Turiano,+Celena

Celena's Page

Goals:

1) Acquire stronger sight-reading skills: To help achieve this goal I am going to assess the piece of music before playing it by looking at the key signature, tempo, time signature, accidentals and significant changes in the music. I will scan the piece by looking at familiar rhythms and closely review the ones that are unfamiliar to me. Prior to playing the piece, my plan is to read an unfamiliar excerpt and create a check list of items to serve as reminder of what may require additional time and attention. I tend to read at least one per day, record and analyze what I did wrong and then proceed to correct any problems.

2) To improve my breathing technique: My goal is to make sure I am not breathing during a phrase, or during a long note. I want to ensure I do not loose support by breathing from my chest instead of breathing from my diaphragm. By doing so, it will produce a better duration and tone production. I plan on setting a metronome to 60 and trying to sustain a single note for 4 counts and then continue to add one quarter note to make it 5 and then keep adding until I can't sustain anymore. My goal will be to reach a different number of quarters notes every week.

3) Improve accuracy with articulation: My goal is to play the correct articulation at the right time. I want to hear a significant difference between my articulations. I plan on achieving this goal by taking a scale and making different patterns. Starting out with the scale slurred, then staccato and then reversing it. Perhaps, I will also use a different pattern by having 2 notes slurred and another 2 staccato and repeat the pattern for the rest of the notes.

These are very good goals for you! I look forward to hearing you improve as you prepare for District Band auditions!! Keep up the great work! Excellent Essay!! I had no idea you played piano!!

How Music has Shaped My Life:

With each new day, my musical journey continues and I see no end in sight! I started out playing the piano almost a decade ago. Then, I fell in love with the sound of the flute and as soon as I entered the fourth grade, I started taking lessons. Just as I thought then, I do believe today that it is the most beautiful instrument in existence. However, I must admit that starting out with the piano helped to shape the foundation of my musical journey. My life continues to revolve around music and I wouldn’t want it any other way. My mom started me out on piano when I was six. Even as a child, I loved going to my lesson and practicing every week on an old piano that “Santa Claus” somehow maneuvered down the chimney one Christmas! I enjoy entertaining my family and friends and seeing how it bring smiles to their faces, especially my elderly relatives. I loved playing for my Grandma Rose, who is now deceased, but has inspired me to continue to play and keep my music alive in her memory. She is the sound in my head that continues to tell me to keep working hard and to keep playing. After years of practicing the piano, I was introduced to the flute. My Aunt Kelly, who played the flute in high school, was very generous and passed her flute on to me. WIth a little repair, it worked very well. It was love at first touch. I instantly fell in love and immediately started to take lessons. I love to wake up and know that I can go to my piano to wind up the day with music and at night it helps me to unwind. Music is my best friend. In the best and worst of times, it has been a constant companion and is there to support me. Knowing I can run my fingers down the flute, or piano is like my security blanket. I love entertaining my family with my performances, especially my Uncle Tony, who always closes his eyes when I play and appears to derive such peace and enjoyment. Playing music in any way makes me feel special and no one can take it away from me. Thankfully, I have also been exposed to many opportunities which have helped to improve my musicianship. I love how music throughout my junior and senior high years has structured my schedule and has helped me to manage my time better. It is my priority. I have a special connection with music. Whether I’m playing my piano or flute, I’m in my own world and the music is all that matters to me during those moments. I love sharing my music with others and making them apart of it. Music has shaped me into an individual who will do anything to play and who loves to share the gift of music. Without music, my life would be bare and there would be a huge void in life.