Wednesday, April 22, 2009

GRMR String Quartet State Competition

Tomorrow, thursday night..... my string quartet and I are leaving for a state competition in Ellensburg.

For the past months we've spent with one other, I can say my passion for music has really grown and matured in so many ways. Learning from and being surrounded with 2 seniors and a junior, have really changed my perspective in music. Well, not just music... but basically everything. They've played a huge role in stretching my mind to think beyond the obvious. They've helped me in so many ways.

The string quartet we've formed has been one of the highlights of the school year. Together, we rehearsed for hours and sacrificed time/freedom to do the best we could. I say "to do the best we could" because we never really had a specific spot we were reaching. We just wanted to put forth our best effort and show that throughout our music, represent KM, and have fun in the competitive environment. And really, we did do our best. Although none of us expected to go to State and were just expecting a 1 Superior score from the judge, we always did our best even if we had the slightest doubt in the back of our minds. We never had professional coaching from anyone. We practiced all by ourselves, and did it as a team. After the competition, as we were informed that we made it to state bceause we were the regional champions for the GRMR small group competition, beating 26 other teams, everyone was so happy and thrilled. That moment was so unforgettable, and I will never forget the rush of adrenaline I felt in my heart. I felt really proud and I knew that everyone in our string quartet family really deserved this, because we did all this by ourselves.

That was on March 14th. Now....we're leaving at 6 PM tomorrow for our State competition which is on April 24th on a friday. Doesn't time just fly? Especially when you're having fun, or being productive. Well, I'm leaving thursday evening to rehearse with the group, since our performance is at 8:10 AM. [We're the 2nd group to go.] We will be bright bright and cheery, so we can make a good impression on the judges, and of course.... be awake when performing! I'm just so happy with the improvement everyone in our group has made. Together, we've bonded, learned from one another, and have become passionate about the music we make together regardless of how many times we've played it. At first, the bond between each member in the quartet wasn't very close. But as we helped each other out, rehearsed at Logan's house, and started conversations..... we did get closer. The bond and time experienced with the members of a string quartet play an immense role in the music, and connection.

All those hours of rehearsals on weekdays, weekends, and breaks were worth it. Most definitely. On weekends, we we would rehearse from 5 or 6 PM, and get home at 9:45 PM. Sometimes, we'd get home past 10 as well. On school nights, we'd usually get home at around 8 - 9:15 ish. Then when we had coachings in Seatte, Dashpoint, and other areas. Preparing for this competition and just bonding as a string quartet is really time-consuming, but definitely worth it. Well, after becoming regional champs, we took our rehearsals a lot more seriously, and finally starting getting professional coaching from famously known musicians such as Elka [logan's private teacher], Quinton Morris, and John Schandle. Our very first coaching was from Elka. I just felt so honored to meet these people that were well-known in professional musical circles or recognized nationally in the music industry.

I feel privileged as a freshman, to be able to go to state with upperclassmen that share the same connection and passion with me for music. I feel really grateful to be meeting big people, and having professional conversations and coachings from them at their house. I don't want to boast or brag, so I want to let everyone know that I'm not any better than anyone else. I'm not any more qualified, or capable than any other human being. It's just that I've come this far, because I really was passionate about the music, and the fact that I received plenty of feedback from my fellow string quartet members. Thanks to them.... I know I can lead the orchestra next year a lot better than I thought, and grow as a musician.

Thanks so much everyone. I feel so grateful, blissful, and excited. Seniors Logan Ellis, Kailee Wright, and junior Eric Siljig really deserve some recognition. We've been through a lot together. In orchestra, outside of school, and in rehearsals.

Even if we don't place in state or get the score we expected.... as a string quartet we truly did try our best, and we improved in so many ways possible. We're all grateful to just represent KM by making it to state, and going to a state ensemble competition. What made us even more proud was the fact that KM didn't go to a state music ensemble in the last decade!

Well, before I go, I'm really going to reflect this school year and remind myself to be thankful, and just have fun for friday. Although I'm glowing with happiness, I feel guilty in some ways because this blog sounds like I'm a total attention-getter. Sorry. I just write things out to speak my mind, and what's going on in my life. And, I wanted to inform everyone how thankful and appreciative for their kind words.
This is probably the first time I'm not nervous to perform or compete with others. It's because I feel confident and ready for tomorrow. I hope all of our hard work pays off!

WISH US LUCK GUYS! :D Love you all, and thanks for the support.

GO ROSAMUNDE STRING QUARTET OF 2009!