I don't even have to know who you're running against to say: You've got my vote, and the endorsement of Modern Blues Harmonica. You've got a long and illustrious track record as both an educator and a player--including, not least, a massive and informative volume entitled HARMONICA FOR DUMMIES--and you're a gentleman to boot.
Modern Blues Harmonica endorses Winslow Yerxa for SPAH President.
Last Edited by on Dec 15, 2011 5:32 AM
And thanks to Adam for the Amazon link to Harmonica For Dummies. This vote of confidence from a fellow harmonica educator is especially gratifying. (Meanwhile, HFD is climbing through the top 1500 in Amazon books this holiday season! Perhaps you know someone who'd like a copy under the tree . . . )
@kudzurunner "I don't even have to know who you're running against to say: You've got my vote, and the endorsement of Modern Blues Harmonica."
As much as I respect you and what you've done, this seems to be a pretty poor reason to endorse a candidate, since you don't even know who the opposition is or what their platform is.
The most responsible way to view a political process is not to treat it like a popularity contest; rather, judge it on the merits of each candidates' political stance and philosophy.
Looking forward to hearing Bob Cohen's thoughts and having a real open discussion on all the issues. Hope you will include this aspect on Modern Blues Harmonica. ---------- The Iceman
@iceman His name . . . and I am following the drama on Harp-L . . . I won't be mad if Bob and Warren win--heck, I don't know everything about Winslow--whattaya got?
"Warren and I want to build on the success of the last 50 years and make SPAH a 52-week a year organization which can be enjoyed by many people instead of just the fortunate few who can take off a week from work and drop a $1000 to go to the convention."
As a British player, whose income will never be able to stretch to flying 4000 miles for the SPAH convention: I am genuinely curious as to what else SPAH can offer me - I am not a member, but have contemplated it.
I know you have a handful of people from overseas who do make the journey, but surely an organisation that devotes itself to the 'preservation and advancement' of anything should strive to be as global and non-elitist as possible.
Is SPAH intended to be a global society or is it North American? How would you, as would-be-President, propose to extend its reach?
It strikes me that SPAH needs something of an image/marketing makeover. I suggest it needs to redefine itself in the light of modern social networking (The UK's NHL page has more 'likes') and information/multimedia sharing. I am glad to see you embracing Youtube - that is what we need more of. Does it strike you as poignant that the overwhelming majority of discussions about SPAH happen on Harp-l, a small club of regular posters clinging on to a 25 year old technology. Listserv makes this forum look positively futuristic!
Last Edited by on Dec 20, 2011 4:13 AM
Those same questions from MrVeryLongusername also apply to many of us here in the states as well.
I have looked into SPAH but since at least as of yet I have been unable to make the yearly convention, it seems SPAH does not offer me much. And certainly from the multiple times I have gone to the webpage to look doesn't offer enough to justify 45 dollars a year. Which makes me sad as I was excited the first time I found the SPAH website.
The idea of SPAH is a good one. Hopefully whomever is elected as the new president can move it into this century and reach out to those who cannot make the convention but still have an interest.
I also know little about the current president other that the fact that he is a nice guy, plays a Fabulous 16 hole Suzuki, has a house in Maui and another one in Reno, plays professionally (modern jazz) and we have communicated either online or via email a few times. So I mean no disrespect to Tom Stryker--but Winslow has already contributed to the advancement of harmonica on his own. I just figure he is qualified, and am happy to hear about another equally qualified candidate. If Smokey Joe Leone ran for president, I might consider changing my mind--just because he is also a Gnarly dude.
I have chosen to let my running mate do the talking for a while. I am sure that Bob will chime in at some point. I will share a short personal experience synopsis. I was directly involved and on the SPAH board of directors for 3 years. In recent years no real investment has been made to serve the harmonica community more than the convention and the magazine. As publicity director I was given an annual budget of $1000.00. Do the math. This is less than $100./month. It was all used up with just a few press releases to get the press/media involved. A $1000. annual budget in todays world is basically ZERO. Either you are in the game or you are not. The choice has been made by the powers that be to NOT BE IN THE GAME of growth. Currently maintaining the status quo is it. Perhaps Bob and I have opened the door of ideas and Winslow now is developing a "plan" due to this discussion that we have initiated. As Tom Strykers hand picked successor and with a running mate who is currently VP and part of the status quo, Winslow has his job cut out for him. I would be delighted if a man of his harmonica credentials took the helm and chartered a new and improved course for SPAH. This really isn't about winning to me. It is about raising the bar and expectations of what an organization called, The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica, stands for and represents. Either Bob and I win and roll up our sleeves to SLOWLY AND PRUDENTLY set a new course for the next fifty years OR I just continue to do my own things one by one to try and be a part of sharing the "harmonica love" that I am blessed to have in my life.
Sounds like we need a society for the preservation of the society for the preservation and advancement of the harmonica. Nobody is selling this to me. Sounds like a visionless, directionless club, living in the past and heading for oblivion whilst the harmonica preserves itself. shame: the conventions look fun.
Last Edited by on Dec 20, 2011 10:19 AM
This is a long email that basically encourages SPAH attendance and participation, supports attending the convention, and does not advocate for any candidate.
I too have followed the exchanges between candidates on Harp_l, though I have always chosen to read the posts on Google Groups (and before that on Yahoo) rather than receive the mail. I am a Harp_l list member, but didn't want all the list emails in my inbox...
I have been a member of SPAH for several years, attending the 2008 St. Louis gathering as well as 2010 in Minneapolis. The annual convention is a wonderful gathering of widely varying harmonica performers at many levels of talent, including stellar performers and wonderful workshops. There is every kind of music from harmonica groups with bass and chord, to classical, jazz, bluegrass, and blues. It is an amazing experience. I did not sleep much...
The Filisko afternoon workshops were wonderful both years. In 2008 Chris M. helped me finally successfully overblow during a Filisko workshop. One morning Madcat gave an awesome rhythm workshop.
At a different workshop Charles Spranklin and Stan Harper addressed chromatic vibrato and other aspects of chromatic. Brendan Power played at both SPAHs I attended. In 2010 Rob Paparozzi and Michael Peloquin presented on chromatic for diatonic players. In a Filisko workshop Jerry Devillier taught Cajun harmonica, based on accordion style.
In 2008 Bonfiglio practiced concerti in the hallways, and on stage. Charlie Musselwhite spoke and played. Jams were everywhere, blues, jazz, bluegrass, etc. Jimi Lee led jams in 2008 and 2010, as did Joe Filisko. Young and upcoming overblow players were prevalent.
Warren "Bee", who is running with Bob Cohen was actively encouraging participation in 2008 jams. He continued this 2010, working at registration tables and much more. Winslow was very active at both gatherings as well. In 2008 Winslow worked on one of my harps during a workshop, joined by Richard Sleigh. Winslow joined with other players on local radio promoting harmonica. His harmonica writing has a long history of supporting the advancement and preservation of harmonica, and I recommend his book to people who want to learn diatonic harmonica. All the candidates appear to be well qualified.
In 2008 at SPAH I jammed with Brendon Power and others in the lobby. Jason Ricci played chord harmonica in the lobby, as well as later performing amazing overblow diatonic harp. The on-stage performances by all were wonderful, and diverse. SPAH 2010 was similarly wonderful. I had the pleasure of talking with Joe Leone at both conventions. (I think he is one of the most diversely knowledgeable individuals with whom I have ever spoken.) THe SPAH experience was harmonica overload. The pros and instructors are available and interact casually with attendees. I met Todd P. at SPAH and was very impressed with his playing.
To give an idea of the experience, here is video of one section of a long Saturday night jam in St. Louis 2008, shot by Chris M. At one point Charles Spranklin plays chromatic blues, but not in traditional 3rd position blues style. Chris M is also in the circle and plays, as is Jay Gaunt. Mojo Red and other wonderful players participated. There are 3 other parts of the video of this one song:
The 2010 Minneapolis SPAH was also amazing, with stellar players and an unearthly performance by Howard Levy and extraordinary performances by many others. There were wonderful jams, too, and there is video available on line.
I love the SPAH gatherings because of the wide range of styles, the workshops, the boundary crossing jams, the immersion in all things harmonica. The vendors, the impromptu jams, the organized activities, the performances make for a wonderful experience.
But the conventions ARE expensive once you add travel and hotel room, and aside from the quarterly magazine, there is little other value in SPAH. The convention may be the primary way that SPAH fulfills it's mission. Since SPAH is volunteer driven, that may be a limitation on what it can accomplish.
I cannot afford to attend SPAH every year, and I am one of the older individuals who supposedly should have the resources to spend like crazy, as opposed to younger players with families and/or limited resources. But the travel and hotel add up. I admit, I chose to go for 5 nights each time, and did not share my room, so I might have saved by sharing or going for fewer days.
I like the idea of SPAH making some movement into current online media to engage others in its mission. I like the idea of collaboration in helping teach harmonica teachers, particularly in how to best teach neophyte harmonica players.
However, I would not want the annual convention to be replaced by online activity. I strongly believe in the benefits of attending live performances/workshops in person, and in participating in music and life in person, and not through online media. I am not denigrating the use of internet resources, which have done much to make information available to everyone that was previously just not accessible. I have significantly benefited from the availability of information beyond Tony Glover's "Blues Harp" book. I'm just stating that online activity is not a replacement for actual attendance and participation in harmonica gatherings.
In 2011 I attended HCH II and it was also a wonderful experience, though much more blues focused. It was shorter, less comprehensive, less expensive, and less comfortable (I camped). The availability of your room being at the SPAH convention is a plus, which is why I camped at HCH II instead of driving back and forth to a hotel or cabin.
Of the two events, HCH was much more affordable, and the performances and workshops were also at a very high level. The jams were good, too. HCH II was primarily blues focused as opposed to SPAHs diversity of styles. I expect that I will either alternate the two events, or if possible, attend both if I find that I am financially able some year.
The candidates for SPAH president and vice president all have shown long term commitment to harmonica and SPAH, and are willing to offer their time and services for a difficult job with little recognition or reward. At the last election I recall that there was a lack of competition for these positions.
Despite the exchanges by the SPAH candidates on Harp_l and postings here, the differences so far seem more theoretical and abstract. It seems that there is brainstorming on the part of Bob and Warren with some good ideas about SPAH providing more online content, but perhaps not fully formed as to the impact on the organization or how the changes can be achieved. There seems to be a more cautious approach by Winslow, who does not want to jeopardize the organization and convention by rushing in new directions without the resources, but who is seeking new ideas, and ways to expand. I think that SPAH will likely be in good hands whoever wins.
I am still trying to make my own decision. I do not think that the organization is dying, but is going through a cyclical reevaluation of mission and how it is best achieved. As time moves on the membership changes. The convention is irreplaceable in that there is now sharing of knowledge between age groups and styles. I encourage every player to try to attend at least one SPAH convention. ----------
I would love to attend a SPAH convention, but short of picking the right 6 numbers this weekend, that is not going to happen. I do not have that kind of money - I DO on the other hand have $40 or so to spend on joining SPAH and would do that if someone could convince me there was some value in being a member (other than getting a discount on attending a convention that I can't afford to fly to).
I guess what I'm trying to say is that SPAH appears (as an outsider) to be somewhat parochial - other than the tired, outdated, (and if I'm frank, insular and 'newbie'-unfriendly) unofficial mouthpiece that is Harp-L - it doesn't seem to have much global presence. Facebook page: underused. Website: unengaging. Maybe there is all kinds of wonderful activity that I'm unaware of? Resources I could access. Stuff that would make me feel like spending that $40 anyway. Is there any? Why aren't they shouting about it!
@dougharps " I would not want the annual convention to be replaced by online activity. I strongly believe in the benefits of attending live performances/workshops in person, and in participating in music and life in person, and not through online media."
I am not positive, but I don't think either candidate is considering discontinuing the convention in favor of any other media. Perhaps they will augment SPAH with a better on line presence in addition to the convention. Couldn't even imagine SPAH w/out a convention, myself. ---------- The Iceman
Dougharps: The convention is an awesome event. Bob & I have no interest in replacing the convention. In fact we believe that improved web presense, adding value to membership and investing in revenue generating projects will in fact be things that will improve the convention experience and most importantly help share the convention experience with the world.
Myverylongusername: Cohen/Bachman look forward creating new offerings that we indeed will be shouting about. Positioning and timing are everything. First we get elected then we take action then we shout.
Perhaps you've got it backwards? First you shout out your SPECIFICS of what you will instigate to create explosive positive growth, then you get elected on that platform and finally you take the action? ---------- The Iceman
Okay, I know this doesn't really have much to do with the topic of Spah presidancy, but this talk of new ideas to improve Spah got me thinking. I think it would be fantastic if Spah made "highlights videos" of the conventions. This is something they do at the international juggling festival that I use to attend when I was younger. Essentially it would be a video showing clips of all the great things that happen at spah. You would have clips of different performances, clips of the jams and impromptu hallway jams, clips of the vendors room where you talk with the vendors about there products, clips of impromtu performances by individual attendees, short interviews with attendees, etc. etc.
Some stuff like this ends up on youtube, but the idea would be to shoot a highquality version of this stuff and have it professionally editted together into a video. You could then sell these highlights videos.
People who attended the convention will want to have the video to remember what a great time they had all the great stuff that happened (and see stuff they might have missed, there's no way you can see it all). I know when I was attending I wanted to catch everything on video, but I didn't want to have to be constantly filming instead joining in on the fun and relaxing. Also, I'm sure that a lot of people who didn't attend would want to buy a copy to see all the great performances and all the other cool stuff that goes on (it might even entice some people to attend for the very first time). I wasn't able to attend the last festival, and I know I personally would have loved to buy a well made DVD of highlight from the convention (just to see all the great stuff I missed out on).
Eharp has it exactly right. When I first announced right here on ModernBluesHarmonica back in August, I said the same thing: I won't make promises to get elected because promises can almost never be kept. Politicians use this ploy, only to find they can't keep the promises because they don't have the support or the resources, or because they have other much more pressing issues to deal with.
@Iceman I agree that it is not likely that the convention would be replaced by online activities as a planned decision. All involved appear to value the convention.
My concern (admittedly not stated clearly) was that by impulsively pursuing expansions in other areas (online, etc) there could be problems with having sufficient human and financial resources to also hold the convention.
I very much liked your later post that suggested that "SPECIFICS" should be offered before the election.
@REM Todd saw your post and started another thread. I replied with a link to a Harp-L post by Winslow that notes some issues regarding legal rights to performances and songs that could affect your suggested videos.
@MrVerylongusername You are right that at this time there is little value to joining SPAH unless you want the magazines, want to attend the convention, or want to support the event itself as being a positive representation of our instrument.
I do agree that other services/resources would add value to membership, and that it is in the best interest of the organization that SPAH provides it.
I have recently participated as a teacher in a couple short workshops for beginners. I have been feeling the urge to pass on some of what I know to help beginner harmonica players, and I am about to embark upon group beginner lessons at a local Center for Arts.
I am also trying to organize a monthly harmonica interest group, Urbana Champaign Harmonica Users Group, "UCHUG". I have been asked to be part of a Blues in Schools project by the local blues society.
I am using my personal experience as well as materials from multiple sources online and offline, and a staff of music instructors at the Center to support my lesson plans. I don't expect much compensation from the group lessons, but am primarily doing all this to promote harmonica in my area. No one else offers harmonica lessons locally, and I have been frequently asked to teach. There is no local harmonica group.
SPAH would be the ideal organization to offer technical support for similar harmonica education efforts in other places as part of the mission to preserve and advance the harmonica. ----------
"Eharp has it exactly right." maybe i'll become the W's press agent. (gonna have to raise (SPAH) dues!)
imo- you really cant go wrong with any of the candidates i know about. they will all try to do what is best for the organization. it aint like any of them will get us into a war.
it is gonna become very much like a popularity contest. but that may not be a bad thing. popular folks seem to be able to gather others and focus them into a common goal.
hope it doesn't become a popularity contest. focus should be on the issues,solutions and who is better prepared to lead SPAH into the future (or at least catch it up to the 21st century). ---------- The Iceman
issues are probably gonna vary depending on many factors. those that live in north america v. everyone else, old v. young.... or maybe the general harp community has already listed their issues they would like the organization to solve. i dont know. is there a place where the issues have been listed?
solutions will be theoretical. no one can truthfully state how they would solve these issues until they get in office. there would be factors involved that the candidate wouldnt be aware of. or so i assume.
maybe the whole organization is wide open for scrutiny and everybody that would be involved in implementing the solutions are accessible by the candidates for discussions.
i truly think that anyone with the time and willingness and energy to do the job meets all the qualifications needed. they aint gonna be doing this themselves. the pres has always relied on help where it could be found. the candidate does not need a degree in business, music, public relations, computer technology... when an expert is needed, one can be found.
i suppose candidates could state what THEY think are the issues and how they THINK they would address them. that may have been done already. but i hope they dont emphatically state how they will solve the problems.
but seeing how i aint a member of SPAH, and dont want to wade thru propaganda or watch a video, i am unaware of any of this. my opinion is a generalization of this, and most other, political campaigning.
btw- why did the outgoing pres let the organization fall to this, seemingly, disrepair? wasnt there any dialogue with the people? was he resting on past laurels? had this pres been declared a lame duck?
AFAIK, the current president was successful . . . I don't know that the organization is in any trouble. Anyone here have the straight scoop on how SPAH came about? This doesn't help much http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Society_for_the_Preservation_and_Advancement_of_the_Harmonica Even tho I love Wiki . . . I made myself watch Winslow's videos--interesting enough. But I have to say, his Dummies book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants an exhaustive look at the diatonic harmonica, with a companion CD of many important examples. Much more interesting than his "vote for me" videos! And I routinely use his computer fonts for tabbing out music for the harp--diatonic and chromatic (two different fonts). Whoever is elected president, I feel that the future of the harmonica is in good hands.
Last Edited by on Dec 21, 2011 8:25 PM
"btw- why did the outgoing pres let the organization fall to this, seemingly, disrepair? wasnt there any dialogue with the people? was he resting on past laurels? had this pres been declared a lame duck?"
This is a completely wrong impression of SPAH and its leadership.
Fall into what?
SPAH membership has been stable for the last 10 years, and has not fallen off in a bad economy. We'd like to grow it, and that would be one of the focal points of my presidency.
SPAH's finances are in the best shape they've been in in the last 10 years.
SPAH's magazine is as good as I've ever seen it.
The SPAH convention continues to delight all who attend, and keeps getting better.
SPAH's background infrastructure has been on a major campaign of improvement, including financial reporting systems, a new treasurer (whom I recruited), a modern membership system where members can manage their own information easily online.
And, by the way, it's the current president, Tom Stryker, who put all this in motion. He is not resting on laurels. He's very hands on, and a successful businessman. But after six years (two three-year terms), he feel like it's time for him to step back.
We also are improving our website, which has been in sad shape for a long time. Our former volunteer webmaster didn't seem to have enough time to keep it up. Just recently we've had another volunteer step to manage content, and a paid web company doing the nuts-and-bolts stuff. Improvements will be on display soon.
SPAH has survived for fifth years putting out a magazine and running a convention. Not many volunteer organizations can make that claim--like small businesses, most fail early. SPAH remains robust at both of its core activities.
However, we'd like to expand to offer more to the existing harmonica community, and to draw more people into that community. That's not as easy as any of us would like it to be. But I have a nubmer of ideas on these subject, and I've also issued a general invitation for comments on harp-l and SlideMeister, and I'd like to ask all her to join in.
Last Edited by on Dec 21, 2011 8:22 PM
" we'd like to expand to offer more to the existing harmonica community, and to draw more people into that community." so this is the crux of the issues? do the other candidates agree or do they see different issues?
winslow- your ideas on the subjects; please share them with us.
@Winslow "However, we'd like to expand to offer more to the existing harmonica community, and to draw more people into that community. That's not as easy as any of us would like it to be. But I have a nubmer of ideas on these subject, and I've also issued a general invitation for comments on harp-l and SlideMeister, and I'd like to ask all her to join in."
So far, all I've seen are ideas and comments offered by list members of these organizations. The candidates themselves have been awfully quiet.
Now, I'm not suggesting that you are sitting back and waiting for ideas to come from others, nor am I suggesting that you are waiting to see what the most popular suggestions are and then deciding to echo these as your own. However, to date, I haven't heard any of your ideas other than the general "hope to improve things soon if and when I'm elected".
As eharp asks "winslow- your ideas on the subjects; please share them with us." ---------- The Iceman
