Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 21hUsually snobs at least *attempt* to put sleight of hand on the argument “high standards = music I like, therefore music I don’t like has low standards,” but here that’s apparently their central thesis. Also fascinating how nobody studied jazz until after it was written! bsky.app/profile/patr... 020
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 21hNow if someone wanted to make the argument that there’s “deterioration in scholarly standards” on the grounds that anybody in academia thought this slish was publishable, they might have a case. I wouldn’t let a freshman paper get away with any of this! 160
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Anyway I recommend BRIAR ROSE any week of the year-- it's shattering, had me crying openly within the first ten pages-- but especially when there's folks around who don't want us to know about things like the Holocaust, or the existence of LGBT people, or the power of fairy tales to mediate trauma. 010
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 06/10/2026"Reading a book -- and understanding it -- takes time, attention, honesty, clarity, and an open mind. None of these are definitional as far as book censors go." --Jane Yolen #BannedBooksWeek www.underdown.org/yolen.htmunderdown.orgInterview with Jane Yolen about Briar Rose, and a Review of this Controversial BookAn interview with Jane Yolen, author of many novels and picture books. 110
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Have to give a #BannedBooksWeek shoutout to Jane Yolen, whose Holocaust novel BRIAR ROSE was banned in several places, even publicly burned by a Westboro-type group, because one of the characters is (gasp) a gay man. Yeah. www.janeyolen.com/briar-rose/ 130
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Obligatory “well that blew up” post Hi, my name’s Eric and I’m a composer! (Including one opera although we’re still working on getting it staged!) www.ericpazdziora.com/project-type...ericpazdziora.comVocal – Eric PaździoraPosts about Vocal written by Eric Pazdziora 0160
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 06/10/2026"Opera doesn't make money. Opera’s what you spend money *on*.” “But . . what do you get out of it?” “You get opera. You put money in, you see, and opera comes out,” said Salzella wearily. --Terry Pratchett, 'Maskerade' 71262352
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 03/10/2026It‘s far too early for Christmas music of course, but it is Bandcamp Friday, so you could always buy it now and listen to it later! www.ericpazdziora.com/portfolio/ch...ericpazdziora.comChristmas Piano Improvisation Albums – Eric PaździoraOne evening each year at Christmas, I sit down at the piano at my church with no idea what I am going to play until the congregation and I have heard it together. Amidst the busyness of the season, th... 000
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraSt. Simeon the Holy Fool @simeonthefool.bsky.social · 06/09/2026The late (alas) great Jane Yolen gave us about 450 books to choose from, including multiple YA fantasy series Back in the 90s Westboro folks had a book burning of one of her titles because it included LGBT representation 0125
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 06/09/2026ICE cowards, get out of our town. bsky.app/profile/miss... 020
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraSt. Simeon the Holy Fool @simeonthefool.bsky.social · 14/07/2026static.klipy.comStar Trek Picard: Jean-Luc Picard Says 'I Did'Alt: Star Trek Picard: Jean-Luc Picard Says 'I Did' 3143
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraTerri Windling @terriwindling.bsky.social · 16/06/2026I'm glad to see this fine appreciation of #JaneYolen in The NY Times. We can keep her work and memory alive by reading, re-reading, recommending and passing on copies of her gorgeous novels, stories, picture books & poems, and her nonfiction on folklore, fairy tale, and the art of crafting stores. 17114
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraTerri Windling @terriwindling.bsky.social · 18/06/2026"Stories," he'd said, his voice low and almost husky, "we are made up of stories. And even the ones that seem the most like lies can be our deepest hidden truths." - Jane Yolen (from Briar Rose) 19823
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraJarrett J. Krosoczka @studiojjk.bsky.social · 13/06/2026Beautiful Jane—how sad I am to say farewell, but how lucky I am to have called you friend and mentor. Jane Yolen left us with 450 published books, but perhaps her greatest legacy will be the love and support she shared with so many of us writers and illustrators in the children’s book community. 17114
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraWilliam Alexander @willalex.bsky.social · 11/06/2026"I believe in story. It helps us make sense of the world in all its messiness, glories, mismatches, and marvels." - Jane Yolen, 1939-2026 113349
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraTerri Windling @terriwindling.bsky.social · 12/06/2026"Get up from your desk and wander outside occasionally. To be a good writer one needs to be a good observer, and there isn't a lot to be observed at desk level." - Jane Yolen Lottie and I wish you a good weekend. I'll be back in the studio, and back online, on Monday. 08714
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraSt. Simeon the Holy Fool @simeonthefool.bsky.social · 12/06/2026#FoolHatOff: Believe it or not I was lucky enough to get to get to know Jane Yolen in real life. As you would guess from reading any of her books—450 BOOKS(!)— she was a delight, wonderfully kind and incredibly brilliant. I can’t find any words right now. A problem she never, ever had. 072
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 12/06/2026I was so lucky to get to know Jane Yolen. One of the most brilliant, kind, and generous people you could ever meet. Heartbroken. 020
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraSCBWI @scbwi.bsky.social · 12/06/2026The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and the children’s book world, is saddened by the news that author, mentor and friend, Jane Yolen, has died. She was 87 and her loss cannot be measured. Please find the full obituary here: www.scbwi.org/remembering-... 15555149
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraWorldcon In Memoriam @wcinmemoriam.bsky.social · 11/06/2026Author Jane Yolen (b.1939) died on June 11. She wrote books and novels for all ages, including Briar Rose, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?, and The Devil’s Arithmetic. Yolen won 2 Nebulas, a World Fantasy and was named Grand Master by SFPA, SFWA and World Fantasy. She served as SFWA President. 24754312
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraLocus Magazine @locusmag.bsky.social · 12/06/2026Jane Yolen (1939–2026) locusmag.com/2026/06... 827164
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 28/01/2026And here's the Boss showing us how it's done: take whatever you're feeling and make it into Art. It's cathartic for you, it's a morale boost for whoever else is feeling the same way, and it's inspiring for the rest of us... Your turn next. What will you make? 221
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 28/01/2026Wisdom. www.cloudway.live/blog/zenshin...cloudway.liveTen Practices for Frightening Times — Cloud Way, Rev. Zenshin Florence CaplowAs our world turns upside down, and the waves of shock and horror keep coming to shore, here are my ten practices for navigating through… 011
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraWashingtonian @washingtonian.com · 27/01/2026Philip Glass withdrew his Symphony No. 15 “Lincoln” from the Kennedy Center, telling the center’s board and the National Symphony Orchestra that the work is a “portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and the values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony.”washingtonian.comPhilip Glass Pulls Symphony From Kennedy Center - WashingtonianThe composer says the center's values "are in direct conflict with the message" of the work, which is based on an Abraham Lincoln speech. 092
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraAaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 24/01/2026"They say they're coming to save us from some evil? They're talking about our neighbors who take care of us ... Alex was murdered while he was helping. Mr Rogers said look for the helpers, & right now the helpers have a target on our forehead ... Mr Rogers would be here right now too, so I'm here." 5483972212594
Reposted by Eric Pazdziorathe babahuck @tylerhuckabee.bsky.social · 24/01/2026the virgin "mister rogers would never get political" vs the chad "mister rogers would be here right now" 48912
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 06/01/2026My gravy doesn’t know it’s rude to get political over dinner —A True Story 021
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraSt. Simeon the Holy Fool @simeonthefool.bsky.social · 31/12/2025What is Art if not a bumbling person bringing their best effort to God, no matter how failed it might be, and saying “here, look, I made something just like you do” 3152
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraSt. Simeon the Holy Fool @simeonthefool.bsky.social · 31/12/2025ME: I was so disoriented, I wasn’t even aware I was performing Johann Sebastian Bach’s entire “Well-Tempered Clavier!” DOCTOR: You were in a prelude and fugue state 0112
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 18/12/2025There is the anxiety of influence, and then there is the joy of it “I only want to see you laughing In the purple rain” 020
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 16/12/2025ericpaz.bandcamp.com/album/comfor...ericpaz.bandcamp.comComfort My People: A Contemplative Christmas Piano Liturgy, by Eric Pazdziora23 track album 000
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 16/12/2025Just released: 3 album set of Christmas piano improvisations, recorded live in concert! Favorite Christmas songs in a peaceful and contemplative setting, for those who are in need of some tidings of comfort and joy. Available on my website or on bandcamp: www.ericpazdziora.com/portfolio/ch...ericpazdziora.comChristmas Piano Improvisation Albums – Eric Paździora 100
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraSt. Simeon the Holy Fool @simeonthefool.bsky.social · 13/12/2025Because how often do you get to say this: Happy 100th Birthday to the one and only Dick Van Dyke, and many many more! Here’s the man himself presenting a classic lesson and master class in how to perform sophisticated comedy: youtu.be/sRaF4gk1yhY?...youtu.beSlapstick by Dick Van DykeYouTube video by Jon Davison 1235
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraSt. Simeon the Holy Fool @simeonthefool.bsky.social · 06/12/2025Without any further fanfare, let me announce that all our trumpeters are on strike 164
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 13/12/2025I had fun improvising this unconventional take on Little Drummer Boy. New live Christmas piano improvisation albums available now! ericpaz.bandcamp.com/track/the-li...ericpaz.bandcamp.comThe Little Drummer Boy, by Eric Pazdziorafrom the album Holy Nights, Volume Two: Contemplative Christmas Piano Improvisations In Concert 021
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 07/12/2025Hey, I think this is ready to announce: I’ve put together some albums of previous highlights from my contemplative Christmas piano improvisation concerts! Check them out on my BandCamp: Album one: ericpaz.bandcamp.com/album/holy-n... Album two: ericpaz.bandcamp.com/album/holy-n...ericpaz.bandcamp.comHoly Nights, Volume One: Contemplative Christmas Piano Improvisations In Concert, by Eric Pazdziora12 track album 010
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 06/12/2025A couple years ago, I got to compose a Christmas cantata for my church— the result was some very offbeat pieces for choir and orchestra. Latin rock Gloria, Scots-language Lutheran chorale, Flamenco Magnificat, Sacred harp Victorian hymn…. This was a lot of fun! www.ericpazdziora.com/portfolio/vo...ericpazdziora.comVoices of Adoration (Christmas Cantata for SATB + Orchestra) – Eric Paździora 010
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 02/11/2025With musicians it’s harder to find people you *can’t* hop to. I studied with a teacher who studied with Nadia Boulanger who also taught Quincy Jones. 000
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraK2S0-scare-a 🎃🍁🍂 (still hypernarcoleptic) @oharawe.bsky.social · 21/08/2025wake up babe, new key signatures just dropped. [Adding an AI policy to my syllabus this semester, and wanted an illustration so I went to ChatGPT. Now I'm really considering just making the policy, "If you'd like me to give you grades based on stuff like this, knock yourself out"] 911329
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 12/10/2025In honor of spooky month, share a 4 word horror story that only someone in your profession would understand: Great opportunity for exposure! 000
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 11/07/2025“That’s not right. That’s not even wrong.” Seriously though. Usually a student who is BSing their way through a forgotten answer manages to get *something* right just as a lucky guess. 010
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 29/06/2025ME: I have perfect pitch. THEM: Oh, really? What’s this note? ME: It’s an A but about 15 cents flat. THEM: But I didn’t sing it yet. ME: Details, details. (In real life I am polite and let them sing it first but for some reason everybody goes exactly there) 020
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraSt. Simeon the Holy Fool @simeonthefool.bsky.social · 08/06/2025God bless the grass that grows thru the crack. They roll the concrete over it to try and keep it back. The concrete gets tired of what it has to do, It breaks and it buckles and the grass grows thru, And God bless the grass. 0113
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 03/06/2025I am not surprised at all that Sean "Jesus Christ Superspreader" Feucht is being credibly accused of multiple kinds of abuse-- financial, emotional, spiritual, and otherwise-- but I'm impressed by the extent and amount of detail documenting it in this whistleblower site. bsky.app/profile/matt... 040
Eric Pazdziora @ericpazdziora.bsky.social · 02/06/2025This is absolutely brilliant. bsky.app/profile/raha... 010
Reposted by Eric PazdzioraPete Buttigieg @petebuttigieg.bsky.social · 23/05/2025America cannot long remain free, nor first among nations, if it becomes the kind of place where universities are dismantled because they don't align politically with the current head of the government. 14424769011267