Latest news with #Performing
Chicago Tribune
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Evergreen Park Community High School band director Ken Kazin retires after nearly 40 year career
Teaching can be a tough job, but then something happens that makes all the effort worth it. Ken Kazin, the longtime band director at Evergreen Park Community High School calls them 'aha moments,' when his students 'finally get something really well. You just see it.' 'That's something I can never get too much of,' he said. After a nearly 40-year career at the school, Kazin retired at the end of this school year. The school's new band director is Colin Curatolo. Kazin said he'll miss his students, and is proud of how far the band program has come since he started in 1987. Back then, the marching band didn't participate in competitions and the band director position wasn't even full-time until he started. Among his more recent accomplishments was introducing a rock band element to the music program about five years ago. Now the school also has strong jazz and concert bands. It's a full time job indeed. In fact, as of his retirement Kazin had banked 406 hours of paid sick time, the equivalent of about 50 days. In addition to overseeing the school's bands, he's taught classes in AP Music Theory, Technology in the Performing Arts, World Music and other related topics. He is also principal percussionist for the Southwest Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians. He was a drummer for Oak Lawn Theatre musicals and plays percussion with his son Keaton, a junior at Stagg High School, in the DuPage Youth Symphony. Kazin grew up in Oak Lawn, attended St. Laurence High School in Burbank and obtained a degree from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. He lives in Hickory Hills with his wife, Amy, who is activities director at EPCHS. His son Jason teaches music at Scarlet Oak School in Oak Forest and his daughter, MacKenzie, teaches English in Columbus, Ohio. A song called 'Evergreen' performed during Evergreen Park Community High School's recent spring concert, which Kazin directed, was commissioned for him and the school by William Owens, his former VanderCook classmate. Kazin credits working with his wife as a big part of the school's musical/artistic success. She was formerly choir director there and directed and choreographed musicals, sharing his enthusiasm for ensuring students grew in their musical abilities. Their combined talents helped students work together in the school's band, choir and theatre programs. 'I think that made a big difference in the school environment and especially the kids,' said Kazin. 'What I'm most proud of is we built a music department. It was about all the music students and making sure they participated in the arts.' A big part of his overall success goes back to his parents, Kazin said. His mother was a professional pianist and organist, and he performed with her for a local VFW, playing drums. His father, a roll tender and inkman for RR Donnelley Printing, taught him his strong work ethic and the importance of showing up ready to give the job his all. He also gets a kick out of student shenanigans, chuckling when he noticed a mustache drawn on his picture in the hallway. 'You put the kids first, our job is to make them better by the end of the year,' he said. Students appreciate Kazin, too. 'Mr. Kazin has explained the importance of trying new and different things time and time again,' said Ryan Brennan, a rising junior, who plays in the concert band. 'He suggests that you don't need to understand everything to try … try something different and ask questions when you need to. 'That's how you can be most successful,' said Ryan. He also had a way of boosting self confidence, according to Zion McCadd, a rising senior and drum major in the marching band. 'I have learned so much from Mr. Kazin,' said Zion. 'Just from being in his band for three years, I've learned to be confident in everything I do from leading the band to playing my instrument. 'He also taught me it's okay to have a little fun!' Kazin also made an impact on Louise Brady, a band student who also just finished junior year. 'I am beyond grateful to have had him as a teacher, mentor, and dad-joke provider,' said Louise. 'I truly couldn't ask for a better experience and hope he has enough adolescents to tease in his retirement!' Principal Matt Dugan said Kazin had made a significant impact with his 'dedication toward the community and school as a whole.' But coming to work was no chore for Kazin, both because of his students and the many colleagues who 'had my back.' He said he might teach college students in the future and he plans to continue performing. 'I had the best job in the teaching world,' he said. 'I was a band director, so I got to grow with my students over four years. 'I loved growing with them.'
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Mumbai University closes admission registration; commerce, allied courses most popular
As Mumbai University (MU) closed admission registration for Under Graduate (UG) degree courses, more than 2.5 lakh students have completed pre-admission online registration. This year, the university has received more than 8.1 lakh applications with students applying for admission to various courses of their choice. The course-wise data of applications received by MU shows that commerce and allied courses continue to remain most popular among students with the highest number of applications received. First merit lists for UG admissions will be out on Tuesday evening by respective colleges. More than 3.8 lakh applications have been received for commerce and allied courses offered by MU and affiliated colleges. While traditional commerce course ( has received more than 1.5 lakh applications, various professional courses offered under the commerce stream have much bigger share when combined. There are more than 2.3 lakh applications received for various professional courses in commerce stream. In science stream, however, this gap in number of applications between traditional and professional courses is much bigger. While traditional BSc has received nearly 3,5000 applications, various professional courses under science stream have received more than 7,6000 applications combined with new-age courses such as data science and artificial intelligence gaining momentum. Whereas in Arts stream, for traditional BA course, less than 5,0000 applications have been received. While professional courses under Arts stream such as BAMMC and Psychology are considered much popular, they have received a smaller number of applications. More than 34000 applications have been received for BAMMC whereas, for psychology 5490 applications have been received. Notably, there are a few courses offered by MU which have received admission applications in single digit numbers. Such courses are Bachelor of Performing Arts, Bachelor of Fine Art, and Bachelor of Engineering in Printing and Packaging Technology. HSNC University declares first merit list Hyderabad Sind National Collegiate (HSNC) University declared its first merit list on Monday. The private university in Mumbai includes popular colleges such as KC and HR, located in Churchgate. At both colleges, there is marginal increase in the cut-off scores, compared to last year. Col Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University, said, 'We are witnessing a significant surge in student interest across diverse domains—from financial markets on one hand to psychology, especially when combined with subjects like sociology, political science, and English. While science enrollments which saw a temporary dip last two years , the number of forms filled has surprisingly doubled compared to last year.'
Gulf Today
23-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Gulf Achievers Awards spotlight Kiran Khawaja as esteemed Guest of Honour
Real estate icon Kiran Khawaja was honoured as a 'Guest of Honour' in recognition of her efforts in the real estate industry at Gulf Achievers Awards which were held on May 17, 2025, at Ramee Dream Hotel in Dubai. Fajar Realty, a pioneering real estate company based in Dubai spearheaded by Kiran Khawaja, has been an inspiration for real estate professionals across the globe and has carved a niche for herself in the real estate sector in the region and has set herself apart from the other real estate companies in the region. During the interaction with the media after winning the award, Kiran said, "I am really happy, and it is a great privilege to be recognised as 'Guest of Honour' at the award show. I am proud of the impact I have been able to make in the Emirates, and Dubai in particular, which is the major hub for international trade and investment with a booming real estate market.' Kiran Khawaja has always been in the limelight and has won many awards and recognition in her illustrious 18-year journey. It may be recalled that Kiran has won many accolades and awards for her hard work and zeal. She walked away with 'Asia Business Outlook Top 10 Most Promising Global Leaders from Pakistan 2023' and the much-coveted 'Being She Excellence Best Real Estate Broker 2023.' Further adding to her accolades are an array of awards, with Fajar Realty securing honours such as the 'DAMAC Top Performing Agency', the 'Azizi Agents Award Gala 2023', and the 'Emaar Token of Appreciation Award'. Additionally, they were given the Menaa Leadership Award for 2023 and Best Real Estate Arabia 2004-2005 at Arabian Property Awards. Under the leadership of Kiran Khawaja, Fajar Realty has traversed a long way and has carved a niche in the world of real estate not only in Dubai but overseas as well. Recognising the immense innovation and continued growth plans for real estate in Dubai and the greater Middle East, Kiran has become immersed in Dubai's booming real estate industry for over two decades now, one of the city's most important business sectors, and hopes to bring more international investors to this city.
San Francisco Chronicle
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Newsom slashes $11.5 million for performing arts fund, devastating Bay Area organizations
Cuts to public arts funding are now a one-two punch. On Wednesday, May 14, Gov. Gavin Newsom released a budget proposal eliminating the $11.5 million allocated to the state's small nonprofits arts organizations through the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, or PAEPF. The fund, painstakingly created from leftover pandemic-era relief dollars allocated to the arts, sought to help organizations with budgets under $2 million comply with AB5, the so-called gig work bill that makes it harder to classify workers as independent contractors. 'Now the rug is being pulled out from under us,' San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company Managing Director Adam Maggio wrote in a letter to patrons. The company had qualified to receive more than $150,000 for artists, technicians and staff through the program, he continued, noting, 'If the fund is eliminated, we'll be forced to make some very difficult decisions.' Newsom's revision isn't final, though; the legislature makes its own amendments before passing a budget on June 15. In the meantime, SFBATCO and other performing arts companies are urging their followers to write their representatives, the state budget committee and the governor's office, with Dance Mission inviting allies to a letter-writing and phone-banking potluck at its Mission District facility at 3316 24th St. starting at noon on Saturday, May 17. The move comes nearly two weeks after theaters, circuses, music groups and more across the region and the country received 'letters of termination' regarding their promised grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. The form letters told grantees their projects 'fall outside' President Donald Trump's priorities, which include commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and supporting the military, skilled trade jobs and the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities and 'Hispanic Serving Institutions.' 'The recent NEA upheaval has already caused such a crisis. Imagine what more cuts will do,' Dance Mission Theater wrote in an email to its community, noting it's now poised to lose a promised $120,000 from PAEPF. In announcing the revised state budget, Newsom cited an $11.95 billion shortfall, which he blamed on the president's's tariffs, tourism disruption and other economic uncertainty. 'Even as the Trump Slump slows the economy and hits our revenues, we're delivering bold proposals to build more housing, lower costs for working families, and invest in our kids,' he said in a statement. Hillbarn Theatre Executive Artistic Director Steve Muterspaugh, whose Foster City company now expects to lose a promised $160,000 from the gutting of PAEPF, pointed out in an email to audiences that the fund represents a rounding error in the state budget. 'But it has an outsized impact on our sector,' he added. Emilie Whelan, West Edge Opera's director of advancement, noted in an email to the Chronicle that PAEPF 'could keep us afloat and prohibit the next closure announcement,' referring to Aurora Theatre's recent decision to suspend production at its Berkeley venue next season. Gig economy powerhouses Uber and Lyft, AB5's original targets, still hire drivers as contractors, thanks to a ballot proposition granting them exceptions from AB5. But a wage-theft trial
Arabian Business
21-02-2025
- Health
- Arabian Business
Know your why to live the life you truly desire: How Nancy Ho's North Star framework aligns business and life success
At the end of the day, everybody dreams of a long, healthy life filled with happiness, professional success, and personal fulfilment. Through her professional experiences, Nancy Ho realised that, despite most people wanting the same thing, many grapple with a labyrinth of challenges, losing sight of their real goals and purpose in the process. With more than 25 years of experience, this life and business strategist, transformative coach, and founder of Breakthrough with Nancy Ho is dedicated to helping High Performing Professionals (HPPs) and all those seeking answers navigate this nuanced maze. Central to finding true fulfilment, according to Nancy, is maintaining a balance between all aspects of life, with personal growth, relationships, health, spiritual wellness, and career aligning. 'We all want to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. It seems simple. But if that was the case, happiness would be a given,' she muses. 'Instead of being a given, it's a challenge, and it's crucial to ask why.' These obstacles are especially prominent among HPPs whose peaks of success often evoke admiration, sometimes even envy. For them, career burnout is more common than among regular employees, carrying immense consequences that negatively impact mental and physical health, interpersonal connections, and, consequently, organisational productivity. The epidemic of unfulfillment is rising—with 77 per cent of employees indicating mental health struggles in 2024, compared to 44 per cent just a year before—and it can't be ignored. The importance of addressing these challenges promptly is crucial, and neglecting any aspect of life can, as Nancy says, lead to a discrepancy between a life and a health span. 'Even if you live a long life, the quality will be diminished if you grapple with health conditions. During my experience, I've worked with thousands of HPPs who seemingly have got it all, and I've seen the grip insomnia, panic attacks, hypertension, and other stress-related disorders can have,' she shares. 'Suddenly, you realise that health and happiness are not a given.' Nancy calls this disparity the 'Paradox of Success,' referring to individuals whose lives are polished and perfect on the surface, yet with darkness and emptiness lingering beneath. At the heart of this paradox is focus—or rather its lack or its misalignment. When focusing on external success, individuals tend to sacrifice other components of life, from relationships to health to familial bonds. 'It's all about climbing the ladder, winning the next deal, and living that American Dream,' Nancy adds. While identifying that one's focus has been askew for far too long is the first step, it marks only the beginning of the journey to happiness and healing. What follows is a plethora of other challenges, the need to compromise, and many risks that must be taken. To illustrate, Nancy alludes to a story of a client, a stay-at-home mom married to an HPP: 'Her husband's career is thriving. It's one promotion after another, long holidays a few times a year, and beautiful residences all over the world. It seems like she has everything anyone could ever dream of. But even during those luxurious holidays, she sees her husband on his phone, trying to close deals or attending meetings. It has taken a toll on their relationship. But the problem is that she wants it all—a husband who helps with the kids, an attentive partner dedicated to his family, and a successful professional who provides. Compromises are inevitable.' On the other hand, another client, an aspiring entrepreneur with a freshly established startup, has just embarked on her motherhood journey. With a baby and a high-performing husband, she is trying to navigate business, marriage, and parenthood, understandably feeling overwhelmed. 'A blind drive for wealth has a price tag, and it's an expensive one to pay,' Nancy stresses. 'It seems impossible, but there are ways to find true happiness, and it all starts with mindfulness.' Through her tailored solutions and an approach fusing business-centric acumen with compassion, Nancy guides clients toward true fulfilment—toward their North Star Vision. Her framework revolves around identifying individuals' real needs, ones that aren't distorted by sheer wealth and the expectations of others. At the centre of Nancy's North Star is her career, surrounded by five arms: family and friends; fitness and health; finances and wealth; faith and spirituality; and freedom, impact and legacy. 'This process requires full honesty with yourself. You have to be clear and transparent about what you want at your centre and determine if the choices you make support your real goal. For instance, with my experience with corporate HPPs and entrepreneurs, I have seen how many will take on roles that require a lot of travel, yet desire to also be at home raising their children. Or, they will take on high-intensity roles that ultimately impact their health and well-being. These choices are not in alignment with their North Star Vision. When one or more of these arms are in conflict, it comes at the price of true fulfilment,' warns Nancy. Recognising that goals, aspirations, and needs evolve, Nancy's framework is a three-year-long plan. As she says, individuals' wants and needs will be different at the different developmental stages of their life, and it's crucial to adapt. 'Reflecting on your why every three years makes sure that you are staying connected to what truly matters,' explains Nancy. 'You need to maintain the clarity of your North Star Vision in order to make sure it supports all five arms.' Though determining one's real desires can be challenging, discovering the reason—the why that drives them—is essential. 'In everything you do, you should ask yourself why,' she reflects. 'You don't start with how. You start with why. When you know your why, the how will be your guiding star. The key to happiness is simple but never easy. Reflect profoundly, discover what you truly want, and don't let conflicts cloud your North Star Vision.' * This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.
