![[icon]](http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/24691263/1103341) |
Howard, there's a rather alarming mountain heading our way.
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| | Current Music: | Some Aida drama. | | Time: | 10:28 am |
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| I have so much to do at work, but I just do NOT feel like doing it!
I also have so much SHTUFF to pack, but here I am at work, updating my life journal. Heavens!
I had a meeting with my anthropology professor yesterday. She thinks I should go into policy making, in fact she thought that's what I wanted to do. I was like "um...musicology, aaaaaaaactually." There isn't enough time for another career change, and I do not believe in policies. They also ruin someones life one way or another.
When did I acquire so many books? I have to go home, put as many books in my backpack as I possibly can and try to sell them to used book places. That would hopefully make room for I don't know things I use like...BEDDING. GAH.
Stress. Even when I do not have class I am stressed. Who am I?
That is all. | comments: Leave a comment   |
| | Current Music: | Padre, ricevi l'estremo addio - Mosuc/Shicoff/Zancanaro | | Time: | 11:24 am |
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| I am obsessed with Elena Mosuc, although I cannot really tell if she should be singing stuff like Liu and Luisa Miller. She does, on the other hand, have a very Scotto-esque voice - so maybe it's okay!
I should be working, especially since I had a dream about 2 hours ago in which I was fired for doing nothing after which I walked around the office in just my underwear.
How did junior year end? I am sure you are all wondering.
The positives: I got really close to Madge and Ryan Brock, and I don't just mean that emotionally. We have physically spent every day together, along with the Tow, for what may very well be two weeks! I did not cry the last time that I saw Jeffrey, and even though I miss him from time to time, it has been my growing relationship with those in my class that has made me realize that I do not need to be dating someone (cut to me: having a weekend long fling with an 18 year old latino with abs of steel. Literally.)
Negatives: I have been to lazy to go to the grocery store, so I have eaten out everyday. Luckily, I don't get hungry during the summer, so it's not that often. I have found a new love for vending machine coffee.
I don't feel like doing this positive/negative thing anymore.
I am so worried about grad. school! I take the GREs in a month or so for the first time, and then I need to finish two papers for school starts in August. I think I should be more than fine, but I don't know!
Here is where I am applying:
NYU
Columbia
Cornell
Boston University
Rutgers
University of Maryland
Brooklyn College.
I just want to go back to the East Coast! | | comments: Leave a comment |
| 1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Hm, many things I guess! Drank an entire bottle of wine (or champagne) in one sitting...multiple times.
Walked around Pittsburgh at 2am.
Brought a friend home for Christmas (Adam!)
Got drunk in front of my entire family at my sister's wedding.
Paid more than $50 for jeans (they were 50% off though!)
Wore excess amounts of purple (and will continue to do such!)
2. Did you keep your New Year's Resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't remember what they were last year! But this year's are goals that are ongoing:
1. Read a new book every week.
2. Listen to more German music.
3. Be a happier person
4. Be more tolerant
5. Care less about what other people think
6. Put myself first once in awhile.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My voice teacher's wife did. Does that count?
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My paternal grandfather died but I didn't really know him.
5. What countries did you visit?
None!
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
less stress, the legal permission to drink (imminent), and a better plan for my LIFE.
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
probably when I met Jeffrey.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Sophomore Convocation.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Um. So many, but you learn the most from all your failures so that's good. Quitting Starbucks probably wasn't the best idea, financially, but good for me mentally.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I lost my voice for two weeks in April which resulted in swollen vocal cords (or was the cause thereof); on three separate occassions I had a fever of 103-104 degrees for three days.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Anything and everything from American Apparel! More recently, two coats I got at AE for a combined total of $70! And a gorgeous purple belt from J. Crew that was originally $40 that I purchased for $10!
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
America for electing Barack Obama!
My best friends for tolerating me.
Harry Dworchak for being the best teacher I ever had.
Anyone who is in POPPEA and had to deal with Dr. Page.
SALLY SHERMAN for being the best dance teacher and person in the wooooorld.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
The committee and head of the school of music that didn't rehire Harry.
Dr. Page for being the example of everything a teacher should not be: condescending, presumptive, practicing favoritism, and using fear and intimidation as an educating tool. I do not care how much someone knows or how much experience they have, there is no excuse for such things in an a nurturing educational environment.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Carnegie Mellon and American Apparel, sadly.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Jeffrey, strangely enough.
GYPSY with Patti LuPone
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
various - Laura Branigan's "Gloria."
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- happier or sadder? Sadder in some aspects, happier in others.
- thinner or fatter? Hm...a little bit more muscle mass than before, but nothing substanstial.
- richer or poorer? always poorer!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
reading, writing.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
I watched way too much TV.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
with Adam Hill and my family in Bordentown, NJ!
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Who knows. I found someone that I like more than I have ever liked anyone before, and I'm still not bored after almost 8 months of knowing him.
23. How many one-night stands?
Oh dear.
24. What was your favourite TV program?
CLEAN HOUSE definitely, but now LOST!
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Eh, my opinions of some people have gone down, that's fer sure!
26. What was the best book you read?
I liked The Constant Princess, but also Dog Years (Mark Doty.)
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Every lesson I had with Harry.
28. What did you want and get?
I'm more comfortable with my body, and with not shaving. Jeffrey.
29. What did you want and not get?
Harry.
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
I am unsure. I thoroughly enjoyed MILK, but I also saw ANNIE HALL for the first time this year!
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 20, and had a 103 degree fever. They sang happy birthday to me in seminar, then I went home. Ryan, Adam, and Nisha had plotted to kidnap me and take me out somewhere, but since I was ridiculously sick Ryan and I went to Orient Express and then to convo rehearsal. Afterwards, I fell asleep. Also, this was the day that Madge starting to wear sunglasses!
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Oh, I haven't a clue.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Casual, refined, dark and elegant colors (lots of purple!), without trying to prove that one has a fashion concept!
34. What kept you sane?
CLEAN HOUSE, Golden Girls, dogs, Carla and Kazuki.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Meryl Streep.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
All.
37. Who did you miss?
Harry, and Jeffrey.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Jeffrey, but I also think that Kat and Fiona are pretty wonderous.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Honesty is the best policy! Being honest to yourself, especially.
Take risks.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Non, je ne regrette rien! | | comments: Leave a comment |
| 1. Explain what ended your last relationship?
I suddenly realized that he had bad breath.
2. When was the last time you shaved your legs?
Never! But I shaved my face yesterday morning.
3. What were you doing this morning at 8am?
Sleeping! Thankfully.
4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
Lying in bed, dreaming about LOST.
5. Are you good at math?
No, I am AWFUL at math. Except mental math.
6. Your prom night?
My best friend and I didn't go to our senior prom, instead we went to NYC, tried to go to a club, and then walk in torrential rain to Starbucks. I then went to her sister's senior prom.
7. Do you have any famous family members?
Way back when! I'm descended from the Tudors.
8. Have you ever taken out a loan to pay for school?
HAHAHAHAA.
9. Do you know all the words to the song on your myspace profile?
Don't even go on MYSPACE.
10. Last thing received in the mail?
Bills, and circulars!
11. How many different beverages have you drank today?
Water, tea, more tea, apple cider, EGGNOG!
12. Do you ever leave messages on people's answering machines?
On occassion, but I prefer not to.
13. Who did you lose your CONCERT virginity to?
Eek...I've never been to a "concert" concert. Maybe Aprile Millo in ZAZA? NO! Aprile Millo at the Met In the Park's TOSCA. 2005.
14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
Never, because I dislike my name.
15. What's the most painful dental procedure you've had?
I had a cavity drilled without novocaine because my fear of needles is so irrational that it sounded like a good idea at the time.
16. What's on the tv right now?
OnDemand.
17. Any plans for Saturday night?
Going out for Ian's 21st birthday!
18. Do you like the ocean?
Yes! I miss being near a coast.
19. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different kinds of popcorn?
No, but now I want popcorn.
20. Have you ever been to a planetarium?
I believe so. Many moons ago.
22. Something you are excited about?
The end of this semester!
23. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO?
I can't stand jello.
24. Are any of your great-grandparents still alive?
Nope. Not even the steps1
25. Describe your keychain:
It says "STEVE" on it. I've been trying to replace it for years, but I never do. My grandma bought it for me when she was on vacation. It has shamrocks on it!
26. Where do you keep your change?
In a square glass vase.
27. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people?
Every Monday for MT Lit and Rep.
28. What kind of winter coat do you have?
Leather.
29. What was the weather like on your graduation?
I think it was supposed to rain, but it didn't.
30. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed?
CLOSED, man! | | comments: Leave a comment |
| More recital planning, 'cos that's all I do on here anymore apparently:
I. "Vieni, o mio diletto" - Vivaldi
II. Liederkreis - Carl Loewe (minus Ich hab in Traum geweinet)
III. Chanson d'Avril - Bizet
Chanson d'amour - Faure
Villanelle - Berlioz (??)
IV. Orchids - Rorem
Little Elegy - Rorem
O Do Not Love Too Long - Rorem
O, you whom I often and silently come - Rorem
V. Borogaditsye devo - Mlynek
I am still very up in the air about the English. It might get replaced with Bernstein's Two Love Songs, depending on how they feel.
So here I am a junior at Carnegie Mellon University, and I'm entirely over it. I'm not happy with my teacher in the least, but he'll do for now. I've really only learned one thing from him that I think is useful and beneficial, everything else I think is really dangerous. He doesn't talk about breath support, except in vague terms, and demands constant fast vibrato without explaining how the breath makes it. He wants a constant dark sound and I don't have a dark voice, at all. I feel bad because I have a hard time pretending that I get anything out of what he teaches me, and he's a nice person. I've also gotten so much worse since studying with him. By the end of last year my pitch issues were pretty much gone because my breath was in place and so were my vowels and I was really looking forward to building on that, but this new teacher has me singing like I sang freshman year. There's really no technique behind it just "sing what sounds pretty," which is valid and all, but he doesn't know what the process is that leads to the sound that he wants. I'll ask him questions and he rarely has an answer to them.
This whole experience thus far has really turned me off to singing. I don't even take joy in performing any more, and that makes me very sad. It's very frustrating when you want to learn and you're willing to forego everything your old teacher taught you (as directed by your new teacher), and then he fails to deliver. I know that these things take time, but "you're flat and I don't know why" does not suggest to me that this is a problem that will go away once 'everything else falls in place," because....there's really nothing else that's being offered.
I'd switch studios but I'm a junior, and if I switched that would be my fifth teacher at this school, so I guess I'll just ride by on mediocrity, apply for the accelerated masters in arts management program and hope that my life falls together eventually. | | comments: Leave a comment |
| Already revised recital program:
I.
1. Ombra cara from Handel's "Radamisto"
II.
Five Songs by Grieg (from Sechs Lieder)
1. Gruss
2. Dereinst, gedanke mein
3. Zur Rosenzeit
4. Lauf der Welt
5. Ein Traum
(I might replace one of these with Jeg elsker dig in Norwegian for novelties sake and because the Nachtigallen that I have to leave out seems to be the "Look! This set isn't so depressing" song in the middle, but maybe I'm just over analyzing as always.)
III. (French is still up for debate)
Early French Songs:
Tambourin
Douce jolie
(and then another)
OR
Three Songs by Villa-Lobos
OR
Songs by Saint-Saens
IV. Songs by Ned Rorem
Look down, fair Moon
Early in the morning
Oh you who I often and silently come
Lordly Hudson
V.
Ave Maria - Jason Mlynek (b. 1986) in Russian. | | comments: Leave a comment |
| HA. I have not written in here in a long time.
Here is my potential junior recital programs:
I.
1. Ombra cara from Handel's "Radamisto"
2. Piango, gemo - Vivaldi (or Amor funesto by Donizetti)
II.
Songs by Grieg and Sibelius (selections from Sechs Lieder, and others in German)
III.
Three French Songs by Villa-Lobos (or Early 15th-18th Century French Songs)
IV.
Songs by Ned Rorem:
Early in the Morning
Lordly Hudson
O you whom I often and silently come
Look down, fair Moon
V.
Russian Ave Maria - Jason Mlynek (b. 1986) | | comments: 3 comments or Leave a comment |
| I AM BACK! How silly.
What do I update on? I'm not sure.
I cannot wait to go back to Pittsburgh on the twelfth. I am exhausted from being home and doing absolutely nothing. At 9:30pm I woke up from an accidental nap and called my grandma to go to the Cheesecake Factory with me. Normally, I hate cheesecake and especially that particular establishment, but I woke up with such a craving.
School is school. My grades for last semester weren't what I really wanted them to be. That's a lie kind of. I got a B in my studio, but that's because teacher does not give A's (I'll update on him.) And I got a B in Acting, which is understandable. I could really dedicate myself to that class more and be even more prepared so I can get more out of it. That's what I'll do for next semester.
I'm excited for next semester because I'm assistant directing Opera Scenes! I just found out today after having e-mailed Ray. I'm so happyyyy! It's four hours of rehearsal every Wednesday and I am totally worth it.
SO. My teacher for this year is Harry Dworchak. At first, I really didn't like him...but now I really do. About 75% of what he teaches I like and really works for me. And there's the other 25% that I don't like. When I practice in the mirror, I can see neck tension...but I don't feel like. And I never feel like I'm not supporting...infact that I feel like I'm supporting even more. I'm more secure in my higher range...but I usually go higher and with more ease on my than in my lessons. I also disagree with his idea that smiling raises the soft palete. BUT, he's my best option at this school and I really like how there IS rooom for me to discover things on my own. He let's me pick my own repertoire - which can be dangerous for some people, but I know how to stretch and challenge myself without danger.
Another category! I'm considering transferring schools. The New Head of the School of Music is SUCH AN IDIOT - firing teachers, changing the curriculum, not listening to student input. Harry might not be there next year...and I don't have the patience, drive, nor money to go into another year with uncertainty.
Plus, I'm grooming myself more towards a career in stage directing and teaching (voice) than performance.
My options are
Westminster Choir College (to study with Sharon Sweeeeeeet!)
and University of Maryland.
Now, I'm confident that I'd get into Westminster and Maryland
BUT with Maryland...I already missed the deadline for applying even for their B.A. in voice. So if I go there, it would be first as a theatre major and then hopefully I'd be able to transfer into the voice department. It's much cheaper, and closer to home.
I'd be afraid to leave all my friends - but at the same time, I'm not sure all of them are even worth missing. Certainly, I would miss my time with Ryan and Nicole. And I'd miss having class and hanging out with Ian, Alexa, Jenn, Adam, Kristen, and Hans. But...I'm already like $20,000 in debt...and I wanna save some debt for grad school! I'd also have to check out living situations in College Park, Maryland because I don't think it would be possible for me to live on campus since it's a state school and I'd be transferring and I really don't want to go back to living on campus - eating food I don't like, living with people I don't know and potentially sharing a MASS public bathroom.
That is all.
All in all...I am very, very, very excited about next semester and I'm going to try to take things one day at a time so I won't become overwhelmed with anxiety like I was at the beginning of this one. HA!
Prostite vy! | | comments: 2 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | Tu che la vanita - Galina Gorchakova | | Time: | 01:37 pm |
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| When I first began listening to this recording of Don Carlo with Gorchakova as Elisabetta, Borodina as Eboli, Hvorostovsky as Posa, and...Margison (ugh) as Carlo...I did not like Gorchakova. Now I do, but she barely performs anymore.
Anyway. I'd been suffering from extreme Pittsburgh withdrawal, depression, and boredom since I'd been home. But now that I've started working, I am much happier. Weeks go by faster because I'm practicing more and looking forward to my lessons with Sharon Sweet. My voice has opened up so much more, and it's all because of new concepts of thinking about breath support she's given me, and explained to me what exactly people mean when they say the "turning of the voice" no one had EVER explained that to me before, and if it happened, it was always by mistake. I'm vocalizing up to an A everyday, and if I'm feeling particularly connected to my support, a few B-flats. My vowels are brighter, the sound is easy, and coloratura is right on. She assigned me "Ev'ry valley" from the Messiah, and the first time I had ever sung through was in my lesson. The F#'s were there with support and ease of production. The G#'s were a breeze, and the only problem with the coloratura dealt with one measure that I had rehearsed incorrectly. I am in love.
Then there was a time in my life when I seriously considered transferring to Westminster, but I don't think that would be the best idea for me. I am really in love with CMU and the support, and I am in love with Mildred...but we both know that she's not the right teacher for me. I just hope that the teacher they get to replace David is really, really great, or I may just have to transfer to Westminster. After your sophomore year at CMU, all your intensive solfege and theory training is complete...and it really is COMPLETE. I don't want to be behind in technique, like some of the people that were performing in Ms. Sweet's masterclass...it was really shocking.
BUT...I would miss all my really good CMU friends...but who knows.
My jaw is KILLING me today..ugh. | | comments: 1 comment or Leave a comment |
| I am getting very small anxiety attacks. Nothing big, but...it always happens when I have to say goodbye, and I don't realize until the last minute how much not having someone around is going affect me.
For the most part it's just three months over the summer...my good friends here: Nicole, Cat, Jenn, Nat, Ryan, Olivia, but there's also some of the seniors...especially Jackie, Eric Longo, and Amanda Russo. It's so strange because I really never got to bond entirely with them even though Jackie and I are OBSESSED with each other, I've learned so much from the seniors, especially the above mentioned three, through either their performances or conversations that it feels like some security is being taken from me. Oh well. I'm having brunch with Jackie on Tuesday, and I'll make her meet me in the city whenever I'm back in Jersey for breaks.
I am the most scared, however, about Olivia. Her and I became friends in the beginning of the semester, but in this school where there are so few that you can trust with your real emotions and thoughts, sometimes I feel like she's one of the few that I really "have." AND WHAT IF SHE DECIDES MID-SUMMER TO LEAVE?! Crazy bitch. I would not be okay. But I think she is going to be such a performer, who offers her heart for the audience to tear apart in every performance. I just know it. I adore her. I want her in my life (and inside me) forever.
But this summer will be exciting! I'll be working to save the environment, going to the beach every second I can find with my two best friends, road trips to Pittsburgh and Delaware (maybe Connecticut and Georgia,) romps around NYC with Christine Lyons, intense lessons with Sharon Sweet, and an opportunity for sleep.
but first I have to get through three finals, a jury, and a dinner party at the infamous Mildred Miller Posvar's
Oh Mildred... | | comments: 6 comments or Leave a comment |
| It is official!
I am studying with Sharon Sweet this summer...WHAT?!
Jury pieces finally picked out:
Italian:
Per la gloria
Piacer d'amor (or you might know it as Plaisir d'amour!!!! ha)
English:
She Never Told Her Love (Haydn)
Vado danzare. | | comments: 1 comment or Leave a comment |
| My freshman year of college is almost over; I think I am glad for it.
But I'm not really sure what I've learned from it. I thought I gained the ability to thoughtfully trust people, but I was wrong. Not trust in a "let me tell you a secret way," obviously this is not fourth grade, but trusting people with my comfort and confiding in them the real, not-so-complex me. Either way, I understand that within that there is another lesson for me to interpret and absorb.
Musically? I've learned an incredibly enormous amount from all of my classes. It annoys me when people here say things like "if I didn't have to take this class, I wouldn't because it's stupid."
Learning and education aren't about fulfilling requirements, they're about understanding your passion from every perspective. In that respect, everything I've learned in eurhythymics (which was a difficult class, but the most rewarding even though I got a C,) choir (learning a deeper meaning to the music), solfege, even voice seminar and my non-music classes like Holocaust in Historical Perspective and English LIterary Culture, all are relevant to Steven as a contributing person to society as well as a musician.
I need to learn to support myself more. I forgot about that time in my life when I wasn't consumed with worrying about other people, the lesson I learned that no matter how much energy you give, very little will ever reflect back to you. So I'm going to approach this summer and next year with a greater independence.
I still haven't found my glasses. And I'm studying with Sharon Sweet this summer, and I get to spend the entire summer with Kazuki and Carla, who are, I've realized over this past week, two people whom I understand completely, and who understand me unconditionally without having to have explain one another or discuss the flaws we see in one another.
I've been spoiled by them - to have two people who, without thought, invite your flaws into your life, and with that I learned to overlook the small things that annoy me about people, and see a real person. I've been doing that for a while, always recognizing the innate good behind the miniscule problems on the surface that most people would see as the total of someone.
I'm going to help a friend with his voice minor audition now. Adieu, forets! | | comments: 2 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Subject: | ummm | | Time: | 12:07 am |
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| I don't update this very often. I'd much rather write in a real journal, with my own penmanship, but I haven't gotten around to it yet, and whenever I go up into my bed (where I would prefer to write) I usually fall asleep the second my bod hits the bed.
I write this as I wait for my suitemate (the only person I live with that I like) to get out of the shower, so that I can brush my teeth.
I've been so so so so so busy this semester, and I'm really happy. I know that I am learning so much, and I'm really committed to my study habits, and improving myself as an intellectual. It's hot.
The only thing that has been annoying me lately is how certain people have begun to treat me this semester. Leaving the high school pretense of friendship behind - while still in high school - I guess I was naive in coming to college to expect an extension of that. There's less than a handful of my friends here that I consider to be real genuine friends, and I'm so happy I have them; I know our friendships will last. Then there are other people who haven't quite grasped the meaning of friendship, and are still in the high school ideology of having thousands of not-so-close friends. And I dedicate too much time to these people - spacing out time in my day to see them, only to be considered an inconvenience or an annoyance. It's bizarre. I don't think I've ever been treated in such a dejected way...well, not since I started surrounding myself with only positive people, even if that meant my friends were few. They were at least real. I'd have only one person to fall back, then twenty strangers who will let me collapse.
What else?
I think I want to prepare for law school.
I also want to define my own major in "genocide education."
Which will be figured as my third major (replacing professional writing) if it can happen.
Probably won't. CMU only has a few courses relating to genocides, and I'm currently in one of them. And they're all about the Holocaust.
I'm tired. Goodnight. | | comments: Leave a comment |
| Spring semester is finally here, despite the fact that it was seventeen degrees when I woke up yesterday, and thirty-one today.
I am loving my classes. Especially my Holocaust in Historical Perspective class. It's going to be a wealth of reading, and I can't wait. My new voice teacher, Mrs. Posvar, is fabulous, and I'm really excited for any progress I might make in her class.
This week so far hasn't been all that work intensive, but I'm sure that as soon as I start getting assigned work I'll barely ever be in my room. I don't know why but I can't do homework in my room. I need to be in the library...in Starbucks...in the lounge. Whatever. I'm just so happy, and so excited to be going to bed excited for class tomorrow instead of dreading it.
I miss being around all my voice major friends all the time, especially Ryan and Nicole. But we make time. It all works out.
This semester I'm also going to be the vocal coach for the Scotch n Soda production of "Pippin." True, I hate Stephen Schwartz, specifically this show, but I'll deal. It'll be easy and fun, and I love working with singers.
I officially declared my major as "Professional Writing." But now I'm not so sure if that's the route I want to take. For about a week, I considered triple majoring Professional Writing, Creative Writing, and International Relations. Now I might just do Professional Writing and International Relations, or I might add Anthropology and History as my third major. I don't know!
Well, my neck hurts. So I'm going to go to bed. | | comments: 1 comment or Leave a comment |
| I can't wait to get my apartment in Pittsburgh with Nicole so that I won't be forced to come home, due to a lack of shelter for a month.
What am I going to do, stranded in this suburban desert for four weeks?
I'll hang out with Kazuki, go to New York City a lot, hang out with Carla until she leaves for Argentina; I'll call Ryan Townsend everyday because I miss fighting with him.
...and I will read an extreme amount. I'll try to finish Marlowe's Edward II, which I started reading before my junior year of high school.
Any good news?
I got A's on my English Diction, Italian, and Keyboarding (III) finals. Those are all the grades I know as of now. I want to be on the Dean's List, but I'm not sure if Eurhythmics will keep me off of it. I can't find any information anywhere about the requirements for the School of Music's Dean's List. ANYWAY.
My juries were interesting. I got two A-'s, a B+ and two B's. All of the faculty liked my involvement in the text and my Italian diction. My intonation (or lack thereof) kept me from an A in most cases, but considering the fact that I was drowning in my own phlegm, I'll forgive myself.
Plus, I'm not in the School of Music anymore so it don't matter, yo. | | comments: 2 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Current Music: | Non mi dir - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf | | Time: | 08:15 pm |
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| Today was a good day, and it should get better!
I woke up at 10, went to work from 11:15-4 and then went to Shadyside with Nicole.
I love hanging out with just Nicole, and we really get to outside of class or lunch between class. We went to Starbucks to buy some gifts, and then went to Sushi Too. I got the spicy shrimp roll and tibetan tea (ridiculously good, made with ginseng, ginger, and guarana. AHHH!) The sushi was really good too, and I rarely like sushi. Candy (a master student in voice) was our waitress and she gave us free edamame. It was so good. We stayed for a ridiculously long time though. I think they were waiting for us to order more food but everything except the rolls was really expensive.
AND! I bought shaving oil and after shave balm from L'Occitane. It was expensive, but it gets really cold and dry in Pittsburgh and my skin is suffering, so I'd rather spend money on a really good product once and enjoy it, then buy a really bad product over and over again. I just tried both of them and they smell SO delicious and work really well.
That's all.
I'm going to the Dancer's Symposium tonight with Nicole and Ryan Townsend? Then hanging out with Ryan #2 afterwards! Yay! | | comments: 1 comment or Leave a comment |
| I love Ryan Townsend.
Anyway.
I feel so accomplished today.
Harmony and Dance were cancelled, so I got out of Italian at 9:20 and didn't have anything until my coaching at 12:30.
Instead wasting the time away, like Ryan Townsend, and take a nap, I decided to do my laundry (including my sheets!), write an essay, clean my room, and then put away my laundry (which I never do), AND make copies for my accompanist.
As usual the coaching was completely unproductive except I pointed out to myself what needs to be better. Um, my jury is next Tuesday. HAHAHAHA.
After my coaching, I went to Starbucks to type my essay (because I handwrite them all,) but left my notebook in my room. Instead, I looked at my schedule to discover that I am to work on Tuesday, 5am-10am and my jury is that day at 11:20. This is either a good thing or a bad thing. I think it'll be to my advantage. I'll be more warmed up, more energized, and then I can take a nap afterwards and put my voice major days behind me.
By the graces of my co-worker Greg, I got 7.5 hours off this weekend ( I was schedule to work 16) so that I could spend some quality time with my studious self.
I go back to New Jersey in nine days.
My new schedule for spring semester:
English Literary Culture: MW 9-10:20
Statistical Reasoning and Practice: MWF 10:30-11:20 (Lecture: F 3:30-4:20)
Calculus I Lecture: MWF (12:30-1:20); Recitation: TR (3:30-4:20)
Intro to World History: 1:30-2:20
The Jewish American Experience: TR 1:30-2:50
To be figured in:
my minor studio (which will actually be a major studio) with Mrs. Mildred Miller Posvar. Insane woman.
Oh, and if I fail Eurhythmics this semester then I am not going to be a voice minor. Hahahaha.
In other words, I've finally discovered German opera. Well, just Richard Strauss. Salome, Elektra, and Der Rosenkavalier were the first. | | comments: 5 comments or Leave a comment |
| So! I've changed majors...from voice performance to a double major in Creative Writing and History with two minors in Russian and voice. Luckily, I can still study with one of the major voice teachers. I honestly have no idea what I want to do with my life...so I'm just doing everything.
My spring semester looks something like this:
Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays:
10:30 Statistics
12:30 Calculus I
1:30 Intro to World History
2:30 Freshman Seminar: World Wars and World Peace in Literature and Visual Arts
3:30 Stat Lecture (Fridays only.)
Tuesdays/Thursdays
10:30 Books You Should've Read By Now
3:30 Calculus I Recitation
4:30 Repertory Chorus
and then my voice lessons, whenever they will be.
i'm excited!
I also started working at Starbucks, and I'm horrendously bored by it. The store is SO slow compared to Westfield, and I wanna die. But not really. Lots of CMU people visit me all the time, and I'm meeting new people so that could be considered a positive. | | comments: 1 comment or Leave a comment |
| Short update.
My mid-semester QPA (Quality Point Average) as opposed to GPA is 3.67! I have A's or A-'s in everything except for English Diction (B+!) and I'm still waiting to hear what my Eurhythmics, Solfege, and Repertory Chorus grades are. I'd also say dance, but my dance teacher resigned today in the middle of the semester..so..you know. A little confusion.
In other news, the voice work has been going very well. My teacher is leaving next year, and I'm hoping I can switch into Mimi Lerner's studio (which seems very possible.) Until then I'm going to soak up all the information I can get from him. I added two songs to my repertoire today, and eliminated Tosti's Sogno. I added Bellini's Vaga luna and Tosti's Ave Maria. Delicious.
I hate singing in English.
Nothing else is too interesting. Three day weekend was cool. Got drunk on some wine, watch a Hugh Grant movie, had some okay food, was verbally harassed on a bus, you know, the Pittsburgh usual.
goodnight! | | comments: 3 comments or Leave a comment |
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Howard, there's a rather alarming mountain heading our way.
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