Quite the year…

2007 was really an amazing year. My first move away from my hometown, my first wedding anniversary, and the beginnings of a lot of long-held dreams coming to pass. There were also a few low moments, like the robbery and regular life difficulties. All in all, though, I really love my life right now.

I’m looking forward to what this next year is going to bring. My band, Ladder, just released our first single online at www.myspace.com/jladdermusic and we’re in the process of getting CD copies pressed. A large local radio station (Energy 92.7 San Francisco) messaged us on Myspace to ask for a copy of our songs – which might be getting air-play soon! How awesome is that?!? The guy from the station is even going to send in our tracks to possibly be included on a compilation CD put out by the station.

What I’m most excited about at the moment is that Nathan and I have finally found a church that we really feel is the best fit for us. It’s alive spiritually and a very vibrant community. We had made some friends at the other church we had been going to, but it didn’t feel like the right fit. This morning we went to Living Hope Community Center in Emeryville, which is actually pastored by an old friend from Santa Barbara. Both Nathan and I have been feeling a bit depressed on a spiritual level and not being truly connected to a local church community has left us a bit worse for the wear. I know a lot of our Aqueous friends that we talked to when we visited over Christmas have kept us in our prayers about this and I’m very thankful.

Both Nathan and I felt touched spiritually at this morning’s service and God just spoke right to our hearts and we knew before we even talked about it that this was the place for us – it had that fundamental element we were looking for. And wouldn’t you know it that they are currently in need of help on the sound team and need vocalists on the worship team? God’s perfect timing I tell ya!

LHCC’s theme this year is growing as sons and daughters of God through discipleship in Jesus. I think what Nathan and I were missing was that clear focus on learning to be a true follower of Jesus, not just how to be a Christian. Even though that simply sounds like a difference in semantics, there is a real, deep difference. I’m so excited about joining with this faith community on this journey.

I still have a couple weeks left of break, although I’m sure they’re going to go by MUCH too quickly. I’m hoping to finish getting things caught up at home so I can start the semester off on the right foot. I’ve had enough of a break at this point that I’m ready to get some stuff done and get things a little more settled in at home (a feat which would be a little easier if someone else wasn’t home so often as well, haha!).

So far I haven’t been sitting on my butt, though. I’ve been doing a fair amount of cooking. I’ve made two batches of soup, most of which I froze in jars so I can have meals to quickly prepare. I’ve also done some baking (cornbread, banana bread), and that’s been pretty fun.

And of course, I’ve been knitting and crocheting! Here are a few FO’s:

Crocheted Bath Poof out of Sugar ‘n Cream Cotton

Matt’s Hat out of Cotton-ease – Christmas Gift

Mom’s Felted Bowl out of Crystal Palace Taos (two strands together) – Christmas

Veronica’s Fetching out of Cascade Cash Vero – Christmas

I’ve got another FO, but I don’t have a picture yet.

Here are a few in progress using techniques I haven’t really done before, or haven’t done much of…

Luna Moth Shawl out of Misti Alpaca Handpainted “Purple Pleasure”

Annetrelac Socks (Entrelac technique) out of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino

(from Loop & Leaf – a new Awesome Local Yarn Store in Santa Barbara).

I also have some new stash yarn that I’m excited about…most of it has been cast on the needles to become something, but here a little yarn porn for you yarnies who read this

Crystal Palace Panda Wool (Bamboo, Wool, Nylon) to become “Citrine Socklets” – Purchased at K2Tog

Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock “Black Purl” – Purchased at Knit & Pearl Boutique in Santa Barbara

I think that’s enough for now!

 

Woooohoooo!!!!!!

We just got home from SF and when I checked my email this is what I found!!

Hi Marieke,

Congratulations on a strong audition on Thursday. We are excited to offer you a spot in the vocal performance program, which is our most selective degree track. I have asked the department chair to formulate a letter for admissions in support of your application. After that it’s up to them, and of course we’re hoping for the best. It’s a good idea to be I ntouch regularly with admissions to let them know that a letter is coming, and also to check on the status of your application.

Congratulations, and best wishes!

JH
–
Dr. Joshua Habermann

 

Full update :-)

So, now I can finally RELAX! I don’t know yet whether I’ll get in…I’ll hopefully know sometime next week. Here’s a rundown of the happenings so far…

Our drive up Tuesday night was pretty uneventful, although I found out that my jeans had ripped at the pockets (so NOT what I needed!!) and I needed to get a new pair. The good news is that I found a nice pair for only $10 at Ross… So, yes, I went shopping before our trip, LOL

Wednesday we slept in since we got here (Alameda, which is in the East Bay area near Oakland) at 2am, then we headed over to San Francisco, Nathan dropped me off at the school, and he went to go check into our hotel.

That’s where I listened in on the chamber choir rehearsal from outside and then did some practicing in a practice room across the hall (Dr. Habermann had invited me to sit in on the rehearsal, but I didn’t get the email in time to get over there by the time it started).

After choir was over, I popped in and introduced myself and then Dr. Habermann invited me to have lunch with him, so we went over to the food court/cafeteria and grabbed some burritos (pretty good ones, too!) and he asked me about my goals, why I want to be at SFSU, etc, then asked if I had any questions and I asked about the placement tests. He explained to me that the main thing is that I place out of the “remedial” ear training and theory class. The further along I placed, the better, but that was the main issue…that if I don’t place out of that class, then the liklihood of getting an exception is pretty much none.

After that I did some more practicing, then had Nathan pick me up and we went back to the hotel where I studied some more until dinnertime.

Thursday was the big day! It was grueling. The ear training placement test (recognizing intervals between notes, writing out a melody that is played, writing out two lines of music being played at the same time, rhythm, etc) was at 9am and I thought I would do pretty well, but I’m not so sure how I did on it. It’s kinda hard to study for that stuff especially on short notice…I had some recordings from my old musicianship book so I could listen and write them down, but it’s not the same as in a classroom. I just hope I got enough right to pass out of the basic class!! :-/

Then the theory test was at 10am. This one I think I actually did pretty well on. I am confident I definitely placed out of the remedial class, and *hopefully* the first semester theory class also.

What was confusing about all these is that the school’s “system” of music major classes is different than what I’m familiar with…and even some of the terminology is different, and the emphasis they place on certain things is different. Thankfully I had a guide prior that helped me a bit. The theory test it what will take longer to “grade”.

After that test, I was WIPED OUT, so I went and got something to eat, then practiced a little for the piano placement. This was both good and bad, haha

In the piano class I took at SBCC, I think the teacher was a little lax, especially with scales. The regular piano teacher at my current school is much more on top of things and really drills the scales, but I couldn’t ever fit her class into my schedule.

So anyway, I go in for my placement, and the gal asks me to do a scale that I’m not familiar with AT ALL. I don’t think my old teacher ever even went over it. So, I explained my situation to her and realized that I wasn’t really taught what I should have been. Then she just asked me what I needed…where I should be placed so that it will “look good”. I told her that I should at least place out of the first two semesters since I already took those classes. So she just basically gave it to me!! I asked her to write down what I needed to know by the time I go into the next class and that was that! I only played one scale, one octave (should have been two, apparently), and I even missed a note since I was a little nervous. That was a huge blessing!!

I was glad to have that behind me…the last thing I had left was the actual singing!

I practiced for a few hours, then changed into my nice clothes, ran through the songs one more time, and then waited till they called me in.

My performances went well, although the accompanist played the first song a little too slowly. I tried to speed up, since he should follow me, but he didn’t… So I had to take breaths where I really shouldn’t have, but oh well. The second song went really well. I screwed up a little on the words, but I didn’t let on, so I don’t think they would notice unless they are really familiar with French! LOL

THEN, they asked me to sight sing a line! *gulp* I wasn’t expecting that and hadn’t really prepared. I was SOOO tired by this point (my audition was at 4:10pm) that my brain was totally not working. I didn’t sing it right at all (actually, I have no clue how well I sang it), and after I was done, Dr. Habermann asked me “What can you tell me about that last note?”

I said “That it was wrong” and they laughed (in a good way). They asked me to sing it, and thankfully I was able to correct myself and got it right. *whew*

What’s frustrating about everything is that I KNOW I can do better on all the placements, etc. I just am out of practice and didn’t have enough time. But, I did what I could and hopefully God will give me favor with the decision-makers.

If I don’t get in fro some reason, I did find out about a community college that has a decent music program. Dr. Habermann mentioned it, and another student’s mom confirmed that they have a pretty good music program, so I think that will be my fall-back plan. It’s in the East Bay area, too, though it’s still about 1/2 hour away.

Okay, time to go get something to eat!

 

I’m done!

*collapse*

Whew, I am so glad that is over! However, I still don’t know whether I will get in or not. I feel that I did pretty well, especially for the audition, but not as well as I wish I could have done. I should know next week whether the music dept is going to support me for an exception or not.

I’ll give a more detailed update later (I’m on our friend’s computer). But I just wanted to let you know that it all went pretty well.

And thank you SO MUCH for all your prayers! I definitely felt them!!

 

In SF!

Hey everyone, just a quick pop in to say that we’re in SF! I stopped by the school to check out the music dept and get a little more familiar with it. I also met with Dr. Habermann (choir director that I’ve been emailing) and I ended up having lunch with him. He’s a really nice man and I felt totally comfortable talking with him and I’m looking forward to being at SFSU and singing in his choirs (I overheard the Chamber Singers – the top choir at SFSU and they are AMAZING! And I was just out in the hallway!)

I also feel a bit better about the placement tests tomorrow. He clarified a little bit on how that will affect the exception, and it sounds like it will be ok as long as I place out of the rudimentary class (which shouldn’t be an issue). I’m still studying so I can do my best though! I just don’t feel quite as much pressure.

Lastly, the audition part was moved from 1:20 to 4:10, so it gives me more time to practice tomorrow – Yay!

Ok, gotta go get dinner with Nathan….

 

Oh. My. Goodness.

About the Audition

Hopefully, one week from now I will know whether I will be able to attend SF State in the Fall! We’re leaving for SF in only FOUR DAYS!!! Ack! I am both nervous and excited. I feel pretty well prepared (as prepared as I can be considering everything) and have a plan for finishing my preparations as best I can.

Preparations so far:

• Audition songs are chosen (Obstination by Fonteneilles & If music be the food of love by Purcell) and are nearly completely prepared.
• Repertoire has been put together
• “Please accept me” packet has been put together in a nice folder with a cover sheet (includes cover letter & reference letter – not requested by SF State- and repertoire, and transcripts which were requested).
• Started practicing scales on piano
• Bought a new top from Ross and picked out the rest of the outfit
• Got haircut

Preparations to be completed:

• Study like crazy for the Theory and Musicianship placement tests…this will be interesting (and a little scary)
• Practice scales on piano like crazy
• Finish memorizing audition pieces and polishing my techniques
• Practice “introducing” the pieces, including meaning/translation
• Find direct translation for Obstination (might need to go to UCSB library for this – blech)
• Get eyebrows waxed/shaped this weekend
• Pack!

I am SO FREAKING GLAD that I have Monday off. And while I wish Nathan had the day off for his sake, I am glad I have two days in a row to work on music and study at my own pace (I’ll need to take breaks here and there…I can’t practice music alone for more than two hours straight without getting glassy-eyed).

About Knitting

Knitting has been helping me relax and unwind when I start to feel stressed, and I love how well the sweater is coming along (not that I really got much done last night, ha!). I think it’s going to be a very comfy sweater. I’m hoping that for my next sweater endeavor (besides finished the lacey Rebecca sweater), I can learn some shaping techniques. I really need it for my body type I’m thinking… Tracy recommended the second Stitch N’ Bitch book for that, so I might have to convince Nathan that I need it, hehe. Or I can wait till next month to buy it (probably wouldn’t need it before then anyway…)

About Knit Group

Last night after knit group, I realized that this is the first time in my life that I’ve actually felt like I belonged in a group of female friends. I’ve always been a “one close friend at a time” kinda person and never really found a group that I felt like I truly connected to. I always felt like the odd one out for whatever reason (I was homeschooled and everyone else went to public school, or I was older and everyone else was younger, or I acted older and didn’t fit in with either the older people or the younger people, or I was a girl and they were boys, or I was more girly girl, or not as girly girl). Anyway, you get my point.

The part I hate is that I am getting so connected, yet my time is limited. I’m trying not to let that get in the way of developing deeper friendships with everyone, though. To rip off a cliche, I’d rather have had this connectedness and “lose” it, than never have had it at all.

I definitely know that nothing is ever going to be able to replace the SB Knitters Group, even if I do find another knit group in the Berkeley area.

 

Overwhelmed

Psalm 57

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!
I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings
until the danger passes by.
I cry out to God Most High,
to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
He will send help from heaven to rescue me,
disgracing those who hound me.
Interlude

My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness.

I am surrounded by fierce lions
who greedily devour human prey—
whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows,
and whose tongues cut like swords.

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens!
May your glory shine over all the earth.

My enemies have set a trap for me.
I am weary from distress.
They have dug a deep pit in my path,
but they themselves have fallen into it.
Interlude

My heart is confident in you, O God;
my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises!
Wake up, my heart!
Wake up, O lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth.

Wow, this decision to go to school full-time in the Fall (well, for both of us to go) has proven to be quite challenging. A lot of hurdles have popped up and it’s gotten a tad overwhelming due to the urgent nature of it all, at least for the next few weeks. This Psalm has spoken to me so many times over the course of my life that it’s become my favorite, especially with the references to music (for obvious reasons!). I was feeling particularly overwhelmed when I went home for lunch and I felt drawn to read this out loud. I couldn’t help but cry as I read it.

The desire of my heart is to use music to bring glory to God. If someone realizes the depth of God’s love for them more deeply because of my music, that is all I can hope for. I know that God has gifted me in this area for a purpose and it has been so frustrating to feel like the dreams that God’s put on my heart get pushed further away from my reach.

Before, when challenges on the educational front came up, I fought it as much as I could, but eventually have to give up, at least temporarily. But now I’m in a position in life where I have more freedom than I’ve had before to pursue my educational dreams, and to have hurdles come up again is so frustrating. I am both weary of the fight and even more determined to fight for what I believe God is leading me to. Granted, I know that God could again have other plans for me and for Nathan, but I’m gonna keep fighting in the direction God’s given us unless it becomes obvious that God has other plans.

If you think of it, please pray for us. Nathan’s school shouldn’t be an issue, but I will have to get an exception from the Director of the Music Dept in order to be able to transfer to the school I hope to eventually get my degree from (San Francisco State University). God’s already given me someone “on my side” in Dr. Josh Habermann (Choir Director and Advisor for voice students – who is friends with my choir director here at SBCC, Nathan Kreitzer) who has taken up my cause on the recommendation of Prof Kreitzer. I also have very good grades on my side (Thank you Jesus!)

However, I have to give a strong audition (vocal performance), as well as take placement tests for musicianship and theory, and piano. Normally, placement tests would be just that. But since I’m trying to get an exception, my test scores will have some bearing in the decision.

I have been out of practice in all these areas for a year and I only have THREE WEEKS to prepare! I’m also hoping to get a scholarship, which will also be determined by my audition. Be praying for me on February 22nd in particular (the day of the tests and audition). I’m gonna need it!

Thankfully, the faculty at SBCC are incredibly helpful and I should be able to get all the help I need through them. There are just so many details, especially with applying for financial aid. And I’m trying to get used to being in school while working fulltime on top of making sure I have time for my husband.

It’ll be a miracle in and of itself if I don’t have a mental breakdown in the next few weeks.

 

Hotel Cafe Tour! House of Blues Anaheim

The 2006 Hotel Cafe Tour with Jim Bianco, Rachael Yamagata, White Buffalo, Cary Brothers, Joshua Radin, Schuyler Fisk and Sarah Bareilles

I am SOOOOOO tired, but it was totally worth the long drive (4 and a half freaking hours thanks to awful traffic) and falling into bed at 2am only to get up about 4 hours later.

We got there 1/2 hour late, but managed to see everyone we went to see (not too difficult considering they switch off and mix up and play beautiful music in all sorts of lovely combinations).

When we got there Sara Bareilles was just being introduced. Just a girl on a piano, she blew me away with her voice. It’s a beautiful, smooth, jazzy, with a touch of R&B and soul that soars into the heights at just the perfect moment. You want to say she’s pop, blues, soul, but she really all and none. “Love song”, “Fairytale” (ironic that it was played at Disneyland!), and her rendition of Christina Aguilera’s “Genie in a Bottle” – performed later in the show (which I daresay she may have performed even better than Christina) were highlights. She’s definitely “Buy the CD” worthy. I loved her stage presence as well…simply herself, rambling a little when she was nervous, cracking jokes in the middle of a song yet totally pulling it off without leaving the listener feeling jarred.

Then they introduced a surprise guest (who apparently just showed up backstage), Alexi Murdoch. He played a couple songs on guitar, with an electronic kick-drum to fill out the bottom. He was a very pleasant surprise, I must say. His vocals are full, but soft and gentle and he’s got some lovely rhythms and cadences to his guitar-playing. “All my days” hooked me with its down home, gentle sound and “Orange Sky” was a standout song. Another artist I could listen to multiple times over.

Next up was Schuyler Fisk starting off her mini-set with “Hello”. Schuyler’s music (folksy, with a bit of a country feel at times) is the type of music I could listen to over and over. I can’t say I was blown away, but she’s someone I don’t think I’d ever get sick of listening to. Both Schuyler and her music are unassuming. They just are. Her performance left me feeling peaceful and happy.

Schuyler finished off her mini-set by pulling Joshua Radin onto the stage to perform “Paperweight” (possibly one of my favorite songs EVER!). The two vocal mics were a good six feet apart, so they decided (at the prompting of the audience) to share a mic and it was one of the best moments of the entire show (definitely our favorite!). Schuyler on her tippy toes and Josh leaning in as they sang together was priceless. They ended the song with Josh planting a sweet kiss on Schuyler’s cheek. Too cute! It made me all happy inside.

Joshua Radin then took the stage and played a couple minimalist acoustic songs, starting off with the well-known “Star Mile” (from the Last Kiss Soundtrack). I so wanted to go up onstage and add some harmonies (I listen to his album a lot…it’s one I don’t get sick of), but I don’t think security would have taken to that too well, haha! He whipped out the band for a couple songs, including the lovely “Closer”.

Jim Bianco later came on stage and not only played some great “spicy” music but made us laugh our asses off in the process. The lecherous “Handsome Devil” and the tongue-in-cheek ‘love song’ “Painkiller” were standouts. Bianco’s baritone, gritty-in-a-good-way voice is perfect for his eccentric musical style and presence. He was definitely the most energetically entertaining artist of the evening. As entertaining as he was live, I don’t think he’d make it long in my CD player. His style is not one that I’d be able to listen to on repeat, but it’d be fun to pull out once in a while.

As a side note, he was aided by a notable member of the house band, Brad Gordon. I just have to say that I was incredibly impressed by Brad’s jack-of-all-instruments abilities. He sang backup vocals for most of the artists, as well as producing, playing the keys, accordion, vintage-style trumpet, and clarinet. And he did it all extremely well. I have a feeling that doesn’t even touch on his capabilities. Bianco’s performance would not have been the same without Brad’s invaluable talents.

Rachael Yamagata was up next (although I think there were a few random performances in the middle there…parts of the concert are a blur since it was the longest one I’ve ever had to stand through). She has a passionate and gritty edge to her music. She was definitely the tough chick of the group. I love that her music carries so much raw emotion and lyrical vulnerability. She’s not afraid to run the gamut and explore the darker side of life, which is reflected in music as well as lyrics. Her style even has a range from soft, crooning melodies (“Be Be Your Love” was a standout, along with her Last Kiss contribution “Reason Why”) to rough edged rock to a cleverly worded a cappella tune (“Elephant”?). She also had a great rapport with the audience. She could run commentary, interact with the audience, or crack a joke in the middle of a song without missing a beat. That said, she didn’t jive much with my personal style. I can’t listen to music that dwells on the darker side of life too much, so her album wouldn’t be one to stay in the playlist for too long. Hers is music good for when you need a good cry, or to punch the living daylights out of a pillow.

Finally, the artist spearheading the tour, Cary Brothers, came up to play some of his own tunes. He started it off with his Last Kiss Soundtrack song “Ride”. I love the ethereal feel of the song. His set was the tightest of the show, both in his stage presence and music. “Blue Eyes” from the Garden State Soundtrack was another standout, which we caught on our way out. He pulled his fellow artists onstage to perform it with him as the show began winding to a close. Unfortunately, I was a bit out of it by the time Cary got onstage, so his performance was a blur, but I do know that his music still managed to get through to my brain and register as wonderful and ethereal and beautiful. His voice is very mellow and soothing.

We left a little early since we had a 2 hour drive back home, it was 11:30pm at this point, and my body was aching from standing so long, but it was overall a GREAT show and totally worth it. I love that each artist was “equal” and that the entire show had a spirit of creative collaboration and encouragement. I also love that each artist (all labeled as “singer/songwriter”), have unique talents, abilities, and styles, keeping the audience on their toes and introducing new artists to the existing fan bases of the already-known artists.

On a personal note, as a singer/songwriter myself, this show revived the desire in me to share my own unique voice with the world. A part of me has always wanted to be involved in something like the Hotel Café Tour…where talent and abilities get passed around and the musical atmosphere keeps you on your toes and challenges you to try new things. I’ve let my music lie dormant for too long. I’ve had too many musical ideas start to form and then die because I don’t give them the time and space to grow into fruition.

This is coinciding with our recent acquisition of a Yamaha Clavinova that was generously given to us (replacing my cheap-o Casio keyboard). Not only is it much more aesthetically pleasing (which really makes a difference to me!), but it also feels, plays, and sounds much more like a real piano. There is nothing like playing a real acoustic piano, but this one comes the closest to that high standard. I’m feeling that the time has come to start creating more music and challenging myself. I’ll just have to find an outlet of some sort…

Ok, I’ve yammered on enough now!