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