This semester has been a whirlwind. I think I’ve spent more weekends at home than at school. I’ve literally fallen asleep in Richmond and woke up in front of my dorm just in time for my 9 am class. However, this semester has been extremely fulfilling, and HARD. Last year was hard but in a different way. My freshman year was hard because I didn’t know a chord could be diminished. This semester was hard because I was never here, and had more work than I did time. However, I loved every minute of it. Ya girl SANG this semester; in everything, everywhere, and for everyone haha. It’s funny, stress doesn’t feel that bad when you’re doing things you actually like, and not just working on Bach Inventions. Here are 10 of my Favorite things from this year. (no particular order)
- My meal plan: This semester I had freedom which is basically just a lot of money to spend on food. However, I have about 4 days left on campus and no money left. I was a little too generous with the “freedom”. Needless to say, I have enjoyed many Panera bagels and Shaken Ice Tea Lemonades from Starbucks. The bagels to which I accredit my blossoming derriere.
- Performing: I had mixed feelings about these all semester, and my face showed it all. Mainly, because I feel like instrumentalist don’t attempt pieces that they aren’t ready for, but as a developing vocalist, you’re working through your problems… in front of people. I was out of my comfort zone about 70% this semester, so I begged my mom to come to every show. However, performing is my favorite part of being a music major!! I love it!! I actually feel more comfortable on stage, then in one-on-one situations… I know.. weird. I’m either awkwardly quiet or awkwardly loud.
- Big band/ combos/ vocal ensemble: When I first got into the Vocal Ensemble, my teacher sent me an email. In that email, she said, “I think you’ll enjoy the hang”. I had no idea what she meant. Three semesters later, I finally get it. I’ve made great friends through the ensembles I’m in. Not only have I found great friends, it’s educational. I’ve learned so much in a short amount of time just by being surrounded by great musicians; whether it’s being hipped to new music, stealing charts, or just having someone to help me with my theory homework.
- My Hair: After wearing 53 pounds of Brazilian hair on my head I decided to wear my natural hair, in its natural state. I promise you weave is an addiction. You start with a little bit, then you want more and more. I started with 14” inch clip ins, then 18” inch sew-ins, to a vast collection of wigs/ half wigs; it was getting crazy, and expensive. Walking into the School of Music the first day with my hair all “India Arie like” made me feel very vulnerable. However, my classmates quickly assured me that they loved my new “haircut”. S/O to the people that knew I just took my weave out haha… I also feel my hair gives me a “style”. Style is important to an artist, right?
- Winning a pageant: I was disheartened when I realized I couldn’t balance school and compete in pageants as a freshman. However, I am extremely excited to present my best self at my state’s pageant in June.
- My suitemates: I love them. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them this semester. At times it’s been trying, but just because I don’t like dumping the trash. Sorry guys! It still amazes me how we all became roommates. They had another roommate, but look at God… always working it out.
- My Voice Teacher: I LOVE HER. Partly, because she’s fashionable. Mostly, because she’s so supportive and encouraging. If I didn’t find her I probably wouldn’t be a music major. I felt like something was missing my whole freshman year, and when I met her things slowly started to come together. Many teachers made me feel bad about the things I didn’t know, but I felt she took what I did know and worked with it!
- JEN/ New York Voices Festival: This year was CRAZY for Mason Jazz! LIKE BANANAS! The trip to New Orleans for the Jazz Education Network Conference was amazing. We were brushing shoulders with FAMOUS people. The food was amazing, the clinics were phenomenal, and both groups performed extremely well. In March, the New York Voices held a clinic for college and high school ensembles. It was incredible. Especially when Lauren said she loved my tone and hit me with her comment paper or when Kim said, ”I didn’t expect that voice”, and touched my shoulder, or maybe when I MC’d the festival! Not tooting my own horn or anything, but *TOOT**TOOT*
- Being home/ my mom’s support: Whereas being home made it difficult to get work done. I enjoyed sleeping in my bed, eating home cooked food, and not spending my money. I liked washing my clothes at home. I liked laying in bed watching tv with my mom. It made me feel like I was in high school and had nothing to worry about. As mentioned above, I begged my mom to come to every show, and she came. My mom makes me feel like I can do anything. I enjoy watching her smile or cringe, depending on what I’m singing haha.
- Uchurch: I’ve missed a lot of church this semester. Church on campus that is. Mostly because I’ve been at home. However, two weeks ago I heard a sermon that could’ve solved all my problems this semester. No matter how saved we get, we still need a check up. I realized that I wasn’t giving all my problems to God. All semester I worried about doing a good job in the big band, doing my music history study questions, meeting pageant deadlines, and the amount of panic I had about my mixed voice was just unnatural haha. I sent myself into a caffeine frenzy to get everything done, and still didn’t get much accomplished, and that’s because I didn’t GIVE him all of my problems. I tried to fix them myself and ran myself somewhat CRAZY. Glad I got this message before finals because I handed that aural skills final right over to him… And he worked it out.
I’ll blog more regularly this summer. Until next time! *milly rocks back to Richmond*
Carlehr Swanson 