When I'm in a car, I have to be listening to music. I have only a few guidelines as to what I listen to: no rap, no hip-hop, and as little country as possible.
(If you'd like to convert me to these genres, leave a link to YouTube or leave some song names)
What I've found is that, as in most cases, the music that someone listens to in the car reflects a lot about who they are. I was recently picked up from an end-of-the-year party by a friend's brother. What told me it was okay was the fact that he was listening to a classical guitar network, at midnight. Obviously, this boy was not "scary" or violent.
Similarly, when I'm in a car, driving or riding, I prefer to listen to moderately upbeat music. Nikki Manaj and Lady Gaga also hold a special place for my car music. I think that the music you listen to really impacts your driving/riding experience and mood.
So, the question is: Did I get it right? Or am I way off? How does the music you listen to in the car effect you?
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
What Are Your Goals?
Today is the first official day of summer for ISD194 kids! I'm excited for the next three months of relaxation, music making, and hanging out with friends.
If you read my 16 Years of Music post, you'll know that my last summer was cut short due to West Nile.
So, this summer, I'm going to strive for quite a lot of stuff.
It's my summer of "Social Life Augmentation". Meaning that on planning on going out with friends more this summer. In fact, I've gone out with friends for the past three nights.
Also, it's my summer of music. I've got a composition camp, All-State choir, and several Minnesota Boychoir events. Furthermore, I'm going to *try* to learn the violin, banjo, and work harder on the guitar.
I think it's good to plan out things. That way, you'll be able to feel fulfilled afterwards.
So, here's the question (and, seriously, if you answer it, your name doesn't show up anywhere and I won't contact you, so please answer!): What are your summer plans? Do they involve music? What would make you feel fulfilled at the end of August?
Also, please, let me know what songs you want to see reviewed, or what you'd like me to discuss!
If you read my 16 Years of Music post, you'll know that my last summer was cut short due to West Nile.
So, this summer, I'm going to strive for quite a lot of stuff.
It's my summer of "Social Life Augmentation". Meaning that on planning on going out with friends more this summer. In fact, I've gone out with friends for the past three nights.
Also, it's my summer of music. I've got a composition camp, All-State choir, and several Minnesota Boychoir events. Furthermore, I'm going to *try* to learn the violin, banjo, and work harder on the guitar.
I think it's good to plan out things. That way, you'll be able to feel fulfilled afterwards.
So, here's the question (and, seriously, if you answer it, your name doesn't show up anywhere and I won't contact you, so please answer!): What are your summer plans? Do they involve music? What would make you feel fulfilled at the end of August?
Also, please, let me know what songs you want to see reviewed, or what you'd like me to discuss!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Equal Treatment
The cruelty of high school astonishes me sometimes. How people can be utterly heartless amazes me. I cannot understand why people hurt one another. We all share this world. Why make it unenjoyable for each other?
You know, I often post about the power of music and how music could bring about peace. I truly believe this: there is nothing more powerful than collaboration. Yet, I feel disheartened and I lose faith in humanity when I see instances of bigotry, racism, discrimination, and bullying.
I pride myself in being accepting of other people. I realize that not everyone gets along with everyone else. That's not wrong. What's wrong is that people see things they don't agree with, people they view as outsiders, and opinions they do not share and choose to impose their ideas upon others. This can come in many ways.
I'm a music kid. I'm teased all the time. I completely understand where victims are coming from. I, too, know how hopeless it can feel. But what I cannot understand is where the bullies come from. I've heard that their self confidence is diminished and to make up for their insecurities, they put down others.
All I ask is that the world be a better place. A place where people from every life can celebrate who they are. Where no one discriminates. No one judges. No one hates.
I honestly think music is part of that mission. If we can sing together, we can grow together.
You know, I often post about the power of music and how music could bring about peace. I truly believe this: there is nothing more powerful than collaboration. Yet, I feel disheartened and I lose faith in humanity when I see instances of bigotry, racism, discrimination, and bullying.
I pride myself in being accepting of other people. I realize that not everyone gets along with everyone else. That's not wrong. What's wrong is that people see things they don't agree with, people they view as outsiders, and opinions they do not share and choose to impose their ideas upon others. This can come in many ways.
I'm a music kid. I'm teased all the time. I completely understand where victims are coming from. I, too, know how hopeless it can feel. But what I cannot understand is where the bullies come from. I've heard that their self confidence is diminished and to make up for their insecurities, they put down others.
All I ask is that the world be a better place. A place where people from every life can celebrate who they are. Where no one discriminates. No one judges. No one hates.
I honestly think music is part of that mission. If we can sing together, we can grow together.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
I'm Yours- A Cover by Me
So if you're friends with me on Facebook, you've probably already seen the link for this video. I just wanted to put this on the blog because it pertains to music. Watch it if you'd like. Leave a comment on YouTube or here. Thanks for supporting me!
I'm Yours by Jason Mraz Cover
I'm Yours by Jason Mraz Cover
Monday, May 28, 2012
16 Years of Music
Because tomorrow will mark my sixteenth birthday, I feel like expressing how my life has been surrounded by music. I hope that my story will inspire others to get involved in music.
At an early age, my mother could already tell that I was a good musician. When I began singing at three or so, I was always on pitch. Whereas some kids just talk with pitch, I actually sang. At weddings I'd ask the musicians, such as the harpist or the string quarter, to play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
In elementary school, I'd try to teach the music class, to my teachers annoyance. Finally she called my mom up saying, "Carol, your son drives me crazy, but you need to get him into a choir."
It was then I joined the Minnesota Boychoir, this being 2005. I was a member of Junior Chorus. It was also around this time that I started taking piano lessons. At first, I hated them. But, when I figured out that I could learn songs I knew, such as Mary had a Little Lamb, I started enjoying them. As my interest in music began to grow, so did my knowledge. My choir and piano lessons helped me to learn music theory way before most kids begin to get the basics.
In 2007, I was accepted into Cantablie and was invited to go on tour with the Minnesota Boychoir (from here on MNBC) to Australia. At the tender age of 11, I had begun my international singing adventures. Also around this time, I began learning the trumpet. Once again, my knowledge of other forms of music contributed to my trumpet playing.
In 2009, I was diagnosed with type I diabetes. Although my life had been turned upside down on Wednesday, May 27, I was able to celebrate my birthday at home on the 29th of May. A few weeks later, my choir went on tour to Alaska as the entertainment onboard a cruise ship. I, along with many members of my family, went along with this trip.
At the same time, I had gotten braces. Due to the pain from playing the trumpet with them, I moved to French horn and then baritone.
In eighth grade, I was cast as the boy soloist in Leonard Bernstein's Mass and was broadcast over Minnesota Public Radio. I was also cast in a workshop for a newly written musical at the Guthrie theatre in Minneapolis. The same year, my grandfather died. I asked my grandma if I could sing for the funeral. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I could see, by the faces in the congregation, that it meant more than I could imagine. That sumner my choir went to Portland, Oregon for a youth choir festival. This would be the first time I had ever been away from my family for an extended period of time.
Over the rest of the summer, I taught myself flute, saxophone, and clarinet.
In mid-July, my 17 year old cousin Karl drowned. I was asked by his mother to sing at his funeral. I can say, with the utmost certainty, that singing for his funeral, Be Still My Soul, was the single most difficult thing I've ever done.
In 2010, I entered 9th grade. I told my band director I'd play anything he wanted me to. He asked me to play tuba. Throughout this year, I began to compose and try new instruments: organ, bassoon, guitar, ukulele, and oboe.
In the summer of 2011, my choir was invited to sing at the Vatican for high Mass on the feast day of St. Paul and St. Peter. It just so happens that I live near St. Paul and that on the day we sang, we went to both St. Paul's Church and St. Peter's Basilica. Two months later, I was diagnosed with West Nile which put me in the hospital for eighteen days and out for the count for nearly 5 months.
In 10th grade, after numerous budget cuts, I was accepted into my high school's Chorale and Wind Ensemble. I played bassoon in band and sang 1st tenor in choir. Due to a boy dropping Encore, my school's a cappella group, I was asked to join. I arranged several pieces for Encore, and sang a solo.
And here I am. Three years and one day after my diagnosis. Fifteen years, 364 days, 17 hours and 19 minutes later. I look back and I see the obstacles I've faced. I look back and I see the joys I've experienced.
I ask you, reader. What is your dream? How hard are you willing to fight for it?
My dream is music. Although I'm teased, brushed off, and put aside, I know that there is one thing no one can ever take away from me: my dreams. Throughout sickness, loss, suffering and disappointment, I've never stopped trying. I've never said "You know, this might not work out for me. I should quit." I've never said no to my dreams and I look how far I've come.
I found a journal entry from kindergarten and it said this: "When I get older, I'm going to be successful."
I love that. It wasn't a dream then, it was a statement of fact.
Now that I see myself now. In all my flaws, insecurities, and faults, I can say, despite the things I lack, I'm successful.
Don't ever stop dreaming.
It gets better.
Trust me.
At an early age, my mother could already tell that I was a good musician. When I began singing at three or so, I was always on pitch. Whereas some kids just talk with pitch, I actually sang. At weddings I'd ask the musicians, such as the harpist or the string quarter, to play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
In elementary school, I'd try to teach the music class, to my teachers annoyance. Finally she called my mom up saying, "Carol, your son drives me crazy, but you need to get him into a choir."
It was then I joined the Minnesota Boychoir, this being 2005. I was a member of Junior Chorus. It was also around this time that I started taking piano lessons. At first, I hated them. But, when I figured out that I could learn songs I knew, such as Mary had a Little Lamb, I started enjoying them. As my interest in music began to grow, so did my knowledge. My choir and piano lessons helped me to learn music theory way before most kids begin to get the basics.
In 2007, I was accepted into Cantablie and was invited to go on tour with the Minnesota Boychoir (from here on MNBC) to Australia. At the tender age of 11, I had begun my international singing adventures. Also around this time, I began learning the trumpet. Once again, my knowledge of other forms of music contributed to my trumpet playing.
In 2009, I was diagnosed with type I diabetes. Although my life had been turned upside down on Wednesday, May 27, I was able to celebrate my birthday at home on the 29th of May. A few weeks later, my choir went on tour to Alaska as the entertainment onboard a cruise ship. I, along with many members of my family, went along with this trip.
At the same time, I had gotten braces. Due to the pain from playing the trumpet with them, I moved to French horn and then baritone.
In eighth grade, I was cast as the boy soloist in Leonard Bernstein's Mass and was broadcast over Minnesota Public Radio. I was also cast in a workshop for a newly written musical at the Guthrie theatre in Minneapolis. The same year, my grandfather died. I asked my grandma if I could sing for the funeral. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I could see, by the faces in the congregation, that it meant more than I could imagine. That sumner my choir went to Portland, Oregon for a youth choir festival. This would be the first time I had ever been away from my family for an extended period of time.
Over the rest of the summer, I taught myself flute, saxophone, and clarinet.
In mid-July, my 17 year old cousin Karl drowned. I was asked by his mother to sing at his funeral. I can say, with the utmost certainty, that singing for his funeral, Be Still My Soul, was the single most difficult thing I've ever done.
In 2010, I entered 9th grade. I told my band director I'd play anything he wanted me to. He asked me to play tuba. Throughout this year, I began to compose and try new instruments: organ, bassoon, guitar, ukulele, and oboe.
In the summer of 2011, my choir was invited to sing at the Vatican for high Mass on the feast day of St. Paul and St. Peter. It just so happens that I live near St. Paul and that on the day we sang, we went to both St. Paul's Church and St. Peter's Basilica. Two months later, I was diagnosed with West Nile which put me in the hospital for eighteen days and out for the count for nearly 5 months.
In 10th grade, after numerous budget cuts, I was accepted into my high school's Chorale and Wind Ensemble. I played bassoon in band and sang 1st tenor in choir. Due to a boy dropping Encore, my school's a cappella group, I was asked to join. I arranged several pieces for Encore, and sang a solo.
And here I am. Three years and one day after my diagnosis. Fifteen years, 364 days, 17 hours and 19 minutes later. I look back and I see the obstacles I've faced. I look back and I see the joys I've experienced.
I ask you, reader. What is your dream? How hard are you willing to fight for it?
My dream is music. Although I'm teased, brushed off, and put aside, I know that there is one thing no one can ever take away from me: my dreams. Throughout sickness, loss, suffering and disappointment, I've never stopped trying. I've never said "You know, this might not work out for me. I should quit." I've never said no to my dreams and I look how far I've come.
I found a journal entry from kindergarten and it said this: "When I get older, I'm going to be successful."
I love that. It wasn't a dream then, it was a statement of fact.
Now that I see myself now. In all my flaws, insecurities, and faults, I can say, despite the things I lack, I'm successful.
Don't ever stop dreaming.
It gets better.
Trust me.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Music "In the Wild"
As we enter the American holiday Memorial Day weekend, I think it's a good idea to think about the effect on life that music has.
(I know, not very connected.)
I'm camping at William O'Brian State Park this weekend. I was thoughtful enough to bring my guitar. Even so, I miss the music that civilized life has to offer. I am very fortunate to live in a society where music is encouraged. Whereas camping can make some people feel close to nature, it makes me feel separated from my true love, music. It's at these times that I must remember there is music all around us.
So here's the question: how does music impact your daily life? And, if it does, what would be the effect of not having it?
Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone!
(I know, not very connected.)
I'm camping at William O'Brian State Park this weekend. I was thoughtful enough to bring my guitar. Even so, I miss the music that civilized life has to offer. I am very fortunate to live in a society where music is encouraged. Whereas camping can make some people feel close to nature, it makes me feel separated from my true love, music. It's at these times that I must remember there is music all around us.
So here's the question: how does music impact your daily life? And, if it does, what would be the effect of not having it?
Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone!
Friday, May 18, 2012
What Is A Choir?
I am in the extraordinary position of being a member of three choirs and one band. I'm not sure how many people can grasp just how close knit choirs become.
I have been a member of my school's a cappella group for less than six months and yet I feel a strong sense of camaraderie amongst them.
And although I've been in my school's Chorale for just under nine months, everyone there is exceedingly supportive.
Lastly, I've been a member of the Minnesota Boychoir for over eight years and I can honestly say that the bonds we have to each other are not comparable to the bonds of a sports team. I know that when I walk into my choir's rehearsal space, all judgement, all conflicts, and all of life's problems dissipate for the two hours that I'm there.
Unfortunately for the Lakeville School District, the school board has decided that it doesn't care about the music department. That because we do not teach conventional education, we are somehow inferior to the rest of the academic world. They continue to cut our classes and teachers. I described to you what my experience with the Boychoir, but how can a music program at school ever come even close to that if they are not given the chance? I ask you, if you are a member of Lakeville Schools, to share this on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social networking site so that we may band together and stop our schools' music programs from disintegrating.
I have been a member of my school's a cappella group for less than six months and yet I feel a strong sense of camaraderie amongst them.
And although I've been in my school's Chorale for just under nine months, everyone there is exceedingly supportive.
Lastly, I've been a member of the Minnesota Boychoir for over eight years and I can honestly say that the bonds we have to each other are not comparable to the bonds of a sports team. I know that when I walk into my choir's rehearsal space, all judgement, all conflicts, and all of life's problems dissipate for the two hours that I'm there.
Unfortunately for the Lakeville School District, the school board has decided that it doesn't care about the music department. That because we do not teach conventional education, we are somehow inferior to the rest of the academic world. They continue to cut our classes and teachers. I described to you what my experience with the Boychoir, but how can a music program at school ever come even close to that if they are not given the chance? I ask you, if you are a member of Lakeville Schools, to share this on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social networking site so that we may band together and stop our schools' music programs from disintegrating.
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