So I was thinking tonight about a lot of things and this big thought came to me.
It started with the end of the movie Iron Man... You know, the dynamic delivery of the line "I am Iron Man" and the shot of the crowd's reaction an the cue music...Epic! I felt so intrigued and excited, all because of that one moment sculpted by writers, actors, film editors, etc. The effect that the whole movie had was palpable. Yes, it raised ideas. But on an emotional level, it left me feeling intensely energized and riveted.
And this got me thinking... Isn't that exactly what music aims to do? Make people feel a certain way? As musicians, we bend over backwards trying to portray a certain feeling through sound. Performers, conductors, composers, all go through years of training to learn how to make moments like that, only through another medium.
And what's the point? Obviously this is relevant in light of recent budget cuts in art and education... Is there a deeper meaning behind this "feeling," or is it just a rush sensation that soon fades? Megan raised an interesting discussion the other day about whether art and arts education really advances society... But you know what I think? It's not about the advancement of society. In my opinion, it's about slowing us down, and reminding us about human truths. This "feeling" we get when we are really impacted by artistic greatness reminds us that truth lies in knowing ourselves as human beings. And indescribable as we are, the very intangible nature of art makes it uniquely capable of revealing our very core.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tornado!
What better time to update my blog than during a tornado warning while hiding in the laundry room?
I have to admit, when the hail started pounding on the roof above my secret room, I was a little spooked. But it looks like we're going to be ok.. aside from perhaps some hail damage.
This was one of the few things that has been able to rip me away from my gameboy for the past few days. Since Sunday, I have been doing nothing but playing pokemon crystal and, I guess, helping Kevin with finals. I have logged 28 hours in the last 3 days and I won't stop until I BEAT IT
No regrets. Almost there.
I have to admit, when the hail started pounding on the roof above my secret room, I was a little spooked. But it looks like we're going to be ok.. aside from perhaps some hail damage.
This was one of the few things that has been able to rip me away from my gameboy for the past few days. Since Sunday, I have been doing nothing but playing pokemon crystal and, I guess, helping Kevin with finals. I have logged 28 hours in the last 3 days and I won't stop until I BEAT IT
No regrets. Almost there.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
On Being Home
What a strange thing it is to be in Dallas again. And to see my high school friends and watch how much we have all changed. I went to Ursuline the other day, and I enjoyed seeing some people, but after I left, I just had the biggest headache. Small talk is exhausting.
Things have been alright, albeit a bit busy. I've painted a room, scheduled a party, revisited with old friends. I know I have been working hard with this painting thing, but I have been feeling really stressed out since I got home. I thought it was going to be really relaxing and refreshing, like it always was when I came and visited home. But living here is a different story. It is going to be quite a long summer.
Things have been alright, albeit a bit busy. I've painted a room, scheduled a party, revisited with old friends. I know I have been working hard with this painting thing, but I have been feeling really stressed out since I got home. I thought it was going to be really relaxing and refreshing, like it always was when I came and visited home. But living here is a different story. It is going to be quite a long summer.
Friday, May 6, 2011
On Final Exams
What a crazy day.
I was really worried about my final for Russian history this morning because I still have a chance to make an A. And yesterday, amidst trying to cram, a bunch of drama happened and I made a series of bad decisions, including staying up until 1:30 watching 17 Again, which I found in my car while packing (also a waste of time). But luckily, everything turned out super well.
I got my final paper back after the exam and scored a 90! That was way better than I expected and will definitely help me get closer to an A. I also just... dominated the test. I may have made a B because of the multiple choice, but I thought my essay was really good. Not only did I have a really organized and well-thought out response about the inevitability of soviet collapse, I also just had loads of fun writing it. I talked about the Soviet Union's reliance upon repression and censorship throughout the post-Stalinist eras, and the way that Gorbachev's social and economic reforms unraveled the tenuous power structure of the regime.
I've decided that even if I make a B in this class, I don't regret taking it at all. I have learned so much and I've had a lot of fun reading about the Soviet Union... it's fascinating! I got a book in my Easter basket about the Cold War and it's next on my reading list after I finish Malcolm X's autobiography.
Man, I can't believe that Russian History is over!! But like the end to all great feats, my feelings are a mixture of nostalgia, pride, and relief. Now, finally, I can relax and prepare my mind for summer!
I was really worried about my final for Russian history this morning because I still have a chance to make an A. And yesterday, amidst trying to cram, a bunch of drama happened and I made a series of bad decisions, including staying up until 1:30 watching 17 Again, which I found in my car while packing (also a waste of time). But luckily, everything turned out super well.
I got my final paper back after the exam and scored a 90! That was way better than I expected and will definitely help me get closer to an A. I also just... dominated the test. I may have made a B because of the multiple choice, but I thought my essay was really good. Not only did I have a really organized and well-thought out response about the inevitability of soviet collapse, I also just had loads of fun writing it. I talked about the Soviet Union's reliance upon repression and censorship throughout the post-Stalinist eras, and the way that Gorbachev's social and economic reforms unraveled the tenuous power structure of the regime.
I've decided that even if I make a B in this class, I don't regret taking it at all. I have learned so much and I've had a lot of fun reading about the Soviet Union... it's fascinating! I got a book in my Easter basket about the Cold War and it's next on my reading list after I finish Malcolm X's autobiography.
Man, I can't believe that Russian History is over!! But like the end to all great feats, my feelings are a mixture of nostalgia, pride, and relief. Now, finally, I can relax and prepare my mind for summer!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
On Perfect Pitch
I am determined to learn perfect pitch. I have heard that it is possible to learn it, and I have a pretty good ear already. I have pretty good relative pitch, and usually, when I'm trying to sing a certain note, I can get within a whole step of the pitch that I am aiming for. I just want to be able to pull out any note and say what it is, or be able to tell what key something is in without referencing an instrument.
I did some research today on methods that will help you obtain perfect pitch, and I found some courses you can buy that will train your ear to recognize and memorize how different tones sound. I found one that didn't seem like a scam, but even that one got some negative reviews, and it's so expensive... Plus, the idea behind it seems like something I could just do on my own. I've started working on it today and I already think I am improving.
The concept behind David Burge's Perfect Pitch method (the one I was looking at) is that every note has a separate quality and color. You just have to learn how to listen and hear notes in a different way. It suggested playing and singing and meditating on how certain notes sound on your primary instrument. In the practice room today, I focused on concert A. I played it over and over and listened for the quality of the note and compared it to other notes. Then, a couple of times, after playing something in another key, I tried to quiz myself as to where the pitch was. I wouldn't always get it right, but I feel like I really discovered some certain qualities about the particular note concert A that are not like other notes... to me it sounds really bright and kind of expectant, like unresolved. Db sounds warm and dark. Throughout the day, I have been testing myself with a pitch pipe handy and I've been getting more correct than I had been in the past! If I keep practicing every day, I think I can develop perfect pitch by the end of the summer for sure.
I did some research today on methods that will help you obtain perfect pitch, and I found some courses you can buy that will train your ear to recognize and memorize how different tones sound. I found one that didn't seem like a scam, but even that one got some negative reviews, and it's so expensive... Plus, the idea behind it seems like something I could just do on my own. I've started working on it today and I already think I am improving.
The concept behind David Burge's Perfect Pitch method (the one I was looking at) is that every note has a separate quality and color. You just have to learn how to listen and hear notes in a different way. It suggested playing and singing and meditating on how certain notes sound on your primary instrument. In the practice room today, I focused on concert A. I played it over and over and listened for the quality of the note and compared it to other notes. Then, a couple of times, after playing something in another key, I tried to quiz myself as to where the pitch was. I wouldn't always get it right, but I feel like I really discovered some certain qualities about the particular note concert A that are not like other notes... to me it sounds really bright and kind of expectant, like unresolved. Db sounds warm and dark. Throughout the day, I have been testing myself with a pitch pipe handy and I've been getting more correct than I had been in the past! If I keep practicing every day, I think I can develop perfect pitch by the end of the summer for sure.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
On Random Facts
So the other day Andrew told me that blue eyed people have more sensitivity to light. I didn't believe him, so I looked it up. And lo and behold, it's true! There are studies out there proving that light-colored irises spread light to other parts of the eye instead of absorbing light like dark eyes. Also, believe it or not, reindeer actually change their eye color to adapt to sunlight for different seasons.
http://news.softpedia.com/
Interesting stuff. Clearly, I am doing everything on my computer except for studying.
http://news.softpedia.com/
Interesting stuff. Clearly, I am doing everything on my computer except for studying.
Monday, May 2, 2011
On Summer Goals
Today I played my saxophone jury. It was a good performance overall, and I am relieved to have it over with. I am excited to work on new rep over the summer, although I haven't decided exactly what I'm playing yet. I'm leaning toward Brilliance by Ida Gotkovsky and maybe Sarabande and Gigue, just because I've already bought them. What I have decided is that I am going to learn ALL of the Ferling etudes over the summer!
Ok, so maybe not all of them. But close. I've assigned myself 2-3 etudes per week, and by August, I will have learned all but 6 of the 48 Ferlings. How exciting, right? I've already started working on 2, 6, and 11 this week!!
I realized today just how much I have improved since last year. I mean, I know it's obvious that I would get better, but I am noticing tangible stuff... my tonguing is up to about 120, my tone is warmer, my control of the low register/tuning on most notes is good, or at least getting there... and most of all, my technique and sight-reading has skyrocketed. I feel like learning music is just getting easier and easier. After trudging through the Bozza etudes and Muczynski and Dionysiaques and just listening to the other players in my studio, I have become a much better musician overall. I can just tell.
I feel very ready to join McAllister's studio next year. Not just in terms of performance ability, but also in terms of perspective. I am starting to get a totally different attitude about playing saxophone now that I've gone through a year of college.
I know that a lot of this probably sounds like bragging, but that's not what I'm getting at with this post. I just feel that I have grown so much this year, and I've learned a lot about the mindset/attitude it takes to be a great musician. I am nowhere near greatness yet, but I can see it around me and I feel pulled towards it. Every day gets me one step closer.
Ok, so maybe not all of them. But close. I've assigned myself 2-3 etudes per week, and by August, I will have learned all but 6 of the 48 Ferlings. How exciting, right? I've already started working on 2, 6, and 11 this week!!
I realized today just how much I have improved since last year. I mean, I know it's obvious that I would get better, but I am noticing tangible stuff... my tonguing is up to about 120, my tone is warmer, my control of the low register/tuning on most notes is good, or at least getting there... and most of all, my technique and sight-reading has skyrocketed. I feel like learning music is just getting easier and easier. After trudging through the Bozza etudes and Muczynski and Dionysiaques and just listening to the other players in my studio, I have become a much better musician overall. I can just tell.
I feel very ready to join McAllister's studio next year. Not just in terms of performance ability, but also in terms of perspective. I am starting to get a totally different attitude about playing saxophone now that I've gone through a year of college.
I know that a lot of this probably sounds like bragging, but that's not what I'm getting at with this post. I just feel that I have grown so much this year, and I've learned a lot about the mindset/attitude it takes to be a great musician. I am nowhere near greatness yet, but I can see it around me and I feel pulled towards it. Every day gets me one step closer.
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