I cannot believe that finals are tomorrow! It has not really set in yet that tomorrow I will be taking tests. Thank goodness all I have tomorrow is my music theory test. Tuesday will be an interesting day as well. I think that I am pretty much ready for my piano basic skills test and for my horn jury, but I am a little nervous for my therapy final. It's not a huge deal, just playing stuff that we have been playing in class already, but I am still nervous. As far as piano and horn go, I am just afraid that I will mess up and get flustered and fail at playing it. I know I can play everything, I just get nervous. I need to practice with my accompanist again tomorrow.
Tonight we had a music theory study party, which involved a bunch of people sitting in one of my friend's room and talking about the different rules that we need to remember. Most people ended up looking at the notes I had taken. I re-wrote my notes in marker so that they were easier to access and read. Apparently my friends thought so too! It was good though, because I was able to add things to my notes and they were able to add stuff to theirs. Now I just need to look over my notes a bunch. I think I am going to do that when I am doing laundry tomorrow morning. Great fun.
Well, I am going to go check out midnight breakfast. Hopefully the line isn't super long!
Later.
Katie.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Marriage of Fred and Ally
We have two plants in our room, Bartholomew (aka Fred) the pothos plant and Ally the aloe plant. Katie brought Fred with her when she came to college. Ally came later. This is their story.
Fred was sitting there all alone one day, enjoying himself, but Fred was becoming lonely. He was getting tired of sitting just by himself. It was a sad life. The Katies were always in class or off doing other things, and there was no one there to pay attention to him. Suddenly, one day his life changed. Katie brought back Ally the aloe plant from the Ren Faire. Fred was in seventh heaven. He was very excited to finally have company at last! Fred and Ally got along very well. It soon became apparent to the Katies that Fred and Ally would have to be married. The wedding has not yet taken place, but the plan is to have it next semester. Fred and Ally are very excited to get dressed up in their wedding garb and eventually go on their honeymoon. They already have a guest that will attend their wedding. This guest is Red the poinsettia plant. Fred and Ally sit on the microwave/fridge while Red sits across the room by the printer. The three enjoy keeping each other company while the Katies are away at class.
This is what happens when roommates get bored. They name their plants and plan their wedding. This wedding will be taking place. Watch for invites! :)
Fred was sitting there all alone one day, enjoying himself, but Fred was becoming lonely. He was getting tired of sitting just by himself. It was a sad life. The Katies were always in class or off doing other things, and there was no one there to pay attention to him. Suddenly, one day his life changed. Katie brought back Ally the aloe plant from the Ren Faire. Fred was in seventh heaven. He was very excited to finally have company at last! Fred and Ally got along very well. It soon became apparent to the Katies that Fred and Ally would have to be married. The wedding has not yet taken place, but the plan is to have it next semester. Fred and Ally are very excited to get dressed up in their wedding garb and eventually go on their honeymoon. They already have a guest that will attend their wedding. This guest is Red the poinsettia plant. Fred and Ally sit on the microwave/fridge while Red sits across the room by the printer. The three enjoy keeping each other company while the Katies are away at class.
This is what happens when roommates get bored. They name their plants and plan their wedding. This wedding will be taking place. Watch for invites! :)
Sunday, December 5, 2010
So...
Christmas with Wartburg is done and finals are a-comin'. I'm kind of glad in a way that CWW is over, because my friends are around again. It was weird when a majority of the music department was gone on Friday! Of course, now everyone is going to be busy studying for finals, so I probably won't see much of them anyway.
I got to see CWW this weekend. I went to the 3:00 show on Saturday. It was really good. It reminded me a lot of something my high school did, except a little bigger. My high school would put on a choir concert every winter. They called it Festival of Choirs. We all shortened it to FOC (partially because it is shorter and partially because it is funny to say). It was the same basic thing though, just not as religious. Instead of having one of the high school bands play, we hired an orchestra to come and play. (No, Ankeny does not have an orchestra. It makes me mad, but what can I do.) All of the choirs would sing separate songs and there were also group songs too. We had people in the isles singing, like CWW, and we even did a song where the choir members held candles. Actually, FOC was this past weekend too. It would have been nice to see; my brother was in it this year. Anyway, watching CWW brought back some good memories from high school. It made me want to be a part of it! Maybe next year...
The positive side of not being in CWW is that I have gotten to know some people from my band better, specifically those who were in the small ensemble that we set up to play before the concerts. One of the girls lives on my floor. We just hadn't really gotten a chance to talk a lot until now. It was nice.
Well, this week is going to bring lots of homework and practicing. Yippee. I'm just thankful that I don't have a bunch of tests to study for. Most of my finals are either papers or something I have to play music for. I just have one test type final in music theory. Hopefully the fact that that class builds on itself will make it easier!
I got to see CWW this weekend. I went to the 3:00 show on Saturday. It was really good. It reminded me a lot of something my high school did, except a little bigger. My high school would put on a choir concert every winter. They called it Festival of Choirs. We all shortened it to FOC (partially because it is shorter and partially because it is funny to say). It was the same basic thing though, just not as religious. Instead of having one of the high school bands play, we hired an orchestra to come and play. (No, Ankeny does not have an orchestra. It makes me mad, but what can I do.) All of the choirs would sing separate songs and there were also group songs too. We had people in the isles singing, like CWW, and we even did a song where the choir members held candles. Actually, FOC was this past weekend too. It would have been nice to see; my brother was in it this year. Anyway, watching CWW brought back some good memories from high school. It made me want to be a part of it! Maybe next year...
The positive side of not being in CWW is that I have gotten to know some people from my band better, specifically those who were in the small ensemble that we set up to play before the concerts. One of the girls lives on my floor. We just hadn't really gotten a chance to talk a lot until now. It was nice.
Well, this week is going to bring lots of homework and practicing. Yippee. I'm just thankful that I don't have a bunch of tests to study for. Most of my finals are either papers or something I have to play music for. I just have one test type final in music theory. Hopefully the fact that that class builds on itself will make it easier!
A Response
So I believe you suggested that we write a blog responding to the writings by Matt Townsley and Walter Bouzard. I had forgotten until now, so here it is. Better late than never!
Not knowing Townsley or his personality, when I first read his article over whether Wartburg is really a college of the church, I couldn't help but wonder if he was playing devil's advocate to an extent. I found myself wondering if this is how he really felt, or if he was pulling together facts to make the school think about and remember what they represent. I didn't feel like the information he presented was consistently used in the correct context. I think he pulled bits and pieces to make his point. While I agree that the college is very tolerant of other religions, I do not think this is a bad thing. Everyone has a different background and something different to bring to the table. As Christians, I feel we should recognize that everyone has a right to worship if they so choose. I like how everyone is welcomed to Communion, even if they are not Lutheran. Jesus did die for everyone after all.
I do not think that Townsley was expecting a response to his argument, but he did. Bouzard's response to Townsley's argument was better organized and had definite proof that backed up his different points. I thought it was funny at the end that he mentioned how Townsley unintentionally argued for more religion classes. I don't think that was Townsley's intent!
I found these two pieces interesting. I am perfectly content with the way Wartburg is currently running as far as religion goes. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in religion here. I like how they are not forced opportunities either. I feel like if I was forced to be involved in a religious group or forced to attend a certain amount of services, that I would enjoy it less, simply because I was told I have to. I think that Townsley made some interesting points in his article, however he was no match for Bouzard's response.
Not knowing Townsley or his personality, when I first read his article over whether Wartburg is really a college of the church, I couldn't help but wonder if he was playing devil's advocate to an extent. I found myself wondering if this is how he really felt, or if he was pulling together facts to make the school think about and remember what they represent. I didn't feel like the information he presented was consistently used in the correct context. I think he pulled bits and pieces to make his point. While I agree that the college is very tolerant of other religions, I do not think this is a bad thing. Everyone has a different background and something different to bring to the table. As Christians, I feel we should recognize that everyone has a right to worship if they so choose. I like how everyone is welcomed to Communion, even if they are not Lutheran. Jesus did die for everyone after all.
I do not think that Townsley was expecting a response to his argument, but he did. Bouzard's response to Townsley's argument was better organized and had definite proof that backed up his different points. I thought it was funny at the end that he mentioned how Townsley unintentionally argued for more religion classes. I don't think that was Townsley's intent!
I found these two pieces interesting. I am perfectly content with the way Wartburg is currently running as far as religion goes. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in religion here. I like how they are not forced opportunities either. I feel like if I was forced to be involved in a religious group or forced to attend a certain amount of services, that I would enjoy it less, simply because I was told I have to. I think that Townsley made some interesting points in his article, however he was no match for Bouzard's response.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Back Again
So I am back again and am starting to realize just how busy I am going to be these next couple of weeks. With all my classes coming to an end and with my jury and piano proficiency test coming up I am going to have a lot to do! I'll just have to take it one day at a time :)
This evening my roommate and I put up our Christmas tree. We have it on top of our microwave. Its pretty cool- there are mini ornaments on it and pipe cleaner garland. We even have a makeshift tree skirt and presents under it! I brought back a poinsettia as well, so our room is starting to look festive.
I am really looking forward to December. I love Christmas, I love snow, and my birthday is in December too, not to mention break! Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I really enjoy getting together with family and it is fun to exchange presents. I love the music that comes this time of year as well. I feel like it is a happy time, with everyone focused on giving and helping others. Unfortunately I know this is not always the case. Christmas, like nearly every holiday, has become overly commercialized. The holiday that was originally created to remember the gift of Jesus' birth has turned into "how much stuff can I get." Santa has been created, a figure who exists solely to make and deliver toys, stores have sales months in advance so that presents can be bought, excessive amounts of food is eaten, decorations are bought and displayed, and electricity bills increase due to all the added lights. And we are told that all this hoopla is to celebrate the birth of a baby. A baby that was born in a barn, mind you. As much as I enjoy all of the traditions that accompany Christmas, I feel like many of them have become excessive. I have always have difficulties coming up with things that people can get me. I have to come up with twice as much stuff too, because my birthday and Christmas are so close. While I appreciate the willingness of my relatives to purchase me gifts, I never feel like I NEED anything. I would be happy with minimal gifts and just having my family around.
I guess I just have mixed feelings about the holidays. While I enjoy the giving atmosphere that prevails during this time, I detest the cries of, "More more more!" that so many are yelling. Everyone should be thankful for what they have and be appreciative if they receive a gift rather than expecting that they receive something.
Even though I feel like some people are stupid when it comes to Christmas, I still really enjoy it and am anxious for it to come!
This evening my roommate and I put up our Christmas tree. We have it on top of our microwave. Its pretty cool- there are mini ornaments on it and pipe cleaner garland. We even have a makeshift tree skirt and presents under it! I brought back a poinsettia as well, so our room is starting to look festive.
I am really looking forward to December. I love Christmas, I love snow, and my birthday is in December too, not to mention break! Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I really enjoy getting together with family and it is fun to exchange presents. I love the music that comes this time of year as well. I feel like it is a happy time, with everyone focused on giving and helping others. Unfortunately I know this is not always the case. Christmas, like nearly every holiday, has become overly commercialized. The holiday that was originally created to remember the gift of Jesus' birth has turned into "how much stuff can I get." Santa has been created, a figure who exists solely to make and deliver toys, stores have sales months in advance so that presents can be bought, excessive amounts of food is eaten, decorations are bought and displayed, and electricity bills increase due to all the added lights. And we are told that all this hoopla is to celebrate the birth of a baby. A baby that was born in a barn, mind you. As much as I enjoy all of the traditions that accompany Christmas, I feel like many of them have become excessive. I have always have difficulties coming up with things that people can get me. I have to come up with twice as much stuff too, because my birthday and Christmas are so close. While I appreciate the willingness of my relatives to purchase me gifts, I never feel like I NEED anything. I would be happy with minimal gifts and just having my family around.
I guess I just have mixed feelings about the holidays. While I enjoy the giving atmosphere that prevails during this time, I detest the cries of, "More more more!" that so many are yelling. Everyone should be thankful for what they have and be appreciative if they receive a gift rather than expecting that they receive something.
Even though I feel like some people are stupid when it comes to Christmas, I still really enjoy it and am anxious for it to come!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
I Love the Holidays!
Break has been so much fun. I'm a bit sad to go back tomorrow. It will be nice to see my Wartburg friends again though.
I got back Wednesday night, luckily without any storm related complications. My family went to see Harry Potter that night. It was a lot of fun! I sat by my youngest brother. He made me laugh during the movie. There was one part when a snake jumps toward the audience suddenly that causes you to jump. Right after this scene he said to me, "I don't like these glasses." I laughed so hard! This statement was in reference to when he was little and was watching a 3D movie in an IMAX theater. We were watching the previews before our movie about underwater creatures was going to start. During the preview a ladder "fell" on the audience. Matt whipped his glasses off so fast and then proceeded to say, "I don't like these glasses," and then never put them back on again. We tell that story all the time because we all found it so funny. It was hilarious that he thought of that during the movie on Wednesday. It was completely out of the blue and yet perfectly appropriate!
Thursday we celebrated Thanksgiving with my family. We ate turkey and all the sides and such for lunch then hung around the rest of the day. We played games and that sort of thing. All the girls went to Michael's to hit their sale. They started their Black Friday sale the night before! I didn't get much. Just some yarn for crocheting and some Christmas ornaments to put up on our little tree in our room.
For me, Friday was homework day. I met my grandma and aunts for lunch (they had all gone out shopping earlier that morning). I ended up going to Gordman's with my mom that afternoon. We found some gifts that she could give me for Christmas and/or my Birthday. I found a Christmas present for my roommate as well. We ended up watching Toy Story 3 that night. I had never seen it before. Its really cute! I love that series. After that I went and saw Harry Potter again, this time with some friends from high school. I was really happy to see them again. I wish I could see them more often than I do!
Today was Christmas. Everyone came over for soup at lunchtime, then we opened presents. I got a couple new shirts, some socks, a jacket, staff paper, and a Christmas ornament. I was super excited! I gave my uncles and my grandpa Wartburg mugs. It was really funny seeing their faces when they opened them! My grandpa went to Wartburg, so he appreciated the gift, but both my uncles went to Luther! It was really funny to see their faces when they opened them. My one uncle was speechless! He then sat there deep in thought trying to decide what he is going to do to retaliate. I have a feeling there will be some Luther stuff coming in the mail in the next few weeks!
Now its back to school tomorrow. The next few weeks should be a busy, but fun time!
I got back Wednesday night, luckily without any storm related complications. My family went to see Harry Potter that night. It was a lot of fun! I sat by my youngest brother. He made me laugh during the movie. There was one part when a snake jumps toward the audience suddenly that causes you to jump. Right after this scene he said to me, "I don't like these glasses." I laughed so hard! This statement was in reference to when he was little and was watching a 3D movie in an IMAX theater. We were watching the previews before our movie about underwater creatures was going to start. During the preview a ladder "fell" on the audience. Matt whipped his glasses off so fast and then proceeded to say, "I don't like these glasses," and then never put them back on again. We tell that story all the time because we all found it so funny. It was hilarious that he thought of that during the movie on Wednesday. It was completely out of the blue and yet perfectly appropriate!
Thursday we celebrated Thanksgiving with my family. We ate turkey and all the sides and such for lunch then hung around the rest of the day. We played games and that sort of thing. All the girls went to Michael's to hit their sale. They started their Black Friday sale the night before! I didn't get much. Just some yarn for crocheting and some Christmas ornaments to put up on our little tree in our room.
For me, Friday was homework day. I met my grandma and aunts for lunch (they had all gone out shopping earlier that morning). I ended up going to Gordman's with my mom that afternoon. We found some gifts that she could give me for Christmas and/or my Birthday. I found a Christmas present for my roommate as well. We ended up watching Toy Story 3 that night. I had never seen it before. Its really cute! I love that series. After that I went and saw Harry Potter again, this time with some friends from high school. I was really happy to see them again. I wish I could see them more often than I do!
Today was Christmas. Everyone came over for soup at lunchtime, then we opened presents. I got a couple new shirts, some socks, a jacket, staff paper, and a Christmas ornament. I was super excited! I gave my uncles and my grandpa Wartburg mugs. It was really funny seeing their faces when they opened them! My grandpa went to Wartburg, so he appreciated the gift, but both my uncles went to Luther! It was really funny to see their faces when they opened them. My one uncle was speechless! He then sat there deep in thought trying to decide what he is going to do to retaliate. I have a feeling there will be some Luther stuff coming in the mail in the next few weeks!
Now its back to school tomorrow. The next few weeks should be a busy, but fun time!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Bird Poop
Well, seeing how a bird decided to use me for target practice today, this blog bears the title "Bird Poop."
I was on my way to the FAC this morning to meet my quintet so we could go to a church in Waterloo to play for their service. It was a bit rainy out, but I figured, no big deal, I have a coat. I had just walked under some trees when I felt something land on my head. My first thought was that it was water that had fallen from one of the trees. Then I noticed that I was not really under the trees anymore and that a few birds had just flown over me. Reluctantly I reached my hand up toward my head and discovered that it was, in fact, bird poop. I was rather annoyed as I had just taken a shower not an hour before. There wasn't much I could do about it though. I ended up going to the FAC and washing it out as best I could. Luckily it wasn't too bad! Then we went and played for the church. That was fun.
Other than that today was pretty good. I lost $10 which was sad, but oh well. Hopefully it made some one's day when they found it. I was able to attend the hand bell concert and the jazz band concert today. All of the groups did really well. I like going and seeing all the different musical performances on campus. Even though I am required to go to so many, it is more fun than it is work.
Going to the different recitals makes me nervous for when it is time to do my own. I am nervous enough for my jury at the end of this semester. I only have to play one movement of a song for that. For a recital I am going to need to learn a lot more literature. Luckily, I do not have to worry about a recital in the near future. Another thing coming up in the world of Katie is another audition. Several of the horn players in Wind Ensemble are studying abroad next semester, so the hornists in the Symphonic Band have been given the opportunity to audition for the open spots.
I would like to move up to the Wind Ensemble, but I would miss the Symphonic Band if I made it. I feel like I have really grown close to some of the members in that band and I would miss seeing them as often. I would like to move up though because I want more of a musical challenge. I also don't want to play first part anymore. I'm probably the only person in the world who doesn't want to play first, but I have been on first part, if not first chair, pretty much since I've started playing. I was the only horn player when I was younger and gradually as I got older, more horn players joined, but I always had more experience so I got placed higher in the section. Most of the other horn players had switched instruments at some point in their musical careers. A lot of them were really good players though, and would have easily been able to play first. Its just the teachers always put me there instead. The one year that I got to play a part other than first was my sophomore year in high school, and the only reason I got to play a different part is because my teacher would have all the sections switch who is playing first and second and so on so that everyone got to experience the different parts. Even so, I still played first a lot that year. I want to play a lower part because it is challenging in a different way. It would require me to hear harmonies rather than melodies. It would also be harder to hear because it is lower. I would have to listen harder and use more air to project even more. My last few reasons for wanting to be in Wind Ensemble are not as good, but still true. I am competitive when it comes to music, so I want to be in the "top" band, I want to be able to travel to Japan in a couple of years, and my good friends are both in Wind Ensemble.
So, that's a little of whats going on in my life right now. Everything from bird poop to music auditions. Life is never boring! Next time I blog I will probably be at home celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas, so until then... happy break!
I was on my way to the FAC this morning to meet my quintet so we could go to a church in Waterloo to play for their service. It was a bit rainy out, but I figured, no big deal, I have a coat. I had just walked under some trees when I felt something land on my head. My first thought was that it was water that had fallen from one of the trees. Then I noticed that I was not really under the trees anymore and that a few birds had just flown over me. Reluctantly I reached my hand up toward my head and discovered that it was, in fact, bird poop. I was rather annoyed as I had just taken a shower not an hour before. There wasn't much I could do about it though. I ended up going to the FAC and washing it out as best I could. Luckily it wasn't too bad! Then we went and played for the church. That was fun.
Other than that today was pretty good. I lost $10 which was sad, but oh well. Hopefully it made some one's day when they found it. I was able to attend the hand bell concert and the jazz band concert today. All of the groups did really well. I like going and seeing all the different musical performances on campus. Even though I am required to go to so many, it is more fun than it is work.
Going to the different recitals makes me nervous for when it is time to do my own. I am nervous enough for my jury at the end of this semester. I only have to play one movement of a song for that. For a recital I am going to need to learn a lot more literature. Luckily, I do not have to worry about a recital in the near future. Another thing coming up in the world of Katie is another audition. Several of the horn players in Wind Ensemble are studying abroad next semester, so the hornists in the Symphonic Band have been given the opportunity to audition for the open spots.
I would like to move up to the Wind Ensemble, but I would miss the Symphonic Band if I made it. I feel like I have really grown close to some of the members in that band and I would miss seeing them as often. I would like to move up though because I want more of a musical challenge. I also don't want to play first part anymore. I'm probably the only person in the world who doesn't want to play first, but I have been on first part, if not first chair, pretty much since I've started playing. I was the only horn player when I was younger and gradually as I got older, more horn players joined, but I always had more experience so I got placed higher in the section. Most of the other horn players had switched instruments at some point in their musical careers. A lot of them were really good players though, and would have easily been able to play first. Its just the teachers always put me there instead. The one year that I got to play a part other than first was my sophomore year in high school, and the only reason I got to play a different part is because my teacher would have all the sections switch who is playing first and second and so on so that everyone got to experience the different parts. Even so, I still played first a lot that year. I want to play a lower part because it is challenging in a different way. It would require me to hear harmonies rather than melodies. It would also be harder to hear because it is lower. I would have to listen harder and use more air to project even more. My last few reasons for wanting to be in Wind Ensemble are not as good, but still true. I am competitive when it comes to music, so I want to be in the "top" band, I want to be able to travel to Japan in a couple of years, and my good friends are both in Wind Ensemble.
So, that's a little of whats going on in my life right now. Everything from bird poop to music auditions. Life is never boring! Next time I blog I will probably be at home celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas, so until then... happy break!
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