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Meladramas   Saturday, October 18, 2003   Got all my rose, magenta, and fuscia colors out, ready to do battle, but the light has suddenly pulled the plug... I hear a girl with a mop of curls singing in the haze of my musical memory: " the sun come out to- morrow but 'cha gotta hang on 'till tomorrow- come what may... -Annie, the musical Today, a letter I wrote to The Daily Yomiuri was published. My name does not appear, as I requested them to keep my info confidential, meaning my email, phone, etc. But they thought I also meant my name. So, I have decided to republish it here. This letter was in response to a horrifying story of a Fukuoka boy, aged 9, who's teacher had been been making this child's life hell on earth for months. The parents have sued for 13.2 million yen, and demand an apology. The child was told by this teacher that he had dirty blood, because he had a grandfather of American descent. The teacher visited his home and told him "why don't you die". Also subjecting him to public humiliation, verbal & physical abuse that went on for months. The kid would get bloody noses, chipped teeth, and now will not go to school, as a result of this teacher's bullying. The parents are suing, and this prompted a group of lawyers to "rally 'round" the boy, to "stand up" for him. I would give you all the link to the story, but there are no archives for the Yomiuri. The whole thing just pissed me off, big time. As a resident here, and a mom, I know about schools here. But my complaint lies with the complacent attitude of people here. Shoganai, or "it can't be helped" permeates everything here. One would think when your own child, student, or friend is in the balance, you might get an urge to act. Not necessarily... Letter to the Editor After reading this story today about a 9 year old boy who was terrorized by a teacher (teacher sued over beatings, pg 2,Oct 10] I have to wonder at a multitude of things. The first one being, where were the parents when the very first incident occured? Where were the classmates to report this incident? Other teachers? I can't believe that such behavior is tolerated, for any reason. Suspension? Why are no criminal charges brought up against this teacher? This child has suffered damage that will be a long time healing, if ever. Will an apology to the parents do this? Will 13 million yen? It might help to ease the parents' so called suffering, but where is the justice for the boy? Why wasn't this child given the support of his parents from the beginning? Why didn't one person fight for him till now? I can't imagine myself having to return to a class where a teacher would do such a thing to me after even one episode, yet this boy endured it repeatedly. Not to say that the parents shouldn't get something, the counseling for the boy will cost- but the parents did not stand up to this maniac teacher from the first incident. At least there is no mention of it in your story. Why do people wait till someone is badly hurt or killed before they take it seriously? I have had my fill of timid bystanders who do nothing to stand up for kids, especially if it is the parents. Whom can a child depend on to protect them, if not their own parents? Everyone here seems to be more worried about upsetting someone, even when it is their own children at stake. Let the status quo be damned, wake up people! I'd also like to say to the boy who was the victim of this teacher: God bless you little one, the world is a bigger place than what that teacher has shown you. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. I don't know what good a letter to the editor will do. But awareness is good. Taking action is better. Till next time... 'Mela 1:10 PM Friday, October 17, 2003   Yet another quiz. I know, quizzes are silly, juvenile, and sub-mental- but the pictures are so easy to load... This Monday, I am taking my vocal student to a "vocal jam session". I know, I know. The very idea of a "jam session" brings back memories of horror and dread. But this "jam" session is limited to aspiring vocalists. My friend Kei Ishida over at Bossa Nova/Jazz Club Kei has this event most Mondays. It is a good opportunity for my student to get accustomed to using a microphone, and performing in a live situation, without the pressure of drawing in the customers. When I did it, it was called "working in a piano bar" But the times they are a changin'... I perform at Club Kei on occasion- My next time there will be Dec. 12th, Friday. I'll post more info on that on my website next week... In any event, my student has been preparing and rehearsing for this, and I think she'll do well. I offer her tips on proper breathing exercises for vocal power, diction, phrasing and timing. I've had to learn these things the hard way, over time and experience- but I'm not opposed to sharing a few tips... When I was starting out, they had a place called "UPSTAIRS on GREENE STREET"... It used to feature showcases for up and comers. I remember it well, the angst of performing for a true listening crowd, as opposed to the piano bar scene, where clinking glasses and loud merry making made it necessary for me to belt out a tune, or not be heard. The days of winging it... You can't teach that. But I can assist one who has the inclination... And just let me say for the record that I am a fervent YANKEE fan! Kick some bean-town butt, OK? Till next time... 'Mela 12:28 PM Tuesday, October 14, 2003   December is whipping into shape... I can breathe a sigh of relief. My calendar has been looking [gig wise] out like trout in a drout... But being the seasoned professional I am, I know that things ebb and flow, and one shouldn't get too down about a lack of dates. It's when there's a lack of plentiful cake-ola in my life and times that I get in a twist... I got an email from a fellow transplanted-to-Tokyo musician, asking me if I want some sheet music from "The Colony" as he is in New York for a couple days. How nice. I used to go to that store all the time, when I lived in the Apple. They got sheet music, sheet music, and if you are really in need, sheet music. Also, a very cool staff, with some really knowledgeable guys who will find the music you want, or tell you where to go ... to find it. Goddammit, I miss NEW YORK. Wouldn't that be a great song? And now for the fourth week -topping the Billboard Jazz Charts, Pamela MacCarthy singing her self-penned tune: "GODDAMMIT, I MISS NEW YORK" Tell us, Miz Mac, what spurred you on to write such a perrenial favorite? It's too dark to paint today, I'm listening to "Danse Macabre" by Saint-Saen... Till next time... 'Mela 9:02 AM Sunday, October 12, 2003   Aphrodite/Eros ?? Which Of The Greek Gods Are You ?? brought to you by Quizilla I promise to lay off the quizzes... Soon. Now your swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gambling man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand -Steely Dan Till next time... 'Mela 5:09 PM