I think I will make my way back to this blog. Tumblr is great, but it is more about pictures and videos than introspective writing. So yea.

Gotta finish a few papers, then Ill make some posts.

D

Sigur Ros - Hoppipolla

ok im trying this tumbler blog...and I think its better so far....graphically its stunning....

check me out

classicallytrainedblackkid.tumblr.com

Twilex -- Alex and Twitch hip hop

Hip hop performance minus Ellen

Ellen and Twitch SYTYCD 7 Finale

This is a must watch. Ellen is a beast haha. But seriously..Watch the original above. This is a post menopausal woman people!

This is how I feel about these auditions

Last night I had a dream, When I got to Africa,
I had one hell of a rumble.
I had to beat Tarzan’s behind first,
For claiming to be King of the Jungle.
For this fight, I’ve wrestled with alligators,
I’ve tustled with a whale.
I done handcuffed lightning
And put thunder in jail.
You know I’m bad.
I have murdered a rock,
I’ve injured a stone, and hospitalized a brick.
I’m so bad, I make medicine sick.
I’m so fast, man,
I can run through a hurricane and not get wet.
When this audition (George Foreman) meets me,
He’ll pay his debt.
I can drown the drink of water, and kill a dead tree.
Wait till you see Muhammad Ali.

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

Life is good

My voice doesn't exactly line up with the video..but you get the point...right?

My Senior Recital Program

Looks like my Junior recital was a little ambitious compare to my Senior recital

My Junior Recital Program

Being Noticed

So I have another blog, and this is an old post from 2009ish that I wrote that I thought was still interesting and true

I think a part of life that is often over looked but represents one of the greatest feelings that we humans can feel is that moment when someone shows you in their own way that you are noticed. Not that obligatory hello that people say in the hallway when walking by, but a representative notion that you have some value in their life. And that's when you have been a success people! It is that moment precisely that you know that you have placed a footprint in this world. For somehow, you have left a mark on that person for the rest of their life.

When did it happen to me this year? I would go to Dr. Moll's office and he would talk and talk like he knows how to do so well. He would tell me everything I needed to know to be successful in his class. He would profess his knowledge on a particular subject in a non-objective way and then send me off to make that personal decision of whether to listen to anything he said, or do nothing. The moment where he showed me that I was noticed was when I took my last test in music history and scored on of the highest grades. He was amazed that I took what he said seriously and it instantly opened a door to a different side of him that i've never seen before. Before he talked down to me and looked at me as some mediocre student trying to just pass, now he looks at me as an apprentice; as someone eager to learn what knowledge he has to offer. It was the first time that a teacher at ECU noticed me and for that I am forever grateful.

So, think about it. What was one moment you can remember when someone expressed that you were noticed. It doesn't have to be a teacher or professor, it could just be a friend, foe, or passerby.

Deron

You know what's bad? The fact the the only reason why I want to go to sleep is so I can wake up extra early to go practice.

Today I practiced for 8 hours straight. It was the best practice session of my life.

What I learned...

Stop focusing on whats coming out of my horn and instead listen to myself as if I were in the audience.

before you play>>>think>>>If I were sitting in the audience, what would I want to hear....>>>>play

Edward Fiske has personally handpicked the top undergrad music programs that should be on YOUR radar for the 2011 academic year!

• Berkele College of Music – A Mecca for the non-traditional and non-conformist.
• University of California at Los Angeles – The leader among West Coast music schools.
• Carnegie Mellon University – Unusual for its combination of arts and technology.
• Curtis Institute of Music – The best school of music not located in New York.
• Eastman School of Music – Leading school with ties to University of Rochester.
• Indiana University – Leading music program in Big Ten country.
• Juilliard School – The Harvard, Yale and Princeton of arts schools rolled into one.
• Rice University – Small university with the Southwest’s biggest reputation in music.
• New York University – NYU’s music programs are national leaders in all things arts.
• Oberlin College – Combines liberal arts with a competitive music
• Yale University – The Ivy League’s premier music school.

Grad School Auditions

What I have ahead of me:

Horn

Applicants will read an orchestral excerpt and demonstrate familiarity with all major and minor scales and arpeggios. In addition applicants will play:

1. one movement of a concerto or sonata
2. one étude by Kopprasch and one by Gallay
3. the following orchestral excerpts:
   • the last movement of Brahms’s Symphony No. 1
   • the second-horn part from the trio of the third movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3
   • the second movement of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5
   • R. Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel
   • Ravel’s Pavane
   • the short call from Wagner’s Siegfried’s Rheinfahrt
   • the first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7
   • the third movement of Brahms’s Symphony No. 3

Music is all I have right now. And that's ok with me.

Marvin Sapp | The Best In Me

Fantasia Total Praise Video

Broadened Horizons

This has been the most action packed horn week ever. I don't know where to start so I will have to do a day by day:

Thursday

1. The horn studio had a master class with Cheryl Neberhaus. I played an etude that I was having difficulty with and she told me some great things. Mainly that I needed to rethink the sound that I desire to play. She move my hand position and it made things easier and opened my sound, but it wasn't a functioning hand but it sounds great.
2. Next, I got to sit in on the 4 hornist's first rehearsal of the Schumann Concert Piece. I made a recording and I was just blown away with how musically and how far each player was able to push and what is even better is that everyone is such a beast.

Friday

1. Rehearsal
2. Lesson with Dr. Abagail Pack- There was a life lesson in this lesson...at the end of the day, one must just deliver. Its not about how tired you are, its not about how much you don't know...its about putting everything you have into the performance. Needless to say, I didn't do as well in the lesson as I thought I would...but its neither here or there now.
   
3. Brass sectional- So the DAY before the concert the brass section of the orchestra had our 1st rehearsal. What I learned....appoint someone to be the mediator...to be in charge but to direct the ideas of the musicians into one succinct thought so there aren't a room full of people talking and getting nothing done.
   
4. Panel discussion=LIFE CHANGING. Lesson learned: Roll with the punches, and NEVER make excuses. Progress.
   

Saturday

1. Rehearsal 10-12:30
2. McAlisters- great bacon spud
   
3. Lesson with Laura Carter- LC is everything I want Dr. B to be in the sense that when she presented a problem, the also gave a solution, and it wasn't one of those "figure it out" situations. I have it recorded and I am so excited about that.
   
4. my mouth is itching..good thing (a week later- as I am updating this, my lips are itching again which means that blood is flowing! I am gonna be such a great horn player)
   
5. Concert- BEST OF MY LIFE. And the reviewers thought so as well
   

   http://www.cvnc.org/reviews/2010/092010/ECUSymphony.html

Sunday

1. Goldsboro Concert 8am at school of music- Great acoustics. There was a moment when we were playing in the second movement of the Tchaikovsky that I thought, "this is what I am supposed to be doing with my life". It was almost an out of body experience, but it was so great. Music is my life, and I am ok with that.
   

Leontyne Price sings "My Man's Gone Now"

ok I lied. this is too good not to post. Nothing better than a black virtuoso

Jessye Norman, Deep River, Levine,Carnegie Hall 1990

ok my last one for the night

Jessye Norman on 60 Minutes 2/2

Jessye Norman on 60 Minutes 1/2

Gustav Mahler / National Polish Radio Symphony - "Symphony 5 in C-sharp ...

The top two killers of dreams: complaining and excuses!

I Can Only Be Me

So this week flew by for me so much so that it seems like a blur, but I feel like i've learned so much about myself in just a few days. I think this has to do with the fact that most of my classes make me think about music and about my purpose as a musician and such. It sucks that it took this long for someone to finally ask me, "why did YOU choose to be a musician. And what do you want to do with your life?" Its really strange actually...professors are actually listening to the words that are coming from my mouth; like really listening. Its not that typical nod that they give coupled with them moving on really fast to a new subject. It's them listening and asking more and more questions as I go. SO what did I learn this week you ask?

1.) You get what you give

I practiced this well for probably 2 or so hours a day and then another 2+ hours of rehearsals everyday this week, but it was apparent by my lesson that I wasn't giving everything I could. So what I Got in my lesson was a mediocre etude that could have been better and an unpolished piece. I mean, it was passable but definitely needed work. Then something weird happened...I got ashamed of what I played. I realized I could do so much better and give so much more. I was shortchanging myself....wasting my tuition money away. It was clear; To become a better I need to make sure what I am holding up my end of the bargain.

2.) Get down or get OUT!

No one likes a player who is just a place filler. I am the type of person who feels like I am wasting my and everyone else's time if I am playing so soft that it is inaudible. I found myself telling people over and over to play louder, GO for it. That is what we came to school for....to take our playing somewhere it has never been before, right? So, how can we take our playing to the next level if we are afraid to go there. We never know until we try, and trying gives us the chance to be successful and success breeds more success.

I read a quote this week that said, "The moment we start being afraid to make mistakes is the moment we stop growing as a musician." Think about it

3.) I can only be me

Lastly, this week has taught me that I can only be me. I read an article that talked about how there is beauty in having a personality to your horn sound. Copy cats lose themselves, and a listener would much rather listen to someone who plays musically, makes mistakes, and has a personality than someone who plays "perfectly" with no emotions. Then the article talked about tone color and such in relation to the same topic.

I sat after I read the article...and now that Im thinking about I believe it was a section of the book, "The Art of Trumpet Playing", and I pondered, and I listen to different people in my studio at ECU, and then it hit me. I can only be me. I can't play with your tone color, I can't play with your control, I can't play with your anything...because God made us different. Physically we are not the same, so why in my mind was I thinking that what we produce from the horn is going to be exactly the same.

I need to embrace my sound. I need to love my sound. I need to love my perfections and imperfections, because in essence it means that I am loving me. I am loving myself for the good and the bad, and fixing the things I can along the way. Because when it is all said and done, and I walk across that stage to continue my journey where ever life may take me, I have to realize that I can only be me.

Japanese Precision

you cant tell me I can't make it, if these people can do this.

Aretha Franklin - Just a Lucky (So and So) - Live - 1973

Joseph Meidt XRAY-Movies of Trumpet and Horn player

Kirk Franklin Now Behold The Lamb

You're not a music major...you'll never understand

I'm in a good place right now...

I should be practicing more considering I have a recital coming up in November. Recently, I have been in a position where everyone is asking me to add more to my load and for the first time in a long time I have been saying quite simply, "no". It's like the older I get, the more I realize how significant, or insignificant things can be, and now I have the clear sight to decide against the things that I don't want to do. It's quite an interesting feeling for me and I wonder how other people feel when I tell them that I can't figure out their problems for them, and that they'll have to handle it themselves.

Anyway, so when I tell people I can't do whatever it is they need me to do, some explanation is required of course..because 'no' is not good enough of an answer. And what is that answer you say?

"Im a music major, and that's all you need to know"

Currently in my last semester on campus at ECU. I have a lot on my plate but Im sure I will be able to manage. My first lesson went well and I have managed to turn in all but 1 assignment, so I am still in the A range for all of my classes.

My recital is gonna be:

Espana- Buyanovsky

Sonata for Horn- Ewazen

Concerto no. 1- Strauss

Brahms Horn Trio

Of course I not gonna play all of the movements for everything but I am just trying to jump through the hoops and get prepared for my audition lit. I am looking to teach in New Jersey so I need to make sure I have all of my ducks in a row for that.

Besides that, my life is practice, practice, practice.......homework.....other responsibilities...and then practice some more. I swear sometimes my name is superman....

http://www.diddyblog.com/2010/08/love-letters/

Alabanza

Watch Him Work

Well, it's time for an update...haven't talked to you guys in a while...let's see.....what's new?

Well, I finished my first Senior year as a music major. I found that the performance major was a lot more difficult than I originally expected because of the history requirements. Piano literature and Wind literature almost killed me...I thought I would have a nervous breakdown taking those two classes, but I finished the semester with like 7 A's and 2 B's, so I am satisfied. Moreso about that fact that it's over. This summer I went through a period where I wanted to change life plans and not go to grad school for music anymore...that changed about two weeks ago.

I was talking with a coworker about life and I told him all of my plans, and they sounded really great on paper. And then he asked me a question that changed the way that I thought about EVERYTHING. He said, "Did you pray about it".....I paused and thought for a minute even though I knew the answer to that question. Of course I did not pray about it but promised myself that I would that day. On the drive home, I asked God to guide me to where he wanted me to be and I would listen and do what I had to do to get there. I exhaled and let go of all of the stress and expectations and plans and everything.

Then a strange thing happened....everything started falling into place. I planned on visiting my best friend since High school in New York and booked my tickets a few months ago. A few days before the departure I was informed through facebook that there would be free seminars for music at Juilliard with the Imani Winds. The hornist for the Imani Winds, Jeff Scott, would be there so I decided to facebook him and tell him that I would come and I was excited and such. I didn't think he would facebook me back, but he did and was really excited that I would be there and told me to come and audit the master class that David Jolley was going to do.

Once I got to NY on friday I woke up early and a few subways and city blocks later I was staring at THE Juilliard School....THE Juilliard School....I have looked at their website too many times to count and have wished to go and visit there school for more than 10 years, so to finally have the chance to walk in the building was arguably one of the best experiences of my life. I made my way to the Morse Recital Hall...heard clapping....opened the door, hurried to a seat and looked left...and sitting RIGHT next to me was none other than Jeff Scott. After the performance he gave me a hug and immediately I told him that I wanted to study with him, and I was ready to get things moving forward with that. We had a great short discussion and I left. As soon as I walked out of the door to Juilliard, I knew in my heart that God was working and showing me..."look how much better I handle things than you can". I could have started crying/shouting/praying at that moment.

Later that night I went to the Broadway show "In the Heights" and was absolutely blown away. At that moment I knew I wanted to be a broadway musician. Even better, Jeff, has been playing on broadway for the Lion King for the last 13 or so years. This whole experience wasn't planned by me, it was all of a sudden, and I think is a testimony to how good God is.

It doesn't end there! My best friend who I visited sister works in Human Resources for a health conglomerate and while in casual conversation I told her I was in the army and that I was a pharmacy specialist. She told me she just hired a pharmacy tech. last week with 4 years experience starting at 50,000 a year, and that she would hire me as well starting between 50-70,000 a year! I have 5 years experience!

I am thankful that HE has shown me where I need to be, what I need to be doing, how I need to be doing it, and how i'm going to finance it all.

Praise him...I just had to share this with someone who would appreciate it!

Just in case you need a little motivation for your day

Optimism

I am determined to have a good day. I hope I did well on my theory test. I'll find out sooner than later. Sigh...maybe working out will make me feel better about everything.

one of those days

I don't know if I woke up on the wrong side of the bed or what, but I have been having such a 'blah' day today. Almost like I am merely going through the motions of life. Woke up, took a shower, went to school to warm up and practice for about 2 hours, wind ensemble for another 2 hours, break, piano literature for an hour, break till 7 o' clock ensemble. Go home, take a shower go to sleep. I have to remember to stay out of my head and in the present. Wind Ensemble was very good today, the horn section sounded really good and I think we are finally beginning to get outside of ourselves with our tone and intonation. If I can think in retrospect if I am glad I came to ECU, I would have to say yes. I can honestly say, that I have grown so much as a person, a player, and Lord knows ECU has humbled me in so many aspects. When the weather is like this (gloomy) I am always put in a terribly down states which sometimes overwhelms me. Like always, I shake it off though.

The real world outside of the music building is reminding me of its existence once more. Rent is due, need to get an oil change, pay my assistant, and pay the light bill/phone bill. Everything always hits at the same time.

Off to Live,

Deron

Good Day

So I braved the weather and went to school early to study for my theory 4 test. I really had no idea what the heck the test would be on because the material that we went over was so on the surface that I couldn't think of what we would possibly have a test on. There was plenty on the test however; a section where we had to write in 9th and 11th and 13th chords; a section on tristan and Mahler; and a little figured bass/descending chromatic sequences.

It wasn't that bad, and afterwards I had plenty of time to get ready for my lesson. I dedicated this lesson to Strauss and played excerpts from Ein Heldenleben, Don Quixote, Don Juan, And Till Eulenspeigiel Merry Pranks. I also did the 3rd movement of the Gliere Concerto which sounded great! It is really great when hard work pays off.

Private lessons are a process. You work and work all week on specific things that will make your playing better in the future; you climb towards the peak of the mountain on to, at the end of your lesson, to be placed at the bottom to climb up once more. Most times you never actually make it to the top, but on select occasions you make it high enough to feel good about your accomplishments. Needless to say, I feel pretty good right now because I had two great lessons in a row. Texas and Brevard application submissions are coming up, so I need to get back acquainted with the Mozart 2nd concerto exposition. Class at 4, rehearsal at 6, dinner at 7:30 for my fraternity brother, then free for the night.

Off to live,

Deron

Fame

Currently watching Fame for the second time. I purchased it a few weeks ago on my itunes and wasn't impressed the first time and decided to give it another try.

"Parenthetically study, drill, and technique do not stifle talent; they free it. " Kelsey Grammer in Fame

I am feeling really good about my playing lately. I have generally practiced every day for multiple hours with an occasional break. This week, I didn't play on Saturday because of the snow, alas today (Sunday) I braved the snow and made it to the music building. I got a good practice room, so my tone was resonating so much which adds to a players ego. Sometimes, a much needed ego boost if they have spent so much time in a dead practice room.

I have been somewhat obsessed with looking at grad programs and have come to the conclusion that I must worry about the now before I can worry about the future. This is because most programs require the student to have received a 3.0 GPA or higher in order to be accepted to their programs. With that said, I have a 2.8 and 3 semesters to bring it up. I feel as though it will teeter around 2.98 ish, but that is definitely not good enough for the places I want to go. Notably, Yale, Juilliard and Eastman. This semester, I only feel like I am going to have a problem with theory 4 because there is a lack of definite structure and it's really bothering me.

When I feel like I can't go on with music somedays...I look at their websites and i'm energized physically and emotionally. Speaking of which, I need some inspiration.

Off to live,

Deron

possibility

Possibility

What Juilliard Has to Say About their music program

Juilliard has the advantage of a student body well grounded in the fundamentals. Unquestionably, Juilliard students have demonstrated a very strong potential to master their instruments, their voice, their composition or conducting talents. The role of the School is to build on the technical prowess students bring to the music in order to continue the transformation from competence to artistry.

Students of voice, for example, develop the ability to integrate the voice and the text from a very personal perspective. String players must plumb the depths of a lyricism that speaks of the music’s very essence. Brass and wind players shape the music with their very breath, as the instrument literally becomes the player’s own voice. Composers must capture what they hear in the mind’s ear, shaping and giving life to the sounds of the music.

Whatever the avenue of expression, the process that envelops all music students at Juilliard is largely the same. Everyone undertakes extensive private study with a major teacher. Students may do work in any orchestral or keyboard instrument, voice, composition, and orchestral conducting. Piano students also may study accompanying on the graduate level. Advanced singers may audition for admission for the Artist Diploma in Opera Studies. Music students complement their major studies with courses in music theory, music history, ear training, and a wide range of departmental offerings. Learning is an ongoing process at Juilliard. It is a process that elevates performance, one that is equally rewarding for students and their teachers. It is one that persists long after graduation, as students become teachers and performers themselves.

Chamber music occupies an especially important position at Juilliard. The School’s famous ensembles-in-residence — the Juilliard String Quartet, the American Brass Quintet, and the New York Woodwind Quintet — perform at Juilliard every year. Many of their rehearsals are open to students. The ensemble members, who are also on the faculty, coach student ensemble groups and collaborate with other faculty members as part of an extensive program of chamber music playing. Each year an outstanding graduate string quartet-in-residence works with the Juilliard String Quartet, receiving coaching and, in turn, serving as teaching assistants.

Many Juilliard activities have become well known for their contributions to the public’s appreciation of the arts. Among the most important is Focus!, an annual week-long festival of 20th- and 21st-century music that frequently incorporates dance and drama performances. Recognized as being among the finest festivals of its kind, Focus! involves more than 200 Juilliard students and plays to capacity houses.

Dream School

drinking away aprehension

So today is an interesting day. I had a long day with theory, a lesson, and wind literature. Wind lit is really boring right now as we are just focusing on the historical aspects of wind ensembles and such. I swear I went to sleep 15 times, with the lights being dim and all I had no choice. We are just finishing up on Wagner and Tristan and Isolde in theory which is a relief. Too bad we have a test on Monday. What was good about my day was my lesson.

I warmed up at 9ish and was feeling really good about my playing. I went to class after that and came back to the horn at 12 and sounded like a fifth grader. I was immediately set aback because I just thought that I would sound better having warmed up earlier, but what I realized is that I needed to warmup all over again. I did so and it turned out to work in my favor as I had a great lesson.

I played a Rochut exercise that began in A major and changed to B major. I played a Concone exercise to work on my lyricism and then a hard Reynolds etude, all of which I had been working on all week. I felt really prepared, but Dr. B wants me to work up 10 or so etudes that I could play for my jury. She also thinks I should play the Gliere for my jury. I think so as well.

With that said, I am currently drinking wine, despising the fact that if I don't go and practice tonight, I will hate myself for the rest of the week. Or maybe I won't go, I have already played for at least 4 hours today. All signs are pointing to me not practicing. I'm so tired.

Off to Live,

Deron

With Quiet Confidence

Everyday I feel the dream of me moving on to a great grad school gets stronger and stronger, even when the things in normal life may get worse and worse. And I was sitting and worrying and getting stressed out when the only thing I need to do is let GOD take control.

I am going to be honest when I say that it is very hard for me to keep God in control because so many thoughts go through my head and the process of becoming a great horn play can be rather torturous at times. On the bright side, it is only January. That leaves me all of February to get ready for the Brevard audition submission. After that, my main goal is getting my tongue where it needs to be on these high notes and continuing to develop my tone. I am currently working out of the following etude books: Reynolds for technical, Concone for lyricism, Rochut for low range support and bass clef note recognition. I do the Kreihbel Games, the Tuckwell slurs, and Abagail Pack's warmup in some shape or form everyday.

For my lesson tomorrow, I really don't know what I plan on playing...arg...I have been practicing plenty of different things, but no one certain thing. Well I guess I have been doing this one Rochut everyday, but besides that I have only been working consistently on the Gliere 3rd movement. Dr. Burroughs wants me to do some more etudes, so perhaps i'll work something up tonight..but it is 11:44 and I am rather tired as it is. What to do, what to do...

Off to Practice,

Deron

P.S.- Lord please give me some extra confidence this week. I need it.

Grad Schools

So I am currently pursuing 2 undergraduate degrees 1 in music education and 1 in horn performance. I am basically finished with all of my music education requirements and only have to take senior 1 (music 4323) and then do my internship in the spring. Since I do have so much space in my schedule I added the performance degree which adds a wealth of piano classes, a few history classes, and do another recital.

Currently I am taking a piano literature class, a wind literature class, piano 3 and some ensembles. The piano class is kicking my butt, but I am learning a lot really quick. The Piano literature class is in the professors office, and the 8 or so students sit around, listen to the professors lecture, listen to piano music, and listen to him play. Pretty interesting class altogether but I am nervous because I don't know whether his test are going to be easy or not. My wind lit class doesn't have any test, but instead has tons and tons of work to do instead. I feel like it is one of those classes that if you do the work, you get an A. Besides my lesson, I am not really worried about my semester, but I have come to the conclusion that music performance may be a more difficult major than music education.

Music education is full of classes that aren't thought provoking but time consuming. Performance is full of classes that are thought provoking and difficult, and require so much time outside of the class to prepare and practice and such. Not to mention the fact that if you don't play well, you aren't going to get a job once you graduate. I am a decent horn player, but I definitely am a hard worker and have promise.

With that said, I am looking at different grad schools in and out of North Carolina. UNC Greensboro, North Carolina School of the Arts, University of South Carolina, Florida State University, The Ohio State University, Cincinnati Conservatory, New England Conservatory, The Juilliard School, Eastman, and Carnegie Mellon.

But first....I need to practice some more.

Off to live,

Deron

Practice

So I ended up going to practice last night. Me and my girlfriend were supposed to go and do something, but since that didn't happen I figured I might as well be somewhat productive last night. I only practiced for about an hour, but things were definitely going well. I am confident it has everything to do with the long tones I did earlier that day. My tone and my notes were really open and high notes were not strained at all. I actually stopped a few times because something was so damn beautiful I had to make sure it wasn't a fluke accident.

I am currently working on music for a summer music festival called Brevard. It is in Brevard, North Carolina and is a 2 month program during the summer. I feel if I make it in, that would be my big break. Only problem is I have to make it in. I am working on Reinhold Gliere's Horn concerto in B flat which is a beast of a piece because of the length and how technical the movements are. It makes up for the technical aspect in the beauty of the progressions and such. If I can get it where I need it to be, then I will compete in the concerto competition, but I don't know if I would be able to endure the whole piece (25 minutes long).

I really hope David comes through with the lessons with Rachel from the North Carolina Symphony. If I am to make it into Juilliard or Eastman, or any other good school for that matter, I must be prepared to work double hard to become a solid player.

The Imani winds, an African American woodwind quintet, is coming to play at ECU in March and I am going to play for the horn play Jeff Scott. This may be a little hopeful, but I am wishing he would see something in me and be able to get me some connects in New York. I will play with all of my heart and soul like this is my big break, because I feel it actually is. I wouldn't mind winning the Andrew McAfree Mock Audition either. That would be a few accolades that I would put in my applications to different schools.

It is current;y 7:39 am on Saturday, January 16, and I want to practice. I was told that I must feed my soul with the things in which I want to be when I get to career destination. With God on my side, I honestly feel like I will make it. Cause y'all, he watches over me.

Off to Live,

Deron

My life in music

I have always struggled with polishing my horn playing. I have the technique and such down and it is not a problem, but making it sound beautiful is a different story. We have many talented horn players at ECU and I can't help but to compare myself to everyone. This is my fourth year at ECU and my playing and range has gotten better but I just can't seem to sound beautiful. What I am realizing is 'beautifulness' of sound more important that anything. I have made it this far and I refuse to give up on my dream of being a professional horn player. I picked up the other major so I would look better on paper when I audition to different places. I practice everyday (even weekends) for at minimum 2 hours, but I am most comfortable when I have played for at least 3 hours a day. Some days I can do 5 or 6, some days I can't.

I talked to David for the first time in a while and he is going to hook me up with Rachael, a horn player for the North Carolina Symphony. I just need to get better. I only have one more semester of ensembles, and I also have to do another recital next semester as well. If I can figure out this beauty of sound thing out i'll be fine. I also need to work on endurance and such because this recital has to be a little longer than the one I did last semester (although it probably could have been classified as a full senior recital).

I get so discouraged sometimes, I really do. It's a good thing I am prepared to fight for this.

Off to Live,

Deron

on to the next

So my journey towards the acquisition of my second degree has begun. I have taken all of the music education classes that I can take, and now I am just going through the motions and trying to become a better player. I only have a solid year and a half to do it, but i'll be fine. I am taking a class in wind literature which should be interesting. I am really glad that we don't have any tests but it is made up for in the amount of work we have to complete. I am actually pleased with this type of class situation so it is cool. The only thing is the class has a 5 point grading scale so a 95 and above is a 100. *arg* I'll do fine though. I can't wait for class tomorrow. I have the 3rd level of piano, which is going to be incredibly difficult for me, but Ill get over it.

Off to live,

Deron

Movement

I got back from Memphis a few days ago which means my journey through marching band is over! I thank God that he let me make my way through that class despite how much crap it really was. I managed to make 12 A's and a D in marching band which sucks because it would have been the first time I made a 4.0 GPA, but i'm over it. Refund checks should be arriving tomorrow which means I have to make my arrangement to go to Miami and New York. I think I am going to have a better time in New York because a friend and I are going to see the New York Philharmonic and possibly get some lessons with a few professors at Juilliard *crossing my fingers*. I don't quite know what I would play for them, but I'll figure something out.

I feel like I am getting closer and closer to my dream of being a professional musician, which is great. I gig occaisionally but I want and need a steady income from music. Auditions are coming up this saturday and I feel as though I am moderately prepared. I need to polish a few things. I need to figure out my articulations in my high register. I need to sound more beautiful. It is 8 in the morning and now I feel I must practice. Until next time..

Off to Live,

Deron