Day 6 - Reflecting

Freitag/Friday

9:00-10:30 - Holepunch music and place in binder

10:45-11:15 - Go to theater and struggle to explain that I lost my metronome in room 109 and I wanted to practice

11:15-1:20 - Practice Britten/Weil opera

1:30 - lunch

2:00-3:15 - Coaching with Bill Reber on Britten/Weil opera

3:20-4:35 - German class

4:35-5:05 - I asked a Mr. Glöckner LOTS of questions about how to say various things

5:30 - fast dinner at the Backfactory--I will break away and try something else eventually

5:45 - Back to hotel to listen to and translate some Mörike that I'm not playing--just for fun

7:00 - 7:20 - Rehearsal

7:45 - Back to the theater to practice some Bach and Liszt; taped music together

9:20 - finished a somewhat unproductive/unfulfilling practice session and went home

I, my dictionary, in a German bookstore, bought

I am sorely ADDICTED to using my dictionary all the time and trying to decipher German grammar. I just spent the past hour translating another Wolf song I'm not playing, although I really want to play it now that I've listened to it so many times and have worked arduously on translate it as best as possible. Professor Glöckner says I have a mind for learning languages, that I just have to hear something once and then I can pick it up. I think I agree that I do have a strong aptitude for learning languages. I remember finding that Vietnamese and French came pretty easily to me, at least understanding the mechanics of them. More than before, however, I find that now that I'm actually in another country and have the opportunity to pick up another language, I'm OBSESSIVELY working on it. It's wonderful. I've probably said it too much in this blog. Regardless, I think that has been the most beneficial part of this trip for me so far, yet I'm not even a week into it!

Musically speaking, I've been a little bit more on my own and have had quite a lot of freedom to work on things as I wish on my own pace. I frequently question whether this program was really worth the investment on a musical level since I'm not sure how involved in opera I'd like to be. I'm sure it will benefit my career in the long run to have this kind of diverse experience, so I'm not concerned about this trip being a waste on any level. I understand how this is a really relevant career building experience for David who has an interest in opera conducting and vocal coaching, but for me I think I am just dipping my hands in something different to become a little more multifaceted. Das ist okay, ja?

I do feel bad for a lot of the students who had their roles cut or reduced as a result of us not getting the rights to do the full Three Penny Opera by Weil. I've rehearsed with a few of them, and they all sound great on the things they prepared before coming here. It's a shame that others won't see the fruits of their labors because only 5 songs in the entire opera will be put on. I do sincerely hope that this program ends up growing them musically, professionally, and personally.

In spite of the setbacks and uncertainty, I also do strongly believe that it is no accident that we are here and that there is purpose amidst the unknown. I hope the others can look positively on this situation, too. For me, I think God has a purpose for me and led me here for some reason, and I went with it even though I did not understand fully. I believe He will reveal why over time, so I am not worried. Isn't that exciting???

Proverbs 19:21

There are many devices in a man's heart: nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.

----

Random observation: Many people here have dyed their hair with artificial colors. I see a lot of blue and reddish streaks. Warum?

Also, I have to try this place out before I leave.