Saw this on a blog I visit. Thought it was shareable.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
for the masses??
Well, my friend and I attended a concert this evening. With this concert came the almost requisite talker throughout. Quite obnoxious if I say so myself.
I tried the ol' turn around and give a dirty look, but it wasn't very effective. There was a girl sitting next to the talker who saw me - she wasn't talking, but well, as the old adage states: Fly with the crows, get shot with the crows.
Have you ever been in one of these situations, and wanted to do something about it? Tonight, someone did! We (remember, I went with a friend) both were quite excited/pleased/happy that someone said something. It was done quite effectively and dramatically, too. It almost made up for all the other moments of talking/opening candy/typing on your computer with the screen lit up/insert other concert faux pas here. Almost.
I would quote to you what passed, but I don't have the talent for remembering the words that passed, and therefore would not do it justice.
Yes, there were moments in Music History where it was okay to talk during concerts. But, anyone who knew that would know that those times were past.
I recently gave a recital where there was a particular girl talking the entire time. Why is it always the person who has the voice most likely to carry?? Anyway, the piece that I was performing is difficult emotionally and it was quite distracting and insulting. As I was there, baring my soul to the audience, there she was, not even with enough courtesy to write it down. Everyone IS provided something to write upon. In this venue, I was able to look directly at her, but she was oblivious even to this.
The other faculty member that was the at my recital noticed my look at the offender. She promised that her General Music classes were going to receive a lecture on concert behavior.
Anytime something like this comes up, it always makes me wonder which I would prefer: a large audience filled with a mix ranging from those who are die hard oboe fans to the talkers, or a smaller audience filled with only those who want to be there. There is something exciting to performing in front of a large audience. It's exciting to share yourself with that many people. Yet, you do feel insulted when people would rather be somewhere else. Go that someplace else. I won't think less of you - in fact I'd be more inclined to think better of you. You know your limits, you know what you can handle.
For example, I can't handle too much football. I am learning, slowly, but learning nonetheless to appreciate. And I can appreciate a well played game. I watched last years Boise State triumph and found myself holding my breath in anticipation, rooting for the underdog. And when the last play came, and the opponent (Ohio??) was beaten, the excitement was palpable.
I also know that I probably couldn't handle a live football game yet, unless I was with a group of friends who knew my circumstances and were willing to help me out with the football world.
This is my transition to those who want to go to concerts. Yes, you should go. Go with a friend that belongs to the music world. If none of your friends belong there, ask the person in the seat next to you to explain things to you. It's similar to being at a fancy dinner: if you don't know what to do with the fancy fork, hold back a bit and watch what your neighbor does.
There are also instructions, usually, on the program. A brief list include the turning off of alerts on electronic devices, not talking (many times the recitals are being recorded for applications to further education), and not clapping between movements.
If you follow this simple suggestions, you will have at the very least a learning experience. If you're not careful, you may even enjoy yourself.
I tried the ol' turn around and give a dirty look, but it wasn't very effective. There was a girl sitting next to the talker who saw me - she wasn't talking, but well, as the old adage states: Fly with the crows, get shot with the crows.
Have you ever been in one of these situations, and wanted to do something about it? Tonight, someone did! We (remember, I went with a friend) both were quite excited/pleased/happy that someone said something. It was done quite effectively and dramatically, too. It almost made up for all the other moments of talking/opening candy/typing on your computer with the screen lit up/insert other concert faux pas here. Almost.
I would quote to you what passed, but I don't have the talent for remembering the words that passed, and therefore would not do it justice.
Yes, there were moments in Music History where it was okay to talk during concerts. But, anyone who knew that would know that those times were past.
I recently gave a recital where there was a particular girl talking the entire time. Why is it always the person who has the voice most likely to carry?? Anyway, the piece that I was performing is difficult emotionally and it was quite distracting and insulting. As I was there, baring my soul to the audience, there she was, not even with enough courtesy to write it down. Everyone IS provided something to write upon. In this venue, I was able to look directly at her, but she was oblivious even to this.
The other faculty member that was the at my recital noticed my look at the offender. She promised that her General Music classes were going to receive a lecture on concert behavior.
Anytime something like this comes up, it always makes me wonder which I would prefer: a large audience filled with a mix ranging from those who are die hard oboe fans to the talkers, or a smaller audience filled with only those who want to be there. There is something exciting to performing in front of a large audience. It's exciting to share yourself with that many people. Yet, you do feel insulted when people would rather be somewhere else. Go that someplace else. I won't think less of you - in fact I'd be more inclined to think better of you. You know your limits, you know what you can handle.
For example, I can't handle too much football. I am learning, slowly, but learning nonetheless to appreciate. And I can appreciate a well played game. I watched last years Boise State triumph and found myself holding my breath in anticipation, rooting for the underdog. And when the last play came, and the opponent (Ohio??) was beaten, the excitement was palpable.
I also know that I probably couldn't handle a live football game yet, unless I was with a group of friends who knew my circumstances and were willing to help me out with the football world.
This is my transition to those who want to go to concerts. Yes, you should go. Go with a friend that belongs to the music world. If none of your friends belong there, ask the person in the seat next to you to explain things to you. It's similar to being at a fancy dinner: if you don't know what to do with the fancy fork, hold back a bit and watch what your neighbor does.
There are also instructions, usually, on the program. A brief list include the turning off of alerts on electronic devices, not talking (many times the recitals are being recorded for applications to further education), and not clapping between movements.
If you follow this simple suggestions, you will have at the very least a learning experience. If you're not careful, you may even enjoy yourself.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
fyi
Thought this was a bit fun.
Which Famous Artist Are You? | |
 | You are Leonardo da Vinci. You are the "Renaissance man" and you live to be productive. Great at everything you put your mind to, you have great passion and drive. But of all qualities, your curiosity is your best trait. |
| Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com | |
Friday, November 09, 2007
no more hair balls
Well, for many reasons, some stated in the previous entry, I buzzed my head! Okay, that sounds more dramatic than it really was. Yes, I used buzzers to cut my hair, but it had a guide on them. The largest guide that our family has - I believe that it is the 1 incher.
So, I got home, blogged, and then decided that I was sick of having long hair. I mean, who really wants to keep cleaning hair out of the drain. Gross, I know!
So here is the picture that I took before I went and did the dirty deed.
And here is the after shot
My hair actually has grown quite a bit - I got it trimmed this last March or April. But, well, it had been quite a while since I've had super short hair, so it's been quite nice.
People's reactions have been fun to watch. Some notice right off, others think that I just have my hair. My parents also had the reactions I expected. My mum liked it, dad, well, dad didn't.
As for myself, I like the change. And I don't miss those darn hairballs.
So, I got home, blogged, and then decided that I was sick of having long hair. I mean, who really wants to keep cleaning hair out of the drain. Gross, I know!
So here is the picture that I took before I went and did the dirty deed.
And here is the after shot
My hair actually has grown quite a bit - I got it trimmed this last March or April. But, well, it had been quite a while since I've had super short hair, so it's been quite nice.
People's reactions have been fun to watch. Some notice right off, others think that I just have my hair. My parents also had the reactions I expected. My mum liked it, dad, well, dad didn't.
As for myself, I like the change. And I don't miss those darn hairballs.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
old friends
Today I saw two of my friends that I haven't seen for over, well, since March 2003. As I was driving to my friends house, I was contemplating whether I would regret starting the acquaintance over again - you know, how it's hard going back to places you used to live, because although you know you've changed, you imagine that no one else has changed. This happens to me every time I go to visit in Mesa. My house is there. It even looks a bit the same, but someone else lives there. I think it's quite rude! But the point of this is, what if we had all changed so much that we didn't have anything to talk about?? I would rather have the good memories of what was in that case.
But, there was no need to fear. All was well. We ate yummy food at a local restaurant and then we went back to the house and talked about everything and nothing for about an hour.
What was especially great, was that there I was talking to people who are not directly involved with music. AND, I could hold a fairly decent conversation. Success. Though, I was shocked in hearing their knowledge about football. That's not a bad thing, but there was time when they were as illiterate as I in the sport, but through marriage, they talked (to the untrained ear) quite fluently about football. For my sake, the topic wasn't covered for too long. But even that made me happy.
We've all grown up, they've both gotten married, we are facing the 'real world' but we were able to still talk, and be ourselves. Hooray for friends. I need to stop worrying about 'what ifs.' It's true, it may have been awkward, but if I had not even tried, I wouldn't have known either way. I know I've missed out on numerous opportunities because of fear. *sigh*
Enough introspection.
Two things came out of this - we've decided to meet at least monthly, under the guise of a book club. The first book is to be Shannon Hale's new book Book of a Thousand Days It's an excuse to get together, and read a book that I'd otherwise put off for a while. Also, both had cut short haircuts. My hair has gotten rather long - the last time it was cut was, well, I believe in March. One mentioned how she had tried the super short, but couldn't quite pull it off the same way. I've thought occasionally about cutting it off lately, but haven't decided wither way. But, there was one more vote for short hair again.
Lastly, I leave you with a link to really quite an amazing pumpkin.
Toodles.
But, there was no need to fear. All was well. We ate yummy food at a local restaurant and then we went back to the house and talked about everything and nothing for about an hour.
What was especially great, was that there I was talking to people who are not directly involved with music. AND, I could hold a fairly decent conversation. Success. Though, I was shocked in hearing their knowledge about football. That's not a bad thing, but there was time when they were as illiterate as I in the sport, but through marriage, they talked (to the untrained ear) quite fluently about football. For my sake, the topic wasn't covered for too long. But even that made me happy.
We've all grown up, they've both gotten married, we are facing the 'real world' but we were able to still talk, and be ourselves. Hooray for friends. I need to stop worrying about 'what ifs.' It's true, it may have been awkward, but if I had not even tried, I wouldn't have known either way. I know I've missed out on numerous opportunities because of fear. *sigh*
Enough introspection.
Two things came out of this - we've decided to meet at least monthly, under the guise of a book club. The first book is to be Shannon Hale's new book Book of a Thousand Days It's an excuse to get together, and read a book that I'd otherwise put off for a while. Also, both had cut short haircuts. My hair has gotten rather long - the last time it was cut was, well, I believe in March. One mentioned how she had tried the super short, but couldn't quite pull it off the same way. I've thought occasionally about cutting it off lately, but haven't decided wither way. But, there was one more vote for short hair again.
Lastly, I leave you with a link to really quite an amazing pumpkin.
Toodles.
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