Musings From The Cheap Seats

What do you get when you combine an impeccable work ethic with multidimensional talent? You get the story of Yani Marin.  Actor, singer, producer, writer, and her first title - dancer, this daughter of immigrants has paved her own way and made her own mark in this world.  Passionate about her craft, her dedication to family, friends, and seeing the best in others and the world around us is her true north star.  Join us for an in-depth conversation with Yani Marin!FOLLOW US:T: @RBSolutions2021IG: @RightBrainSolutionsWeb: www.rightbrainsolutions.orgE: neil@rightbrainsolutions.org

Every child, regardless of their socio-economic status deserves the right to a quality education, and with that, a quality music education.  And, for the students lucky enough to be in Dr. Brian McDaniel's program, they are getting just that.  The current band director at Rancho Mirage High School in California, Dr. McDaniel is a 2018 California Teacher of the Year and a 2019 Global Teaching Prize Top 50 finalist.  Join us for an enlightening conversation about education, music, and the symbiotic relationship the two share.  FOLLOW US:T: @RBSolutions2021IG: @RightBrainSolutionsWeb: www.rightbrainsolutions.orgE: neil@rightbrainsolutions.org

It's been a some time since we last sat in the cheap seats together. For various reasons, we had to put the podcast on hold...but have no fear, we are back and better than ever! Let's continue to examine where life and the arts intersect and more importantly than that, come to an understanding about the importance of the arts in each of our lives! Thanks for joining us again...and until next time...we'll save a seat for ya!!FOLLOW US:T: @RBSolutions2021IG: @RightBrainSolutionsWeb: www.rightbrainsolutions.orgE: neil@rightbrainsolutions.org

Let's face it...we are coming off of the most challenging year in education in our nation's history.  And with that comes the realization that teachers are burned out.  Teacher burnout is real. Teacher burnout happens every single day and every single year.  Burnout leads to teacher attrition which ultimately costs schools and districts millions of dollars every year.  In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kevin Leichtman to discuss teacher burnout, mentorship, and his hopes for the future of education. Join us for this insightful conversation!FOLLOW US:T: @RBSolutions2021IG: @RightBrainSolutionsWeb: www.rightbrainsolutions.orgE: rightbrainsolutions@outlook.com

Life needs orchestration: This is one of the key tenants that visual storyteller Michael Raiford lives by.  Michael is a scenic designer, costumer designer, choreographer, performance coach, and provides incredible insight into the design process, the arts and their place in our world, and where he sees the arts headed in a post COVID-19 world.  With his both his scenic and costume design being recognized around the world, Michael understands first hand the importance of the arts in a child's life.  You can learn more about Michael and his work by visiting his website: https://michaelraiford.myportfolio.com/workJoin us for a fun and enlightening conversation!!FOLLOW US:T: @RBSolutions2021IG: @RightBrainSolutionsWeb: www.rightbrainsolutions.orgE: rightbrainsolutions@outlook.com

In education, there are many acronyms and buzz words that get thrown around every year.  Some of them hold no meaning, and some are extremely important. That is the case with Social-Emotional Learning.  Referred to as SEL, social-emotional learning is not just another "thing" that educators are being asked to do.  In today's episode, we talk with Dr. Scott Edgard on the importance of relationships (hint...SEL) in arts education classrooms, as well as strategies for implementation.  If you are interested in learning more about SEL, Right Brain Solutions is offering a FREE professional learning session with Dr. Edgar on Saturday, August 28, 2021. You must register, and can do so here: https://forms.gle/D2ASLA48iYrph6b39.FOLLOW US:T: @RBSolutions2021IG: @RightBrainSolutionsWeb: www.rightbrainsolutions.orgE: rightbrainsolutions@outlook.com

Each of us has a unique story, and every day we write a new page in our own book of life.  But why are our stories important? In this episode, we welcome Baba, The Storyteller into the Cheap Seats for an in-depth conversation about the importance of storytelling in our lives, and in the education of our children. FOLLOW US:T: @RBSolutions2021IG: @RightBrainSolutionsWeb: www.rightbrainsolutions.orgE: rightbrainsolutions@outlook.com

From being on the faculties of prestigious schools, to working with some of the best arts companies in the world, to her current role as the Vice President of Education for the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California, Talena Mara has devoted her life to the arts.  A student of the very first El Sistema program, Talena now works to ensure that ALL students have access to quality artistic experiences.  Join us today for a fascinating conversation about the arts and how they are used to bring our communities closer together!FOLLOW US:T: @RBSolutions2021IG: @RightBrainSolutionsWeb: www.rightbrainsolutions.orgE: rightbrainsolutions@outlook.com

The New York Times has described violinist Chee-Yun Kim as "...a talented instrumentalist, with the kind of high-gloss tone that pulls sensuously at the listener's ear."  In this episode, Chee-Yun Kim talks about her life, her career, and the importance of music in a young child's life. FOLLOW US:T: @RBSolutions2021IG: @RightBrainSolutionsWeb: www.rightbrainsolutions.orgE: rightbrainsolutions@outlook.com

This week, we welcome to the Cheap Seats, Barry Edelstein.  Mr. Edelstein is the Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director of The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California.  During our conversation, we discuss his role as the Artistic Director, what it was like to guide a theatre during the COVID-19 pandemic, his hope for the future, and how the arts are needed to help fulfill our civic purpose.  FOLLOW US:T: @RBSolutions2021IG: @RightBrainSolutionsWeb: www.rightbrainsolutions.orgE: rightbrainsolutions@outlook.com

This week we welcome 2020 GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year, Mickey Smith Jr. to the cheap seats.   In this episode, Mickey talks about his life growing up, our roles and responsibilities as educators of children, and working to find our own individual, unique sound.  An inspiration to all he comes in contact with, Mickey reminds us that life is better when we BAND together, and that no matter what...just keep on going!!FOLLOW US:T: @RBSolutions2021IG: @RightBrainSolutionsWeb: www.rightbrainsolutions.orgE: rightbrainsolutions@outlook.com

Welcome to the trailer episode of Musings from the Cheap Seats! We hope you will subscribe and be notified of all future content, where we will talk with artists and educators alike! Until then, we'll save a seat for you!