Hits and Misses (March 3-8)

Another week has come and gone. Here's a look back at the week that was!

HITS

• I overcame my shyness and attended a choir rehearsal at Marion First Baptist on Sunday afternoon. We were preparing for revival services that didn't happen (more on that later), but I enjoyed singing with a group of people. The fellowship was sweet and I began to feel at home. I'm not sure that I'll be able to make choir rehearsals on Wednesday night because of work schedules; we'll just have to see how that works out.
• There's nothing quite like getting a pre-Spring Break break! Because of Ice Storm 2014, classes were cancelled Monday - Wednesday; I don't teach at MSCC on Thursday, so I only had one day of lecture. Woo hoo! I was able to get most of my lectures recorded for my online class and start grading papers without the complication of teaching classes. It was a welcome rest....wrapped in the disguise of a nasty storm.
• Despite the storm, the end of the week was still filled with successful performances. I don't know which feels better...walking away from a recital hearing that clearly passed or exiting the concert hall after collaborating on a beautiful senior recital. Two very different feelings that I got to experience this week. One recital down; six more to go!
• After Friday's recital, I decided to take Saturday entirely for recovery. That translated to a trip to the movies to see Monument Men. Amazing cast (Matt Damon, George Clooney, and John Goodman were wonderful!) with beautiful scenery told the story of an army unit tasked with saving the masterpieces of European art that that Nazis were attempting to steal and destroy in the final days of World War II. The artist in me swelled with pride as I saw men willing to risk their life because they clearly understood the importance of art to the human experience.

MISSES

• Ice Storm 2014 brought nearly 4 inches of sleet to eastern Arkansas. Power lines were down, temperatures plummeted, and a poorly-treated section of interstate stranded motorists for hours. The Geriatric Ward didn't move! When I tried to head to Union on Wednesday morning, it took nearly 2 hours to travel less than 30 miles. Whatever was on the agenda would just have to wait until Thursday.
• My movie choice wasn't playing at one of my usual theater choices, so I went to Studio on the Square instead. What a rotten facility that desperately needs a makeover! The seats were uncomfortable, the food was not up to the standards of Malco theaters (How difficult is it to prepare a soft pretzel?), and the screen wasn't large enough for the projected images. Malco, I know this theater is probably not one of your biggest money makers, but it's a great location with a lot of potential. Please make plans to update the facilities!
• Daylight Savings Time is the bane of my existence. I think we should all take our lead from Arizona and do away with this antiquated plan from our agricultural past! At least I don't have to stand in front of a congregation this year and pretend that I'm happy to be awake before the sun. See? There's always a silver lining. :)

Hits and Misses (February 23 - March 1)

Another week has come and gone. Here's a look back at the highs and lows of the week that was.

HITS

• It's always a great feeling when a recital hearing is successful. Two down, five more to go in the next few weeks. The first recital will be Friday night.  Here we go!
• I've had some good luck memorizing solo repertoire this week as well. Since audition season is coming, I decided it was time to get prepared for the possibility (hopefully an answered prayer) of a job interview. I'm taking these slow and have memorized the first page of the Mozart Sonata in B-flat major, K. 333 and the opening section of the finale of Poulenc's Napoli Suite. 
• Since I'm in a musical mindset, I really enjoyed Saturday's concert by the Memphis Repertory Orchestra. The program featured Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor and The Appalachian Spring Suite by Copland. The violin concerto was definitely the highlight of the concert and beautifully played by all. It was also nice to see friends and colleagues that I don't get to touch base with that often.
• All is right with the world now that Olivia Pope and Rayna James have returned to my weekly schedule. That's right, folks…..Scandal and Nashville are once again part of my television viewing. I'll proudly admit my guilty pleasures. (By the way, it would be pointless to try to contact me on Wednesday or Thursday evenings at 9pm.  You will not catch me!)

MISSES

• Has the weatherman failed to notice that March has arrived? This week's weather has been insane! We've experienced all four seasons in less than seven days. I am so ready for Spring already.
• Students have surprised me this week. Just when I thought I had seen it all, I suddenly find myself amazed by the gall of some of them. My "royal" alter ego made an appearance (I'm slowly beginning to wear that nickname with pride) and some of those in my class got a rather rude awakening. Since midterm grades were submitted on Friday, I'm sure the cries for help will begin to rise as well.
• I was surprised to learn that I needed to learn new repertoire for a recital hearing later this week. That's always an interesting feeling. Not only do I need to be ready for the hearing (where I could write off not knowing the music because of the late date), I was also informed that I've been scheduled to perform it in recital on Thursday. Gotta love those nasty Faure arpeggios that don't stop and have no pattern. 

There you have it…..hope you have a great week while you stay dry, warm, and safe.