This first semester of the 2015-2016 academic year has definitely had its ups and downs. Incredible opportunities have arisen from this semester and some things from different areas of my life have tried to knock me down, however, I wouldn't change any of it. This semester has definitely shaped who I am as a person and I wouldn't change that for anything. People have come and gone in my life and, even though the it is painful having someone leave your life, it may be better for you as a person in the long-run. I'm so excited and happy to say that I finally get to see my girlfriend after being apart for three months and that is definitely going to be very exciting and happy for both of us.
Even though this semester has had its pros and cons, the positives have definitely outweighed the negatives.
Even though this semester has had its pros and cons, the positives have definitely outweighed the negatives.
I have been working on a wide variety of music this semester and most of it has come so far, definitely farther than I thought it would. I've been working on BWV 549, which is an exhilarating piece, especially the fugue. I may put up another post about why this piece is so entertaining to play and also why it is not your typical prelude and fugue, however, I love performing and practicing it. I have also been working on early technique with Francois Couperin and some other legato techniques with Mendelssohn's Sixth Organ Sonata. I've played a few pieces in church and have loved learning new techniques and pieces for this wonderful instrument.
Besides repertoire, my semester has been going well in other academic matters, as well. I was recently hired to become an On-Call Guru for the Music Learning, Research, and Technology Lab in the Hayes School of Music, where I attend, and offered the opportunity to become a TA in the Fall of 2016 for Music Theory I. A Guru basically helps people who need help on anything in music history, theory, or aural skills, and we provide insight for research opportunities. Being one of two sophomores hired for this position for next semester, I am honored to be given this opportunity.
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the College Music Society's National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. This conference offered new research opportunities and graduate school connections, all while discussing the current problems and excelling programs in the collegiate music world. I had the pleasure of meeting many delightful professors and hearing what they had to say about numerous topics. I was discussing the conference with one of my professors, Dr. Jennifer Snodgrass, and she told one of my friend's and me to get started researching several different topics for possible presentations, so we are definitely excited for that.
I have recently signed up for next semester's classes and cannot wait for them to start. My only gen-ed class will be Astronomy II, but the rest of them will be music courses. I have the normal ones, such as Theory IV, Aural Skills IV, History II, Seminar, Accompanying, and Lessons, but I am also taking Organ Literature. I am thrilled to take this class, seeing that my professor has written his own book for the course and it will be exhilarating to learn about the composers and literature that I have not had the pleasure of studying yet.
The last huge event that has happened this semester took place in the past week. I was one of the only students from the music school to be selected/nominated for a new program that Appalachian State is trying out for their students. The program is called A-Portfolio and it is basically building your own website. On it, I will be able to put videos, files, descriptions of myself, and anything I want the public to know about me. I was really surprised to hear that the school wanted me to do it, but I am thrilled to see where this can take me, especially in designing a real website for myself in the future.
That's about it, friends. I should be posting again soon with some details about BWV 549, but until then, Happy Thanksgiving, and have a blessed Advent and Christmas season.
Besides repertoire, my semester has been going well in other academic matters, as well. I was recently hired to become an On-Call Guru for the Music Learning, Research, and Technology Lab in the Hayes School of Music, where I attend, and offered the opportunity to become a TA in the Fall of 2016 for Music Theory I. A Guru basically helps people who need help on anything in music history, theory, or aural skills, and we provide insight for research opportunities. Being one of two sophomores hired for this position for next semester, I am honored to be given this opportunity.
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the College Music Society's National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. This conference offered new research opportunities and graduate school connections, all while discussing the current problems and excelling programs in the collegiate music world. I had the pleasure of meeting many delightful professors and hearing what they had to say about numerous topics. I was discussing the conference with one of my professors, Dr. Jennifer Snodgrass, and she told one of my friend's and me to get started researching several different topics for possible presentations, so we are definitely excited for that.
I have recently signed up for next semester's classes and cannot wait for them to start. My only gen-ed class will be Astronomy II, but the rest of them will be music courses. I have the normal ones, such as Theory IV, Aural Skills IV, History II, Seminar, Accompanying, and Lessons, but I am also taking Organ Literature. I am thrilled to take this class, seeing that my professor has written his own book for the course and it will be exhilarating to learn about the composers and literature that I have not had the pleasure of studying yet.
The last huge event that has happened this semester took place in the past week. I was one of the only students from the music school to be selected/nominated for a new program that Appalachian State is trying out for their students. The program is called A-Portfolio and it is basically building your own website. On it, I will be able to put videos, files, descriptions of myself, and anything I want the public to know about me. I was really surprised to hear that the school wanted me to do it, but I am thrilled to see where this can take me, especially in designing a real website for myself in the future.
That's about it, friends. I should be posting again soon with some details about BWV 549, but until then, Happy Thanksgiving, and have a blessed Advent and Christmas season.