Thankful part 2

9.  I am thankful for the opportunities I have had in my life thus far.  From going to music camps to teaching to judging marching bands (don't ask) I have received so many opportunities that I do not deserve.  But I am thankful even though I don't deserve them as they have made me a better person as a whole!

10.  I am thankful for technology.  This seems a bit worldly, but I don't mean that I am thankful for specific technology, like MY phone or MY computer but just these things in general.  Being able to email my grandparents at the click of a button, or talk to my friends in Nashville or Ohio on a live screen is amazing.  I am so grateful for this because without these things there would be a lot of missing going on!

11.  For contacts/glasses.  Enough said.  I know I complain about my terrible eyes a lot, but lets just say it would be a lot worse if I didn't have these things to help.  Oh and eye drops!  I'm pretty sure my eyes consume more eye drops in a day then my mouth consumes food!  Oh what I would do without them I just don't know...

12.  For the beauty of this earth.  Look around!  Where I am, beautiful red rocks, blue skies, and amazing weather.  Where I am from, amazing mountains, snow and valleys.  Where I have been, lush green hills and oceans and beaches.  Oh we are so lucky to live on such a beautiful land! 

13.  I am thankful for my friends.  YES I realize that I've already said this one, but seriously, these past few weeks I don't know what I would have done without them to encourage me as I've wanted to smash my violin against the wall (Don't worry, I would NEVER...but sometimes thinking about it isn't all that bad).  I love them so much and without them being so supportive I don't know how I'd get through the stress and craziness of the semester!

14.  I am thankful for my favorite composers!  Right now mostly Dvorak...for giving me the New World Symphony, my feel good music (see earlier post).  Without his and all the others' music, I would have no inspiration to be the musician I want to be <3

I am thankful....

I realized that lately I have been complaining A LOT about everything.  School, friends, relationships, music, and life in general.  So first of all, to all my dear friends, I am sorry (Also, those of you who actually read this blog are the ones that really deserve an apology) haha but seriously...I am so sorry....I will try much harder to not dump all my negative feelings all over you.  Especially today between the hours of noon and two.  I really have no idea what was going on there. 

SO...to try to make up for the Downer Donna-ness that I have been chained to, I will take the November challenge.  NO, not the "no shave"  one, the one where every day you say something you are grateful for every day.  Of course, this should be a daily, hourly, minutely occurrence inside, but sometimes we forget.  The fact that Thanksgiving is this month reminds us how much we have to be grateful for! 

So to begin, I shall catch up on the week that I have missed.  The first few might seem cliche, but it is absolutely true and it is what it is.

1.  I am thankful for my amazing family.  And not just my immediate family.  Of course them too, but I'm talking everyone.  I have the rare opportunity to be very close to every member of my extended family from grandparents on and I don't know what I would do without them.  Not many people can say that some of their best friends are their cousins.  But I can and seriously, I am so fortunate to have the relationship that I have with my parents, siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents.  I love you all so much! 

2.  I'm thankful for my friends.  My goodness if I didn't have the friends that I have I don't know where I would be.  From my friends that I've known since elementary school, to the ones that I have just met this year, I would be lost without them.  I have friends that would do anything for me, and I would do anything for them.  And right now I am especially grateful for my Southern Utah friends.  They are my family here, and if I didn't have them I would be so lonely and homesick I don't even know what I would do. So, thank you for putting up with me and all my strange ways (because I know I have a lot of quirks) and keep being the amazing people you are!

3.  I am thankful for the gospel.  I could go on for ever on this one but all I will say about it is that it has effected my life in every positive way possible.  From looking forward to seeing passed loved ones again to knowing that I can pray any time I want and I'll never be alone, I don't even want to think about the kind of person I'd be without it.  I am in the middle of a goal to finish the book of Mormon before the end of the year -I've never read it cover to cover before- and it has been such an awesome experience.  Reading it daily really has made a difference in my attitude and my outlook in life. 

4.  I am thankful for my teachers, and school in general.  This one might be strange, but since school is my life right now my professors have a huge impact on my life.  Especially my music teachers.  They are so supportive and caring, and I am a better person as well as musician because of them.  I love that they ask me how I am doing, ask me if I need anything, and give me encouragement all the time when they are under no obligation to do so.  The fact that they actually care about me more than just a student who gets a grade makes me want to make them happy, therefore making me a better student.

5.  I'm thankful for music.  And this one....I could go on for days.  I listen to music when I am happy, sad, upset, excited, mad, stressed, relaxed, etc etc and to think of my life without so much music in it every day just makes me sick.  My life has a soundtrack, it seriously does, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  if I'm not playing it, I'm listening to it, talking about it, studying it or thinking about it.  It is my stress reliever, it is my comforter when I am sad, it is my spiritual boost when I'm feeling down, and it's my motivation to be a better person.  I am just so emotionally attached to music in every aspect, it is so much more than just "I love to listen to music."  Music truly is who I am. 

6.  I'm thankful for my physical body.  I don't mean they body type, the shape, or the size.  I mean just the fact that I have one.  It is the one thing I have, the one thing we ALL have, against the adversary, and sometimes we take having one for granted.  It is such a sacred thing, and a wise person told me that no matter what to always remember that things always could be worse, I could be like Lucifer and not even have a body....

7.  I am thankful I was born in this day and age.  I don't know how people back in the day did it, but I am so glad I live in this time!  I can't imagine trying to get a hold of friends without a cell phone, or doing homework or writing music without a computer.  Getting around without a car or not having electricity. Just every little thing, especially in technology is just so wonderful and those things are usually the things I definitely take for granted.

8.  I'm thankful for good people.  These past few weeks especially have been absolutely crazy, and it has caused a lot of mayhem in my schedule, and some forgetfulness on my part.  I'm so glad that most people I know are understanding and realize how hectic life is!  I have had to do so much rescheduling, cancelling and rearranging and people have been very kind and flexible for me.  I sincerely appreciate it.  Plus all the little things people do for me without even realizing that it had an impact on me.  A hello in the hallway, a hug, a door held open by a random stranger, a bonus, etc etc.  Maybe it's the time of year, but people have just been so nice to me lately!  I know that they were inspired to be that way because of all the stress and craziness in my life right now. 

Wow sorry that was an enduring post, if you got all the way through it I am extremely impressed!  Thank you for bearing with me, and thank you for caring, or at least pretending to care, it means a lot! ;)

Resulting in a whole bunch of randomness...

I have had writer's block for the last 45 minutes.. count 'em, I could not for the life of me figure out how to type up everything that is going through my head. So, this post will be more like a giant pile of Facebook Stati (hehe)... You know the one, "What's on your mind....?"So, here we go!

First of all, can you say awesome weekend?? Two orchestra concerts...one which consisted of the Pines of Rome....PS what was with such a tiny audience?? I feel SOOOOO bad for those who missed out. It's an awesome recording and all but there's nothing quite like hearing it live. Anyway, my parents were in town, spent time with my amazing friend and an awesome dinner and games tonight with some amazing people. Plus, all my homework was done before 11:00 pm tonight. WHAT??

Stormie just gave me this quote to "think about" The worst part of life is waiting. The best part of life is having someone worth waiting for... Har de har har darling....this is almost as profound as your "birds of a feather flock together" bit.

And now, a moment of venting. This is for all my musician friends out there. I cannot for the life of me figure out what is wrong with my memorization skills lately....any advice?! I have a junior recital coming up and I'm freaking out because my pieces are nowhere near where I need them to be. I was expecting to be a lot further along then I am and I am working my butt off but it is not paying off...any suggestions? (If anyone says practice harder, I might slap you) ;)

Ok enough of the negativity. Here is a bit for your enjoyment. I was introduced to this piece at Brevard by my ever so talented friend Camille. I loved it so much after I sight read it with a trio over the summer and I want to play it SO BAD and hopefully, if things go how they should, I will be able to play it next semester. This is part one, the first movement is 20 minutes long, and the other quarter can be found on Youtube. Please listen and enjoy, it is gorgeous. This is Trio Elegiaue by Rachmaninoff. There are 3 of these is and this is the first movement of #2. If we play it (crossing my fingers), this will be the movement I'll vote we do. Absolutely gorgeous. (Minus the facial expressions, these guys are a LITTLE much). :)

Wow...that WAS random.....sorry. Tomorrow I won't be as scatterbrained...but I'm not promising anything.
PS Stormie is kneeling in front of me and she starts barking, meowing, hissing, and then asking me, "what animal is this" SERIOUSLY??? I better go....before she tears up the whole apartment...

Modest is Hottest...but really.

So tonight at the fireside we heard from Elder C. Scott Grow from the seventy.  He hit on quite a few subjects, but one that really caught my attention was modesty.  This may be surprising because it's such a common subject, and yet probably the most taken lightly guideline in our church!  Now, this post is not meant to offend anybody, I'm not judging or condemning anyone or anything of the sort.  I am just sharing my feelings and opinion, and whether or not you agree with me that is your business. 
Elder Grow told us how many people think of modesty as more of an individual based standard.  People compare themselves to others and say, well, I'm more modest than that person, so that makes me modest... or "modesty is relative.  If I think I am being modest, it's a personal decision." ............


NO!!!


........seriously? Have we really let the world influence us that much?  I really think this is a bigger problem than we are realizing.  Below is the entire "dress and appearance" section of for the strength of youth.  I know it's hard, and sometimes we find it difficult to go against the world for fear of being made fun of or "judged," but it's worth it in the long run, trust me. Now, In no way am I saying that I am the poster child for this, or that everyone should "be like me" or whatever.  I am saying, however, that I am trying my hardest to dress as if I was already endowed.   It has nothing to do with how I feel about my body, or what other people think of me.  In fact, if anything, I feel better about myself when I dress modestly because I know that I am enriching my own life.  And,  if nothing else it just makes it easier on me on the transition when the time comes for me to go through the temple.  Take what you will from this, but at least THINK about it! 

FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH

Your body is God’s sacred creation. Respect it as a gift from God, and do not defile it in any way. Through your dress and appearance, you can show the Lord that you know how precious your body is. You can show that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ. 

Prophets of God have always counseled His children to dress modestly. The way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside. Your dress and grooming send messages about you to others and influence the way you and others act. When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and can exercise a good influence on those around you.

Never lower your dress standards for any occasion. Doing so sends the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval and that modesty is important only when it is convenient.

Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. All should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. Always be neat and clean and avoid being sloppy or inappropriately casual in dress, grooming, and manners. Ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?”

Someday you will receive your endowment in the temple. Your dress and behavior should help you prepare for that sacred time.

Do not disfigure yourself with tattoos or body piercings. If girls or women desire to have their ears pierced, they are encouraged to wear only one pair of modest earrings.

Show respect for the Lord and for yourself by dressing appropriately for Church meetings and activities, whether on Sunday or during the week. If you are not sure what is appropriate, ask your parents or leaders for help.

Elder Grow summed it up perfectly when he said, "if in doubt of whether something is modest or not, ask your father.  He'll for sure know"   ;)   There was a noticeable ripple throughout the congregation after he said that....classic :)

Busy busy

So...fall break anybody!  From fall break until now has been the most intense, trying, and wonderful few weeks of this school year! 
Fall break was wonderful!  It started on Thursday with an incredibly fun date consisting of the beautiful mountains of Cedar, dinner and ice cream and Spirit (don't judge).  Definitely one of the best nights ever.  Friday was awesome too, I got a new phone ( a smart phone which is WAY too smart for me...... ) and hung out with all my friends.  The next morning Shaun made us all this intensely delicious breakfast of homemade from scratch pumpkin waffles and apple syrup! YUM.  I made cinnamon roll pancakes which weren't so bad either, if I do say so myself. ;)
That night I played at a friend's sister's wedding and it was so adorable!  I love when they give us food too....so yummy.... :)
The next week was a little hard because we had to go back to full weeks of school, but for the most part it was alright.  I actually got a lot of practicing in.  It was very productive.  Last week I performed for the national advisory counsel and it was cool, I always love to practice performing.  And, of course, last night was homecoming which was a total blast!  We went to a banquet and then the dance, where there was a live jazz band and then to Benja's for dessert.  It was so much fun and just a wonderful night! 
And today's fireside was amazing.  It was all about things of the world today, marriage, temples, pornography, and just a lot of information that we needed to know about.  I paid attention the whole time! Which is amazing for me since I have the attention span of a peanut. 

Anyway, I'll try to get some pictures posted of fall break, the dance and also conference weekend in Midway if I can!  Hopefully the next few weeks are just as great!

So, I haven't blogged in a month.  This is bad, this is really bad!  (Tangled reference....I am watching it as I write this post) ANYWHO....I would just like to say what an INSANE couple of weeks this has been!  I have never had so much on my plate before! I didn't think it was possible, since I say that every year.  It seems to me that every year I get more and more busy, even though I take less and less credits....I don't understand!!!!!
But, despite this, it has actually been a quite enjoyable semester so far!  Other than psychology and intro to education which I could have gone my whole life without taking, my classes have been awesome, and I just love it!  (Plus it's FINALLY cooling off, which is an added bonus)
I've already had 3 concerts, and quite a few solo performances! There was the centennial concert at the college where I sang with the choir and played with the orchestra, the annual Pine Valley orchestra concert with delicious lunch, and the fall choral concert.  Plus recital number one at the rest home, playing for the faculty before school started, and playing for the advisory council.  AND I have had my first experience accompanying with my violin with Heidi and Corinne.  It has been an ultra productive semester when it comes to the violin.
When it comes to everything else, so random!! I have learned the horn, tuba and trumpet.  I am accompanying again (YAY) and I finally have a few permanent violin students.  ALSO I have the responsibilities of playing principal for the Southwest symphony and I'm my ward music council chair (shocker there).  Oh and I joined pit hahaha it's been super duper!  And next week I'm trying out for OSU's concerto competition so crossing my fingers there!

Anyway, that's a tidbit of my life...woohoo so exciting I know....

Dvorak - Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" - II (part 2)

Part 2 :)

Dvorak - Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" - II (part 1)

So...everyone who knows me at all knows that I am a little obsessed with Dvorak, and even more specifically his 9th (or 5th) Symphony, aka Symphony from the "New World." Every time I am sad, or mad, or depressed, or stressed, or happy, or excited, or scared, I listen to this symphony. So, basically, There hasn't been a day for a few years now that I haven't listened to at least one of the movements. This is the most beautiful melody I have ever heard, and it is the "Largo" from this symphony. I shall not say anything else about it, just listen and hear for yourself. Enjoy :)

'Bach' to classical music month!

Ah, music puns. Anyway this post is for Sammie my dear cousin who has been converted to the lovely world of classical music. For some reason she is obsessed with Bach....so this is for you Samantha! (Also, this is to see if you actually read my blog muahahaha)
So...this is probably the most common thing played by solo cello. I am not a cello player so I don't know if it's one of those pieces that they are so sick of hearing, or if it's one that never gets old, but either way I absolutely love it! It is beautiful and I always feel so happy listening to it :) :) so now, I share it with you for your enjoyment :)

A 9/11 Tribute

To all those who lost a Mother, a Father, a mentor, an aunt, an uncle, a grandparent, a neighbor, a brother, sister, niece, nephew, or a friend ten years ago on September 11th, this is for you. For you and anyone else who was affected by it-which is every citizen of our nation and the whole world.

I was in fifth grade when it happened. I remember my mom doing my hair for school, and the news was on. I didn't really know what was going on, I saw the planes hit the towers over and over again and people screaming and the looks of disbelief on the news reporters' faces, but it was a picture on a tv, very surreal. Now, ten years later, I am still in awe at what happened that day.

Tragedy. It truly was a tragedy. Innocent lives were lost, and lives that were spared were changed forever. Heroes were made that day. Firefighters, police officers, emergency response teams. Of course, they were always heroes, but that day they proved it to the whole world. Those alive are respected more than I thought a person could be. And, those who are gone are angels, remembered and watching over us in the same way they did that day.

The lyrics to this song really inspire me and remind me of America's reaction to this whole event. It was so terrible, we were angry, empty, unwilling to move on. But then, something magical happened, and we pulled together as a country and now, ten years later, although loved ones are still gone and missed we are stronger, tighter, more dutiful than ever before. No matter what, we are proud to be Americans.

Sound the bugle now - play it just for me
As the seasons change - remember how I used to be
Now I can't go on - I can't even start
I've got nothing left - just an empty heart

I'm a soldier - wounded so I must give up the fight
There's nothing more for me - lead me away...
Or leave me lying here

Sound the bugle now - tell them I don't care
There's not a road I know - that leads to anywhere
Without a light I fear that I will stumble in the dark
Lay right down - decide not to go on

Then from on high - somewhere in the distance
There's a voice that calls, "Remember who you are"
If you lose yourself - your courage soon will follow

So be strong tonight - remember who you are
Yeah you're a soldier now - fighting in a battle
To be free once more - yeah, that's worth fighting for

I know that those who left you on that day are happy. They are in heaven, and they are looking over all of you. I know that you will see them again. Whether or not YOU believe in God, or heaven, or the plan of salvation, I personally know that it is true, and it will be an amazing day when everyone is reunited and all the pain and sorrow that we had to experience all these years will be replaced with joy and love.
God Bless America

Candide Overture: Leonard Bernstein

This is one of my favorite overtures, and a very well known one in the classical music world. This particular video is with Leonard Bernstein himself as the maestro. If I were you, I would consider listening to the Candide suite as well, which isn't quite as well known as the overture alone but it is definitely as good and worth the time.

I love when the violins mimic the flutes. I also love that it has a waltz feel even though it is in 4/4 time, I love when composers do that. The other thing I love about this piece is that even though it is in Common time, you can never really tell where the beat is. It's fun to conduct along because the beat is not where you expect it to be! And the best part is that the piece is building up, building up, getting faster and although it ends with a bang, the second to last note is just this little blip, and then BAM! Finished. :) ha I just love it.
Enjoy!

Classic.

A few days ago, my friend Tyler tried to convince me that it was "national kissing day" Of course I didn't believe him, so I went home and did my research (it wasn't). But as I researched, I found out that September is "Classical music month!" This of course delighted me because I happen to enjoy classical music a little bit....and as a result, I get to share with you some of my all time favorite classical works! I guess this isn't too unusual, since I post about music a lot, and I'm sure there will be repeats of what I've talked about in the past. BUT, this gives me an excuse to be totally obsessed, at least for this month!

Of course, there is more than a month's worth of music that is on the list for being "best song ever!!!" -it's really hard to pick just one, or ten, or thirty- but maybe by hearing these ones will make you want to expand your knowledge on the classical music world!

Every day when I wake up, I turn on my ipod and listen to music while getting ready. And it just so happens that the first song that played this morning on shuffle was a piece that I'm working on for my Jr. Recital! It is an incredible piece, a few hard runs, but I can't wait for the day when it is performance ready! It is Zigeunerweisen by Pablo De Sarasate. It's a gypsy piece and it's supposed to sound like improvisation. The hardest part for me are the runs, getting them clean, but I love the challenge and it is such a fun, beautiful piece. My favorite part is from 5:25 to the end, and more specifically the pizzicato section at 6:46 where she plays and then plucks open strings in between. It's so incredibly cool! Enjoy!

oh, P.S. this is Sarah Chang performing it in 2008

Picture Perfect and the end of summer

 My best friends at Brevard.  I LOVE these girls.   We had some of the best times in my life and I miss them sooooo much!   JiHye, Liz, me and Elizabeth.
HUUUAAAHHH!!

Me and Yo Yo Ma.  Such a kind man and an amazing musician to play with.  The energy was just amazing the second he walked on stage. 

 When I got home, Smith's took the girls of the family boating.  This is us doing the "Addie Face."  She's a goofball

 Me and JQ.  My camera is a piece of poo, but it's still an epic picture of us.

Of course the first thing I did when I got home was go visit my Bff/cousin Rachel Cottle.  I LOVE THIS GIRL.  :) We go waaay back.  Party because we're related, but we have had some dang good times.

And then of course I had to take a million pictures of my doggy. Enough said.

 My Dad and I went on a date to a thing in South Jordan.  First a yummy dinner and then we went to a dance concert of dance groups from around the world, it was so cool!

Then of course we ended the night with my new favorite ice cream place, marble slab.  They WILL cater my wedding reception.

Two of my new roommates!  Mckenna and Stephanie.

 Long story short, Kenzie and Mattison locked their instruments in the Eccles building so Stormie and I had to go sit and wait for them to come get them to let them in.  So, naturally we took pictures :)

"Giraffing"  Don't ask.

AAAnd back to Dixie with some of my BFF's at the carnival.  Even After all the good times I had this summer I'm so happy to be home!!

A new day, a new start!

Wow I haven't blogged in over a month! It's been a crazy few weeks.  It feels like the last few weeks of Brevard flew by.  It was the single most amazing experience of my life.  I miss all my friends so much from there! The worst part is not knowing if I'll see them again...I don't even want to think about it!  So I won't. Ha ha ha. 

School started one week ago and already I am the queen of procrastination.  I waited literally until 11:55 pm to turn in an online class assignment that was due at midnight.  Not to mention I'm finally taking my scooter in to the shop tomorrow....the registration expires on the 31st.  Yep, apparently I like to cut it close!  Good thing I'm a music major, it's impossible to "cram" for anything that has to do with performing.  I'm learning...slowly but surely.

I played and gave a speech about Brevard to the Dixie faculty the week before school started, and that was terrifying!  I can add public speaking to my list of phobias apparently.  It's right up there with saliva, the dark, and snakes haha but seriously!  It was a good experience though, I'm always happy to talk about what an amazing time I had.  A reporter from the Dixie Sun (the school newspaper) is doing an article about it so I'll try to get that up if I can find it.

As far as school goes, it is awesome as usual!  I'm taking Symphony Orchestra, Southwest Symphony, String Chamber, and Chamber choir ensemble-wise.  Along with Brass Study (that's for a different post), Education 1010, Music History, Psychology, and private lessons.  My schedule is not nearly as full as it has been in the past.  This is a very good thing because I have plenty of time for my job, teaching, lots of practicing and STILL I have spare time sometimes to go swimming!  Yep, I am living the life! 

I was told today that I'm not going to graduate in 4 years, and that is totally fine with me!  So many people, especially in music focus so much on getting done fast that it actually hurts them.   They take 20 + credits, and as a result there is no time for the real important stuff, like getting better at their instrument.  (The whole point of playing one....)  I'm willing to go an extra semester or two if it means I'll have more time to actually practice and learn and get better, the whole POINT of going to school!  Plus it is going to take me longer anyway due to the fact that I just changed my major to music ed and I have to have all my pre-requisites completed before I even complete the program, and I have just started them this semester :)  Good thing I love Dixie or this would be a crappy couple of years!

ANYWAY, enough rambling.  Next post immediately following this one = pictures!!!! :)

hahahaha!

Ok so I feel like I haven't posted about anything fun in forever, and if I were you (whoever you are), I'd be bored of hearing about my life. So it's back to the random topic jar!

Today's topic

How long has it been since you laughed and what does laughter mean to you?

Wow. This one is going to be extremely easy. As many of you know, I have great abs (HA!). But seriously, any kind of muscle I have there is guaranteed due to the fact that pretty much everything makes me laugh my head off. For example, Stormie posted this video on Facebook today, I ALMOST pulled a Rachel Cottle (Love you). It is so hilarious, and I don't even know why.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150233588922003&comments

I strongly believe that laughter is the best medicine....

Sometimes we take life way too seriously. We have been taught to run through our lives with such a speed we have no time to laugh. I remember reading that children laugh over 300 times in a day when adults laugh less than 15 times. 15! What happens to us when we grow up? I promise you I will NOT be one of those adults who only laughs 15 times. OF COURSE there are times to be serious, but for those of you who have a stick up you know where every moment of every day....really....just relax, go watch ELF or something and just laugh at the stupid humor. I promise it's not a crime. No one will judge you for feeling happy emotions!

Learn from these people. He really knows what laughter means in life haha I've pretty much come to accept that there are many things about me that people find hilarious...and I'm glad that I could be the one to make them take their medicine! (Hahaha)
(Some of these include the fact that my 15 year old sister looks older than me...the time when I fell off the podium during a concert, or the countless times I have fallen down stairs, fallen off chairs, or just fallen).



Live, LAUGH, Love

Halfway!

Yesterday at noon marked the halfway point of being here in good old North Carolina!  It has been flying by!  Ok the first week was deathly slow, and I was very doubtful that I would make it through this alive...but now,  I can't believe I've almost been here for a month! So, here is some random information you may or may not be interested to know.  And then, of course, pictures to come tomorrow! :)
1.  I knew this before, but my knowledge has been rekindled....I absolutely hate small crawly creatures.  My cabin roommates can attest to this.  I think there has been some traumatic experience every night for the past week.  These include: The ant that ATE a button off my shirt.  I kid you not.  I was not a happy camper (Literally).  The ant and spider that were in my closet in the same night.  That one was the worst.  The ant was huge and would not die and then I finally killed it with my flip flop wrapped in a plastic bag and, yeah.  It was just bad.  The giant moth in my practice room, enough said, and the freaking dead snake on the side of the road.  Oh yeah. It's been a blast.
The worst are the ants though.  If I ever see another ant after I leave this place, I'm going to pop a cap or something. 
2.  Humidity stinks.  Yes, I know I live in St. George (currently 95 degrees) where it is deathly hot, but there is a big difference between deathly hot and deathly hot, + being sticky and wet ALL THE TIME.  Plus Bennett is having a really hard time with the humidity, poor guy.
But enough with the negativity...
3.  Mornings are lovely here.  For those of you who know me at all, you know that I am absolutely the furthest thing from a morning person.  Therefore, you will be shocked to know that I think mornings here (on the rare occasion that I actually wake up "in the morning") are absolutely gorgeous!  There's always a mist over all the trees and the lake, and the sounds of the forest are all you can here. Cheesy, but true. Whenever I am up I can't help but feel happy.  And then the sun comes out.  (see above schpeel on humidity)
4.  Music is awesome.  I love coming to this kind of thing because I'm always surrounded with extremely talented musicians, and being around them makes me want to be a better musician, which in turn motivates me to practice more!

So far it's been awesome, but I still can't help counting down to when I'll be back in good old Utah again! But, like my wise young (old) father likes to say, home will always be there, but these experiences come and go and we need to take advantage of every adventure that comes our way!

This week

This week went by SO much faster! The highlight was that I got to go to church, I loved all the southern accents, they were pretty intense.  There are 4 other LDSaints here and we all went together, one of them is graduated from BYU and two of them go there now.  It was refreshing to meet them!

Other than that, just music all week long! I found out that we're playing the Firebird this coming weekend which I'm super excited about!
Also, I had my first lesson with my teacher here! His name is Patrick Rafferty and he is an extremely talented violinist and I got lucky getting into his studio!
Working with Keith Lockhart has been quite entertaining! He is really nice but still very, very serious about the music and he is a brilliant maestro.
We also started chamber music this week.  I am in a string quartet, and our coach is Tim Christie.  He is so entertaining to work with and he is one of my favorite faculties here!  Plus he's super talented and has this way adorable daughter.

Ok so I don't really have many pictures but at least you can maybe get a taste of what it is like here...

So...this is what it looks like everywhere.  It is very pretty...but sometimes I get almost claustrophobic because there are so many dang trees everywhere!  Sometimes I miss the bareness of St. George...and the redness...

This is one of the "lakes," the one we're not allowed to swim in.  It's pretty though. I took this picture sitting on a bridge thing and almost dropped my camera in the water because a spider was crawling up my leg.  Never sitting there again...

Closer picture of the island thing in the middle of the lake.  It's cool but random

Practice room cabins...I was stuck in mine for an extra hour because it was POURING rain and I don't have an umbrella....
(On a side note, yesterday the pianists moved in and a very very nice man lent me an umbrella and an extra blanket for the remainder of the summer....I owe him big time)










I took a video of it raining, because I was THAT bored in my practice room....plus I've never seen it rain so hard ever in Utah...the only time I've ever seen it rain harder was my sophomore year of high school when we went to Florida to get on a cruise ship...so yeah.  It was crazy

Here it is, I don't expect you to watch it, it's probably the most boring thing ever, but I'm putting it on here for my sanity's sake...because I need an excuse to stay on my computer until dinnertime because I have nothing else to do !
That is all.  Bottom line, it's pretty here.  Could do without the ants though...they are everywhere.  One just crawled out of my keyboard, and that is not a joke.
ps I feel like a missionary writing these little updates...or maybe a scout because I'm basically camping This still isn't band camp though...for those (one) of you who are (is) convinced otherwise.
Have a good day

Another new adventure

Welp, I am officially a resident of North Carolina for the next 7 weeks.  So...here is an update, for all of you who care, of what is up down here! (haha)
(Pictures to come)
The plane ride was uneventful, I am please to announce that I did not get lost in the airport, not even once!
When we got here, I was in for a real surprise!  I knew we'd be near the mountains, but I did not know we would be IN them.  It's like a forest campus.  It is very pretty, and everything is in a cabin, or is a cabin.  Even the practice rooms are little tiny individual cabins, way cute!  There are also two "lakes" (I would consider them to be more like ponds), and lots of hiking we have to do to and from rehearsals and meals and such.  Anyway we met the dean and then headed to dinner, and then I found my cabin.  There are 16 girls and one RA in each cabin, four to a room and we all share 4 toilets and showers.  One of my roommates I recognized, and she attended SOAP last year too so that was kind of cool (Also the guy who picked us up at the airport happened to be from SOAP too). 
I was totally homesick and cried myself to sleep the first night (I don't want any more sympathy.  I'm FINE now).
Day two was pretty uneventful, with the exception of seating auditions.  I am surprised at how few college students are here! I'd say well over 2/3 of the people I have met so far are in Graduate school, or attending conservatories like Manhattan school of music and the like.  Aren't there any NORMAL people here? (or, I guess that would make me the only abnormal one...hmmmm....).  I am also proud to announce that I am not last chair...yes, I have moved up in the world.
Today was a lot more productive.  I'm going to be in the library for work study-no idea what I'll be doing there but I guess I'll find out at a meeting tomorrow at NINE AM...shoot me...! We had our first rehearsal today, and it was way cool because there was thunder and lightning, and the auditorium is open air so is sounded pretty cool.  Other than that nothing has really happened so far.  Although I am having lots of time to practice my junior recital rep so that is good.  Anyway, I am starving so that's all for now.

Bye bye for now!

My last 24 hours in St. George have been adventurous!  I know I'm only going to be gone about two months...but I have become so attached to this place that even going up north for the weekend is sometimes hard! Seriously.  I love this place. 
Highlights:
Going to dinner with Annie and Greg, who came to visit me and I love them more than words can describe...plus we're going hiking later this morning and I get to drive up north with them!
Bowling and partying with Stormie and Erika...seriously, I couldn't ask for better roommates...I'm gonna miss them...!
GOING TO THE LAKE one last time! I didn't get swimmer's itch! (Which is a little sad because if I had, I would have gotten a free T-Shirt...but I guess in the long run it's better this way :)
Shakes at In N Out and meeting guys, and told them we'll meet them at a party but then didn't show up to it... they were mad hahahaha
Meeting some of our neighbors from across the parking lot
Stormie dyed my hair! She just put some peekaboos in but they look splendid...but we'll see if it actually worked when it dries ;) (I'm sure it looks fabulous)
Scrubbing that stupid nasty scooter....seriously it was so dirty...still is but looks a whole lot better and scrubbing it at 3 in the morning was quite an adventure!
Scootering to Swig...that's always a pleasure, and a tradition I am going to miss sorely on warm days such as this one
The drama of packing.  NOT funny at the time when I couldn't find my teeth whitening tray, my ipod, OR my phone charger, but now looking back I realize how dramatic I was being, and it was actually quite humorous :) (I found them FYI)
The anticipation of seeing my BFF, my family and my dog! (if only for a little bit...can't wait!)

Anyway...I'll let you know how things go...next time you read this I'm going to be BY MYSELF all the way across the country! Woot woot I REALLY hope I don't get lost in the airport... :/

More on Music

This summer is just full of music experiences for me.  Last week I got to view the music camp world from a teacher's perspective, and next week I'll be at the student's end instead.  So last week was Dixie's Castle Rock Music Camp, and I was a teacher's assistant along with 5 other majors, and 4 of DSC's music faculty.  I learned a lot about what to do and what not to do when teaching.
It is that it is a scary thing to be in charge of six kids all under the age of 16.  All the TA's were put in charge of a group of kids for the week, and my group was half the kids staying in the dorms.  So not only was I their guide for the day, but I was in charge of them literally 24 hours a day.  Do you know how hard it is to know where that many people are every second of every day for 4 days straight?  But, for the most part they were really good for me, and they all got along great!
I got every angle of teaching thinkable! I lead sectionals, helped kids with individual practice, coached a double string quartet,  (my quartet did so good that they got to play in the concert!) and was kind of a counselor to the kids when it came time for activities and meals and such.  Plus working alongside the music faculty was useful in me learning how to be a teacher. 

All the kids who stayed in the dorms

Playing Duck Duck Goose.  This was the second day and already everyone seemed like best friends!

Matt, Kenzie, Me, and Tara, a few of the TA's

Even the music faculty joined in on the fun!












  

Waiting for the chamber concert to start

 


The whole crew! (With the exception of the percussion students and my poor stand partner Hannah who hurt her back)

Musicians will do anything to be musical...even when they don't have access to their instruments!

Food for Thought...

There is a LOT on my mind right now.  Way too much to write as a Facebook status ;) hence the million blog posts in the space of just a few hours.  Bear with me.
 First of all...
I don't fight with people.  Ok so I know I argue with my sisters once in a while, sibling rivalries and stuff like that...but in general I get along with everyone and it's rare that I have a real live argument with someone, especially someone I'm not related to...I really don't have any enemies.  I try to stay out of drama, I never take sides, and I usually get along with everyone.  So...what do I do when I'm actually having a real argument with someone?! Lets just say I'm having a hard time living with the thought that someone is actually genuinely mad at me...it's killing me and no matter how many times I try to work it out it just seems like we fight worse.  HELP!!!
But enough of that ....
Glee party in D4 right now! Pretty sure we've listened to the entire Glee collection of music...

I have been converted.

I am so sick of cliche vampire and werewolf movies, Jacob, Edward, and all the shows and videos and movies that are emerging because of it.  BUT...I have started watching a show called Teen Wolf...and....as hard as it is for me to say it....I actually like it.  I mean it's no 30 Rock but it has a great story line and it's not the cheesy crap ...yet...guess we'll find out soon enough but for now, I'll take it. :)

My McDonald's days need to end.  It's really sad when they recognize you...

especially a booming business like that who gets millions of customers a day...

and to make it worse...it's the drive through that recognizes me.  Ok so I give SOME 

credit to Shirley but still....kind of depressing.  I'll just add them to the list right

after "Pretzel guy at the mall"........

On a random side note....I leave for NC in 3 days!!!  And I get to see Annie in just 2, and possibly FINALLY hike angel's landing this weekend.  We'll see but it's a definite possibility... :D

This might be the most random blog post in the world.  Just sayin.  Sorry it was boring.  Gotta keep yourself entertained when you're pulling an all-nighter with a roommate who is doing math homework... :P

Change...for the better!?

Exactly one week ago today, I had two jobs, was working on getting students, and trying to figure out a running schedule in the heat of St. George! I was planning on going to church at the Ivins YSA ward on June 19th.  And, I was looking forward to a lazy summer full of St. George and Avalon adventures.  Welp, no more!  My life has completely changed within the last week.
In January, I auditioned to get into a summer music academy called Brevard, in North Carolina.  They rejected me.  I was put on a "waiting list" (which I thought was basically a guaranteed no).  Then, in March, they decided to let me in after all with a scholarship!  But alas, I would still have to pay too much (it's originally a $5,100 academy...not gonna happen for me hahaha).  So I had to say no.  Well...about 6 days ago they emailed me AGAIN, offering me more money, and, well, it was a lot of money and it would have been stupid of me to say no.  
I'm not too scared about it, I went to Canada last summer for a music academy, so I kind of know what to expect, but there are a few new things that are freaking me out a little bit...

#1.  Did I mention that I'm leaving on Sunday?  THIS COMING Sunday.  Yeah...I'm freaking out a little bit about the time crunch
#2.  I have to learn all the music in one week.  8 weeks worth of music....I can do it!
#3. I'm going by myself.  This one freaks me out the most...I hope I make friends!! At least I'll have Bennett...
#4. I don't have a guaranteed job when I get back.  This one isn't too bad...because one of them said they'd rehire me...but we'll see if that actually happens
#5.  No way am I fitting everything in one single suitcase...


Anyway, besides those few teeny tiny things I'm super excited and if you REALLY want to know what I am doing while I am there I'm just going to write about it here...forcing you (MOTHER) to read my blog.  Muahahaha.  (*cough* might as well follow while you are there...*cough*) but I fly out from SL on Sunday at 7 am, and I get back August 8th!  It's a long time to be gone but my violin teacher went to this place when he was younger and he had an amazing experience and I know I am going to grow so much as a musician, so wish me luck!!
Here is the website, in case you want to learn more about Brevard.  :)

It's time for summer

So, as I was contemplating what I should write about tonight, while listening to Katie's #1 hit song on Itunes, ET, and eating Hershey's drops, it came to me.  I haven't posted pictures in forever!  These are always my favorite posts, so bear with me, as I know I'll probably go a little overboard...but anyway, here's what's been going on down here in amazing St. George!

Alex Boye concert, and last concert of the season!

There have been a lot of outdoor adventures lately! Hiking in Snow Canyon, scootering everywhere, the lake, spinny parks, and it just keeps getting better....now I just need to ride a dang horse...

Erika, our new roommate! She is way cute and we all get along great :)

Oh, no worries, my best friend is just MARRIED!!!!!

Discovering that I can paint my fingernails has become a whole new world.  Plus, the polish in this picture is the crackly kind.  Yep doesn't get much better than that!

Oh no biggie, the prophet was just the speaker at graduation...










Yep, some exciting things happening in the life of KateLyn Wall... hope I didn't scare ya too bad!

Bringin' back memories

The latest trend in good old D4 has been...drumroll please...Scooters! No, I'm not talking my vespa, or  anything with a motor for that matter. I'm talking real old fashioned micro scooters.  Bring back memories? It has for me!  My new roomie Erika surprised us one day by pulling these babies out of her trunk.  We have had some good times and

we've been everywhere on these things!  Took a ride around campus, been to Swig twice.  We went and paid the utility bill on them today, and we're even getting pretty talented at "synchronized scootering." (you think I'm kidding...video to come).  Stormie and I have been to the park on them a few times, we even saw a snake!  And they're even fun to ride around in the apartment (shhhh....probably not allowed...) seriously, I don't know why I didn't think about it before.  It's a good leg workout, and saves 100% on gas.  We've pretty much adapted to riding them everywhere we go, and it is so dang fun!  Seriously.  Bring back the old times! It's the perfect actitvity for when we're bored at midnight with nothing to do...plus it's free which is always a bonus! **humble living** 
Seriously.  With a little creativity, a scooter, a bag of Doritos and mini Reese's cups there is nothing we can't conquer. (Alright...add a diet coke to that list.  Who am I kidding...)




On a random side note, next week I get to TA at the Castle Rock Music Camp (http://castlerockmusiccamp.com) and I'm super excited! Since I wasn't able to attend Brevard, I at least get to do something randomly related to music this summer, if only for a few days.  And, even though it's not a camp where I am a student, I get to be on the other end of the scale as an instructor so we'll see how that goes :)

Color my world

If I had to pick a color that my life was represented by I think it would be pink.  I don't care how cliche the color is, I don't care that most every girl hates pink because it's stereotypical or to be expected!  I love it I don't care who you are!
My life is pink for  many reasons. Of course the obvious ones, pretty much everything I own is pink...my scooter, my purse, my sunglasses, my wallet, my Ipod, most of my shirts, towel, mirror, other mirror, and so on.  But then there are other reasons which may be less obvious.  Pink is right in between red and white, kind of how I am in between wild and tame.  Red is a crazy, bright wild color and white is very mild.  I'm definitely not a crazy person, but I have my moments, but at the same time, I know when to be serious, (doesn't happen often but it does happen).
Pink is such a pretty, soft color.  Some days I'm hot pink, I feel like going on an adventure, some days it's so light you can barely tell it's pink.  but at any rate, my life is pink, and I love it!

Not to mention Pink is my favorite brand of fragrance and lotion ;)

What color is YOUR life?

I think I've become completely nocturnal... ??

Who...what what??

Why being a music major is just as hard as any other major...And other fun facts about life!

There is a common misconception that pursuing music is easy and isn't a real career.  This post is not to bash on other majors, nor is it to complain about being a music major.  It's to explain to some of my non believing friends that being a music major isn't as easy as you might think.  Simply to say being a music major doesn't mean taking the easy way out. 

Most of our classes are one credit classes which means they should be easy right? Wrong.  One of my one credit classes was 6 hours a week.  Another was 4.  Both of these included additional practice time outside the class plus at least 3 concerts a semester.  My violin lessons, which is also one credit, is 2 set hours a week, plus a requirement of at least 12 practice hours outside of that.  There is even a zero credit class that is required for all music majors.  Don't be fooled though, we also have our share of 3 credit-ers.  Music theory, for example, consists of a test every week which is all you, you don't search for answers in a text book.  It's purely from your brain, as it is called music theory, not music fact.  Nothing is a hundred percent, hence the name music theory. Things can be argued, and basically you spend the first 3 semesters learning all the rules, and the fourth semester they teach you how to break them all!
 On top of that, of course, like everyone else, we have all the General Education classes and required-for-graduation courses depending on the school.

In addition to homework in all of our music classes, homework in all the GE classes, and learning the music for ensembles, there is also practicing on our own.  Like I said before, in the studio I am studying in, it is required to practice at least 12 hours a week on our own time learning the music.  It usually takes me closer to 24 hours a week to actually learn everything I'm required to learn. 

Juries.  If you're prepared then they're a piece of cake.  But even then, they're very, very scary.  Usually it's just finals in all your classes.  Being a musician, you have to do those finals in addition to a jury.  It's basically where you play solos in front professors in your department, and they basically determine whether or not you pass that whole semester.  It doesn't matter if you get straight A's in the rest of your classes.  If you don't pass your jury, you don't come back.  

There is so much more to music than just playing it.  There is theory, ear training, music history, conducting, performing, teaching, composing,  learning about other instruments besides your own, learning how to teach other instruments, and learning all the components of music that you don't think about.  Components such as keys, time signatures, accidentals, terms, composers, pieces, concertos, sonatas, etudes, scales, technique, posture...the list goes on and on. 

It is impossible to procrastinate as a music major.  This is both a blessing and a curse.  The blessing is that you are pretty much always prepared because you have to be.  The curse is that you could feel completely prepared for juries, with two pieces completely memorized, but then the week before juries realize you need to learn and memorize an etude too! (That's right, it's even impossible to procrastinate a week before).  The point is, you have to be on the ball if you want to survive the music world!


Now, this all being said, I absolutely love being a music major, for many reasons such as:
1.  I get to share everything I'm learning with the rest of the people pursuing the same thing as me.
2.  In the music department (at least at DSC) we are all one big family.  We can count on each other and we all support each other instead of compete with each other.
3.  I can do what I am pursuing already while I'm pursuing it! (gigs, teaching privately, etc.)
4.  I get to do what I love all day every day, and never get tired of it because there is a huge variety of music and genres. 
5.  I have the best teachers.  They really have to know their stuff.
6.  There is always room for improvement. In other subjects, once you've finished you have learned everything you need to learn.  Playing the violin, there is always something harder to learn.  There is no end in sight, and as a result it is never ever boring.
7. Music is so intimate and personal, I know I'm not just doing it because I know I will make lots of money, (if that were the case I wouldn't be doing it). I know I'm doing it because I have a personal connection to it and I love it.  Not just anyone can pursue music, you have to be completely dedicated and 100% committed and you have to have an ear for it.  It's not an "anyone can do it" lifestyle. 

Hope this helped...I really do love it, but it is a lot of hard work and it's not as easy breezy as people think it is.  So good luck out there, and keep it coming...I'm ready for fall semester to begin!

Summertime!

Tomorrow is officially the first day of summer vacation.  I hope I get a lot of hours at my jobs because there is really not much to do here....hopefully it will fly by, I already miss school! (I don't, however, miss the fact that I never have to take music theory ever again!!)
Anyway, here are some things I plan to accomplish over the summer.
Learn the entire Mendelssohn violin concerto
Earn lots of money so next year I don't have to call my mom whenever I need to buy a loaf of bread.  Seriously, quite annoying.
Pick up my routine of running every day again!
Blog more often-I'm going to have a lot more free time...(I know, I'm a broken record.  You don't have to say it) but just you wait. It's going to happen.
Take lots and lots of pictures
Freaking hike angel's landing already!! Good heavens
Earn enough money by the end to buy a CAR!!!
And a million other things but I've been on the computer all day and I'm sick of looking at the screen so use your imagination and be creative.  Yeah!

This week's top 5

I haven't posted about music for a while, and I feel like that's a sin. SO I'm repenting. Here are my top 5 listened to songs from last week! Enjoy...
No. 5
"I Run to you" by Lady Antibellum
Ok so actually it's not just this song of theirs, I've been obsessed with them for some reason this week.

No. 4
Taylor Swift and Boys Like Girls "Two is Better Than One"
So cute! Great first dance song for weddings :)

No. 3
"Out of my League" by Stephen Speaks
If I did this every week, this song would ALWAYS be on this list. I. LOVE. THIS. SONG.

No. 2

Shania Twain's "I'm Jealous"
SUCH a good song. Sometimes when I'm driving somewhere I listen to it 3 or 4 times in a row...
And...(drumroll pleast) the number one for this week is....
Katy Perry's "E.T."
Here it is. Enjoy. But really, you will. It is my feel good song. And it's great to do ab workouts to, just FYI

Easter: one of my favorite holidays

 I love Easter.  It's not because of the "Easter Bunny" or all the delicious things you make out of hard boiled eggs for the next week and a half (although that is an added bonus).  No, I love Easter because I get the same feeling that I feel at Christmas!  I don't know why Easter isn't as big of a deal as Christmas as far as media is concerned...because as far as why we have the holiday I believe that it is equally as important.  It blows my mind every time I think about it.  How could one person be so selfless that they would be willing to go through so much. 
Lets put it into perspective. 
When I get a paper cut I feel like I am in so much pain.  You know the feeling, it kills!  Now, take that paper cut and give every person in the world one.  Then, on top of that add every stubbed toe, broken arm, and broken heart.  Add every loss, sadness and sorrow.  On top of that add every sin, from thinking a mean thought about someone to shoplifting to running from the law.  Now, take all that pain, sadness and guilt and give it to one person to bear.  I don't know about you, but every time I try to comprehend what he might have gone through that night in Gethsemane I simply can't.  I know that I could never bear that much, especially all in one night.  It just makes me love him even more knowing that he took in all my pains and sins but still loves me just as much. 
So, I think we should all strive to make Easter a bigger deal than we do, put aside the eggs, bunny and new dresses and think about what it is really about.



Let every man and woman count himself immortal.  Let him catch the revelation of Jesus in his resurrection.  Let him say not merely, "Christ is risen," but "I shall rise."  ~Phillips Brooks

Time to take a breather...

It has been an absolutely CR@ZY semester! Probably the busiest semester of college thus far.  So, here for your enjoyment and pleasure is random facts and adventures of this semester!  It's time to take a breather

I am a teacher! I finally decided on my degree! After a huge inner battle with my lazy self, I decided that music education would be the smarter way to go.  It's going to take a bit more schooling, and a lot more work, but it will be worth it in the end.  AND I am slowly but surely building up my studio of students.  Ok so I still only have two, but that is two more than I had a year ago!  I DID say slowly..

I have so much school spirit, I am now a True Rebel!   To become a true Rebel, you simply have to kiss in the fountain at midnight on True Rebel night.  Not only did I become a True Rebel, but I got a free chap stick and an amazing date out of it! :)  That was definitely one of the highlights of this semester. There are photos on Facebook but I am not posting them there, just because...yeah.   You'll see why.

My best friend Haley since I was 8 is MARRIED! Her wedding reception was yesterday and it was beautiful! Pictures to come.


Things to look forward to:
There is only one week left in the semester, and it is more busy than all the other weeks put together
On top of classes, this is my week next week:
Monday: first lesson of the week, working on my Salute to Youth piece
Teaching one of my students
Tuesday: Second lesson of the week: Juries...(Basically juries determine if I pass the violin)
Masterclass
Wednesday: My birthday,
performing at a luncheon at noon
Performing in a masterclass at 4
Southwest Symphony dress rehearsal at 6:30
Thursday: Symphony Dress Rehearsal and
Choir concert at the same time!!
Friday: Salute to Youth Concerto competition (Yes, I'm terrified)
and my first final
and orchestra rehearsal
Saturday:  Orchestra rehearsal and 
Orchestra concert

Ah yes, this should be fun... :P I'm actually really excited! Oh yeah and nervous/ anxious/ scared/ jittery/ STRESSED!!! Good thing I have my squishy peach and lots and lots of chocolate...so lets wrap this up!

Riders of the Purple Sage

Check them out.  They're playing with the Southwest Symphony tomorrow and I'm obsessed.  NOW...I usually hate when people try to mix classical professional music with pops, but I can't help it.  Everyone knows I'm a country music girl, and they are so refreshing!  I'll try to get some video or something up because they are so good! My favorite is the lead guitar/banjo player/singer.   Yum. :D  It's going to be an awesome concert...yehaw! 
I do have two complaints about this concert though.  1.  I wish it was just them, because I really  hate pops concerts with the symphony orchestras.  It just seems silly to me and kind of unprofessional.
2.  WHY do we have to wear cowboy clothes?! UGH. Concert black, concert black.  CONCERT BLACK.  Yep I'm old fashioned...get over it!

http://www.ridersofthepurplesage.com/

P.S. don't forget, salute to youth! Click here to see the program, you won't want to miss this one, there are a lot of really amazing players

2011 in all its glory so far

The DSSO went on tour to Southern California this weekend!  It was SUCH a blast! Pictures of the orchestra to come...but for now here are some of the pictures I took on my personal camera...ENJOY because I sure did!

First encounter of the ocean!!

Seaport Village!

The parrot and cockatoo:  the parrot was Lola and I don't remember the cockatoo's name! Dang it.

THE BEACH!!!

Disneyland!

 Making the toad face :)

 Billy Hill and the Hillbillys...enough said. 

 We were being the old fashioned lady from Indiana Jones that is getting buckled in.

 Yum! Plus Arianna's awesome giraffe print Mickey ears...I am extremely jealous

Derek and me in front of the killer whale!