(This is Mikayla McCord)
GOAL UPDATE:
1. Make SWE:
Well, I haven't had my audition yet, but I have worked for it, like listening to the pieces online and practicing every night. Considering I know the pieces well I think it will come down to how confident I am that day/how nervous I am.
2. Play more musically:
I have been working more on this. I think playing musically for me anymore doesn't have to do with memories so much anymore, just if I am feeling confident when I am playing. If I am confident about my playing during that practice session, playing feels really good and I enjoy it. But, if I'm not playing well then I don't really play musically. I still need to learn how to play musically all the time, not just when I feel like it.
3. Play with confidence:
I definitely have more confidence than I did at the beginning of the year, but I'd say my confidence still need a bit of work. Getting to Region Band is a huge confidence boost, so I'm playing off of that currently.
PIECES I ENJOY LISTENING TO:
1. Summer, Highland Falls by Billy Joel
2. Dreams by The Cranberries
3. Glory and Gore by Lorde
PIECES I ENJOY PERFORMING:
1. Flower Song by Gustav Lange
2. Rest by Frank Ticheli
(and Praise To the Lord but no youtube video :( )
LOCH LOMOND
Some elements present in this piece are mostly things that make the piece 'pretty'. Dynamics at powerful points in the piece make it sound powerful and strong, but at the softer parts dynamics make the piece sound more graceful. The tempo changes at intensity as well. To play this piece with the style the composer intended, I have to play with a lot of air at the loud parts and blend better when I don't have an important part. (because the saxes are so loud and amazing ;) ) I also have to 'feel' the music because the emotion of the piece is very sad.
