Mitchelle Tanner

Well, the Rockin' Moms Rockin' the Park gig was a great event, as usual, and I was happy to be a part of it. Thanks to everyone who supported the show! Nothing better than playing on a big outdoor stage while everyone kicks back on the grass. Look forward to seeing everyone there next year.

At this point there are no new gigs coming up until after finals in December. I'm submersed to brain-bursting-level in the five thousand rules (added to repeatedly over the years) of classical music composition, harmony and harmonic analysis. After years, a lifetime really, of creating my own music from instinct and by ear, it's definitely interesting to be learning theory from the days of Bach to Schubert to Miles Davis and beyond. Wonder if the rules would have been simpler and more streamlined if women had had the opportunity to write them or at least contribute. Possibly more organized, more intuitive, might make more sense? Things that make you go hm.

At any rate, all this theory practice is inspiring new ideas for songwriting structure. It's amazing to see how many pop songs follow very basic theory rules, and how much more room there is for exploration. I'm looking forward to winter break to take some time to try out my new songwriting skills and concepts. This is a great journey and with so many new avenues for musical expression--from film and TV soundtracks to game soundtracks to books-on-CD soundtracks and so much more--the musical landscape seems to be opening up interesting new opportunities. But first, a little more time to hone my skills and learn all I can about the craft of writing and composition. More to come. And a big shout out to you guys in Fresno - it was a blast jammin' til 3 in the morning! Have to do it again real soon.

I spent the last two weeks at an amazing writing intensive workshop called "The Writer Who Adapts (Almost Anything)" -- part of the annual CSU SummerArts program celebrating the arts through writing, film, music, theater, dance, photography and more. A big shout-out to all of my new classmate friends - y'all rock, and helped make the experience even more fabulous. Hey to John, Steve, Carlos, Paul, Shannon, Shirene (sp??), Francine, Brooke, Chuck, Joe, Tyson, Meilyn (sp??), Rufio, and everyone else who I may have inadvertently left out due to a need for more sleep (anyone caught up yet??). And a hey to Ben - here's to future collaboration. And Michelle and Liz - thanks for the Karaoke and hope the hangover wasn't too bad!

Also, a very special thank you to the guest artists who generously shared their vast knowledge of play and screenplay writing, as well as the bizness that is shoebizness. You all sparked my creativity and inspiration back on track. Thank you Dara, Ray, Brad, Jose, Luis and Allison. It was my honor to study with you all. I look forward to having something complete and tangible to send you for review in the very near future. Thank you again!

Check out next year's eclectic and unique offerings (over 80% of students receive partial scholarships, too) at www.csusummerarts.org. And thank you to everyone who made my participation possible - especially Bernardo. I couldn't have made it happen without you, thanks so much.

Okay, so all of that to say that there are so many amazing ways to express yourself as an artist - for me, music and writing (in all forms) are what fuel my fire. Possibly in the future, look for links to more literary endeavors off the beaten path of music.

In the meantime, make a yop! Make some art!