BNC Education

A New Beginning

Kriston — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:26:56 +0000

Today begins a new chapter in the life of BNC Education. We started this little business almost three years ago as a place to put our book royalties. Today, we are working full time in the service of music teachers. For two music teachers who thought they’d never do anything else, it’s at times startling to realize where we are. But we are excited about the year to come and what we can do for teachers.

In our area, teachers head back to work today. They meet with their administrators and colleagues and prepare for a new crop of students. For music teachers, concerts have to be planned, handbooks written, fees decided upon, instruments repaired and cleaned, etc. And this is all in addition to lesson plans, committee meetings, and all the other duties that every teacher has. And oh, by the way, don’t forget all those recertification points that must be earned! However will they find the time to fit it all in?

This is where BNC Education can help the music teacher. We can repair those instruments and provide quality rental instruments for beginning students. We can help with staff development, so that music teachers can finally stop going to the History or English development session and learn something that might actually be relevant to the music class.

As the week goes on, we’ll be adding forms to our website for rental reservation, class registration and repair requests. We’ll also be posting articles here, hopefully one per day, with ideas for the classroom. For our teachers in the metro Richmond area, look for us to be stopping by one day this week. We have some goodies for you, and we’ll be taking copious notes about how we can help you do what you do best: make music with your students.

Here’s to a great new year!

Test

Kriston — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:06:01 +0000

This is a test post to see if the plugin I installed to send our posts to Facebook works. If it works, then this post should show up on our Facebook page as well as our blog page, and I will have to get busy writing more interesting articles that relate to music, and education, and other good stuff like that.

Major update coming

Administrator — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:36:36 +0000

We are in the process of applying a major update to our website. Feel free to contact us directly if necessary.

Have a Teddy Bear Picnic

Administrator — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:21 +0000

Today is the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic. “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic” is a song written by John Walter Bratton in 1907, with lyrics added in 1932 by Jimmy Kennedy. It has been recorded a number of times by a wide variety of artists such as Bing Crosby, Frank DeVol, Rosemary Clooney, Jerry Garcia, and Anne Murray. It has appeared in the old silent movies (The General), Looney Tunes and in more modern features such as The Simpsons and Open Season.

Today, the “Teddy Bear Picnic” is a theme used by many children’s hospitals to have events where children bring their teddy bears to make their experience more “bearable.”

I Forgot Day

Steve — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:32:55 +0000

We have blackberries and calendars, twitter and facebook, and still, the anniversary, the empty milk carton, even plans to take the car to the shop seem to be forgotten. If you have ever forgotten an important event in someone’s life, today is the day for you.

As to it’s origin, it’s purpose, or it’s traditions? I forgot what they are. But, perhaps today is a good day to say, “hey, I’m sorry I forgot…” whatever it is you may have forgotten. Who knows, maybe they will have forgotten something too.

International Joke Day

Steve — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:17:35 +0000

The first semblances of the “Joke” is said to have been originated in ancient Greece by Palamedes, who legendarily outwitted Odysseus before the Trojan War. Whereas the first comedy club was formed in 350 BC, It was called the “Group of Sixty” and would convene at the temple of Heracles to swap jokes and witticisms.

More than just a funny story, a joke often tells us things that we don’t want to know or hear about life – things that are “too true.” Think about your favorite comedian. Isn’t he or she just telling stories about their life? Aren’t they funny because you’ve seen them happen, or they’ve happened to you? And the best part, that this time you’re not the poor sap who suffered?

The History Channel did a great special with Lewis Black entitled, “The History of the Joke.” Check it out. In the meantime, tell a friend a joke – they deserve a laugh today.

London Bridge Day

Steve — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:00:01 +0000

Tower Bridge is a suspension bridge in London, England. It is located near the tower of London, which is where it gets its name. It officially opened on June 30, 1894 by the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII) and his wife, Alexandria of Denmark.

Why are we writing about Tower Bridge, when it is London Bridge Day? Because the bridge to which the holiday refers is actually Tower Bridge. London Bridge is one bridge down from Tower Bridge and is much newer than Tower Bridge, having opened in 1973.

The original London Bridge is not in London anymore, and this day isn’t about that bridge either. That bridge was purchased by Robert B. McCullough and moved to Lake Havasu city, Arizona. It is the second largest tourist attraction in that state, second only to the Grand Canyon. And that bridge isn’t even the original London Bridge.

The original London Bridge was built around 50 A.D. and remained in use until the mid-1800s.

Camera Day

Steve — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:00:59 +0000

To many people, a camera is a vital tool to record important events in the family and in the world. It captures the moment…..forever. It creates the memories that we share and look back upon. From the birth of a baby, to high school graduations, people take pictures at a fast click. Year after year, the camera records family vacations, holidays and Christmas. The camera takes pictures of good times, and occasionally bad time.

20 years ago, cameras involved film and developing. I’m sure many adults remember heading to the store to “pick up your pictures,” your visual memories of a happy event. You get the folder with the negatives and pictures inside, and you could barely wait to get out of the store before looking at your pictures. Today, digital cameras, either alone or on cell phones, make our memories instantaneously.

Paul Bunyan Day

Steve — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:00:25 +0000

Paul Bunyan is a folklore legend, having its roots in the Midwest and Northern parts of the United States. He is described as a giant with amazing logging skills. His companion is a faithful ox, Babe, who is blue and proportionally larger as well.

Some say that Paul Bunyan carved out the Grand Canyon when he was dragging his axe behind him one day. Another story is that Bunyan created Mount Hood by making a pile of rocks to put out his fire. These and dozens of other stories grew from the tall tales that men would tell at logging camps. Paul Bunyan was first immortalized by James McGallivray, a newspaper columnist. Many cities claim that Paul Bunyan was born in their town, and there are a plethora of Paul Bunyan festivals and tourist attractions throughout the midwest.

Sunglasses Day

Steve — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:00:07 +0000

Summer is in full swing. The sun is high in the sky. It’s blindingly bright. A pair of UV protection sunglasses is definitely in order. Sunglasses are great – they make you look cool, they give you a flair of mystery, AND they protect your eyes. What could be better?

Did you know? Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Your Optician will tell you that sungalsses with UV protection will help to avoid cataracts. They also report that UV rays can be stronger in the winter, as the sun’s rays hit you on the way down….and as it is reflected back up from the snow. But word to the wise – go for the $10 knockoff pair instead of the $300 brand name. The only thing different about the two? The price.