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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
The Chavez Course is a beginners course in manipulation magic. In the 1960's, there was not sources for the correct way to produce a fan of cards, it was all top secret, and not published. As a young person, there was no way to even knew if this information was available. No Internet, and the local magic store is not going to give you information that would take his business away. The local magic club members would not share information, because they knew something you didn't.
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Anatole Inner circle 1912 Posts |
Fortunately there were books in libraries in the 50's and 60's that taught some of the basics of manipulation. Henry Hay's _The Amateur Magician's Handbook was in the Norfolk public library. I learned the armspread and turnover from Ottokar Fischer's _Illustrated Magic_ that was on the shelf of a college library in Norfolk. And on a trip to Cleveland in 1964 I was absolutely shocked to see some of the Tarbell Course volumes on the 793.8 shelves. In the 70's I even found a VHS instructional video by John Mendoza in a public library.
----- Amado "Sonny" Narvaez
----- Sonny Narvaez
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Maybe in your library, but not in Fort Wayne, IN. That was about 1958 or 1959. They only had the Modern Conjuror by C. Lang Neil. That is where I learned the 4 card vanish and production. I did not know there was Magic Magazines until 1963. Finally discovered Abbott's Magic in 1964. Bought a car and drove up to Colon, Michigan that summer.
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Anatole Inner circle 1912 Posts |
Keep in mind that some of the best magic books even back in the 40's were the ones written for kids, so check the 793.8 shelf of the children's section also. That's where I found Joseph Leeming's _Fun with Magic_--the book that had the basics for the "You Do As I Do" routine that Vernon taught in his lecture and that Jay Ose did on national TV--plus a card trick that Del Ray did and fooled a roomful of magicians with. Would you believe the Leeming book was first published in 1943? That "You Do As I Do" trick is also the one that Anthony Hopkins did in the 1978 film "Magic" to win Ann-Margret's heart.
----- Amado "Sonny" Narvaez
----- Sonny Narvaez
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Yup! I wrote up my "first" magic books in another thread, a few years ago. Joseph Leeming's "Fun With Magic" (1943) and, Alexander's " Magic Show Book" (1937) were great! Leeming had addresses for dealers! I sent for Abbott's #7 catalog "the next day". It was FREE! I still have it! Abbott's "Super X" Levi. was $45. Disecto was $15. P&L Reels were $1.50. TTs were $.50.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Signor Blitz Elite user 419 Posts |
The original question: "Should I take the Chavez course?"
With respect of how the studio was ran in the past under the GI Bill - it is a totally different organizational structure in the 21st century. The question should not be of the mindset of 'should I take the Chavez course' as if you are accepted once your check clears (as in days of old) but rather 'am I qualified to apply for instruction at the Chavez Studio?'. With the understanding of two distinctive studios - I can only speak about the one located in the Midwest (Neil Foster's Studio under the direction of Larry Wirtz). There is an application and audition process before being offered the opportunity of being accepted. I have experienced the application process, if you are offered the opportunity to attend, you are fortunate as the ratio between those that apply and are offered the opportunity is high. It is amazing how many individuals are not accepted compared to those that are offered the opportunity. Can an individual be a professional w/o Chavez - YES, without question. But in contrast to what Bill Hegbli (February 3, 2017) wrote stating that the Chavez course of study is a "beginners course in manipulation magic" is wrong. In addition to accepting students with minimal manipulative experience, the studio accepts on a regular basis, individuals with advance abilities. It is NOT a course of studies that is for the beginners only. Again, can an individual be a professional performer without Chavez, yes - but those that understand what the Chavez Studio is all about, no explanation is required. -Signor Blitz |
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Really, why take a manipulation course if you already have the skills and knowledge in manipulation of the props. What I meant was, compared to today's very advanced techniques in manipulation methods, Chavez teaches the basics in method and the routine. In the 1960's these basics of stage manipulation were unknown to the curious. The routines taught were what is known now as basic routines. Of course, you also get stage presence in your presentation as well as method.
Marian Chavez, and the printed information, did not say anything of what you mention. I would imagine, that was how Larry Wirtz wanted to purge the applicants. Never heard of Larry Wirtz, or his involvement. This brings up the question, if an applicant has no knowledge of manipulation, then how can they audition for something they have never done before. In other words, how can a child add 2 + 2 if they have no knowledge of what a number is or represents. As for your question, "can an individual be a professional performer without Chavez, yes" I would have to add, a very poor one, we see it constantly, jumping and wiggling around like a person who has no focus. Improper stance and display of the props in the hands. |
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JNeal Inner circle I used to have 999 posts, now I have 1617 Posts |
Dick Oslund!
I remember those two books as well.. BOTH were in my public library when I was a youngster... and I studied them too! Eventually I 'graduated' to the adult book section of the library... (when adult meant reading comprehension and not something else!) and found two more great books: Henry Hay's "The Amateur Magician's Handbook" and John Mulholland's "Book of Magic".. talk about hitting the motherlode! Eventually, I became a full time, professional magician... mostly from absorbing Henry Hay and Fitzkee's "Showmanship for Magicians". I never planned on (strictly) becoming a manipulator, so as fascinating as I found Chavez performers... I learned not to 'wiggle around' onstage by taking movement classes in College. Chavez is great... it just wasn't 'in the cards' for me!
visit me @ JNealShow.com
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Anatole Inner circle 1912 Posts |
Many great magicians graduated from the Chavez School--like Don Alan, Channing Pollock, Dale Salwak, and Norm Nielsen. The structure, discipline and curriculum of the Chavez School are a great plus and perfect for some students. There are also many great magicians who managed to achieve fame and success through other avenues both before and after the Chavez School was founded.
Before the Chavez School--both the on-campus and the correspondence course--there was the Tarbell System way back in the 1920's, and some successful magicians are "graduates" of the Tarbell School--like my mentor, the late Earl Edwards. More recently, the Mystery School and Eberhard Riese have also impacted the education of many students of magic. _The Mark Wilson Course in Magic_ may not be as formal a curriculum as Tarbell and Chavez, but still has much to offer any student of our Art. There are also many classic magic books that can offer much for the serious student to learn--like John Booth's _Forging Ahead in Magic_ and Juan Tamariz's _The Magic Way. I've had a rewarding career in another field of magic--illustrating magic books. My only formal art instruction was limited to junior high school art classes. But my real education as an artist is from books--especially the Andrew Loomis drawing instruction books _Figure Drawing for All It's Worth_ and _Drawing the Head and Hans_ that gave me the foundation that led to my career as an illustrator of magic books for publishers like L&L, Micky Hades, and Kee-West. I'll echo JNeal's comment above: "Chavez is great... it just wasn't 'in the cards' for me!" And as a Filipino-American, I am very proud that Ben Chavez--"The Boy from ManIla"--played such an important role in the history of magic. ----- Amado "Sonny" Narvaez
----- Sonny Narvaez
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Leo H Inner circle 1332 Posts |
Don't forget Walter Cummings. He graduated from the Chavez School and later became an instructor there who taught Pollock.
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Larry Wirtz New user 1 Post |
Bill Hegbli – Thank you for the insight from your perspective and experience. I guess we are even as I have not ever heard of you either. - LOL
It is my intention to address the points brought up to your satisfaction. Any questions or further concerns, please feel free to give me a call at: (219) 662-1530 as I am not a regular follower on this forum and wish to provide you with the answers you require in a timely manner. Trusting that you are aware of the two independently functioning studios, you should know that Neil Foster’s studio is under the direction of Chris Jakway and me. The studio has been in continuous operation since its opening under the direction of Marion Chavez after her passing. Alan Nelson wrote that “change is not an option. Either an organization changes to continue prevailing or they change by becoming irrelevant to people and eventually disappear.” Additionally, Peter Drucker tackled the rationale behind organizational failure by stating that “in most cases, the right things are being done – but fruitlessly. The assumptions on with the organization has been built and is being run on no longer fits reality. So many large and successful organizations worldwide fail because there theory of business no longer works.” The business and operational model of our studio is much different from 1960’s in which you have mentioned. It goes without saying, much has changed. I am a firm believer that an individual does NOT need to attend the Chavez Studio of Magic in order to have a successful career in the field of entertainment or more specifically, as a magician. Additionally, if an individual wishes to succeed in the specific genera of stage manipulation, Chavez training is NOT a mandate for success. Chavez is only an option or a tool towards a performers future. Previous experience in the art of manipulation is NOT a pre-requisite for acceptance into the studio. However, there is a vetting process. An applicant must have previous performing experience and a certain command of his or her abilities. This is a good thing as we are more interested in quality over quantity. Just because an individual has the interest and resources to attend does not automatically qualify them for acceptance. Addressing the question as to why would someone with previous experience and knowledge in the art of manipulation want to attend the Chavez Studio of Magic? That in itself is a testimonial to the service that is provided. The course of study extends beyond the basics of manipulation as you mentioned that took place decade’s age and meets the student at his or her level of ability. Additionally, beyond the mechanical skill of manipulation and stage deportment, issues regarding the business side of being a performer are covered as well. Again, any questions, please feel free to give me a call at (219) 662-1530. I look forward to the opportunity of speaking with you and learning more about your Chavez experience. In looking through the records, I am not seeing your name and I am always interested in filling in any gaps in the alumni timeline. Yours Truly, Larry Wirtz |
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JNeal Inner circle I used to have 999 posts, now I have 1617 Posts |
I remember seeing a 'Chavez act' in it's purest form when I was a teenager in New England. It was a fellow touring with Phil Morris doing a a phone room set of dates.
His name was Larry Pew if I recall and he worked under the name of Mr. Zodiac(?) if I recall correctly. He did all the routines very well as I remember and included a Zombie... but I'm not sure if that was ever part of the curriculum of Chavez.
visit me @ JNealShow.com
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Anatole Inner circle 1912 Posts |
A search of askAlexander shows that there was a Larry Pew mentioned in the July 1968 issue of GENII. Bill Larsen was always a big supporter of the Chavez School, which advertised every month in GENII for a long time.
----- Amado "Sonny" Narvaez
----- Sonny Narvaez
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
I seen Marian Chavez perform at Abbott's somewhere around 1981 or 1982, for an older woman she was actually very beautiful on stage in very revealing outfit. Those long legs was her misdirection I guess. At that Get-To-Gether she was in the elementary school offering her course. It was then that I signed up for the course shortly after. She died before I finished the course, so Dale Salwak signed my diploma.
She performed the playing card, billiard ball, and thimble acts from the course. She was excellent! |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Hey JNeal!
I met Larry Pew, in, I think, 1965. I think he called himself "Sebastian" then. He was in his early 20s, I think. He was working in, IIRC The Christiani Circus Side Show. He was from a small town somewhere in central Ohio. He was doing a very elaborate act for a side show! I don't remember many details of it. We never "connected" again. I haven't heard his name mentioned again, except for your post above. I booked Ohio schools every fall, for several years, for Betty Carlson's School Assembly Service, and also played Ohio schools for many years.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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JNeal Inner circle I used to have 999 posts, now I have 1617 Posts |
Thanks for the input Dick! I looked up Larry Pew just after posting on this forum earlier today... and there was a google reference to his performing some of Mac Birch's effects (that he now owns) at Abbott's in 2013! I must have seen him around 1974 or '75!
Bill, I never met Marion, but I know a couple of her later students and of course... I still know Dale Salwak quite well.
visit me @ JNealShow.com
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