films galore

Some of the best classes I have taken in my lifetime consist of Dr. Claudine Bigelow’s String Literature Class, Professor Julie Bevan’s Chamber Music Literature class and now Dr. Ronald H. Sadoff’s Film Music: Historical & Aesthetical Perspectives. For whatever reason, this class fascinates me to an obsessive rate. We have been given two texts to read, and I have already read Film Music: A Neglected Art. Besides that, I am already on page 106 of Overtones and Undertones: Reading Film Music, both of which are over 300 pages long. I am able to dive and get lost into these books about film and their respective scores. I have always had an affinity for the topic, and am now grateful to be LIVING in this class.

In Overtones and Undertones, Royal S. Brown quotes from page 222 of Langer’s Philosophy, and this is the best description of music I have ever read in my entire life!!!!

music is not self expression, but formulation and representation of emotions, moods, mental tensions and resolutions—a “logical picture” of sentient, responsive life, a source of insight, not a plea for sympathy. Feelings revealed in music are essentially not “the passion, love, or longing of such-and-such an individual,” inviting us to put ourselves in that individual’s place, but are presented directly to our understanding, that we may grasp, realize, comprehend these feelings, without pretending to have them or imputing them to anyone else.

Nailed it.

In other discussions, I am adjunct faculty at NYU. It is an interesting thing—I never thought I would like teaching, and now that I have about 10 students, I am growing fond of the art. My students range from cannot-read-music to should-have-been-a-music-major. It is really fascinating to have to pull out old skills I have not even thought about since I learned them. Also, the fact I learned to read music via playing the piano, and learned how to play a string instrument via violin is interesting. I am glad I took all those pedagogy classes from Monte and LeAnne while at BYU. Who knew I would chose to use Castleman/Koob/The Art of Vibrato/The Violist’s Guide to Exquisite Intonation ever again. Thank you Dr. Bigelow, and thank you for the rich heritage. (I also drastically miss the Primrose International Viola Archive like no one’s business).

I am still working for Rob Fisher as his music assistant. I am legally not allowed to talk about projects and such, but this is a wonderful opportunity and a great blessing/break away from my busy, crazy life. It is nice to be using my skills as an organized person as well as combine said skills with my musical knowledge. I am so honoured to have this job, and to be able to work with such a star as Rob, not to mention the projects themselves.

I have some other awesome things lined up like orchestration THE CARNIVOROUS, a new play, more performances of A MUSICAL FANTASIA ON PIRATICAL THEMES [working title], making my Off-Broadway debut with the amazing piece FANNIE LOU and more news of FOLK WANDERING rising in the works that I cannot talk about until they are announced. All this to be said, I am really enjoying life and it is slowly starting to pick up for me. I am thrilled. 

I was lucky enough to see the Public’s presentation of INTO THE WOODS as part of Shakespeare in the Park this summer. I just want to make a statement about how Ben Brantley doesn’t rule the universe. I do value his opinion, and most of the time he is right, but I do not understand how this production received less than favourable handouts. I thought Amy Adams did a remarkable job with the Baker’s Wife, and surprisingly enough, was way more in tune than Donna Murphy. Not to say Donna was not outstanding, because she did act the living daylights of the role, not to mention the new version of “Last Midnight” is beyond amazing—I wanted to press pause on my real life TiVo and rewind to watch her sing it again to new orchestrations. I really hope it does not transfer because the magic will be lost from being outside, in a park, with woods everywhere. If they can reconstruct the same feeling as they did outdoors indoors, then we have a different story on our hands. I just do not want something to transfer that is a success in a different venue to lose the sparkle it had in said venue, ie. LYSISTRATA JONES anyone?

More soon. I love my new bow.

I'm not just sitting on my fanny

A lot has happened since May. It seems almost a life-time ago, but in reality, it has only been a quarter of a year. 

FOLK WANDERING was a huge success. It was a very stressful few weeks leading up to the performance at Ars Nova. I had many sleepless nights in front of a computer orchestrating and notating. I would randomly zone out watching tv, riding the subway, seeing theatre because I would be thinking of what kind of "voices" the orchestra can add to each song. I was definitely a space-cadet.

My father, my sister Austyn, Lisa and Michael all came to see the show. My father made the remark, "It was just as good as RAGTIME." I don't really know what to think of this remark, seeing as we saw the 2009 revival together, but it is definitely a compliment that I really appreciate. Austyn was all tears because she has not heard me play since I was in High School when she came to EPSO's performance of Prokofiev 5. Hopefully I made my family proud.

It is definitely a very vulnerable feeling having your work demonstrated in front of others. GRANTED, I did not write the libretto, the book, the music or direct the show (and orchestrations are always heard sub-conciously and no one ever says "Did you hear those amazing orchestrations!" unless they are a musician), but I still put forth a creation. Luckily, and extremely gratefully, people appreciated what I brought to the table. 

FOLK WANDERING is a show I cherish deeply, and the people attached, and I have the utmost faith it will continue to have a life. We shall see what the future holds.

Elisa Lovelie & The Device went into The Cutting Room and laid down some tracks. I am really happy with how it is turning out. There should be a release party in the up and coming months, but we are still debating if we should make it an EP or a full-length CD. Never-the-less, it is still a great team to be a part of, and I know we have a shot at something!

It was crazy amazing seeing Ryan do a 540 on the Tony's!

I went to Ottawa, ON to visit Ben and his family while he was waiting for his Visa. I had a fantastic time, and always enjoy going to Stittsville--the roads are clean, the people are friendly, it is rich in culture, the air is noticeably fresh and clean etc. I also love Benjamin's family. Sometimes, they treat me better than my own. On a side note, by the way, Ben indeed received his Visa. However morbid it sounds, his application went up for re-consideration (after the initial RFE), the day Marvin Hamlisch died. Hamlisch's unexpected death really shocked the music world, and it made national and international news for days so much so, he became a household name to average Americans. This all ties back to Ben because during his CBC's TRIPLE SENSATION appearance, Marvin Hamlisch is recorded saying "I would buy stock in that kid," and he also said these same things in Ben's recommendation letter. So, thank you Marvin Hamlisch for not only putting a glorious mark on the world with your music, but also for dying at an opportune moment.

For about 1.5 months, I worked as as music assistant for Rob Fisher of NY City Center Encores! fame. It has been an amazing experience, and it is definitely crazy how I received the job. Maybe it will open doors down the road, but even if it doesn't, I am grateful for the experience. 

Currently, I am in rehearsals for a new show with the working title A Musical Fantasia on Piratical Themes. I am playing violin. More about this after the show in September.

I am also about to begin rehearsals for a new show by Felicia Hunter called FANNIE LOU. It is a historical-fiction musical about Fannie Lou Hamer, who was a civil rights activist in Mississippi. The book is interesting, and I am very excited to hear what the music has to offer. I do think this project is important because Felicia is doing Score, Book, Lyrics, Orchestrations--Blacks are looked down on in the creative process of musical theatre, and I do not think there has ever been a Broadway-bound musical created by a Black woman. Props to her! The show is in October.

Once school begins in a couple of weeks, I will be diving into FIORELLO! rehearsals. 

I am also doing a Joe's Pub concert next Sunday (August 16th). It is a new musical theatre composer benefit concert for St. Jude's hospital. I am a last minute replacement on violin, and am very excited and nervous. Broadway singers singing Broadway songs. Should be a fun time.

I am currently on an airplane towards the Rockies of Colorado where I am meeting with Chris Koelzer for our cross-country road trip. It should be a fun and awesome adventure as he goes to MD for grad school at the University of Maryland. I am sure there will be pictures somewhere.

Shows I have seen:

NEWSIES--since I saw it at Paper Mill, I was really excited to see Ryan in his element just performing and goofing off.

A STREET CAR NAMED DESIRE--why didn't I like this as much as everyone around me? I got bored.

SISTER ACT--Lysh made her bway debut in the show, but I saw when she went on as Deloris! What an amazing talent AND beauty she is.

I went and saw BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD at Lincoln Plaza Cinemas. Definitely the movie to beat at the Oscars. Sundance does it again!

Last, but certainly not least, I speckled the plethora of holes in my wall and painted three of the four walls Frosted Juniper. I am waiting until I get back from Colorado, to pain the fourth wall some version of a Cobalt. It is quite sad how excited I was/am in this project.

TTFN, ta ta for now. 

in five years: a look-back

"Where will I be in five years?" is always the question.

When I was a Junior in High School, I would have given anything to go to CIM or IU. Instead, I gladly went to BYU and studied with Dr. Bigelow. Those four years were the best four years of hell I could have experienced. I loved every second, but hated every other second. Looking back, I would not have changed anything! I loved my teacher (I cannot express this enough, ever), loved my friends (they really became a life support in all literalness, no joke), loved my growth (musically, emotionally, educationally), loved the music (LOVED the music), loved my quartet and Julie Bevan (my coach), loved the mountains (all those chasing rain, or ditching class to drive in the aspens...), loved the fun (as much as Utah can give) and have AMAZING memories. I do not want to live in Utah, but I keep the special times close, in my pocket.

When I was a Junior at BYU I would have given anything to go to Mannes, in reality, NYC; I even flew out to take a lesson with Paul Neubauer, I wanted to come to the city. I changed my playing to fit the style of Paul. Every suggestion he gave me I took to heart and slaved to play the best I could when I auditioned... I even flew Chris out to play with me in my audition, but due to circumstances which made me very upset (and really affected my performance), I did not get into Mannes. I had the choice of SFM or CCM. CCM seemed to be a blessing from God, as I applied two weeks before the audition. However, I got into CCM and was thrilled to be going there.

Fast forward past the desperate pleas of the summer in Orlando.
Fast forward past the terrible experiences of CCM (though I loved the people, the music and have made amazing friends who I love and/or live with).

Here I am, now in the city, the place I wanted to be all along. I am studying with a teacher who is the perfect teacher for me! I haven't felt this connection since the good Claudine days. Though I have had a bumpy road trying to figure out what to do with my life, in the end, I am getting what I have really wanted, subconsciously, all along. Also, if I had not gone to CCM, I wouldn't be in the city. It was the proper stepping stone in my life, FOR SURE!

This all stems from such an amazing lesson with Stephanie Baer I had today. All the work I have slaved into my instrument over the past several years--the intonation exercises, the ghost tones, the new instrument, the new chin rest, the new hand frames, no shoulder rest, yes--a shoulder rest, the new bow positions, the different strings, back to the old strings, no--new strings, more bow, less bow, different vibratos, play like Primrose, NEVER play like Primrose, play like everyone, Paul's inspiration, Claudine's passion, Stephanie's everything, Masao's perfection, Cathy's projection), all the guidance my teachers have given me (whether I have retained it or changed it completely--I have ended up a better musician, in the city I want to be, excited to grab life by the horns and march along my way. It is an uphill battle, the likes of Little Round Top, but I am going to stick it out.

NYU, see you in the fall!

Cottleston, Cottleston, Cottleston Pie

I saw END OF THE RAINBOW. Tracie Bennett is one of the most amazing things I have seen on Broadway. It is really interesting to me how Off-Bway has really been my theatre of choice this year--CARRIE, ASSISTANCE, SONS OF THE PROPHET, HAPPY HOUR etc. Not only Off-Bway, but most of the things I have seen this season have been plays (except for FOLLIES and CARRIE). I am happy Stephen Karam recieved a special Drama Desk Award for his brillant and touching SONS OF THE PROPHET. I am sad it did not win the Pulitzer, but WATER BY THE SPOONFUL seems more applicable to a general society as it deals with Iraw. All this being said, SONS OF THE PROPHET really pulled at my inner strings. I still cannot attach why I was an emotional wreck after the show, but the closest I have come to is how we all have influential people in our lives and all are HUMAN!!! Man, bringing that Kindergarten teacher in at the end... I am also sad SOTP did not receive any artistic nominations anywhere.

FOLK WANDERING is going to be playing at Ars Nova June 15. I am really excited about this. A year ago, if I told myself I would be involved in a truly special project that is FW, I would not have believed it. Granted, I have not been paid, but it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever attached myself to. We lost Roe and Annie to bigger projects, but I am very excited about the upcoming months.

I did a recording session for a Columbia Student Film called FIVE YEARS. It is going to be playing at the Lincoln Center Columbia University Film Festival. I am excited see to it May 6th. I played with some awesome players, and I am always happy to "perform" with talented players.

I also performed Britten's War Requiem at James Chapel. Definitely a treat. It felt right to play it in an amazing, Gothic style church. I wish I could have played with full orchestra and chamber (the full was played by the organ), but needless-to-say, it was still a treat. I have an audition coming up on Saturday. I am really excited about it, but I need to not psych myself out. Stephanie Baer mentioned at my last lesson how when I relax and "act" like I am performing for myself or close friends I play much better. I always walk into a room and need to play "perfectly." This stems from the stress of Grad auditions and Masao...

I am reading the most fascinating book entitled The Tao of Pooh. I love the interjections of book, history and A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh. It really has made me realize life moves on a course, and I need to just go with the flow of the river. I need to do the best I can in every situation and be BLAKE. I cannot control situations when other people are involved. I just need to stay the nice, personable, strong player I am until I make it big. That day will come--my path is my path and I cannot relate it to other people.

Austyn and Dustin are moving here in May so Dustin can do his internship at NBC Sports. I am really looking forward to having family near me. Until other cool things happen B

whose yo-yo mama?

I had a busy month of February and March. I performed great literature in a short span of a couple days and had some other amazing experiences.

First of all, Krista, my sister, is married. I have never seen her look more beautiful or more happy (well, she was in a dress). I think she her marriage will be great, and I am happy she found a guy like Greg.

In order of performance:

I was the violinist for the Dwight-Englewood Production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. I am grateful for the fast rehearsal performance process because it really helped me solidify my violin skills. Also, the musicians were fun and have real professional jobs, so it was great to perform/meet them. Who can complain to play a Menken score anyway?

I was a guest violist with the NYU Chamber Orchestra for their performance at St. Joes. It was so wonderful to play Bartok's Divertimenti and Dvorak's Divertimento. Both are so beautiful and great rep to know. I loved meeting the violists and getting to play with them.

I performed in NYU's production of STREET SCENE. Now, here is an AMAZING AMAZING score. The three hours went by so fast, and I couldn't get enough. The musicians were great, and I couldn't really hear the singers to have an opinion, but the set was gorg and operatic, as it should be.

I did a recording session for a hip hop artist, but I cannot really talk about who or what the project was. It was a fun experience to do a session. I miss doing them. Luckily I have more coming up this month!

In other news:

I loved the Oscar telecast this year, and am so glad THE ARTIST took the top prize.

I saw a great show called ASSISTANCE at Playwrights-Horizons. SO good. So funny. It is not one of those where you LAUGH out loud all the time, but it is one of the funniest I have seen in a while!

My roommate Ryan Breslin opens in NEWSIES on Thursday! So happy/excited for him.
Ben get's off of ImaginOcean tour on Saturday, and I couldn't be more thrilled!!

wandering in the woods

Life in New York is great, if even a little crazy at times. I am definitely the happiest I have ever been in my life and I can see things on the horizon.

In December I went to Ottawa, ON with Ben to visit his family. Ottawa is definitely a beautiful city, and I love Canada and Canadians. Parliment Hill is gorgeous and I enjoyed eating my Beaver's Tail. This short trip was just the break I needed before FOLK WANDERING went head strong.

December 19th there was a reading of the musical I have been working on with a group of musicians at SoHo Walker Space. I spoke earlier of the workshop. I was asked to stay on as a orchestrator/vocal arranger. Well, the show went up very quickly, and I think we have something special in our hands. This is not saying there needs to be some work, but it is a beautiful score, and I am very proud to see a show I helped created.

I went home to Arizona which was great because I haven't seen Krista, Clayton or my grandparents since Nov 2009! The weather was a little bad for AZ, but it was a nice change.

New Years in New York with friends and lovers is the best way to spend the holiday. I don't understand how people spend their life in Times Square. The whole mid town area was a mad house!!

I auditioned for a show about a string quartet. It was a great experience to audition and the show sounds pretty cool, but I turned down the offer because of timing and the monetary compensation isn't what I was looking for! Too bad! I could have gone to Sydney... Just not smart to leave the city for so long not with an omportant musical career advancement.

I went on a cruise to the Bahamas with Lisa! Nassau and Free Port. It was on Carnivale, so when the Italian liner flipped while on the boat we all had a barn raising time.

I just finished playing a benefit concert of INTO THE WOODS with equity actors/union players. Since it was a benefit, rules don't apply, but I am glad I was able to perform with the great string players Summer Boggess on cello and Hiroko Taguchi on violin. I am glad I slowly am putting my name out there (even if my D string was giving me problems!!). So exciting.

Just finished recording FW so it can be sent off to festivals and the like. Also a very fun experience.

On the horizon is an opera and an orchestra concert as well as LA with Ben and Lisa. Update coming soon.

2011 Most Played Songs

Here are the 25 most played songs on my iPod for the year 2011. It is very interesting to see the difference/similarity between 2011 and 2010. Who knows what 2012 will hold!!

1--"I Think You're a Contra"-Vampire Weekend
2--"Giving Up the Gun"-Vampire Weekend
3--"Good Luck"-Sondre Lerche
4--"Take It All"-Adele
5--"Run"-Vampire Weekend
6--"Rumor Has It"-Adele
7--"California English"-Vampire Weekend
8--"Cannibal"-Ke$ha
9--"Cosmic Love"-Florence + The Machine
10--"Holiday"-Vampire Weekend
11--"Postcards from Italy"-Beirut
12--"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"-Cyndi Lauper
13--"Take it Off"-Ke$ha
14--"Rolling in the Deep"-Adele
15--"Do You Realize??"-The Flaming Lips
16--"Happy Ending"-MIKA
17--"Blow"-Ke$ha
18--"White Sky"-Vampire Weekend
19--"Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)"-Katy Perry
20--"Gronlandic Edit"-Of Montreal
21--"Daydreamer"-Adele
22--"Half of You"-Cat Power
23--"Poor Little Person"-Alice Pleyten from HENRY, SWEET HENRY
24--"We R Who We R"-Ke$ha
25--"The Boxer"-Simon & Garfunkel

Songs that get recognition"
-Anything from WHIPPED CREAM AND OTHER DELIGHTS by the Tijuana Brass
-"Love on Top"-Beyonce. It is too new to be on the list
-"Heatwave"-Martha & the Vandellas