Zooming In on Music Education with Jon Ryan from Ball in the House
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Outline of Episode:
Introduction and Background of Ball in the House
Melissa Milner introduces John Ryan from Ball in the House, an acapella group.
John Ryan shares his background, mentioning his time at Skidmore College and his early acapella experiences.
John describes the formation of Ball in the House, including the involvement of friends from elementary school and college.
The group's early performances and organic growth are highlighted, including their first major gig at Fauci Hall Marketplace.
Formation and Naming of Ball in the House
John explains the frantic process of naming the group just two days before their first show.
The group was inspired by an episode of "The Brady Bunch" where the phrase "ball in the house" was used.
John discusses the ambiguity of the name, which he believes adds to its appeal and flexibility in their musical evolution.
Evolution of Ball in the House's Musical Style
John talks about the group's initial focus on rock music and their gradual shift towards R&B.
He explains the appeal of R&B for acapella, emphasizing its rhythmic and harmonic elements.
John mentions other groups that use effects and guitar sounds for acapella, but prefers the more natural approach of R&B.
Melissa Milner asks about John's favorite song, and he shares his fondness for an Earth, Wind & Fire medley.
Educational Outreach and Teaching Approach
Melissa Milner inquires about Ball in the House's educational programs in schools.
John explains that they teach K-12, with a focus on elementary schools due to higher parent involvement.
He describes the group's curriculum, which includes performance, songwriting, and the history of vocal music.
John emphasizes the importance of demystifying the process of making music and encouraging students to get involved in music.
Challenges and Rewards of Educational Performances
John recounts the group's first educational performance in Rochester, New York, and their subsequent success.
He discusses the challenges of making their shows educational enough for Young Audiences of Massachusetts.
John highlights the importance of understanding the students' needs and adapting their performances accordingly.
He shares the group's goal of encouraging students to stay involved in music and overcome peer pressure.
Workshops and Masterclasses
Melissa Milner asks about the group's workshops and masterclasses.
John explains that these sessions are often customized based on the needs of the music teacher or choral director.
He describes the collaborative nature of these workshops, where the group works with students to prepare for performances.
John emphasizes the importance of addressing performance anxiety and other aspects of music education.
Personal Teaching Experience and Influence on Ball in the House
John shares his experience as a part-time music teacher at a private school, which influenced his approach to education.
He describes the challenges of creating a curriculum without formal education experience.
John highlights the importance of making music education engaging and relevant to students.
He shares examples of projects and activities that helped students understand the deeper aspects of music.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
John discusses the importance of listening to feedback and continuously improving their educational programs.
He emphasizes the value of constructive criticism and the willingness to adapt based on others' experiences.
John shares anecdotes about the group's evolution and the impact of different members on their teaching approach.
He highlights the rewarding nature of seeing students' growth and understanding of music.
Upcoming Performances and Availability
Melissa Milner asks about Ball in the House's upcoming performances and availability for shows.
John lists several upcoming shows in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Plymouth, with details on ticketed events.
He mentions the group's flexibility in traveling and their goal of performing in all 50 states.
John expresses hope that teachers and educators will invite Ball in the House to their districts for performances and workshops.
Final Thoughts and Future Collaboration
Melissa Milner and John discuss the possibility of future collaboration for a deeper dive into the group's songwriting process.
John shares insights into the group's songwriting approach, which often starts with one person's idea and evolves through collaboration.
Melissa expresses interest in having the full group on a future episode to discuss their process in more detail.
John thanks Melissa for the opportunity to share their story and expresses excitement for potential future collaborations.