Maine Motif Issue 2, Vol. II (Winter, 2018) | Page 30

“As we strive to become creative artists, we need to be open to the deeper part of the
self”, said Rowell. “Art is hope, possibility , beauty, nature, revelation, love and
eternal. Art sustains and nourishes the soul!”
With or without public school education, we seem to have created a society that views
art and entertainment as synonymous. Author Arthur Booth reminds us that what
distinguishes entertainment is that it happens ‘within’ what we already know.
Regardless of one’s response, entertainment says, yes, the world is the way you think it
is….and it feels good to have your worldview confirmed in the many entertainment
venues provided ….. every bit as what is being observed or heard. Art, on the other
hand, happens “outside” of what you already know. Inherent in the artistic experience is
the capability to expand one’s sense of the way the world is or might be. The ART lives in
an individual’s capacity and capability to engage in the fundamental act of creativity……
expanding the sense of what is possible. Art reveals itself to the contemplative mind!
Riding on the shoulders of a rapidly changing society, today’s music educators, driven
by the onset of technological advancement, are met with a myriad of new challenges on
a daily basis. Shortened attention spans, multitasking, texting, accessibility of
information, and immediacy of response have all impacted how we teach, learn and
communicate with one another, all at a whirlwind pace that has influenced our interests,
values, as well as decision making. In effort to keep pace, educators are evermore
challenged to teach the relevancy of their subject, to make and sustain the connection,
and of course, be a source of inspiration to young people. As we investigate our hearts
in search of new possibilities, we begin to realize the multitude of opportunities
presenting themselves to the most creative and imaginative minds among us.
“Challenges create opportunities,” says Rowell. “As masters of the creative arts, it should
come as no surprise that we are, at this very moment, called upon to create, lead and
inspire a ‘silent revolution,’ designed to rewrite our arts curriculums focusing on
‘feelingful’ experiences that nourish the soul!”
We sat down recently to discuss his career, influences and hopes for the future.
TL:”Could you share your early musical experiences?”
MR: “Music was always present in our home in Newport, NH, a small town of 5,000. I
can recall my father playing the piano and singing his heart out., soon to be joined by
several other adult family members. My father was a significant musical influence in
my life and career.”
Rowell’s dad was a church choir director and started him on trumpet at age 11. His
father taught private lessons in their home and Rowell tells of listening keenly, through
the door, to the advanced students, whom he longed to emulate.
“Dad’s love of music, and gift of teaching was infectious, serving as a model that I
idealized, personally and professionally.”