reflection of autumn 2018

Greetings!

My third semester at The Ohio State University has come to a close. I was successful in many ways and learned from many mistakes. Successes included finishing with all As with the exception of an A-, becoming a Student Lead at Kennedy Commons, writing and learning my first Transcription for Jazz Trumpet ever, and earning the 2nd Trumpet Position in the Jazz Lab Ensemble.  I also made a great deal of progress in my social life. Mistakes involved poor time management, over scheduling myself, not sleeping or eating healthily and not being as organized as I should have. Although this semester was by far the most stressful yet, I’m thankful for all of the experiences that came from it.

Academics

Classes taken:

Intro to Music Education

Studied music education philosophies and methods; shadowed practicing general and instrumental music teachers in their classrooms in local schools; reflected on my own music education experiences; developed personal philosophy on the importance of music education supported by credible sources collected over the course of the semester.

Music Theory I

Explored theoretical concepts of harmony in Western music, increased fluency in recognition of intervals, clefs, and the circle of fifths. Composed and harmonized melodies and chorales with knowledge of SATB relationships, counterpoint, and harmony. Gained understanding of relationship between meter and hypermeter  and much more.

Aural Skills I

Developed ear’s ability to distinguish between different chord qualities, modes, and interval qualities. Gained fluency in harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic dictation by using music notation to represent what was heard.

Music Technology

Introduced to Finale (music notation software), arranging, and technological aspects of music. Gained knowledge regarding harmonic series, instrument ranges, and other software available to create music.

Piano Literature I

Explored classical piano works from 1600s to Beethoven’s sonatas and concerti.

Applied Jazz Trumpet

Developed range, aural skills, and increased awareness of jazz culture by means of private instruction, transcription of solos, and presentation of a jazz album and transcription at the end of the semester.

Applied Piano (Classical)

Worked on performance and technical skills for classical piano.

Applied Jazz Piano

Introduced to various jazz piano styles, chord voicing, and approaches to soloing. Gained exposure to plethora of jazz music, so increased awareness of jazz culture.

Ohio Show Band (Ensemble)

Performed a live-streamed concert, at the Celebration Concert, and the Jazz Studies Holiday concert various popular tunes as an Alto vocalist. Lead several songs including The Temptations “My Girl” and Mariah Carey’s “Joy to the World.”

Jazz Lab Ensemble

Served as second trumpet, featured as soloist on Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life.”

Other commitments:

STEP

Humanities Scholars

Morrill Scholars

Early Field Experience

Concert Attendance

Office Assistant at Baker Hall East

Student Steward/Student Lead at Kennedy Commons

 

reflection of spring 2018

Goals for Spring 2018 included:
  1. To maintain a minimalist lifestyle ( x )
  2. To achieve a 4.0 GPA ( x )
  3. To learn my repertoire quickly (    )
  4. To create a documentary on Baker Hall (    )
  5. To volunteer ( x )
  6. To interview a new person each month (    )
  7. To be true to myself ( x )

I maintained my minimalist lifestyle — not buying in excess, not wasting resources, etc. I earned a 4.0 GPA and achieved the Dean’s List once again. I volunteered on multiple occasions, generally serving as a representative of the University, encouraging prospective students to become apart the wonderful experience that is The Ohio State University. I hosted Distinction Scholarship candidates at the Morrill Scholars Distinction Weekend opening ceremony, answering questions and encouraging prospective students to remain calm and to simply be themselves as they prepared for their interviews that took place the next day. I also served as a tour guide for Fifth Third Bank’s Young Bankers Club in April, leading a large group of 5th grade students from Columbus Public City Schools around Ohio State, exposing them to the Ohio State world. The kids live nearby but may have never stepped foot on campus, so it was a great opportunity to shine a positive light on the university. Furthermore, I  gave my sister Mrs. Kimberly Nalls’s 8th grade students from Trotwood-Madison Middle School a tour of Ohio State after they attended the Spring Game in April 2018. Even though I volunteered more than last semester, I know that I can do a lot more next year. I hope to become more involved with the Humane Society to nurture the part of myself that loves animals.

Although I failed to create a documentary about Baker Hall or to interview a new person each month, or to learn music as quickly as I should have, I still learned a great deal. I learned how to learn repertoire and have rekindled my confidence in myself regarding music. I’ve altered my technique by watching many live performers as well as assessing my weaknesses. I’m still experimenting with establishing a practice routine, but I’ve made a great deal of progress in figuring out what works and what does not.

This summer I have completed 16 hours of Early Field Experience (for teaching), joined my church’s Worship Ministry (band), taken a U.S. History course at Sinclair Community College, and have taken trumpet lessons with Chris Braun at Sinclair. I’ve learned a lot, increasing my range and bettering my tone and musicality, committing my scales to memory and improvising at Church and on my own. Furthermore, I’ve been educating myself on personal finance and also introducing myself to Spanish. Regarding piano, I’ve been working on six pieces for my summer repertoire and 36 major and minor scales. Finally, I’ve been practicing my photography and rediscovered my love for this art form. So far, this summer has been a decent balance of progress and rest.

I have 26 days before I move back to CBus, as I will be serving as an Office Assistant next school year. I’m excited to begin my music courses. I plan to take Music Theory I, Aural Training I, Intro to Music Education, Intro to Music Technology, Secondary lessons for Jazz Piano and Jazz Trumpet, participate in Athletic Band and a Jazz Combo, and learn about piano compositions in Piano Literature I. I will also be participating in STEP next year, so I have a busy semester ahead of me.