Irene Robbins, International President

My COVID Musical Experience by Irene Robbins

First of all, the Pandemic? Well, they say it started in the winter of 2019, or the spring of 2020 and still going strong. My response is, WE must be strong. Especially us musicians who have a role in the future of this planet and a role in the vibrational system. WE need to do our music with courage, hard work, and love.

Then, at WIJSF, we are women in Jazz. This is the music that pours light, through improvisation and sound, to be enjoyed and used by the human race. This is our role as WOMEN, the keepers of the home, the lovers, the producers of LIFE, to pull us out of this negativity and disease, to make healthy bodies and souls.

So, what did I do during the lockdown? To be honest, it was a beautiful transitional period for me. I had so much time to study, practice, think, and live on my terrace, overlooking the rolling hills of Bologna. I gave myself a long-term goal.

I wanted to learn a Debussy piece on piano that I had never studied before at the University of Michigan. I worked on it every day for a couple months, piece by piece, and achieved my goal. At the same time, I studied jazz standards and practiced adding new chord changes. Also, I took a few pop tunes that had profound lyrics and I changed the chords. I tried new rhythms, using latin and new grooves. This led me to recording them and adding video and photos to make them more interesting. Most importantly, I began composing, again, after years of stagnation. I wrote several pieces for piano, voice, and strings.

On a personal level, I made a route throughout my house to walk quickly through each day. I took long walks away from crowds and, finally, got my mountain bike out for long rides. A healthy mind in healthy body, they say, right? Ok, I’m no spring chicken, but I can feel good!

During the third lockdown, I started a Keto diet and intermittent fasting that eliminated the pain in my joints! So, what did I do during the pandemic? So much! I found my peace, again, and lots of time for creative expression!

I wish the same for all you Creative Women in Jazz.

Love, Irene Robbins International President of WIJSF, Inc.

www.wijsf.org

KIM CLARKEK