Music Makes the Movie?

With the 82nd Oscars just around the corner, (March 7, 2010) I started thinking about how much music adds to a film. When LeRoy dedicated their new High School several years ago, the RPO was invited. They opened with the theme music for Harry Potter, and I was instantly transported to the magical world of Hogwarts.

Can you imagine an action film without energetic music, or a thriller without eerie chords warning you that whatever is just around the corner can’t be good? We depend on music for atmosphere and if done well, it can become the movie. Star Wars fans, can you really see Darth Vader without thinking – Dum, Dum, ta Dum, Dum – okay, you get the idea?

Our Genesee Symphony Orchestra understands how much people love the music associated with movies, so they are doing “The Oscars at the Symphony” this weekend at Genesee Community College. (Sunday, February 28th from 4-6pm) The ticket prices are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors (62+), $5 for students (18 & under, or GCC Students) and $30 for a family. 585-343-0055 ext 6814 or www.geneseesymphony.com

The concert should be a great way to get you “revved up” for March 7th. And just in case you aren’t aware of the nominees for the main categories, see below:

Best Picture: Avatar, The Blind Side, District 9, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Bustards, Precious, A Serious Man, Up, Up in the Air

Actor in a Leading Role: Jeff Bridges, George Clooney, Colin Firth, Morgan Freeman, Jeremy Renner

Actress in a Leading Role: Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren, Carey Mulligan, Gabourey Sidibe, Meryl Streep

Directing: Avatar, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Nine, Sherlock Holmes, The Young Victoria

www.oscar.com

By the way, Avatar was GREAT. Can you tell who I’m rooting for?

Dawn

Winter Projects

I don’t know about you, but this time of year I find myself looking around the house saying “You know, I really should finish the wainscoting in the kitchen.” We all start projects, and you might even finish them right away – but for those of you who are like me, I have some suggestions.

The Batavia Area Jaycees are holding their 57th Home, Garden & Trade Show on Feb. 27 & 28th at Batavia Downs. You’ll find great ideas for new projects, as well as building enthusiasm for your current labor of love. They’ll have workshops, seminars, sales and give-a-ways from 10am – 7pm on Sat and 11am – 5pm on Sun. The cost is only $4. ($3 if you save the coupon that will be coming out in the Daily.)

Of course, you may not need to decorate, but organizing would make your life a lot less stressful. I went to a GO Art! Salon recently, (The salons are fantastic, if you’ve never been to one.) anyway, mine was on organizing and Jennifer Ford Berry spoke. She’s from our area, and has published a book entitled “Organize Now!” She had some great tips, such as making sure everything that comes into your home has a “place.” It sounds simple, but I went home and discovered how much of my clutter couldn’t be “put away.” If you’d like to purchase her book, or would like to find out when she’ll be holding her next workshop, contact GO Art! at 585-343-9313.

Just think, if you get organized and finish your projects inside, you won’t need to worry about outside until aaaaah March? Okay, in spite of what that darn groundhog says, I’m hoping for an early Spring.

Have fun with your projects!

Dawn