Final Reflection

My final reflection project consisted of phrases or pictures on sticky notes about my life prior to Converse, how I’ve changed during this first semester, and my goals for the future. The sticky notes were color-coded to correspond with the time during my life. These insights to my life covered a wooden plaque with my name on it.

            I began my project by describing what has helped shape me into the person I was before coming to college. I worked at a music store called Music and Arts throughout my senior year, and it provided me with the opportunity to learn how to manage my money, interact with other people, and strengthen my responsibilities. My family has had a lot of influence on my personality and work ethic. My parents have allowed me to become well rounded and culturally aware. My brothers have influenced my diligent work ethic and willingness to share. My grandmother was the most caring woman I have ever met. I try to resemble her lifestyle as much as I can on a daily basis. My previous clarinet teacher, Gretchen Roper, has taught me everything beneficial that I know about the clarinet and has shown me how to really enjoy playing.

            I have become an overall busier, pickier, more organized person since I have come to college. Every day is filled with schoolwork, practicing and sometimes eating. I think I am finally figuring out a way to manage all of my time to complete my schoolwork and practice 12 hours a week. I never would have considered myself a picky eater before coming to Converse, but I will only eat certain food here. A lot of my friends have commented that I am very organized. This really surprises me because I used to be a very messy person. The last aspect of my life that has really changed is my quality of friends. I have met some of the most supportive and fun loving people here at Converse, and it has really showed me what friends should really be like.

            By the time I graduate, I would like to have been accepted to an internship and have had a successful senior recital. In order to choose a potential place for an internship, I must pass my proficiency exams in piano and guitar and discover which population I would enjoy working with during my practicum. I must do well on my juries and continue loving to play the clarinet to have a successful senior recital.

            After I graduate, I would like to complete my six-month internship, begin working, get married and have a family. I finished my project by stating that no matter what my past was like, how much I will change, or what will happen in the future, I will still be Emma.  

Converse Traditions

     One of the most enjoyable traditions I’ve experienced in the Petrie School of Music was the Halloween Recital. It was so entertaining to see students perform in ways that are not of traditional “Converse style.” The Halloween Recital provided students that may not be comfortable performing in a formal recital with an opportunity to play or sing in a fun, relaxed environment.

     What if there were more recitals such as this throughout the year? There could be a recital at Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and before the second semester ends. The Christmas Recital could feature well-known Christmas carols, and the performers could dress up in costumes or festive colors. Possibly the audience members could contribute to a foundation that helps families during Christmas time by paying a dollar to watch the recital. The Valentine’s Day Recital could feature love songs. These love songs could be operatic expressions of love in other languages or common love songs heard on the radio. If desired, the Valentine’s Day Recital could have another twist. Students could sing songs mocking Valentine’s Day. The recital at the end of the semester could be considered a “Thank Goodness Summer is Coming Recital.” This recital could include songs about frustrations from earlier in the year, songs about final exams or juries, or any song expressing the excitement for summer’s arrival.

     The addition of these recitals could add more community in the Petrie School of Music because it will allow the students to combine their talents to form a creative ensemble. These recitals could possibly help in relieving stress because it will be something the students can look forward to while they are overwhelmed. Adding more relaxed, festive recitals throughout the year would be a great addition to the Petrie School of Music tradition.