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This is definitely something that I’ve been waiting for:

From Alesis:

High Quality Stereo Digital Recorder for iPod Features Professional Inputs

Cumberland, RI, USA – June 20, 2008. Alesis, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional audio equipment and studio electronics, is proud to introduce ProTrack, the world’s first professional handheld digital stereo recorder for iPod.

ProTrack provides convenient, direct-to-iPod stereo digital recording to iPod in a portable, handheld form factor. Users can capture live audio anywhere and anytime with their iPod or iPod nano. ProTrack’s smart design integrates the iPod into the recorder, with included sleds to securely mount supported iPod models to the recorder.

Two high-quality condenser microphones are built-in, fixed in XY stereo configuration for high quality field recording. ProTrack also offers users a pair of combination XLR - 1/4-inch inputs for connection for external microphones and line sources. When running on plug-in power using the included AC adapter, ProTrack supplies 48V phantom power so that it can power condenser microphones.

ProTrack’s exterior contains a Universal Dock for iPod, LED signal indicators, and controls for 48V phantom power, limiter, and volume. Four AAA alkaline batteries provide four to five hours of operation. A threaded mount is integrated for tabletop use on a camera tripod.

Key features of ProTrack include:

•    Integrated iPod design
•    Records to iPod (Classic or 5th Generation), or iPod nano (2nd or 3rd Generation)
•    Professional connectors: two combination XLR - 1/4-inch inputs, 1/8-inch stereo output
•    Supplies 48V phantom power to inputs when wall-powered
•    Records 16-Bit, 44.1kHz or 22kHz stereo
•    Two built-in condenser microphones for detailed recording
•    Built-in microphones in XY configuration for optimum stereo image
•    Switchable limiter ensures overload-free recordings even in unpredictable aural situations
•    AC power adapter included
•    Four AAA batteries provide up to five hours of operation
•    Tripod stand mount for placing into ideal recording conditions

ProTrack is ideal for capturing sound effects, recitals, jam sessions, speeches, interviews, rehearsals, performances, meetings, lectures, notes-to-self, or any other audio material directly to iPod. It will be available from pro audio dealers Q3-2008

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I believe that we as Americans need to rethink our approach to music history.  I certainly think there is value in learning about Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and the like, but on a recent trip to Costa Rica I found I knew nothing of understanding the local music and culture.  I believe that our approach today to teaching music history is for us all to understand and be able to teach music of countries around the world.  I find South American guitar music to be some of the most beautiful music ever written.  Now more than ever, we are becoming a fused society of musical ideas and if we continue to hold fast to our Eurocentric methods of teaching music history, we are not doing our students any favors.  Does anyone know any good texts for young students regarding a true world music history?  As you ponder these thoughts, enjoy a sample below of Brazilian music from Putamayo.

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This is the most hilarious video I have ever seen.  This guy from Japan has discovered how to make working instruments out of vegatables.  I would like to see someone turn this into a project for fourth graders.  Instead of recorders, wouldn’t it be hilarious to see vegtables?  Enjoy this rendition of Angels We Have Heard on High:

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YouTube viewers can vote for their favorite pianist.
Van Cliburn Foundation holds a talent search on YouTube.
By Diane Haithman
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

May 3, 2008

If you’re a classical music aficionado envious of the “American Idol” viewers who get to vote on their favorite contestants, your time has come.

Inspired not by “Idol” but by Popsearch 2007, an online talent search sponsored by the Boston Popsthe Van Cliburn Foundation has taken its competition into cyberspace with its first YouTube contest for amateur classical pianists.

The celebrated Cliburn Competition, which leads to lucrative recording and performance contracts for medalists and finalists, will continue to select participants based on a traditional application and audition process. But for its next amateur competition, to take place in Fort Worth in 2011, the foundation will make room for one competitor who will be selected via popular vote based on YouTube videos provided by 41 hopeful pianists who are older than 35.

Anyone with an e-mail account has until May 15 to visit www.cliburn.org and cast a vote on the videos, which became available to viewers Thursday and run five to 10 minutes each. The winner will gain automatic entry into the next competition, and the foundation will waive the entry fee of about $80.

Cliburn Foundation spokesman Sevan Melikyan acknowledges that voters will probably not watch all 41 videos before voting.

“We are aware of the fact that this competition can very easily become a popularity contest. We are not going to hide from the fact that if you have a lot of friends out there, they are going to vote for you,” he said Thursday. But he said that, in classical music, entrants as well as voters are likely to be self-selecting, and he believes it unlikely that a performer without merit will end up on the competition stage.

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I’m sure many of you have seen this, but just in case you haven’t - enjoy this clip of a 2-year old singing the Lord’s Prayer.  It’s mostly on pitch in the lower range, but those high notes are just a bit off.  But hey, it’s a TWO YEAR OLD! 

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