here we go here we go here we go now.

I feel fairly ready for these tests tomorrow. I’m forced to do well on nearly all of them, as they account for a large chunk of my grade in all 3 classes. I feel that I will do at least decent on the Linear Algebra, which is the big one– 25% and I need to get that grade up. The Music Listening Test that I take in the afternoon shouldn’t be too bad… just time-consuming. And the Stat quiz tomorrow? With the other two in front of me, I’ve hardly looked at the thing. But I’ve been to class, seen his lectures, and feel that I’ll be able to get by.

And… I’ve decided that the Starbucks in Library West has become my new study place. I spent four hours there this Thursday. Last Thursday, I spent a solid two hours in the same place. A word of advice: the Honey Latte is mediocre at best.

Back to the grinding board… 

–jl–

Some publicity for the show and some kind words about Duane.

As most of you are unaware, I sing in a barbershop chorus and quartet back home. We have a show coming up next Saturday, the first Saturday of Spring Break, March 8th. The show features the International Quartet Champions, Max Q, and the International College Finalists, On Demand. I’d love it if you could come and show your support for the Arts in yet another way, especially as you drive to wherever you’re driving for your break.

 Anyway, I saw this article on the Florida Today about our beloved director, and my tenor, Duane. He exhibits so much love and passion for the music, as Johnston discusses. What Mr. Johnston doesn’t talk about is Duane’s dedication to singing and having a good time, regardless of who he may sing with. This is a kid who joined the Society at age 13, just like me, and has quickly risen to Directing small choruses in Florida and New Hampshire. But besides directing, Duane’s in it for the music. I love singing with him, getting critiques and suggestions to improve things, and kidding around with him at the dinner table whenever the quartet guys are over at the house. Duane’s a big brother and mentor to me, moreso than the other two in the quartet and the others in the chorus, and I’m glad that I’ve had the chance to sing with him as a member of his chorus, his quartet, and as his friend.

For those of you that don’t know too much about barbershop, there is likely a chorus or quartet in your area. I urge you to check it out. It might just be the most fun you’ll ever have. =)

–jl–

reflection on tonight, the rest of the week

Why is it that people take things for granted, rather than truly appreciate the beauty within? And why is it that the most beautiful moments are made when, seemingly, no one is there?

We sang tonight to a smattering of people, but mostly to empty chairs, objects made by man that cannot hear, cannot see, cannot feel, cannot have any emotion. Yet the ones with the treasure and the warmth of the music created tonight are those blue cloth and plastic inanimates, as opposed to the people of the University and the community. I know, and I understand, the line of excuses… “It’s midterm week.” “The weather is nasty.” “I don’t like choral music.” “I never heard about it.” But please, throw some of us a bone, those that could have filled the seats tonight. You don’t come to support our shows, and then you wonder why we can’t have as many performances, or why we don’t have all the necessary music, or why we have to rent out the Auditorium on better days rather than take those for ourselves. Put two and two together. We don’t have the money to do what is expected of us because, to put it rather ironically, you’re too fair-weathered.

On the other hand, a huge Thank You! to those who did brave the elements and come out tonight. Thank you for supporting us. I heard that many who came tonight were pleased with what they heard, and I’m glad that we could entertain you in exchange for your gracious support.

As for the rest of the week…

I am tired, but the battle I must fight is not a battle… it’s a 3-day war with myself, as I strive and push to make the cut, succeed, do well, and, hopefully, feel really satisfied come this weekend and Monday.

I’ll make it. How I’ll make it… now, there lies the question that I wish to have answered.

–jl–

Two announcements.

1. I have a concert tonight! University Choir presents the English Concert, tonight at 7:30, at the University Auditorium. Come check it out, and support the Fine Arts.

2. I endorse the Orange and Blue Party in SG’s elections today and tomorrow.

–jl–

The Honors College?

My test got delayed back to Friday in my Honors course, because students did not know the material. I started looking at the material for this test on Sunday, and apparently am the “most prepared.” How does one explain that? I thought UF was a school on the rise, not a school of procrastination (says the one who’s on facebook way too often).

 So, now my Friday includes a midterm, a test, and a quiz, or 25%, 14%, and 4% of my grade in respective classes. Ick. Midterm week is hectic.

–jl–

Hello…

I haven’t had a blog, maintained continuously, in about a year. This will be an attempt to change that.

–jl–