#BigThingsThursday is a weekly series of short interviews with people who are doing big things for the community and for the world. If you know someone who's doing big things and should be featured, let me know: BigThings@LucyKalantari.com.
Meet Bill Caterini: artist, producer and educator. He keeps his motivations clear when releasing new projects onto the world. As a middle school teacher, his stance against bullying is strong and he takes this responsibility very seriously, educating our children of the world. He reminds us to treat people with kindness and smile, as our actions can have a profound effect on those around us.
Q. BIG THINGS begin with an intention, what is yours?
A. I really feel that my true intention is to reach, educate, and console people...for instance:
The projects that I've been working on/completed within the last 4 years concentrate on a few different areas.
1) Bullying - children's projects - "(Don't Be A) Bully" by E Is For Erik www.eisforerikmusic.com
2) Global Peace/environmental/world issues - "We Can Do More" by Bill Caterini/Sara James (see below!)
Q. How are you fulfilling this intention?
A. Launching into only positive message projects for all ages/topics, and being a positive example while being out in the world, whether its performing music, recording, or collaborating with other artists. I also work at a middle school in Cape May County, New Jersey (I am a NJ certified teacher w/a certificate in electronic music) and I see the daily effects of personalities and feelings, also bullying...there's a precious sensitivity that needs to be both nurtured and protected, for the youth of today.
Q. What barriers have you encountered, and how have you dealt with them?
A. I really don't let barriers get in the way of the true importance of my projects...any barriers would actually come from politics within the music industry. I don't channel my energies into music/projects because of ulterior motives, including, but not limited to: copious amounts of money; awards; fame/press/attention...
These are the wrong reasons to do anything in life...it should be for the people. However, I do realize that its OK to be paid for your products/services, and there's a right way to facilitate this. Nothing is ever accomplished with greed.
I believe my biggest obstacles involve these types of people...greedy business types...also dirty politics...fake social media sensationalizing, and, there's always the occasional hater/basher out there. What everybody should remember is: most of these internet profiles/people actually aren't what they seem/appear to be, and that if you make a real, tangible connection (not a "virtual" connection) with a person, the effects of this can be tantamount! It's real...!
Extra: Share a favorite quote that keeps you motivated.
There's a story I'm very partial to, especially because I live on the ocean (NJ shore): There's a cynic walking along the beach - while walking, the cynic realizes that there are hundreds of "starfish" laying along the surf, stranded in the thick sand, having washed up from the breaking waves. While walking along the beach, he happens upon a young man (or woman...open to your interpretation) who is throwing these starfish back into the ocean, one-at-a-time. There are hundreds, if not thousands, along the beach...as far as the eye can see. The cynic finally says to the young man, "why do you even bother...there's much too many washed up for it to matter...why bother saving them?" The young man turned to the cynic and said, "I realize there's a lot, and you think I'm wasting my time." As he said this, he threw another starfish into the ocean, and then said, "but it mattered to this one, and all the others that I already threw back into the ocean..."
Thank you Bill for reminding us how even the simplest actions can have an effect to last a lifetime! Check out Bill's inspiring song he did with Sara James, "We Can Do More" below.