It Has Been A While

I have had many great things come my way at Northeastern Illinois U. I survived the semester. Although, a very rough beginning trying to get class now that my commute is 2 hours and 20 minutes, instead of the nice 5 to 15 minute walks to my classes at Luther. But the very frigid weather there caused me to not want to get out of bed in the morning and among other reasons that shall remain in the past.

I have worked hard. I could have worked harder. I am smart and wouldn't have gotten this far with pursuing a Music degree at now 31 years old. But why not? What is stopping me?

I think I have finally woken up from my slumber after a major setback. I am beginning to trust people again and realizing other people believe in my talent as well. But also know that I need to believe in me and not care what anybody else thinks and not worry so much about pleasing people. I still worry about pleasing people some of the time, but more or less than I used to.

I love performing and I think it showed at my Jury final for the semester. Can't wait to get cracking on my Recital Rep. once I get over this cold. My mom's lovely Chicken Soup has been working on my congestion like magic! :)

I was quite pleased with my Jury performance. I was slightly stiff in the beginning when Dr. H had me start with Faure's "Chanson D'Amour." Frankly, it is not really my favorite piece and I don't want to sing it again or perform it. Haha! And as far as the Amy Beach I got some great feedback and they all seemed to like this piece in my voice. Dr. Hibbard said it was definitely more forward than the Faure. I think I was just nervous and warming up my nerves anyway. Dr. H said I had some dotted rhythm issues. I am sure I will fix that when the time comes for my recital, and I probably had the wrong idea on how to count the dotted eighth rhythms in 6/8. I really enjoy that piece, "Take, O Take Those Lips Away" and it really showed. I truly think God was helping me through the Jury because I worked really hard and prayed for an excellent jury, even when I had subtle pauses between the next piece I prayed in silence. I am excited for my Junior Recital and can't wait. I deserve this!