Sean Paul Mills

I Believe That Music . . .
based upon “The Creed of the Collegiate Chorale” by Robert Shaw

. . . is not a luxury but rather a necessity. Music is a necessity in this world of political, economic, and personal disintegrations not simply because it is “therapeutic” nor because it is the “universal language”, but because it is the persistent focus of man’s intelligence, aspiration, and goodwill.

. . . is always a community enterprise. Its creation is an attempt to communicate, and every performance is an effort to unite the hearts, souls, spirits, and minds of men, even those of different generations.

. . . is one of many forms of art. Painting, sculpture, dance, photograph, symphony orchestra, poetry, and plays are not competitive “attractions” for the public fashion in patronage, but are instruments of a single craft with identical cultural responsibilities.

. . . is peculiarly both a “doer’s” art and a “listener’s” art. Its benefits are in direct proportion to active participation either as a donor or recipient.

. . . is the art and craft of “revealing”, not “interpreting.” It is the performer’s business to get out of the way of music.

And I believe that the musical instrument and the ensembles in which it participates should assume a position of respect and musical responsibility commensurate with the distinction of its literature and comparable to that of any other professional.
 

An Affirmation

adapted from Howard Thurman

I affirm my faith in the little graces of life; the urgency of growth, the strength of laughter, the vitality of friendship.

I affirm my confidence in the dignity of all persons; their fortitude in despair, their strength in weakness, their love in hatred.

I affirm my joy in the experience of living; the fragrance of nostalgia, the scattered moments of delight, the exhilaration of danger.

I affirm my need for others; the offerings of faith, the gifts of variety, the quality of difference.

I affirm my hunger for striving each day to become a better person; the desire for fulfillment, the ache for understanding, the sense of peace.

Practice

by Horatio Edens

Practice your scales, arpeggios, and etudes.

Practice your music to gain insight into someone’s greater intellect.

Practice heightened concentration and coordination.

Practice keeping the inner voice that directs the outer person.

Practice refreshing your sensitivity with sensibility.

Practice renewing the daily fight for the possibility of perfection.

Practice challenging yourself in both small and large matters.

Practice shrinking yourself, to realize the hugeness of faith.

Practice laughing.

Practice loving.

Practice forgiveness.

Practice living.