I have reached the final stretch of the semester. Now that spring break is over, there are no more days off until the summer. I have already made plans to work at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp over the summer as a camp counselor. I am really excited to be working there. There was a lengthy interview process which included a phone interview and I also had to create a recording of some saxophone pieces that I had been working on throughout the school year. Although I am a little bit nervous about taking this job, I look forward to working in a musical environment and improving in my own playing. Now that I definitely have summer plans I am really focusing on my school work. A typical school day for me consists of many music classes, ensemble rehearsals, and meetings. For instance, on Tuesdays my schedule looks like this:

8:00-9:15 am- Music History Class. I am usually very tired during this class. I have 8's every day, so I don't get to sleep-in until the weekend. I try to sit in the front row and take really good notes because this class is very challenging, but I have learned a lot about the different time periods of music.

9:30-10 am- Jog/Run Class. Basically all we do in this class is run for a certain amount of time each day. We are also required to run a 5k by the end of the semester. I actually really enjoy this class. It is a great way to stay in shape and it is really fun.

10:15-11:00 am- After my Jog/Run class I head back to my dorm to relax. Usually I take a shower and then finish up whatever homework I have to do. I spend this time preparing for the rest of the day.

11:15-12:00 am- I head down to the cafeteria to grab something to eat. Most of the time I use the "Take 4" which is a new feature of the cafeteria where you can get a really good lunch to go. I usually take the food back to my dorm room and eat while I practice my keyboard.

12:00-1:00 pm- I have Class Piano III in the basement of the Wilson Music Building. The piano classroom has about 14 pianos in it. Every week we have a playing test over the current repertory selections. I am determined to do well in this class because at the end of the semester I hope to take my piano proficiency test and test out of piano lessons early.

1:00-3:00 pm- I head back to my dorm and finish any homework that I couldn't finish early in the day. Sometimes I take this time to practice my saxophone or to relax.

3:30-5:00 pm- I have wind ensemble rehearsal at Belmont Heights Baptist Church. I play the alto saxophone and I really enjoy being in the ensemble. We usually have really intense rehearsals because we only meet twice a week, so each person in the ensemble has to work on their individual parts outside of the rehearsals. Here is a clip from our fall concert: Download file

5:00-7:00 pm- Usually I am hungry at this time so I head down to the cafeteria right after rehearsal. After dinner I usually hang out with friends.

7:00-9:00 pm- I have Brass Methods at night. This is probably my favorite class of the day. I get to learn how to play the trumpet and trombone and I also learn how to teach the brass instruments to other people.

9:00-10:00 pm- My friend, Brock, and I head to the Curb after Brass Methods and get something to eat. Usually there is someone performing live at the Curb so we get to eat while we listen to some amazing songs.

10:00-12:00 pm- Practice, Practice, Practice... the majority of the time I spend practicing my saxophone in the practice rooms. I like practicing this late because most of the practice rooms are available and there are fewer people, so less noise.

12:30 pm- BED. By this time I am exhausted, so I try to get to bed so that I am ready for my 8 am class the following day.