So you guys know, that tomorrow is our last performance. I am unbelievibly proud and pleased with our final product. You guys have been excellent students. I want you all to know that even if I have not made tons of comments, I have been reading your blogs, and I feel like you have learned a lot. While our "journey" with Mulan is coming to a close, I want to encourage you all to continue your journeys of self discovery in relationship to the arts. I worked with some of you more closely than I did others, but I hope to work with you all again in the future. I hope you are not strangers to the theater! I want to encourage you to embrace opportunities that give you access to the theater, and to learning more about music, acting, and the technical sides of theater! I am proud of the growth that each one of you showed me this summer in music. What you have done for me is confirmed my belief that when you set expectations high, and you expect excellence out of students that your students will rise to and exceed your expectations. You guys have done just that!! Please keep in touch with me! I want to know what you are up to. Also if you ever need musical advice, or just want to know what I would think, you can call on me! My email is trecita@hotmail.com. I will miss you, and I am pretty sure I will be going through withdrawal next week as I return to real life. . .and a training for my 'real' job.
I love you all and appreciate you! I expect to continue to hear great things about each and every one of you! <3
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Meanings of Chinese names.. . random research on a whim.
So tonight I was wondering if there was any underlying meaning to the Chinese names for the characters in Mulan. . . .here is what I found out-
Mulan-magnolia blossom
Zhou (as in Fa Zhou) -boat
Ling (a feminine name)-dawn
Chi Fu-Chi is the life energy, Fu means acquired wealth/notoriety
Yun-peaceful/cloud
Zheng (Zhang)-just proper/government
Hong-great/vast
Li (as in Fa Li)-beautiful
Lin-green jade/forest
Yi-justice
Chen-Morning
Shang-luminous
I couldn't find Qian Po, but Qiang was "one who possesses inner strength"
If I didn't list your character's name. . .I couldn't find it. . but I will keep looking. . . just thought it might be interesting :)
Mulan-magnolia blossom
Zhou (as in Fa Zhou) -boat
Ling (a feminine name)-dawn
Chi Fu-Chi is the life energy, Fu means acquired wealth/notoriety
Yun-peaceful/cloud
Zheng (Zhang)-just proper/government
Hong-great/vast
Li (as in Fa Li)-beautiful
Lin-green jade/forest
Yi-justice
Chen-Morning
Shang-luminous
I couldn't find Qian Po, but Qiang was "one who possesses inner strength"
If I didn't list your character's name. . .I couldn't find it. . but I will keep looking. . . just thought it might be interesting :)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Good times :)
So, I just want you guys to know that I am having a blast working with you this summer. I came into this knowing that it would be fun, but I can honestly say that I think it will be life changing for me as well. I know I have told some of you that I am realizing that maybe I should be doing more with music in my life.
Yeah, I love to sing, and I am a sucker for good music, but I think I forget that I might be good at making/creating/enhacing music. Everyone has something they are really good at. I mean REALLY good at. I like to think that music is my thing. However, I get caught up all the time with comparing myself to other people. I mean when you think about the grand scheme of things, I am really just okay or mediocre. . .
Then I shy away from even attempting to do anything with music for a while. I can't say I don't deal well with rejection. I am used to it. . it happens to me constantly. In fact it took me A LOT of nerve to go try out for Smokey Joe's Cafe. I have gotten much more comfortable directing music and running sound. Those are pretty safe jobs.
If you really know me you know I just HAVE to sing. (Usually this occurs in my car, shower, and occasionally at church). I get so stuck in my day to day life that I don't remember how it is to do the one thing I really love doing.
Actually, more recently than you realize, I was doubting my ability completely. Who am I to think I can accomplish this or pull it off. . .who am I kidding?? I am realizing while working with you that even if it is not my day to day job, that maybe getting young people excited about music and theater might be my purpose. I forgot about how creative I can be. Sometimes I think it takes creative people being around other creative people to get the innovative juices flowing. I mean Kelly and I were writing songs. . .today Duray made me realize how much I really like to figure out songs on the piano. . .Austin and I discussed music composing software. . .I really need to look in to and follow through on these things. . even just to make myself happy and to feel fulfilled.
Okay, so you might be thinking, "What the heck Ms. Tracy? Why are you writing all this??" I want you to know that self-doubt is completely normal. Even people that you may think have it all together on the outside sometimes may be scared to death, or afraid that they will mess up big time in front of an audience, or even more dreadful. . ..their peers!! I am telling you that life is to short to not go for it. Ms. Laura and I were talking today about how when we were young, we really didn't realize our potential. We were so worried about what we seemed like to everyone else that we were in our own way. So the moral of the story is, GET OUT OF THE WAY!!! You guys are awesome, and I hope that if you don't realize that yet, that you figure it out before you turn 29 and are teaching a bunch of kids music!! {or whatever it is you really love to do}. Everyone brings something unique to the table, and if you are too busy comparing yourself to the person next to you, you might not shine the only way that YOU, and no one else but YOU can.
Keep up the hard work. . . I think you will be super happy with your results. I want to thank you guys for your dedication, and for helping to lead me to my A-ha moment this week. I don't think things happen by chance, and I believe that I am doing this program to learn from you all as much as I hope you will learn something from me!
Mad Love to you All!!
Ms. Music Ninja :)
Yeah, I love to sing, and I am a sucker for good music, but I think I forget that I might be good at making/creating/enhacing music. Everyone has something they are really good at. I mean REALLY good at. I like to think that music is my thing. However, I get caught up all the time with comparing myself to other people. I mean when you think about the grand scheme of things, I am really just okay or mediocre. . .
Then I shy away from even attempting to do anything with music for a while. I can't say I don't deal well with rejection. I am used to it. . it happens to me constantly. In fact it took me A LOT of nerve to go try out for Smokey Joe's Cafe. I have gotten much more comfortable directing music and running sound. Those are pretty safe jobs.
If you really know me you know I just HAVE to sing. (Usually this occurs in my car, shower, and occasionally at church). I get so stuck in my day to day life that I don't remember how it is to do the one thing I really love doing.
Actually, more recently than you realize, I was doubting my ability completely. Who am I to think I can accomplish this or pull it off. . .who am I kidding?? I am realizing while working with you that even if it is not my day to day job, that maybe getting young people excited about music and theater might be my purpose. I forgot about how creative I can be. Sometimes I think it takes creative people being around other creative people to get the innovative juices flowing. I mean Kelly and I were writing songs. . .today Duray made me realize how much I really like to figure out songs on the piano. . .Austin and I discussed music composing software. . .I really need to look in to and follow through on these things. . even just to make myself happy and to feel fulfilled.
Okay, so you might be thinking, "What the heck Ms. Tracy? Why are you writing all this??" I want you to know that self-doubt is completely normal. Even people that you may think have it all together on the outside sometimes may be scared to death, or afraid that they will mess up big time in front of an audience, or even more dreadful. . ..their peers!! I am telling you that life is to short to not go for it. Ms. Laura and I were talking today about how when we were young, we really didn't realize our potential. We were so worried about what we seemed like to everyone else that we were in our own way. So the moral of the story is, GET OUT OF THE WAY!!! You guys are awesome, and I hope that if you don't realize that yet, that you figure it out before you turn 29 and are teaching a bunch of kids music!! {or whatever it is you really love to do}. Everyone brings something unique to the table, and if you are too busy comparing yourself to the person next to you, you might not shine the only way that YOU, and no one else but YOU can.
Keep up the hard work. . . I think you will be super happy with your results. I want to thank you guys for your dedication, and for helping to lead me to my A-ha moment this week. I don't think things happen by chance, and I believe that I am doing this program to learn from you all as much as I hope you will learn something from me!
Mad Love to you All!!
Ms. Music Ninja :)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Hey all! Hope you had a great first week and are having a restful weekend! I wanted to share a website with some information about the Chinese opera.
It's http://www.illuminatedlantern.com/cinema/archives/a_short_history_of_chinese_opera.php
The reason why I am sharing this with you is that with the music from the Disney adaptation of Mulan on stage, I was also given some specific information about how they stayed true to the Chinese opera when composing the score for the stage version. This article gives some history, and most interestingly explains the basic characters of the Chinese opera. I know later in the course I will be discussing some of these characters, and the specific instruments that represent them in the music. Something else that I found interesting in this article was the section on Chinese opera superstitions. It is a lengthy article, but full of good insights. Check it out! :)
It's http://www.illuminatedlantern.com/cinema/archives/a_short_history_of_chinese_opera.php
The reason why I am sharing this with you is that with the music from the Disney adaptation of Mulan on stage, I was also given some specific information about how they stayed true to the Chinese opera when composing the score for the stage version. This article gives some history, and most interestingly explains the basic characters of the Chinese opera. I know later in the course I will be discussing some of these characters, and the specific instruments that represent them in the music. Something else that I found interesting in this article was the section on Chinese opera superstitions. It is a lengthy article, but full of good insights. Check it out! :)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Week 1 . .. whoa
I want to just say that I was really excited and honored to be asked (and hired) by Lindsay to teach the music for the summer program. While I have a lot of music experience and training, it is not the field I have my actual degree in. I was also very nervous about the degree of difficulty of the music in the play, Mulan Jr.
They probably should have named it Mulan expert :)
I was sooo excited on Monday for auditions. For those of you who don't know, I have pretty much lived the majority of my life at the theater, and I know what you were going through on your end for the auditions. While I have served my time on the casting team more that a handful of times, it is never an easy job to place everyone in the best role for them. I feel good and confident about every person's role in the play. Some of you even shocked me with hidden ability that I you have never displayed to me!! Awesome work!
I was so proud of everyone on Tuesday. You were anxious and you dug right into your parts and got to work with the blocking. On Wednesday we started our marathons of music. I can honestly say that I am thrilled and humbled by the hard work and dedication that you guys have put forth for the music this week. We tackled probably some of the most difficult music in the show this week, and I worked you hard.
I have worked with young people a lot, and my last experience teaching music was rewarding, but also frustrating at times, because people did not pay attention, practice, or commit to what they were doing. This week has made me realize that not all my experiences will be frustrating. You all came prepared. If I told you to go home and work on something, it was VERY evident that most of you did, and then some. If I gave directions about something specific, you did it the first time I asked. Those of you who have worked with me before know that I am a sucker for a group that comes in and sings all the parts (the harmony :) ) with confidence and strength. You are that group of students!
I also know that some of you realized this week that I was not going to give you the easiest part for you to do all the time. I appreciate you embracing my vision, and also attacking your part as if it were written just for you. This will help you become a stronger singer and musician, and it will stretch your range and abilities. Thank you for trusting me and going for it.
I know some of you are still nervous about your roles/parts, but I believe in you. Like Mushu says, "I know you have that hero stuff for real." I know you have the capability to do the things I expect AND MORE. I have never left a week at the theater feeling so inspired! You guys have really made me proud.
Now here comes the but.. . . But don't think that you have it 100% yet. I know most of you know this. We only move onward and upward from here. If you thought this week was hard, it is going to get increasingly more difficult, and I will expect you to keep working hard. I will also expect you to know the majority of your music by Friday of next week. You can do it though! You guys are going to rock :)
Have a restful weekend. . . think about your characters (you know who you are) and be ready to increase your music ninja skills next week. I am honored to be working with you!!
Ms. Tracy (aka music ninja master) :-)
They probably should have named it Mulan expert :)
I was sooo excited on Monday for auditions. For those of you who don't know, I have pretty much lived the majority of my life at the theater, and I know what you were going through on your end for the auditions. While I have served my time on the casting team more that a handful of times, it is never an easy job to place everyone in the best role for them. I feel good and confident about every person's role in the play. Some of you even shocked me with hidden ability that I you have never displayed to me!! Awesome work!
I was so proud of everyone on Tuesday. You were anxious and you dug right into your parts and got to work with the blocking. On Wednesday we started our marathons of music. I can honestly say that I am thrilled and humbled by the hard work and dedication that you guys have put forth for the music this week. We tackled probably some of the most difficult music in the show this week, and I worked you hard.
I have worked with young people a lot, and my last experience teaching music was rewarding, but also frustrating at times, because people did not pay attention, practice, or commit to what they were doing. This week has made me realize that not all my experiences will be frustrating. You all came prepared. If I told you to go home and work on something, it was VERY evident that most of you did, and then some. If I gave directions about something specific, you did it the first time I asked. Those of you who have worked with me before know that I am a sucker for a group that comes in and sings all the parts (the harmony :) ) with confidence and strength. You are that group of students!
I also know that some of you realized this week that I was not going to give you the easiest part for you to do all the time. I appreciate you embracing my vision, and also attacking your part as if it were written just for you. This will help you become a stronger singer and musician, and it will stretch your range and abilities. Thank you for trusting me and going for it.
I know some of you are still nervous about your roles/parts, but I believe in you. Like Mushu says, "I know you have that hero stuff for real." I know you have the capability to do the things I expect AND MORE. I have never left a week at the theater feeling so inspired! You guys have really made me proud.
Now here comes the but.. . . But don't think that you have it 100% yet. I know most of you know this. We only move onward and upward from here. If you thought this week was hard, it is going to get increasingly more difficult, and I will expect you to keep working hard. I will also expect you to know the majority of your music by Friday of next week. You can do it though! You guys are going to rock :)
Have a restful weekend. . . think about your characters (you know who you are) and be ready to increase your music ninja skills next week. I am honored to be working with you!!
Ms. Tracy (aka music ninja master) :-)
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