Betsy with FAME Past President Joani Brandon.
Our new President, Betsy Greene, is one of the brightest shining stars in the FAME universe. Many have the privilege of calling her teacher, colleague, and friend. Those of us who know Betsy know what an outstanding educator and excellent human being she is. You can learn all kinds of cool, professional things about Betsy at her FAME Teacher Spotlight page on the FAME website, but I thought it would be fun to also learn some off-the-beaten-track facts, too.
Favorite tv show – now or from childhood?
As a child, The Friendly Giant was my favorite show. Growing up in Northern NY very close to the Canadian boarder, we picked up the Canadian channels best. The Canadian show The Friendly Giant was the one I was always happy to watch. The giant (played by a man standing next to a miniature set of furniture in front of a fireplace in a castle) would always set a chair by the fire for me (well, okay not for me personally, but I liked to think it was for me). He played the recorder and told stories. I can still hum the theme song. There was a lot of make believe, puppets (a giraffe and rooster), and music. What could be better!
What colors do you like?
What colors don’t I like! Right now, I am partial to orange especially on my toes and in my house decor. Come to think of it, purple is also prominent in my house decor. Strangely similar to the colors for CS Book 1 and Book 2 – freaky.
Doing a session at the 2016 FAME Conference at Gordon College.
Tea or coffee?
Tea and only tea, any kind of tea. I love the smell of coffee but have not learned to enjoy the taste. During a long teaching day, I sometimes wish I could drink a “put hair on your chest” cup of joe to help me get through it. There might be hope though, my niece got me an espresso frappuccino to try and I must admit, I didn’t it mind it for a few sips. Yes, make it taste like ice cream and I am there. Well, no matter what, whether you are a tea drinker or not, please join us for Tea with Missy for the latest in FAME and/or the Feierabend Approach. Watch for it on the FAME Fundamental Facebook page or check out the archived episodes housed on the FAME website (www.feierabendmusic.org).
Do you like rollercoasters?
Yes! The Comet located at Great Escape in Queensbury, NY (Lake George area) is my favorite. It is an old school historic wooden roller coaster with the right amount of fear factor and I love the clatter of the car on the track. There’s also quite a bit of that out of your seat feeling as you ride. And most importantly, unlike the modern ultimate thrillers which tie your insides into knots, I can ride it more than once in one day without ruining my day at the park – if you know what I mean!
Betsy with some of FAME’s Endorsed Teacher Trainers at Hartt in 2016. From left, Connie Greenwood, Rachel Grimsby, Lindsay Jackson, Missy Strong, Betsy, and Craig Knapp.
How do you feel about FB?
Facebook is one of the biggest contributors to FAME’s growth today and for creating an incredible support for anyone exploring, using, or becoming part of the Feierabend community. I am always amazed and in awe of the people from all around the country and the world taking part in the FAME community through the FAME Fundamentals Facebook page. All members getting support, questions answered, affirmation, making connections, making plans to meet up to share in person, and more! It is an extraordinary tool we all may choose to use to make and maintain connections to enhance both our personal and professional lives.
In his keynote address at the First FAME Biennial Conference, Dr. Feierabend reminded us “how easy it would be to build community through music if each of US shared our inspiration with just two other people and each of them shared with two other people…etc…” and then he compared it to the singing game “Turn, Cinnamon, Turn.” He said, “And if you played it just 8 more times (34 times) we would involve every single person in on the planet singing and dancing together (8,589,934,592). Only 34 repetitions could change the world into one great musical community.” Well, Facebook is helping us reach out to do just that. Please, come and join us if you haven’t already! A special thank you to Missy Strong, FAME President-Elect, for creating and managing the FAME Fundamentals page!