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Salon
These multidisciplinary gatherings offer people exposure to new ideas, powerful questions, and learning outside of the In this day and age, we’ve forgotten the art of coming together with intention. We seem to have mastered the cocktail party and the odd dinner party, but gathering around a topic has lost its place. In an era when any fact can be attained in a few key strokes, setting aside time for stories and music and debates can seem quaint and unnecessary.
When it comes to hosting a successful salon- with a lot of interesting and varied people - we will have a wide range of participants. For us, one of the best ways to find people is through an existing group such as photography group, book club meet up, etc. (Thanks to the internet, it is easier than ever to find these groups.) We won't just stick to the usual social groups.
The mechanics of the salon:
In this day and age, we’ve forgotten the art of coming together with intention. We seem to have mastered the cocktail party and the odd dinner party, but gathering around a topic has lost its place. In an era when any fact can be attained in a few key strokes, setting aside time for stories and music and debates can seem quaint and unnecessary.
When it comes to hosting a successful salon- with a lot of interesting and varied people - we will have a wide range of participants. For us, one of the best ways to find people is through an existing group such as photography group, book club meet up, etc. (Thanks to the internet, it is easier than ever to find these groups.) We won't just stick to the usual social groups.
For example, if we deal withe a photographer and one of the topics you want to discuss is a particular photo or photographer, then we will not just invite other photographers or people you know with a keen interest in photography. Inviting someone who is a writer, scientist, etc. and who knows little or nothing about photography will give an interesting point of view that others haven’t considered.
we will make it clear that the people don’t have to be experts or know a lot about a topic to participate. In fact, it can be quite an education to be part of a group discussion in which participants know little or nothing about. (Also we will make it known that questions are not only acceptable but encouraged.)
confines of classroom education. A salon inspires. The attendees ask big questions.
We will make it clear that the people don’t have to be experts or know a lot about a topic to participate. In fact, it can be quite an education to be part of a group discussion in which participants know little or nothing about. (Also we will make it known that questions are not only acceptable but encouraged.)
The Salons will be presented at our new sister venue “SikoraArts Gallery” at 1001 McLean Road in Cortland. that can fit a mid-size group of people interested in exchanging ideas on an artistic topic.
The Salon: SOME HISTORY
From 17th century France and England to the early 20th century, salons flourished as a place where creative people would meet to discuss art, literature and, no doubt, themselves.
Earlier generations sought fellowship, argument, and ideas through the concept of salon, just as they valued the sort of entertainment that they could provide for each other.
In our salons we hope to have rousing discussions over the concept of comparative religion in one salon, and the theory of multiple intelligence and the work of Howard Gardner on another, etc.
Expected AUDIENCE RESPONSE
Interestingly, everyone who hears of our salons immediately responds positively, wishing they could be apart of something like this. We always suggest that they can, and should.
We will start with a topic: a composer or an era, a painting or a philosophy, and allow the conversation to take its own direction. Sending out a series of questions, and most importantly, allowing for controversy. Every voice will be heard, questioned and celebrated. Egos are checked at the door, and no one is expected to be the smartest person in the room.
THE MECHANICS OF OUR SALONS
If you have the skill and courage to play the latest Sonatina you’ve been scraping through, or a book idea you’ve been mulling over, allow time for this. Start with a question; “Why this piece or work?,” “How is this similar to others we know?,” or “What descriptive words come to mind that would best describe your reaction to this music/painting/idea?” Think of this as less of a workshop (there are plenty of those), and more of meeting of minds.
We will dress for the event, and create a space that feels special and apart from daily routine. Remembering that this isn’t a cocktail party where people are expected to be charming. This will be a time to learn and to share.
This will work for a group that allows for the exploration of the unfamiliar.
Evening’s topic choices are boundless, but by way of keeping some sort of organization, We will encourage to stick to one topic per salon. We will turn off all electronics including phones and PDAs, and we will not allow for reference materials of any kind. This will ensure that guests come prepared and ready to discuss, instead of “looking up,” or “Googling.” We will set a limit as to the number of guests. Perhaps the Salons I would include no more than 10 and any given salon. Before the event we will be sure to sent out invitations including the topic of the evening.
We will welcome a simple menu of finger foods and refreshments. We will let this be a regular feature in our lives, and we are sure people will delight in what emerges through lively debate.
This salon will be led by Professor Armand Di Scenna from SUNY Cortland. Armand Di Scenna, Adjunct Professor of Music at the Department of Performing Arts. Di Scena has a long trajectory in the Catholic Church particularly at the Syracuse Diocese where he held the position of Director of the Office of Liturgy and Music. Currently, he is Dean of the Syracuse Chapter of the American Guild of Organists; Music Advisor & Chant Conductor for the 3rd Order Dominicans of the St. Louis Bertrand Chapter, Syracuse, NY; and most recently, for the past thirteen years, Organist, Choir Director, and Liturgist for St. Mary's Church, in Cortland, NY.
At this gathering, Di Scena will explore the chant, monophonic, or unison, used as liturgical music of the Roman Catholic Church. This type of chant was used to accompany the text of the mass and the canonical hours, or divine office. Gregorian chant is named after St. Gregory I, during whose papacy (590–604) it was collected and codified.
