L'attirail

Many women’s names come to mind when we think of pop music. Today, many new faces are showing up on the pop music scene, many of whom are women under the age of 30. Who are some of these top women artists?

1.    Amy Lee (b. 1981) – You may know Lee more as the lead singer of Evanescence. With an almost angelic voice along with some heavy metal music, Lee is known for “Bring Me To Life”, which received 2004 Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. Lee, a classically trained pianist, founded Evanescence in 1995 and by the late 90′s the group had released its major-label debut, Fallen, which featured not only the award winning single “Bring Me To Life” but also “Going Under” and “My Immortal.” Fallen went on to sell fourteen million copies worldwide. Amy Lee was born to parents John Lee, a disc jockey and TV personality, and Sara Cargill.

2.    Amy Winehouse (b. 1983) – Winehouse’s notoriety has more to do with her personality at times than her voice. Winehouse is most noted for her song Rehab, where she won 2008 Grammy Awards in the categories of Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Her album Back to Black was nominated for Album of the Year and won the Record of the Year award. Amy Jade Winehouse (born 14 September 1983) is known for her eclectic mix of various musical genres including R&B, soul, jazz, and rock & roll.  Read more...

For decades, educators in general, and those with specific training in music in particular, have been touting the values of the experience. As research continues on the intrinsic value of having students exposed to formal music education, more and more people are understanding how the functioning of the human brain is enhanced by training in music.

In cities throughout Texas, including the larger cities of Dallas, Houston and Austin, music educators,

supported by the Texas Music Educators Association, have been touting the value of making music an integral part of a well-rounded educational experience.

But in times of budgetary pressures, is the case for music education — all too often seen as an easy way to cut costs — one that stands up to the scrutiny? Music educators may argue that exposing young student minds to the unique disciplines required of music may be almost as important as having health insurance — the real benefits come when you need it most.

One of the most basic questions concerning music education in Texas may be “does it help produce a better citizen?” A number of statistics would suggest the answer is a decided “yes.”

A report by the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse showed that secondary students who participated in band or orchestra had the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances, including alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. That alone, with the obvious connection to health insurance issues, might be enough to convince doubters. But even those students who don’t make music a part of their career appear to benefit from integrating the subject into their education.  Read more...