It is that time of year even if we are in the midst of “Blackberry Winter“. It is time to re-consider Spring. That means Aaron Copland’s tarted-up version of the original Shaker hymn, “Simple Gifts”. Our farm is about half-way between two former Shaker villages, Pleasant Hill and South Union. I worked at Pleasant Hill as a stock and garden manager for about a year. The spirit of the place steeped into me as I got to know it well. Every spring this music rises up in me like green sap.  A glory.

I have created a hybrid video/audio/ChatGPT-drafted “elevator pitch” with this prompt:

Create a summary of this text that could be used a script for video:

Shaker design is closely related to sustainability because it embodies many principles of environmentally conscious design. The Shakers were known for their use of natural materials like wood, cotton, and wool in their designs, which are renewable resources that do not harm the environment. Additionally, they built their furniture and objects to last, using high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail that ensured their longevity. Shaker design also promotes simplicity and minimalism, which can help reduce waste and consumption. By focusing on creating objects that are practical and functional, rather than overly ornamental or trendy, the Shakers avoided the need for frequent replacements or upgrades. This approach aligns with the modern idea of reducing consumption and waste, which is a critical aspect of sustainable living. The Shakers’ focus on orderliness and organization is also a sustainability principle. By arranging objects in a logical and efficient manner, they were able to optimize space and resources. This attention to detail and optimization can help reduce waste, save energy, and promote sustainable living practices. Finally, the Shakers’ commitment to quality craftsmanship and innovation promotes sustainability in the sense that it leads to fewer replacements and less waste over time. By investing in well-made, durable objects that are built to last, we can reduce the need for frequent replacements and reduce our overall consumption of resources. Overall, the principles of Shaker design align well with sustainable living practices, emphasizing the use of renewable materials, the reduction of waste, and the promotion of durability and longevity. By adopting these principles, we can reduce our impact on the environment and work towards a more sustainable future.

Here is the script that I plugged into Lumen5. I instructed Lumen 5 to summarize that using its AI. This is the text summary:

Discover the timeless principles of Shaker design that align with sustainable living practices. The Shakers used renewable materials like wood, cotton, and wool in their designs, and emphasized quality craftsmanship and attention to detail to ensure longevity. Their focus on simplicity and minimalism also helps reduce waste and consumption, while their organization and optimization of space and resources promote sustainable living practices. Finally, their commitment to quality craftsmanship and innovation promotes durability and less waste over time. Learn how adopting the principles of Shaker design can help us work towards a more sustainable future.

I uploaded a one-minute clip of the end of Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” and created the video below. Click on Shaker Sustainability.

Shaker Sustainability

Discover the timeless principles of Shaker design that align with sustainable living practices. The Shakers used renewable materials like wood, cotton, and wool in their designs, and emphasized qualit

Here is another version of “Simple Gifts” by Yo-Yo Ma and Allison Kraus:

Here’s Copland’s original 13-instrument orchestral version. And, lest we forget, this was commissioned as a ballet for Martha Graham:

And, finally, the full orchestral version: