The last few weeks have been very busy for me. The Columbia Community Band had its last concert for the season and it was a lot of fun to play! We played Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral by Wagner, The Whistler and His Dog which featured myself on piccolo and Dr. Manzo from the University of Missouri, and Sparke's Tuba Concerto (also with Dr. Manzo). With the conclusion of that concert, CCB prepares for MU commencement ceremonies and our summer programs. At last night's rehearsal, we read an arrangement of selections from The Wizard of Oz (see video)! I was overjoyed to play it because it took me back to Jr. High as that piece was played often. We also read my absolute favorite march, National Emblem. The trio section is just amazing if you've got the low brass for it. In short, it was a fantastic and fun rehearsal.
I also had a lot of fun making a flute lamp out of my aunt's old, run-down beginner flute. My dad (and mom) came to visit a couple weekends ago and on a whim I decided it was time to turn that unplayable flute into something useful! With my dad's help, it was surprisingly easy to make the flute into a lamp. A flute is already hollow and the circumference works perfectly with the light bulb and lamp kit. The most difficult aspect of constructing the lamp was finding a lamp base and then, once I found one, weighing the lamp down because the base was hollow and the flute is, of course, top heavy. It was a fun project to do with my dad and every time I sit at my desk, I smile because it is just so awesome and beautiful.
The next big project I took up in order to make my life easier and better my studio was to create a catalog of my music library. I have A LOT of music. Some might think I have a music buying problem, but really, I just like owning my own music and I can't help it if I find something called "Fun Flute Duets" while searching for something else. What am I supposed to do? Not buy a book of supposedly fun flute duets?! And for the record, that book is, indeed, fun. It has a lot of cool, and conveniently short, arrangements of duets in the following "categories": food, animals, traditional Irish, traditional American, and Halloween. Anyway, back to the music library. I started by creating an Excel file and putting in the title, composer, instrumentation, and group type (solo, duet, etc.) of each piece. Then I went back in and gave each piece a letter (A,B,C, etc.) to represent various categories like "Flute Method" or "Flute Unaccompanied Solo" and then a number (1, 2, 3, duh...). This might seem excessive, and maybe it is, but it will keep me sane and help me find music and keep track of music if I lend it out to a student or friend - yes, I created a "Checked Out" column. I am currently in the process of putting the ID (i.e. A-5) into a return address label template so I can print them out and place them on the proper pieces. I also got 8.5x11 Alphabet Tabs at Staples (love Staples) to further my OCD organization system. Super excited.
Leaving my nerdiness behind, I finally got around to planning and organizing the first annual Crecelius Flute Studio Recital! My students will be sharing the stage with the students of Katie Smyth Flute Studio; this is Smyth Flute Studio's first recital as well. I've got the programs printed, the venue secured, and my music in order. It will be a wonderful afternoon of flute solos, duets, and a quartet. It is my hope that this will be an annual tradition. I remember playing in my Jr. High/High School flute and clarinet lesson teachers' studio recitals growing up. It was fun to have the opportunity to perform for my parents and I, as a music educator, believe it is important for my students to have the same opportunity. Not only is it fun and makes parents happy because they get to hear their children play, but if my students continue to play music through high school or even go on to major in music, they will need to develop a stage presence and become accustomed to playing solos in front of people. And obviously I hope that my students will, at least, play through high school. I cannot wait for Saturday!
These are but a few things that have been happening in Crecelius Flute Studio - I love being busy. In the near future, I hope to give a recital of my own. It has been far too long since I gave a solo recital. I have some pieces in mind, but I am definitely open to suggestions. Sometimes, I think it is easier to just have someone tell me what to play. Ah, the pains of not being in school anymore! I also plan to be better about blogging again. I would blame how busy I have been, but I really need to be more committed. I have a few ideas for upcoming blogs and I hope to have exciting experiences this summer to inspire me!
The next big project I took up in order to make my life easier and better my studio was to create a catalog of my music library. I have A LOT of music. Some might think I have a music buying problem, but really, I just like owning my own music and I can't help it if I find something called "Fun Flute Duets" while searching for something else. What am I supposed to do? Not buy a book of supposedly fun flute duets?! And for the record, that book is, indeed, fun. It has a lot of cool, and conveniently short, arrangements of duets in the following "categories": food, animals, traditional Irish, traditional American, and Halloween. Anyway, back to the music library. I started by creating an Excel file and putting in the title, composer, instrumentation, and group type (solo, duet, etc.) of each piece. Then I went back in and gave each piece a letter (A,B,C, etc.) to represent various categories like "Flute Method" or "Flute Unaccompanied Solo" and then a number (1, 2, 3, duh...). This might seem excessive, and maybe it is, but it will keep me sane and help me find music and keep track of music if I lend it out to a student or friend - yes, I created a "Checked Out" column. I am currently in the process of putting the ID (i.e. A-5) into a return address label template so I can print them out and place them on the proper pieces. I also got 8.5x11 Alphabet Tabs at Staples (love Staples) to further my OCD organization system. Super excited.
