As ever, the future remains to be seen.

The oven continues to dry, and to acquire larger and larger cracks in the structure. The folks that came to help me had a hard time slowing down their work style, which has contributed to the formation of large cracks. The proper technique would probably entail layering small amounts of cob (clay, sand, straw, and water mixed) and really pressing them together, rather than slopping on huge globs of the stuff and pounding it. The former ensures that the layers integrate, while the former probably just covers a lot of area quickly. That we used soil from another site for the last two layers probably contributed to the cracks as well (too much clay means the sand doesn’t touch = large cracks). The nice thing about building a mud oven is that when the cracks form, you just stuff some more mud in there, and the problem is solved. These developments all serve a greater purpose as this oven is an experiment – observing what happens to this mud pile will help build a better mud pile the next time around.

The dance group’s performance came off well. They still need work, especially in the “drama” department. While they act well enough, the story just wasn’t very dramatic, and a bit boring. There wasn’t enough time to try and change things before yesterday’s presentation, but there is now.

While waiting for the group to perform the Chief of Police came up to me and asked to take a picture. Having, as a foreigner, your picture taken with strangers isn’t a rare occurrence; in this case, Roy and I were to be recorded as a “distinguished guests” in their log books. Talk about privilege. I’m just glad that along with being a “distinguished guest” (by the perceived virtue contained in our wallets) sitting in the VIP seats at the front of the stage didn’t soon follow. That’s happened before too, and it is definitely not a privilege. Imagine sitting in front of a thousand people, who in all likelihood are paying more attention to you than the performance, for five hours straight. If you’re especially unlucky, you might be asked to sing a song. No thanks.

Happy Birthday Ann.

Today I’ll be heading to my second site, Imugan Santa Fe, to work with the dance troupe. They will have their first presentation at a cultural fair on Monday and we’ll have two practices together before then. I only head down their way once every two weeks, mostly because it’s not really my site but another volunteer’s. Apparently my Carthage-galvanized musical training has found a use beyond what their current volunteer could provide! The kids are diligent about practicing and are proud of their culture - I imagine that the whole deal will go off rather well.

The guilt associated with my last post is slowly fading as I’ve been able to catch up, somewhat, on correspondence. As I’ve mentioned before, the computer tends to drain me quickly making it difficult at times to keep up with e-mail! Maybe it’s all the noise at the internet cafés that gets me, I don’t remember having the same problem prior to being in the Philippines.

My absentee ballot has come and gone. I’m glad that participation in this years election was so easy – the government run website was simple, gave to you the necessary information, and my county clerk was more than happy to oblige. While I’m mostly sheltered from what’s going on in the current campaign, I have gathered that absentee ballots and new voters are the wild cards in the deck. Yeah. I can’t say if or not other volunteers are voting, but I made sure to take care of my business.

From what I’ve seen in the news and heard through others is that the electorate is fairly evenly divided. Whoever becomes the next president, I can assure you that categorizing the nation as red or blue can’t last, or if it does, it won’t be helpful. Lets be Americans and allow the discourse engendered by democracy flourish, not sequester it behind party lines. How can any president expect to affect positive change, at home and abroad, if he is pigeonholed into one or another category? The president, regardless of party, is our representative – he should stand above party squabbles. I did catch the last debate and the President’s continued “liberal” label was especially unbecoming. I didn’t cast a vote against this President because he’s a Republican, but because he’s represented us poorly.

The oven has finally been finished! I may be able to bake within the month, depending upon when it finally dries. I’m pleased with the result thus far; the result being the amount of learning that occurred during the process. I am sure that the next time one is built, it will be a much better oven. And, the learning hasn’t ended – once I try to bake in it more information will come forth.

November 2nd, y’all.