Concert Report

Like almost every other 3rd grader in my elementary school, when the enrichment program came to talk about joining the orchestra and band, I was fascinated. I admired the kids, not much older than me, who could play their instruments flawlessly and effortlessly. Immediately I knew that orchestra was for me, and I rushed home with a paper in hand begging my mom to let me take lessons at my school. Originally, I wanted to play the cello and pleaded with my mom to let me play one; I loved the deep, rich sounds of the strings. Instead, my mom convinced me to play the violin, a less expensive instrument and much easier to carry around than a cello.

In elementary, I was known as the best player for my patience and understanding of every piece we played in orchestra. “Your daughter is my best student in all 4 schools that I teach,” exclaimed my orchestra teacher, Ms. Nichols, to my mother. Ever since then, I have been practicing my violin every minute of every day. At the end of my sixth grade year, I received a letter stating that I have been invited to audition for the East Valley Youth Symphony. The desire I had to audition felt like someone hitting me with a hammer.The tears of joy that fell from my parents’ faces were overwhelming, but I knew there was no reason to celebrate because it wouldn’t be easy to get into. At that instant, I had a panic attack and couldn’t stop until the next morning.

Many studies have been completed showing how much music can help students in listening, memorization, other areas academically, and social skills. Since one of the outstanding things about VCMS is our choir, it is very important to see Mrs. Grizzle’s--the choir director here--perspective. It is also important to see how the 8th grade chorus members think that choir has affected them throughout their middle school choir experience.

Fifth grade was the year, the year everyone at Oak Ridge Elementary School looked forward to. This was the year we got to ditch the recorder, and pick up a real instrument. A violin. As expected, we learned the basics; nothing more than the names of the parts of the instrument, and how to play the open strings. But ever since that day in 2011, I have been irrevocably in love with playing the violin.

On May 28, 2015, high school students Morgan Cassidy and Coralyn Whalen performed their self choreographed jazz duet, titled Clarity. Clarity is the story of two people in a very addicting relationship, that is completely hopeless, but continues to hold on to hope. Clarity, along with many other pieces performed in St. Theresa Catholic Secondary Schools dance recital, was an effective and eye catching piece that used distinct emotion throughout the entire song. The piece had very substantial timing issues, and minor technique issues, but overall, the piece demonstrated excellent partnership and promising potential.

I cannot believe what my eyes have witnessed. On February 24, 2017, I had the opportunity to volunteer and to witness a Stax Music Academy concert. Every year in February, the Stax Music Academy pays tribute to legendary music artist by performing some of the most iconic songs that were sung during the late 50’s - early 90’s. This year, the Stax Music Academy did an R&B concert based on the Stax Volt tour, which included people like, Otis Redding, The Barkays, The Staple singers, and more. This concert was sold out, and the crowd really enjoyed themselves.

The next year, I finally was able to start playing the flute. I loved it more than anything and I would practice every day because it was fun, and made me happier. As a fifth-grader I wasn’t always the most delicate, smart, or eloquent person to live. Often times, I felt as if I wasn’t great at anything. But, while playing the flute, I felt as if I belonged somewhere and like I was

On Saturday, November 21st I attended Stage III’s production of the musical The Drowsy Chaperone at the Beaudoin Theater in Siena Campus’ Foy Hall. In order to keep productions interesting for all members of the audience, Stage III productions differ each year. So, Stage III production genres vary each year, as no genre of play or musical is repeated within the same year. The musical direction in Stage III’s The Drowsy Chaperone was by Dr. Timothy J. Reno, while the music and lyrics were by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison.

Music isn 't just what I do, it 's who I am, and who I’ve always been. I play twelve instruments. Some fluently, some only a singular note or, maybe a song. This all started out in sixth grade when I could not decide what instrument was best for me. I started out my first two months of middle school by switching from instrument to instrument. I began with the oboe, and a week later, I changed to percussion. Only then, did I attempt to play all of the brass instruments-- and I mean all of them-- trumpet, french horn, tuba, trombone, and baritone, you name it, and I’ve probably played it. Next, I moved on to all of the woodwinds, flutes, clarinets, and all of the saxophones. Again, I cycled through the percussion instruments once again. Finally, I decided that I would rather play notes on a staff than beat something with a stick. I was forced, by my very irritated band teacher, to pick one of the two that I was better at, the alto saxophone or the trumpet. Two completely different musical instruments in two completely different musical families. Of course, as an indecisive twelve year old, I could not pick. Mr. Deneen, a woodwind player himself, chose the alto saxophone.

It was my first time moving schools and I didn’t know what to think or what to do, I had been in our orchestra in Springfield and I really enjoyed it, but out here in Monett there was only band and I wasn’t sure how I felt about it but my mom convinced me into doing it. It was my first day in the band and the assistant band director Mrs. White who had been there for a while asked me what I might like to play and I wasn’t sure so she told me to think about it. (this story, however, is not about her so I won't go into to detail about how she looked) Mrs. White was a shorter woman and was older.

On Sunday, May10 2015, a concert was held in The Broad Stage. The concert was played by Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra, whose conductor is Dr. James Martin. For this concert, I would identify myself as a referential listener at this concert. I say this because I am not an expert in music, therefore it would be hard for me to be a critical listener. I wouldn’t be able to tell what went wrong with a performance even if some incorrect notes were played. I was more of a referential listener because the music was soothing and brought my mind to peaceful thoughts. This essay will tells my experience of the concert in order to persuade my friend to  attend a classical music concert with you in the future.

But she told me I had the talent to catch up with the people that were 100, 1000 steps ahead of me. By the end of my junior year I was caught up with the solo music, technique, sound, musicality and the foundation that I never had. It was the time when I had to at least choose what school I wanted to go and major that I wanted to pursue in the future. Before I said anything to Mrs. Song, she told me to pursue and achieve the flute in college. I was kind of confused because even then I was’t sure if I was good enough player to even compete against these gifted people. But she told me she never seen a person absorb and learn quick as me in her 40 years of teaching. And encouraged me to have the confidence and fight for what I really wanted which was to be a principle flutist in major orchestras. Now I am currently applying to music schools that I never imagined of applying and going. The musical talent that I was gifted from God not only made me realized the potential I’ve got as a flutist, it also changed me as a person and how I view tough situations in

     I chose to do my first concert report on Pearl Jam. The concert took place at Deer Creek the weekend after class started, so it was perfect timing to do this assignment. This was the first time I have seen Pearl, and I thought it was worthy of writing a report on.

On Christmas morning, nothing could explain the excitement I felt when my parents surprised me by saving the best present for last. I remember slowly creeping up to the stringed instrument as if it were a newborn baby and delicately passing my finger against each string. I smile till this day- the resonant sounds never stop pleasing me.

For the sake of myself and my softball career, I continued with the lessons so I could put a smile on my parents’ faces although I hated what I was doing and didn’t understand a single bit of it. I went weeks without understanding a single thing I was doing. This continued on for about 2 months. Until what had seemed like a miracle at the time happened, The instructor had resigned! Although I didn’t think that it I would magically understand it, at least I wouldn’t be be miserable with someone who hated it more than me. The very next day, A Woman by the name of Mrs. Beck walked into my rehearsal room, we had instantly clicked! After just spending the first day getting to know one another it was time to get back to what I was really there for, learning the violin.