The Night Before
Ah, yes. I won't post for months. But the night before a performance, where do I go? Straight to LiveJournal. Of course!
Tomorrow at 3pm, I'll be the first Freshman at LSU to give a piano recital in about 35 years. In the words of another student, "Nobody does that around here." I'm actually really excited about it. I'll get the jitters, I'm sure, but I'm looking forward to it. My freshman year thus far has been great. Made some wonderful friends, memories, and music. I sometimes wonder why I came to LSU, but it's definitely worth it overall. My teacher is as amazing as ever, and I'm enjoying every minute of his teaching. Everyone's so supportive; friends and teachers. My grades turned out absolutely fine last semester, and I'm hoping for the same this semester. I like my classes. I can't be thankful enough for how everything is going. I often loose track of just how thankful I should be. Getting too caught up in the excitement of it all, I often forget to thank the God who makes it possible, which is sad. I'm really trying to change that, but I need to think about that besides just times I'm in need. It's by the grace of God that I'm able to play like I do, and I really hope there's some way I can give back through my music for Him. He's the one who keeps me sane; He should be the one who gets my glory.
It really saddens me - the number of great musicians who aren't giving their talents to God, or even recognizing that He exists. It really perplexes me. By no stretch of the imagination am I perfect, but I really think the talent I've been given is a miracle. It's so hard to understand how it works. It absolutely amazes me what God can do with it.
So, tomorrow will be fine, as always. I've played all of these pieces several times in the public eye. One more time before I lay them down for a while. I'm usually so sick of my pieces by this point, but I'm still perfectly content with them. It will be nice to move on to some new notes, but it will be hard to part with this set. It won't be the last time, though. These are pieces that stick with you. They'll be back, undoubtedly.
I had a REALLY great runthrough in the hall today with Dr. D. He had several kind things to say, and I absolutely cherish them. He's definitely the kind of person that really means a compliment when they give it. It's a rarity.
I wonder where I'd be right now if we hadn't stumbled paths during my high school years. I honestly don't know. I probably would have ended up with Mrs. Donna, but I'm not sure what I'd be doing right now. It sickens me to think of myself as a flute major. How hilarious.
MTNA competition went extremely well two weeks ago in Shreveport. Came in 2nd to Texas, once again, but I'm perfectly content with that. He's a great player, and deserved it greatly.
I've had the chance to play for Mrs. Connie Carroll a good bit recently, and have only just begun to realize just how phenomenal she is. I'd love to spend a summer studying with her. Very encouraging, and such a love and knowledge of the instrument. She's like Delony, but as a nice grandmothery figure. Way more approachable - I don't feel like I have to know her for 3 years before I can have a relaxed conversation with her. Really great lady.
Tomorrow's going to be fun. Recital, then Robin and maybe Christiana are coming to Watson with me for the Saints' game. If only they'd cancel classes Monday so I could sleep in...
Guess you don't get everything you want.
To sum it up: 5 solo recitals, 1 concerto performance. S.D.G.
Tomorrow at 3pm, I'll be the first Freshman at LSU to give a piano recital in about 35 years. In the words of another student, "Nobody does that around here." I'm actually really excited about it. I'll get the jitters, I'm sure, but I'm looking forward to it. My freshman year thus far has been great. Made some wonderful friends, memories, and music. I sometimes wonder why I came to LSU, but it's definitely worth it overall. My teacher is as amazing as ever, and I'm enjoying every minute of his teaching. Everyone's so supportive; friends and teachers. My grades turned out absolutely fine last semester, and I'm hoping for the same this semester. I like my classes. I can't be thankful enough for how everything is going. I often loose track of just how thankful I should be. Getting too caught up in the excitement of it all, I often forget to thank the God who makes it possible, which is sad. I'm really trying to change that, but I need to think about that besides just times I'm in need. It's by the grace of God that I'm able to play like I do, and I really hope there's some way I can give back through my music for Him. He's the one who keeps me sane; He should be the one who gets my glory.
It really saddens me - the number of great musicians who aren't giving their talents to God, or even recognizing that He exists. It really perplexes me. By no stretch of the imagination am I perfect, but I really think the talent I've been given is a miracle. It's so hard to understand how it works. It absolutely amazes me what God can do with it.
So, tomorrow will be fine, as always. I've played all of these pieces several times in the public eye. One more time before I lay them down for a while. I'm usually so sick of my pieces by this point, but I'm still perfectly content with them. It will be nice to move on to some new notes, but it will be hard to part with this set. It won't be the last time, though. These are pieces that stick with you. They'll be back, undoubtedly.
I had a REALLY great runthrough in the hall today with Dr. D. He had several kind things to say, and I absolutely cherish them. He's definitely the kind of person that really means a compliment when they give it. It's a rarity.
I wonder where I'd be right now if we hadn't stumbled paths during my high school years. I honestly don't know. I probably would have ended up with Mrs. Donna, but I'm not sure what I'd be doing right now. It sickens me to think of myself as a flute major. How hilarious.
MTNA competition went extremely well two weeks ago in Shreveport. Came in 2nd to Texas, once again, but I'm perfectly content with that. He's a great player, and deserved it greatly.
I've had the chance to play for Mrs. Connie Carroll a good bit recently, and have only just begun to realize just how phenomenal she is. I'd love to spend a summer studying with her. Very encouraging, and such a love and knowledge of the instrument. She's like Delony, but as a nice grandmothery figure. Way more approachable - I don't feel like I have to know her for 3 years before I can have a relaxed conversation with her. Really great lady.
Tomorrow's going to be fun. Recital, then Robin and maybe Christiana are coming to Watson with me for the Saints' game. If only they'd cancel classes Monday so I could sleep in...
Guess you don't get everything you want.
To sum it up: 5 solo recitals, 1 concerto performance. S.D.G.