Burk,+Andrew

Andrew's Page

Goals


 * 1) __Style__- though the ability to play music without mistake is key, a much more needed key in my eyes is the way in which it is played. All emotion in music comes from the player. I need to start looking at what is behind the music more than just playing what is on the page.
 * 2) __Vocabulary__- when Mr. Sheehan yells out "what does this word mean?" and i have no idea, it bothers me. The context clues come from the conductor, and I can follow along, but i want to be ahead of the game.
 * 3) __Practicing__- it's about time i fessed up. I never practice my horns or music. If one is gifted with a skill and doesn't take it anywhere, it is an obvious waste. I REALLY need to take time out of the day to realize that if I want to continue my music career, I need to practice. What other way is there to get better at something?

These are very good goals for you! AP Music Theory will help you with Goal #2. I will be very excited to see what happens when you really start putting effort into practicing more!!!

Love the essay! Never be afraid to express emotion! Real men cry!!

How Music Has Shaped My Life

 Most music kids in the music department can agree that as the day rolls on, the only place we want to be is in the band room. There is some sort of ambiance that attracts us there. The art of producing music is one that is seen differently by the eyes of the beholder.  Music for me is the only real stability I have. As I write this little essay, the flood of different emotions that music can create is causing me to run into the metaphorical brick wall of typing. It can change any emotion i will ever have in the matter of seconds. If I'm having a terrible day at school, as soon as Jazz band starts I start enjoying myself, and forget about everything earlier in the day. The only thing I have to look forward too after is SWE, which is honestly the reason I come to school. There is not one thing in my life that I have experienced so far that has come close to some of the feelings experienced with the wind ensemble. Most people can admit that they hate crying. Through loss or pain, it can make or break your mood. Any tear that has welled up in my eye in SWE is the only time that I can be proud of crying. Music relieves stress, creates emotion, and gives me a huge sense of accomplishment. I will look any human in the eyes and tell them that music has shaped the person I am today. I can attribute my attitude and personality directly too it. I personally do not think that I would be anywhere without the music program at our school, because without music, what else is there?