Before I left for college I made a CD of my favorite songs from as far back as I can remember. Music has always been a big part of my life, and so I wanted to have a CD of songs that represented times in my life from when I was under ten years old until I graduated. Today I got out those CD's (there ended up being three...there were way too many songs for me to put on one), and I just thought about how much they communicate to me. About who I am, who I have become, and how much I've grown.
My taste of music has totally changed. When I was younger I listened to what my parents listened to: oldies, country, and Jimmy Buffet. Not the greatest selection of music (at least, that's what I think now). The only thing that sounded similar has been the few jazz songs I put on there from that era. I still really love jazz music. However, I remember singing those songs, like Jimmy Buffet's "Volcano" or Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" and having so much fun. I remember being so cheerful back then. Music wasn't serious. It was just fun. I didn't think about what instruments were used or really what the songs meant. I just liked to listen.
Later, in sixth grade, I really started getting involved with music. I started getting into Christian rock, which is the kind of stuff I still listen to now (with some variations though I suppose). Middle school years were huge growing years for me. Finally, I began relating the songs to my life and thinking about what the lyrics actually meant. I never liked listening just for the sound anymore. If the message was stupid, then often times I thought the song was too. They were great years for me, because music became more than something to just listen to. I formulated songs to listen to for all moods: cheerful, upset, studious, ambitious, angry, silly...there were so many songs to listen to and they always made me feel better.
Finally, high school came, and so did a further appreciation of music. Unlike the previous years, where I listened to songs for their message, I started to listen to music that had a unique sound to it. Yes, I would still make sure the lyrics weren't completely disgusting or just plain dumb, but I had more of a focus on a unique sound. Maybe it was the inclusion of mallets, different rhythms, interesting time signatures, or maybe some Skillet, which combined rock with strings. It was here where my appreciation for the artistry behind the songs came. I discovered Owl City, now my favorite band, and other electronica/techno bands that sounded somewhat similar. Also, I started listening to music without any lyrics at all. Movie soundtracks, symphonies, or something relaxing and melodic, like a band called Port Blue, that is perfect for drifting away.
It was so much fun to make these CD's that represent how much I've grown as a musician and how much I have developed my taste in music. There are songs that I listen to and have distinct memories about when I listened to them. Such as "The More," by downhere, which my friend and I always sang along to. Or "In the Mood" by Glenn Miller, the song I heard at about eight years old and automatically knew I wanted to play it on the trumpet someday, because I loved that swing feel of it.
I think it's quite amazing that these songs can represent so much about who a person is and who they are becoming. Listening to particular songs can bring back so many wonderful, or painful, memories that you thought had long gone. They represent so much of who I am--they give a voice to my feelings and, when it comes to the Christian songs, my faith. I love listening to them because it reminds me that I have grown. I just can't wait to see what Wartburg has in store for me for not just my musical tastes, but also as a person. I know that in both areas there will be songs to express the way I am always changing and developing.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
My Friend Maddie
Yesterday, as I was reading through Facebook, I saw that my friend Maddie had posted a video. Another friend of mine had requested Maddie sing the song "Sarah Brown Eyes," so Maddie made a youtube video, "I love Harry Potter! And singing :D." In it, she not only sings the song, but also spends the first few minutes freaking out about Harry Potter, since she is a huge fan.
It totally made my day to see that video. Not only because Maddie reminds me of home, but also because she is just so exciting to watch. She is quite possibly the most animated, energetic, and opinionated person I know. Watching her talk about something she has strong feelings about, rather positive or negative, is quite entertaining. Maddie makes facial expressions, talks with her hands, and talks in different voices. She is so expressive about almost anything she talks about. It is no surprise she is a musical theater major, for she can sing and act like no one I've ever seen. In this case, it was Harry Potter that she was so enthusiastic about. One minute she is excited for the movie, the next she is angered that they changed important details, and then she is singing "Sarah Brown Eyes."
Maddie is somewhat of an inspiration to me. She just has so much passion for whatever she likes, even if it is something that wouldn't normally be a big deal. I wonder what it would be like if everyone was that excited about things. I often am not so enthusiastic about practicing, and although I love music, sometimes I view it more as work than as something to enjoy and be passionate about. Maddie, however, almost always is so excited about playing, learning, singing, and listening to music. This definitely shows up in her performances as well, for she is one of the most talented people I know. Feeling that passionate must work for her and really improve her art of singing and theater. Seeing her being so cartoon-like and zealous reminds me to have the same excitement in my own life. If she can freak out about Harry Potter with such passion, I think I should be able to be just as, or more passionate about my piano.
It totally made my day to see that video. Not only because Maddie reminds me of home, but also because she is just so exciting to watch. She is quite possibly the most animated, energetic, and opinionated person I know. Watching her talk about something she has strong feelings about, rather positive or negative, is quite entertaining. Maddie makes facial expressions, talks with her hands, and talks in different voices. She is so expressive about almost anything she talks about. It is no surprise she is a musical theater major, for she can sing and act like no one I've ever seen. In this case, it was Harry Potter that she was so enthusiastic about. One minute she is excited for the movie, the next she is angered that they changed important details, and then she is singing "Sarah Brown Eyes."
Maddie is somewhat of an inspiration to me. She just has so much passion for whatever she likes, even if it is something that wouldn't normally be a big deal. I wonder what it would be like if everyone was that excited about things. I often am not so enthusiastic about practicing, and although I love music, sometimes I view it more as work than as something to enjoy and be passionate about. Maddie, however, almost always is so excited about playing, learning, singing, and listening to music. This definitely shows up in her performances as well, for she is one of the most talented people I know. Feeling that passionate must work for her and really improve her art of singing and theater. Seeing her being so cartoon-like and zealous reminds me to have the same excitement in my own life. If she can freak out about Harry Potter with such passion, I think I should be able to be just as, or more passionate about my piano.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
New Goal: Living for Others
Lately I've noticed how much of my time is spent thinking about my stuff. My piano, my trumpet, my homework, my problems, my stress...when I stopped to actually think about how much time I spend thinking about all my things it was quite surprising. I realized that I hardly ever think about how my friends are doing, or whether the people I meet are adjusting to college all right, or about whether my roommate's making new friends. I think that all this adjusting has started to make me a bit self-centered.
It is difficult to try and think about other people when there is just so much on your mind mentally and emotionally. But the thing is, all first years are probably feeling like this. Or, at least a good majority. So if we're all feeing overwhelmed, and none of us have the energy to help others, that can be slightly problematic. For when you're overwhelmed, that's probably when you need help the most.
I'm starting to realize that I need to rewire my brain so that it thinks about others more often. I think that thinking of others more than yourself may be one of the keys to living a purposeful, meaningful life. And living such a life is what I try to strive for. It's a pretty high goal, honestly, but I think it's worth the shot to try.
It would be quite easy to say that I'll just start working on being selfless after I adjust more, after I'm less stressed, or after I make closer friendships. But what is that doing really? When will I really be less stressed? How much of a closer friendship? If adjusting takes me until semester, then I will have wasted a whole semester without even trying. All just because I'll "work on it later." It would be easy to make these excuses. But I have a feeling it'll never happen if I keep pushing it to the back burner.
I was reading a blog the other day by Adam Young, creator of the band Owl City. He said something that made me think: "I desire a steadfast, stalwart and committed life, and somehow by occasionally imagining that 'life' as a true reality in full color, I am inspired to tackle the job with more vigor than I ever have before." I think that part of my problem isn't just stress and busyness, it's that I don't see the task as completely possible. I think if I start imagining it happening, it is possible that I could actually try to do it. Although this task seems difficult in the mist of all the things in my life, I believe Paul said it best when he said "with God all things are possible."
Sarah
It is difficult to try and think about other people when there is just so much on your mind mentally and emotionally. But the thing is, all first years are probably feeling like this. Or, at least a good majority. So if we're all feeing overwhelmed, and none of us have the energy to help others, that can be slightly problematic. For when you're overwhelmed, that's probably when you need help the most.
I'm starting to realize that I need to rewire my brain so that it thinks about others more often. I think that thinking of others more than yourself may be one of the keys to living a purposeful, meaningful life. And living such a life is what I try to strive for. It's a pretty high goal, honestly, but I think it's worth the shot to try.
It would be quite easy to say that I'll just start working on being selfless after I adjust more, after I'm less stressed, or after I make closer friendships. But what is that doing really? When will I really be less stressed? How much of a closer friendship? If adjusting takes me until semester, then I will have wasted a whole semester without even trying. All just because I'll "work on it later." It would be easy to make these excuses. But I have a feeling it'll never happen if I keep pushing it to the back burner.
I was reading a blog the other day by Adam Young, creator of the band Owl City. He said something that made me think: "I desire a steadfast, stalwart and committed life, and somehow by occasionally imagining that 'life' as a true reality in full color, I am inspired to tackle the job with more vigor than I ever have before." I think that part of my problem isn't just stress and busyness, it's that I don't see the task as completely possible. I think if I start imagining it happening, it is possible that I could actually try to do it. Although this task seems difficult in the mist of all the things in my life, I believe Paul said it best when he said "with God all things are possible."
Sarah
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A Winning Smile
Last night, at 7:00, I met Callie. Callie is seven. She was wearing a cheerful, classic seven-year old smile--the kind with teeth missing and others slightly crooked--with a yellow dress to match its brightness. She was immediately happy to see me, and excited to get started on our piano lesson. This was her first piano lesson ever, and I, as her teacher, had prepared the basics so she could start learning. It was an honor to be able to work with such a vibrant spirit. We were only learning finger numbers and simple, elementary exercises, but she took to it with excitement. After every time she would complete the basic exercise, she would look at me and smile her biggest smile. As if to say: "look what I just played! Didn't it sound just fabulous? I am such a great player!" It was clear that she was enjoying her playing, even if it was only hitting every white key down the piano. It wasn't a real song, didn't sound extravagant, and wasn't played perfectly. But her smile said otherwise.
Working with Callie last night inspired me. Seeing how easily overjoyed she was with such simple things surprised me, to the point of examining my own playing and practicing. I often times get discouraged while practicing, as I am a perfectionist, and hardly ever smile so brightly while I am working. Piano, for a long time, has been more like a job for me. Trying to get the right notes, the correct articulations, and eliminating all tension while playing is usually what I am focusing on. I have realized that I hardly ever think of my accomplishments. After I finish playing a piece, instead of smiling, I immediately grab a pencil, mark my mistake, and try again and again until I get it right.
Because playing the piano brings its frustrations and discouragements, often times I don't look forward to practicing. I think about what I have to get done, what skills I have to master, and forget to think about what an amazing thing playing the piano is. Even though my songs communicate much more than the simple exercises Callie played, I often fail to feel the joy from playing them that should be ever present in my attitude and playing.
My goal this week is to be more like Callie. It is to acknowledge my successes, take pride in my playing, and concentrate on the good things I play more than the bad. At the end of my practice or lesson, I want to be able to say what Callie said to me before she left "I wish I had piano lesson tomorrow too!" She then gave me a hug, and one of her winning smiles. I think it is incredible the way that she had only known me for half an hour but already wanted to give me a hug. Such actions can only be found in children, and they are an inspiration to me to be open to others and feel comfortable around all people, even when I am still just meeting others here at Wartburg.
Seeing her obvious joy, obvious delight, in something so small and so simple has taught me something about approaching not just the piano, but also about approaching all things. If I were to approach every task, even the easy or basic ones, with a smile as big as Callie's, I believe I would enjoy life more and have a better attitude. Teaching Callie reminded me why I am majoring in music in the first place, and why I have decided to go into teaching piano. Although I was the one who taught her her exercises, she has taught me that enjoying myself is just as important as getting the right notes.
Sarah
Working with Callie last night inspired me. Seeing how easily overjoyed she was with such simple things surprised me, to the point of examining my own playing and practicing. I often times get discouraged while practicing, as I am a perfectionist, and hardly ever smile so brightly while I am working. Piano, for a long time, has been more like a job for me. Trying to get the right notes, the correct articulations, and eliminating all tension while playing is usually what I am focusing on. I have realized that I hardly ever think of my accomplishments. After I finish playing a piece, instead of smiling, I immediately grab a pencil, mark my mistake, and try again and again until I get it right.
Because playing the piano brings its frustrations and discouragements, often times I don't look forward to practicing. I think about what I have to get done, what skills I have to master, and forget to think about what an amazing thing playing the piano is. Even though my songs communicate much more than the simple exercises Callie played, I often fail to feel the joy from playing them that should be ever present in my attitude and playing.
My goal this week is to be more like Callie. It is to acknowledge my successes, take pride in my playing, and concentrate on the good things I play more than the bad. At the end of my practice or lesson, I want to be able to say what Callie said to me before she left "I wish I had piano lesson tomorrow too!" She then gave me a hug, and one of her winning smiles. I think it is incredible the way that she had only known me for half an hour but already wanted to give me a hug. Such actions can only be found in children, and they are an inspiration to me to be open to others and feel comfortable around all people, even when I am still just meeting others here at Wartburg.
Seeing her obvious joy, obvious delight, in something so small and so simple has taught me something about approaching not just the piano, but also about approaching all things. If I were to approach every task, even the easy or basic ones, with a smile as big as Callie's, I believe I would enjoy life more and have a better attitude. Teaching Callie reminded me why I am majoring in music in the first place, and why I have decided to go into teaching piano. Although I was the one who taught her her exercises, she has taught me that enjoying myself is just as important as getting the right notes.
Sarah
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Busyness and Michael Crichton
The hardest part so far about adjusting to college has been trying to figure out when I'm going to do everything. Majoring in music has already proven to be an intensive major, and I have only had three days of classes. I am worried I won't have enough time to attend class, study for class, practice three hours a day (2 for piano, one for trumpet), attend band rehearsal, teach piano lessons three times a week, learn accompaniment music and attend vocal lessons for it, have trumpet and piano lessons, and still find time to have a life (and sleep!). It makes me wonder if other majors are this intensive too. It seems like for something like English you would only have class, regular studying, and a couple of extra curriculars that you could just enjoy. I am worried I won't be able to maintain a good grade point and still get enough out of my musical classes/ensembles.
Other than the worry about the academic part of college, it hasn't been as hard adjusting as I originally thought it would. It helps that I have five people here that I knew before hand. But I have also met new people as well, through band or our IS class. It is helpful that there are these kind of organizations, like band, that instantly allow you to meet people. I am glad I have the opportunity to be a part of them because it makes the transition that much easier.
I am looking forward to getting into the Michael Crichton parts of this class. I haven't read many of his books, just Timeline, Prey, Jurassic Park, and The Lost World. I have liked all of these though, especially Timeline. I am excited to get into talking about his works. I am definitely more of an English person than a science person though. I am a little worried about making scientific connections, but since you said it wasn't that big of deal if we weren't so knowledgable in that area I'm not too worried about it. I do enjoy analyzing literature though, such as finding themes and studying different elements of fiction. I don't know how much of this class involves that, if any part at all, but I have thoroughly enjoyed Michael Crichton and look forward to working with his novels.
I'm sure I'll get into a swing of things that makes me more comfortable, and hope that things will seem more manageable once I have a routine. I'm looking forward to continuing Jurassic Park Monday!
--Sarah
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