A Little Thinking...

Hey! 

So it's been a long week and it's only Wednesday morning. I'm working on a new project at work. I'm finally digging into a video project. Okay... I was hired based on my YouTube stuff and my previous promotional work. I'm finding it much harder to find my professional voice and find happy shiny faces to be in front of the camera while I'm behind it, whereas I'm used to sitting in front of my iSight cam and just goofing from there. So far I've learned:

1.  Big expensive camera equipment is scary and intimidating. 
2.  The only way to get this project rolling is by failing some and taking something from those failures.
3.  There are a lot of REALLY cool people on campus willing to help out if you just ask.  

This week's concert on the quad is a little country. That means I'll probably require some severe motivational speaking to get myself there. That's something I can say for college, I'm becoming a better self-motivational speaker: convincing myself to get out of bed, convincing myself to wear clothing, convincing myself that I should go to class, convincing myself to go to work. I blame my couch. If I sit on it, there is little else I want in life. I also blame my computer... glowing screen of hypnotic doom. From these multiple motivational speeches I've learned:

1.  I really stink at going to class/work/social events before 10 a.m.
2.  It's easier to get going if I pick out clothing the night before or at least between snoozes on the alarm clock. 
3. I could sell sand to a camel. Too bad that sometimes that sand is sleep and the camel is myself.

Photo by Philip Murphey - Ashley Kirby. 

I went to Coho (big yellow building on 4th near Elmer's) last night for the open mic night. I was informed that it happens every Tuesday. I'm seriously considering getting a little jazz set together. My voice student, an enthusiastic 12 year old, is doing a set there soon. Maybe I'll do one too. It's a good little venue, intimate and small. Phil, the owner, has it rigged with mics, a keyboard, music stands, stools as needed and a little extra light in the performing area. Last night there were a few acoustic guitar sets and one guy read some poetry he wrote. It seemed like a great place to just try stuff out. People were very forgiving of mistakes because they're there to enjoy themselves, not listen analytically (dang that classical music training). If you're ever bumming around on a Tuesday night, try heading over there... maybe sing something, maybe read something.... maybe just take it all in. 

XO, Nanette

Quad Concert - Round Three: Somewhere In The Middle and Truman.

Hello Readers and Listeners!

FINALLY... The concert was out on the quad. It's almost been a week of real summer without rain. Attendance was up. Still haven't run into many of you who I KNOW read this blog {hint, hint}. People showed up with camp chairs, blankets, footballs, coolers, bikes and sweatshirts.

Somewhere In The Middle did a great cover of Gaga's "Bad Romance." Of course, minus the meat dresses and lingerie (at least that I could tell). They got a pretty good crowd dancing. They also announced that they're performing at the upcoming RiverFest on June 18.

By the time Truman took the stage, clouds came rolling in and the wind picked up. Poor guys, trying to play the keyboard and guitar with frozen fingers. They brought some excellent energy, read the crowd really well and played some good John Mayer covers. They come from Nashville. It came through, they played a little country next to their more popular stuff. Not as many dancers... except that guy in the blue shirt...   He was really into it.

Next week is the Orange Promo. It's going to be a bit more country with Brody and The Outlaws. Ryan Horne will be headlining.  Don't forget your canned food donations. Donation might not be the right word... you DO get a T-shirt or hammock, etc in return.

xo, Nanette

Quad Concert... Round Two

I'm sitting in the SUB again for another quad concert (rained out again). Now, I looked up both of the bands before I came so I'd know what to expect. I'd suggest it, so you know what you're getting yourself into. Though next week's opener is a great local band, Somewhere In The Middle. They've played all the bars and performed at RiverFest last year. Okay... I might be biased. My friend, Chris McElprang, is their bassist.

At the Student Activities table they had T-shirts and fun trinkets for purchase. T-shirts can be purchased  for 3 cans of food or a $5 donation to the food bank... just like last time. But apparently they're color coordinated to the promo material. Each event is a different color. Tonight's is yellow. So even if you've never heard of the band... if you think you'll look good in green, come to the green concert. Or The red, or the blue, or the purple... you get the idea. 

The opening act, Vestige Vindicated, is a local band from McCammon. Now, I'm not well-versed in acoustic emo-punk-esque bands, but I guess I'd could compare their sound to Strung Out's "Velvet Alley" on the Punk Goes Acoustic album. 

It was an interesting contrast with the main act JD Eichner. He played his own guitar, wrote some of his own music and did a GREAT cover of "Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson. It was a really chill, coffeehouse sort of vibe. It was disappointing that the audience was so much smaller than last time (I think they had 900 people here last time?)... JD was great. He was musical, personable with the audience and not to mention pretty attractive. From the rumor mill, I hear that Student Activities Board (SAB) is trying to bring him back (with the rest of his band this time) for another gig this fall. I hope they do. That's something I'd go to.

I made a new friend while at the concert, Phillip. He's on the Student Activity Board. I was glad on two accounts - A) it's always lovely to meet new people and B) It made me look busy when I ran into the ex AGAIN. I will give Mr. ex points for liking live music.

Next week is the blue week. Come grab a T-shirt, donate to the food bank, run into friends (or foes), listen to Somewhere In The Middle and Truman 

XO, Nanette

Summer Working... Reading...

Hello again!

It's been a slow few days as far as student life on campus goes. But that's typical for summer... There's plenty of time to read books, watch all the TV and movies that you've missed during the last school year, not to mention friends to catch up with, parties to attend, house to clean and non-procrastination tainted relaxation. Plus with this bipolar weather, it's a good idea to have plenty of inside and outside activities available.

Like a lot of students, I'm working this summer. Two jobs actually, this one - which is more fun than a job - and at the library Distance Learning Center (DL in future references). I couldn't be a bigger fan of working on campus, particularly work study jobs. In the summer, when the work is slow and you don't have anything to study, it's almost like designated reading time. It's not for everyone (particularly if you don't like down-time... or reading) but if you enjoy a little forced quietude, it makes for an excellent environment.

Last summer I made it through 26 books (not all at work, they keep you busier than THAT). This year, I'm taking it easy on the reading. I can't recommend everything I read, but I've weeded out the tedious novels. If you're looking for suggestions, look no further.

Uplifting - Same Kind of Different As Me - Hall + Moore
Short Stories - Couldn't Keep It To Myself* - Wally Lamb and a bunch of lady prisoners
Young Adult - An Abundance of Katherines* - John Green
Mystery - The Body of Christopher Creed - Carol Plum-Ucci
Historical Fiction - The Heretic's Daughter - Kent
Fiction - The Help - Kathryn Stockett
Holocaust - The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
Series - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo* - Steig Larsson
Last Year's Campus Read - The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-Time - Mark Haddon

*Disclaimer:  These books contain adult language, violence and/or suggestive content and could be rated R.

That's one thing that can be said for all of this rainy weather... perfect timing for curling up with your beverage of choice and good novel. Too bad I've burned through most of my "To Read" list. If you have any suggestions or recommendations for me or other readers, please feel free to leave them in the comments! :)

XO, Nanette

My First Concert On The Quad

Okay... well, the cool kids never show up right when the gig starts right? WRONG. I showed up 30 minutes late and they were already putting out more seats. Apparently this concert thing is a big deal. Due to poor weather it was held in the Student Union Building (SUB)... Which is tough because there's infinitely more seating on the quad. There were short food lines for free BBQ and soda (with "summer" student ID).  And summer program t-shirts and lunch boxes and merchandise available for trade - they accept canned goods as monetary compensation.

There were all folks of all ages running around. Little kids spinning in circles to the music and elderly people clapping along. A smattering of college students here and there. I ran into a few friends like Emma Doupe, Cory Winter and Natalie Keezer, along with a couple of ex-boyfriends that shall not be named... and few kids who I went to high school with. Seems to be a great mixing place.

Now the thing about concerts and being schooled in the way of classical music...  I feel so out of place at things like this. Because people are standing and dancing... talking... cellphones going off... running... eating. This is nothing like what i'm used to. I had Emma remind me on two different occasions "Relax Nanette, this is not a symphony."

That being said... I have an appreciation for music of all sorts. The opening band, The Wild Coyotes, was something that should be enjoyed on a front porch while enjoying sweet tea, or whiskey sours. It was a blue grass night. However, I will give it up for The Clumsy Lovers... they started slow with a violin solo but as soon as the rest of the group joined in they had the audience clapping and children spinning and dancing all over again. Bouncy and fun... the bluegrass just seemed so out of place in the Canoe Room. It belongs in a field, or barn, or county fair or place where the feet are free and skirts are flow-y. Though that didn't stop people from kicking off their shoes and dancing away.

I'm sure that once i break through this shell of discomfort these events will turn into really cool experiences. Probably even meet a concert going crowd... or create my own and bring them. but I still just cannot wait until the sun comes out and we get to have fun outdoors on blankets... it's a great venue for a picnic with friends, lovers or whole family. Plus, it was a lovely walk home.

XO, Nanette

So Here's The Gist...

Hello readers, both future and present!

Let me break this down for you. Like I say in my profile, I am the cynical student. I expect motives and kitsch behind most events in life. I have been at this university for six years now and am near graduating with my bachelors in music. So in those moments of self deprecation, I often feel like that I've spent too long pursuing a degree of no worth. If that's not enough to make someone cynical, I don't know what is.

Many of my professors have said, if you have a question, chances are that someone else has the same one. I think it's safe to say that about most facets of life. I feel like a pretty normal student. I worry about bills, work, grades, tuition, dating, dieting/health, friends and when the next school vacation is. I have survived college this far without a car. My parents are not fiscally responsible for me. At 24, I have reached independence.

Now in pursuit of the elusive degree, I have devoted most of my time to the Music Department and to working. I have NOT been a well-rounded student. If it doesn't have credits or cash attached to it, chances are I won't be there. I have not attended any sporting events, well... I went to a rugby game once so my friend could check out one of the cute players. I don't get too involved with activities on campus. I haven't even been to a FREE movie at the Bengal Theater. I haven't been to the bingo nights (even though I hear some of the prizes are amazing, Wii, flatscreens, gift baskets from Silver Fox {wink}). I basically haven't been a REAL student. I've been a Music Zombie Student. So I'm going to spend my last year, trying to start it all over.

So for six years I have worked on campus... through the Help Desk, Distance Learning and most recently Photographic Services. Part of the new job is this blog. Part of this blog is attending events and documenting life as a student. I hope it can reach other students, maybe help us understand each other, maybe get people more involved, maybe just improve my writing skills, or maybe I'll just have some fun. It may or may not work. But I hope I can make it amusing enough to bring you back.

XO, Nanette

P.S. You may note, I'm not an english student. I'm a music student. Pardon grammatical errors.