Today was my recital for "Harry's Wondrous World", the piece I've been working on since JANUARY! Most of it went really well, but I messed up a small part, I pulled through and managed to end it with a BANG! This has been one of the longest periods of time I've worked on a piece.
I was also the last, and therefore most advanced, student to perform, which made me more nervous than I already was! To add to the pressure, this was the first time I had performed without music in front of me, so this recital was a very, very scary one. Despite these challenges though, I think it went really well, especially considering the added pressured. I only stumbled once, but pulled through the end! Everyone liked it and I got many compliments, which was nice, but I still wish I could pull off another perfect piece. I suppose it is because I don't practice as often as I should, and don't focus all of my energy into it until the last minute. This is something I really need to work on if I want to get better, especially because I only have less than a year left before I go off to college and can't take lessons anymore. The next few months need to be focused on practicing more so I can get as far as I can before going out on my own.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
National Art Honors Society
As Co-President of the National Art Honors Society, Mira Loma, I helped organize several events for members where we bring local artists to campus to teach a new skill. The first was Deanna Marsh, a glass fusing artist. She came in and brought all the materials necessary, and helped us make some art with glass! We learned about glass and fusing and firing, how to cut, how to place, and how to do different things.
I've never done glass fusing, though my grandmother does and she's showed me some of her work, and it was interesting to see what goes into it. One thing I definitely learned was patience. I can't just cut the glass, slap it together and be done. I have to plan it out, cut the class carefully and in a way that conserves as much as possible, put it in place, glue it down, wait for it to be fired and cooled, and then do something with it. The pieces I made are jewelry, two pendants and a pair of earrings, so they still need to be attached to a chain/ hooks to be worn. Glass fusing is something I really want to explore more in the future, and now that I have the basics down, I can explore it on my own and develop better skills.
I've never done glass fusing, though my grandmother does and she's showed me some of her work, and it was interesting to see what goes into it. One thing I definitely learned was patience. I can't just cut the glass, slap it together and be done. I have to plan it out, cut the class carefully and in a way that conserves as much as possible, put it in place, glue it down, wait for it to be fired and cooled, and then do something with it. The pieces I made are jewelry, two pendants and a pair of earrings, so they still need to be attached to a chain/ hooks to be worn. Glass fusing is something I really want to explore more in the future, and now that I have the basics down, I can explore it on my own and develop better skills.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Grand Canyon
What can I say. All that comes to mind is WOW. Just WOW. The past few days have been an incredible experience that I will never forget for as long as I live. Many say when you finish the rim to rim in the Grand Canyon, you either really want to go back, or NEVER want to do it again. I definitely fall into the really wanting to go back category. That was one of the most amazing trips I have ever been on, but when I got to the top, I was sad because it was over and I had to go home. I would have turned around and gone back in after resting for a little while, but still that same day.
I'll start by describing each day, and how amazing each day was. I'm not trying to play this off as easy, it wasn't, trust me, but I would still do it again tomorrow.
Day 1
The last day of Junior year, and I dropped off a lab in 1st period, came home and helped pack. We left as soon as everyone was out of school and able to get to our house and we were off!! We drove and drove and drove across the nothingness of Northern Nevada, and spent the night at Bob Scott Campground in the middle of nowhere. My family had been there the year before when we took our own trip to the Grand Canyon, but we got there too late to take in the scenery or the cows.
Day 2
We woke up and ate breakfast fairly quickly to get back on the road. Then we drove and drove and drove some more. We stopped in several quaint little towns along the way, but where we wanted to spend the night, Great Basin National Park, was going to be getting snow that night- something we were NOT prepared for. So we kept driving until we were on the other side of the storm and into Utah. We found a campground on a lake and we camped on the red sand, watching the sun set over the lake right as we got there. We cooked dinner, made dessert, and went to sleep, weary of the scorpions that turn blue under a black light Dawn happened to have.
Day 3
I think I had finished my 2nd or 3rd book by day three of driving in the car (my total came to around 7 over the whole week). We finally reached the Grand Canyon! We set up camp, and then went to the lodge on the north rim to watch the sun set, and it was BEAUTIFUL. The spectacular colors, the way they bounced off the canyon walls, how the light changed the colors all around, and just staring into one of the seven wonders of the world was amazing. I was glad to be out of the car, and as we got packed that night, I was sacred, anxious, and excited.
Day 4
We got up, got ready, and hit the trail by 8AM. As soon as we got down into the canyon, it was spectacular! It took a lot longer than I though it would though. Like with the shakedown trip, it took us a while to get into our groove, but all four girls were up front, leading the pack. Liz got sick, but I think it was just dehydration or altitude sickness, so after resting for a little bit and drinking water, she was okay. We just kept going and going and going, passing SO MANY LAYERS! Dawn is a civil engineer with a specialty in soils, plus she'd been on the trip before, so she was a wealth of knowledge. I found a couple fossils in the layers as we went down which was awesome! By the time we got close to the campground it was 3:00, it was really hot, and I was tired. We went 7 miles the first day, and 4000 feet down in elevation. My knees didn't hurt they, but they did by the end! There was a creek nearby and we all went down to cool off by sticking our feet in and rinsing out our socks. I sat on a rock with my water color pencils and drew one of the cliffs nearby during sunset. We went to bed early, but it was hard to sleep because the sheet wasn't warm enough, but the fleece blanket was too warm. Eventually, Sarah and I fell asleep, ready for an early morning of hitting the trail.
Day 5
We got up early and hit the trail by 7AM, but looking back I wish it were earlier. I didn't fully understand why some people got up so early until that day. We took a mile detour to see Ribbon Falls, and I'm glad we did. It's a little oasis in a little canyon close to the bottom that is just gorgeous. There was life, water, and cool air everywhere, and I could have stayed there all day. Unfortunately we still had about 6 more miles to cover before we reached Phantom Ranch, the bottom of the Grand Canyon at the Colorado River. That day was flat and hot, though we dropped into another canyon that had sheer cliffs as we walked along a river. We also crossed a little marsh with a boardwalk-type bridge going over it that was really cool. By the time we reached the bottom, it was noon, 100 degrees, and unbearably hot. We went from wearing sweatshirts on the North Rim to as little clothing as possible at the bottom, in only two days. Once we got in, we all just sat in the creek that ran into the Colorado, and the same one we had been following all day. It felt so nice to just sit there and be cool, and look up at the canyon walls around us, and sleep next to a pile of schist that was millions of years old. I would go get my hat or shorts wet, come back to camp, sit on a rock and sleep or read, and once I was dry go back to get wet. That night was hot. I slept on top of my sheet, and just as it got cool enough to need to put the sheet over me, which was about 3 AM, we got up to hit the trail extra early.
Day 6
Hitting the trail at 5 AM, we crossed the Colorado and began the ascent. I'm so glad we started that early, because the sun began to hit us just as we were climbing Devil's Corkscrew, a tornado of switchbacks up a nearly sheer face. We continued up until we reached Indian Gardens, another oasis in the desert. This was my favorite place, and we reached it by 8 AM!! The four of us girls were so in sync by that point that we climbed 5 miles uphill in 3 hours. This is the best shape I've ever been in, and I'm proud of my accomplishment. That day we all lay around a HUGE tree in our campsite that kept us in the shade and cool. We all just lay there the rest of the day and read, slept, read, got up to go to the bathroom, read, slept, and on and on ALL DAY. It was the most relaxing yet strenuous day I think I've ever done, and I'd do it every day of my life if I could. That evening we hiked out the Plateau Point to see the sunset, but Sarah was "attacked" or rather ran into a cactus. We sat out on a point 1500 feet above the Colorado River pulling cactus spines out of her leg while she laughed about it. Then we headed back, presented skits towards our Leave-No-Trace Trainer Certification, and called it a night.
Day 7
This day seemed like it never ended, and was one of the best, most sad, most amazing days. We hit the trail at 5 AM again, and once again, us girls were at the top by 8 AM. However this was one of the hardest days, with over 30 switchbacks all the way up the face of the south rim. When i saw the end in sight, despite the mass amounts of tourists flocking down the path in my direction, I was relieved, but after resting a few minutes, I was sad it was all over! I wanted to spend so much more time with such a great group of people and in such a wonderful, magnificent place. After everyone got out, we went to SHOWER for the first time in four days, and it felt wonderful! Then we headed off for lunch and got to eat nice hot greasy food and some ice cream, though I couldn't eat much because my stomach wasn't used to holding onto the food for very long before burning it off while hiking. I layed down on a table and took a nap, then went sight seeing, and we finished off the night by finishing our Leave-No-Trace Trainer certification and sleeping well.
Day 8 and 9
It was all really over and we left the majestic canyon, heading back home. Two days in the car this time instead of three, driving home from the south rim was bittersweet. After four days outside, it was hard to get back in the car, but at the same time nice to rest. I read almost the entire time, and though a lot about what we had just done.
This trip has been one of the most extraordinary times of my life, and I know I've said this before, but I'll never, ever forget it. I experienced the majesty of nature and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, while enjoying the company of an amazing group with no drama, all fun, and a challenging hike. Almost 30 miles later, and a new wealth of knowledge, experience, and wonder, I left the Grand Canyon ready for more adventures like this, and I'm counting down the days until I can go back and do it all again.
I'll start by describing each day, and how amazing each day was. I'm not trying to play this off as easy, it wasn't, trust me, but I would still do it again tomorrow.
Day 1
The last day of Junior year, and I dropped off a lab in 1st period, came home and helped pack. We left as soon as everyone was out of school and able to get to our house and we were off!! We drove and drove and drove across the nothingness of Northern Nevada, and spent the night at Bob Scott Campground in the middle of nowhere. My family had been there the year before when we took our own trip to the Grand Canyon, but we got there too late to take in the scenery or the cows.
Day 2
We woke up and ate breakfast fairly quickly to get back on the road. Then we drove and drove and drove some more. We stopped in several quaint little towns along the way, but where we wanted to spend the night, Great Basin National Park, was going to be getting snow that night- something we were NOT prepared for. So we kept driving until we were on the other side of the storm and into Utah. We found a campground on a lake and we camped on the red sand, watching the sun set over the lake right as we got there. We cooked dinner, made dessert, and went to sleep, weary of the scorpions that turn blue under a black light Dawn happened to have.
Day 3
I think I had finished my 2nd or 3rd book by day three of driving in the car (my total came to around 7 over the whole week). We finally reached the Grand Canyon! We set up camp, and then went to the lodge on the north rim to watch the sun set, and it was BEAUTIFUL. The spectacular colors, the way they bounced off the canyon walls, how the light changed the colors all around, and just staring into one of the seven wonders of the world was amazing. I was glad to be out of the car, and as we got packed that night, I was sacred, anxious, and excited.
Day 4
We got up, got ready, and hit the trail by 8AM. As soon as we got down into the canyon, it was spectacular! It took a lot longer than I though it would though. Like with the shakedown trip, it took us a while to get into our groove, but all four girls were up front, leading the pack. Liz got sick, but I think it was just dehydration or altitude sickness, so after resting for a little bit and drinking water, she was okay. We just kept going and going and going, passing SO MANY LAYERS! Dawn is a civil engineer with a specialty in soils, plus she'd been on the trip before, so she was a wealth of knowledge. I found a couple fossils in the layers as we went down which was awesome! By the time we got close to the campground it was 3:00, it was really hot, and I was tired. We went 7 miles the first day, and 4000 feet down in elevation. My knees didn't hurt they, but they did by the end! There was a creek nearby and we all went down to cool off by sticking our feet in and rinsing out our socks. I sat on a rock with my water color pencils and drew one of the cliffs nearby during sunset. We went to bed early, but it was hard to sleep because the sheet wasn't warm enough, but the fleece blanket was too warm. Eventually, Sarah and I fell asleep, ready for an early morning of hitting the trail.
Day 5
We got up early and hit the trail by 7AM, but looking back I wish it were earlier. I didn't fully understand why some people got up so early until that day. We took a mile detour to see Ribbon Falls, and I'm glad we did. It's a little oasis in a little canyon close to the bottom that is just gorgeous. There was life, water, and cool air everywhere, and I could have stayed there all day. Unfortunately we still had about 6 more miles to cover before we reached Phantom Ranch, the bottom of the Grand Canyon at the Colorado River. That day was flat and hot, though we dropped into another canyon that had sheer cliffs as we walked along a river. We also crossed a little marsh with a boardwalk-type bridge going over it that was really cool. By the time we reached the bottom, it was noon, 100 degrees, and unbearably hot. We went from wearing sweatshirts on the North Rim to as little clothing as possible at the bottom, in only two days. Once we got in, we all just sat in the creek that ran into the Colorado, and the same one we had been following all day. It felt so nice to just sit there and be cool, and look up at the canyon walls around us, and sleep next to a pile of schist that was millions of years old. I would go get my hat or shorts wet, come back to camp, sit on a rock and sleep or read, and once I was dry go back to get wet. That night was hot. I slept on top of my sheet, and just as it got cool enough to need to put the sheet over me, which was about 3 AM, we got up to hit the trail extra early.
Day 6
Hitting the trail at 5 AM, we crossed the Colorado and began the ascent. I'm so glad we started that early, because the sun began to hit us just as we were climbing Devil's Corkscrew, a tornado of switchbacks up a nearly sheer face. We continued up until we reached Indian Gardens, another oasis in the desert. This was my favorite place, and we reached it by 8 AM!! The four of us girls were so in sync by that point that we climbed 5 miles uphill in 3 hours. This is the best shape I've ever been in, and I'm proud of my accomplishment. That day we all lay around a HUGE tree in our campsite that kept us in the shade and cool. We all just lay there the rest of the day and read, slept, read, got up to go to the bathroom, read, slept, and on and on ALL DAY. It was the most relaxing yet strenuous day I think I've ever done, and I'd do it every day of my life if I could. That evening we hiked out the Plateau Point to see the sunset, but Sarah was "attacked" or rather ran into a cactus. We sat out on a point 1500 feet above the Colorado River pulling cactus spines out of her leg while she laughed about it. Then we headed back, presented skits towards our Leave-No-Trace Trainer Certification, and called it a night.
Day 7
This day seemed like it never ended, and was one of the best, most sad, most amazing days. We hit the trail at 5 AM again, and once again, us girls were at the top by 8 AM. However this was one of the hardest days, with over 30 switchbacks all the way up the face of the south rim. When i saw the end in sight, despite the mass amounts of tourists flocking down the path in my direction, I was relieved, but after resting a few minutes, I was sad it was all over! I wanted to spend so much more time with such a great group of people and in such a wonderful, magnificent place. After everyone got out, we went to SHOWER for the first time in four days, and it felt wonderful! Then we headed off for lunch and got to eat nice hot greasy food and some ice cream, though I couldn't eat much because my stomach wasn't used to holding onto the food for very long before burning it off while hiking. I layed down on a table and took a nap, then went sight seeing, and we finished off the night by finishing our Leave-No-Trace Trainer certification and sleeping well.
Day 8 and 9
It was all really over and we left the majestic canyon, heading back home. Two days in the car this time instead of three, driving home from the south rim was bittersweet. After four days outside, it was hard to get back in the car, but at the same time nice to rest. I read almost the entire time, and though a lot about what we had just done.
This trip has been one of the most extraordinary times of my life, and I know I've said this before, but I'll never, ever forget it. I experienced the majesty of nature and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, while enjoying the company of an amazing group with no drama, all fun, and a challenging hike. Almost 30 miles later, and a new wealth of knowledge, experience, and wonder, I left the Grand Canyon ready for more adventures like this, and I'm counting down the days until I can go back and do it all again.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Shakedown Backpacking Trip
Yesterday I got back from a trip through the mountains as a shakedown trip before heading into the Grand Canyon next month. We drove up Friday night, hiked in about a mile, and then camped for the night. The next morning we got up and hiked downhill for a loooong time to simulate what the Grand Canyon will be like. Once we got to our camping spot, we hiked down to the river, and just hung out in camp. Lunch was a first, though! It was nice getting to know Amy and Sarah better since they will be the other girls going on the trip with us, along with my sister, Katherine. Dawn and my dad were the other two adults on this trip, but Liz Williams (VP of Girl Scouts Heart of Central California) and two of her friends will be joining us in Arizona, but not on this trip. Walking back out was hard, but we did it faster than it took us to get down. I think once we got back into the groove of backpacking after the winter, we just kept going and going!
I am slightly nervous because my pack was slightly heavier than it should be, but it still was a bigger burden than I thought it would be. Hopefully I can find a comfortable spot where my pack fits before we head on such a huge expedition I definitely need to work on my endurance and get out more, but for the most part, I think I'm almost ready to dive down into the largest hole in the ground!
I am slightly nervous because my pack was slightly heavier than it should be, but it still was a bigger burden than I thought it would be. Hopefully I can find a comfortable spot where my pack fits before we head on such a huge expedition I definitely need to work on my endurance and get out more, but for the most part, I think I'm almost ready to dive down into the largest hole in the ground!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Piano Recital
CRASH AND BURN.
"Arabesque" did not go as well as I had hoped despite my attempts at practicing as much as I could. I messed up and couldn't get back into the swing of it right away which was devastating after all the time I put into it! I was able to pull myself back together and end the song well, but I still wish I had been able to get the whole song done perfectly!
This is one of my major flaws that hold me back a lot of the time, I've come to discover. I am always striving for perfection, and am heartbroken when it doesn't come. Piano is especially hard when I see others who play brilliantly, but then I have to remember my phase when I wasn't practicing at all, and those weeks when it just slips my mind. Most of the time I say it's because I don't want to disturb others, but I know deep down that isn't a legitimate excuse.
"Ode to Joy" with Cristine when well at least! It wasn't perfect either, but at least we did a good job! Cristine was extremely nervous, and at first I wasn't sure if she would be able to do it, but she pulled through, and I'm really proud of her!
"Arabesque" did not go as well as I had hoped despite my attempts at practicing as much as I could. I messed up and couldn't get back into the swing of it right away which was devastating after all the time I put into it! I was able to pull myself back together and end the song well, but I still wish I had been able to get the whole song done perfectly!
This is one of my major flaws that hold me back a lot of the time, I've come to discover. I am always striving for perfection, and am heartbroken when it doesn't come. Piano is especially hard when I see others who play brilliantly, but then I have to remember my phase when I wasn't practicing at all, and those weeks when it just slips my mind. Most of the time I say it's because I don't want to disturb others, but I know deep down that isn't a legitimate excuse.
"Ode to Joy" with Cristine when well at least! It wasn't perfect either, but at least we did a good job! Cristine was extremely nervous, and at first I wasn't sure if she would be able to do it, but she pulled through, and I'm really proud of her!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Piano Lessons
I'm really, really, really scared about the recital coming up in a few weeks. Cristine and I are doing better, but for some reason, I just can't get "Arabesque" to work for me! It's not like I'm not practicing, I am, but I don't think my fingers are up to this challenge. The piece is short, but not sweet, and definitely not simple. The more I try to think about it, the more my fingers seem to not want to work. Over the next two weeks I'll have to work really hard to make sure this piece is in tip top shape for the recital. It really doesn't mean much, but the fact that I can take a piece and perfect it means a lot to me. The only time I've actually done it was with "Ode to Joy" and that was because it HAD to be perfect in order for it to work. And in that case I think the pressure of HAVING to be right, not just wanting to be perfect is what did it for me. I also practiced a lot more than I have for this piece. I'll try really hard to get this finished, but I don't know that I can get it to where I want it to be.
"Ode to Joy" with Cristine is just about there, and we will be fine. I still have to practice a lot to get there, and SHE actually has to practice, but I know how she feels and what's going through her mind because I have been in that same spot, where I didn't practice for years! I just hope she can pull it together so we can both have an awesome recital.
"Ode to Joy" with Cristine is just about there, and we will be fine. I still have to practice a lot to get there, and SHE actually has to practice, but I know how she feels and what's going through her mind because I have been in that same spot, where I didn't practice for years! I just hope she can pull it together so we can both have an awesome recital.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Piano Lessons
To make up for a rescheduled lesson, I had an hour lesson today which I love because we can get so much more covered and worked on.
I ended up having to postpone the recital since I ended up being out of town doing other community service and wouldn't be home in time to make it to the recital. Plus, this way we both have more time to work on and perfect our parts of the duets, and it won't be as stressful.
Today, we worked on everything: My theory book that I finally found, "Arabesque", further on "Harry's Wondrous World', and worked some on "Turkish March" which I have completely neglected, partially because of time and also because I'm afraid of how hard it might be, so I'm putting it off so I don't have to deal with it. This is something I really should work on since it will inhibit my ability to further my skills later in life. I need to just bite the bullet and work on it no matter how much I really don't want to. I know that once I do it won't be as bad as I thought. But today instead of worrying about the specific chords in each measure, Debra told me to just focus on the chord of the whole major, for example just playing an A chord instead of worrying about hitting the A then the C and E. With this method I think I can tackle "Turkish March" but with the crazy season coming up at school, I'm not sure how much time I can put into it.
I ended up having to postpone the recital since I ended up being out of town doing other community service and wouldn't be home in time to make it to the recital. Plus, this way we both have more time to work on and perfect our parts of the duets, and it won't be as stressful.
Today, we worked on everything: My theory book that I finally found, "Arabesque", further on "Harry's Wondrous World', and worked some on "Turkish March" which I have completely neglected, partially because of time and also because I'm afraid of how hard it might be, so I'm putting it off so I don't have to deal with it. This is something I really should work on since it will inhibit my ability to further my skills later in life. I need to just bite the bullet and work on it no matter how much I really don't want to. I know that once I do it won't be as bad as I thought. But today instead of worrying about the specific chords in each measure, Debra told me to just focus on the chord of the whole major, for example just playing an A chord instead of worrying about hitting the A then the C and E. With this method I think I can tackle "Turkish March" but with the crazy season coming up at school, I'm not sure how much time I can put into it.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Movin' On Up
My favorite event to work as a Program Aide (PA) at is called Movin' On Up, where the PAs design a program for 5th grade Girl Scouts. The goal is to show these younger girls that they don't have to quit Girl Scouts just because their friends don't think it's "cool", and show them the benefits of remaining in the program. We interact with and talk to the girls as often as we can, telling them how we have grown though Girl Scouts. I feel that more girls should remain in Girl Scouting through middle and high school due to Girl Scout's commitment to shaping girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We encourage them to continue on to complete their Girl Scout Gold Awards which is an 80 hour project that serves their communities, and helps them grow into strong young women.
This program is my passion because Girl Scouts is such an important program that generates so many women who go on to achieve great things, whether they are publicly recognized or not. Politicians, multiple astronauts, news anchors, and so many more have began as Girl Scouts and gone far. I want every girl to have this opportunity, and if my commitment to a weekend program makes all the difference, I will willingly do so. I get to meet over 400 girls every year who are just like me when I was their age, and I have one weekend to make an impression on them and hope that they will go on to work towards their Gold Awards, and make the world a better place.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Piano Lessons
Today was my first practice playing with Cristine, and I think it could have gone better. I didn't get the chance to look at the music until right before the lesson, and I went over it twice before having to go play with her. However considering these circumstances, I think I did pretty good. I know now that I need to work on the last stretch before the repetition of the beginning, since that is where we both tend to make mistakes, and therefore where I need to be the best. If I can keep my part correct and accurate, then Cristine will know where she is supposed to be if she messes up, and will be able to find her place again. On the flip side, I need to be able to follow her if she makes a mistake and doesn't correct it, otherwise the sound will be completely off and ruin the performance. I need to work really hard especially because this is where she is the most uncomfortable, and it's doubly hard since it is where I am also the most uncomfortable.
"Arabesque" I coming along well, though I have neglected the other two pieces. I should pick them up again, soon, but when I only have so much time to practice, I need to pick my battles, and recently it's been "Arabesque". The recital is scheduled for April 18th, and that's not too far away, so I need to get as close to perfect as I can. I'm still having troubles with the 16th notes but that can only be fixed with practice, so now I just need to work on the dynamic changes, which should be fun to work on.
"Arabesque" I coming along well, though I have neglected the other two pieces. I should pick them up again, soon, but when I only have so much time to practice, I need to pick my battles, and recently it's been "Arabesque". The recital is scheduled for April 18th, and that's not too far away, so I need to get as close to perfect as I can. I'm still having troubles with the 16th notes but that can only be fixed with practice, so now I just need to work on the dynamic changes, which should be fun to work on.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Piano Lessons
Today I started another duet with a newer student and a friend of mine, Cristine. She started taking lessons a few months ago, and I'm going to do a duet with her for her second recital. It's a beginner book, one that I started with when I first began lessons nine years ago, and we're playing "Ode to Joy", which is kind of funny in several ways.
First, it is the duet I just played with Chris, but this is a much simpler arrangement. Cristine is playing the basic melody and I will be accompanying with more complex chords that will enhance her performance.
This will also be good for me since I need to work on my improvisations when I mess up to not affect the other musician. This is especially important since Cristine is more prone to make mistakes than Chris was since Cristine is just starting out and still new to piano. It is important for me to make sure I can have my part as steady and perfect as possible so it does not mess her up too much, and we both can perform to the best of our ability.
Another reason this song choice is funny is the same version of "Ode to Joy" Cristine is playing is the same version I played at my first recital. While this will not be Cristine's first recital, it is her first non-Christmas recital, which bring this all in a full circle. I find it odd yet intriguing how this happened, and I want to do everything I can to make Cristine's performance as flawless as possible so she can enjoy the experience like I did when I performed it.
First, it is the duet I just played with Chris, but this is a much simpler arrangement. Cristine is playing the basic melody and I will be accompanying with more complex chords that will enhance her performance.
This will also be good for me since I need to work on my improvisations when I mess up to not affect the other musician. This is especially important since Cristine is more prone to make mistakes than Chris was since Cristine is just starting out and still new to piano. It is important for me to make sure I can have my part as steady and perfect as possible so it does not mess her up too much, and we both can perform to the best of our ability.
Another reason this song choice is funny is the same version of "Ode to Joy" Cristine is playing is the same version I played at my first recital. While this will not be Cristine's first recital, it is her first non-Christmas recital, which bring this all in a full circle. I find it odd yet intriguing how this happened, and I want to do everything I can to make Cristine's performance as flawless as possible so she can enjoy the experience like I did when I performed it.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Bike RIde
Today was an eventful day! While riding bikes, the wind was blowing really hard, and in order to decrease the amount of work I put in, I was drafting my dad, letting him block the wind for me. However, I was too close and going too fast, and ran into his tire, crashing into the pavement. I ended up breaking my back brake, bruising my hip and knee, and scraping my hands, face, knee and elbow. It was quite exciting, especially since I got to test the first aid capabilities of the adults in the group, and I can proudly say they all passed with flying colors.
Other than that, the ride went great, even after I fell. With some bandages, and neosporin, I got back on my bike and rode the rest of the 15miles. This time, one of the girls and I rode side by side and were able to talk the entire time, which was a nice change. I like watching the scenery and having the quiet to think, but it's also fun to change it up and do something different.
As much fun as bikeriding has been, I don't think I'll be able to do the Chico Wildflower anymore, since that's the day after prom and I have a lot of work due that week. I would really love to, but maybe next year when I have more time.
Other than that, the ride went great, even after I fell. With some bandages, and neosporin, I got back on my bike and rode the rest of the 15miles. This time, one of the girls and I rode side by side and were able to talk the entire time, which was a nice change. I like watching the scenery and having the quiet to think, but it's also fun to change it up and do something different.
As much fun as bikeriding has been, I don't think I'll be able to do the Chico Wildflower anymore, since that's the day after prom and I have a lot of work due that week. I would really love to, but maybe next year when I have more time.
Hiking
We went on another hike today to get ready for the Grand Canyon trip. As it gets closer, the more excited I get, but I'm also a little scared because I haven't been able to get out and hike as much as I've wanted to.
We went to Stephen's Trail in Auburn today, and it was about 7 miles over 13000 ft elevation change. Going down was easy and a lot of fun since there wasn't much uphill, but coming out was a killer. At first it was a stead incline and wasn't that bad, but about halfway up, it got really steep and I had to take it slow. One of the adults with us on the hike and also going on the Grand Canyon trip has been before, said that taking it slow and steady was the way to go. I was worried that I was really out of shape since I was going so slow and one of the members of the group was way ahead and ready to keep going. But when I heard this I felt better and decided to go at my own pace instead of trying to keep up to the other group members.
One good thing was there were TONS of wildflowers along the way, and I made sure to take lots of pictures of them. But when we got there, I found out that my camera screen had broken, so I followed a point, shoot, and pray method, where I pointed the camera, shot a picture, and prayed it turned out alright. Most turned out though, when I got home and plugged my memory card into the computer. It was a lot of fun, and even though I am exhausted now, I'm glad I went and it was good for me to get out again.
We went to Stephen's Trail in Auburn today, and it was about 7 miles over 13000 ft elevation change. Going down was easy and a lot of fun since there wasn't much uphill, but coming out was a killer. At first it was a stead incline and wasn't that bad, but about halfway up, it got really steep and I had to take it slow. One of the adults with us on the hike and also going on the Grand Canyon trip has been before, said that taking it slow and steady was the way to go. I was worried that I was really out of shape since I was going so slow and one of the members of the group was way ahead and ready to keep going. But when I heard this I felt better and decided to go at my own pace instead of trying to keep up to the other group members.
One good thing was there were TONS of wildflowers along the way, and I made sure to take lots of pictures of them. But when we got there, I found out that my camera screen had broken, so I followed a point, shoot, and pray method, where I pointed the camera, shot a picture, and prayed it turned out alright. Most turned out though, when I got home and plugged my memory card into the computer. It was a lot of fun, and even though I am exhausted now, I'm glad I went and it was good for me to get out again.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Bike Ride
Since I am planning on riding in the Chico Wildflower, a 60 mile bike ride, in April, I'm starting conditioning now so I will be in shape by the end of April. Today we rode on the American River Bike Trail for about 10 miles, 5 each way. We rode down to Snooks in old Folsom and back, and it was a lot of fun. Hanging out while on the bike trail and racing each other, myself and the other Girl Scouts with us had a blast! At Snooks we stopped and got some ice cream to cool us down ( I got lemon sherbet, yum!). We had a new girl with us this time, and she forgot her inhaler, so she was having a really hard time, and ended up going home at Snooks, but I think she had fun otherwise, and I hope she comes back.
I haven't ridden my bike in a really long time, and I forgot how enjoyable it is! I don't get overheated when I'm riding because the wind cools me off, it's not too strenuous, and it's just fun! I love going fast up hills and not pedaling on the way down and barely putting on the breaks, just feeling the wind on my face and the speed. I'm always careful, but it's fun to go fast and be careless a little every once in a while.
One of the other girls and I rode raced most of the way, but I had it easier since I had rode tires and she had mountain bike tires that requires more effort to go the same distance. My bike is an older Schwinn, so it doesn't have thumb gears, they're at the center of the handlebars, and down a ways, which makes it harder to shift. They also weren't working properly today, and I'll see if my dad can fix them before the next ride.
I haven't ridden my bike in a really long time, and I forgot how enjoyable it is! I don't get overheated when I'm riding because the wind cools me off, it's not too strenuous, and it's just fun! I love going fast up hills and not pedaling on the way down and barely putting on the breaks, just feeling the wind on my face and the speed. I'm always careful, but it's fun to go fast and be careless a little every once in a while.
One of the other girls and I rode raced most of the way, but I had it easier since I had rode tires and she had mountain bike tires that requires more effort to go the same distance. My bike is an older Schwinn, so it doesn't have thumb gears, they're at the center of the handlebars, and down a ways, which makes it harder to shift. They also weren't working properly today, and I'll see if my dad can fix them before the next ride.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Piano Lessons
I'm slowly working towards all my pieces, but it's really hard to fit time in to practice with all my school work and everything else. I really want to be able to play the piano well, but I know I can only get there by practicing a lot, and working really hard. I've also realized that I don't know much theory, which is coming into play now when I'm trying to read the notes faster. I struggle with the notes at first, but I've realized that after a while I just memorize the fingering and placement of my hands, and don't really pay much attention to the music. I do reference it, but not as much as I should. I need to dig out my theory book that I never finished and work on that. The problem will be finding it since I haven't really worked out of it in years. I've become really serious about piano after the years I spent not practicing and brushing it off as something extra that I could just do. Now I'm suffering from those years of not practicing and not really caring, so I want to make up for it as best as I can.
I've also been playing "Primavera" so I can keep it in my repertoire and not lose it. But as I'm playing it and not worrying about messing up or having the stress of having to make it perfect, I love the feeling I get when I play, especially the slow cescendo towards the end. I don't know how to describe it, but it makes me feel alive and happy, and actually enjoying playing, instead of stressing out. I want to be able to do this more, and in order to do so, I have to work hard and practice hard, but I'm willing to do so.
I've also been playing "Primavera" so I can keep it in my repertoire and not lose it. But as I'm playing it and not worrying about messing up or having the stress of having to make it perfect, I love the feeling I get when I play, especially the slow cescendo towards the end. I don't know how to describe it, but it makes me feel alive and happy, and actually enjoying playing, instead of stressing out. I want to be able to do this more, and in order to do so, I have to work hard and practice hard, but I'm willing to do so.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Piano Lessons
This was my first piano lesson since the Christmas recital where I played Ode to Joy, and I picked a new piece to play. It is called "Arabesque" by Bergmuller, and although it is short, it is advanced technically and will allow me to really work on my fingering and volume changes while playing a nice piece. It's really short, even with a repeat, but it sounds quick, fun, and exciting. It has 16th notes, and lots of them, which will be the hard part, but I think I can do it well.
I'm also going to work on two other pieces at the same time because I want to be able to do more than one at a time, and this way I can progress faster since I'm running out of time to focus and perfect my skills since I'll be going to college in just over a year, and won't be able to continue lessons.
My other pieces are "Harry's Wondrous World" by John Williams, since I love Harry Potter so much and I did a Harry Potter piece in the past. This one is longer and more advanced, and while it will be some work, this one is also for my enjoyment. The last piece is "Turkish March" by Mozart, which is another piece that looks hard, but I'm up for the challenge.
I'm also going to work on two other pieces at the same time because I want to be able to do more than one at a time, and this way I can progress faster since I'm running out of time to focus and perfect my skills since I'll be going to college in just over a year, and won't be able to continue lessons.
My other pieces are "Harry's Wondrous World" by John Williams, since I love Harry Potter so much and I did a Harry Potter piece in the past. This one is longer and more advanced, and while it will be some work, this one is also for my enjoyment. The last piece is "Turkish March" by Mozart, which is another piece that looks hard, but I'm up for the challenge.
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