But after a talk with a symphony member yesterday I have it on good authority that I did not get a spot in the symphony. I'm still hoping that maybe I made the substitute list.
Yes, I am sad, no I'm not going to stop playing. I'm a little upset in that I don't think that I was given a fair audition. I'm going to talk to my teacher about it. I'll never say anything to the symphony officials about it. But, maybe that's how auditions go.... we'll see.... otherwise, I'll just keep working, there's always next year.
Showing posts with label violin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label violin. Show all posts
We interrupt this busy life to bring you an annoucement
I'm auditioning for the Symphony!
*aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh*
Prayers would be appreciated. I have 3 weeks to prepare and the first 2 are going to be VERY busy doing this other than getting ready. I'm also getting nervous already, and that bad. I don't do well when I'm nervous. It could be good in the fact that it will push me to practice more and be more efficient in my practicing, but it could also mess me up good.
So, anyway, back to your regularly scheduled busy life.
*aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh*
Prayers would be appreciated. I have 3 weeks to prepare and the first 2 are going to be VERY busy doing this other than getting ready. I'm also getting nervous already, and that bad. I don't do well when I'm nervous. It could be good in the fact that it will push me to practice more and be more efficient in my practicing, but it could also mess me up good.
So, anyway, back to your regularly scheduled busy life.
So, I had the scare of my life!!
A few weeks ago, Mary S. dropped my violin off Iowa City/Coralville on her way to Des Monies. The violin was open and needed to be fixed, and my bow was in desperate need of rehair. It was done and ready to be picked up last Thursday. But, things have been crazy around here and we haven't had time. When I began to hear about the flooding in Cedar Rapids I got a little worried, but consoled myself with the fact that my violin was in Iowa City. Then yesterday I decided to ask Mom if she and Dad could take a detour on the way home from Champaign and pick my violin up. With all the crazy weather and flooding, I would feel better if I had it with me. Mom said "Sure, call Mr. Reck and make sue he's open tomorrow." Well.... all I got was a busy signal. Talk about starting to freak. Then Mary called, she had seen Mr. Reck's shop on the news, it was surrounded in water!
You can almost see it starting at 3:08, it's behind the green building, a few doors down from Subway.
So, I really started freaking out, in fact, I was about ready to cry! And I was at work, so there wasn't anything I could do, and I couldn't very well burst into tears at work! I resorted to, it's o.k. everything is fine, he wouldn't leave all the instruments in the shop at the mercy of the water, I trust him, everything is fine, AHH!!!!!!!!!
Then I had an idea, maybe my violin teacher had Mr. Reck's home phone number, granted, she is hard to get ahold of, but I thought, just maybe she would be home, school was out for the summer.... thankfully she was home. And she had called Reck's yesterday to check on the stuff she had down there. Everything was safe and had been moved to his house. *breathes sigh of relief* I can't imagine life without my violin, I mean, it is my life!!! So, anyway I'm breathing again :)
You can almost see it starting at 3:08, it's behind the green building, a few doors down from Subway.
So, I really started freaking out, in fact, I was about ready to cry! And I was at work, so there wasn't anything I could do, and I couldn't very well burst into tears at work! I resorted to, it's o.k. everything is fine, he wouldn't leave all the instruments in the shop at the mercy of the water, I trust him, everything is fine, AHH!!!!!!!!!
Then I had an idea, maybe my violin teacher had Mr. Reck's home phone number, granted, she is hard to get ahold of, but I thought, just maybe she would be home, school was out for the summer.... thankfully she was home. And she had called Reck's yesterday to check on the stuff she had down there. Everything was safe and had been moved to his house. *breathes sigh of relief* I can't imagine life without my violin, I mean, it is my life!!! So, anyway I'm breathing again :)
More Messiah Pictures
I found a guy on Facebook who had uploaded pictures he took at the last Messiah rehearsal. So, I swiped a couple :) Enjoy!
Messiah Pictures
O.k. all! I'm sorry but these are the only pictures I could find, so far. If I find more, I'll post :)
You can actually see me in this picture, if you look really hard :) Directly behind the lady in white there are 2 violinists. I would be the one on the right without red hair :)
You can actually see me in this picture, if you look really hard :) Directly behind the lady in white there are 2 violinists. I would be the one on the right without red hair :)
O.K. God, I'm finally listening...
For the last 2 months I was been having trouble with my right wrist. It was shooting pain up my arm and I was very very sore. There were times when moving my wrist was very painful. I thought I had pulled something or aggravated something and that it would get better if I rested. Well, schedule didn't permit rest. In fact I had to practice my violin more. My teacher thought it was a psychological thing and it would go away.
Anyway, 6 weeks later after 2 weeks of some rest over the holidays my wrist was still quite sore. So, I went to the Chiropractor. Who helped me some, but the soreness was still there. I tried playing my violin a couple times but my wrist has become weak and it is hard to play, my wrist felt like a shell of it's former self. It's difficult and discouraging to play when you can't play like you used too. So, I called my aunt who is a Physical Therapist. After asking a few questions, she said that my wrist was healing, it wasn't pain anymore, just achy sore. She gave me some exercises to do, they hurt but they should strengthen my wrist. So, for now, I wear a wrist guard/stabilizer close to 24/7. So, I try very hard to have a good attitude, and trust in God. I keep telling myself what Mom tells me, God doesn't take away a gift. The gifts and callings of God are without repentance
So, on Sunday at the end of the meeting my wrist was suddenly and unexplainably in a lot of pain, something it hadn't done in a few weeks. After the meeting the elders prayed for me and I am really trusting in God. The thing is, after the elders prayed for me, Krystina was asking me about my hand. And she asked me if I had been asking God what He was teaching me, what I was supposed to learn in this. And truthfully... I hadn't really been thinking/praying about it. The thought had come to mind, but that was about it. And the more I think about it, the more I've realized that there is definitely something I am supposed to be learning.
I was thinking about that on and off all day on Sunday. And then, when I got home, I slipped on the snow and fell. When I fell my neck connected with the open box top I was carrying. Needless to say, it hurt. I have a cardboard burn on my neck and I bruised my throat. All day Monday I was very sore and thinking. God, is definitely trying to teach me something, I've never been this "hurt" in my life. God is breaking me down and making me vulnerable. Cutting down my independency and self-sufficiency and making me dependent on Him and Him alone. It's amazing, how long it takes for me to get past my self and my "pain" and realize that God is trying to talk to me, to get through my thick brain and make me more like Him. It's amazing how long it takes till I can finally say "O.k. God, I'm finally listening."
Anyway, 6 weeks later after 2 weeks of some rest over the holidays my wrist was still quite sore. So, I went to the Chiropractor. Who helped me some, but the soreness was still there. I tried playing my violin a couple times but my wrist has become weak and it is hard to play, my wrist felt like a shell of it's former self. It's difficult and discouraging to play when you can't play like you used too. So, I called my aunt who is a Physical Therapist. After asking a few questions, she said that my wrist was healing, it wasn't pain anymore, just achy sore. She gave me some exercises to do, they hurt but they should strengthen my wrist. So, for now, I wear a wrist guard/stabilizer close to 24/7. So, I try very hard to have a good attitude, and trust in God. I keep telling myself what Mom tells me, God doesn't take away a gift. The gifts and callings of God are without repentance
So, on Sunday at the end of the meeting my wrist was suddenly and unexplainably in a lot of pain, something it hadn't done in a few weeks. After the meeting the elders prayed for me and I am really trusting in God. The thing is, after the elders prayed for me, Krystina was asking me about my hand. And she asked me if I had been asking God what He was teaching me, what I was supposed to learn in this. And truthfully... I hadn't really been thinking/praying about it. The thought had come to mind, but that was about it. And the more I think about it, the more I've realized that there is definitely something I am supposed to be learning.
I was thinking about that on and off all day on Sunday. And then, when I got home, I slipped on the snow and fell. When I fell my neck connected with the open box top I was carrying. Needless to say, it hurt. I have a cardboard burn on my neck and I bruised my throat. All day Monday I was very sore and thinking. God, is definitely trying to teach me something, I've never been this "hurt" in my life. God is breaking me down and making me vulnerable. Cutting down my independency and self-sufficiency and making me dependent on Him and Him alone. It's amazing, how long it takes for me to get past my self and my "pain" and realize that God is trying to talk to me, to get through my thick brain and make me more like Him. It's amazing how long it takes till I can finally say "O.k. God, I'm finally listening."
Praise the Lord!
So, since Tuesday afternoon I have felt at more peace and much more happy than I have in months! This past semester at school has been very rough. We got a new orchestra director and a new violin teacher. Well, I really enjoy working with the orchestra director but the violin teacher I wasn't sure about. You see, I've had 4 different teachers the past 4 years. That in itself was difficult. I only really learned from 2 of those teachers.
I've been very depressed this semester, I'm not at peace, really just miserable. I can't play very well anymore, all the confidence I had in my playing ability was gone. I don't know if this works with all musicians but without my confidence I am a nothing. The new teacher didn't suit very well. For some reason we didn't get along very well. I felt like my playing was getting worse not better. And I wasn't getting the help, with encouragement, that I need. I couldn't make myself not take lessons next semester, it didn't seem fair to not sign up for lessons.
I had been praying for about a month asking God what I should do, what do I do next semester, but I didn't have an answer...
So, after much anxiety I went in Tuesday morning for my jury; playing before a panel of music professors who judge your progress since last semester, it's part of your grade. Anyway I was playing something VERY simple. But I played it terribly, and I'm not just saying that, it was terrible. When I left I was very distraught and wanted to cry. I went to work and decided that I was done, I wasn't going to take lessons at the U next semester. I still wanted to cry, but I felt a little better. I finally had a chance to call mom and tell her what I had decided. She told me that she agreed with me and what God had been telling her about the situation. After I hung up with her I felt much, much better. I felt confident in my decision and that I had done the right thing.
Now, a little rabbit trail :) I had been listening to Timeless Treasures 2. Listening to the work I had done on it and wondering why I couldn't play like that anymore, what was wrong with me. It was a little hard to listen to, knowing I didn't sound like that anymore... now, mind you it's not perfect, nor was it easy to do, ask Dave, 100 and some takes on one song.... but it was possibly the best I've done and it was to God.
So, I went over to Mom and Dad's that evening for my hug :) I was telling Mom about my confidence and how it was gone and I needed it back. It's the one thing that I missed the most. And then she told me something that made a huge difference. She says that "the gifts and callings of God are without repentance". God doesn't take away a gift. And I realized that I had been scared, worried that it was gone, never to return. That maybe I had been brushed aside, not needed anymore. That God was done with my gift or just decided he didn't need it, and my ability to play was gone. But that's not true, it's still there, waiting for God's to use it. I just need to make it ready. It won't be easy, getting back the confidence I lost and once again having the ability to play, really play again. I miss it, I wasn't perfect, and I won't ever be perfect in my music. But as long as I am a ready and willing vessel God will use me, and the gift that he gave me is His to use as he sees fit.
So, with all that said, I just wanted to share the peace that God gave me and the story behind it. Hopefully now that I don't have all that on my mind, I'll have more time to post :)
For those of you who are wondering, yes I will still be doing orchestra at the U, I am also taking a conducting course, and possibly playing viola in a quartet, no I don't know how to play viola that's part of the fun of it :) As for lessons there is a lady that I took lessons from about 8 years ago and again this summer that said she would teach me again, at the expensive of her little time to herself. So, I am going to give her a call after the holidays and everything should be good again :)
It if you got through all that and understand what I was saying "bravo to you!"
I've been very depressed this semester, I'm not at peace, really just miserable. I can't play very well anymore, all the confidence I had in my playing ability was gone. I don't know if this works with all musicians but without my confidence I am a nothing. The new teacher didn't suit very well. For some reason we didn't get along very well. I felt like my playing was getting worse not better. And I wasn't getting the help, with encouragement, that I need. I couldn't make myself not take lessons next semester, it didn't seem fair to not sign up for lessons.
I had been praying for about a month asking God what I should do, what do I do next semester, but I didn't have an answer...
So, after much anxiety I went in Tuesday morning for my jury; playing before a panel of music professors who judge your progress since last semester, it's part of your grade. Anyway I was playing something VERY simple. But I played it terribly, and I'm not just saying that, it was terrible. When I left I was very distraught and wanted to cry. I went to work and decided that I was done, I wasn't going to take lessons at the U next semester. I still wanted to cry, but I felt a little better. I finally had a chance to call mom and tell her what I had decided. She told me that she agreed with me and what God had been telling her about the situation. After I hung up with her I felt much, much better. I felt confident in my decision and that I had done the right thing.
Now, a little rabbit trail :) I had been listening to Timeless Treasures 2. Listening to the work I had done on it and wondering why I couldn't play like that anymore, what was wrong with me. It was a little hard to listen to, knowing I didn't sound like that anymore... now, mind you it's not perfect, nor was it easy to do, ask Dave, 100 and some takes on one song.... but it was possibly the best I've done and it was to God.
So, I went over to Mom and Dad's that evening for my hug :) I was telling Mom about my confidence and how it was gone and I needed it back. It's the one thing that I missed the most. And then she told me something that made a huge difference. She says that "the gifts and callings of God are without repentance". God doesn't take away a gift. And I realized that I had been scared, worried that it was gone, never to return. That maybe I had been brushed aside, not needed anymore. That God was done with my gift or just decided he didn't need it, and my ability to play was gone. But that's not true, it's still there, waiting for God's to use it. I just need to make it ready. It won't be easy, getting back the confidence I lost and once again having the ability to play, really play again. I miss it, I wasn't perfect, and I won't ever be perfect in my music. But as long as I am a ready and willing vessel God will use me, and the gift that he gave me is His to use as he sees fit.
So, with all that said, I just wanted to share the peace that God gave me and the story behind it. Hopefully now that I don't have all that on my mind, I'll have more time to post :)
For those of you who are wondering, yes I will still be doing orchestra at the U, I am also taking a conducting course, and possibly playing viola in a quartet, no I don't know how to play viola that's part of the fun of it :) As for lessons there is a lady that I took lessons from about 8 years ago and again this summer that said she would teach me again, at the expensive of her little time to herself. So, I am going to give her a call after the holidays and everything should be good again :)
It if you got through all that and understand what I was saying "bravo to you!"
Annoucement!
I might be getting 3 more students!! If everything works out well, I will have a grand total of 10 students!! My all time goal! Now, I can set a new goal! There is also a possibility that I will be teaching a music class to some younger children I'm still working on it, but it's a possibility. I'm so excited about this. Sometimes, that my one joy, or relaxation/fun time of the day. I love to teach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And it's definitely a bright spot in this music mess I'm dealing with right now.
Praise the Lord *dances around in circles*
Praise the Lord *dances around in circles*
So....
I'm sitting here staring at my computer screen trying to decide what on earth to write about. There must be something going on in my life that is interesting enough to blog...
but alas, my brain comes up a complete ________________________
so... let's see... what have I been doing...
O.k. so I think maybe I will go to bed, I'm being a little random...
So, good night all!
but alas, my brain comes up a complete ________________________
so... let's see... what have I been doing...
- I finished Joe's uniform in time for the Civil War Day. But I don't think I will get Lydia's skirt done. I feel terrible!!! Bad me, I should stay up all night and finish :)
- I am about ready to throw my hands up in the air and forget this whole music thing all together!!!! It's a good thing I love my students or I would quit! Well,.... that and I know God wants me to play... I actually might be getting a new violin student, which would bring the grand total to 8. This is awesome! I was trying to figure out how to make a little more money. And God just keeps dropping students in my lap, definitely an answer to prayer...
- Don't spent 2 hours in a small bathroom priming wood paneling. It gets VERY hot and tedious!
- When your new violin teacher tells you to practice 4 hours a day. Make sure she actually means it before freaking out! I mean for goodness sake, I have a full time job, 7 students, orchestra, and magazine work on top of life, when I am suppose to practice for 4 hours every day. It's a good thing she didn't mean it...
- Something new I learned! When you shift (on the violin) shift on the half steps its a lot easier.
- Oh and when you are in 2/4 time and counting in 4 a quarter rest gets 2 beats *blushes* I was not quite there in orchestra tonight...
- So, apparently I haven't been doing anything interesting lately.... I slammed my finger between a strawberry bucket and the door to the freezer this afternoon. It fine, it's just a little swollen and I might have a bruise, but it hurt terribly after it happened.
- Oh and I realized that the skin that got
- Other than that, my room desperately needs to be cleaned and I am very ticked at my hair... maybe I need a trim... Kristi! will you bring your clippers with you this weekend??
O.k. so I think maybe I will go to bed, I'm being a little random...
So, good night all!
May God bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and give you peace.
YAY!!!
As of today, I know officially have 7 violin students!!!! I'm so excited!!!! At the beginning of the year I had 4. Now, under a purely God ordained set of circumstances I have 7! And 2 of those came in the last few weeks. One right after the other! I'm so happy!! This is what I have always wanted to do. Just teach! And now I get to!!!!!!
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About Me
- Katie
- I am a daughter of God who is striving to do and be all that God has for me. I'm a pretty normal person, kinda goofy at times, but I can be a dear. If I try :) I always try to be happy and I'm never lazy, I've tried, it doesn't agree with me. Once you meet me you'll never want for entertainment :)