在Concerto Competition的前兩天, 我選擇了放棄這比賽, 因為我的樂曲還未準備好, 沒有把握去參賽。兩星期之前為準備另一個比賽, 沒有花很多時間在Rach Pag, 實則上我只有少於兩星期的時間去練好這樂曲, 很勉強地把整首樂曲背過來, 但是經常有memory slips, 表現很怯。老師認為參賽不是一件好事, 因為一般人在台上都會緊張, memory slips的情況必然會更嚴重, 彈得差, 自己覺得不開心, 評判也不好受, 最惨的是被評判記着。老師讓我自己作決定, 起初聽了老師的意見感到很失望, 但考慮了一段時間, 我覺得與其要在別人面前丟臉, 倒不如及早放棄, 我不想自己心裏留下陰影。另外, 不能參加這次比賽, 日後還有很多機會, 用心把Rach Pag練好, 作為下次比賽的參賽曲目。
從小到大未試過在比賽前放棄, 今次作出這決定需要很大勇氣, 傳了電郵給學校樂團的指揮, 之後倒是鬆一口氣, 過去兩星期一直都覺得好大壓力, 很努力練琴, 但心裏清楚知道自己未達到能夠參賽的水平, 現在沒有去參賽, 心情輕鬆了很多。其實, 棄權並沒有我想像中這般差, 每一個修讀演奏的人都很明白這感覺, 當你未準備好便要上台表演, 心裏承受着很大壓力, 雖然可能只需要彈十分鐘, 但那絕對會是一件很痛苦的事, 加上觀眾的注意力全都放在你一個人身上, 表現不好的心裏真是很難受。
Showing posts with label Crotchet rest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crotchet rest. Show all posts
23.11.08
11.11.08
比賽
星期日參加KMTA State Honors Audition, 得了Collegiate Freshman/Sophomore Piano第三名, 有一面銅牌, 第一次拿獎牌, 很開心。:P 過了KMTA要專心練Rachmaninoff Paganini Rhapsody, Rach Pag一直都學得很慢, 所以我決定報名參加學校的Concerto Competition來逼自己趕快把它練好, 比賽將會在下星期六舉行, 時間不多, 我必須「趕工」, 雖然比賽沒有要求背譜, 但是我一向覺得翻譜會分心, 所以我會盡量把整首樂曲背過來, 可惜Rachmaninoff的作品真是很難背...
另外, 這星期六會幫兩位師兄伴奏Rachmaninoff 2nd Piano Concerto 1st mvt., 要四個小時的車程才去到比賽地點。一向很喜歡Rach 2, 練Piano II的部分時哼着solo的旋律, 真是很想學這首Concerto, 將來一定要學Rach 2。
每次有比賽, 我都是非常不願意去上課, 只想專心留在department裡練琴。即使去了上課, 我腦海裡都是想着樂曲, 導師的講解我一句都聽不入耳。不過為了出席率, 還是要乖乖去上課=.=
另外, 這星期六會幫兩位師兄伴奏Rachmaninoff 2nd Piano Concerto 1st mvt., 要四個小時的車程才去到比賽地點。一向很喜歡Rach 2, 練Piano II的部分時哼着solo的旋律, 真是很想學這首Concerto, 將來一定要學Rach 2。
每次有比賽, 我都是非常不願意去上課, 只想專心留在department裡練琴。即使去了上課, 我腦海裡都是想着樂曲, 導師的講解我一句都聽不入耳。不過為了出席率, 還是要乖乖去上課=.=
11.10.08
怪人
在不少人眼中, 讀音樂的人都是「怪人」, 我也是其中之一, 我對"anti-social"、"socially awkward"這類字詞的感覺已經麻木了, 也不介意別人在背後這樣形容我。
我不會否認自己的社交生活少, 一來沒有這麼多時間, 二來我跟大部分香港學生話題不多, 也不太跟他們一起外出, 而美國朋友週末也不會有很多節目, 一般都是去教會和休息, 生活較為簡單。如果真是對音樂有熱誠, 修讀演奏的人的生活其實都是「無休」, 當然每個人花在練琴的時間都不同, 但我覺得練琴是每天都應該做的事, 練多少是另一回事, 但最少也要用少許時間去彈琴, 保持手部肌肉的狀態, 我間中會「偷懶」一天, 不過之後心裏總會有一份罪惡感, 而且雙手感覺好奇怪, 會感到自己有個動作沒有做, 那就是彈琴的動作, 我試過在乘飛機時在桌上或自己的腿上練習, 但感覺非常不舒服, 所以一定要在鋼琴上練習才有效。練琴是沒有練完的一刻, 現在你也許會認為自己的彈奏很完美, 但下一刻再彈同一首樂曲的時候, 你應該會找到可以繼續進步的地方。有時候朋友約我外出而我又拒絕, 他們會問：「練少一日唔駛死掛?」, 我只能無奈地微笑。
我不太擅於社交, 犬其是在一大群我不認識而又不懂音樂的人當中, 我會感到沒有什麼話可以講, 自然地我會當旁聽者, 我曾經逼自己嘗試講話, 不過聽到自己在胡扯一番, 我便覺得自己像個笨蛋, 倒不如保持沉默, 現在我會盡量找相熟的朋友一起去, 什至避免出席這類場合。我其實是可以很健談, 不過一般只有讀音樂的人才會認識到。
我不會否認自己的社交生活少, 一來沒有這麼多時間, 二來我跟大部分香港學生話題不多, 也不太跟他們一起外出, 而美國朋友週末也不會有很多節目, 一般都是去教會和休息, 生活較為簡單。如果真是對音樂有熱誠, 修讀演奏的人的生活其實都是「無休」, 當然每個人花在練琴的時間都不同, 但我覺得練琴是每天都應該做的事, 練多少是另一回事, 但最少也要用少許時間去彈琴, 保持手部肌肉的狀態, 我間中會「偷懶」一天, 不過之後心裏總會有一份罪惡感, 而且雙手感覺好奇怪, 會感到自己有個動作沒有做, 那就是彈琴的動作, 我試過在乘飛機時在桌上或自己的腿上練習, 但感覺非常不舒服, 所以一定要在鋼琴上練習才有效。練琴是沒有練完的一刻, 現在你也許會認為自己的彈奏很完美, 但下一刻再彈同一首樂曲的時候, 你應該會找到可以繼續進步的地方。有時候朋友約我外出而我又拒絕, 他們會問：「練少一日唔駛死掛?」, 我只能無奈地微笑。
我不太擅於社交, 犬其是在一大群我不認識而又不懂音樂的人當中, 我會感到沒有什麼話可以講, 自然地我會當旁聽者, 我曾經逼自己嘗試講話, 不過聽到自己在胡扯一番, 我便覺得自己像個笨蛋, 倒不如保持沉默, 現在我會盡量找相熟的朋友一起去, 什至避免出席這類場合。我其實是可以很健談, 不過一般只有讀音樂的人才會認識到。
6.9.08
Timbre
Played 1st mvt of Mozart Piano Sonata No.8 in A minor, KV 310 in a masterclass this afternoon. Mozart wrote this piano sonata after his mother's death. He and his father were on a tour at that time and they couldn't go back on time to attend the funeral. Seriously, it is a very difficult piece. I had a hard time in getting into the music. My mother is still alive and at this moment, I can't totally understand the feelings. I tried my best to imagine how I would feel if my mom dies. Actually, I thought a lot about my mom after playing in the class. And I had a tendency to cry but fortunately, I managed to control my emotions.
The masterclass teacher was Carine Gutlerner who was an alumni of my school. She studied with my professor before. My playing was not extremely good but overall, it was fine. Carine's comment was "very sensitive; so refined". I was very surprised that she said "very sensitive" for quite a few times. She worked on the timbre (tone quality) and climaxes of the phrases with me. I really like her suggestions on the different kinds of sounds. What affects the timbre is actually the hand motions. A small difference on the hand movements can make a huge change. Well, I couldn't improve that right after Carine's demonstration. It just takes a long time to explore and master the skills on producing a good tone.
I am going to put the word "timbre" in my mind. I will always remember that.
The masterclass teacher was Carine Gutlerner who was an alumni of my school. She studied with my professor before. My playing was not extremely good but overall, it was fine. Carine's comment was "very sensitive; so refined". I was very surprised that she said "very sensitive" for quite a few times. She worked on the timbre (tone quality) and climaxes of the phrases with me. I really like her suggestions on the different kinds of sounds. What affects the timbre is actually the hand motions. A small difference on the hand movements can make a huge change. Well, I couldn't improve that right after Carine's demonstration. It just takes a long time to explore and master the skills on producing a good tone.
I am going to put the word "timbre" in my mind. I will always remember that.
2.9.08
Life
Damn busy since the first day of school.
I used to take only little time on theory music. However, this semester I am taking a professor’s class instead of a GTA's one. This professor's theory class is recognized to be very intensive. I find it very true. The assignments are very difficult.
It's so difficult to get a balance between practice and academic works. I'm so exhausted, both physically and mentally. But no matter how much homework I have, I still make practice as my first priority. Practice is endless and I don’t really want to leave the music department until I feel satisfied with the progress of the pieces. When I finally sit down to do my assignments or revise, it’s usually after 12 am. I usually work until 2am and then wake up at 6am. I actually don’t have to wake up so early every day because I only have 8am classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Yet, I want to make myself practise piano for a while before classes begin.
I am quite sad to look into the mirror every morning because my skin just keeps on getting worse.
I used to take only little time on theory music. However, this semester I am taking a professor’s class instead of a GTA's one. This professor's theory class is recognized to be very intensive. I find it very true. The assignments are very difficult.
It's so difficult to get a balance between practice and academic works. I'm so exhausted, both physically and mentally. But no matter how much homework I have, I still make practice as my first priority. Practice is endless and I don’t really want to leave the music department until I feel satisfied with the progress of the pieces. When I finally sit down to do my assignments or revise, it’s usually after 12 am. I usually work until 2am and then wake up at 6am. I actually don’t have to wake up so early every day because I only have 8am classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Yet, I want to make myself practise piano for a while before classes begin.
I am quite sad to look into the mirror every morning because my skin just keeps on getting worse.
24.8.08
Liszt Festival
上星期五, 鋼琴系有一個小型的會議, 系主任和幾位教授宣佈了來年有什麼特別的節目。
明年四月, American Liszt Society將會在我的大學舉行每年一度的Liszt Festival, 這festival將為期三日, ALS選了我學校作為活動場地, 原因之一是學校擁有Liszt生前最後一部鋼琴, 那部三角琴被存放在美術館, 而且負責籌備這活動的那位教授曾經跟著名鋼琴家Earl Wild學習, Earl Wild現年93歲, 他在浪漫時期作品的演繹很有名, 當中包括Liszt, 而ALS有意頒一個獎項給這位年老的鋼琴家。Liszt Festival將會是個各地的鋼琴家聚集的活動, 當然不能缺少演奏會, 教授希望可以由我大學的學生演奏全套Liszt Transcendental Etudes(超技練習曲), 這套一共十二首, 學校想選出十二位學生, 每人彈其中一首練習曲。Liszt的作品一向不會跟「容易」一詞扯上關係, 而Transcendental Etudes是非常難彈, 要用很多時間練習。我沒有學過任何一首Liszt Transcendental Etude, 但這個節目實在是非常吸引, 我覺得無論如何也應該嘗試一下。
Liszt Transcendental Etudes其中以No.8和No.10最多人彈, 偏偏我最愛No.10, 我也喜歡No.4, 不過No.10較短, 應該比較易掌握, 問題就是可能會有不少人爭彈這一首。
我要考慮一下選哪一首。No.4? No.10? 還是較為冷門的那些練習曲?
明年四月, American Liszt Society將會在我的大學舉行每年一度的Liszt Festival, 這festival將為期三日, ALS選了我學校作為活動場地, 原因之一是學校擁有Liszt生前最後一部鋼琴, 那部三角琴被存放在美術館, 而且負責籌備這活動的那位教授曾經跟著名鋼琴家Earl Wild學習, Earl Wild現年93歲, 他在浪漫時期作品的演繹很有名, 當中包括Liszt, 而ALS有意頒一個獎項給這位年老的鋼琴家。Liszt Festival將會是個各地的鋼琴家聚集的活動, 當然不能缺少演奏會, 教授希望可以由我大學的學生演奏全套Liszt Transcendental Etudes(超技練習曲), 這套一共十二首, 學校想選出十二位學生, 每人彈其中一首練習曲。Liszt的作品一向不會跟「容易」一詞扯上關係, 而Transcendental Etudes是非常難彈, 要用很多時間練習。我沒有學過任何一首Liszt Transcendental Etude, 但這個節目實在是非常吸引, 我覺得無論如何也應該嘗試一下。
Liszt Transcendental Etudes其中以No.8和No.10最多人彈, 偏偏我最愛No.10, 我也喜歡No.4, 不過No.10較短, 應該比較易掌握, 問題就是可能會有不少人爭彈這一首。
我要考慮一下選哪一首。No.4? No.10? 還是較為冷門的那些練習曲?
21.8.08
Fall term
Back to Kansas. Fall term will start tomorrow.
The trip back to the USA was fine. Since there were many international students on the flight, the economy class was overbooked. As I am a member of the premier silver card of this airline, I was upgraded to business class in the flight to Chicago. And I didn't have to pay money. The seats in the business class were much more comfortable but strangely, I couldn't sleep well on the plane. It was quite annoying some passengers sitting nearby snored really loudly.=.= It was so amazing that the flights were on time. This rarely happens. I didn't have to wait for a long time to get my luggage in Chicago airport.
I am going to live in the same hall for this school year. I live in a single room on a quiet floor. Other residents are not supposed to make loud noises that may disturb others.
This term is going to be very tough because I am going to take 19 credits (20 is the maximum). The subjects include Theory, Music History, German, Piano, Chamber Music, Violin and Piano Accompanying for dance. I wonder if I can still maintain high GPA.
The trip back to the USA was fine. Since there were many international students on the flight, the economy class was overbooked. As I am a member of the premier silver card of this airline, I was upgraded to business class in the flight to Chicago. And I didn't have to pay money. The seats in the business class were much more comfortable but strangely, I couldn't sleep well on the plane. It was quite annoying some passengers sitting nearby snored really loudly.=.= It was so amazing that the flights were on time. This rarely happens. I didn't have to wait for a long time to get my luggage in Chicago airport.
I am going to live in the same hall for this school year. I live in a single room on a quiet floor. Other residents are not supposed to make loud noises that may disturb others.
This term is going to be very tough because I am going to take 19 credits (20 is the maximum). The subjects include Theory, Music History, German, Piano, Chamber Music, Violin and Piano Accompanying for dance. I wonder if I can still maintain high GPA.
8.8.08
決定
上個月開完家庭會議, 考慮了一段時間, 還是選擇不轉校, 留待報讀碩士才報考音樂學院。
老父的想法也不是無道理, 一個人如果是有天份和勤奮, 不論是在一間名校或沒有名氣的學校, 他/她也可以很有成就, 名氣沒有什麼意思, 那些盲目追崇名校的人, 實則是對自己沒有信心, 所以要用學校的名氣來抬高自己身分。當然名校有它的好處, 在一個人材聚集的環境下, 學生能夠從朋輩身上學習, 這固然是好事, 但不一定沒有名氣的學校沒有出類拔萃的學生。加上音樂跟其他科目不同, 向一位好老師學習是最重要, 好老師不易找到, 著名的教授也不是跟每一個學生都合得來, 而且有很多鋼琴教授都愛發藝術家脾氣, 每星期跟這類老師上課也不好受。我的教授是一位非常仁慈的老伯伯, 而且教學經驗豐富, 有不少學生想成為他的學生但也不可以, 他的時間表已經編排得密痲痲, 教授願意收我為學生, 我其實是很幸運。
老父着我要知足。我現在已經讀大學, 又可以讀自己心儀的科目, 但以前中學的同學卻在準備明年的高考, 辛苦捱完高考又不一定考到大學, 即使入到大學, 也未必可以讀自己喜歡的科目。我不需要承受高考的壓力, 又可以在大學修讀自己喜歡的科目, 我不應該再抱怨學校有什麼不足之處。
做人要知足, 不要為了爭取更好的東西而忽略了自己所擁有的一切。世事沒有完美, 要學懂珍惜眼前的人和物。
這是我在今個暑假學會的人生道理。
老父的想法也不是無道理, 一個人如果是有天份和勤奮, 不論是在一間名校或沒有名氣的學校, 他/她也可以很有成就, 名氣沒有什麼意思, 那些盲目追崇名校的人, 實則是對自己沒有信心, 所以要用學校的名氣來抬高自己身分。當然名校有它的好處, 在一個人材聚集的環境下, 學生能夠從朋輩身上學習, 這固然是好事, 但不一定沒有名氣的學校沒有出類拔萃的學生。加上音樂跟其他科目不同, 向一位好老師學習是最重要, 好老師不易找到, 著名的教授也不是跟每一個學生都合得來, 而且有很多鋼琴教授都愛發藝術家脾氣, 每星期跟這類老師上課也不好受。我的教授是一位非常仁慈的老伯伯, 而且教學經驗豐富, 有不少學生想成為他的學生但也不可以, 他的時間表已經編排得密痲痲, 教授願意收我為學生, 我其實是很幸運。
老父着我要知足。我現在已經讀大學, 又可以讀自己心儀的科目, 但以前中學的同學卻在準備明年的高考, 辛苦捱完高考又不一定考到大學, 即使入到大學, 也未必可以讀自己喜歡的科目。我不需要承受高考的壓力, 又可以在大學修讀自己喜歡的科目, 我不應該再抱怨學校有什麼不足之處。
做人要知足, 不要為了爭取更好的東西而忽略了自己所擁有的一切。世事沒有完美, 要學懂珍惜眼前的人和物。
這是我在今個暑假學會的人生道理。
20.7.08
「港女」
我是一個很落後的人, 對潮流用語的認識很少, 所以很多時候我不明白別人的說話, 又或者誤解了意思。我不太喜歡那些潮流用語, 所以沒有刻意去找出那些字詞的意思和用法, 直到現在, 我仍然不明白「屈機」的意思。
在縱多潮流用語中, 我比較熟悉的是「港女」一詞, 按詞面來看, 不難猜到它是跟香港女生有關, 但我也是在兩個月前在一位男生口中得知這詞話是帶有眨意, 大概是指缺點多多的香港女生, 例如經常要男朋友買名牌、總是要男生遷就自己等等。我不清楚「港女」實則是指什麼類型的女生, 不過放暑假時回香港, 我常常在網上看到這詞語, 而我也偶然找到一些網誌專門寫關於「港女」, 當然也少不了聽到男生在討論女生時用這「港女」來形容她們。
坦白說, 我非常不喜歡「港女」一詞, 也很討厭別人用這詞語來形容別人, 原因在於他們只懂得留意其他人的缺點, 然後大肆批評一番。有些人也許會覺得這些人的意見一針見血, 但我卻認為此舉表現出他們修養低。一個修養好的人是應該欣賞別人的優點和長處, 從中學習, 並非故意找出別人的不足之處作批評。世上沒有完美的人, 每個人總會有缺點, 在適當時候作出善意的批評那當然是好事, 但是不需要刻意去找出別人有什麼缺點, 而批評人家並不會令自己顯得比別人優越, 反而顯得自己修養低。
學習欣賞別人的優點也是一門學問。
在縱多潮流用語中, 我比較熟悉的是「港女」一詞, 按詞面來看, 不難猜到它是跟香港女生有關, 但我也是在兩個月前在一位男生口中得知這詞話是帶有眨意, 大概是指缺點多多的香港女生, 例如經常要男朋友買名牌、總是要男生遷就自己等等。我不清楚「港女」實則是指什麼類型的女生, 不過放暑假時回香港, 我常常在網上看到這詞語, 而我也偶然找到一些網誌專門寫關於「港女」, 當然也少不了聽到男生在討論女生時用這「港女」來形容她們。
坦白說, 我非常不喜歡「港女」一詞, 也很討厭別人用這詞語來形容別人, 原因在於他們只懂得留意其他人的缺點, 然後大肆批評一番。有些人也許會覺得這些人的意見一針見血, 但我卻認為此舉表現出他們修養低。一個修養好的人是應該欣賞別人的優點和長處, 從中學習, 並非故意找出別人的不足之處作批評。世上沒有完美的人, 每個人總會有缺點, 在適當時候作出善意的批評那當然是好事, 但是不需要刻意去找出別人有什麼缺點, 而批評人家並不會令自己顯得比別人優越, 反而顯得自己修養低。
學習欣賞別人的優點也是一門學問。
3.6.08
俄羅斯簽證
昨天去俄羅斯領事館申請簽證, 由於音樂營遲遲沒有寄出「邀請信」, 而我星期五便會離開香港, 這令我只有數天時間去辦簽證, 而簽證一般要一星期才可以辦好, 我只能額外付錢辦「急證」, 承惠九百元。這實在是非常昂貴, 簽證只有效一次旅程, 倘若日後我想去俄羅斯, 又要再次付錢申請簽證, 「普通證」收費要四百元。
對俄羅斯領事館沒有什麼好感, 職員態度十分惡劣, 回答問題的語氣像在罵人。俄羅斯領事館的工作量可真是極少, 申請簽證的人不多, 昨天早上我去領事館時只有六、七人左右, 有些職員更是悠閒得坐在櫃台前發呆。 辦簽證既昂貴又效率低, 只是貼一張纸在護照裏也要一個星期, 申請簽證的人又少, 根本辦一份簽證不需要一星期這麼長時間, 但辦「急證」便要收取九百大元, 那真是搶錢, 而那些領事簡直是一群「懶鬼」。
星期五將會展開我的「音樂營之旅」, 第一個音樂營是在美國密蘇里(Missouri)舉行, 這是一個室樂音樂營, 我被編排了跟幾位學生合奏David Diamond Quintet in B minor for Flute, Strings Trio & Piano的第一樂章, 一首現代作品, 對David Diamond這位美國作曲家毫無認識。之前音樂營的職員把樂譜寄去我在美國的地址, 擾攘了數天, 結果要勞煩Director電郵樂譜給我, 他們預期學生在上星期二收到樂譜, 但是我星期六才收到, 我只有少於一星期的時間準備, 但是作品頗難彈, 希望可以在短時間把它練好。
這個音樂營完結後過兩天我將會去俄羅斯參加另一個音樂營, 這段時間我便會去新澤世(New Jersey)探望契媽, 然後前往俄羅斯聖彼得堡(St. Petersburg)。我從未去過俄羅斯, 這地方有着很濃厚的藝術氣息, 沒有記錯的話, 音樂營的其中一個節目會去看芭蕾舞劇, 俄羅斯的芭蕾舞很有名, 這是很難得的機會。
很期待去俄羅斯, 我要買俄羅斯娃娃(和魚子醬), 哈哈! :D
對俄羅斯領事館沒有什麼好感, 職員態度十分惡劣, 回答問題的語氣像在罵人。俄羅斯領事館的工作量可真是極少, 申請簽證的人不多, 昨天早上我去領事館時只有六、七人左右, 有些職員更是悠閒得坐在櫃台前發呆。 辦簽證既昂貴又效率低, 只是貼一張纸在護照裏也要一個星期, 申請簽證的人又少, 根本辦一份簽證不需要一星期這麼長時間, 但辦「急證」便要收取九百大元, 那真是搶錢, 而那些領事簡直是一群「懶鬼」。
星期五將會展開我的「音樂營之旅」, 第一個音樂營是在美國密蘇里(Missouri)舉行, 這是一個室樂音樂營, 我被編排了跟幾位學生合奏David Diamond Quintet in B minor for Flute, Strings Trio & Piano的第一樂章, 一首現代作品, 對David Diamond這位美國作曲家毫無認識。之前音樂營的職員把樂譜寄去我在美國的地址, 擾攘了數天, 結果要勞煩Director電郵樂譜給我, 他們預期學生在上星期二收到樂譜, 但是我星期六才收到, 我只有少於一星期的時間準備, 但是作品頗難彈, 希望可以在短時間把它練好。
這個音樂營完結後過兩天我將會去俄羅斯參加另一個音樂營, 這段時間我便會去新澤世(New Jersey)探望契媽, 然後前往俄羅斯聖彼得堡(St. Petersburg)。我從未去過俄羅斯, 這地方有着很濃厚的藝術氣息, 沒有記錯的話, 音樂營的其中一個節目會去看芭蕾舞劇, 俄羅斯的芭蕾舞很有名, 這是很難得的機會。
很期待去俄羅斯, 我要買俄羅斯娃娃(和魚子醬), 哈哈! :D
26.5.08
Summer Holiday
I must admit that I get lazier. I haven't updated here for nearly one month.
My first semester in college is over. I viewed my GPA two days ago and I got 3.71. It is quite impossible to get 4 because I can never score A for English. This is not my first language and the professor usually gives B+ only as my course focuses on composition. Still, I hope that I will get a higher GPA next semester. This will be a challenge for me as I will take more than 18 credit hours while the maximum is 20.
I have come back home for one week already. Perhaps it's because I lived alone for the past two months, I felt a bit strange when I arrived at home. There is so much freedom when living alone. I can do anything at any time. The most important thing is that no one controls my sleeping time. Nevertheless, I see my parents all the time and they push me to bed at around 12:30a.m. every night. Beyond doubts, I am not allowed to stay up late. I am afraid that I will gain weight during my stay in HK. There is good food everywhere. I eat more than before. Also, I sleep more many hours every day. People usually gain weight when they study abroad but it seems that my situation is the opposite.
The summer holiday will last for three months. I predict that it will be an exciting one. Firstly, I will go to two music camps. One in Missouri, USA and another one in St. Petersburg, Russia. Sadly, the procedure for applying a tourist visa to Russia is very complicated. Right now, I still haven't received the invitation for the visa while the camp will start on 17th June. St. Petersburg is a very nice place and I really want to go there. Besides that, Russia was the country where my favourite composer, Rachmaninoff was born. Just see how things work out.
My first semester in college is over. I viewed my GPA two days ago and I got 3.71. It is quite impossible to get 4 because I can never score A for English. This is not my first language and the professor usually gives B+ only as my course focuses on composition. Still, I hope that I will get a higher GPA next semester. This will be a challenge for me as I will take more than 18 credit hours while the maximum is 20.
I have come back home for one week already. Perhaps it's because I lived alone for the past two months, I felt a bit strange when I arrived at home. There is so much freedom when living alone. I can do anything at any time. The most important thing is that no one controls my sleeping time. Nevertheless, I see my parents all the time and they push me to bed at around 12:30a.m. every night. Beyond doubts, I am not allowed to stay up late. I am afraid that I will gain weight during my stay in HK. There is good food everywhere. I eat more than before. Also, I sleep more many hours every day. People usually gain weight when they study abroad but it seems that my situation is the opposite.
The summer holiday will last for three months. I predict that it will be an exciting one. Firstly, I will go to two music camps. One in Missouri, USA and another one in St. Petersburg, Russia. Sadly, the procedure for applying a tourist visa to Russia is very complicated. Right now, I still haven't received the invitation for the visa while the camp will start on 17th June. St. Petersburg is a very nice place and I really want to go there. Besides that, Russia was the country where my favourite composer, Rachmaninoff was born. Just see how things work out.
2.4.08
Jayhawk
My college has a very strong basketball team. Most American basketball fans know my school just because of the team. Ironically, I am now studying in this college and I know nothing about the basketball team. I never care about their games and results. I don't even know that blue is the colour of ur team. See how dumb I am.
There was a match on Sunday night. My college got into final 4. Everyone got really crazy. I heard people shouting when I went to bed. At that time, it was about 2a.m. already. I couldn't imagine what had happened in downtown. The next morning, there were many students absent because they were too excited to sleep or they couldn't get up early.
My classmate told me that there will be a game this Saturday. The team will become the national champion if they win. It will be a piece of good news. Not many Hong Kong people have heard of my college though it is in a fine position in the national rankings. Some of its academic programs are the best among all US universities. If the basketball team wins the game, I will be able to tell people about the national championships when they ask me about my college.
Jayhawk! :D
There was a match on Sunday night. My college got into final 4. Everyone got really crazy. I heard people shouting when I went to bed. At that time, it was about 2a.m. already. I couldn't imagine what had happened in downtown. The next morning, there were many students absent because they were too excited to sleep or they couldn't get up early.
My classmate told me that there will be a game this Saturday. The team will become the national champion if they win. It will be a piece of good news. Not many Hong Kong people have heard of my college though it is in a fine position in the national rankings. Some of its academic programs are the best among all US universities. If the basketball team wins the game, I will be able to tell people about the national championships when they ask me about my college.
Jayhawk! :D
26.3.08
第一次(好事)
回程時經歷了許多我人生中的第一次, 有好事, 也有壞事。先在這裡寫好事。
香港沒有直機去KS, 我必須在Chicago O'Hare轉機, 然後乘內陸機到KCI。在香港Check-in的時候, 航空公司職員問我有沒有興趣在從香港到芝加哥那程機轉坐business class, 惠$5940。由於我的機票是用飛行里數換回來的, 所以upgrade到business class也沒有飛行里數可以加, 起初我和母親都覺得不划算, 倒不如省回$5940, 但是父親卻提出upgrade, 原因是我回到美國翌日早上便要上課, 他希望我能夠在機上有充足的休息, 而且飛行時候接近十五小時, business class的坐位和食物都比較好, 所以$5940也是一個合理的價錢。就是這樣, 我被upgrade到business class, 而座位位於飛機上層。航空公司在機場有一個lounge, 用來招待business class和first class的旅客。人生第一次乘business club, 當然把握機會到那個lounge參觀一下, 有很多食物可選擇, 地方很寬敞, 環境不錯。
Business class的確是比economy class舒適很多, 座位＋分寬闊, 椅背的角度可以調校至接近180度, 也有腳凳, 而且每一個座位都有一個小型電視螢幕, 食物也較為好吃。這程長途機, 我平常多睡了。也許是因為從小到大都是來economy class, 這次乘business class不太習慣, 畢竟身份不同, 總覺得跟那些衣着光鮮的商界人士坐在一起有點奇怪, 就把這次長途機當作是一次人生經驗。
香港機場的lounge:
Business Class:
香港沒有直機去KS, 我必須在Chicago O'Hare轉機, 然後乘內陸機到KCI。在香港Check-in的時候, 航空公司職員問我有沒有興趣在從香港到芝加哥那程機轉坐business class, 惠$5940。由於我的機票是用飛行里數換回來的, 所以upgrade到business class也沒有飛行里數可以加, 起初我和母親都覺得不划算, 倒不如省回$5940, 但是父親卻提出upgrade, 原因是我回到美國翌日早上便要上課, 他希望我能夠在機上有充足的休息, 而且飛行時候接近十五小時, business class的坐位和食物都比較好, 所以$5940也是一個合理的價錢。就是這樣, 我被upgrade到business class, 而座位位於飛機上層。航空公司在機場有一個lounge, 用來招待business class和first class的旅客。人生第一次乘business club, 當然把握機會到那個lounge參觀一下, 有很多食物可選擇, 地方很寬敞, 環境不錯。
Business class的確是比economy class舒適很多, 座位＋分寬闊, 椅背的角度可以調校至接近180度, 也有腳凳, 而且每一個座位都有一個小型電視螢幕, 食物也較為好吃。這程長途機, 我平常多睡了。也許是因為從小到大都是來economy class, 這次乘business class不太習慣, 畢竟身份不同, 總覺得跟那些衣着光鮮的商界人士坐在一起有點奇怪, 就把這次長途機當作是一次人生經驗。
香港機場的lounge:
Business Class:
3.3.08
First concert in college
A few memorable and unforgettable things happened last week. Unfortunately, I had no time to write about them as I had to work on a paper.
(1) My first concert in this college. Being a music student, I have to join an ensemble (choir or orchestra) for credits and I play violin in the orchestra. There was a concert last Tuesday and the programme included Wagner Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg , Weber Bassoon Concerto and Mussorgsky/Ravel Pictures at an Exhibition.
The concert was quite successful because everyone worked really hard. The soloist for the Weber was a graduate student and she played really well. I rarely listen to bassoon music and after this concert, I find that the sound of bassoon is very lovely. It is quite mild and the pitch is neither too high nor too low.
My favourite work is definitely Pictures. Originally, it was a piano solo work composed by Mussorgsky and then Ravel arranged it for orchestra. The orchestration was impressive but quite tough for woodwind and brass players. There are a few spots featuring solos of brass instruments such as the trumpet solo in the promenade I, tuba solo in the Oxen etc. There is also an important spot for saxophone solo in. Pictures is a really difficult piece. Not only each part is not easy at all, it is so hard to make every part sound together. For strings, there are two fast movements that require shifting between pizzicato and arco consecutively. The ending was breathtaking. It was full of power and passion. I can still clearly remember how the very last chord echoed in the hall and then the applause joined it.
The orchestra will have concert again in late April. The reportoire will include Berlioz Roman Carnaval Overture, Mendelssohn Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5. Such an exciting programme and I am looking forward to it.
(1) My first concert in this college. Being a music student, I have to join an ensemble (choir or orchestra) for credits and I play violin in the orchestra. There was a concert last Tuesday and the programme included Wagner Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg , Weber Bassoon Concerto and Mussorgsky/Ravel Pictures at an Exhibition.
The concert was quite successful because everyone worked really hard. The soloist for the Weber was a graduate student and she played really well. I rarely listen to bassoon music and after this concert, I find that the sound of bassoon is very lovely. It is quite mild and the pitch is neither too high nor too low.
My favourite work is definitely Pictures. Originally, it was a piano solo work composed by Mussorgsky and then Ravel arranged it for orchestra. The orchestration was impressive but quite tough for woodwind and brass players. There are a few spots featuring solos of brass instruments such as the trumpet solo in the promenade I, tuba solo in the Oxen etc. There is also an important spot for saxophone solo in. Pictures is a really difficult piece. Not only each part is not easy at all, it is so hard to make every part sound together. For strings, there are two fast movements that require shifting between pizzicato and arco consecutively. The ending was breathtaking. It was full of power and passion. I can still clearly remember how the very last chord echoed in the hall and then the applause joined it.
The orchestra will have concert again in late April. The reportoire will include Berlioz Roman Carnaval Overture, Mendelssohn Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5. Such an exciting programme and I am looking forward to it.
16.2.08
An impression on college
Time takes the bullet train noiselessly. It is going to be week 5 of this semester next Monday. Looking back my first month in college, it has been filled with ups and downs.
I didn't study A-Level. My academic level is around form 5. Usually, form 5 graduates attend community colleges and then transfer to universities. Yet, I go to a university directly. Most universities in the US require freshman and sophomore students to take English class. Among all the subjects that I take, freshman English is definitely one of the toughest subjects. Overall, it is English course for local students and the standard is much higher than that of HK. We have to read very often and write papers. It takes me ages to do reading because I need to look up words in the dictionary from time to time. The topics of the papers are usually about social issues. My first paper is about global warming and the one that I am working on currently is about the conflicts of education in the USA. I can still vividly remember how frustrated I felt when reading the syllabus. The requirement for the paper is 3 to 4 pages. Later, when I wrote the first paper, it was not as much as I expected. It is because of the format of college paper which is double-spacing everything with a header on the first page. I wrote around 1000 words at last but I only wrote 300 words when I was in form 5.
Another subject is music theory. I have theory class every day and we are given lots of homework and tests. Frankly, this subject is pretty challenging. I skipped theory I and I went to theory II after coming to this school. I must perform well in this subject. If not, I won't be able to take musicology class next semester.
Going to audition for a scholarship two weeks later. I really need to spend more time on piano practice.
I didn't study A-Level. My academic level is around form 5. Usually, form 5 graduates attend community colleges and then transfer to universities. Yet, I go to a university directly. Most universities in the US require freshman and sophomore students to take English class. Among all the subjects that I take, freshman English is definitely one of the toughest subjects. Overall, it is English course for local students and the standard is much higher than that of HK. We have to read very often and write papers. It takes me ages to do reading because I need to look up words in the dictionary from time to time. The topics of the papers are usually about social issues. My first paper is about global warming and the one that I am working on currently is about the conflicts of education in the USA. I can still vividly remember how frustrated I felt when reading the syllabus. The requirement for the paper is 3 to 4 pages. Later, when I wrote the first paper, it was not as much as I expected. It is because of the format of college paper which is double-spacing everything with a header on the first page. I wrote around 1000 words at last but I only wrote 300 words when I was in form 5.
Another subject is music theory. I have theory class every day and we are given lots of homework and tests. Frankly, this subject is pretty challenging. I skipped theory I and I went to theory II after coming to this school. I must perform well in this subject. If not, I won't be able to take musicology class next semester.
Going to audition for a scholarship two weeks later. I really need to spend more time on piano practice.
13.1.08
Orientation (1)
First post in 2008.
I can hardly believe that I have been in the USA for one week already. The semester break still hasn't ended and school will start on next thursday. We had orientation programmes for the past few days. Before I went to the USA, I always thought that the orientation programmes in the USA universities are very crazy. However, when I attended the orientation at my school, I found that it was not too bad. We had lots of things to do every day and they were not very exciting.
There were many students from China. Probably more than 1/3 of the orientation participants were Chinese students. I could hear Mandarin all the time. On the first two days, I felt quite happy to meet so many Chinese students. However, later time, I got to feel a bit annoyed because they didn't talk in English at all. The main reason was that their English standard was lower than other international students. They preferred making friends with students from their own country and of course, they communicated in Mandarin. I found that my Mandarin has improved a lot, but not my English. It was really ridiculous. Sometimes, the mainland students didn't understand what the speaker said and they asked me to translate for them. I never thought that I had a chance to be my mainland friends' "interpreter". That was another type of language exercise for me.
I can hardly believe that I have been in the USA for one week already. The semester break still hasn't ended and school will start on next thursday. We had orientation programmes for the past few days. Before I went to the USA, I always thought that the orientation programmes in the USA universities are very crazy. However, when I attended the orientation at my school, I found that it was not too bad. We had lots of things to do every day and they were not very exciting.
There were many students from China. Probably more than 1/3 of the orientation participants were Chinese students. I could hear Mandarin all the time. On the first two days, I felt quite happy to meet so many Chinese students. However, later time, I got to feel a bit annoyed because they didn't talk in English at all. The main reason was that their English standard was lower than other international students. They preferred making friends with students from their own country and of course, they communicated in Mandarin. I found that my Mandarin has improved a lot, but not my English. It was really ridiculous. Sometimes, the mainland students didn't understand what the speaker said and they asked me to translate for them. I never thought that I had a chance to be my mainland friends' "interpreter". That was another type of language exercise for me.
10.11.07
A conversation
I have theory class every Friday. We mainly focus on counterpoint in this semester. Counterpoint is a very complicated topic and there are lots of rules to memorise. Therefore, the teacher has to go over the previous assignments with us one by one. This morning, same as usual, I went out to the teacher's when she called my name. She started a conversation and her prologue was definitely a big surprise to me.
Teacher: Your perfume smells very nice. What brand is it?
Me: ...... Uh... Anna Sui.
Teacher: Really? Which fragrance?
Me: I can't remember. Secret Love? Or Secret Magic? hould be something like that, haha.
Teacher: Haha, I see. I'll have to buy it when I go to duty-free next time.
Me: Well, I didn't buy it. It was a gift actually.
Teacher: That's perfect!! It'll be even nicer to have more!!
Me: Haha, yeah......
Later when I got home, I checked the package of the perfume. It should be Anna Sui Secret Wish Magic Romance.
Teacher: Your perfume smells very nice. What brand is it?
Me: ...... Uh... Anna Sui.
Teacher: Really? Which fragrance?
Me: I can't remember. Secret Love? Or Secret Magic? hould be something like that, haha.
Teacher: Haha, I see. I'll have to buy it when I go to duty-free next time.
Me: Well, I didn't buy it. It was a gift actually.
Teacher: That's perfect!! It'll be even nicer to have more!!
Me: Haha, yeah......
Later when I got home, I checked the package of the perfume. It should be Anna Sui Secret Wish Magic Romance.
2.11.07
New pieces
The student recital is over. I can say goodbye to the three accompaniment pieces and my Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody. I was satisfied with my overall performance. Of course, there is still a large room for improvement for the Liszt. It is a very difficult piece, both technically and musically. One of my schoolmates said that I had chosen an excellent work. Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No.6 is not a very long piece but it consists of contrasting elements and it is very showy. That's why it is quite good to play it in a small recital.
I don't have to practise the Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody temporarily. It is time to start working on the new solo and accompaniment pieces.
1.Beethoven Sonata in E major, Op.109
2.Elgar Cello Concerto in E minor, Op.85, 1st and 4th mvt
3.Paganini Introduction and Variations on a theme from Rossini's 'Moses'
4.Tchaikovsky Pezzo Capriccioso
5.Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
I don't have to practise the Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody temporarily. It is time to start working on the new solo and accompaniment pieces.
1.Beethoven Sonata in E major, Op.109
2.Elgar Cello Concerto in E minor, Op.85, 1st and 4th mvt
3.Paganini Introduction and Variations on a theme from Rossini's 'Moses'
4.Tchaikovsky Pezzo Capriccioso
5.Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
13.9.07
Busy
I have been very busy since the first day of school.
The three-hour orchestra rehearsal is very time-consuming. Besides that, because of some reasons, I am studying with two piano teachers. It is very stressful for me because they teach in different ways. I have to practise a lot because I want to learn as much as I can before going to the USA. And I need to accompany two violinists. They both give me demanding works. One is Mendelssohn Violin Concerto 1st mvt and another one is Mozart Violin Sonata in B-flat major, K454. But I am so glad that S decided to switch to play Mendelssohn instead of Tchaikovsky one month ago. Then I only to have work on two accompanying pieces only. I have finished going over the notes of the Mendelssohn 1st mvt and I am trying to polish it and play it on tempo.
The Mozart seems to be not very difficult. However, the piano part is quite difficult indeed. My classmate did some research on this piece and he told me that in this Mozart Violin Concerto, the piano is actually the "main character" rather than the violin. To certain extent, it is possible to say "the violin accompanies the piano". I predict that I will have to spend much time to practise this piece with my classmate.
The three-hour orchestra rehearsal is very time-consuming. Besides that, because of some reasons, I am studying with two piano teachers. It is very stressful for me because they teach in different ways. I have to practise a lot because I want to learn as much as I can before going to the USA. And I need to accompany two violinists. They both give me demanding works. One is Mendelssohn Violin Concerto 1st mvt and another one is Mozart Violin Sonata in B-flat major, K454. But I am so glad that S decided to switch to play Mendelssohn instead of Tchaikovsky one month ago. Then I only to have work on two accompanying pieces only. I have finished going over the notes of the Mendelssohn 1st mvt and I am trying to polish it and play it on tempo.
The Mozart seems to be not very difficult. However, the piano part is quite difficult indeed. My classmate did some research on this piece and he told me that in this Mozart Violin Concerto, the piano is actually the "main character" rather than the violin. To certain extent, it is possible to say "the violin accompanies the piano". I predict that I will have to spend much time to practise this piece with my classmate.
5.9.07
Stressed
MTD programme started yesterday.
To me, the programme is quite tough because I aim at spending more time on piano practice. However, today I realised that it is not easy to do that. As I join the orchestra, I have to attend rehearsals every Wednesday. It starts at 6:30p.m. and ends at 9:30p.m. Most classes finish at around 4p.m. and many orchestra members go practice within this period of time. There is a shortage of practice rooms. This afternoon I could hardly find an empty room to practise piano. At last, I had to "borrow" practice room from a senior student. I managed to practise two hours which is definitely not enough for me especially I am doing some very demanding pieces currently.
I never allow deterioration in my piano playing. There was a moment that I felt so stressed when I was in the practice room. I think I need a rest.
To me, the programme is quite tough because I aim at spending more time on piano practice. However, today I realised that it is not easy to do that. As I join the orchestra, I have to attend rehearsals every Wednesday. It starts at 6:30p.m. and ends at 9:30p.m. Most classes finish at around 4p.m. and many orchestra members go practice within this period of time. There is a shortage of practice rooms. This afternoon I could hardly find an empty room to practise piano. At last, I had to "borrow" practice room from a senior student. I managed to practise two hours which is definitely not enough for me especially I am doing some very demanding pieces currently.
I never allow deterioration in my piano playing. There was a moment that I felt so stressed when I was in the practice room. I think I need a rest.
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