Saturday, 22 April 2006

It's good to be wrong sometimes
I thought this would be some of the worst times of my life at Hope College. For awhile, I was sure it was true. After the fiasco with the Education Department, the incomplete information from my advisor about what one prof has said about me and music education, disappointment from Student Congress, the never-ending stress from Prof. Le about how crappy I sounded playing a stupid Robert Schumann piece and how ridiculous it was that I took so long to learn it, AND all the pile of work facing me, I thought I had every reason to whine and wish the year would be over.
Boy was I ever wrong. And this week has been proof of that.

The Education Department made the mistake of the century with my application. I found out what the context was about my future with music education. Yes, I have hurdles to clear but I don't think they're impossible. Somehow the Schumann piece finally began to click early this week and I managed to pull off having a good piano lesson when I was sure I was doomed. Dr. Buettner continues to be happy with how I'm singing and said I was ready as I could be for my recital. I have to say he's right-I think Thursday's was probably one of the best performances I've given as a soloist. It'll definitely be interesting when Dr. Richmond returns and hears what I sound like after working with another teacher. As much as I guess I initially hoped I wouldn't get close to Dr. Buettner, probably because he's not Dr. Richmond, I think I have along with everyone else in the department. I wish him well when he must bid us farewell and it will be difficult to say good-bye, but hopefully I can stay in touch with my teacher. He will certainly get an invite if I give a junior recital next year.

And then there was Friday. After a long evening from Chapel Choir rehearsal through the Wind Symphony-North Central College Concert Winds combined concert and some time chilling with Autumn, Jeannette, Ben, Jenny, & Rob, I needed a good day and God blessed me with one. After an exciting start with an observation at Holland East Middle School, Chelsea and I rocked out in a practice room working away on Mozart's 41st Symphony. It'll be tricky playing it as a piano duo, but it'll be sweet too. Then came probably one of the coolest days of Theory II ever (yes, I'm a geek). Dr. Hodson arranged for us to meet in Snow Auditorium where we jammed on some quality post-tonal music on two pianos, two Clavinovas, a melodica, and a marimba. If only every class could be that relaxed/sweet. The day carried on, I ushered another recital in the Kletz (which is probably harder than whistling the national anthem backwards while standing on your head), and then the night grew enjoyable/memorable.

Lisa and her three roommates held a huge party out at their apartment and I was lucky enough to be invited. I was greeted by a huge hello from Lisa, tons of food, and a large number of my friends. It may not have been one of those get up and dance parties, but enjoying the company of some close friends was worth it to me. After walking back to the main campus with Ben, we discovered Eric and company plotting a round of Nertz and joined in the fun with gusto. One round turned into three very intense rounds and once again I ended up not leaving Brownstone 230 until after midnight. No, I do not live there but it's starting to seem like it.

Yup, I was wrong about this week. It wasn't all bad. It turned out quite well. And I like it that way. Thanks, God.

Comments(1)

I told you it would get better.
chickenlittle27