Get thee behind me...

Another semester come and gone. But this one was different. I've NEVER had a semester where I've not "ugh"-ed over assignments, except this one. Sure, Fall 2008 has had its moments of frustration with professor demands and deadlines too close to meet those demands with quality (but I guess we couldn't officially call this experience education if that were not the case...); but I have truly turned in each assignment (whether that be a paper or theory analysis or concert I conducted in) feeling like a better person for having spent the time doing it.

Next semester holds some challenges. Stars in the East is a new ECU event instated by Dr. Bara, and he has hired some conductors to come work with his grad students for the experience, education, and as a resume builder. 3 conductors are coming in January, and...drum roll...the first one is William Weinert (Director of Choral Activities at Eastman, and Dr. Bara's teacher), Craig Arnold (director of choral activities, conductor of the Nordic Choir, and professor of music at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa), and Dale Warland. Dale Warland is extremely well known, and I encourage you to read the bios on all three of these outstanding choral teachers. Also in the spring I get the opportunity to teach Bach to University Chorale: 1) Sicut locutus est from Johann's Magnificat (I think I get to call him by his first name now), and 2) Dona nobis pacem from his B-minor Mass. If you haven't heard these two works what in the world are you waiting for?! Stop reading Blair and go listen to Bach!