Choir Exams!

Exams are fast approaching for us high school students. For choir, our final exam is singing a song of our choosing with a group of 4 others or less.  I am working with one other person this year. We are singing Gone, Gone, Gone by Phillip Phillips. Its a really great song. Super catchy. Its also really easy to make harmonies to. I love it!

I'm a little nervous, about singing it, but I am also excited to sing it.

The best part about exams is listening to every person sing. I love how talented everyone is! It makes me feel like I am so untalented, but I don't care! People are just so good! It's also a good way to discover good music. I just need to get over the moves. 

Concert!

Last night was the first night of the Pop's concert. I personally think it went really well! I went all out with my dancing on stage. It was really hard to use my belt voice for Roar, because I was out of breath from dancing. It was a lot of fun though.
Having costume changes was really hectic. People where running everywhere and there was so many different costume changes for my class. It was nice being the only ones with costume changes though because we got the whole dressing room to ourselves.
I was definitely disappointed that we didn't get to see the other choirs perform though. I really wish we could have seen them live, compared to on the recording of the show later. Women's did sneak into the auditorium though in between songs to see Varsity Voices to perform.
Tonight is the second night for the Pop's concert! We get to do the same thing all over again, but can fix the things we messed up. I am prepared to bring even more energy and go even more all out than I did last night. It is going to be really sad to see all of the seniors leave and for all of them in Concert Choir, this is their last concert ever at my school!!
Despite this, I am really looking forward to the second night of the Pop's concert!(:

Pops Concert!

This week in choir, we are preparing for our Pop's concert! It's my favorite concert of the year. Each of the four choirs prepare popular and fast moving songs. Each choir dances to one as well. This year, Women's chorus is dancing to two songs. One of them is called "Forget about the Boy", and the other is "Roar"by Katy Perry. Forget about the boy is a really cute song and we all have 20's costumes. For Roar, we also have costumes! We are going to be changing a lot during the concert.
On top of those two songs, we are also singing "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift and the Civil Wars. Its a really pretty song.
There are multiple whole song solos picked by our choir director. It's going to be really fantastic. I'm a little disappointed though, because my choir isn't able to watch the other choirs perform. Our multiple costume changes interfere with the smoothness of the concert. I really want to see the hard work  other people have put in for the semester, and I especially feel bad for the Seniors who don't get to see the last  Pop's concert they will ever be in!
Nonetheless, I am excited for the concert and hoping it turns out really great!

Pompeii.

I love Pompeii by Bastille. Its a really great song. Bastille is a British rock band. Pompeii if from their album Bad Blood. The song is about the Roman town of Pompeii which met its fate with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Its a really cool song. When I first heard it I thought they were talking about the French Revolution because of the name of the group. The Bastille was a prison in France and they lyrics make me think it was talking about the French Revolutionaries tearing it down like they did in the war. It was surprising to see what it was really about. Nonetheless it is a great song! If you listen to popular music radio stations, I'm sure you've heard it, If not check it out!

Varsity Voices.

In my school, there is two select choirs. They are Varsity Voices and Women's Chorus. Currently, I am a member of Women's Chorus. It has 27 girls ranging from 9th-12th grade singers. Varsity Voices is the higher advanced choir compared to Women's. It contains 24 people. 12 girls and 12 guys. Varsity contains the best of the best singers at my school. Every other choir member is in Chorale(freshmen girls) and Concert choir (everyone else who signs up).

Auditions for Varsity Voices and Women's Chorus consist of singing the National Anthem, sight-reading, then singing a piece of music you prepare (about 16 measures). Last year I auditioned and made Women's Chorus. This year I wasn't planning on auditioning to make Varsity Voices until about 7:30 this morning. My audition time was 10:30. I had three hours to practice the National Anthem, sight-reading, and think of a song to sing for my choir director. I'm not gonna lie and say that I wasn't freaking out.

I failed a little bit and took a risk in using my belt voice. It wasn't perfect, but I'm glad I auditioned. Really I had nothing to lose because I'm already in Women's Chorus. I can't wait to see if I made it or not! Honestly though, I won't be too disappointed If I don't make it into Varsity Voices. I'm optimistic about the whole thing.

Happy.

Looking for a song that just puts you into a good mood?? Check out "Happy" by Pharrell Williams. The first time I heard this song I instantly became, well, happy. The tune is pretty catchy too. It's a very simple song, but its great. I'm not entirely sure what some of the lyrics mean, but I know that it is a good song.
The song is one that has me dancing to myself. I think being happy is important and music can get people happy.  I've noticed that in songs where happiness is mentioned, there always seems to be some type of clapping. "If your happy and you know it clap your hands" for example. Also "sing for joy and clap your hands". This song says things such as "Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth". Clapping and happiness just go together in music.
People are always talking about how life is too short to not be happy, so let music put you there. Check out Happy by Pharrell Williams!

Country Music.

Country music reminds me of summer. It reminds me of the beach and cranking the music loud while licking an ice cream cone. Country music also reminds me of those people that aren't here, roaming the Earth anymore. Country music reminds me of love; and how utterly cheesy it can be. That's why I like country music. It brings me places.

Now, I don't listen to this genre of music all the time. I will turn it one every once in a while. Some of it is definitely better than some of the songs nowadays,  but I don't listen to it long enough. Sometimes I will hear it passing a car on the road, or leaking out of a closed door. I just need to listen to it more.

Country music makes me wish I knew how to play the guitar. It is easy to forget, but every time I hear a song with the strum of a guitar, it makes me wish I could play all over again.

Love songs.

Valentine's Day is fast approaching. It's a time for love. Some people buy flowers, cards, chocolates, and heart shaped balloons to show their love. Others, write love songs.

There really isn't many songwriters and singers out there that haven't written a song about love. Of course you have your Taylor Swifts that only seem to know how to write about love; but you also have ssinf writers that are a little more discreet about it.  Nevertheless there's millions of love songs out there; and counting. 

Love. Love. Love. I do not have a favorite love song.  I think so many different songs can qualify as love songs, that choosing one proves difficult. Also, some seem so fake and cheesy they aren't very good. 

One thing I like about love songs though, is they are played year round. They aren't like Christmas songs that are played for 3 months out of the year. Songs about love are always on the radio. Love songs are also unique to the artist. I love that about them too. All singers have a different way of expressing and talking about love. 

Unique voices.

Every single person has a unique voice. Anyone can also be a good singer. It just takes learning your voice and shaping it into what you want it to be. 

My interest in music began when I was little. I don't know how I got into it. In kindergarten I remember being a part of the choir, and every year since I have been a part of music at school. 

By no means do I think I am an excellent singer, I'm okay, but my voice is very choral. I can sing pretty much any songs, but that pop, soloist voice, is not mine. Nonetheless, it is still unique; my own. 

Everyone's voice is unique; and to me, every voice has something envious about it. Some people have a rich & elegant voice, while others have a strong chest/belt voice and a range you could only dream of. Every. Single. Person. In my choir class has a beautiful voice with something I would love to have for mine. 

It you don't think you can sing to save your life, trust me, you can. There is probably something unique about your singing voice that makes it completely you. I'm glad everyone has a different flare to there voice because it sets us all apart in the best way possible🎶

Popular Song Suggestions.

1) There is this song I've been hearing on the radio that constantly gets stuck in my head. Its called "Say Something" by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera. I've always liked Christina Aguilera's music. I don't know if I've ever heard any songs by A Great Big World. I might have, but I don't recognize the name. Nonetheless, it is a great song! If you havent heard it, you should look it up!(:

2) Now another really catch song I've been singing is "Royals" by Lorde. It's been a hit single for quite some time, but I still love it! I'm sure most of you have heard it, if not though check it out!

3) "The Monster" by Eminem and Rihanna. This song is super catchy. I really only know the parts by Rihanna, but I still think it's a good song. Although it may be a little iffy in content I like it!

4) I remember when "Good Feeling" came out. It was super popular, now the same singer, Avicii, has a song called "Wake Me Up" the first time I head it, I really liked the lyrics. One of them says "...all this time I was finding myself, and I didn't know I was lost." Something about that makes the song seem more real. I enjoy listening to it. Look it up!(:

Song Repeats.

Right around this time of year, Christmas songs are played to the max. Song, after song, after song, after song, those Christmas classics hit the radio. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas songs! I can listen to them nonstop from the time they come on the radio, until  even a few days after Christmas. What I can't stand is the same version of a song playing over and over again. After a while songs just start to get old, and sometimes even annoying.
I've noticed that every year is different. There is always one song that does it for me. This year that song is Santa Clause is Coming To Town. I hear it everyday on my way to school everyday.  It honestly wouldn't be that bad if it was a different version, but it's not. While hearing that song 500 times each day, I haven't heard Christmas Shoes at all this Christmas Season. I'm not dissing that song, I just think the radio broadcasters should switch it up every once in a while.
This doesn't just apply to Christmas music. Songs on other radio stations do the same thing. Play the song again and again. It's like "Okay. We got it. This is a popular song. Now PLEASE play something else!" Sometimes this repeated song playing makes me hate a song.
Whats even worse is changing the radio station because you don't like a song, and the station you change it to is playing the exact same song. I swear that happens to me more times than not.

Music is amazing, in moderation. So switch it up a little bit(:

Straight No Chaser!

Recently I went and saw a Straight No Chaser concert! My very first concert! It was amazing!

For those of you who don't know, Straight No Chaser is an acappella music group of 10 guys. They have multiple albums out, and are starting to make a name for themselves. I had never heard of them before I went to the concert, but they were fantastic! Think Pitch Perfect , but in real life. I was surprised I had never heard of this group before!

The thing that amazes me, is the fact that they use no instruments. Only their voices. At times in songs it really seems as though they have some backup music; but there is none. There is sometimes even 10 part harmonies. I can't image the focus it would take to stay on your part while sounding good! I was really impressed. It was enjoyable.

If Straight No Chaser comes to your city, I highly recommend going to one of there concert! If you love singing. It is definitely your forte! 

Christmas Music!

It's Christmastime! The stores have been decorated for months now, people are running around crazy buying gifts for others and Christmas music has been on the radio since after Halloween.

I love Christmas Music! It always puts people into great moods and gets the holiday spirit into everyone! My dad, is not a large fan of Christmas time, but he is the first one I know listening to Christmas music!

Really, if you think about it, Christmas would not be Christmas without the music! Can you imagine going this Christmas Season without the classics such as...
Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.
The Little Drummer Boy.
The 12 Days of Christmas.
Frosty the Snowman.
Santa Clause is Coming to Town.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
Silent Night.
Jingle Bells.
All I want for Christmas is you.
Winter Wonderland.
Jingle Bell Rock.
Let it snow.
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

The list could just keep going on and on. People continue to make more beautiful Christmas Music. Sometimes the songs CAN get old fast, only as long as you wait until December to start listening to them.

 I am fully into the Christmas spirit, and music brings me there!(:

Imagine Dragons

Okay. The first time I heard "The Time by Imagine dragons, I absolutely fell in love. It was an amazing song. Since then songs such as "Radioactive" and "Demons" have been played on the radio and become instant hits. I am among those who LOVE Imagine Dragons.

Right now my favorite song is "Demons". I don't really know why I like their songs, but I do! If you have no idea who or what I'm talking about then I recommend searching them!  On Pandora, I have a whole radio station devoted to Imagine Dragons.

Honestly the name sounds really odd to me. Like who names their group Imagine Dragons? I've grown to like it though. 

For me, Imagine Dragons was one of those groups you listen to before they become popular. Then all of your friends are like "ohmygoshhh. I loooove this song by Imagine Dragons!" Meanwhile you're standing there like "No kidding😑"

Long story short. If you haven't heard any Imagine Dragon songs, you should look some up! You are seriously missing out!

Disney!

I am sophomore and have long since grown out of watching Disney movies, but I am still in love with the music.  I am such a little kid when it comes to Disney songs sometimes. Last night I was listening to  Pandora, and I found a station called "Disney Children's Radio". I added it to my list of stations and started listening to it. I kid you not, I listened to it for at least an hour.

When I was younger, I never really paid attention to the quality of the songs, but listening to them, I realized those artist are really talented.

Some of my favorite disney songs include...

1. Just Can't Wait to Be King (The Lion King)
2. Part of Your World (The Little Mermaid)
3. I'll Make A Man Out of You (Mulan)
4. Colors of the Wind (Pocahontas)
5. Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmatians)

Even if you think it may be a little weird, I highly recommend checking out some Disney songs! I promise you it is a blast from the past!

Choir Bus Rides.

Choir bus rides are the best! Yes. I know what you're  thinking. How could an hour long ride with kids from school blabbing their mouths be fun. Crowded, and loud, no one wants to be on the bus in the first place. The only difference is, this was a bus full of select choir students. And what do choir students tend to do in their free freetime? That's right. SING.

One person would burst into song and everyone would just add in . Off key, absolutely ridiculous songs are the best kind.  It's just so much fun how fifty some people can come together. We sang random songs ranging from Journey's Don't Stop Believing, to the recent hit Holy Grail. It was a blast! I used my belt voice the whole time, and for those of you who don't know what that is, the only way I can describe it is pushing your voice so you're not exactly screaming, but you aren't using your head voice to sing. I am so surprised my voice isn't gone today!

Really, the people in my choir are like my family. Everyone shares the love of music. We all strive to create something great and have a love for what we do. Yes, we are only a high school choir, but i still think the strive to do our best and the concepts we learn and understand are those of professionals.

 It may sound entirely cheesy, but I think you know when you're a singer. You probably are decent, but are always looking to improve. Honestly, my favorite class of the day is choir. It simply is just doing something I love. I know I'm not going to make a career out of it, but that doesn't stop me from loving it.

Song Recommendation

Counting Stars by One Republic

Lately, I've been listening to Counting Stars by One Republic. I really like the range of the song. The harmonies also grab my attention. Its really catchy and overall great.

To me the song is about someone struggling with some type of problem. I think they regret whatever has been said or done and are trying to deal with the consequences of the choice they made. Trying to  make amends to there life, the person is struggling. They want to stop or do the right thing but are finding it so hard to accomplish.

I think its an easily relate-able song. Everyone struggles with decisions in their life. I think One Republic had it right on the dot.

To hear the song, fallow the link below!!

Click Here for the Music Video!

Concerts

I literally have no idea what I would do without music. I am really disappointed that I haven't ever been to a concert. So many great artist have came around and I haven't been able to go! Also, so many people I know have seen some great artists perform. My Accounting teacher doesn't even know who Josh Groban is, and she went to his concert! That's crazy!  Someone else I know received FREE tickets to see Maroon 5 recently. It included backstage passes, and I came to find out that this person doesn't even like Maroon 5! I don't see how this is fair. I really need to invest some money into going to a concert. I think it would be a really great experience!
Even though I haven't been to any concerts by a large scale artists, I have been to many great concerts put on by my school district. This upcoming Sunday my school is putting on a concert actually. I am in choir, so I partake in it. It is so much fun to be a part of! Its really great to see how many people show up. I can't imagine being a big time artist and singing for thousands of people. I have a hard enough time trying out for a 10 second solo in a song! Nonetheless, I think it would be awesome!
Honestly I am jealous of every single one of you out there who has gone to an official concert. I might see The Plain White T's and Parachute soon! I'm really looking forward to concerts in the future!(:

Music memory.

Looking through the songs on my iPod, I realized I have so many different genres of music. Ranging everywhere between pop, rock, and country, I have 700+ songs. I know most of them completely by heart. On top of that there is so many more songs I know, but don't own.

So many times I will listen to the radio and hear a song I haven't heard in years, and still be able to sing every single word. Somewhere, jammed in the back of my mind, a large portion of my memory is devoted to remembering songs. Meanwhile I couldn't tell you what I ate for dinner two nights ago. Imagine if you could remember facts the way you do music. A person could ace every test without trying! It's kind of crazy how we remember music. 

I think music is more memorable because it just sticks with you. It's normally catchy and has a beat. Music is just enjoyable. You remember it. Simple as that(:

Music Expresses you.

Honestly, there is no way I could live without music. Whenever I'm having an awesome day or feeling small, music is always there for me. Music has the power of letting us express feelings we have. Song writing is, in my opinion, the best way to get it out. I am not the best song writer by far. I don't consider myself  good either, but it's harmless. Who cares how good your lyrics are? Putting them down will help, even if you don't finish a song. In my experience, the best songs written, have always been ones that have emotion behind them; no matter the kind. Music is like a safety net, you always have something strong to fall back on. 

Okay, say songwriting is NOT your thing and you have no patience or commitment for it. Just turn on some of your favorite tunes. Most of the time, the songs I listen to, say and express things, I couldn't put in words. If you can find that one song that puts a beat to your thoughts, trust me, you will feel 10 times better. 

Not to be completely cliché, but the music people listen to, normally tells you a lot about them.  There are always exceptions, but in a way I think your music defines you. Expresses what is you.