Sunday, December 12, 2010

Handbells

I was recently fortunate enough to play in a performance of my school's handbell choir. The choir was playing as an addition to a local symphony orchestra. I noticed that many of my colleuges in the handbell choir didn't look extremely thrilled to be there. I asked some of them why, and their responses varied. Then I remembered something. I have never seen a happy handbell choir! Every handbell choir I've ever seen as always looked like they're really grouchy, or irritated.
Of course I had to wonder why. Why don't they ever look happy to be performing? Is it something about the instrument? Does it have something to do with the concentration required to play handbells?
I find this very odd.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Personal differences

I made an observation today. I think that sometimes people might think that being in a large ensemble and being in a band are very similar. But I think they're wrong.
When you're playing in an orchestra or a large ensemble, there could be someone in the band that you don't like, or don't get along with. And there probably will be. You wouldn't quit the band just because you don't like one person would you? Also, in a large ensemble, there's usually a director who calls all the shots. They decide on the repretoire, they decide on how the group should sound, and they hire or fire members.
In a band, there is no director. Sometimes there is one member who calls the shots, but usually their role is much more limited than a band or choir director's. If you've got a problem with the singer or the drummer, it could lead to serious problems. This makes your personal relationships with the people in the band much more important, and I think, makes you much closer on a personal rather than professional basis.
It stands to reason then, that one should be very careful about who one plays with in small groups.
I just thought this was an interesting way to look at it. A new perspective for me.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

STATUS REPORT
Semester 1 Week 4
Conservative thought: 2
Liberal professors: 0
Caffiene addiction (1-10 scale): 0

Just so you know, I haven't forgotten about the blog, I just don't have very much to say at the moment.
Here are some quick ideas to mull over:
-Bass guitar is very easy, and very fun to play
-English choral music from the 1500's is a lot easier to play on the piano than it is to sing
-I have discovered the ukelele orchestra of great britain, you should too
-It is hard to play gigs on Sundays that take five to six hours of driving round trip, and then come back to classes on Monday.
-Playing steady quarter notes can be harder than you would think on a woodblock
That's it. I don't have much to say, I just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten you. :)

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Streetlight Manifesto: 99 songs of Revolution

I recently bought the newest Streetlight Manifesto cd. I've listened to it three times. I like it. It's not their best cd to date, but it's still good. You should buy it if you like ska.
Yes, I will occassionally review things on this blog.

Where am I? And why do I have a delightful feeling welling up inside as I read every word on this webpage?

Hi! You may have just discovered that this blog exists, and find yourself asking, "what is this?", and "where am I?" If so, fear not! I shall explain in quickly in great detail why this blog exists.

-Why this blog exists: I felt like it.

What? That's not enough information you say? Well, allow me to waste more of your valuable time by making a simple explanation longer than it has to be!
I am a music major. In college. It has been suggested that I start a blog and record my thoughts and experiences regarding being a music major in college. That is what this blog is for. Here you will find anecdotes and opinions in regards to everything related to me, school, and music.
Q: "What about that other blog you started?"
A: Well, I haven't really kept up with that blog. Besides, I always felt like it was just a repository for all of my negative emotions, and rantings about things I have strong opinions on, yet know very little about. In this blog, I hope to capture a lighter side of my personality. Maybe even, you know, write something worth reading.
Q: "Are you implying that your other blog isn't worth reading?"
A: I don't really think it is. I was just going to delete the thing, but decided against it. You can go and read it if you really want, but I wouldn't recommend it. In fact, no you shouldn't bother. It's not as fun as reading this blog. Just forget I ever had that blog. What blog? What am I talking about? I never had another blog.
Q: "I thought musical people were supposed to be artsy and creative, and left wing n' stuff. Why come aren't you? And why is your blog gray?"
A: Just because I'm not left wing and artsy, doesn't mean I'm not creative. And my blog is gray because that is a color that conveys creativity. For real.
That's it. Keep it clean, or I'll delete your comments, yada yada yada. Enjoy!