Oook, so the parents are on their way! They are in the car right now and I feel ill prepared, but generally ok.
I'm mostly worried that my father will depart tomorrow and my mother will be staying on for an extra night. This is both exciting and a bit worrisome. It is exciting, because it is her stepping out of her comfort zone. She typically afraid of traveling by herself, but truth be told, the venture to and from are very simple. The worrisome part is mostly about me not having a car and her inability to walk long distances. I will need to be creative.
They were originally coming for the William Ferris Chorale concert tonight, but it turned into a little bit of a mother's day weekend. My father is obligated so he wont be partaking in it all, but so it goes.
You're sure to hear the play by play.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Richard Miller
Yesterday, I was saddened to find out that my former voice teacher at Oberlin had passed away. Richard Miller was my private instructor for all four years during my Oberlin undergrad degree.
I don't exactly know what to say about his death. I had heard rumor that this was coming, so I've been thinking about my time spent with Mr. Miller during that very formative four years of my life. The truth of the matter is, I spent a lot of Saturday mornings working with Mr. Miller in his garden, which was something he hired me to do during my time at Oberlin. That time spent with him was maybe more valuable to me than all the vocal technique he shared with me. He really was a renaissance man, but I only knew that because of those Saturday mornings spent with him.
The other thing that I think is important about Mr. Miller (that maybe I only realize now more than ever given my current employment within a music school), is that he was famous for being a pedagogue, which in the world of music is not typically glorified. Typically one achieves fame as a performer and then is given the privilege of teaching, which they may or may not be good at. Richard Miller was unique because although he had some success as a performer, he was famous for his study of singing and the ways in which he developed successful ways to teach singing. I am extremely fortunate to have been a student of his at it has informed how I understand music and music making, but also has afforded me many opportunities just because of being connected to his influential name. I am extremely thankful for him.
He will be missed.
I don't exactly know what to say about his death. I had heard rumor that this was coming, so I've been thinking about my time spent with Mr. Miller during that very formative four years of my life. The truth of the matter is, I spent a lot of Saturday mornings working with Mr. Miller in his garden, which was something he hired me to do during my time at Oberlin. That time spent with him was maybe more valuable to me than all the vocal technique he shared with me. He really was a renaissance man, but I only knew that because of those Saturday mornings spent with him.
The other thing that I think is important about Mr. Miller (that maybe I only realize now more than ever given my current employment within a music school), is that he was famous for being a pedagogue, which in the world of music is not typically glorified. Typically one achieves fame as a performer and then is given the privilege of teaching, which they may or may not be good at. Richard Miller was unique because although he had some success as a performer, he was famous for his study of singing and the ways in which he developed successful ways to teach singing. I am extremely fortunate to have been a student of his at it has informed how I understand music and music making, but also has afforded me many opportunities just because of being connected to his influential name. I am extremely thankful for him.
He will be missed.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Nice Watch!
Yesterday, I was eating pizza with Robin before our rehearsal and she said to me "So, what was going on on your blog today? I felt like I needed to console you." Which, struck me as so funny. I like to think that things actually happen on my blog.
No, I mean, yesterday and today and forever I will just feel overwhelmed on behalf of people in hard situations... currently, those close to me who are without a job, ESPECIALLY those who have to support others. I can't imagine that pressure.
A while back I mentioned something about this, but don't know if I ever blogged about it. Check out what I got in the mail:
So, I know you're thinking "nice watch!" but really what I want you to notice is this big foam roller! What do I need a foam roller for, you ask? Well, I don't, I need two, and two I have purchased. One for the office and one for home. See, I have a lot of back problems when I am forced to sit at a desk for such extended periods of time and although I managed to squeeze the office into buying a new chair I still struggle with quite a bit of pain. I honestly think this is just because I'm tall and not meant to sit comfortably in most regular human sized chairs, so my answer to this are these here foam rollers. It's a silly thing I do with them and I learned to do it at the chiropractor then continued the practice at the gym, but I literally just lie (lay? ! I never know which!) down on it and roll back and forth. It really cracks the old back and stretched out the muscles. I'm pretty addicted to it, thus my purchase of two big white foam rollers.
I know, I'm ridiculous.
Off to attempt to get done what I need to before class.
No, I mean, yesterday and today and forever I will just feel overwhelmed on behalf of people in hard situations... currently, those close to me who are without a job, ESPECIALLY those who have to support others. I can't imagine that pressure.
A while back I mentioned something about this, but don't know if I ever blogged about it. Check out what I got in the mail:
So, I know you're thinking "nice watch!" but really what I want you to notice is this big foam roller! What do I need a foam roller for, you ask? Well, I don't, I need two, and two I have purchased. One for the office and one for home. See, I have a lot of back problems when I am forced to sit at a desk for such extended periods of time and although I managed to squeeze the office into buying a new chair I still struggle with quite a bit of pain. I honestly think this is just because I'm tall and not meant to sit comfortably in most regular human sized chairs, so my answer to this are these here foam rollers. It's a silly thing I do with them and I learned to do it at the chiropractor then continued the practice at the gym, but I literally just lie (lay? ! I never know which!) down on it and roll back and forth. It really cracks the old back and stretched out the muscles. I'm pretty addicted to it, thus my purchase of two big white foam rollers.
I know, I'm ridiculous.
Off to attempt to get done what I need to before class.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Challenge
I got my hairs cut today.
Stopped in with Zoran and he did the thing.
I'm getting better at "shootin' the shit" with those guys.
I'm safe if I come in with recent movies I've seen or something from the news. It's also a good idea to talk about how nothing is really different than last time I was there.
I also made a quick trip downtown to turn in my CAAP grant revisions so I can get the money... within 6 to 8 weeks, only to be used by like 8 weeks later. This grant is a privilege but also seems to be a victim of the city's bureaucracy. After dropping off the packet I stopped into the Jamba Juice only to be surprised by a FREE drink! I guess they made the wrong drink for someone else, so offered it to me for free. Well, yes, of course I'll take it, even though it wasn't the one I wanted but I saved a good $4-5. Booyah.
I received word last night that my brother has also lost his job. Two of the four siblings have fallen prey to a poor economy, and the one other than me owns his own business. I believe my job is secure, but my thankfulness for it has grown strong.
Sometimes I get extremely frustrated by the ways in which life is challenging for many people. Today it seems heavy on my heart.
Stopped in with Zoran and he did the thing.
I'm getting better at "shootin' the shit" with those guys.
I'm safe if I come in with recent movies I've seen or something from the news. It's also a good idea to talk about how nothing is really different than last time I was there.
I also made a quick trip downtown to turn in my CAAP grant revisions so I can get the money... within 6 to 8 weeks, only to be used by like 8 weeks later. This grant is a privilege but also seems to be a victim of the city's bureaucracy. After dropping off the packet I stopped into the Jamba Juice only to be surprised by a FREE drink! I guess they made the wrong drink for someone else, so offered it to me for free. Well, yes, of course I'll take it, even though it wasn't the one I wanted but I saved a good $4-5. Booyah.
I received word last night that my brother has also lost his job. Two of the four siblings have fallen prey to a poor economy, and the one other than me owns his own business. I believe my job is secure, but my thankfulness for it has grown strong.
Sometimes I get extremely frustrated by the ways in which life is challenging for many people. Today it seems heavy on my heart.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Out the Window
Oooooh, Gosh.
What a weekend of sun sun sunshine!
Speaking of sunshine, check out this view from my bedroom window right now:
Not bad, eh? The thing is, that is an apple tree and will eventually turn into apples which seems charming and what not, but unattended trees that bear fruit are a MESS. It will be no time until I hear the regular thud of apples falling to the ground which, honestly sounds like someone rather than something falling. But for now, I enjoy the beautiful flowers that the sun shines through in the morning.
I did my best to take advantage of the lovely sunshine and warm temps. I had a nice brunch on Saturday morning followed by sometime sitting in the sun and reading for my class. One would think that would be an ideal situation to get homework done, but I felt only distracted by how lovely it was an how lazy it made me feel. I got a nice bike ride in over to the lake on Sunday where the temps were a bit less summery, but still enjoyable. As a result, I have a red forehead and nose. I'm totally ok with that.
I'm in a for a long one this week. Work, class, rehearsals, performance... and my parents come here on Friday for one of their typically quick trips. I'm looking forward to it.
This is all for now.
What a weekend of sun sun sunshine!
Speaking of sunshine, check out this view from my bedroom window right now:
Not bad, eh? The thing is, that is an apple tree and will eventually turn into apples which seems charming and what not, but unattended trees that bear fruit are a MESS. It will be no time until I hear the regular thud of apples falling to the ground which, honestly sounds like someone rather than something falling. But for now, I enjoy the beautiful flowers that the sun shines through in the morning.
I did my best to take advantage of the lovely sunshine and warm temps. I had a nice brunch on Saturday morning followed by sometime sitting in the sun and reading for my class. One would think that would be an ideal situation to get homework done, but I felt only distracted by how lovely it was an how lazy it made me feel. I got a nice bike ride in over to the lake on Sunday where the temps were a bit less summery, but still enjoyable. As a result, I have a red forehead and nose. I'm totally ok with that.
I'm in a for a long one this week. Work, class, rehearsals, performance... and my parents come here on Friday for one of their typically quick trips. I'm looking forward to it.
This is all for now.
Friday, May 1, 2009
How Fragile We Are
Oh, I really have so much to say this AM.
My sister just emailed me to let me know that my niece had totaled their car this AM on the way to school. Apparently a girl driving in front of her was fighting with her brother and stopped the car in the middle of the road. Six kids were involved and everyone is ok, but the car capooey. Apparently this incident has reminded everyone of the days when Davin was 16? We're of course thankful everyone is ok, and I can't say I will ever forget when I flipped my car at the age of 16. It was maybe when I realized my mortality the most. Nothing like being flung about it in a huge heap of metal to remind you of how fragile you are.
Sigh.
Yesterday was my first day back at work after contracting what everyone insists upon labeling the swine flu. At this point, I'm just going to go with it for comic relief because as Mary says, if anyone is going to get swine flu, it will be me. It was incredible how much and how little I missed being gone for three days. I had a million small things to catch up on, but nothing of significance so I was able to ease back in to speaking with people regularly and sitting up right in a chair for hours at a time. Although I wasn't thrilled with my return, I was able to look forward to Linsey and I venturing to Artropolis in the evening. I must say, the art seemed secondary to the people. Of course at these fairs you are able to see pieces by artists that you only read about and especially on level 12, the Art Chicago level, where patrons were clad in suits and dresses, this was common place. But, when you head down to level 6, where the Next art fair is in full swing, you find that art is shown hand in hand with skinny jeans (myself included, I'll own that) and 20 somethings waiting in line for free Grolsch and popcorn. It was more of a party and as a result we had a run in with a number of faces from the past. It was entertaining, if not a little tiresome. I'm reminded when I attend these things that I need to do so more often. It is a necessary evil if one wants to be a part of a creative community.
I refused to carry my umbrella to work today in protest of the frustratingly consistent rain that we have been subject to for, well, the last month. Srsly. Can we get a break? Apparently this is the second wettest month on record. That seems dirty and unfortunate.
I also have a flat tire on my bicycle.
But, it is Friday and I'm planning to make the most of it.
My sister just emailed me to let me know that my niece had totaled their car this AM on the way to school. Apparently a girl driving in front of her was fighting with her brother and stopped the car in the middle of the road. Six kids were involved and everyone is ok, but the car capooey. Apparently this incident has reminded everyone of the days when Davin was 16? We're of course thankful everyone is ok, and I can't say I will ever forget when I flipped my car at the age of 16. It was maybe when I realized my mortality the most. Nothing like being flung about it in a huge heap of metal to remind you of how fragile you are.
Sigh.
Yesterday was my first day back at work after contracting what everyone insists upon labeling the swine flu. At this point, I'm just going to go with it for comic relief because as Mary says, if anyone is going to get swine flu, it will be me. It was incredible how much and how little I missed being gone for three days. I had a million small things to catch up on, but nothing of significance so I was able to ease back in to speaking with people regularly and sitting up right in a chair for hours at a time. Although I wasn't thrilled with my return, I was able to look forward to Linsey and I venturing to Artropolis in the evening. I must say, the art seemed secondary to the people. Of course at these fairs you are able to see pieces by artists that you only read about and especially on level 12, the Art Chicago level, where patrons were clad in suits and dresses, this was common place. But, when you head down to level 6, where the Next art fair is in full swing, you find that art is shown hand in hand with skinny jeans (myself included, I'll own that) and 20 somethings waiting in line for free Grolsch and popcorn. It was more of a party and as a result we had a run in with a number of faces from the past. It was entertaining, if not a little tiresome. I'm reminded when I attend these things that I need to do so more often. It is a necessary evil if one wants to be a part of a creative community.
I refused to carry my umbrella to work today in protest of the frustratingly consistent rain that we have been subject to for, well, the last month. Srsly. Can we get a break? Apparently this is the second wettest month on record. That seems dirty and unfortunate.
I also have a flat tire on my bicycle.
But, it is Friday and I'm planning to make the most of it.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Next Day
Today I was planning to head to work, at least in the afternoon, but after sending a couple emails stating as much, I was promptly told that I should stay home. See, the president of the university actually sent a note out to everyone basically saying if you're sick, stay home. So, I obliged and took this final day to rest up and actually do some studying before my mid term examination this evening. Although, I must admit it is very difficult to get much studying done when the internet and television are so easily accessible. I've certainly watched enough tv in the last three days to last most good people a life time.
In MUCH more important news, my father has turned 73 years old today. Imagine that? 73 years on this blessed earth. I spoke to him a bit about it and he told me how he now lived longer than his father, his grand father and his oldest brother. I can't quite imagine that feeling, but at the rate he's living I imagine he will out last many others as well.
I know I sing his praises a lot, but he's totally worth it. The best dude I know. Most admirable and the most interesting. I pray that I get a fraction of the cool jeans err genes he has been given.
Here's to 73.
I'm off to study.
In MUCH more important news, my father has turned 73 years old today. Imagine that? 73 years on this blessed earth. I spoke to him a bit about it and he told me how he now lived longer than his father, his grand father and his oldest brother. I can't quite imagine that feeling, but at the rate he's living I imagine he will out last many others as well.
I know I sing his praises a lot, but he's totally worth it. The best dude I know. Most admirable and the most interesting. I pray that I get a fraction of the cool jeans err genes he has been given.
Here's to 73.
I'm off to study.
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