Brian Funshine

Sunday, December 6, 2009, 2-8pm, Da An Park, Taipei (FMI – 0921863891)

It’s here, the one year anniversary of Taipei Potluck and Music Circle!!
Please, if you have come before, or this is your first time….join us this time and make it extra special. Bring your friends….

Read more »

Brian Funshine’s Favorites List

Let’s Face it, we are a product of our generation, culture, family, and media, so, here goes. This is my brainstorm on an odd Sunday night, of my favorites, which I will add to, as my brain remembers them…. Make a recommendation? I was born in 1972…

Movies: – My favorites are comedies and space/sci-fi movies, followed by action/adventure, followed by movies with beautiful natural scenes or amazing sets/props/backgrounds.

Star Wars (all of em!), Time Bandits, Hair, Red Dawn, Johnny Dangerously, Running Scared, The Blues Brothers, Seven Years in Tibet, Mary Poppins, Almost Famous, Anything with Jim Carrey, Airplane, Vacation, Trading Places, Waterworld (parts of it), Mad Max Movies,

TV Shows – Here’s a hodgepodge of favorites, across the board, I’d say, but honestly, I haven’t kept up with the last couple years of TV, so it’s a lot of older shows. And you?-

Star Trek: The Next Generation, Gilligan’s Island, Battlestar Galactica, The Flintstones, The Munsters, The Addams Family, The Brady Bunch, The Three Stooges, The Little Rascals (Our Gang), Transformers, Fantasy Island, Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley

Actors: – Here’s a short list…

Jim Carey, Eddie Murphy, John Cleese, Brad Pitt, Micheal Keaton, Drew Barrymore, Adam Sandler, Vin Diesel, Danny Devito

Bands/Musicians – I have a wide range of favorites, in many genres.
Rock – Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, Jethro Tull, Yes, Janis Joplin
Jazz – Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Arturo Sandoval, Charlie Parker, Jaco Pastorius, Victor Wooten, Weather Report, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Bobby McFerrin, Freddie Hubbard, Jon Faddis,
Classical – Smetnov, Bach, Rachmaninov, Vivaldi
Blues, Funk, R&B, etc – James Brown, Marvin Gaye,

Things I like to do for Fun – Hiking, Nature Exploring, Playing Guitar/Piano, Playing in a band, Writing Stories and songs, Singing, Watching Movies, Listening to Music, Studying Languages, 3-D art (ceramics, papier mache, candle making, etc), Traveling, Camping, Cooking, Swimming, Drum Circles, Surf the Net, Reading Books, Reading the Paper, Juggling, Playing Games, Acting/Improvisation, Having Deep Philisophical Conversations, Listening

Things I don’t like to do -
Chat in chatrooms/IM, Go to the doctor, Swim in water that is too cold, wait a long time, clean up, wash dishes, pay bills

Favorite Cartoon Characters/ Superheroes – Some say, you can say a lot about a person, if you know what cartoon characters he likes. Well, here’s my list. What do you think?

Speedy Gonzalez, Aqua Man, Wonder Twins (really), Spiderman, Peppe Le Pieu, Bugs Bunny, All the Flintstones Characters!!,

Secret Favorite Shows from Childhood – Well, here goes, these are the shows I would probably never admit to liking, or watching for that matter. Don’t tell anyone, OK?

Another World, All My Children (Somehow got hooked on these two soaps for one whole summer when I was a kid. Two hours a day!! Can you believe it?), The Brady Bunch, Fantasy Island, Family Ties, Assorted Game TV Game Shows (Not Jeopardy)
———————————————————————————

Brian’s Story
THE STORY OF BRIAN FUNSHINE

Interview with a Children’s

Edutainer & Musician

How did you get into doing children’s music?

I began first by working at summer camps and outdoor programs. We had campfire sing-alongs. I learned guitar very quickly in order to play a part in making the music. At first I learned lots of traditional kids songs, old folk songs, and songs by some of my favorite kids entertainers (Raffi, Fred Penner, Sesame Street, etc). Then, one day, while I was living in Taiwan, there was a huge earthquake, where lots of people died. I was living in the basement of a building which didn’t fall, but was without electricity, so I began singing as usual, but for some reason original “kid” songs started flowing. I wrote most of my first album “Rainbow Fun” and even some of my second album “Let’s Sing” in the following week. It was a beginning of something wonderful!

How long have you been playing music?
I officially started playing music in the sixth grade, but I give much credit to my Dad for playing piano with me on his lap all the time, and to my Mom for singing beautifully to me all the time!!! Both of my parents were great inspirations to pursue music, as was my sister’s encouragement to keep going, no matter what!! As of June/07, I am 36, so you do the math.

What instruments do you play?
My first instrument was the trumpet. Although my band teacher said he thought I had a knack for the French horn, I really took to the trumpet and still play it now, although not nearly as much as when I was in high school and early college.

I also started learning the saxophone in high school, and that helped open my eyes to a wider variety of wind instruments. In college, unfortunately, my trumpet was stolen, which at the time seemed to be a terrible thing, but later, I realized it was probably the most direct way to move on to stringed instruments. I began playing electric bass, and then fretless bass, and finally double bass. My focus remained on Jazz music throughout college.

Towards the end of my college career, I began learning to play the guitar. It came very quickly after studying the bass. Then I purchased a mandolin and learned the basics. I focused on classical and folk guitar for a while, and continued improving the bass. I also began singing both in the University Choirs and along with my guitar playing.

Finally, I began studying the keyboards and percussion, rounding out the musical spectrum. I have also studied the basics on trombone, harmonica, recorder, and even accordion.

Now with MIDI, I can produce music using realistic samples of any and all instruments. Most people wouldn’t notice the difference between these and the real thing. So my music has taken an evolutionary step.

What do you like the most about writing and producing music for kids?
The thing I like the most are the smiles the kids give me when they find something about my songs they can relate to personally, whether it is something they have thought about themselves (like monsters under their beds), or something they discovered more about by listening to my music. Perhaps a child will be inspired to become a musician too, after listening to my songs. That is the thing that would make me most happy to hear about!!
Also, because the children are innocent, the music means much more to them. I remember my favorite song growing up for a while was “Knock Three Times”. Do you remember that tune?

Where did the name Brian Funshine come from?
My first name is Brian, but Funshine comes from the song “Funshine” from my first album “Rainbow Fun”. The lyrics say “Let the fun shine down upon me now” which basically say that “fun” is something that can shine down on someone as can colors from the rainbow or rays from the sun, or beams from the moon. I decided this would make a great performance name. What do you think?

Do you play any other kinds of music?
Lots!! I have played in many bands of many styles including: The Leaves (now Buffalo Strange – psychedelic, folk, rock, world), Voodoo Court (Surf, Jazz, Rock, Psychedellic, Fusion), Hunter’s Moon (folk influenced rock), Big Medicine/The Beam (Tribal poetry set to tribal world influenced music), Red 23 (Multi-lingual rock/folk/pop), East Meets West Express (EMW – small jazz group playing standard jazz tunes with an international group of musicians), Big Sombrero (grateful dead era, hippy, California 70’s style), The Urban Gypsies (improvisational, folk influenced, African, world), Drum Tree (percussion, world, environmental, body movement/percussion), The “Fabulous” Scooters (acapella singing group), Mandala World Music …. And ….

I have to include from High School and College: Marching band, Jazz Big Bands, Jazz Chamber Ensembles, Brass Choirs, Community Choirs, Gospel Choir, Symphonic Bands, Wind Ensembles, and Orchestra.

How do you make children enjoy learning music?
That’s easy, but it’s better to think of it this way… Kids don’t have to be made to enjoy learning music, the teachers have to think of ways to consider the mind of a child. Kids don’t usually have many specific goals for their musical development, at first. They just want to have fun. So, we music find a way to convey the parts of learning music that are often tedious, but vital, in a fun and rewarding way, and reward their dedication with praise and encouragement!!

Do you have any other hobbies?
I like to juggle (clubs and balls), do art (mostly 3-D art including candle making, clay, and fresco. Not so good with a paint brush or pencil yet), I’m an amateur vegetarian chef, I like to do yoga and movement, I enjoy acting (sometimes professionally), and I love to study languages and to travel.

How did you learn how to write songs?
I created a game, that I like to call “The Game”. This game is kinda silly, but it works for helping people to evolve there creative mind for the process of song writing or creative idea brainstorming. It’s also good for relationship therapy (in a way)

It’s easy. One person strums simple chords on the guitar (or piano is fine) while the other sings or chants, attempting to let go of any needs to necessarily rhyme, make sense or accomplish anything. Their only goal is to produce rhythmic flow from the improvisational side of the brain. The words can be based on a theme (i.e. do a song about flowers and garbage trucks) the funnier the better, or they can be silly and ridiculous, focusing on rhythm or rhyme scheme (once again with flexibility to be able to cut loose) This activity is great with an open mind, and with practice will help the ideas flow more naturally and release inhibitions commonly related to structured writing. These methods can be a supplement to structured writing and formal lessons, or perhaps can be the centerpiece of your song writing/story writing approach. Obviously recording these sessions is vital too!! You will get better, the more you do this!!

The other way is obvious. Listen to lots and lots of music in lots of different styles, from many cultures around the world. Remember what you like and try to figure out why you like it!!!! HAVE FUN!

In all of your international travels and performances, did you notice any distinct differences between the children from different countries and cultures?
Absolutely. The differences were enormous between western and eastern cultures. Russian kids were right in the middle of the two. Asian children tend to be more reserved and polite. American kids are brave and vocal, but make great audiences for an interactive event. European kids are curious and open minded.

Of course, everywhere you go, kids are different, and no two are alike, but I started noticing and thinking a lot about how their culture, language, and social system effected their musicality and the way they responded to my music, in performance, and in the classroom.

Having worked a lot with ESL/EFL kids (English Learners) I have learned a lot about the major differences between this population and a native English speaker, in reference to how they learn English songs. Songs can make something relatively boring to learn (like grammar) into something fun and exciting!!

BRIAN’S  BIO

Click here for Chinese version – Translated by Winnie Huang (or see below) - huang.wenyi@gmail.com

Brian “Funshine” Alexander is a children’s music producer/entertainer, voice over talent, workshop presenter, and Jazz musician. Brian currently lives in Taipei, Taiwan with his Taiwanese wife, Jenna.

Brian is an experienced educator with over 15 years of teaching experience in both the USA and Taiwan, who holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology, with a focus in Music Performance/Education from the University of South Florida, USA. He combines his multitude of talents into the creation of music, performances, and voice recordings. Brian also writes and publishes materials for educational programs internationally (Taiwan, Japan, China, Korea), including products for the ESL market.

Brian’s kids music has often been compared to the famous Raffi, and his voice is often compared to the voices of Cat Stevens and Harry Chapin. Brian’s music has been featured on a multitude of products ranging from cartoons, computer games, commercials, English language materials, musical toys, CD’s, and DVD video products.

In the voice studio, Brian is called regularly for everything from cartoon voice-overs for TV stations such as Public Television Services (PTS) and Hwa Shr in Taiwan, to commercial voice-overs such as Dominoes Pizza, ASUS computers, and Infiniti cars, to doing character voices for toys, games, and web sites, company introduction and narration videos, infomercials, as well as educational materials for well known publishers such as Benesse, Giraffe, Kang Shuen, and Pearson. He is able to produce a wide range of character voices and voice-over styles. Brian also does voice over direction of other voice talent for various projects including the Leofoo Village Parade song and over 100 songs for companies like American Magazine Company (AMC), Shang Ren Publishers, and YOYO ABC TV.

As a multi-instrumentalist, Brian performs Jazz gigs on double bass and vocals for special events, weddings, and regular jazz venues in Taiwan and beyond. In addition, he utilizes his skills on guitar, vocals, percussion, trumpet, and keyboards to enhance his MIDI music productions.

In the area of children’s entertainment, Brian regularly performs educational events for schools, camps, special needs programs, and special events both in Taiwan, and internationally (Russia, Europe, Korea, Thailand, USA).

Please contact Brian at www.brianfunshine.com (brianfunshine@hotmail.com) for more information or to hear online demos of his work!Click here for Chinese version – Translated by Winnie Huang - huang.wenyi@gmail.com

Brian “Funshine” Alexander is a children’s music producer/entertainer, voice over talent, workshop presenter, and Jazz musician. Brian currently lives in Taipei, Taiwan with his Taiwanese wife, Jenna.

Brian is an experienced educator with over 15 years of teaching experience in both the USA and Taiwan, who holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology, with a focus in Music Performance/Education from the University of South Florida, USA. He combines his multitude of talents into the creation of music, performances, and voice recordings. Brian also writes and publishes materials for educational programs internationally (Taiwan, Japan, China, Korea), including products for the ESL market.

Brian’s kids music has often been compared to the famous Raffi, and his voice is often compared to the voices of Cat Stevens and Harry Chapin. Brian’s music has been featured on a multitude of products ranging from cartoons, computer games, commercials, English language materials, musical toys, CD’s, and DVD video products.

In the voice studio, Brian is called regularly for everything from cartoon voice-overs for TV stations such as Public Television Services (PTS) and Hwa Shr in Taiwan, to commercial voice-overs such as Dominoes Pizza, ASUS computers, and Infiniti cars, to doing character voices for toys, games, and web sites, company introduction and narration videos, infomercials, as well as educational materials for well known publishers such as Benesse, Giraffe, Kang Shuen, and Pearson. He is able to produce a wide range of character voices and voice-over styles. Brian also does voice over direction of other voice talent for various projects including the Leofoo Village Parade song and over 100 songs for companies like American Magazine Company (AMC), Shang Ren Publishers, and YOYO ABC TV.

As a multi-instrumentalist, Brian performs Jazz gigs on double bass and vocals for special events, weddings, and regular jazz venues in Taiwan and beyond. In addition, he utilizes his skills on guitar, vocals, percussion, trumpet, and keyboards to enhance his MIDI music productions.

In the area of children’s entertainment, Brian regularly performs educational events for schools, camps, special needs programs, and special events both in Taiwan, and internationally (Russia, Europe, Korea, Thailand, USA).

Please contact Brian at www.brianfunshine.com (brianfunshine@hotmail.com) for more information or to hear online demos of his work!

布萊恩-方帥 是一位兒童音樂製作人、專業表演者、配音人員、研討會提案人、爵士樂手。布萊恩目前和台灣籍妻子Jenna定居台灣台北。

布萊恩於南佛羅里達大學取得心理學學士學位，專長為音樂表演與教育，經驗豐富的他在美國與台灣兩地共有十五年以上的教學經驗。他結合自己的多項才藝創作音樂、參與各式表演及錄音領域。布萊恩也跨國撰寫以英文為第二語言的學習教材，並於台灣、日本、中國、韓國等地出版。

布萊恩深具娛樂效果的兒童音樂經常被人與知名的拉菲(Raffi)相比，他充滿溫暖質感的聲音也常令人聯想到凱特史帝文斯(Cat Stevens)或哈瑞薛平(Harry Chapin)。布萊恩的音樂更成為眾多類別與產品的主要特色，廣泛應用在卡通、電腦遊戲、廣告、英語學習教材、音樂玩具到各類音樂影像光碟產品中。

布萊恩經常參與各式配音工作，如電視台的卡通配音，合作單位包括台灣的公視與華視；廣告配音，合作單位包括達美樂比薩、華碩電腦、Infiniti汽車；除了為玩具或遊戲角色配音外，他也支援網站或公司簡介、敘事影像、宣導短片及教學材料等各式配音需求，合作單位包括知名出版社巧連智、長頸鹿、康軒、培生教育出版集團等。

布萊恩的音色豐富多樣，能為各式各樣的角色配音。他也以配音指導的身分參與各類錄音工程，包括六福村樂園、空中美語(AMC)、上人出版社與東森幼幼台等單位合作的上百首樂曲。

擅長多項樂器才藝的布萊恩，在台灣與世界各地參與爵士樂團演出時，表演低音大提琴，也在特殊活動、婚禮、駐場爵士樂團表演時擔任主唱。此外，他更將自己歌唱、吉他、打擊樂器、喇叭與鍵盤樂器等技巧，用於強化電腦音樂製作上。

在兒童娛樂表演上，布萊恩經常參與台灣與國際(含俄羅斯、歐洲、韓國、泰國與美國)各地學校或體驗營的特別節目,或與教學活動相關的表演需求。

若想了解更多布萊恩的資訊或洽談請至網站www.brianfunshine.com 與電子信箱 brianfunshine@hotmail.com 或請電:0921-863891與布萊恩聯絡

RESUME (kids music focus)

OBJECTIVE:
To perform and create interactive kids songs, music productions, publications, recordings, shows, and workshops within a fun and educational framework.

SUMMARY:
Extensive experiences in the Arts, Culture, and Education, through Music, Theater, Visual Arts, Experiential/Outdoor Education, International travel, and Language studies. Professional singer, musician, recording artist, and songwriter.

EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Kindermusik Instructor – Offered early childhood music classes through Kindermusik International
Brian Funshine Kids Shows – Performances, at schools, camps, malls, special events, birthday parties, festivals, workshops (guest speaker/ performer, etc), pre-k thru 5th grade…
Rainbow English Fun Music Program — Offered a weekly English music, movement, and drama program as well as performances. These are Interactive and educational activities for children ages 2-10. Programs include instruments, original and classic kid songs, movement, imagery, and listening activities.
English Teacher — Worked with children around the world, teaching English through music and activities. Taught English as a second language in the USA, and other countries.
Workshop Presenter – Presents workshops for teachers on “Using music in the classroom for educational purposes” He has presented for the Florida State Early Childhood Association, as well as, being chosen to be the keynote speaker at the Pinellas County ECA Conference. Presented his workshop in Taiwan, for teachers of children learning English as a Foreign Language at the English Teachers Association Conference in Taipei, Taiwan.
Voice Over Artist – Currently recording voice overs for various companies in Taiwan, Korea, and other international clients.
Writer: Completed 9 children’s story books, one ESL vocabulary book, and one early childhood song/picture book.
Actor — Ladder International Children’s English Theater, Taipei, Taiwan- Performed as a major role in two educational theater productions for up to two thousand Taiwanese children. Production included learning English & Chinese lines, dancing, singing songs, and interacting with the children.
Outdoor Education Instructor — Pathfinder Outdoor Education Tampa Bay, Florida & Nature’s Classroom Accredited by the Association for Experiential Education. Developed curriculum and taught experiential classes in leadership, group dynamics, conflict resolution, problem solving, trust building, communication skills, cultural awareness and diversity, outdoor skills, science, nature, history, high/low ropes course, music, drama, games, evening programs, and art.
Camp Counselor/Teacher — Med-O-Lark Arts Camp, Washington, ME -
Taught classes to teens aged 10-17 in music, theater improvisation, high/low ropes course, yoga, outdoor skills/adventure, nature studies, guitar, bands, and group singing. Created and assisted with stage props, sound, and music for theater productions. Organized and led group activities for over 300 campers and staff. Assisted with staff training. Performed the duties of a live in cabin counselor for boys age 10-14.  Also worked as a camp counselor at Camp Taloali and Circle C Ranch Academy.
Substitute Teacher — Hillsborough County Schools, Tampa, FL; Substituted for regular and exceptional education teachers, grades preschool-adult. Placed on the “first call” list for music, theater, art, and English as a second language classes.

EDUCATION
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology with Music Performance/ Education Minor, graduated April 1995. Concentrated study in Early Childhood Music.
Completed coursework in Teaching English Overseas (TEOS)
Foreign Languages Studied- Chinese studies in Taiwan, Spanish, American Sign Language, and Russian. Participated in various acting classes including “Acting from the Heart” and “Voice and Body Improvisation”.
Kindermusik Certified Instructor – 2003 completed certification. Currently Teaching Kindermusik to children ages 0-3.
Hillsborough County Library (ESL) training certificate

OTHER EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS
Original Songs for learning English- Currently writing, recording, and producing songs for children throughout the world
Performed in various musical groups- Jazz chamber ensemble, Big band, Marching band, Symphonic band, Brass choir, Gospel choir, University Singers, Rock/Pop bands, Musical Theater Ensembles, World music groups including Caribbean and African, Children’s music, and Experimental music ensembles. Frequent performances of the Brian Funshine Show and The Rainbow Funshine Kids Shows and more.
Taught private and small group lessons on bass and guitar, for students of various ages.
Musical Skills — Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Guitar, Vocals, Percussion, Mandolin, Trumpet, Saxophone, Recorder, MIDI Keyboard, Songwriting, and Recording Skills.
Other Skills and interests- Juggling, Clowning, Acting, Comedy for kids, Songwriting, Linguistics, Storytelling/Writing, Textbook writing, World Travel!!