final portfolio update

GOAL UPDATE:

1. My first goal was to get into SWE and I did so I guess my progress was good. I guess an update for this would be to earn my spot next year by working hard in the group.

2. My second goal was to play more musically. Of my three goals this is the one that I think I gained least in this year. If I am feeling confident, I play with more air but that doesn't necessarily make it more musical, just clearer and louder. I'm hoping to get better at this over the summer for festivals next year.

3. My third goal was to play more confidently. I'm pretty sure this whole year in itself was a confidence boost, and not just in music, so I do everything with more confidence now. To become confident this year I just went out of my comfort zone and decided that if I didn't try for things, like festivals, then I would probably regret it. I'm really glad I did that many times.

MUSICAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1. I'd say getting into Region Band as a sophomore is pretty good haha.
2. I auditioned for jazz band (literally not even getting in). I guess I'm so proud that I even auditioned because I never had been in it before and jazz band was always something that made me scared because the music is loose and can be played differently than straight concert band music. Also probably the improv. Everyone says it's easy, but it was my first time and I'm just proud that I didn't freak out and run out of the room.
3. The sax quartet this year was really great. Honestly I'm probably the worst one there because I always try to be quiet and let like alto 1 or tenor play out when they have the melody but sometimes that makes me unheard. BUT we did sound good this year for only practicing a week, especially Max, so I think that's a pretty good accomplishment.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENSEMBLE:

To be in concert band, everyone has to have a part, I understand that, but to me, I feel that everyone's contributions are the same. It's different than practicing a piece you need to learn by yourself. In a band setting, not only do we all need to practice the music alone, but also practice it together and rehearse. I'm not sure if it was you or Mr. Laird that always said this, but it was 'Practice at home, rehearse at school'. It really makes sense because many people in band think they can just go and play and be ready, but they aren't. So practicing is huge. As a single person in the band one also needs to arrive at rehearsals everyday if they can and I think I've done well with that too. To the band this year, I've been a good contribution.