Life has a lot to do with change, and change has a lot to do with learning. Learning, at times, has a little something to do with coursework and books, as it did for me this semester.
Coursework:
MUS 527: Classical Performance Practice
MUS 560: String Literature
Books:
Over 20 books checked out from the University of Illinois and other libraries
Results:
-a 17 page paper on stringed instrument fingerings of the late 18th and early 19th centuries
-a 15 minute presentation on the development of cello fingerings
-a 20 minute presentation on Heitor Villa-Lobos, with excerpts performed from his works for cello and piano
-7 graduate credits towards a Master of music education
-increased confidence in teaching classical era repertoire
-motivation to practice
-a renewed appreciation for Franz Schubert
-undying gratitude for Jana, who cared from Ramona almost every hour I was in class
With those two classes completed and that stack of books slowly being returned to the library, I have begun focusing my attention on other subjects. At the moment, I am particularly interested in the methodology behind packing an apartment into boxes while simultaneously packing those boxes into that same apartment.
"Three" seems to be Ramona's favorite number as of late...and appropriately so. Yesterday was Forest's and my third wedding anniversary. Where has the time gone?
Last night I was privileged to play in a very different setting--on a small stage with a new community orchestra called the United Orchestra of Urbana. Although it was the group's first performance, it will likely be my last time playing with them, as our time in Urbana is steadily drawing to a close. Because this is the place where I acquired much of my learning and love for music, it was especially meaningful to be part of one final orchestra concert with some familiar faces, and to know that, as always, Forest was in the audience, listening.
Coursework:
