Mmmm, summer

May 12, 2008 at 11:45 PM

Since I definitely don't feel like studying for my English final, I think I'll go ahead and procrastinate by blogging here, since it's been awhile. :)

First off, may I say, I am one final and one jury away from completing my first year at college?!? It feels so weird. Honestly, it seems like I've gone through the equivalent of 2 years of school, in comparison to what high school was like for me. Despite some frustrations with my teacher, I've had a good year overall. Some highlights were getting to play for Gil Shaham and the Ahn Trio, studying a bunch of great chamber music, and serving as concertmaster of my college orchestra. Not to mention making some amazing new friends and learning a lot about life, about myself, and about people in general.

I really can't wait for summer though. And next year. Mmmm, I'm excited. For the next couple months, I'll be practicing intensively to learn some new repertoire and prepare for the second session of Aspen. I'm starting the Bach A minor Sonata and Prokofiev G minor Concerto as soon as I get done with my jury. I LOVE the Prokofiev and cannot wait to work on it. And Bach . . . well, solo Bach has always been one of my favorite things to practice. I'm also working on Mozart D Major and some excerpts for Aspen placement auditions. On the one hand, I'm incredibly excited to go study with Paul Kantor and play in a great orchestra, but on the other hand, it'll be quite a new and challenging experience for me. Two months! I'm sure the time will fly.

I'm all enrolled for this fall now as well. I'm taking Theory III, psychology, orchestra, violin lessons, studio, chamber music, and viola lessons. It'll keep me really busy, so I'll have to be careful about my time management, but I think I'll also stay motivated, which I really need right now. I'll be in two trios — a piano trio playing the Smetana G minor, and a clarinet trio doing the Khataturian. My other main project for this fall is the MTNA competition, which my school is hosting this fall. So, I'll be busy preparing for that as well. Hopefully I can enter with both solo and chamber music repertoire. I'm excited.

And then next winter . . . transfer auditions. Ah, its kind of far away, and I'm still trying to finalize my list of schools, but I plan on using the Bach and Prokofiev. I don't like to dwell on the thought to much because it makes me nervous, but auditions are my overarching goal for this year. I just need to keep my eye on the target and work steadily and I'll be fine.

Okay, now back to studying . . . yay Chaucer . . . not.

;-)

From Terez Mertes
Posted on May 13, 2008 at 3:14 AM

What fun hearing about your year. Gil Shaham - wow, cool! Is he as wonderful and giving in person as he appears to be on stage?

From Terez Mertes
Posted on May 13, 2008 at 3:15 AM

Hey!!! I didn't realize until I looked at your bio that you're going to KU. Whoa, cool! That's my alma mater.

Rock chalk, Jayhawk, KU! : )

From jake bush
Posted on May 13, 2008 at 3:57 AM

I just listened to some of your recordings on your website. Marvelous playing! You should be very proud of your talent.

But hey, don't knock Chaucer :)

From Karen Allendoerfer
Posted on May 13, 2008 at 1:27 PM

While you are studying Chaucer, maybe you could listen to some Chanticleer for inspiration.