Scott Joplin – Bethena

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I used to be into Scott Joplin. I mean, really into Scott Joplin. I listened to his music, purchased a few CDs and even attempted the foolhardy task of learning a few pieces to play on the piano.

Yet, while most of Joplin’s high-speed, fast paced ragtime songs induced a state of heart-pounding, childish frenzy (which must have made me as an 8 year old, all the more difficult for my parents to put to bed at bedtime), it is this slow, thoughtful, jazz composition of Bethena that I’m very much relaxing to right now.

This piece is quite different from a rag, not only in the tempo (and meter….it’s in 3/4), but most noticeably in the chord changes, never seem to leave the listener in a state of tranquility, but even in their “resolution” leave things unanswered.

This music is perfect for today, after a 2 hour meeting with our math coach, 3 principals, our local middle school director, and a district math specialist from downtown. Two colleagues and myself presented a plan to implement math intervention next year at Cochran, and without boring you with the details, suffice it to say I am now more aware than ever of the political nature of effecting systemic change within the district. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope. How do I manage to stay sane? Lots of patience, lots of prayer! :)

And Joplin helps.