Journal 8: Publix Orchestra Holiday Performance

This is the first blog I have been able to post pictures for. On November 18th, the day after the Clayton County Honor Orchestra, I was also called to volunteer for a Christmas time performace at Publix in Lovejoy. We played from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 and actively encouraged the shopping audiences to sing along with the carols we played. It is clearly visible in the second picture that Santa was also a part of the evening celebration, so with spirit we decided to take a quick orchestra picture with him after our performance.

Through this activity I hoped to aid in giving off insiration for a wonderful holiday. I was perfectly delighted when some of the customers and even employees throughout the store came to sing with us and smiled as we played. In completing this activity, I have learned that celebrating the power of the holidays is not to be restricted mainly to sit down dinners and specific holiday parties, but it can be celebrated anywhere, anytime, and anyway. I must say, I was originally a bit disoriented when I found out our holiday performance would be in the produce department of Publix, but it turned out to be a fantastic night.

11/18/2008

Total number of hours: 2

Journal 7 :Clayton County Honor Orchestra Performance

November 17, 2008 was the day of the Clayton County Honor Orchestra, Band and Chorus concert. The actual performance did not take place until 6:00 pm, but the preparation that was put into it during the day was a life changing experience, to say the least. I found myself confronted by all sorts of talent. Musicians of my age range were brought to the Performing Arts center to rehearse for this motivating event. I found myself intruiged by the different musical learning styles of others, and challenged by not only their own talent, but the talent of many different directors.
The performance was directed by three different directors, and I found myself adjusting to their own styles quickly, yet maybe not without flaw. I hoped to achieve a broader musical knowledge through this experience, and can safely say that I accomplished the feat, but I know now that music is something that truly sets us apart from one another, even though it brings us together all the same. Music is something that everyone has in common, and yet finding two people with the exact, note for note, same tastes is nearly impossible.
Through this experience I found in myself more talent than I expected. My audition into the program allowed me a seat right up at the directors hands, which happened to be a lot closer than I expeced to find myself. And yet, all teh same I found that the competition was strong, and that evenb though there were many people behind me that may not have auditioned as well, every person in the ensemble had something about them that made them shine. The performance with other great musicians furthered my ability to appreciate people for their own hidden talents.

11/17/2008
Total Number of Hours: 10