April Reflections

How quickly time passes when your time is shared between a day job, schoolwork, music performances, professional development, family, friends, and a church retreat!  How can it be the end of April already?

This is the last week of class for the semester.  In Music Appreciation, we're starting to discuss composers who actually lived in the same century I was born.  I'm not very fond of music with unresolved dissonance or music that is completely atonal, so it's been challenging to do the listening assignments.  For my last concert report, I went to a Knoxville Jazz Orchestra concert featuring Clairdee singing Billie Holiday and Carmen McRae tunes.  That was a really fun evening of music -- there will be more KJO concerts in my future.  In my Piano class, I think I've finally gotten a better handle on pushing the pedal at the right time.  We've also been through fingering on most of the major scales.  Of course, when I play them, in my head I still go, "1-2-3, 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3, 1-2-3-4-5."  I'll be happy when my fingers go where they're supposed to without my counting in my head.  And I'll be ecstatic when I can play scales with both of my hands together on the right fingers.  One step at a time.

It was a busy month for musical performances, too!  ORUUC had our annual Concert of Darkness on Good Friday.  Ashton brought in singers from UT to join our choir in the choral pieces, which really rounded out our sound.  I was excited that I knew a few of the singers -- I'm more connected than I realize sometimes!  I sang a solo for Easter (Bach's "My Heart Ever Faithful"), which was my first solo piece in service in a little while.  The Knoxville Chamber Chorale performed an amazing concert in Morristown, which my musical colleague Bryon, as well as my Dad and his girlfriend were able to attend.  It's been a wonderful ensemble to sing with this season and I'm looking forward to the collaborations with the Knoxville Opera and Knoxville Symphony that we have lined up for the Fall.  Knoxville Choral Society closed out our season with the Brahms "German Requiem," a work that really challenged me with its complex melodic lines and fugues.  

In the wider UU world, I'm excited to start nailing down details on my involvement in General Assembly in June.  I'm helping Amanda in her role as Young Adult Coordinator by serving as the music coordinator.  We're planning two worship services and a workshop - all with lots of music.  We met this week to discuss themes and high level plans, with more to come next week once my classes end.  What a cool summer project!

Finally, I should mention that the permanent Music Director job at my church has been posted and applications are due May 8.  This is both thrilling and scary for me.  I won't say too much about it, out of respect for the process, but I will tell you all that I plan to apply.  I would kick myself if I didn't go after this opportunity to follow my calling at my home congregation.  And I know, no matter what the outcome, that ORUUCs music program is my home while I continue to develop as a musician.  I'm excited to see the outcome of the process!

Reflections of March

Wow, there's a lot to cover from this month!  I'm not sure where to start, so let me start with school.

Music Appreciation: My ears are learning to listen.  I can hear the difference between an oratorio, a mass, and an opera.  And the difference between a solo concerto, a sonata, a string quartet, and a symphony.  Wow!  We've moved through the Classical Era and into the Romantic Period.  There are 13 composers to learn in this unit.  If I can keep them all straight...

Piano: You may have already heard my little rant on this one.  I've made myself proud by playing separate rhythms with my left and right hand.  It was a momentous occasion, quickly followed by the frustration of adding the damper pedal.  I finally got my fingers coordinated and now I have to get my feet involved?!?!?  It hurts my brain.  Ouch.

I'm still visiting churches to learn about other music programs.  I spent this past Sunday at First United Methodist here in Oak Ridge.  They have a vibrant, active music program that includes youth and children's choirs, an adult choir, handbell choirs, and a contemporary band.  Andrew Duncan, their Music Director, took time to walk me through the logistics of running such a large program - everything from managing a music library database to taking attendance at rehearsals to providing online rehearsal tracks for choir members.  The church has two traditional services and a contemporary service, all organized through an online worship planning tool.  I really appreciated the technological approach to organizing the music program.  I also got a chance to spend a little time with Jeff Kile, who directs the contemporary band, for insight into staffing the band and the tech deck.  I've got tons of notes and ideas for the future.

I've also had some personal growth this month.  Bill Brewer, who set me on my current music education path, passed away from cancer.  Bill had taken time from his busy schedule to consult with me when I didn't know where to start.  He was a calming presence when my life was in upheaval.  When I stopped by his office at the beginning of the semester to thank him for his advice, he invited me into his office, sat me down, and seemed genuinely interested in how I was doing in the program.  At his memorial, many people made mention of Bill's ability to make you feel like you had his undivided attention.  I truly felt that way about my experiences with him.  He lived authentically and strived to make beautiful music as long as he had breath.  He'll be a life-long role model for me.

I would be remiss if I didn't also mention another role model for me -- my Mom turned 70 this month!  I organized a party for her in Delaware.  As a special gift, I asked all of the attendees to give me a list of things they love about my Mom.  What inspiring responses I received!  The ones that stood out to me were her willingness to help her friends, her deep love of animals, and her resilience in the face of life's troubles.

Spring is here and my journey continues... I'm excited for all the things I'll learn in April!