I just got back to my room from my voice lesson this week. They're 30 minutes long, every Monday at 4pm. The thing that is not so great about that is the fact that so many long weekends occur on Mondays, so I've already lost 2 voice lessons this semester [one from Labor Day weekend and one from Fall Break]. But, I guess it's just something I have to live with and work around. Also, it forces me to actually practice more throughout the weeks so I don't completely fall behind.
My voice teacher is Michael Delos. I googled him once and found out all of the great things that he has done. I think it's such a privilege to be part of a music program that has access to some amazing musicians from all over the world who are continually involved with the music industry through performing, composing, etc. Although I am no longer a music major, I still enjoy being a performer. It was my favorite part of the program: voice lessons and choir. I may complain about having to go to them sometimes, but singing literally makes me feel better. I'm always in a better mood once I finish a lesson or rehearsal and I just want to keep singing more and more. I don't know what it is, but there's just something about music that uplifts me and makes me forget about any worries or stress I may have.
This semester I have been noticing that I've been growing a lot, as a musician. My voice is developing so much, compared to last year, and I've become much more comfortable with just putting it all out there and not being afraid of singing the wrong note or having my voice crack. That, in return, has allowed me to support myself fully while singing, which causes a stronger sound to be created and avoids any mishaps. It's just one large never-ending cycle of affects; it's wonderful. Although I'll be done with completing the requirements for a music minor by the end of this school year, I want to continue with my voice lessons and I still want to be involved with choir. I just don't know if my schedule can handle it, and that would suck. We'll see how it goes, I still have time to figure it out. But, either way, I'm glad I've been able to stay involved with music throughout, at least, half of college.
I don't have much else to say. Just a random expression of my love for singing. Have a great week!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Purple
I know this is a music blog, but this topic is too important to go on unacknowledged.
Today is a special day. I’m wearing purple all over the place and so is everyone I know. This is in memory of all people in the LGBTQ community who have been victims of suicide due to bullying. What is happening is not okay and we need to raise awareness on this issue. No one should ever see suicide as the only solution. I’m not just talking about LGBTQ bullying, just in general. Everyone should know and realize that there is ALWAYS something else - a way to make things better. No matter how alone or depressed anyone may ever feel, there is always at least one person out there who cares dearly for you and would want to know that you’re going through a rough patch. Tell someone, talk to people, they’ll listen. Or if you don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone you know, talk to a counselor - that’s what they’re there for. I’m pretty sure every college campus has counseling services available for students FOR FREE. Puget Sound does, use it. There are so many options and steps that can be taken before anyone should ever think of hurting themselves.
Trust me, I know this. There was a time when I was feeling so completely low in every aspect of my life and I felt so alone and I hated it. Although I never got to the point of even considering suicide or hurting myself, it was a difficult time and everyday I have a lingering worry that something might set me off again and cause me to fall back into that horrible place. But one thing I learned from that is this: there are always people who are there to support you. All you need to do is take the courageous step to let them know you’re not okay and that you really need someone. Not only is it so nice to have someone to talk to about everything, but it makes you realize how much you really do have. Family and friends - they’re around to help.
If you’re a Puget Sound student, PLEASE go to the Suicide Prevention Presentation today. It’s only an hour or so out of your busy day and it will be a huge help for everyone to simply be informed of the details around suicide and signs to look out for. I know I’ve really been pushing this event and as the RSA Vice Chair I feel like this is one of the most important events we’ll be putting on all year. Sadly, I can’t even go to my own event [I have a previous academic commitment] and I’m upset about that. But I truly hope that everyone who has that open gap in their evenings goes to this. Maybe you can’t make the whole thing, that’s fine. Come late or leave early, just be a part of it. And go to the Candlelight Vigil afterward. I’ll be there. This event is to raise awareness and provide aid for people and it would be great to see such a large part of our campus come together for something that is so sensitive, emotional, and important. Candles are going to be provided, but if you have one, bring it just in case. We don’t know how many people will exactly be there, but I’m hoping for a large turnout.
Anyway, there’s my spiel. I hope it did something for you.
Oh, and look at the facebook event for more details right here
Today is a special day. I’m wearing purple all over the place and so is everyone I know. This is in memory of all people in the LGBTQ community who have been victims of suicide due to bullying. What is happening is not okay and we need to raise awareness on this issue. No one should ever see suicide as the only solution. I’m not just talking about LGBTQ bullying, just in general. Everyone should know and realize that there is ALWAYS something else - a way to make things better. No matter how alone or depressed anyone may ever feel, there is always at least one person out there who cares dearly for you and would want to know that you’re going through a rough patch. Tell someone, talk to people, they’ll listen. Or if you don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone you know, talk to a counselor - that’s what they’re there for. I’m pretty sure every college campus has counseling services available for students FOR FREE. Puget Sound does, use it. There are so many options and steps that can be taken before anyone should ever think of hurting themselves.
Trust me, I know this. There was a time when I was feeling so completely low in every aspect of my life and I felt so alone and I hated it. Although I never got to the point of even considering suicide or hurting myself, it was a difficult time and everyday I have a lingering worry that something might set me off again and cause me to fall back into that horrible place. But one thing I learned from that is this: there are always people who are there to support you. All you need to do is take the courageous step to let them know you’re not okay and that you really need someone. Not only is it so nice to have someone to talk to about everything, but it makes you realize how much you really do have. Family and friends - they’re around to help.
If you’re a Puget Sound student, PLEASE go to the Suicide Prevention Presentation today. It’s only an hour or so out of your busy day and it will be a huge help for everyone to simply be informed of the details around suicide and signs to look out for. I know I’ve really been pushing this event and as the RSA Vice Chair I feel like this is one of the most important events we’ll be putting on all year. Sadly, I can’t even go to my own event [I have a previous academic commitment] and I’m upset about that. But I truly hope that everyone who has that open gap in their evenings goes to this. Maybe you can’t make the whole thing, that’s fine. Come late or leave early, just be a part of it. And go to the Candlelight Vigil afterward. I’ll be there. This event is to raise awareness and provide aid for people and it would be great to see such a large part of our campus come together for something that is so sensitive, emotional, and important. Candles are going to be provided, but if you have one, bring it just in case. We don’t know how many people will exactly be there, but I’m hoping for a large turnout.
Anyway, there’s my spiel. I hope it did something for you.
Oh, and look at the facebook event for more details right here
Friday, October 8, 2010
NetworkingNetworkingNetworkingNetworking
It's key for pretty much every profession. It might be a harsh reality to live with, but it's true. It's not always about talent/brains/intelligence/skill, you need to know the right people, too. I'm not saying that all those great qualities won't get you anywhere, because they definitely will. But you can't simply depend on your own personal achievements and abilities to get you that amazing job. You need to network, market yourself, market your abilities, use any and every connection you have ever made to your advantage. Also, on that note, never create negative feelings between yourself and someone who is involved in the professional business that you want to be involved with and in which you want to start your own career - that definitely will not be helpful and may actually be harmful for your future. Networking. It's something I started to do this past summer at my internship and is something I'm trying to continue to do.
Last night was ASK Night here at Puget Sound. I wasn't able to go because I had a mandatory dress rehearsal for Dorians. I was upset because ASK Night is when a bunch of alumni come to answer any questions that current students may have about a specific career. There are people who graduated with degrees in a wide array of majors and are currently working in very impressive fields. It's basically a great opportunity to create connections and, well, network. Students give out resumes, receive business cards, and create open lines of communication with these professionals. When I looked up the list of alumni who would be at ASK Night, I found one person who I really would have LOVED to have met. Her name is Gretchen DeGroot, she works for One Reel. I've been looking into One Reel since this past summer and am really hoping to apply for and get an internship with them this coming summer. One Reel is the organization that sets up the intern programs for music festivals in the Pacific Northwest such as Bumbershoot. I would LOVE to have an internship with Bumbershoot. It would be so incredible and I feel like I would gain so much amazing experience and so many great connections [networking, right?]. Especially since one of my dreams is to organize my own music festival someday, it would be such a great opportunity to get a solid idea of how things work. When I interned at the Ojai Music Festival this past summer, I got a small taste of the behind-the-scenes life of a music festival and it was awesome. But being a part of something that's so much bigger would provide me with even greater knowledge.
Anyway, so I was bummed that I couldn't go to ASK Night and I was in the Cellar with my friend, Taylor, getting pizza after rehearsal when Serni Solidarios came up to me and told me that he wants to introduce me to someone: Gretchen DeGroot. I was so happy to meet her and told her that I had seen her name on the list of people at ASK Night and really wanted to meet her - I also explained why I wasn't able to go. They both also explained to me that Gretchen had graduated with the Executive Director of the Ojai Music Festival: Jeff Haydon. Serni decided to take a picture of me and Gretchen to send to Jeff; I thought that was funny. All these crazy connections among people at Puget Sound just blow my mind. Gretchen gave me her card and I expressed my interest in interning with One Reel. I just sent her an email. I hope things work out well, I hope I get an amazing internship this summer, - I'm applying for 3 so far - I'm so excited for this summer and it's barely October. I just want to start applying for internships already and start my summer! Oh well, I'll have to get through my Sophomore year first and then finally start the fun stuff.
Whichever internship I end up getting will be amazing. I'm hoping to be able to return to Ojai this summer to do that internship again. I loved interning there so much this past summer and all the other interns were so great, it'd be nice to be able to hang out with them again. I'm also applying for a few NPR internships; I'm interested in getting involved in radio in the future so that would be a great experience. They have offices in Culver City, CA and in Washington D.C. I'm not sure if we can choose at which one we'd like to have an internship, but if I could I think I'd choose D.C. I mean, I like being home and I love my mom and sister, but I feel like I really need to push myself to learn to live on my own because, at this point, I don't know if I'll even be going back home after I graduate; I really don't think I will and I'm already planning on not going back for the majority of the next few summers. And I love the east coast, I think it's has so much character and is just thriving, so I'd love to be in that environment for a few months. In addition to those internships, like I said, I'll be applying for an internship with One Reel for Bumbershoot. Who knows where I'll end up? I'm just going to do what I need to do in order to be qualified for these internships and we'll see what happens.
To sum it all up, I'm just so excited for any options that may be available to me this summer. It's all about networking. Get out there and meet people who are involved in the field in which you are interested. Keep in touch with past connections made, stay friendly, and don't create animosity. That's my advice. Take it or leave it, after all I am just a 19-year old college student who is so unsure about so many things; I don't sound like a very reliable source of information or a wise adviser. This is just what I've gathered from my own experiences and by observing the experiences of others. Network. I really don't have anything else to say.
Last night was ASK Night here at Puget Sound. I wasn't able to go because I had a mandatory dress rehearsal for Dorians. I was upset because ASK Night is when a bunch of alumni come to answer any questions that current students may have about a specific career. There are people who graduated with degrees in a wide array of majors and are currently working in very impressive fields. It's basically a great opportunity to create connections and, well, network. Students give out resumes, receive business cards, and create open lines of communication with these professionals. When I looked up the list of alumni who would be at ASK Night, I found one person who I really would have LOVED to have met. Her name is Gretchen DeGroot, she works for One Reel. I've been looking into One Reel since this past summer and am really hoping to apply for and get an internship with them this coming summer. One Reel is the organization that sets up the intern programs for music festivals in the Pacific Northwest such as Bumbershoot. I would LOVE to have an internship with Bumbershoot. It would be so incredible and I feel like I would gain so much amazing experience and so many great connections [networking, right?]. Especially since one of my dreams is to organize my own music festival someday, it would be such a great opportunity to get a solid idea of how things work. When I interned at the Ojai Music Festival this past summer, I got a small taste of the behind-the-scenes life of a music festival and it was awesome. But being a part of something that's so much bigger would provide me with even greater knowledge.
Anyway, so I was bummed that I couldn't go to ASK Night and I was in the Cellar with my friend, Taylor, getting pizza after rehearsal when Serni Solidarios came up to me and told me that he wants to introduce me to someone: Gretchen DeGroot. I was so happy to meet her and told her that I had seen her name on the list of people at ASK Night and really wanted to meet her - I also explained why I wasn't able to go. They both also explained to me that Gretchen had graduated with the Executive Director of the Ojai Music Festival: Jeff Haydon. Serni decided to take a picture of me and Gretchen to send to Jeff; I thought that was funny. All these crazy connections among people at Puget Sound just blow my mind. Gretchen gave me her card and I expressed my interest in interning with One Reel. I just sent her an email. I hope things work out well, I hope I get an amazing internship this summer, - I'm applying for 3 so far - I'm so excited for this summer and it's barely October. I just want to start applying for internships already and start my summer! Oh well, I'll have to get through my Sophomore year first and then finally start the fun stuff.
Whichever internship I end up getting will be amazing. I'm hoping to be able to return to Ojai this summer to do that internship again. I loved interning there so much this past summer and all the other interns were so great, it'd be nice to be able to hang out with them again. I'm also applying for a few NPR internships; I'm interested in getting involved in radio in the future so that would be a great experience. They have offices in Culver City, CA and in Washington D.C. I'm not sure if we can choose at which one we'd like to have an internship, but if I could I think I'd choose D.C. I mean, I like being home and I love my mom and sister, but I feel like I really need to push myself to learn to live on my own because, at this point, I don't know if I'll even be going back home after I graduate; I really don't think I will and I'm already planning on not going back for the majority of the next few summers. And I love the east coast, I think it's has so much character and is just thriving, so I'd love to be in that environment for a few months. In addition to those internships, like I said, I'll be applying for an internship with One Reel for Bumbershoot. Who knows where I'll end up? I'm just going to do what I need to do in order to be qualified for these internships and we'll see what happens.
To sum it all up, I'm just so excited for any options that may be available to me this summer. It's all about networking. Get out there and meet people who are involved in the field in which you are interested. Keep in touch with past connections made, stay friendly, and don't create animosity. That's my advice. Take it or leave it, after all I am just a 19-year old college student who is so unsure about so many things; I don't sound like a very reliable source of information or a wise adviser. This is just what I've gathered from my own experiences and by observing the experiences of others. Network. I really don't have anything else to say.
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