Well, classes are in full swing and I'm getting slightly stressed at some things. Here are my thoughts on my classes so far this semester:
- Education as a Profession: Wow, I never knew that there was so much stuff required of teachers in Alabama. I've got to register for the APTTP (Alabama Prospective Teacher Test Program) test before next week. It is much like the ACT, but for teachers in Alabama. I also have to get certified in First Aid and CPR soon as well as have a criminal background check on me...that's scary...just kidding!
- Teaching and Technology: Ok, this has to be the most boring class on the face of the planet. I really wish that this wasn't a required class. Basically, you learn how to use Microsoft Office. But see, I learned all of these things in my Business classes in high school. The teacher is a very sweet lady (she is a retired business/marketing teacher), but I think they should get someone else to teach this class who would apply today's new technology (blogging, podcasting, ect.) for education. Maybe Dr. Copeland should teach this class just for Music Education Majors.
- Music Theory I/Aural Skills I: I think since I've taken this class twice already (once with AP Theory at Mortimer Jordan and the other Theory I at Jefferson State) that I do have a little bit of an advantage. I wish my theory from JeffState had transferred so that I could be in Theory II right now, but I do enjoy Ms. Reynolds' teaching and I enjoy the people that I'm in the class with.
- Private Lessons: Voice: So far things are going good. Dr. Mathes has expanded my range somewhat. I'm able to "touch" a low G and my upper range has grown a good bit (those higher notes are coming easier than they used to).
- Concert Choir: WOW!!!! We're going to IRELAND! I can't wait for this! Now I only have to come up with the money for it...ugh. So this past Saturday was my first time to sing a solo in the Alys Stephens Center. Everyone keeps giving me complements on it, so I hope it sounded good. I am overly critical of myself, so I did notice some things I could've improved on it. I auditioned for a solo in the song "If I Got My Ticket" and got it. I was really shocked. I mean, I consider it a great honor because it is my first semester at UAB and the other guys who tried out were really awesome on it. I think Dr. Copeland is going to rotate the soloists on that song though, but I really would like to sing it at one of our public concerts where Mom and Dad are going to be there.
- Chamber Choir: UGH!! The Debussy "Trois Chansons" are very tough (the music is not extremly hard, but the language is...FRENCH!!!!)
- Opera Workshop: Things are coming along for our Opera Scenes performance on November 9 at 7:30 in the Hulsey Recital Hall. I'm trying to let everyone know about this so that nobody can say "I didn't know that you were doing that." I am in two scenes as well as in the chorus for two other ones. It's going to be fun.
