"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagnination, and life to everything." ~ Plato


Saturday, May 18, 2013

Perspective

Dusting off Ye Olde Blogge this morning...

This morning I stumbled across some PLU Wind Ensemble recordings on my iPod.  Listening to that and the Choral Union concert last night, I'm realizing just how great we have it here at PLU.  We are under the direction of first-rate musicians!  And they are teaching us how to be the same thing!

In my time at PLU I will have performed in 4 different countries and been a part of the premiere of at least 5 new works - 3 where I know the composer personally.  I have sung under the direction of two nationally-recognized choral conductors, who also happen to be really down-to-earth, awesome people.

It feels silly to be having this realization 3 months before graduation.  I already knew this, and acknowledged it, but somehow it didn't quite hit me at the core (20-20 hindsight I suppose).

.....
Updated much later.  Basically 3 months later...

I got the chance to sing for/work with a world-renowned baritone.  I was able to give a senior recital before numerous friends and family.  I got off the wait-list and an fully accepted into one of the best voice master's programs on the West Coast.  All because of PLU, their high-quality standards, and care for their students.

I have been blessed to be able to listen to many of my peers give wonderful performances in recitals of their own.  People I have the privilege to work beside every day.  I have witnessed their growth, their struggles, and especially their triumphs.  I have hopefully helped them as much as they have helped me.  4 years of PLU has been the fastest, longest, wildest, most wonderful ride of my life to date.

I am struggling with thinking about leaving.  I am excited for the opportunities ahead of me.  It makes it easier knowing I will still be a student (in a school-sense) for a little while longer.  But I can feel myself closing off from "end of the year" feelings and gatherings and discussions and ... just... anything.  If I ignore it, it can't hurt me.  It's wrong, but that's the mentality I'm working with here.  Because otherwise I have to admit that this oasis in my life is just that - a temporary place of rest and enjoyment in the broader journey of life.  There are bigger things ahead, but it's scary to leave, not knowing how long it will be until the next "comfy spot."

Ideally this would end on a positive note... yes, things will be fine.  There is hope that the people who matter will stay in contact.  I believe that.  I'm gonna try.  But since I'm avoiding thinking about endings...

Love&Harmony,
Erin

If

If I seem distant
Or moody
Or unwilling
Or a little cold

If I seem insincere
Or tired
Or grumpy
Or a little anti-social

It's only because I'm avoiding saying goodbye
Or even thinking about saying goodbye.

It's not a forever goodbye,
Just a for now goodbye.

But it's still something I don't want to say
Please don't make me say it.

Let me whisper it at the last moment
With a hug and a tear and a smile.