Winter Recital
What is it?
During the winter time, the school puts on a big recital that involves the band, music classes, and singing group. This winter our guitar class presented four songs that we worked so hard on and played them in the school auditorium.
Before presenting the songs though, we had to make sure that we were well prepared. The Tuesday before the show, the class played for the students and staff at the school assembly. This was to promote the show that would be playing that Friday. Next, every student in the class had to go to tech rehearsal. If we didn't go the tech rehearsal then we weren't allowed to play in the show that Friday. Finally on Friday we presented that night to our family and friends. Showing them what we accomplished since the beginning of the year. In either of the times we played we also weren't allowed to use our music sheets, so each song played was performed through memory and rhythm. |
Why does it matter?
Some people take this class to be able to finally learn how to play an instrument. Others take it to be able to learn how to read music. I take it because I need a performing art to graduate. What ever the reason, every student learns so much more in that class. The winter recital is basically a warm up, showing how well we can play in such a short period of time. Come this spring recital we are pros and show the school just how amazing our skills are.
At first I took this class not really caring, all I really need to do was pass. But then this show made me realize just how much effort musicians put into their talents. The long hours of practice make me appreciate this class a lot more because in the end it's all worth it when your on that stage and you nail the piece you work so hard at. |
Duet Ensembles
What is it?
This assignment was to help us prepare for the spring show that is coming up. What we had to do was partner up and work on a song together. So for countless days that was all we worked on, preparing for when we would have to present in front of the class. If both people played well then that duet would be able to perform their song for the spring show.
I partnered up with this guy Armando and together we worked on the song "Rumor Mill" by We are the in Crowd. The song wasn't a hard one to learn, but it also wasn't easy. My partner kept having trouble with the song so we asked if we could change it but our teacher said it was too late. So we practiced and practiced and I made it as easy as possible for Armando to play the song. On the day we had to present to the whole class, I sand and played the cords and Armando played the easier chords as well. I guess we weren't good enough though because she didn't pick our song for the recital. |
Why does it matter?
The spring show is a big thing for the guitar class. It gives us a chance to take center stage one at a time and perform our hearts out from the piece we practiced so hard on. The duet ensembles is basically a try out on who gets to play what. Plus if gives us practice by performing in front of our classmates before we play for hundreds of people.
Learn anything?
I learned to practice more. Not everything comes easy. I also learned to have confidence in the way I play. I shouldn't let myself down if I mess up a bit, but should rather let me learn from my mistakes. Practice makes perfect.
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