Oregon Bach Festival Resources

Below is the German reading excerpt for an audition to OBF.

Zwar ist solche Herzensstube wohl kein schöner Fürstensaal,

sondern eine finstre Grube;

doch sobald dein Gnadenstrahl in dieselbe nur wird blinken,

wird sie voller Sonnen dünken.

See all the details here.  The audition also includes the performance of these three vocalises.  Each is sung with specific and varied dynamics, articulation, vowels, and range.

Paul and I recorded our auditions last weekend.  We completed the whole process quite late in the game (most auditions are received in November).  Unbelievably, we received not a YES, not a NO, but a MAYBE.  Have you ever heard of such a thing, musicians?  It is a first for me.  They are finalizing their roster and will let us know if we can be included.  It's good news!

Summer 2011?

 

You know what they say about the perks of teaching...

1-8-2011

Paul and I went out last night to a fun Irish pub (okay, a British Isles bar) on 36th and Lake.  Merlin's Rest.   

Reasons we knew we were there?

-ruddy complexions

-different types of glasses for each type of beer

-good beer

-remarkable bagpipe performance (just a guest who got up from the bar and took out the pipes he brought)

-those hats

-chunky and/or Irish, plaid, thick sweaters

We chatted about the way I can think about my job for the next few years.  With my two opportunities in middle levels last year (three total if you count the option of me staying in Jordan), I have already been having to think about next year's choices.  In my head that there is a great deal of prestige or pathway to working in the upper levels.  I picture a revolutionary and near perfect teaching experience if I start in middle school.  But I also should know better what those first year experiences can be like.

To stay?  To witness some of my changes put to fruition?  To spend more time with colleagues, see the growth of the music program, be a part of the Cantus partnership?  To understand the workings of my school, my colleagues, my budget, my lesson planning?  The time I have enjoyed the most about my job in Jordan is the time outside my job in Jordan.  Running, being a member at the fitness club, Magnum Chorum, Mt. Olivet, time to buzz over to Paul, weekends and evenings free of events and concerts.  Those things have been invaluable.  Don't get me wrong, so much of my day is entertaining and meaningful.  I am becoming a better teacher: manager, delegate, communicator, and colleague.

Twenty Eleven

Get into shape.  Again.  Train for another half-marathon.  Again.
Check.
The Chaska Community Center is this gorgeous facility really close to my house.  I just became a member this past week and got two months fo free.  Plus, Blue Cross Blue Shield contributes $20.00 per month to my membership.  With a resident fee of $26.95 per month?  Niiiiiiiiiice.


Be more artistic.  Invest in calligraphy classes.


Be more handy.  Build hanging gardens on the deck.


Print your damn pictures.  Make digital memories into paper ones.


Read more.


Prepare.  For church choir, Jordan classes, voice lessons, etc.  Set schedules for these things.


Keep growing out my hair.


Stay in touch with the many dear friends that I have.
Build on the relationships in Magnum Chorum, Jordan, and Mt. Olivet.


Communicate.