Ok so this is my final blog entry before our final graded unit portfolio's are submitted next week!!! Well since monday when i checked the HNC board to see the deadlines for graded unit, this week has already been some what of a stressful and anxious week, which i am sure will continue as my interview is next tuesday, which means i have to have completed everything in my portfolio by then, all printed out and presented in folder fashion! Very nervewracking, i have done quite a bit so far, however havent attempted to print anything yet, or organise folder in any way, which is something i tend to not be very good at. Therefore my sole aim for today wednesday, being the only day this week where i have nothing else on, i am dedicating this whole day to completed absolutely as much as possible and then printing so that i can begin to see a half finished folder, maybe then i shall feel slightly better about things!..
So generally that has been the surrounding topic of conversation this week in the goodlyburn.. graded unit! Everybody is very nervous especially i think about the time scale, a week is not very long, especially when you have also commitments like jobs, plus i have theatre thursday evening, which cuts in to precious time lol.
However we are all just going to have to make the best of the time we have, and do as much work as possible! However there are also other college stresses which have unfortunitly ALL fallen at the same time, both our third theory exam and HNC gig are next week, on top of the graded unit interviews!
However the important thing is not to stress, because that will only make things worse, therefore i am trying my best to plan orderly and priortise work. I have started my day in the library from 9:30 this morning and i intend to stay until the library until 9pm tonight if that is what it takes! The last thing i want is to leave too much for the weekend, and have more to panic about, if i get the big things out the way, i will be so relieved, so today is mission day! Haha me vs graded unit!.. I have so far been going through my aims, and working out what i have achieved for each and if there are any in which for one reason or another havent completed but have however subsituted for something else, and making sure i write about that. Organising in a proper way is my main issue as have never been very sufficient with things like that, however i will of course do my best.
I was in college all day monday and tuesday however yesterday night, i with the help of my friend Sean Mitchell, chose some covers and began recording, again like my originals we found it easier to do via video camera, however with sean we used his mac, as you can actually record on that, which is a must less hassle and much better quality, also i think by recording via video camera i am killing to birds with one stone, as it opens out more opportunities in my book, as you can then put them on youtube, facebook, myspace and audience's do prefer when they can see your face and watch you perform rather than placing a photo of you behind a backing track, so i am quite happy with the change in method there! :)
Graded Unit has been my mine focus, and will continue to be, as i am determined to pass! However other modules are slightly worrying me, however i will feel so much better once graded unit is finished so that then i can concentrate on passing music theory, and daw etc. Next week's gig should hopefully go smoothly, will be extremely nervous though, being the same day as the interview but hey ho. Also fab news from over the weekend, i have been asked by my vocal teacher to compete in a singing competition at the rotary club at The Royal George Hotel in Perth!!! :D So exciting!!! I have never been a part of a vocal competition before, so will be a totally new experience, however i am perfectly aware it has nothing to do with who wins, it is all about enjoying yourself and taking part! I am very happy with the songs choices, being a wee medley of Peggy Lee and Rihanna's Unfaithful both beautiful songs to perform, and thats what its all about, putting on a great performance, and keeping up the smiling! Lol. However the competition is again the same day as the gig and graded unit interview, but hopeuflly this shall not put me off, and my performance will be just as strong, as i will also of course be writing about this in my graded unit!
We also had out creative industries interviews on monday, mine went extremely well, i was so pleased and managed to portray myself in a confident and clear light. Ronnie said he would definitely consider hiring me if it was in fact a real job of music instructor because i gave experience when asked about working as a team i straight away fired back with last year at my school, as part of our course we had to create a music event, and my job role was band manager, which really taught me a lot and was a challenging yet empowering role to take on.
So there we have it, wish me luck with my graded unit, i am determined today to do the best i can, and get a lot done! Very crucial week, but it is a challenge at the same time! :)
Thanks for being a great audience, and hopefully my blogs will have been successful! :)
X.Alissa.X
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Happenings this week! :D
Hey Guys!
Well well had quite a hectic busy week so far!!! On sunday Rhythm Wave had 2 gigs outside of Wetherspoons for the re-opening after the refurbishment! It was really enjoyable to do an outside gig again, and the rain thankfully kept off for us! We also enjoyed a meal altogether in Wetherspoons! :D On Monday we had our second Music Theory exam and also our results from the last re sit! In which i am proud and SO happy to say i passed! And got every single question right! Wooo hooo! Haha. So now just waiting on the results next week for this weeks exam on chord construction and cadences!
Ive also progressed further with my Daw project and now have all instruments bar vocals for Iggy Pop- The Passenger! :) Monday night was dedicated to a cleaning spree as we had our final halls inspection on tuesday determining whether we get our £250 deposits back! Tuesday was band practice today however with out creative project bands we had our recording session in the studio to lay down our original swing song! It all went well and it only took about 2 to 3 hours, vocals was the last to lay down and i got mine done first take, we then double tracked it all and got to have a wee listen after, it sounded really good, so was very pleased with it! We then had the rest of the day to practice with our stagecraft bands ready for our gig on thursday, however now being wednesday have just found out, the gigs in Dundee have been officially cancelled due to a mix up at the venue! So quite disapointing, however on the plus side we all get more practicing time, and will hopefully get a replacement gig re scheduled as soon as possible! I am pleased for the extra time, as our band recently scrapped two songs and replaced them, therefore it would suit us to get those two songs tighter and better rehearsed, so that we can feel more comfortable with them and altogether perform them better, as are being assessed on stagecraft!
Tuesday evening we had Rhythm Wave practice in the union as Ali Pibworth's musical was set to be taking place at 7pm in the Goodlyburn Theatre! I was so so excited for it, being one of the last performances and long awaited! The show was absoultely fantastic! I had such an awesome time, and that wasnt just because there was a free bar in the goodlyburn! :p haha the whole britrock musical was so cleverly put together and the relaxed atmosphere from the cast rubbed off on the audience and everyone enjoyed themselves, i was having a blast and singing away to all the songs, LOVED it!! The cast were ahmazing and certainly know how to entertain, causing huge amounts of laughter throughout the show as well! :D So a huge well done goes out to Ali Pibworth, and the whole cast!!! The after party was also much enjoyable! Haha we all had a big celebration and it was great to hang out with everyone and just have a good time, after all the hard work!!!
Things i have also got done for graded unit this week are: 2 recordings via video camera now posted on facebook! Of 2 of my original songs! As a result of lack of time, and recording availability i have made a few changes and decided to video record more of my songs for my aims and put them on facebook and youtube! With the help of Bob Holis we managed to ahieve 2 songs over the weekend! So a great big thank you to him for his help! :D
As for the rest of the week, now wont be travelling through to Dundee, i shall be going to theatre instead!
Until next update
X.Alissa.X
Well well had quite a hectic busy week so far!!! On sunday Rhythm Wave had 2 gigs outside of Wetherspoons for the re-opening after the refurbishment! It was really enjoyable to do an outside gig again, and the rain thankfully kept off for us! We also enjoyed a meal altogether in Wetherspoons! :D On Monday we had our second Music Theory exam and also our results from the last re sit! In which i am proud and SO happy to say i passed! And got every single question right! Wooo hooo! Haha. So now just waiting on the results next week for this weeks exam on chord construction and cadences!
Ive also progressed further with my Daw project and now have all instruments bar vocals for Iggy Pop- The Passenger! :) Monday night was dedicated to a cleaning spree as we had our final halls inspection on tuesday determining whether we get our £250 deposits back! Tuesday was band practice today however with out creative project bands we had our recording session in the studio to lay down our original swing song! It all went well and it only took about 2 to 3 hours, vocals was the last to lay down and i got mine done first take, we then double tracked it all and got to have a wee listen after, it sounded really good, so was very pleased with it! We then had the rest of the day to practice with our stagecraft bands ready for our gig on thursday, however now being wednesday have just found out, the gigs in Dundee have been officially cancelled due to a mix up at the venue! So quite disapointing, however on the plus side we all get more practicing time, and will hopefully get a replacement gig re scheduled as soon as possible! I am pleased for the extra time, as our band recently scrapped two songs and replaced them, therefore it would suit us to get those two songs tighter and better rehearsed, so that we can feel more comfortable with them and altogether perform them better, as are being assessed on stagecraft!
Tuesday evening we had Rhythm Wave practice in the union as Ali Pibworth's musical was set to be taking place at 7pm in the Goodlyburn Theatre! I was so so excited for it, being one of the last performances and long awaited! The show was absoultely fantastic! I had such an awesome time, and that wasnt just because there was a free bar in the goodlyburn! :p haha the whole britrock musical was so cleverly put together and the relaxed atmosphere from the cast rubbed off on the audience and everyone enjoyed themselves, i was having a blast and singing away to all the songs, LOVED it!! The cast were ahmazing and certainly know how to entertain, causing huge amounts of laughter throughout the show as well! :D So a huge well done goes out to Ali Pibworth, and the whole cast!!! The after party was also much enjoyable! Haha we all had a big celebration and it was great to hang out with everyone and just have a good time, after all the hard work!!!
Things i have also got done for graded unit this week are: 2 recordings via video camera now posted on facebook! Of 2 of my original songs! As a result of lack of time, and recording availability i have made a few changes and decided to video record more of my songs for my aims and put them on facebook and youtube! With the help of Bob Holis we managed to ahieve 2 songs over the weekend! So a great big thank you to him for his help! :D
As for the rest of the week, now wont be travelling through to Dundee, i shall be going to theatre instead!
Until next update
X.Alissa.X
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
May Update!! :)
Hey People!
Sorry its been a couple of weeks! Alot has been going on, so i wil try my best to remember everything and update yous all on all the latest news! Last week was an extremely busy week, with 2 honours projects in one week! On the wednesday it was the Punk Gig which was held at 4:30pm in the Goodlyburn Theatre! The gig was a success, with a total of around 19 songs, 11 sung by myself and 8 by Stephen Malone. We had one last rehearsal that morning, and then we were set and ready to go for half 4. We unfortunitly didnt get too big a crowd, as i think probably the timing was a bit awkward, and there was no facebook message or anything. However the crowd we had cheered us on, and i had a great time on stage performing some of my favourite records of all time including Green Day Basketcase, Billy Idol- Dancing With Myself, Blondie Hanging On The Telephone, and punk bands that define the genre such as The Sex Pistols, The Clash and finally with the true godfathers of the genre, in which we wrapped up the set with the one and only Ramones!
For my attire, i decided to go all out as i know from previous punk research projects in high school, the fashion was a dominating contributer to what punk stands for, and the attitude and message it portrays, therefore in true Vivienne Westwood style, and with the help of my good friend Hannah and my cousin Alana we created a truly punk ensemble.. With a cut and ripped up 'Sex Pistols' Never Mind The Bollocks' t shirt, covered in holes and tears etc, as well as my trusty authentic 'Punk' trousers, from the 1970s (genuine vintage) covered in tartan and safety pins, etc the trousers i wore to see my favourite band Green Day almost 2 years ago! My make up was done by my cousin and looked awesome! Therefore i was ready to tear up the stage, at first the lack of audience sightly put me off, but it wasnt long till the music took over and i realised exactly what i was representing! ;)
I was sad to see the punk gig end, but it was a fantastic experience and i was more than happy to help the guys out as it was an incredible opportunity!
My other gig was Paris's gig on the friday, in which i thankfully had the day off work to practice in the morning and then perform the show at 3:30pm in the Goodlyburn once again. We had a very big audience and the show was a success! It was again quite a long show with about 11 songs all from Jason Robert Brown's collection! I enjoyed both shows, and couldnt believe it friday evening that after all the researching and practcising all year long, that both shows were over. However there is a sight relief now, as i can totally concentrate on my Graded Unit, and finishing my subjects successfully!
We are still awaiting the results of our Music Theory exam! I am sitting in suspense and am very anxious to find out whether or not i passed, as i worked really hard and want to know. We have also just been told our second exam is next monday, which i am incredibly worried about, as it is on chord construction and cadences which is a much weaker area for me than scales and the circle of fifths aka the first exam! Hey ho i will have to see about extra revision with my lecturer as dont think i will be too prepared for monday, as also again have quite a hectic week this week, with wednesday n thursday taken over with getting all my graded unit work done, theatre thursday night, and working friday and saturday and then on sunday i have a gig in town with 'Rhythm Wave' which shall be good fun! :)
Apart from that, there is our next HNC gig which will take place next thursday at 'Droothy Neebors' in Dundee, in which in our group we will be performing in our stagecraft bands! Our setlist looks to be a very exciting one,and after a few changes, we have kicked out one song and thrown in two new ones, in which i will save for the night, but be prepared for some classic rock!!!!
So there we go i think that is just about all the news from college in the last 2 weeks, i have quite a lot to be getting on with for graded unit, including studio time which i am in must need of! So therefore i am in the library today, to get done as much of my written evidence as possible for my folder, to get a few loads off my back!
Also as all the degree and honours projects are over now, i'd like to say a massive thank you and well done to all of the bands and performances, as they all blew me away and were fantastic!!!!! It was especially great to get a second chance to see John Cargrills 'Justin Timberlake' Show live at the Twa Tams last thursday!!! It was ah-mazing, and i very much enjoyed dancing along right at the front! :p Haha great show guys!
Until next update :)
X.Alissa.X
Sorry its been a couple of weeks! Alot has been going on, so i wil try my best to remember everything and update yous all on all the latest news! Last week was an extremely busy week, with 2 honours projects in one week! On the wednesday it was the Punk Gig which was held at 4:30pm in the Goodlyburn Theatre! The gig was a success, with a total of around 19 songs, 11 sung by myself and 8 by Stephen Malone. We had one last rehearsal that morning, and then we were set and ready to go for half 4. We unfortunitly didnt get too big a crowd, as i think probably the timing was a bit awkward, and there was no facebook message or anything. However the crowd we had cheered us on, and i had a great time on stage performing some of my favourite records of all time including Green Day Basketcase, Billy Idol- Dancing With Myself, Blondie Hanging On The Telephone, and punk bands that define the genre such as The Sex Pistols, The Clash and finally with the true godfathers of the genre, in which we wrapped up the set with the one and only Ramones!
For my attire, i decided to go all out as i know from previous punk research projects in high school, the fashion was a dominating contributer to what punk stands for, and the attitude and message it portrays, therefore in true Vivienne Westwood style, and with the help of my good friend Hannah and my cousin Alana we created a truly punk ensemble.. With a cut and ripped up 'Sex Pistols' Never Mind The Bollocks' t shirt, covered in holes and tears etc, as well as my trusty authentic 'Punk' trousers, from the 1970s (genuine vintage) covered in tartan and safety pins, etc the trousers i wore to see my favourite band Green Day almost 2 years ago! My make up was done by my cousin and looked awesome! Therefore i was ready to tear up the stage, at first the lack of audience sightly put me off, but it wasnt long till the music took over and i realised exactly what i was representing! ;)
I was sad to see the punk gig end, but it was a fantastic experience and i was more than happy to help the guys out as it was an incredible opportunity!
My other gig was Paris's gig on the friday, in which i thankfully had the day off work to practice in the morning and then perform the show at 3:30pm in the Goodlyburn once again. We had a very big audience and the show was a success! It was again quite a long show with about 11 songs all from Jason Robert Brown's collection! I enjoyed both shows, and couldnt believe it friday evening that after all the researching and practcising all year long, that both shows were over. However there is a sight relief now, as i can totally concentrate on my Graded Unit, and finishing my subjects successfully!
We are still awaiting the results of our Music Theory exam! I am sitting in suspense and am very anxious to find out whether or not i passed, as i worked really hard and want to know. We have also just been told our second exam is next monday, which i am incredibly worried about, as it is on chord construction and cadences which is a much weaker area for me than scales and the circle of fifths aka the first exam! Hey ho i will have to see about extra revision with my lecturer as dont think i will be too prepared for monday, as also again have quite a hectic week this week, with wednesday n thursday taken over with getting all my graded unit work done, theatre thursday night, and working friday and saturday and then on sunday i have a gig in town with 'Rhythm Wave' which shall be good fun! :)
Apart from that, there is our next HNC gig which will take place next thursday at 'Droothy Neebors' in Dundee, in which in our group we will be performing in our stagecraft bands! Our setlist looks to be a very exciting one,and after a few changes, we have kicked out one song and thrown in two new ones, in which i will save for the night, but be prepared for some classic rock!!!!
So there we go i think that is just about all the news from college in the last 2 weeks, i have quite a lot to be getting on with for graded unit, including studio time which i am in must need of! So therefore i am in the library today, to get done as much of my written evidence as possible for my folder, to get a few loads off my back!
Also as all the degree and honours projects are over now, i'd like to say a massive thank you and well done to all of the bands and performances, as they all blew me away and were fantastic!!!!! It was especially great to get a second chance to see John Cargrills 'Justin Timberlake' Show live at the Twa Tams last thursday!!! It was ah-mazing, and i very much enjoyed dancing along right at the front! :p Haha great show guys!
Until next update :)
X.Alissa.X
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