On August the twenty-seventh at roughly four o’clock pm. I had the pleasure to sit in on a special presentation given by a dynamic speaker named Nancy Giles. Not long after it began, I found myself laughing and completely caught up in her stories of music and life. She had sass and I completely enjoyed listening to her speak on topics that you could tell she was very passionate about. Giles spoke on how music plays a role in our life and how in today’s culture has somewhat mutilated music to appeal to certain crowds with the sole purpose of making a profit.
Nancy gave us a little insight into her own experience with music and how her viola playing fostered a love for a classic orchestra sound. She posed questions to some of the students as to why they are involved in the field of music and how they got there. It made me really think about what led me to music in the first place and rekindled an even greater desire to reach a profession in performing arts. Altogether I enjoyed it and whish I could have stayed for the whole thing, but since I am determined to remain debt free through college I had to rush to my job.
On August the twenty-seventh at four o’clock pm. I also had the opportunity to listen to a very educated, opinionated individual speak about all topics related to music. Nancy Giles, a woman who grew up in New York City, gave her thoughts on a number of topics: America Idol, music videos, how some individuals got involved in music, and how the different genres of music relate to each other. These discussions really kept my interest throughout the entire presentation.
My favorite discussion topic was how we got involved in music and why we still love it. This interested me personally because I got called on to share about my past in music. Having to share in front of everyone present made me think hard about why I actually stayed involved in music. I realized that it doesn’t matter how bad my teachers may have been, it only matters that I am determined enough to be as good as I can be. Overall, it was a great, thought-provoking presentation and I am very glad that I attended.
It was my pleasure to listen to Nancy Giles, an african american comedian, writer and actress from New York, speak to the music students at Bowling Green State University. She had a way of making you feel welcomed immediately. She did not belittle the audience in their intelligence but rather she had a discussion with us. This I thought was most unusual; I am more used to a lecture setting, so I was pleasantly surprised when she started to interact with members of the audience; my classmates.
Towards the end of her presentation, Giles talked about the popular reality TV show “American Idol.” Giles spoke about how “evil” the show is for reasons such as, cutting people because of the way the look, or because they do not fit their idea of an “American Idol” singer. Giles expressed her disappointment in the judges because they would pick one genre of music over another. An audience member conversed with Giles about “Ruben” and “Fantasia,” two American Idol winners. She shared with us that after these two African American “gospel” singers won, American Idol does not have gospel singers anymore. At this point I decided to enter the discussion to share that I dislike these types of shows because there is no way to compare different genres (ie. gospel versus opera). The same audience member informed us that they do have a “gospel idol” on the Black Entertainment Channel.
Giles went on to disclose the evils of american idol with us because she knows that many of us are devoted singers, and we probably find the show unrealistic as well. Even though I neither watch nor condone American Idol, I asked Giles if I could try to defend American Idol. I expressed my opinion that American Idol is a business, and that their main job is to make money. Obviously the producers of the show realize the way to make the most money is to cater to the right audience. The reason American Idol is so picky about looks, and genera, is because they’re trying to reach the target audience that will make them the most money. Is it wrong? yes. But at least we, as educated people and musicians understand why it is wrong, and have the opportunity to ignore it.
On Thursday Augusts twenty-seventh at around four o’clock PM, I received the opportunity to listen to Nancy Giles speak. She spoke of her life in the entertainment business and her life with music. She was a very humorous and intelligent lady. She was very good at entertaining us with her jokes but all the while still informing us of her knowledge. I enjoyed how she took the time to hear stories from her audience and listen to how we got started with our music and why we chose to stick with it.
My favorite discussion we had was about everyones paths into music. I really enjoyed hearing about everyones different paths and reason for their love of music. I am disappointed though that I had to leave early. I would of really enjoyed to stay and talk about American Idol, and give my insights on the show. Giles was a great speaker and I hope I get the privilege to hear her speak again.
On Friday, August 28th around 8 pm in Kobacker Hall, I was fortunate to see Nancy Giles perform for Bowling Green. She is a talented african american, commentator, comedian and actress. I had never been to a concert to see a comedian, and was very surprised but the performance but in a wonderful way. I have heard that many comedians just talk, saying there jokes and hoping for the laughs, But Mrs Gills engaged the audience, asking for their opinions and ideas. It was great because it made me feel personally that I could understand her jokes better and I forgot I was even at a concert but more like talking to a friend. She had an ease around her that made you feel very comfortable and relaxed.
Though she talked about many topics, I believe my favorite was when she talked about her more personal experiences. It find it amazing when someone is willing to share there personal experiences with people and are able to laugh at themselves. I am in awe of her for having that confidence in herself and I hope that someday I would be able to do that, though not as a comedian. My favorite story was two stories put together into one. The first one is about when she went on a T.V show and one of the camera man asked her if she was a guy or a girl. She was wearing a gorgeous dress and heels, even though she’s 6’1″. She was wobbling in them because she never wore them before . As she was walking to the set the camera man called her over and asked her if she was a transvestite. As she was laughing, telling this story, said it should have been obvious she was a women since she was wobbling so bad in the heels. It was wonderful how easily she could make fun of herself. Later on she explained how she used that embarrassing story for an article she wrote about women and it became world wide known. Those stories were very inspirational. Even though one was embarrassing she use it later on and turned it all around.
It was honor to be able to see Nancy Giles and I hope that I will be able to see her perform again.
Karrie Lester
Thursday, August 27th at 4pm, I attended a Conversation with Nancy Giles in Kobacker Hall. Nancy Giles was speaking to students from the music department about her thoughts and experiences in music. Nancy Giles is an actress among other things and I did not expect her to have such a wonderful perspective on music. She was very educated on musical subjects and really showed and appreciation of our hard work as music majors.
She talked to us about her favorite style of music which was also one of mine. She says she loved Marvin Gaye and Bill Withers, and the amazing orchestral parts. I remember growing up and listening to that type of music and just enjoying the mix of classical and rhythm and blues. She also told us about her dislike of American Idol. I have only watched a few seasons but strongly agreed with her views. She talked about how they give ordinary attractive people a “Hollywood” makeover. This is a very disturbing part of the industry. She also examined that people are constantly judging you on your looks. The story of Susan Boyle from Britain’s, Got Talent, the judges were shocked at the beauty of her voice because they thought that “unattractive” people don’t sound like that.
Overall, I really enjoyed Nancy Giles. She was very eloquent and mixed comedy and personal testimony in a very balanced way. She also reminded me about my passion for music, and that all my classes I take here are beneficial to my growth musically. She did this by using an example of when she was in the New York “All City” orchestra. She said that although she hated viola, when she went back to her junior high she brought more to the table academically, musically, and personally. I was very inspiring how she grew from that experience.
On August 27, 2009, I attend the event, “An Evening with Nancy Giles” at 8:00 P.M. in Kobacker Hall. Nancy Giles was extremely funny, and there never was a dull moment during the show. It was interesting hearing her speak about how she worked hard to get where she is today. Listening to her talk about being an actress and then a voiceover was great because it is one of my dreams I wish to pursue. It also was interesting to listen to her speak about the racial stereotypes she had to overcome on her career path. Her stories really spoke to me, and I found ways for it to apply to my life. One story that stuck in my mind the most was the one where she was asked by a cameraman whether she was a guy while she wobbled in high heels. She took the event and turned it into an essay she wrote. It really showed me that you can turn any situation into a positive experience. The question and answer session was long, but it was very informative. Overall, the event was a success and was entertaining!
On August 26, in the Arts Village here at Bowling Green State University, I had the opportunity to see Nancy Giles, an African-American actress and comedian. She was very eloquent and entertaining, especially when she would interact with the audience members. The environment she created was relaxed, but also informative. She seemed genuinely interested in what students do as a part of the Arts Village. Her stories about how she got to where she is today really amazed me; when she spoke it was very obvious she was passionate about what she was saying. She made the importance of college clear, and how lucky students at this university are to have an Arts Village.
I enjoyed the hour I got to spend listening to Nancy Giles. Her stories were really inspiring, and the way she told them really captured my attention. The thing that made me feel good about the experience I’ll hopefully get to experience in college was when she appeared irritated about Oberlin not having an Arts Village. She reminded me of how lucky I am to be able to attend college and pursue something I enjoy doing. Overall, it was a great experience being able to listen to someone as interesting as Nancy Giles.
Nancy Giles visit to the AV and the Wooster Center
Last week I had the fortune to see miss Nancy Giles, actress, comedian, and contributor to the CBS Sunday Morning News in the Arts Village, and at her improvisation workshop on Thursday at the Wooster Center. The meeting in the Arts Village was by my perception very conversational. Nancy sat in a chair facing towards us, and spent the majority of her time sharing her life stories with us, and inviting us to share ours with her. Besides the stories, advice, laughter, and cookies from “The Cookie Jar”, I was moved by Nancy’s experiences in Oberlin College. After the presentation I approached her and thanked her for her visit, and also expressed my feelings for her time at Oberlin, and why I choose BGSU over Oberlin.
The next day, I went to the improvisation workshop run by Nancy as part of my Arts Village theatre class. I sat through the event and watched Nancy speak, and give advice to the many theatre majors there. While not a theatre major, I found her advice intriguing, and useful in any profession. This event was much more student run, consisting of improvisation skits being done and Nancy popping in giving advice.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Esther Swain
On August the twenty-seventh at roughly four o’clock pm. I had the pleasure to sit in on a special presentation given by a dynamic speaker named Nancy Giles. Not long after it began, I found myself laughing and completely caught up in her stories of music and life. She had sass and I completely enjoyed listening to her speak on topics that you could tell she was very passionate about. Giles spoke on how music plays a role in our life and how in today’s culture has somewhat mutilated music to appeal to certain crowds with the sole purpose of making a profit.
Nancy gave us a little insight into her own experience with music and how her viola playing fostered a love for a classic orchestra sound. She posed questions to some of the students as to why they are involved in the field of music and how they got there. It made me really think about what led me to music in the first place and rekindled an even greater desire to reach a profession in performing arts. Altogether I enjoyed it and whish I could have stayed for the whole thing, but since I am determined to remain debt free through college I had to rush to my job.
August 28th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Ashley Shaffer
On August the twenty-seventh at four o’clock pm. I also had the opportunity to listen to a very educated, opinionated individual speak about all topics related to music. Nancy Giles, a woman who grew up in New York City, gave her thoughts on a number of topics: America Idol, music videos, how some individuals got involved in music, and how the different genres of music relate to each other. These discussions really kept my interest throughout the entire presentation.
My favorite discussion topic was how we got involved in music and why we still love it. This interested me personally because I got called on to share about my past in music. Having to share in front of everyone present made me think hard about why I actually stayed involved in music. I realized that it doesn’t matter how bad my teachers may have been, it only matters that I am determined enough to be as good as I can be. Overall, it was a great, thought-provoking presentation and I am very glad that I attended.
August 29th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Katarina Schwarz
Nancy Giles
8/27
4PM
It was my pleasure to listen to Nancy Giles, an african american comedian, writer and actress from New York, speak to the music students at Bowling Green State University. She had a way of making you feel welcomed immediately. She did not belittle the audience in their intelligence but rather she had a discussion with us. This I thought was most unusual; I am more used to a lecture setting, so I was pleasantly surprised when she started to interact with members of the audience; my classmates.
Towards the end of her presentation, Giles talked about the popular reality TV show “American Idol.” Giles spoke about how “evil” the show is for reasons such as, cutting people because of the way the look, or because they do not fit their idea of an “American Idol” singer. Giles expressed her disappointment in the judges because they would pick one genre of music over another. An audience member conversed with Giles about “Ruben” and “Fantasia,” two American Idol winners. She shared with us that after these two African American “gospel” singers won, American Idol does not have gospel singers anymore. At this point I decided to enter the discussion to share that I dislike these types of shows because there is no way to compare different genres (ie. gospel versus opera). The same audience member informed us that they do have a “gospel idol” on the Black Entertainment Channel.
Giles went on to disclose the evils of american idol with us because she knows that many of us are devoted singers, and we probably find the show unrealistic as well. Even though I neither watch nor condone American Idol, I asked Giles if I could try to defend American Idol. I expressed my opinion that American Idol is a business, and that their main job is to make money. Obviously the producers of the show realize the way to make the most money is to cater to the right audience. The reason American Idol is so picky about looks, and genera, is because they’re trying to reach the target audience that will make them the most money. Is it wrong? yes. But at least we, as educated people and musicians understand why it is wrong, and have the opportunity to ignore it.
August 30th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Angela Cheslock
On Thursday Augusts twenty-seventh at around four o’clock PM, I received the opportunity to listen to Nancy Giles speak. She spoke of her life in the entertainment business and her life with music. She was a very humorous and intelligent lady. She was very good at entertaining us with her jokes but all the while still informing us of her knowledge. I enjoyed how she took the time to hear stories from her audience and listen to how we got started with our music and why we chose to stick with it.
My favorite discussion we had was about everyones paths into music. I really enjoyed hearing about everyones different paths and reason for their love of music. I am disappointed though that I had to leave early. I would of really enjoyed to stay and talk about American Idol, and give my insights on the show. Giles was a great speaker and I hope I get the privilege to hear her speak again.
August 30th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Claire Agresta
On Friday, August 28th around 8 pm in Kobacker Hall, I was fortunate to see Nancy Giles perform for Bowling Green. She is a talented african american, commentator, comedian and actress. I had never been to a concert to see a comedian, and was very surprised but the performance but in a wonderful way. I have heard that many comedians just talk, saying there jokes and hoping for the laughs, But Mrs Gills engaged the audience, asking for their opinions and ideas. It was great because it made me feel personally that I could understand her jokes better and I forgot I was even at a concert but more like talking to a friend. She had an ease around her that made you feel very comfortable and relaxed.
Though she talked about many topics, I believe my favorite was when she talked about her more personal experiences. It find it amazing when someone is willing to share there personal experiences with people and are able to laugh at themselves. I am in awe of her for having that confidence in herself and I hope that someday I would be able to do that, though not as a comedian. My favorite story was two stories put together into one. The first one is about when she went on a T.V show and one of the camera man asked her if she was a guy or a girl. She was wearing a gorgeous dress and heels, even though she’s 6’1″. She was wobbling in them because she never wore them before . As she was walking to the set the camera man called her over and asked her if she was a transvestite. As she was laughing, telling this story, said it should have been obvious she was a women since she was wobbling so bad in the heels. It was wonderful how easily she could make fun of herself. Later on she explained how she used that embarrassing story for an article she wrote about women and it became world wide known. Those stories were very inspirational. Even though one was embarrassing she use it later on and turned it all around.
It was honor to be able to see Nancy Giles and I hope that I will be able to see her perform again.
August 31st, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Karrie Lester
Thursday, August 27th at 4pm, I attended a Conversation with Nancy Giles in Kobacker Hall. Nancy Giles was speaking to students from the music department about her thoughts and experiences in music. Nancy Giles is an actress among other things and I did not expect her to have such a wonderful perspective on music. She was very educated on musical subjects and really showed and appreciation of our hard work as music majors.
She talked to us about her favorite style of music which was also one of mine. She says she loved Marvin Gaye and Bill Withers, and the amazing orchestral parts. I remember growing up and listening to that type of music and just enjoying the mix of classical and rhythm and blues. She also told us about her dislike of American Idol. I have only watched a few seasons but strongly agreed with her views. She talked about how they give ordinary attractive people a “Hollywood” makeover. This is a very disturbing part of the industry. She also examined that people are constantly judging you on your looks. The story of Susan Boyle from Britain’s, Got Talent, the judges were shocked at the beauty of her voice because they thought that “unattractive” people don’t sound like that.
Overall, I really enjoyed Nancy Giles. She was very eloquent and mixed comedy and personal testimony in a very balanced way. She also reminded me about my passion for music, and that all my classes I take here are beneficial to my growth musically. She did this by using an example of when she was in the New York “All City” orchestra. She said that although she hated viola, when she went back to her junior high she brought more to the table academically, musically, and personally. I was very inspiring how she grew from that experience.
August 31st, 2009 at 10:02 pm
On August 27, 2009, I attend the event, “An Evening with Nancy Giles” at 8:00 P.M. in Kobacker Hall. Nancy Giles was extremely funny, and there never was a dull moment during the show. It was interesting hearing her speak about how she worked hard to get where she is today. Listening to her talk about being an actress and then a voiceover was great because it is one of my dreams I wish to pursue. It also was interesting to listen to her speak about the racial stereotypes she had to overcome on her career path. Her stories really spoke to me, and I found ways for it to apply to my life. One story that stuck in my mind the most was the one where she was asked by a cameraman whether she was a guy while she wobbled in high heels. She took the event and turned it into an essay she wrote. It really showed me that you can turn any situation into a positive experience. The question and answer session was long, but it was very informative. Overall, the event was a success and was entertaining!
August 31st, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Erica Balle
On August 26, in the Arts Village here at Bowling Green State University, I had the opportunity to see Nancy Giles, an African-American actress and comedian. She was very eloquent and entertaining, especially when she would interact with the audience members. The environment she created was relaxed, but also informative. She seemed genuinely interested in what students do as a part of the Arts Village. Her stories about how she got to where she is today really amazed me; when she spoke it was very obvious she was passionate about what she was saying. She made the importance of college clear, and how lucky students at this university are to have an Arts Village.
I enjoyed the hour I got to spend listening to Nancy Giles. Her stories were really inspiring, and the way she told them really captured my attention. The thing that made me feel good about the experience I’ll hopefully get to experience in college was when she appeared irritated about Oberlin not having an Arts Village. She reminded me of how lucky I am to be able to attend college and pursue something I enjoy doing. Overall, it was a great experience being able to listen to someone as interesting as Nancy Giles.
September 1st, 2009 at 9:02 am
Matt Carson
9/1/09
BGSU 1000
Dr. Natvig
Nancy Giles visit to the AV and the Wooster Center
Last week I had the fortune to see miss Nancy Giles, actress, comedian, and contributor to the CBS Sunday Morning News in the Arts Village, and at her improvisation workshop on Thursday at the Wooster Center. The meeting in the Arts Village was by my perception very conversational. Nancy sat in a chair facing towards us, and spent the majority of her time sharing her life stories with us, and inviting us to share ours with her. Besides the stories, advice, laughter, and cookies from “The Cookie Jar”, I was moved by Nancy’s experiences in Oberlin College. After the presentation I approached her and thanked her for her visit, and also expressed my feelings for her time at Oberlin, and why I choose BGSU over Oberlin.
The next day, I went to the improvisation workshop run by Nancy as part of my Arts Village theatre class. I sat through the event and watched Nancy speak, and give advice to the many theatre majors there. While not a theatre major, I found her advice intriguing, and useful in any profession. This event was much more student run, consisting of improvisation skits being done and Nancy popping in giving advice.