Sunday, February 28, 2010
formspring.me
Ask me whatever you want, mes petites lumières des étoiles. http://formspring.me/cgallagher08
Monday, February 22, 2010
Thinking schools. Again.
I have college and future plans on the brain again. It's what I obsess over, about 99% of the time.
I have applied to six universities:
1. University of North Carolina School of the Arts
2. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
3. East Carolina University
4. Appalachian State University
5. Western Carolina University, and
6. North Carolina State University
Those are in order of where I'd like to go. So far, I have been accepted at NC State and ECU (although I've not auditioned for their School of Music yet). I have auditioned at UNC Chapel Hill and UNC School of the Arts, which are my top two choices! :)
Basically, the School of the Arts and Chapel Hill are the only two schools that I actually want to go to, at this point. The other four schools are back up plans (after an elaborate, yet sporadic and daring plan to take a break from school to study music in NYC...but anyways). Plus NC State is pretty much out because they have nothing to offer me: no music, and no B.A. in Math, (only a B.S. in Math)....so, I am pretty much planning my life around UNCSA and UNC-Chapel Hill.
Here's the deal: If I do not get in to either, or if I only get in to one, then all of my problems will be solved, and none of this worrying will matter. If, however (crossing my fingers), I am accepted to both prestigious universities, I cannot decide which one I should go to. (I swear, sometimes I think that being an INTJ, the way that I think is a curse. In the long run, though, it's always a blessing.)
UNCSA is a conservatory, and so obviously the better choice, in terms of music and vocal training. It specifically trains students for a professional career as a performing artist. They also have an unofficial pipeline to Broadway, as most alumni end up there. Also, I have worked with several UNSCA alumni in the past, and their talent, confidence, and professionalism far exceed those around them. But it will take me another four years for one degree: a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance (I would start out as a freshman again in the Fall).
On the other hand, UNC Chapel Hill will take 4-5 semesters (depending on one or two summer semesters), to get a B.A. in Music, plus a B.A. in Math, which together would beat most resumés. Then I could go ahead to NYC or the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati (or any other conservatory, but you get the idea...), for graduate school.
My ultimate plan either way is to be classically trained for my undergraduate studies, then go to graduate school for Musical Theatre. (Since, apparently Musical Theatre is where I ultimately belong....read the post below for THAT story). So, if I go to UNC School of the Arts, then I will be 24 years old with a B.M., then 26 years old when I finish my Master's degree. And if I go to UNC Chapel Hill, then I will be 21 years old with two B.A.s, and then 23 years old with a B.A. in Math, and a Master's in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Musical Theatre, and a Classical foundation. Which to me seems like the better choice...(Being an INTJ, I think in terms of the long run. Or in this case, the long-long run).
What to do, what to do....?
Wait until mid-March when I get my notifications, I suppose is all I can do for now.
I have applied to six universities:
1. University of North Carolina School of the Arts
2. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
3. East Carolina University
4. Appalachian State University
5. Western Carolina University, and
6. North Carolina State University
Those are in order of where I'd like to go. So far, I have been accepted at NC State and ECU (although I've not auditioned for their School of Music yet). I have auditioned at UNC Chapel Hill and UNC School of the Arts, which are my top two choices! :)
Basically, the School of the Arts and Chapel Hill are the only two schools that I actually want to go to, at this point. The other four schools are back up plans (after an elaborate, yet sporadic and daring plan to take a break from school to study music in NYC...but anyways). Plus NC State is pretty much out because they have nothing to offer me: no music, and no B.A. in Math, (only a B.S. in Math)....so, I am pretty much planning my life around UNCSA and UNC-Chapel Hill.
Here's the deal: If I do not get in to either, or if I only get in to one, then all of my problems will be solved, and none of this worrying will matter. If, however (crossing my fingers), I am accepted to both prestigious universities, I cannot decide which one I should go to. (I swear, sometimes I think that being an INTJ, the way that I think is a curse. In the long run, though, it's always a blessing.)
UNCSA is a conservatory, and so obviously the better choice, in terms of music and vocal training. It specifically trains students for a professional career as a performing artist. They also have an unofficial pipeline to Broadway, as most alumni end up there. Also, I have worked with several UNSCA alumni in the past, and their talent, confidence, and professionalism far exceed those around them. But it will take me another four years for one degree: a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance (I would start out as a freshman again in the Fall).
On the other hand, UNC Chapel Hill will take 4-5 semesters (depending on one or two summer semesters), to get a B.A. in Music, plus a B.A. in Math, which together would beat most resumés. Then I could go ahead to NYC or the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati (or any other conservatory, but you get the idea...), for graduate school.
My ultimate plan either way is to be classically trained for my undergraduate studies, then go to graduate school for Musical Theatre. (Since, apparently Musical Theatre is where I ultimately belong....read the post below for THAT story). So, if I go to UNC School of the Arts, then I will be 24 years old with a B.M., then 26 years old when I finish my Master's degree. And if I go to UNC Chapel Hill, then I will be 21 years old with two B.A.s, and then 23 years old with a B.A. in Math, and a Master's in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Musical Theatre, and a Classical foundation. Which to me seems like the better choice...(Being an INTJ, I think in terms of the long run. Or in this case, the long-long run).
What to do, what to do....?
Wait until mid-March when I get my notifications, I suppose is all I can do for now.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Interesting Reviews
So, I have successfully completed two of my five college music auditions.
Or unsuccessfully?
It's hard to say, but one thing's for sure: The general consensus among the music faculty at the universities I have auditioned for seems to be that I am better suited for Musical Theatre, as opposed to Classical training. I suppose based on my solo repertoire and my extensive background in musical theatre, it is easy to assume that musical theatre is my area of focus and intention.
Au contraire.
My intention is to be classically trained. I have been thorough in my research of universities and their music programs, what they are all about, and certainly the difference in musical theatre training and classical training.
Hearing that consistent uncertainty in my musical purpose has somewhat daunted me. I was taken aback at today's audition, after performing a requested musical theatre piece. They asked me what my interest in their program is. And if I thought I would be bored at their school...studying French, German, Italian literature, etc...I wondered if they really assumed I had not made myself aware of what type of singer their program composes, how they train, and exactly what I might be getting myself into. Which, frankly, slightly offended me.
Of course, I wouldn't be bored! That's exactly WHY I chose to major in music. So that I could learn all of that, and build a solid foundation from which to launch and maintain a successful music career. I know exactly what I am getting into, and what I am looking for. I may not be (vocally or by genre) exactly what they look for in auditionees or future/prospective students, and I was aware of that before auditioning...But I guarantee them this: They are exactly what I want. And I am willing to do what it takes to get the training that I firmly believe in, and hold the highest respect for as a musician. For what other reason would I even bother?...If I didn't give it my all or work to and above my highest standards? I am not the type of person, or musician, that settles. That, in my book, is not above giving up.
I didn't skip a beat, though. I explained that I was completely aware of what it means to be classically trained, and that it has never been my intention to major in musical theatre. I also explained that I understand that, although that is what my background is made up of, and that I have never been operatically trained, it is still my desire to become a classically trained singer.
Even then, they threw back that it's okay to admit that Musical Theatre is my career intention and that I may wish to base the extension of my career in performance on classical training...but that thought has never crossed my mind. And I explained that in a Statement of Purpose that was submitted along with my application.
But never fear. (Although I somehow screwed up the Italian piece that I have been studying for over a year)...I was the last voice student to audition today, and the first to be asked to perform three pieces (as opposed to two), and also the first to get a perfect score on the sight-reading. Surprise, surprise. My theory may be a little bit of proof that I am working to be where I know I want to be.
I plan to exhaust every source possible to prove that that school is exactly where I have specifically chosen to attend.
Good day.
Or unsuccessfully?
It's hard to say, but one thing's for sure: The general consensus among the music faculty at the universities I have auditioned for seems to be that I am better suited for Musical Theatre, as opposed to Classical training. I suppose based on my solo repertoire and my extensive background in musical theatre, it is easy to assume that musical theatre is my area of focus and intention.
Au contraire.
My intention is to be classically trained. I have been thorough in my research of universities and their music programs, what they are all about, and certainly the difference in musical theatre training and classical training.
Hearing that consistent uncertainty in my musical purpose has somewhat daunted me. I was taken aback at today's audition, after performing a requested musical theatre piece. They asked me what my interest in their program is. And if I thought I would be bored at their school...studying French, German, Italian literature, etc...I wondered if they really assumed I had not made myself aware of what type of singer their program composes, how they train, and exactly what I might be getting myself into. Which, frankly, slightly offended me.
Of course, I wouldn't be bored! That's exactly WHY I chose to major in music. So that I could learn all of that, and build a solid foundation from which to launch and maintain a successful music career. I know exactly what I am getting into, and what I am looking for. I may not be (vocally or by genre) exactly what they look for in auditionees or future/prospective students, and I was aware of that before auditioning...But I guarantee them this: They are exactly what I want. And I am willing to do what it takes to get the training that I firmly believe in, and hold the highest respect for as a musician. For what other reason would I even bother?...If I didn't give it my all or work to and above my highest standards? I am not the type of person, or musician, that settles. That, in my book, is not above giving up.
I didn't skip a beat, though. I explained that I was completely aware of what it means to be classically trained, and that it has never been my intention to major in musical theatre. I also explained that I understand that, although that is what my background is made up of, and that I have never been operatically trained, it is still my desire to become a classically trained singer.
Even then, they threw back that it's okay to admit that Musical Theatre is my career intention and that I may wish to base the extension of my career in performance on classical training...but that thought has never crossed my mind. And I explained that in a Statement of Purpose that was submitted along with my application.
But never fear. (Although I somehow screwed up the Italian piece that I have been studying for over a year)...I was the last voice student to audition today, and the first to be asked to perform three pieces (as opposed to two), and also the first to get a perfect score on the sight-reading. Surprise, surprise. My theory may be a little bit of proof that I am working to be where I know I want to be.
I plan to exhaust every source possible to prove that that school is exactly where I have specifically chosen to attend.
Good day.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
What a GREAT week! :)
Hooray for a day off school tomorrow....even if it is only the second week.
Today was quite productive. I cleaned my room and closet, which is part of my agenda every weekend, since I usually don't have time to clean them during the week, arg. Plus, I gathered material for a speech I'm working on, studied for school and work, payed some bills, and got to go to my grandparents' house with my family for dinner :)
This was such a great week. It was my first week back at school, and my new classes are totally boss. I'm officially taking:
General Chemistry I (Lecture and Lab)
Chorus
Applied Music-Voice
Independent Study-Class Piano I
Dancing for Fitness
American Literature I, and
Principles of Management.
This week, I was also hired as a waitress at Outback Steakhouse (FINALLY), and I will begin training on Tuesday. The manager is way cool, and he seems to be impressed with me, so that's good. I was also offered an interview for my dream job, but more on that when I find out a little more....For now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I also was offered a highly profitable babysitting gig for a week or two, and I'm hoping that my crazy schedule will allow room for it.....Because I'm still the Marketing Manager for the textile company, and I am in the middle of four or five projects with that job! AHH, my life is crazy right now, but I'm so digging it!
I had rehearsal for Oklahoma! again this weekend, and it was perfect...I can't even explain how much I love doing this stuff. As frustrating as musical mistakes can be to me, I love them all the same. It's all part of the process. (Being an INTJ, the process itself is almost more important than the outcome to me.) I also began rehearsals for Choral Society this week. That's one that I'm not entirely sure I can fully commit to. I'm going to try to stick through the whole season, but I don't yet know if the rest of my schedule will allow room for it. I'm pushing for it though :)
This coming weekend is my first college audition, for UNC Chapel Hill. I'm not very nervous...I don't really get nervous for things anymore, but I am very excited. I get to stay with my mom in Cary for the weekend, which will be awesome because I haven't seen my other family in a while. For my audition, I'm going to sing:
1. "Per La Gloria D'adorarvi" by Giovanni Battista Bononcini
Today was quite productive. I cleaned my room and closet, which is part of my agenda every weekend, since I usually don't have time to clean them during the week, arg. Plus, I gathered material for a speech I'm working on, studied for school and work, payed some bills, and got to go to my grandparents' house with my family for dinner :)
This was such a great week. It was my first week back at school, and my new classes are totally boss. I'm officially taking:
General Chemistry I (Lecture and Lab)
Chorus
Applied Music-Voice
Independent Study-Class Piano I
Dancing for Fitness
American Literature I, and
Principles of Management.
This week, I was also hired as a waitress at Outback Steakhouse (FINALLY), and I will begin training on Tuesday. The manager is way cool, and he seems to be impressed with me, so that's good. I was also offered an interview for my dream job, but more on that when I find out a little more....For now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I also was offered a highly profitable babysitting gig for a week or two, and I'm hoping that my crazy schedule will allow room for it.....Because I'm still the Marketing Manager for the textile company, and I am in the middle of four or five projects with that job! AHH, my life is crazy right now, but I'm so digging it!
I had rehearsal for Oklahoma! again this weekend, and it was perfect...I can't even explain how much I love doing this stuff. As frustrating as musical mistakes can be to me, I love them all the same. It's all part of the process. (Being an INTJ, the process itself is almost more important than the outcome to me.) I also began rehearsals for Choral Society this week. That's one that I'm not entirely sure I can fully commit to. I'm going to try to stick through the whole season, but I don't yet know if the rest of my schedule will allow room for it. I'm pushing for it though :)
This coming weekend is my first college audition, for UNC Chapel Hill. I'm not very nervous...I don't really get nervous for things anymore, but I am very excited. I get to stay with my mom in Cary for the weekend, which will be awesome because I haven't seen my other family in a while. For my audition, I'm going to sing:
1. "Per La Gloria D'adorarvi" by Giovanni Battista Bononcini
2. "Mein Herr" from the musical "Cabaret"
3. "Angels Ever Bright And Fair" by George Frideric Handel
Not that really any of you know any of these songs....but they're pretty popular in the Classical world, haha. Then the next weekend, I'm headed to Boone to stay with my Aunt Shirley for my audition for Appalachian State University. I'm singing different songs for that audition (because different schools have different audition requirements).
Another great thing to mention is my training for the SLO Triathlon in July. My training has been going surprisingly well this week, and I have been improving more quickly than I had expected. At least in the swimming. I still hate running, but I'm doing it anyways, and I haven't started the biking yet. I'm going to incorporate that soon, after I get a better hang of the running. I didn't think I would, but I'm actually very much enjoying the training! It's great so far, and I'm already planning for some 5ks next month :)
Well, I need to go prepare myself for the busy week ahead of me.
CLG
Monday, January 11, 2010
Today was CRAZY!
So I have a few kinks in my schedule that I'm still working out....as is the case with seemingly the entire student body. Which, by the way, consists of WAY more people than just from this county. Seriously, people really need to stick to the Community Colleges in their own counties. I mean, I know Sandhills is one of the best, certainly in the surrounding area, and with some of the most reputable programs, but come on people. I LIVE in this county, and I went to school 30 minutes early and still barely made it to class on time, thanks to lack of parking. Jerks. Whatever. My schedule rocks.
I got to see my music family again today since I'm back in all those classes :) it was awesome. I didn't realize they care about me so much; plus we got a new member from my old choir family in high school, which was one of the best surprises :)
So three of my friends, that are also in choir with me, all work at Outback, and have convinced me to apply there for a third time. And one of them is in Oklahoma! with me. She advised that I definitely apply now because it won't interfere with rehearsals, and training takes so long that if I apply now, then by the time Oklahoma! is over, we will be done with training. Which we get paid for. Oklahoma! and training. So I'm applying tomorrow.
As for tonight, I'm gonna unwind from my crazy, frantic, running-around day by swimming some laps at the gym, and probably some running too. :) After I get all of the membership paperwork done, haha.
Watching The Office now--VERY IMPORTANT!! So I gotta go.
World Peace.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I got to see my music family again today since I'm back in all those classes :) it was awesome. I didn't realize they care about me so much; plus we got a new member from my old choir family in high school, which was one of the best surprises :)
So three of my friends, that are also in choir with me, all work at Outback, and have convinced me to apply there for a third time. And one of them is in Oklahoma! with me. She advised that I definitely apply now because it won't interfere with rehearsals, and training takes so long that if I apply now, then by the time Oklahoma! is over, we will be done with training. Which we get paid for. Oklahoma! and training. So I'm applying tomorrow.
As for tonight, I'm gonna unwind from my crazy, frantic, running-around day by swimming some laps at the gym, and probably some running too. :) After I get all of the membership paperwork done, haha.
Watching The Office now--VERY IMPORTANT!! So I gotta go.
World Peace.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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