It's Spring Break -- and thankfully the weather is finally convincing me as such. Given we're about half way through my semester, I thought now would be a good time to write down things I'm learning, both in and out of the classroom.
In Music Appreciation, we've wrapped up the Baroque Era and taken on the Classical Era. I have to admit, I'm thankful to get back to homophony - the polyphony and embellishments of Baroque music make it difficult to hum along with the melody. And, as a singer, I want to be able to hum the tune! (Did you hear that little analysis there?) I went to a concert on Saturday night that featured Grammy-winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux with our local symphony (Oak Ridge Symphony). I have a number of friends involved in performing with or supporting the symphony -- and O used it as one of my required concerts to write up for class. As luck would have it, about half of the program was Baroque music -- and one piece was actually highlighted in my textbook. I kinda feel like I could talk intelligibly (at a high level) about Bach's Brandenburg Concerto, which is a little unsettling. It was also my first experience hearing a classical guitar perform with an orchestra. I liked it quite a bit!
Ah, Class Piano. Five-finger patterns have turned into arpeggios and major/minor chords. We've even done a little harmonization with guidance from our textbook. We just started dealing with minor key signatures, which I think are probably the most challenging thing I've seen so far this semester. I may spend spring break memorizing the relative minor for each major key, just to reduce my anxiety.
Outside of school, I've been connecting with music folks. This is by far the most fun and most informational part of my development. I've participated in several services now at the First Presbyterian Church here in Oak Ridge and have plans to visit First United Methodist later this month. I'm learning about music program structure, following liturgy, working with choirs of all sizes and purposes, partnering with clergy, and just generally how services from different faith traditions work. My family never went to church much when I was a kid, so just experiencing different formats is enlightening!
I've also been connecting with musicians in the UU world. I had a great chat with Jan Gartner, a professional development guru with the Unitarian Universalist Association, about professional development and not being afraid to create my own plan. She also pointed me toward some great resources on transitioning from a congregation member to a staff member, which will be so helpful in preparing me for my interview process at ORUUC later this spring. Jan also suggested that I reach out to Jason Shelton, Minister of Music in Nashville, to hear his story. I'm looking forward to connecting with him later this month.
Perhaps what I'm most proud of nowadays is being tapped to help the GA Young Adult Coordinator, Amanda Weatherspoon, with all things music for the young adult elements at this summer's General Assembly in June. It's a really exciting opportunity -- and I could never say no to an opportunity to make music with UUs from across the country. (Or no to Amanda, really.)
All this to say, I kept myself busy in recent weeks when the snow and ice kept me away from my usual activities. Now the weather is warming up and I'm ready to tackle the next season!
Thank you all, again, for your support and love. I feel it every day.
