I swore this day would never come, but sadly, it has.
Hello, my name is Jordan, and I incorporate theory in my trumpet lessons.
*Sigh* It is true. Today, I was teaching lessons and found myself teaching music theory. Me, the girl who HATES (there really isn't a word to truly describe how I feel, but that works) music theory and everything about it. But it works as much as I hate to admit it.
I was teaching out of the H. L. Clarke book and really trying to drill key signatures. My idea is that I had no idea what the key signatures were when I got to UNCG and I don't want my students to be that way. This drilling entailed asking a few "obvious" questions: 1) How many sharps/ flats are there? 2) What are they? 3) What notes are not sharp/ flat? 4) What is the key signature? 5) Why? (Partially to trip them up, partially to reinforce that A has three sharps). After we went through this, it was scale time. I had them say the scale (A B C# D...) and then play it. Finally, after they played the scale, they played the actual exercise. I would have died if I had to do that, but that is partially why they are. I want them to know their key signatures and know their scales. There is no reason to have to pull out a sheet of papers with written scales if they know all of their key signatures.
So then the big theory stuff came in (thankfully no analyzing or anything like that). We talked about the ways to find the key signature (look at the last note, what is the 2nd to last flat, etc) and then I introduced the circle of 5ths. The sad thing is that it took me a bit to remember what I was actually doing, but in the long run it actually helped her. This, followed by the introduction of rhythm syllables.
What a sad day in trumpet lessons, but oh so productive. I just find it funny, that just like when we have kids and start sounding like our parents, I am starting to sound like my teachers. I guess maybe some of the stuff they say is actually true?
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Turning Point
"Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road..."
Ok, so nothing like that, but I think I have definitely hit a huge turning point in my playing. It is something I have thought for a few days now, but today definitely confirmed it.
A month ago, my tone was still very inconsistent and airy. I would die after only an hour of playing. And I definitely could not play lead consistently.
Well, three weeks ago, it started. I played "In the Garden" at my church and it went really well. Pure tone, few mistakes (the ones that were there were good ones), and just really a great run. Then a week of solid rehearsals getting ready for the recital. A few hiccups here and there, but nothing too major. Then the recital which went really well. I was sure there had to be something crazy going on.
Well, this week in Wind Ensemble I have been pretty consistent (except for the one day that I honestly did not care what happened as long as I could get out of there on time). Then yesterday I had a 2 hour rehearsal on lead trumpet for a brass ensemble for Easter. It definitely put my playing to the test, and I passed. I was honestly a little worried because of that "good rehearsal = bad performance, bad rehearsal = good performance" thing.
This morning, for some unknown reason, we rehearsed another hour and a half or so (in which I was unable to take anything down or relax) which again put me on edge. Not only was I having a great rehearsal, but I was worried I would run out of steam before worship even started. Well, I made it through worship and it was pretty damn good. My tone stayed pure, and while I did miss at least one or two notes in each piece, they were good and solid misses.
Ok. This is not a "look at me, I am great" moment. This is more, "holy cow what has happened to me?" My mom asked me if I ever thought that I would be able to play like this. In all honesty, I never in my life expected this... at least at my age. I figured maybe in a MMA or DMA I would get to this point. It is a really great feeling :) Of course it hurts a bit because one of my friends asked me why I was stepping away from music to go into ministry, right when I have hit something this great, and in all honesty part of me is asking the same thing. I guess that is how you really know you are doing the right thing.. when you don't want to necessarily, but you can't NOT do it. But as mom pointed out, I don't have to stop music. I am going in another direction, yes, but it is really just another new opportunity to see what I can do with my music.
What a great feeling :) Playing non-stop and doing what I love, and not having a bunch of professors and directors telling me that everything I am doing is wrong or not the way they would do it.
Really wanna hit the practice room right now, but sadly, I think it is time to rest. It has been a long morning!
Ok, so nothing like that, but I think I have definitely hit a huge turning point in my playing. It is something I have thought for a few days now, but today definitely confirmed it.
A month ago, my tone was still very inconsistent and airy. I would die after only an hour of playing. And I definitely could not play lead consistently.
Well, three weeks ago, it started. I played "In the Garden" at my church and it went really well. Pure tone, few mistakes (the ones that were there were good ones), and just really a great run. Then a week of solid rehearsals getting ready for the recital. A few hiccups here and there, but nothing too major. Then the recital which went really well. I was sure there had to be something crazy going on.
Well, this week in Wind Ensemble I have been pretty consistent (except for the one day that I honestly did not care what happened as long as I could get out of there on time). Then yesterday I had a 2 hour rehearsal on lead trumpet for a brass ensemble for Easter. It definitely put my playing to the test, and I passed. I was honestly a little worried because of that "good rehearsal = bad performance, bad rehearsal = good performance" thing.
This morning, for some unknown reason, we rehearsed another hour and a half or so (in which I was unable to take anything down or relax) which again put me on edge. Not only was I having a great rehearsal, but I was worried I would run out of steam before worship even started. Well, I made it through worship and it was pretty damn good. My tone stayed pure, and while I did miss at least one or two notes in each piece, they were good and solid misses.
Ok. This is not a "look at me, I am great" moment. This is more, "holy cow what has happened to me?" My mom asked me if I ever thought that I would be able to play like this. In all honesty, I never in my life expected this... at least at my age. I figured maybe in a MMA or DMA I would get to this point. It is a really great feeling :) Of course it hurts a bit because one of my friends asked me why I was stepping away from music to go into ministry, right when I have hit something this great, and in all honesty part of me is asking the same thing. I guess that is how you really know you are doing the right thing.. when you don't want to necessarily, but you can't NOT do it. But as mom pointed out, I don't have to stop music. I am going in another direction, yes, but it is really just another new opportunity to see what I can do with my music.
What a great feeling :) Playing non-stop and doing what I love, and not having a bunch of professors and directors telling me that everything I am doing is wrong or not the way they would do it.
Really wanna hit the practice room right now, but sadly, I think it is time to rest. It has been a long morning!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
A week later...
Well, after a night of not knowing how I felt about my recital, I decided to watch the video. I must say, I was pretty ok with it. There were mistakes, but I kept my tone and technique the entire way. And I have never had a recovery as good as the one at the end of my last piece. Everyone that went was really excited and impressed, and I found out today that there were double the people there than at the Casella concert. Yay :)
So I was teaching one of my highschool students the other day and made a realization. This is my music life now. Teaching and playing church gigs. Not what I originally planned, but definitely what makes me happy. Will it bring in the big bucks? Most likely not, but it keeps me playing/ practicing/ learning.
As far as my students go, I couldn't be happier right now. I have five students- 10 years old, two 6th graders, Freshman, and Sophomore. All have their own troubles, but all are great at many things. I started the 10 year old so she is really the one that shows what I can do. I am really proud of her. She puts in lots of practice time and comes into her lessons ready to work. What is most exciting is that she will be playing with her dad's 6th grade band on their last concert. My two 6th graders are a trip. They go to school together and have started a silent "competition" of who is better. The great thing about that is they are both sitting 1st and 2nd chair now- even better is that the one in 1st was in last when I got him. My high school students are their own. One has wanted to quit for a while but has continued to push. I think he will be ok as long as he makes it to this summer when the braces come off. The other is like a sponge, but terrified of that.
It is really cool to think that I am even able to do all of this now. Never in my life did I think I would be moving kids from last to first chair. I just need to keep my own motivation up to keep playing now that I don't have lessons or recitals anymore.
So I was teaching one of my highschool students the other day and made a realization. This is my music life now. Teaching and playing church gigs. Not what I originally planned, but definitely what makes me happy. Will it bring in the big bucks? Most likely not, but it keeps me playing/ practicing/ learning.
As far as my students go, I couldn't be happier right now. I have five students- 10 years old, two 6th graders, Freshman, and Sophomore. All have their own troubles, but all are great at many things. I started the 10 year old so she is really the one that shows what I can do. I am really proud of her. She puts in lots of practice time and comes into her lessons ready to work. What is most exciting is that she will be playing with her dad's 6th grade band on their last concert. My two 6th graders are a trip. They go to school together and have started a silent "competition" of who is better. The great thing about that is they are both sitting 1st and 2nd chair now- even better is that the one in 1st was in last when I got him. My high school students are their own. One has wanted to quit for a while but has continued to push. I think he will be ok as long as he makes it to this summer when the braces come off. The other is like a sponge, but terrified of that.
It is really cool to think that I am even able to do all of this now. Never in my life did I think I would be moving kids from last to first chair. I just need to keep my own motivation up to keep playing now that I don't have lessons or recitals anymore.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
I AM DONE!!!
Today was the recital. I really don't know how I feel about it though. There were moments that weren't so good, but I know that I had some good recoveries. Both Nancy and Dr. Bach seemed pleased so I guess it went well.
That's about all I have the energy to type right now. I will post videos later this week.
Today was the recital. I really don't know how I feel about it though. There were moments that weren't so good, but I know that I had some good recoveries. Both Nancy and Dr. Bach seemed pleased so I guess it went well.
That's about all I have the energy to type right now. I will post videos later this week.
Monday, March 22, 2010
The final days
So, this is it.
I started playing trumpet 13 years ago (3rd grade), in my Grandparent's living room. I still remember that first lesson like it was yesterday. My Grandfather gave me a HIDEOUS looking trumpet, but it was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen. It was made in 1912 so it had very little function... the tuning slide was a knob, not a slide, and the valves barely moved. "Say 'Hut'"... that is where it all began.
In fourth grade, I played "The School Song" for a talent show.
In sixth grade, I was it. I was the sixth grader that auditioned for All-County and played with the seventh graders. I got to teach the other kids how to play trumpet.
In seventh grade, I made my first All-County and was first chair jazz band.
After eighth grade, I went to my first UNCG Summer Music Camp and had my very first lesson with Dr. Edward Bach. I remember calling home before the lesson, terrified at what this Dr. Bach man would be like and what he would think about my playing.
High school came and I did my time in marching band, concert band (for longer than I ever wanted), wind ensemble, jazz band, and carolina brass. For the first time, I started questioning my abilities. JR tore me down repeatedly, but looking back, he only made me better. I came home in tears, always ready to throw in the towel and quit. I kept going to camp and got more lessons with Dr. Bach... turns out he was an ok teacher.
At my last year of music camp, Dr. Bach and I sat down and had the first of many serious talks. "I can tell you want to do science education, but you don't light up when you talk about it the way you do when you talk about music... just think about it." I thought he was out of his mind.
But I auditioned that January. I was accepted the next week and was lucky enough to receive a scholarship to the UNCG School of Music. So I came.
The minute I heard Trumpet Ensemble on the first day of class, my ego was out the door. I had never seen/ heard/ or been in anything like that.
The rest, they say, is history.
So, after all of that, this is my last serious week. On Sunday, I will give my Senior Recital, playing a mix of music that I have worked on with both my Grandfather and Dr. Bach. After that, no more lessons and no more "required" practicing. It is a really weird thought.
I have learned so much over the last 13 years- not just about music, but about life. Music has been my passion, my work, my hobby, the bane of my existence, and the worst thing in my life (just like any good boyfriend!). It won't end here, there is no way that I could let it end, but it will definitely change.
From here, I go to Seminary. I will still teach, gig, and hopefully do some more recitals. But it will never be the same. From here, I leave and am on my own. No more formal studies. It is almost terrifying.
So, after all of that, a HUGE thank you to everyone who made the last 13 years possible. My Grandfather has to have been the most important person in this journey. He is the reason I began playing trumpet, the reason I kept playing trumpet, and the reason that I have made it to this point and want to continue through teaching. All of my band directors- Mr. Branam, Mrs. Nelson, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Jobert, JR, Mr. Quinn, and Dr. Locke. Some incredible friends- John Fleggas, the most amazing group of band geeks ever (Kelly Tomlinson, Erin Smith, Lauren Saylor, Marc Larance, Dom Sanchez, Richie Francis, Stefan Mazzara, and Brian Davidson), Mike Schietzelt, and Ben Crotts (and of course all of my other INCREDIBLE friends... there are way too many to keep listing). Doc Askew, who has been an incredible mentor and friendeven though he didn't have to be. Nancy Davis, the best accompanist in the world and worth every cent! And of course, Dr. Bach, who continued where my Grandfather left off when I came to UNCG and has always been more than a teacher... he has been my friend. And yea... my family (who put up with way too many dieing cow sounds back in the day, and have come to every concert and most of my gigs).
I feel like this was a grammy speech or something. But it was all worth saying, and everyone really needed to be thanked.
So this is it...
I started playing trumpet 13 years ago (3rd grade), in my Grandparent's living room. I still remember that first lesson like it was yesterday. My Grandfather gave me a HIDEOUS looking trumpet, but it was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen. It was made in 1912 so it had very little function... the tuning slide was a knob, not a slide, and the valves barely moved. "Say 'Hut'"... that is where it all began.
In fourth grade, I played "The School Song" for a talent show.
In sixth grade, I was it. I was the sixth grader that auditioned for All-County and played with the seventh graders. I got to teach the other kids how to play trumpet.
In seventh grade, I made my first All-County and was first chair jazz band.
After eighth grade, I went to my first UNCG Summer Music Camp and had my very first lesson with Dr. Edward Bach. I remember calling home before the lesson, terrified at what this Dr. Bach man would be like and what he would think about my playing.
High school came and I did my time in marching band, concert band (for longer than I ever wanted), wind ensemble, jazz band, and carolina brass. For the first time, I started questioning my abilities. JR tore me down repeatedly, but looking back, he only made me better. I came home in tears, always ready to throw in the towel and quit. I kept going to camp and got more lessons with Dr. Bach... turns out he was an ok teacher.
At my last year of music camp, Dr. Bach and I sat down and had the first of many serious talks. "I can tell you want to do science education, but you don't light up when you talk about it the way you do when you talk about music... just think about it." I thought he was out of his mind.
But I auditioned that January. I was accepted the next week and was lucky enough to receive a scholarship to the UNCG School of Music. So I came.
The minute I heard Trumpet Ensemble on the first day of class, my ego was out the door. I had never seen/ heard/ or been in anything like that.
The rest, they say, is history.
So, after all of that, this is my last serious week. On Sunday, I will give my Senior Recital, playing a mix of music that I have worked on with both my Grandfather and Dr. Bach. After that, no more lessons and no more "required" practicing. It is a really weird thought.
I have learned so much over the last 13 years- not just about music, but about life. Music has been my passion, my work, my hobby, the bane of my existence, and the worst thing in my life (just like any good boyfriend!). It won't end here, there is no way that I could let it end, but it will definitely change.
From here, I go to Seminary. I will still teach, gig, and hopefully do some more recitals. But it will never be the same. From here, I leave and am on my own. No more formal studies. It is almost terrifying.
So, after all of that, a HUGE thank you to everyone who made the last 13 years possible. My Grandfather has to have been the most important person in this journey. He is the reason I began playing trumpet, the reason I kept playing trumpet, and the reason that I have made it to this point and want to continue through teaching. All of my band directors- Mr. Branam, Mrs. Nelson, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Jobert, JR, Mr. Quinn, and Dr. Locke. Some incredible friends- John Fleggas, the most amazing group of band geeks ever (Kelly Tomlinson, Erin Smith, Lauren Saylor, Marc Larance, Dom Sanchez, Richie Francis, Stefan Mazzara, and Brian Davidson), Mike Schietzelt, and Ben Crotts (and of course all of my other INCREDIBLE friends... there are way too many to keep listing). Doc Askew, who has been an incredible mentor and friendeven though he didn't have to be. Nancy Davis, the best accompanist in the world and worth every cent! And of course, Dr. Bach, who continued where my Grandfather left off when I came to UNCG and has always been more than a teacher... he has been my friend. And yea... my family (who put up with way too many dieing cow sounds back in the day, and have come to every concert and most of my gigs).
I feel like this was a grammy speech or something. But it was all worth saying, and everyone really needed to be thanked.
So this is it...
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
A bit ironic...
that the day after I post on here about finding what you love about music, I really feel at home again.
2 1/2 years ago, I sat in my very first UNCG Wind Ensemble rehearsal. 3 1/2 years ago, I sat in my very first UNCG Trumpet Ensemble rehearsal. In both cases, the feeling that I got when we started playing was overwhelming. I was FINALLY a part of groups that I had only dreamed about before. I was going to be listed as a performing member on profession CD's. I was going to tour with one of the best college ensembles in the country. Nothing could make me happier.
Today, I didn't have those feelings, but when we ran the pieces for our concert on Friday, I felt like I was an important part of an incredible ensemble. I haven't felt that way in a little over a year. I felt it when I was practicing yesterday as well. I FINALLY feel like I am supposed to play trumpet again. I don't feel like it is the center of my future the way I used to, but I do feel like it is something I can continue after March 28.
This has been a long time coming, but I am so glad it is finally here!
I actually WANT to practice tomorrow. :)
2 1/2 years ago, I sat in my very first UNCG Wind Ensemble rehearsal. 3 1/2 years ago, I sat in my very first UNCG Trumpet Ensemble rehearsal. In both cases, the feeling that I got when we started playing was overwhelming. I was FINALLY a part of groups that I had only dreamed about before. I was going to be listed as a performing member on profession CD's. I was going to tour with one of the best college ensembles in the country. Nothing could make me happier.
Today, I didn't have those feelings, but when we ran the pieces for our concert on Friday, I felt like I was an important part of an incredible ensemble. I haven't felt that way in a little over a year. I felt it when I was practicing yesterday as well. I FINALLY feel like I am supposed to play trumpet again. I don't feel like it is the center of my future the way I used to, but I do feel like it is something I can continue after March 28.
This has been a long time coming, but I am so glad it is finally here!
I actually WANT to practice tomorrow. :)
Monday, February 15, 2010
What do you love about it?
That is a question I have had to ask one of my students recently. What do you love about trumpet?
I have also had to ask myself that on multiple occasions. The crazy thing is that the answer is different every time. What do I love about trumpet? The feeling I get when I know I have done something right, the outlet it provides for me to really let out some emotions, the way I can convey so much without saying a word, how I go into another world where nothing else going on in my life matters...
You can play an instrument and not be in love with it. I have done it, as well as many others. However, you cannot be a musician until you fall in love.
It is terrifying to open up and share every emotion you have ever felt. But that is what it takes. You have to let go and just do it. This means giving up any control you think you may have, digging down deep, and breathing.
So what do you do when you can't figure out what you love? Well... I pray... hard. And you can't just give up right then. It takes work. Lots of it. I went 6 months without being able to figure out what I loved. There were times that I didn't play outside of lessons and rehearsals. And one day, something triggered a spark in me and I was able to get myself back in the practice rooms.
I think that is what needs to happen though... sometimes you have to back off a bit, but not give up. This is probably the hardest thing to do. Nothing hurts more than feeling like you are wasting your time every time you pull your instrument out. But when you find that love again, it is completely worth it.
I am not completely there. And my student is even further away. But I think that I am finding it again... maybe it is because the recital is 40 days away... maybe its because of something else. Either way, I am glad I am finding it again. I just wish I could help my student find it.
So, think about it. What do you love about your music (or whatever it is that you do)?
I have also had to ask myself that on multiple occasions. The crazy thing is that the answer is different every time. What do I love about trumpet? The feeling I get when I know I have done something right, the outlet it provides for me to really let out some emotions, the way I can convey so much without saying a word, how I go into another world where nothing else going on in my life matters...
You can play an instrument and not be in love with it. I have done it, as well as many others. However, you cannot be a musician until you fall in love.
It is terrifying to open up and share every emotion you have ever felt. But that is what it takes. You have to let go and just do it. This means giving up any control you think you may have, digging down deep, and breathing.
So what do you do when you can't figure out what you love? Well... I pray... hard. And you can't just give up right then. It takes work. Lots of it. I went 6 months without being able to figure out what I loved. There were times that I didn't play outside of lessons and rehearsals. And one day, something triggered a spark in me and I was able to get myself back in the practice rooms.
I think that is what needs to happen though... sometimes you have to back off a bit, but not give up. This is probably the hardest thing to do. Nothing hurts more than feeling like you are wasting your time every time you pull your instrument out. But when you find that love again, it is completely worth it.
I am not completely there. And my student is even further away. But I think that I am finding it again... maybe it is because the recital is 40 days away... maybe its because of something else. Either way, I am glad I am finding it again. I just wish I could help my student find it.
So, think about it. What do you love about your music (or whatever it is that you do)?
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