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.