Hey guys!
It's been a little while since I've written a post--this week was crazy! I had my first sight singing test of the quarter on Wednesday, and was so relieved that I aced it! I also had a lot of rehearsals, and two auditions for OU's flute quartet, Shimmering Silver,
My first audition was on Wednesday. That was the day I had my sight singing test (at 8am that morning), and also the day of my jazz combo rehearsal (7-9pm). Needless to say, I was kind of tired by the time my audition rolled around (12:30). Also, my best friend in the studio had just gone before me, and I was nervous to see how I would compare. I may have been nervous before we began, but once we started I felt at ease. Playing in chamber groups instantly puts me in my element. I felt calm and excited for the music we were playing (I was sight reading). But it was fun. I walked out of the room feeling alright--I had done my best.
After flute choir, Alison announced the results of the first round of auditions. Liz (my friend) had made it in, and I was one of two girls asked to re-audition for the final spot. I wasn't really planning on doing two auditions, but I was ok with it. I was glad to be asked back. The auditions were on Friday, and 2:30, and would take about 20 minutes.
Going into the audition on Friday, I felt good. The audition went smoothly, as planned, and nothing crazy happened. I felt in my element. I remained calm and was able to play with elegance and poise. The results would be sent via text message before large ensemble rehearsals (3pm). I got the text around 3:05, which announced that I had made it in! I was sooo excited to be performing in a group like Shimmering Silver, and felt like this was my year. Everything is going my way. Hopefully that continues for the rest of the year...
Today we had a masterclass with OU alum Ana Laura Gonzalez. It is always an honor to be asked to play for visiting artists, and I felt prepared. I played movement 4 of the Rouse Flute Concerto (Scherzo). It went alright--technically it could have been a lot better, but everything was ok. One of her first comments to me was that I needed to lighten up, be less serious, have more fun. This is something I've always had a problem with portraying in my playing. I'm known for being a "calm" musician. I don't show a lot of emotion, things are just nice and relaxed. Even outside of my playing, people describe me as "serious", "focused"...rarely does someone say that I'm giggly or light-hearted. With this movement, I can't be relaxed. I need to have FUN, show emotions, SELL IT. She worked on a lot of other things with me, but that was what really stuck. How do I make myself be less serious? That's something I'm going to have to work on this week. Prepare yourselves for a less serious Katelyn when I write my next post.
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