Practicing

Wow... A lot has happened since I last posted. And I mean a lot. But this is (mainly) a blog about music and not a blog where I tell my life story (although I do tell some stories because lets face it, music is an immensely important part of my life). So let's get to the post.

I just finished practicing my flute for an hour. In the old days, this wouldn't have been notable at all-- I frequently practiced for an hour or more, almost every day. But now, I'm a senior in high school, a drum major and band teacher's assistant, my piano lessons are more intense and require more practice than ever, I have homework, and I was writing college essays nonstop back in September. In short, I have a lot going on. So tonight was the first time in a very long time that I had actually practiced for an hour straight. In light of this monumental event, I decided to write a post to share the tips and tricks I've figured out about practicing.

I've finally just accepted the fact that I hate practicing at school. Even though my school has nice practice rooms with sound-dampening pads on the walls and a piano in three out of four of them, I don't like practicing there unless I really need to work something out or warm up before a lesson. It's not that I'm insecure, although it can be a bit unnerving to have other people walking by or in the other practice rooms where I know they can hear me. I just don't like being isolated from whatever is happening out in the band room, because that's usually where all my friends are and I don't want to be left out. That's just a minor reason, though-- the main reason why I don't like practicing at school is because as a TA and a music librarian, I have so many responsibilities in the band room, especially where organization is concerned, that I feel like I'm shirking those responsibilities if I practice at school.
So I practice at home. This can be dangerous, though, because I'm more likely to procrastinate and subsequently decide not to practice, favoring the comfort of my couch instead. However, my practice sessions at home are sometimes more productive, when my family doesn't interrupt me. Usually, I need it pretty quiet in order to focus on what I need to do.
I've also found that sometimes, it's helpful to practice when there are other things going on in my house. For example, if my dad is listening to music downstairs, it provides (ironically) a soundtrack for my practicing, that is, the muffled tunes I hear from downstairs energize and inspire me, either to accomplish my own epic musical feats, play along, or to cover up what I'm hearing if I don't like it.

So ultimately, my perfect practice environment changes from day to day, and really what it comes down to is the head game I have to play with myself every time I'm trying to motivate myself to practice. I've been pretty good about practicing for at least 20-30 minutes every day, but I definitely need to do more. It's an ongoing process, I suppose.

Finally!

Hello, everyone! I'm pretty proud of myself, because after almost a year, I've finally finished the posting challenge! Even though it was supposed to be done in 15 days... Oh well... :)

Anyway, I just thought I'd let you know some of my ideas for what I'll post next. These are just ideas now; I'll have to see if any of them are worth writing about, but anyway:

1. The time we played pep band for an NBA game
2. The time we moved a Christmas tree (more interesting than it sounds, I promise)
3. The Music Librarians' Code (based on the Warrior Code from the Warriors series by Erin Hunter)

That third one reminds me of some news I have. As I may or may not have mentioned, I am a music librarian for the band at my high school. I am the only music librarian for the band at my high school. I've been a bit worried about this, because I'm going to graduate in a little over a year, and before last week, I didn't have an apprentice to take over after I'm gone. But, at long last, I have found one! So that's where my inspiration for writing the Music Librarians' Code comes from.  I know that doesn't mean much to you all, but I'm really excited about it anyway.

Anyway, it's about dinnertime, so I'll be signing off now. See ya later!

Day 15: Your Philosophy

Much has happened in my life lately. I've learned a few things in the past months, and been left with many things to figure out. However, I am happier now than I've been in a very long time, because after all these years, I believe I've finally established a solid philosophy to live by. So, naturally, I decided to share it with you.

There are five parts to this great realization of mine. As I explain them, I'll probably sound like a really long motivational quote, but these things are worth repeating, at least for me.

The first part is this: Forgive. Forgive others for the things they've done to you, because you never know if this will be your last chance. And in the end, you'll both be better off because of forgiveness. But also, and perhaps more importantly, forgive yourself, even when that's easier said than done.

Secondly, always look on the bright side. This can be very difficult, because I know from personal experience that some situations can look very bleak, especially when you are overly negative like I am. But I promise you, every bad situation has something good about it. Even if the only good thing is that it won't last forever. Every bad day will pass, because the sun will rise again and give you another chance.

The third thing kind of goes with the second: Find the good in others, and especially yourself. They say that you cannot truly love someone else until you love yourself, and despite much debate, I have found this to be true. As I like to say, "Duets are great, but you have to have a strong melody line first." Just don't love yourself too much; selfishness is the destroyer of relationships. As for other people, don't be quick to judge. Perhaps I'm naive to think this, but I believe that there's something good about everyone, even if that one thing is a part of themselves that they've forgotten. I do not think that anyone, even the most despicable people in the world, is inherently evil. Wickedness is a learned behavior, taught by cruelty and injustice, anger and unfairness. I believe that everyone deserves to be shown kindness and deserves to be treated fairly.

The fourth piece of my philosophy is this: Be passionate about something. It doesn't really matter what, so long as it isn't illegal or dangerous or anything (obviously). In my case, it turns out that I have quite a bit of passion, dedication, and love to pour out for the things (or people) I care about. I am committed to music, to my faith, and to those I love, and this ultimately gives me something to live for.

Finally, I will leave you with this. Never, ever, give up. Life is hard, and you will fall down and get broken either physically or emotionally or both sometimes, but do not let anything keep you from getting up again. There will be people (including yourself) who will try to discourage you. Don't listen to them. There will be dark, terrible days and nights, when it seems as though your life is shattering around you and you just want to wake up from this nightmare that has become your reality. Believe that things will get better. Ask for help when it's a really big issue, and help yourself to look on the bright side when it isn't. Keep things in perspective. And remember this: Even of you have loved and lost, the important part is that you have loved, and have been loved. If you feel absolutely awful, as if you're drowning in your own sorrows, at least you feel something. Even if emotions are painful, at least you have them. Even if you feel like dying, that proves that you're alive. And if you're alive, that means that things have the potential to get better. But no matter how hard life gets, keep on fighting. Life can be unfair sometimes, and the world can be a cruel, messed up place, but that doesn't mean that you and I should give up on trying, in our own small ways, to make it better.

Day 14: Someone You Wish You Could Forget And Someone You Never Want To Forget

I happen to be in the interesting position where the person I wish I could forget and the person I never want to forget are the same person. Weird, huh? :)
Since I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason, and therefore everyone that has been in my life has done so for a reason, there is no one that I really would want to erase completely from my memory. Everyone I've ever met has taught me something, even if it's the same lesson over and over again, and I don't want to forget anything I've learned. So here are short descriptions of the person I sometimes want to forget, but still never will...

~Person I Sometimes Want To Forget~
Name: Past Me
Age: 11-14 years
Personality: Shy, very, very shy... Pretty smart, did well in school, but was terrible in social situations. Had a few close friends, and was kind of judgemental of others that were not her friends. Was a bit of an emotional mess, and had low self-esteem. Tried to fit in with the popular girls, and lamented when she failed.

Explanation: I sometimes want to forget Past Me because she is so incredibly different from Present Me, and I cringe sometimes, thinking back. However, I did learn so many things during those years, about myself and life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Although I definitely wouldn't do it again; going through puberty while your parents are getting a divorce simply sucks, let me tell you.

~Person I Never Want To Forget~
Name: Long Past Me
Age: 1-11 years
Personality: Shy, but adorable. Almost always happy, or content; rarely ever cried. Had a vast and wild imagination, and could come up with a story or song off the top of her head, or play for hours with her brother. Sang and danced as if no one were watching...

Explanation: I really miss Long Past Me, to be honest. She was such a happy, innocent creature, with nothing to worry about, no reason to ever cry... And I learned lessons from her, too, such as how to be happy, how to be imaginative, how to dream and follow those dreams. I don't ever want to forget her or the things I learned.

So basically, I don't have someone I want to forget, because I've learned things from everyone, including (and perhaps especially) myself. Truthfully, everyone I've ever met is someone I never want to forget, because I'll carry their lessons with me forever.

Merry Christmas! (And Coming Soon)

Merry Christmas to all of you wonderful people who read this blog! I truly appreciate your support!

I thought I might give you a list of posts I'm hoping to write soon, so here's that:

1. Days 14 and 15 of posting challenge... I know, I know, it's taking way longer than it should, but school is seriously taking up soooo much time right now... AP European History... Ugh.

2. The Drawbacks of Being Awesome

3. The Time We Moved an Already-Decorated Christmas Tree

4. The Time We Played Pep Band For an NBA Game

5. The Power of Music (Specifically Christmas Hymns)

These are in no particular order.

Anyway, merry Christmas again, and I wish you all the very best in 2017! :)

Day 13: Draw A Picture Today

Hey everybody! So sorry I haven't posted in awhile. School and work are free time devourers, let me tell you. However, I am determined to finish the posting challenge I started way back in the summer, because so help me God, I want to follow through on this one thing.

So here we are, at Day 13 (though it's actually been like three months since Day 12, lol) and I have drawn a picture, like the prompt says. I didn't draw this today, but it was recently, and my intent was to post it on the day that I drew it, but that didn't end up happening. Oh well, here it is now.

It's not my absolute best work, and it's not entirely done yet, I don't think, but the purpose of this prompt was to express myself and relieve some stress through art, which I believe I have accomplished.
The cursive text says, "When Angels Weep," in case you can't tell. That is the title of a piece that my band is playing for our holiday concert, which also inspired this drawing. The piece opens with a flute solo, played by me, and progresses into something so painfully beautiful that it makes me want to cry. I can't help but move with the music, letting it flow through me and reveal my deepest emotions. Which is both wonderful and scary at the same time.
You see, when I make music, I feel as though whoever is listening can see right down into my very soul. Every emotion, every dream, every longing, every secret that I would wish to hide... All of it is expressed through my playing or singing. This is an awesome feeling, to be free and able to soar above all the hardships of this life, but it is also a bit scary, to be so... exposed. However, that's the greatest thing about art, music, or other things like that-- the joy of being free to express yourself will often overcome the fear of being judged, and the feeling when this happens is exhilarating. So I guess that's why I love the piece that inspired this drawing so much. It's so beautiful it hurts, and yet it makes me feel so... alive.

Well, that's that. I'll try to post the last two prompts in the challenge as soon as I can, but it could be awhile. AP European History will be the death of me, I swear. :P
Also, this blog has over 1,000 page views!! I know that's probably not that impressive, but whatever, I'm still excited about it! Thank you, everyone, for your support! Stay tuned for more nerdy thoughts from the band room...

Day 12: Write A Letter To Someone Who Hurt You Recently

8/30/16

Dear A,

A year ago today was last year's Rutabaga Fest. The day I first broke your trust. I've apologized countless times for it, and I still regret what happened that day. I asked for support when I shouldn't have had to, I craved attention that I didn't deserve, and I seriously hurt our friendship in the process.

You paid heed to me at first, supported me, listened to my petty problems, but eventually you realized that I was just being selfish and was only trying to get you to pay attention to me. So you told me I needed to figure things out myself, and then avoided me for awhile.

To be honest, that broke my heart. I thought you were doing it because you didn't care about me, or because I wasn't good enough, and I cried so many times over it all, even though that wasn't true. You avoided me because you did care, and you knew that the only way to get me to see where I had gone wrong was to take drastic measures.

Then, something amazing happened. I realized that I couldn't keep asking for your help and being needy, because that wasn't going to earn your trust back. And I wanted you to trust me more than I wanted your attention. So I started following your advice, figuring out my problems on my own, and slowly but surely, I pulled the pieces of myself back together and came out of it a better person. And our friendship has improved drastically because of that.

So thank you. Even though it wasn't fun, all of your encouragement and tough love helped me overcome some of my biggest problems, and did a great deal to prepare me for the future. And I am immensely grateful for that.

Sincerely,

Rosetail

Day 11: Five Favorite Foods

The title is an alliteration... Who else noticed? :)

In our society, food is often associated with fond memories, family, and important events. Food comforts most of us, so we have phrases like "comfort food" and "stress eating" and such. Whether this is a good or bad thing is debatable. It could be good because there are some days when things aren't going so well and that brownie or ice cream or giant piece of lasagna is just what we need to feel a bit better. However, this is partially where our problem with obesity stems from, which is not good.
Whether good or bad or whatever, I too have some foods that I identify as "comfort food." As dictated by the prompt for this post, I shall share them with you. Alas, I can't actually give you some, so words will have to suffice. These are in no particular order of importance.

1. Homemade macaroni and cheese with ham in it.
This recipe is a staple at my house. My mom uses store-bought elbow macaroni noodles, but she makes the sauce herself with flour, milk, and like 3 different kinds of cheese. The end result is a creamy, delicious pot of mac 'n cheese that's so much better than anything out of the box. Makes great leftovers, too.

2. Ribs.
My dad's favorite thing to make that isn't on the grill. I'm not sure what he puts in the seasoning and the marinade, but he always says he cooks them at 300 degrees (Fahrenheit) for 3 hours. And they're AWESOME. My little stepsister especially loves them.

3. Chocolate cake.
There are several kinds of this that I love. Mine (which we call the OMG cake), my mom's (Hershey's gluten free chocolate cake), and my grandma's. I ate a lot of this before Solo & Ensemble and drum major auditions this past year.

Introducing... Deep Space!

4. Ice cream.
I work in an ice cream shop, so eating it is really kind of unavoidable. And we almost always have some at home, too. My favorite flavors are Mint Chocolate Chip, Cookie Monster (cookies and cream with cookie dough), Deep Space (dark chocolate and blue moon ice cream with frosting and dark chocolate pieces), Zanzibar Chocolate (dark chocolate ice cream), Jumping Jersey Cow (peanut butter ice cream with a chocolate swirl and chocolate mini cows), Birthday Cake (pretty self-explanatory flavor), and Deep Dish Apple Pie. I've had most of those for lunch or dinner at one time or another.

Usually you put lingonberries on these,
but strawberries are good too.

5. Pancakes.
I absolutely love breakfast food, but pancakes are my favorite food in this category. When I was younger, my dad would make Swedish pancakes every Saturday morning, and even though he doesn't do that anymore, regular pancakes are awesome too. I put strawberries or chocolate chips in mine.

Day 10: Where I Want To Be Buried And What I Think Heaven Will Be Like

Half of the people reading this were probably like, "What? Huh?" when you read the title of this post. I admit, it may seem a little dark, but I believe that our society gives death too much of a negative connotation. Death is a natural part of life, and we should be more comfortable talking about it. Because, as negative as this is going to sound, we might die tomorrow. Maybe it's unlikely, but it's still a possibility that we have to accept.

When I die, hopefully a long time from now, I'd like to be buried with my flute and the ashes of my cat, Loki (who died in January of 2015). Both have been major parts of my life, Loki because he was my best friend since we were both babies, and my flute for obvious reasons. I want to be buried in my family's section of the cemetery where my great-grandma is buried, because it's in a very pretty spot by a lake in Minnesota.

But I won't really be there. That spot of ground will just be the place where my body is. My soul will be far away, up in Heaven, where I'll see all of the pets and people I've had to say goodbye to. Where there is always enough time to practice instruments, and there are many orchestras and bands and choirs and flute ensembles to be in. I'll meet all of my favorite composers and musicians, too. Well, those that went before me. And everything will be wonderful because Heaven is a place of unequaled happiness and contentment.

Day 9: Favorite Bands/Artists

Since I already kinda did a post that included my favorite composers (as in writers of concert band/orchestral music) so I'll try to stay with the actual prompt for this post and list actual artists (as in writers of the music you might hear on the radio). These are in no particular order of importance.

1. Jack Johnson

Favorite songs by him include: "Better Together," "Banana Pancakes," "Good People," "No Other Way," "Staple It Together," "Breakdown," "Constellations," "Sleep Through the Static," "Hope," "Angel," and "Adrift."

2. Michael Bublé

Favorite songs by him include: "It Had Better Be Tonight," "Call Me Irresponsible," "Lost," "Everything," and "Wonderful Tonight."

3. Ed Sheeran
Favorite songs by him include: "I'm A Mess," "Sing," "Nina," "Tenerife Sea," "Runaway," "Thinking Out Loud," and "Afire Love."

4. Christina Perri

Favorite songs by her include: "Burning Gold," "One Night," "Sea of Lovers," "The Words," "Miles," "Sad Song," "The Lonely," "Arms," and "Jar of Hearts."

5. Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers

Favorite songs by them include: "Once I Was a Theif," "Sic Semper Tyrannis," "Stick It to the Man," "5x5," "Geronimo," "Marie," "All Over the Radio," "Heaven on a Paper Plate," "Go With the Flow," and "Right Where We Want 'Em."

6. Adele

Favorite songs by her include: "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)," "I Miss You," "Remedy," "When We Were Young," "Love In the Dark," "All I Ask," "Rumor Has It," "Turning Tables," "Someone Like You," "I Found a Boy," and "One and Only."

7. The Band Perry

Favorite Songs by them include: "Don't Let Me Be Lonely," "Pioneer," "Forever Mine Nevermind," "I Saw a Light," "Mother Like Mine," "I'm a Keeper," "Back to Me Without You," and "If I Die Young."

I encourage anyone who's reading this to listen to some of these songs. They're a fairly wide variety of musical styles, which is part of the reason why I like them. I pride myself on having a pretty varied taste in music, although it definitely could be much broader. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed, and I'd love it if you guys would comment some of your favorite songs!

Day 8: Last Day Of School

June 8, 2016, was the last day of school that I had. Here's a rundown of what happened that day:

6:00 am- I woke up and didn't really feel like going to school. However, because it was the last day and I couldn't miss graduation that night, I got up.
7:20 am- I got on the bus for the last time as a sophomore.
7:30 am- I arrived at school and made my way to the band room, as usual.
8:01 am- The two-minute bell rang, signaling that I should probably go to class. I went upstairs to my Geometry classroom.
8:03 am- Class began. We turned in our books and then played Kahoot for the rest of the hour.
9:25 am- Class ended, and we all rushed out the door. I went back to the band room.
9:31 am- I reluctantly left the band room for the history wing.
9:35 am- History class began. We presented our projects on events of the 1990s through the present. Mine was about when Barack Obama became president.
10:58 am- History ended and I rushed to the choir room, which is on the other end of the school.
11:03 am- Choir began, and all of the band kids who were in choir went to the band room to move the percussion equipment down to the football field for graduation. I almost died trying to roll an uncooperative timpani down the hill, and collapsed on the turf when I reached my destination and handed it off to the percussionists. The choir kids all sat in the bleachers while we figured out our seating chart and practiced our graduation music.
12:24 pm- Lunchtime. I ate in the cafeteria for once, with my choir friends and my boyfriend.
12:59 pm- Lunch is over, and we all go to resource. I go to the band room to help the band director organize her files for the summer.
1:41 pm- Resource is over.
1:44 pm- The two-minute bell rings, and I go to Spanish.
1:46 pm- Spanish begins. We watch a movie.
2:15 pm- I go back to the band room to keep sorting files (with permission from my Spanish teacher).
3:00 pm- I meet my Spanish class in another teacher's room to sing to her in Spanish.
3:08 pm- The final bell rings, signaling the end of my sophomore year of high school.

I don't really remember what happened after school, only that I probably practiced the flute and my family and I went to get ice cream at the ice cream place where I would start work the next day. But anyway, that's what happened on the day the marked the halfway point in my high school career! Figures that the band/choir portion of the day is the only thing I remember in great detail. Hope you enjoyed!
Note: The "Pets of My Dreams" post was supposed to be done yesterday, but I was too tired to finish it. So that's why there's too post-a-day posts in one day:)

Day 7: The Pets Of My Dreams

Ooooh goody, I have to use my imagination... Yay... Just kidding, I can be creative when I really try:)

The prompt for this post says: Animals you wish you could own. Give them names, where they would live, would you train them? Etc. Note that it didn't say that said animals have to be real or imaginary. Please also note that I didn't draw or create any of the pictures used in this post.

Species: Pegasus

Name: Persephone

Gender: Female

Lives: In the woods by my house.

Description: Completely white with golden hooves, gold streaks in her mane and tail, and golden tips of her wings. Her eyes are dark purple.

Training: I would train her so that I could ride on her back, but no more than that. She would be more wild than a pet to me.

Species: Dragon

Name: Dorian

Gender: Male

Lives: Also in the woods by my house (it's a pretty big patch of woods).

Description: He's a smallish dragon (well, small as far as dragons go) and has scales that change different shades of red, orange, and yellow depending on the light. So it kinda looks like he's on fire, but he's not. He has wings, and his eyes are a striking emerald green.

Training: Same as Persephone, I'd train him so I could hitch a ride or he would be on my side in a fight, but no more.

Species: Snowy Owl

Name: Oslo

Gender: Male

Lives: Woods and my house.

Description: White feathers with black and grey spots, amber eyes.

Training: I'd train him to carry my mail, because even though it might not be faster than the US Postal Service, owls are definitely a cooler method of postage.

So there you have it-- the pets I would have if I could afford it/if they were real. I can totally imagine riding my unicorn or dragon to school, landing gracefully in the parking lot while everyone stares in disbelief, and sending letters with my owl, and what I'd give to see the look on my grandma's face when he shows up at her door with an envelope addressed to her clutched in his talons. But alas, that won't happen, unless I move to another dimension where mythical creatures exist. Hey, there's an idea... Who wants to come with me?

The Time We Stole Some Memes

Ok, so this one time, at band camp... OH MY GOSH I'M SO HAPPY I CAN ACTUALLY USE THAT PHRASE BECAUSE THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED AT BAND CAMP!!!! Anyway, in the dorms at the camp I was at this summer, the counselors put up printed-out memes on the walls, doors, and some of the windows. And for some reason, my friends decided to start stealing them and putting them on the back of the door to their dorm room.

This is what it ended up looking like. And the funny thing was, the counselors actually saw us stealing the memes on several occasions, but none of them cared at all. They just printed more and put those up. So it was like a constant battle between us and them, trying to take all the memes before they could get more and vice versa. It was great:).

And to all of my band camp friends, if you're reading this: You are some of the coolest people ever and I can't wait to steal more memes with you next year!

Dang, two posts in one day. I'm on a roll.

Day 6: Most Cherished Memory

There were many memories that competed in my mind to be featured in this post, and it was pretty hard to choose just one. A lot of them were snatches of memories from my childhood, but I couldn't really use one of those because they're mostly just a few seconds each. Some of them were times with the band, great performances, etc., and the rest were times in the band room, hanging with my peeps.
So, after much consideration, I have chosen not one, but three memories.

No. 1: The Large Group Concert (3/7/16)
This wasn't the first time I had shared a wonderful performance with my band, nor was it the first time that I had felt like I was part of something bigger as a result of said performance, but I chose it because it involved the bands from my school rather than a band made up of students from many schools (I'll explain in No. 3). Anyway, the Symphonic Band (the band I was in last year) played "Toccata" by Girolamo Frescobaldi, "His Honor" by Henry Fillmore, "Foundry" by John Mackey, and "Victory" by Noah Taylor. "Toccata" is an incredibly difficult piece, but it's so dramatic and beautiful in its own way that I loved it. "His Honor" was bright, happy, and fun, and "Foundry" is super cool and features a flute solo, but it was "Victory" that was my favorite. It's one of those pieces that tells a story through music, beginning with a gorgeous chorale and building up to an epic climax before closing with a quiet chord. Through playing all of those pieces, I experienced the wonderful feeling that making music with others brings, and it was glorious.

No. 2: My 16th Birthday (5/25/16)
That whole day was awesome. I hung out with my boyfriend before school, and then I had band, and my band director let me conduct "Song For Lyndsay" because we were practicing it for graduation. Even though I was noticeably shaking from nerves, it was still one of the best things in the entire world to conduct one of my favorite pieces with a real band playing instead of an imaginary one.
I got to try on my drum major uniform during resource period, and then the other drum majors and I had a leadership team meeting with the band director and a conducting practice session, both of which were totally fun. And then, after school, it was pouring down rain, so one of my friends had to give me a ride home in his truck, with my bike in the back. A tree had been cut down and was laying in the middle of my street, so he had to drop me off in an alley and I had to walk the rest of the way. I almost fell in the mud while crossing my street, and by the time I got home, I was soaked, but still, it was totally one of the best days ever.

No. 3: Concert Band Camp (7/10/16-7/15/16)
Band camp week was the best week of my entire life. About 90 some students from schools in the area came together and did music stuff for a whole week. Here's what my schedule was:

6:15- Get up, get dressed, etc.
7:00- Breakfast.
8:00- Flute Masterclass.
9:00- Theory 12 (the top theory class).
10:00- Full band rehearsal.
12:00- Lunch.
1:00- Small ensembles (I was in two flute choirs).
2:00- Electives (mine was Conducting).
2:45- Full band rehearsal.
3:45- Free time.
5:00- Dinner.
7:00- Concert or Game (Sunday was a mini faculty recital, Monday's concert featured a military band, Tuesday we played capture-the-flag, Wednesday was the official faculty recital, Thursday we performed our small ensembles, and Friday we performed the music we had been rehearsing as a band.)

In addition to living, breathing, and thinking music all week, I also met some really cool people and made lots of new friends. We would go and get ice cream during free time, we practiced together, and I had people to sit by at meals. We actually fit 11 people at one table one time (the tables are only like 5 feet in diameter, so that's kind of an accomplishment). All in all, I made tons of memories at that camp, both musically and socially. I can't wait to go back next year!

So that's that. Three of my most cherished memories, picked from a pool of many, many more. And there will be thousands more to be made in the future, I'm sure.

Day 5: Favorite Quotes

I included this quote in another post on my old blog called "Substantial Reasons Why Band Is Awesome." I decided to include it here again because I have recently revised my interpretation of it. Before, I took the quote literally and thought that it meant that a band performs well because it is proud of previous accomplishments. While this is partially true, I failed to take into account the first performance, before said band had really achieved anything significant. What made them perform well that time? I have since realized that great performances do not happen by accident. What makes them possible is belief in oneself, however small that belief may be. I know from experience that even the most negative, self-critical person whose self-doubts would normally be extremely detrimental can accomplish much if they choose to push aside those doubts and focus solely on what they're trying to achieve. So, in this quote, the band performs well because it believes in its own abilities and is confident in itself.

I love this quote simply because it's true. Music offers a much-needed escape from the rest of life's sorrows, or sometimes allows life's joys to be perfectly captured in a series of notes on a page, and I for one cannot live without it. I firmly believe that the world would be an even more messed up place than it already is if we didn't have music.

I used this quote in another post as well, the one called "Audition Tips." It means a lot to me because, as I mentioned in that post, it has applied to me in the past. At District Solo & Ensemble last April, I gave the best solo performance I had ever given in my life, because I believed in myself and kept the principle behind this quote in mind: It doesn't matter if you screw up a little, or even a lot. If you're passionate and play your heart out through that solo, that's what people are going to remember.

The last few years of my life have been, well, less than perfect, shall we say. There have been many tough circumstances and many times when I wondered if I would ever make it out alive (or sane, anyway). But throughout that entire ordeal, music was there for me. I would (and still do) play an instrument or listen to concert band, piano, or jazz music whenever I was feeling blue, and because I was in band, I had a huge family of people who were always there when I needed someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on. Music is a wonderful way to express emotions, because it really does give me an escape from the rest of this life, and say everything that needs to be said without speaking a single word.

This applies to all of my wonderful band peeps. I know that there have been times, especially in the past year, when I definitely haven't been very lovable. And yet all of you were still there for me anyway. I know now that it isn't anyone's job but mine to boost my self-esteem and handle my problems, but everybody needs a little help sometimes. All of you amazing people (I think you know who you are, if you're reading this) have taught me so many valuable lessons, and now that I've stopped being stupid and taken to learning them, I realize that I'll never be able to repay you. So I want you all to know that you mean the world to me. I would not be the person I am, and the person I'm going to become wouldn't even be a possibility, without you all. So thank you, so very, very much.

How To Get Motivated To Practice

We've all had those days when we just don't feel like doing much of anything, let alone practicing. We know we should, but we just can't bring ourselves to get up off the couch and actually take out our instrument. Since yesterday was one of those days for me, I've compiled a list of tips that help me get motivated to practice (or do anything, really).

#1: Make a list of everything you have to do that day. If you don't have to do anything, then include everything you want to get done, such as practicing, walking the dog, writing a blog post, etc. For example, my list for today includes:

-practice flute
-practice piano
-practice saxophone
-practice conducting
-color
-play with dog

This way, you'll be more motivated to get everything done because you can scribble things out after you do them:)

#2: Listen to some awesome music. This is one of the best ways to get motivated to practice for me, because it inspires me to rise to the level of performance I just heard. I would recommend listening to solo repertoire for your instrument, concert band/orchestral pieces with a really cool part for your instrument, or really good recordings of the music your band is playing for your next concert (field show/parade, since we're still in marching season).
Example: I play flute (obviously) so I'm currently motivating myself to go practice after I finish this post by listening to "Prairiesong" (it features an awesome flute solo), "Gabriel's Oboe" (solo part is written for oboe, but my band director played it on flute when the Communiversity Band performed this piece), and "Toccata" (one of my favorite pieces from last year's concert band season).

#3: Promise yourself a reward for practicing. This is more for those who don't really like to practice, or as a last resort, because most of us know that the reward for practicing is getting better at one's instrument, but anyway. Possible rewards could include:

-chocolate
-whatever baked goods are downstairs in the kitchen
-ice cream
-getting to use your computer/phone/other electronic device again
-a nap

#4: Set a time goal for your practicing. I know, I know, this isn't necessarily the best idea, since we don't want to become "clockwatchers," as my band director says, but it sometimes helps motivation if you know when you're going to stop. You can also use the list method from #1 to

#5: Just do it. Get up off your bum and go make some music. Usually once you start practicing, it's hard to stop (at least for me anyway), so just go do it. You won't regret it, I promise:)

I hope you all found this helpful! Please comment any practice motivation strategies you use, or if you use any of these that I mentioned!

Day 4: Favorite Outfit

I have a lot of favorite outfits. As much as I hate to admit it, I totally fit my gender's stereotype in that respect. So there's lots of things I could have written this post about. I could have described my band uniform, my favorite concert outfit, my Solo & Ensemble ensemble, or what I wear when I want to look classy because I have to teach band that day. Instead, I chose an outfit that covers most of those areas in one.

It's my T-shirt from honors choir, a black skirt, and knee length black socks with silver, gold, and white musical notes on them. Typically I'd wear my black flats with it, too.

I like this outfit because it's very versatile. I can wear it to school, band practice (though I'd wear my Converse instead of the flats in that case), or even a concert if I wore a dressier shirt. I guess the main reason it's my favorite outfit, though, is because it totally shows off my nerdiness. I mean, who else has knee length music-themed socks? Not anybody I know... And I have five different music-related T-shirts I could wear with it. So if I really wanted to, I could wear this same outfit with a different shirt every day of the school week (but I wouldn't because it's kinda gross to wear the same socks for five days unless you don't have any other choice).

Anyway, so ends my random post. Thanks for reading, and as always, comments are greatly appreciated!

Day 3: Trust

A friend of mine once said to me, "Trust is a delicate thing. It takes years to build it up, but only a second to break it down." I'm not sure if those are her words or someone else's she was quoting, but I can't help but agree. We humans don't like to show our vulnerability, but sometimes, another person comes along whom we feel comfortable with, and we let them in. And then sometimes, they betray us and can do some serious damage.
I feel that, despite my best efforts to guard myself from pain and misfortune, I trust people pretty easily. I make friends, I give people second chances, and I'm not very suspicious of others unless there's a blatantly obvious reason to be. This probably stems from the fact that I'm pretty naive when it comes to the world and how things work in it. Even though I've heard about all of the terrible things that happen everywhere, I still walk home alone at night. And I trust that my boss is going to pay me the right amount and that I'm going to get accepted to the college I want to go to and that my boyfriend loves me and that everything's going to work out for me, even when I've been told that that's not necessarily how things go.
I also feel that, for the most part, people trust me. My band director trusts me enough to let me be drum major for another year, my parents trust me to be responsible and safe, and my friends and I trust each other with our secrets. My mom has often said that she'll trust me until I give her a reason not to. And so far, I haven't. Because I'm a naive goody two-shoes. But whatever.
Sometimes, people break my trust, though. I'd like to say that the consequences are severe in this case, but usually that isn't true. Like I said, I'm a trusting person, so when someone breaks my trust, I'll usually give them a second chance. But there is a good reason for this. I give people second chances because I've gotten so many second, third, fourth chances in my life that I probably didn't deserve. I forgive people because so many others have forgiven me when I didn't deserve it. So the least I can do to repay those people is to forgive those who break my trust. Because forgiveness after a wrong is just as important as being able to trust someone in the first place.

Day 2: Something You Are Scared Of Admitting

I had to think long and hard about this one, because most of the time, my problem isn't that I don't like to admit things, it's that I admit to more things than I have to. For example, many people don't like to admit that they haven't done well on something, but in my case, I admit that too easily. Sometimes, people don't like to admit that they're wrong, but I usually just consent to being wrong to avoid an argument, even if I know I'm right. And other people don't like to admit that they need help with something, but my problem has more often been relying on others too much.
So when prompted with the question, "What are you scared of admitting?" I had some reflecting to do before I could answer accurately. What I came up with is this: I am not scared of admitting to failure, being wrong, or needing support. I am afraid of admitting uncertainty. Whether someone has just asked me what's for lunch, where a certain piece goes in the music library, or what I'm going to major in in college, I don't like to admit that I don't know, for fear that I'm letting them down in some way. It's happened countless times in the band room; the band director has asked me to find something and I'll literally wander around in circles until I either find it or she gives up and finds it herself. And every time I think about the future, I shudder a bit because I have only a bit of an idea of what I'm going to do after high school.
Really, this is an irrational fear. No one can possibly know everything, and there are so many things in life that are completely unpredictable, so I shouldn't have such a problem with uncertainty. I guess, like the majority of humanity, I like to have answers, and that's probably something we all should work on.

Sorry for the delay in posting this; I was at band camp having the best week of my life. I'll try to write another post tonight, or tomorrow.

Day 1: Top 25 Most-Played Songs

Hi, everybody! As I said in a previous post, I'm going to be doing another posting challenge. Unlike the last attempt, though, this one is only 15 days long, and I'm not going to try to do one every day because I'm very busy with band and practicing and now work, too. So bear with me, please. And without further adieu, here is Day 1, the top 25 most-played songs on my iTunes.

1. "Sonatina for Flute and Piano: I. Allegretto grazioso" by Eldin Burton, performed by Amy Porter and Christopher Harding
This is the first movement in an extremely difficult but also beautiful flute solo that I am currently preparing for Solo & Ensemble next year. I'm working on the first movement first, because you know, that just seemed like the logical thing to do, so I listen to the recording a lot.

2. "Love Never Dies" from the musical Love Never Dies written by Andrew Lloyd Webber
This is a vocal solo from the musical that was written as a sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. It's a good musical, for the most part, but the difference between it and Phantom was that I loved every moment of Phantom, and Love Never Dies just wasn't quite as special to me. However, there's some great music in it, specifically this song, which I have sung in the shower on multiple occasions.

3. "Bellas Finals Mashup" from the movie Pitch Perfect
I have the soundtrack from Pitch Perfect on my phone, and this is one of my favorite songs from it. Being a choir girl as well as a band nerd, I enjoyed that movie, and I greatly appreciated the fact that the sequel was just as good.

4. "On A Hymnsong of Philip Bliss" by David Holsinger, performed by the Concordia University Wind Symphony
I mentioned this piece in a previous post, Music Is Amazing. As said in that post, this piece is a concert band arrangement of the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul." When I'm feeling sad, or lonely, or just depressed in general, or when I'm stressed out, I listen to this at a louder volume than usual and let the music engulf me as I recall the words to the hymn:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows, like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul.

5. "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen, arranged and performed by the Copper Street Brass Quintet
Copper Street Brass is a group that I just recently discovered when they came and did a concert at my school that featured myself and other musicians from the high school and middle school bands in the last piece on the program. In addition to that piece, which was a mashup of famous classical compositions, the quintet played this arrangement of "Hallelujah" at that concert. The feeling that they put into their playing, combined with the fact that I knew the words to the song, almost brought tears to my eyes.

6. "Fields of Gold" by Sting, arranged and performed by the Copper Street Brass Quintet
Another great arrangement by Copper Street, which was also performed at the aforementioned concert. This one, although beautiful, did not make me cry.

7. "Libertango" by Astor Piazzolla, arranged and performed by the Copper Street Brass Quintet
I love this piece because it has a sort of Latin feel to it, which makes me wish I actually knew how to tango. Or dance in general. The tuba part is also freakin' amazing.

8. "Moon River" by Andy Williams, arranged and performed by the Copper Street Brass Quintet
Though I don't know the lyrics to the actual song, this arrangement is one of those pieces of music that makes you remember the trials and tribulations of years past, and though it isn't necessarily sad, it brings memories and regrets hand in hand.

9. "Rest" by Frank Ticheli, performed by the National Intercollegiate Band
This was also mentioned in Music Is Amazing as being part of one of the best concerts I've ever been to in my life. I absolutely love this piece, and in addition to listening to it to fall asleep (for obvious reasons) I also turn up the volume when I'm feeling down and let it surround me, proceeding to cry when the climax of the piece comes.

10. "Leaves on the Seine" by David Lanz
Last summer, I asked my band director for some new piano music, and this was one of the pieces she gave me. It has since become one of the pieces I play when I need to escape from life for awhile, because it is one of the few pieces that I am able to play expressively.

11. "Variations On A Theme From Pachelbel's Canon In D Major" by David Lanz
I played a version of the actual "Canon in D Major" for a piano recital a couple years ago, so that's why I like this arrangement so much. Funny story about the version I played: I was like ten years old, so my piano teacher had me play a simplified version that was actually written in the key of C, not D. Who thought that was a good idea? I mean, really. I have since transposed it and played it in the correct key, of course.

12. "Cristofori's Dream" by David Lanz
When my band director played this piece for a few of us during free period one day when I was a freshman, I absolutely fell in love with it. I have since memorized it, and like "Leaves on the Seine," it has become part of my repertoire for when I'm having a rough day and need to get away from it all. It's one of those pieces of music that I feel almost as if it were written for me, though I know that isn't the case. And I can't help but wonder if Bartolomeo Cristofori, the inventor of the piano, dreamed of someone writing a piece such as this for his instrument.

13. "Madre de la Tierra" by David Lanz
This one I just like because it's a piano piece that happens to also include other instruments on the recording, which gives it the effect of the epic concert band pieces I love so much. The French horn part is especially prominent, which makes it even better.

14. "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson, from the Pitch Perfect soundtrack
I'm actually not sure why this is on my Top 25... I listen to most of the others pretty much every day, but not really this one. Oh well, it's a good song anyway, and I like this a capella version too.

15. "Amazing Grace" arranged for concert band by Frank Ticheli
I went to a conducting workshop for beginners last week (probably going to do a post on that eventually) and this was the piece that we studied a bit and conducted. I did more extensive score study when I got home, and conducted to the recording a few more times, and decided that I love this piece. The alto sax solo is gorgeous, and Ticheli seems to have a talent for including totally epic climaxes in his work, which I greatly appreciate.

16. "Piano Sonata No. 14 'Moonlight': I. Adagio sostenuto" by Ludwig van Beethoven, performed by Evelyne Dubourg
This one is very calming and beautiful, and goes quite well with walks in the woods. Not much else I can say about it, except that I wish I had the sheet music for it.

Wow, this is a long post.

17. "Fur Elise" by Ludwig van Beethoven, performed by Evelyne Dubourg
I played a simplified version of this for a piano recital once, too. Other than that, it doesn't really have a super special meaning for me.

18. "Claire de lune" by Claude Debussy, performed by Evelyne Dubourg

19. "Träumerei" by Robert Schumann, performed by Evelyne Dubourg
Numbers 18 and 19 are special simply because they are beautiful and great for listening to while walking in the woods or falling asleep.

20. "Waltz in C sharp minor" by Frédéric Chopin, performed by Idil Biret
This is a very challenging piece that I played for Solo & Ensemble and my piano recital this year, and I'm still working on it. My main problem was not being able to play legato in the middle section, and not having correct left hand technique in the faster section.

21. "Song Without Words in E Major, Op. 19, No. 1" by Felix Mendelssohn, performed by Jenö Jandó
My band director gave me a list of piano masterpieces to listen to, and this happened to be one of them. I'm so very glad that it was; it's gorgeous.

22. "Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118, No. 2" by Johannes Brahms, performed by Jenö Jandó
Another one of my band director's favorite piano compositions (and one of mine, too) this piece literally takes my breath away. It's amazing how certain arrangements of sounds can do that, isn't it?

23. "Toccata for Cello, Strings, and Harpsichord" by Girolamo Frescobaldi, performed by Jian Wang and Camerata Salzburg
My school's band played the concert band version of this for Large Group Contest this year, and it has become one of my favorite pieces of all time. So, when I found this recording of a cello and other strings playing it, I was very excited. I love the cello, and actually want to learn how to play it someday. Anyway, great piece, great arrangement of it too.

24. "Song for Lindsay" by Andrew Boysen, performed by the Bethel Park High School Symphonic Band
I've mentioned this piece in a previous post as well. Even though this recording is a little funky because the band doesn't always release together and they aren't always in tune, I can forgive them because my band isn't, either. I actually had the honor of playing the flute solos during rehearsal in the weeks before graduation, because the senior flute players aren't in the same band as me. And the French horn player I had a crush on last year played the horn solos. So, even though that crush isn't still a thing, it was pretty cool. A reminder of the way things used to be, so to speak.

25. "Dream" by Michael Bublé
Not really sure why this is on this list, but ok. It's a good song, I guess.

That was a really long post. Well, I hope some of you found that interesting, or maybe I broadened a few musical horizons. Anyway, happy Fourth of July, for those of you in America! See you all next time!