Norse Notes: Jake

What could be my last blog...

2009-05-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

Hey!

I felt my title today could either be in relation to the end of the year coming, or to my life ending after finals. I don't know the answer yet.

In all honesty, this week is going to be pretty relaxed compared to the chaos of last week. I have one two hour test a day for the next three days, and then I get to go home. Piece of cake. It's funny, because when you're on college, the administration tries to make finals week as stress free as possible for students. However, that only causes the professors and instructors to shove all of their non-final-related quizzes, projects, and papers to the week before finals. I guess the same can be said for some high-schools. Finals seem to just be a formality. In any case, this week is going to go by fast. However, I also know the end of this week will only bring the beginning of a crazy summer of trying to make as much money as I can in as little of time as I can.

I'll just try not to think about it. It's been a nice year of working about 40 hours a month, and I'm not looking forward to changing that. One thing I am looking forward to, though, is doing a lot of traveling this summer. My brother is on a traveling AAU basketball team and has tournaments every weekend from anywhere around Indianapolis to Sioux Falls. My family usually tags along as his groupies. We'll see how long it takes me to develop a phobia of car rides with them.

I guess I should probably reflect on this year too, not to give any readers whiplash or anything from the subject change.

I always thought people who said their first year of college changed them were special cases. Like, I expected some changes in style, weight, or intelligence, but never expected to become a different person. Perhaps I should rephrase that, I think I've actually just become myself. This first year has helped me with my identity more than anything else in the last 19. It could have been the people I spent my time with or some of the classes I took. I personally attribute it to becoming independent. I learned a lot about saving money and spending it. About eating regularly, or getting enough sleep. My parents were never any more overbearing than anyone else's, but it was a big deal for me to suddenly not have someone giving me the final say on things, and not having to ask permission.

Apart from changing, I also had some experiences this year that really shaped me here at Luther. Norsemen has to be at the top of the list. I shoved anything to do with music, let alone choral music, out of my head in high school because I was convinced that I wouldn't want it due to the fact that choir directors make less than Doctors. It's funny how it took me until now to realize that a career shouldn't be built on finances, but on what will make you jump out of bed in the morning before your alarm goes off. I've also taken some classes that have helped me decide what's not for me. I also learned that playing piano can come in handy if you enjoy supplemental income, or just want something to do on a Wednesday at 11:45 pm.

It's been a great year, and as always, I hope the college search is going well for everyone!

Have a good summer,

Jake

There was once this thing called sleep in my life...

2009-05-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

'this one time, I drank a whole can of Mountain Deewwww, and was up all night and then the next morning I was like 'Oh what a beautiful Morninnnnnn!'

That's from a Saturday night live skit that basically describes my life right now.

Well, hello everyone! It's crunch time. Everyone is preparing for finals, finishing up papers, and or getting ready for other end of the year things, like juries. I've been feeling it since about the middle of last week when I had 2 papers due and a million other music things going on. Lately, I've been throwing myself into my music compositions. We had our final composition assignment in Theory this last Friday, and it reignited my composition hobby. Lets just say that the distraction wasn't helpful to my papers. I am in the process of finishing up a research paper on Frank Lloyd Wright for Art History, and am beginning one on "How Civil Disobedience could have shifted the outcome of the Holocaust." Sounds interesting right? Along with all of those things, I have the normal course-load as well as all of the people I have to accompany for for voice juries.

This is where my opening comes in. I feel like I'm getting too comfortable with pulling all-nighters. Actually, I know I'm getting too comfortable with them, because now I'm either catching a cold or having a marathon against seasonal allergies. Either way, I think I can blame lack of sleep and surplus of stress for my current sore throat and stuffy sinuses.

However, it's not stopping me from enjoying the green! It has been so nice up here lately. Even though there have been several days where it rains in the morning, it usually is perfectly sunny by the late afternoon. I like weather that is warn enough to keep you comfortable in shorts, but also not hot enough to necessitate a portable air conditioner (which is normal for Iowa).

As far as my music life goes, I'm now done with both Norsemen and Jazz Band. We had our final concerts and they both went great. Now Nordic and Cathedral auditions are underway for all first years who want to continue in a Luther college choir. I'm hoping for Nordic, even though it's not a tour year, they are going to the West Coast for the month of January (I opted out of Greece because of the price tag), and I've never been farther west than Utah. It'd be a lot of fun.

But, duty calls. I need to read the Paideia book my paper is supposed to be about ;)

Later,
Jake

The Real Norsemen Tooo-er...oops

2009-04-26T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys,

So, I realized that I intended to tell you about touring last week, but somehow lost track of my goal (as usual), so today will be a short and sweet summary of the one day Norsemen tour.

First, a little background on Luther college music ensemble touring:

Almost every music ensemble on Luther Campus tours at some point during the year. Some, like Nordic Choir, tour almost every other month for weekends or more at a time. Others, such as Norsemen, only tour for a weekend or a day. And there are also some which don't tour at all, the Jazz Band and other smaller ensembles included.

However, Norsemen went on it's tour today. Ever heard of the phrase "rain or shine..." Well, we members of Norsemen epitomized that phrase today. It POURED while we were loading the bus at 4:45 am. Then, just to tease, the rain let up once we were in Excelsior MN for the two church services we performed there. However, as soon as we were going to get back on the bus, *clap boom*...it began to downpour again. It was if God was trying to send us a message. However, it proceeded to rain for the rest of the day. Luckily, touring ensembles rarely do outside gigs.

The other nice thing about touring is all of the free food. Today, we were fed twice, and the two churches we sang at (Excelsior and Austin MN) went all out on feeding us. For lunch, we had better sandwiches than you can get from Panera, and for dinner we had Lasagna (I am a little biased... Lasagna is my favorite food). It was really cool that these churches went out of there way to do this for us. To be honest, I was expecting to have to pay for both lunch and dinner, so I was pleasantly surprised.

As usual, I'm writing to you in the middle of homework. One of these days I'll prioritize and actually have a time that is for JUST blogging. Maybe. :)

LATER!
Jake

Norsemen TOOO-ERR!

2009-04-19T19:03:00.001-07:00

Hey folks!

To put it lightly, it has been an AMAZING week. It's funny to see how much the nice weather really affects people around campus. Well, its even funny to see how the weather has been affecting me. I think it started out this week pretty chilly and wet, but the past few days have been sunny with a high of 75. I'm sure the increased blanket and frisbee traffic doesn't help the new grass, but it's really nice to see so many people outside. It kind of reminds you that you aren't the only person on campus. The walks across campus to your 8 am class aren't so dreary and miserable anymore, and your coffee doesn't get cold the moment you step out of a building. I think (knock on wood) it is safe to say spring is here. *insert prayer that we don't get another April blizzard*

Other than the weather, coming out of Easter break* has been pretty normal. While people are counting down the days to finals, I am counting down the days I have to procrastinate an Art History research paper. Fun right?

I'm also counting down the days to registration. This year, I've taken 14 credit hours a semester. That might sound small, but with two non-credited ensembles that take up a 4-credit hour time slot, I could be taking 22. Next semester, I have to take 18. Count them-18 credit hours. I whimper a little each time I remind myself of that solemn fact.

Oh, and I've heard it's normal to contemplate changing your major several times before you graduate, but I've already *contemplated* it 3 times. I came in as a music/psych major, then music/english, then music ed. Now after watching HGTV for 2 hours a day, I would like to be music/architecture. Unfortunately, Luther doesn't have an architecture program, so I'm sticking with the concise decision of music/_______.

Well, this was a nice break from homework, but I can hear it's faint call getting louder and more dreary.

Happy Spring!

Jake

I should take my own advice.

2009-04-08T03:47:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

It is now 5:48 am, time for the weekly blog.

Today it's going to be partly cloudy with a high of 51 degrees and winds from the North-West. There is also a slight chance of CRAZY!

*disclaimer: before anyone gets frightened for themselves or me, everything I write about is usually exaggerated by about fifty percent.*

You heard it here first, I am admitting to my insanity. Not only am I an avid preacher of not getting yourself over-extended and under-applied, but I am also guilty of the opposite. However, I feel like every week I get on here and write about how stressed I am, so I will start with the non-stressors in my life, which make up the far more vast but less interesting part of my life.

There was another Dorian Festival yesterday. I think this one was choral, where Luther invited some really good high school programs from the Midwest to perform and watch. Norsemen sang two of the songs we've been working on for our Spring concert on May 1st, "Away From the Roll of the Sea", and (as I've mentioned before) Biebl's "Ave Maria". Both went really well, including the time that I took an ooing solo on a part that required no ooing from me or my section in "Away." I also am keeping my fingers crossed that I will get the actual solo on the Ave Maria. I'm the only one of the three final tenors who hasn't sang it in a performance yet, so I'm really hoping that I get it for the concert. I'll keep you updated!

I also am in the midst of scheduling for classes next year. I have no idea what I'm actually going to take. Perhaps I'll save that for another update. I do know, however, that I am applying to go to Greece for J-term. I think Luther says that 80% of the students here study abroad before they graduate. The nice thing is, you are able to study abroad without having to say goodbye to your family for a year if you choose J-term. I'm really looking forward to doing something in the coldest month of the year!

I could go on and on about the good things, but as I said, they are the majority and therefore can be ignored, just like in American politics. (ba-dum-chhhh)

As far as how my stress life, as I like to call it, is going, I really can't say. I guess I'm finally coming to the realization of what I've known since the onset of the semester: I'm in too much. As or right now with all of my activities and classes included, I'm putting in about 12 hours a day, with an hour or so break here and there if I'm lucky. That time figure is also before my homework and practicing. What took the cake, though, is when I actually started to feel stress during my down-times. That was the last straw. My piano professor, Dr. Huang, offered the best advice when he asked "What can you quit?" I really can't quit anything, but I am going to have to condense some things and make some people un-happy.

I think though, after I get over that small speed-bump, it will be for the better for everyone. No more last minute cancellations because of double booking, no more skipping rehearsals because I'm in another. I know Lent is almost over, but is there such a thing as giving up something for "post" Lent? I don't know, but things can only go uphill from here!

Either way, it's early, I have to sleep for the remaining 90 minutes I have before class, and get ready to conquer the last Wednesday before Easter Break!

Later,
Jake

Should it be called "Spring Break" or "A Cruel Taste of Everything You Can't and Wont Have for the Next Two Months?"

2009-03-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

Wheeeeeeeeeeweeeeee
Hello Folks,

I'm feeling a little bit country this week, mostly because I just got back from a pleasant spring break on the farm. It was the most relaxing, easy going, and pleasant week of the year.

*Phew*

Now that I have that one off my chest, I feel a lot better. To be completely honest, almost nothing in the previous statement is true, it's just hard to convey sarcasm through words on a blog. But before I (ex/com)plain, let's back-track to and recap my last week before break in one sentence.

The most crazy week of my life this semester not only consisted of the regular craziness of accompanying, classes, and lessons, but also included some of the hardest tests and papers that I've ever had to do.

After I pulled three all-nighters, wrote the Paideia paper and hopefully passed the midterm, I packed my things and headed for my house in the country. I didn't really miss the smell of the cow-yard when the temperature gets above freezing, but it would be nice to sleep in a bed that wasn't originally designed for a small child. I told myself that break was going to be the time that I would catch up on some sleep. I kept putting off going to bed until it got to be around 2:00 am when I finally was struggling to keep my eyes open to follow the action on TV. Still, I was sure I would catch up on my sleep and just sleep in until lunch the next day. However, I forgot that "sleeping-in" is a forbidden word in my house, and was woken up shortly after 9 to start the day. I was not happy.

I also decided that another great way to catch up on sleep would be to get a job doing an early morning paper route in the twin cities. It made perfect sense: work from 1:30-7 in the morning, then sleep all day. As many of you may gather, I didn't read the statistics on night shifts and sleep before I took the job. It was ok, and I made good money, but when I started to have to deliver more and more papers day by day (my top day was 386), it wasn't as cool. I should probably also apologize to any of the Burnsville residents who didn't receive a Pioneer Press. Oops!

After 4 days of paper fun, I returned home to celebrate my 19th birthday. As usual, I didn't feel any different, gain any free wishes, or grow taller. I guess that I am just getting small tastes of the (hopefully) 80 more birthdays to come. I also was praying that I would finally get some time to sleep before I had to head back to school. As it turned out, my parents heard my prayers, and decided to have me drive my brother down to Iowa City (1.5 hours away) for a 5 hour practice. Mom and Dad sure new the cure for fatigue: DRIVING!

I should really find a way not to whine so much, it really isn't that bad, I just find my life comical....sometimes. Either way, we're on the downhill side of the semester and year here at Luther. Hopefully it warms up soon!!!

Later
Jake

Paideia owns my soul...for the next two days anyways

2009-03-17T01:15:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

I am writing you from the heat of battle. It's been a pretty one-sided fight up to this point, with Paideia dealing out most of the hits. After going to the corner and getting a pep talk, I'm finally back in the ring and throwing most of the punches now.

Basically, I'm pulling an all nighter which will hopefully result in a good grade on this dreadful research paper. I actually switched my topic tonight (it's due on Wednesday). It was originally the going to be focussed on the conflict of religion between the conquering Spaniards and native Mayans, but now I sort of morphed it into the similarities between the two societies in their religions. You'd be surprised how similar the ancient Maya's Polytheistic views are to the Spaniard's "rock solid" monotheism.

But, I can bore you with far more important topics, so moving on.

I am closing in on the end of the first half of the second semester of my first year of college, which means SPRING BREAK IS IN 4 DAYS! I usually don't get too ecstatic about breaks, but I am looking forward to this one so much. More than likely I won't get to sleep in any more than I normally do, but whatever, it will be nice to be at home. My birthday is also in 9 days. Woo hoo....19....nothing happens. I consider it a preview for every birthday except my 21st for the rest of my life. I wish there was a list of exciting things that happen after the teen-age years. Instead, it's along the lines of "wake up, realize you're older, go to work, go to bed." YAY growing old! I'm not too worried though, I'm sure my parents have something really exciting planned. It's probably along the lines of cleaning out the attic, or sweeping out the garage.

Either way, writing a paper stinks when you don't use an outline and hit writers block. What's worse is the fact that it's a research paper and I should just be able to pull out some notes and get going again. I fail. After going through my notes twice and getting no inspiration whatsoever, I decided to update my blog. Here I am!

So, here are some of my goals for spring break. I'll put an asterisk next to the ones I think will happen.

1. Sleep

2. Have some breakfast

3. Make money

4. Not spend money

5. See some friends

6. Waste a ton of time on facebook and xbox *

I have high hopes.

Really, I don't think it'll be too bad. It will be nice to have a change of scenery and be without the stresses of school for a whole week. I think that's why most people go on vacations. I guess I missed that memo. Well, I hope all of you get to enjoy or have enjoyed a nice spring break. For most people, I really just rubbing in the fact that I get a super long spring break. I know my high school had a hard time rationalizing giving us Good Friday off. Jeez!

Later!
Jake

Stress, Stress, and more Pineapple

2009-03-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I'm going to warn you, this blog is going to serve as more of an "advice" blog than a "chuckle at my life events" blog. Well, it may be a little of both, but I digress (I need to find a new word for that).

So, I think I'm on the uphill of the mono. I feel pretty darn good, just fatigued. However, now the stress of realizing exactly how much I missed and need to catch up on is setting in. Whew-ee, there is a lot of stuff. Paideia is what is worrying me the most. This research paper is kicking my butt. Apart from missing 3 classes in the final week of the paper, I also have yet to find a primary source. It is really scary being as I have those 10 pages due by next Wednesday. I'll just call this learning experience number one: deadlines don't change in college.

I've also come to realize how much stuff I have crammed into my dorm room. Luckily my roommates are pretty chill, but I am a slob. But, it's not my fault. I wouldn't have gigantic piles of clothes, garbage, and homework if I actually had room for them. I started off the year by only bringing back half of my wardrobe, which is enough to fill my drawers and closet. But, as I found out doing laundry this weekend, I now have two sets of drawers and closets worth of clothing. The most frustrating part is that I just went home and didn't leave ANY of them there. Learning experience number 2: Dorm rooms are NOT as big as your house.

I'm also coming to the point where common and previous knowledge isn't enough. I was lucky in the fact that I got by first semester by the seat of my pants (sorry mom and dad), but have been slowly figuring out how to study and feel confident over the last month or so. I'm sure I'm not alone in my predicament, but I will be the first to admit that I am a slacker. However, I will also be the first to admit that I realize that I'm not gaining anything through that attitude. Learning experience number 3: studying will NOT kill you.

Midterms and spring break are coming up, and boy do I need a break. However, I also need money, so I'll probably be working for the whole week instead of resting. I know a lot of people go places, but I'm choosing to be the lame kid who goes home, plays video games, maybe catch up with a few friends, and sleeeeeeeeeeeeeep. Learning experience number 4: Breaks don't necessarily mean "have a break."

Well, I'm sure the college search is almost coming to a close for some of you, and I hope everything is going well!

Later
Jake

Danger, Ice!

2009-03-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

Last week, we had a FIERCE ice storm. It was kind of interesting to get rain dumped on me walking to my 8 am class, but walk into jazz band with a head covered in ice pellets around 2:30. I'm pretty sure Iowa is Mother Nature's petrie dish.

Mother Nature: Hmmmm...I wonder what happens to the global climate when you mix rain, ice, and freezing temperatures? Looks like I'll be making a visit to Iowa. Wow, its the third time this week? Ha ha ha ha, how time flies. I'm sure they missed me!

My biggest tiff is that the ice is still here. There is about an inch still covering most of the non-sidewalk areas and it is SLICK. Now, you, the reader, being a normal person, may ask "what's the problem? If the sidewalks are clear, then there's nothing to worry about...right?" WRONG. While doing my daily shortcut across the campus lawn this morning I fell. It wasn't a graceful fall either. It was a full out, arms flailing, bags and books flying, cartoon-type fall. And of course, my first thought is that it was Luther's fault. Of course, it's the college's fault for not...salting...the....lawn. After I got over the embarrassment of falling, I made the connection with the lesson I probably should have learned a long time ago: on the 9th day, God made sidewalks for people to walk on and not fall.

I've been complaining about being sick for the last several weeks. Well, after a nice visit to the doctor (again) today and getting more blood drawn than I'd like to remember, I found out I have mono. WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO! Partay.

I'd just like to interject that it will be interesting to get a call from my mother when she reads that last line. Note to self: tell parents of ailments before publishing them online.

But anyways, I've never had mono before, but it just feels like a cold now. I attributed the fatigue to just being a college student and pulling all-nighters every weekend, but looking back, I realize that that may have been a very large CAUSE of my current health status.

I also just had my first ever art history exam today. Boy oh boy is that stuff hard. For this class, we had to memorize 48 paintings or other works of art, the artist, the date, the period, and why each one was significant. I am not a memorizer, so the least I can say is studying for this test was a beast. In all honesty, this was the first time I legitimately studied for anything in my life, and I liked it. I liked the feeling of confidence when I was met with a particularly difficult question. I liked not having to wrack my brain for an answer. Dare I say it, studying was worth my time.

Well, that's all I've got, I hope the college search is going well!

Later~
Jake

YESSSSSSSSSSS....two research paper topics due in 1 week!

2009-02-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

Hello All~

If anyone ever tells you that professors care about what is going on in your other classes, use the following form to educate them on real life:

1: Ask the person where you can find the hole they've been living in and fill it in.

2: Remind the person that you are a college student, and therefore know everything, and therefore are always right about everything.

3: Kindly ask the person if they'd do your homework for the week to see if they feel the same way about your professors.

Ok, so perhaps that's not as much a form to follow as it is what I said to someone this weekend, but I digress. My point is, I have two huge research papers due this semester, one for Paideia and one for my Art History course. I tried to be savvy and find something from both classes that I could do the same topic on and only write one paper. Alas, when one class is covering the conquest of the Mayas and the other is covering high renaissance and baroque art in Europe, finding a common topic was near to impossible. So, now I get the opportunity to write two full fledged research papers over this semester. Woo. Hoo.

Apart from that dismal fact, I also ended up in the ER this weekend. It wasn't anything big, the doctors just thought I had meningitis. Like I said, nothing big. As you can probably figure due to my not being dead, I ended up not having anything but some freaky virus. It was my first scare of the year though. I did have my vaccines though, so I guess that makes me safe for a bit longer than 8 months. Either way, I'm just going to throw this out there, I'd suggest getting all the vaccines, even the suggested ones for your pre-college physical (aka one fun time). It can't hurt, and living on close quarters for the first time in your life can do some freaky things to your immune system.

Now that I've frightened everyone with morbidity, on to a brighter note from the sunny side of college life (which in general, is the much larger of the two). I am currently taking lessons with my Jazz Band director, Tom Bourcier, to improve my "jazz-ness". Honestly, I can't improv to save my life, so I have really high hopes for these lessons. I came to school this year only knowing how to play notes off of a page, and hopefully when I leave this year (for the summer, don't worry), I hope to be able to do much more than that.

Well, I'm off to the chopping block, my first paper topic is due in an hour!

Later,
Jake

Its a B-E-A-utiful day in the neighborhood

2009-02-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

Hello all!
I am writing to you from my deathbed.....well...not really-but it feels like it. I can't tell if I have the stomach flu, or am just dehydrated from only drinking pop for the last month...it's a valid question. You know that slightly nauseous feeling that is usually accompanied by light-headedness and your neck being warm? Yeah, that pretty much describes the last 48 hours for me. It really stinks too, because being sick always gives me an excuse to put off my homework. Which I still don't have done.

Woe is me, woe is me...blah blah blah

Anyways, I'm also hosting a prospective student (I have a bottle of germex attached to my waist, don't worry) for Luther's first shadow day of the year. Its when first year students can elect to host a "prospy" for a day and have the student follow them around for a whole day. Mine is a fricken awesome piano player, so its almost intimating. Almost ;). He seems like a really cool kid though, so I think having him follow me around for a day wont be that bad.

ALSO: We're singing Franz Beibl's Ave Maria in Norsemen. If you haven't heard it,i-Tunes it RIGHT NOW. It is my favorite Ave Maria of all time. To top it off, I'm in the selected trio (aka 9 people) that has the second choir part. Its really really really cool. Unless you're not a music junkie...then it may only be sort of cool.

Oh boy, I totally just remembered that I have a Paideia paper to write by tomorrow at noon. Oops. I'm going to have to stop early this time.

Hope the college search it going great!

Later,
Jake

Order...ORDER: Spring Semester is now in session!

2009-02-08T22:15:00.000-08:00

Helllllllo~

It feels SO good to get back into the swing of a normal semester. Its not that I minded the stagnation of one class for an entire semester, but the ADHD part of my brain had a small party when it realized that it gets to perceive four classes a day again. I am currently taking the second semester of first year music theory: Music theory II. After that I get to run up one flight of stairs (in the same building) to my second class of the day, Art History. Some people asked me why I, as a music major am taking Art History. I've used the following explanations several times.

1. I'm utilizing the liberal arts curriculum here at Luther College and taking a class outside of my major field.

2. I really am interested in Art History.

3. Music is an art. Art History is about the history of art. Therefore I'll be learning about music...

4. I was bored and thought I'd take a history course...

All of the above, of course, are complete lies. Well, not complete lies as much as they are half truths. My main reason is that with a course with two names, you're bound to get two or more graduation requirements fulfilled. As selfish and arrogant as that may be, I will probably end up enjoying it.

After that, all I have left on Monday's, Wednesday's and Fridays are Paideia and Norsemen. I would write a funny story about them, but they're pretty much the same and I need to save my material.

I'm still involved in Jazz band, which rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays for an hour and a half. This semester we're working on this impossible song called The First Circle by Pat Metheny. My challenge to you: look it up and try and identify the meter...just try!

Well, my procrastinating personality is finally catching up with the realistic and responsible one. AKA I haven't started a paper that I have due tomorrow already. ACH!

Happy Trails!

Jake

Miss me?

2009-01-25T22:32:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

Sorry to leave you out of the loop for so long. I saw one of my fellow bloggers tonight and had a minor "freak-out" when I remembered that I should have written LONG before tonight.

But I digress.

I'm moving in to the final 3 days of J-term this week. To some extent, it feels weird that Luther is able to compress a semester worth of class into one month. However, in looking at all the work I've had to do this semester, I can believe it. I would never go back to my first class of this month, but I'm sure it would be less intense. We've read three books, or parts thereof, and written over 7 papers on them and related material. Luckily for me, I like to write. Maybe not that much, but I like to write. Tonight, I finished a project I was doing for the class on the Apocrypha. Wikipedia it, its pretty interesting stuff.

I didn't follow my resolution for this month: working out every day at Legends, the campus fitness center. I went once, and it was enough to convince me not to go back. Call me lazy, but until my metabolism gives out, I'm going to let it take care of me! I don't know if any of you feel intimidated about going to a gym, but it took a lot of effort to bring myself to go just because of that. Surprisingly though, there are certain hours you can go to the gym and be virtually the only person there. It's nice, especially if you have next to no idea what you're doing. I'm the type of guy that likes to have the facade of knowing everything about everything, but working out was and is definitely out of my area of expertise.

The other thing I found out from my experience was the fact that Luther College offers personal trainers for noobs like me. It's too bad I didn't find that out before I gave up, but I think it's pretty cool that we have the opportunity to work with someone to acclimate us to the idea of working out. Maybe next time.

That's all I've got for now, talk to you soon!

~Jake

J-Term: the Rise of the Dorians

2009-01-11T22:42:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

So I lied. I didn't post after finals like I said I would. Mostly, this was because there really wasn't as much to write about as I thought there would be, and also because I was DEAD. To recap, finals take a lot out of you, even if you only have 4 classes. When you combine the stress of passing the class, preparing for a huge test, and taking that test...its fairly exhausting.

And I'm late getting you a J-term update. What is this world coming to?!

So, as far as J-term goes, I was originally signed up for a class that I thought sounded interesting. Well, I really didn't think it was so much interesting sounding as was the fact that it satisfied not one, not two, but THREE graduation requirements. It was a triple whammy. I showed up 10 minutes early to class on Monday and was really excited to get started. Well, it took me about 15 minutes into the lecture to figure out why it was such a gold-mine of credits. It could have been the most painful two hours of my life. The material was easy. There were no problems with comprehending some of the ideas that the professor said. I took notes diligently, writing down everything the professor said and wrote, hoping to gather SOMETHING from the lecture. No such luck. In reviewing those notes after class, I found that there were exactly 3 things of any importance or relation to the class. The rest could have come up in a conversation over coffee! So, maybe I'm being harsh, but from that point I knew I did NOT want to spend the entire month of January restraining myself from repeatedly banging my head on the desk. Ok, I was harsh again, but now maybe you understand why I didn't name the class. *note to self...go back and check previous blogs to make sure name of course is not mentioned.*

Well, all was not lost. I spent the next 24 hours frantically trying to sign up for anything else. I would have taken anything, and luckily, a spot opened up in another class. It was an afternoon class, and I was so ready to get out of my previous course that I went to it on that same day. It was hard, but I may not have been around to write this if I hadn't switched.

Being as I absolutely love my new course, I feel it is safe to mention the names and social security numbers of the participants. Or at least the name of the course. It's called "The Grail Quest," and could be one of the most interesting courses that I have ever taken. Its an English course, and we have been doing A LOT of reading of medieval texts (for those English junkies out there, the Arthurian Romances). The way I understand it, we in the class are just trying to learn more about not only the legends surrounding the grail story, but also the history and culture of the time period. This is really cool for me, mostly because I'm a big Dan Brown fan, and I find anything about the grail myth, be it the Indiana Jones, Monty Python, or the DaVinci Code grail, fascinating.

Enough about my classes though, there's something bigger going on on campus this weekend. If you haven't heard of Luther's Dorian programs, I'm inclined to say that its too late for this year...? But don't quote me on that, check the website music.luther.edu for more info. They have camps and festivals for everything music, choir, band, and orchestra. This weekend is the Dorian Vocal Festival. There are about 1000 or so students that come to participate in an honor choir and solo contest. Depending on where you're from, 1000 may seem like a huge or tiny number. But on a campus of only about 2,500 students...a group of kids that size makes a HUGE difference. It's a great time for a ton of kids interested in Luther's music program to come up and find out what's in store in the vocal department. I know quite a few do scholarship auditions too.

I participated in it last year, and between the festival, people, and my overall experience, this weekend alone helped me figure out that Luther was the place to be...for....me. As a college student, I will say that having 1000 some kids running around campus isn't exactly a convenience, but it is kind of cool to know that a bunch of these seniors will be running around campus next fall. I wish they would do a study of how many people decide on Luther AND attend something Dorian.

*Moment for contemplation of retention rates of Dorian Festival*

ANYWAY, even if it was rocky in the beginning, this J-term's off to a great start, so we'll see what this next week brings!

Later!
Jake

(Interesting title regarding pre-finals here)

2008-12-14T21:40:00.000-08:00

Hello from Siberia!

Ok, so I'm not really in Siberia, its more Arctic than that. We're experiencing our first negative tempature days of the year up here at Luther, and let me tell you, it is not a fun walk from Olson (my residence hall), to the Union (source of life on campus), to the music building (center of all life on campus...sort of), and back. I kind of forgot that I'm still going to college in Iowa, and hats and gloves are pretty much winter prerequisites to living here. Note to self: beg parents for a parka and mucklucks.

So, I decided that the most effective use of my last two blogs (not that I can't write more) before Christmas break would be to fill everyone in on what exactly goes down during college final preparation here at Luther.

Disclaimer: I am not an average Luther college student.

Saturday (aka "reading day" [see below for explanation])
Sleep
Juries! (see explanation 2)
Subway
Juries!
Dinner
Facebook
Study
Study/Facebook
Study/Facebook
Facebook
Facebook
Facebook
Sleep

Sunday (aka cram everything before tomorrow day)
Sleep
McDonalds
Study
Study
coffee break
Study
Study/Facebook (not again....)
Study!
Dinner
Freeze my butt off
Study
Study/Facebook
Study/Facebook
Facebook
Shower
Facebook
Blog
Facebook
Sleep

Monday (finals for most everyone else....not for me-day!)

Now, reading that, you are probably wondering how in the world I got anything done with all that facebook time. Well, you're right, I didn't get a lot of things done while I was on facebook. Thats the problem with wireless internet, you just can't avoid your social networking sites. However, I did get a lot of studying done when I wasn't reading about who just tagged 16 of their friends in a note, or who has the angstiest status.

I have 4 finals. On Tuesday, I have my music theory, ear training, and developmental psychology finals. What a day, eh? And then on Wednesday, all the first year students have their Paideia final at the same time. I honestly think its scheduled that way so that there is a vibe of mutual suffering from all the first years ringing throughout the campus for a solid 2 hours. Honestly, the Paideia final is painless if you're prepared. At least thats what I think the Ghost of Christmas Future was trying to tell me last night.

So, as we draw to the end of this blog, as in classic "formal" writing form, I told you what I was going to tell you, then I told you , now I'm going to remind you what I told you. (If you've no idea about what that means, ask your English teacher.)

Basically, finals are only stressful if you let them stress you out. I feel that I, for once, was responsible about starting my studying before the night before my exams, and I think that that has significantly affected my view on finals. However, if you find yourself studying and tempted to check facebook every 10 minutes, I'll save you the trouble: Nothing happened.

Now, as promised, I will explain the two earlier mentioned "college terms."

Reading day isn't all that exciting. It's just basically the title that Luther gives to a specific day preceding the start of finals in which 24 hour "quiet" hours are enforced. This really helps a lot of students get motivated to start studying early because of lack of excessive noise in the dorms and around campus.

I can't remember if I already mentioned juries, but I'm too lazy to go back and check my previous blogs, so I'll explain it for the first time/again. You recieve credit-hours for taking any lessons during a semester. However, each class you get credit-hours for requires a grade, and juries are like a final exam for private lessons.

Ach!
I kind of covered a lot in this blog, so if any of you have questions about some of the things I mentioned (except for what I ate at McDonalds) I will be happy to answer them or direct you to someone who can. You can contact me through my e-mail:
watsja02@luther.edu

Well, I'm going to go catch some zzz's before another day of studying!

Wish me Luck!
Jake

Black Friday

2008-11-28T18:40:00.000-08:00

Happy National-Credit-Card-Debt-Exponentially-Increases-on-This-Day Day!

After 8 hours of shopping, I feel it is my solemn duty to update you on how my break is going. Actually, after 8 hours, I'm at another family thanksgiving BORED OUT OF MY MIND. So, I figured that I'd write an update and post it when I actually return to civilization from this middle of nowhere place in Western Iowa!

Regardless, I spent most of my hard earned work-study and accompaniment money today. Not smart choice # 1 of the day. Then, I proceeded to have not one, not two, but 3 Venti Caramel Macchiatos AND a Grande Mocha, which came at a close # 2 not smart choice. And, on a lighter note, my #3 was eating 12 pieces of pie...among other things. That binge is by no means reflectant of how the food at Luther is, but, nothing EVER beats a home cooked meal.

(Tangent)
If you don't appreciate them now, start appreciating them. Once you start up next year, its hello 2 meals a day of salad bar, potatoes and chicken. Ok, so that's an exaggeration, but if you get the chance ever, actually come up and eat in the Luther Caf. or any of the other fine dining services we have on campus. My personal favorite: Cream-Cheese Cinnamon Rolls from Sunnyside Cafe.

Anyways, the big thing I learned from break is that I was not near enough prepared to see all of my family. I don't mean emotionally, but mentally. I had, at minimum, 50 people ask how school was going, and I couldn't seem to break from the strict regiment of "Good, thanks" 's. Next year, stock up on any stories that you can share with your family. Whether it's the time you hit your head on the ceiling of your room, or the 210th time you hit your head on the ceiling, it doesn't matter. All they want to hear is something besides "Good, thanks."

You've been warned.

Well, I hope you all have a great remainder of whatever Thanksgiving Break is left for you.

Later!
Jake

Yes...I did fall off the earth

2008-11-24T16:39:00.000-08:00

Hello readers!

Thanksgiving break starts this Wednesday! Naturally, that means that already, 50% of campus has left. Thats one of the great things about having this "every-other day" schedule of classes. A lot of the time, you can swing it where you don't have any classes on Tuesdays or Thursdays. However, I was not so lucky. I have an 8:30 am class every Tuesday to Thursday. Woo hoo...

Apart from being stranded on campus here with a few upper classmen and the faculty, I'm doing great. I recently registered for my J-term and Spring classes. I'm pretty much taking all the same classes; Paideia, Music Theory, Ear Training, and my Ensembles. But I added a religion course. I'm not registered for this "Intro to the New Testament" class. I also changed my mind on my J-Term class. Instead of taking a 6 hour course that satisfied none of my graduation requirements, I'm taking a 2 hour course (average) that satisfies 3 of my graduation requirements. Its called "The Rise and Development of Black Nationalism." We'll see how it goes.

As far as now goes, all I can say is Christmas at Luther. I'm pretty sure that this upcoming event owns 99.9% of my life.

Actually, that would be untrue, the real percentage should be 100%.

We now have mandatory Sunday night rehearsals for 2 hours. Next Sunday when we get back from Break, we have a 6 hour rehersal. I. Love. Christmas. Sometimes.

Now that we're having these mass choir rehearsals though, I can hear what the music actually sounds like, so its "sort of" a motivation to keep working on my part in the music. I think that we get to practice with the full symphony on this coming Sunday. That should be pretty cool.

I also cashed my first check today, and it feels like a million dollars. You know when they say that college students are usually broke. Well...I was. And let me tell you, going 2 months without anything but your mooching abilities and dining dollars SUCKS. Either way, cashing that check (work study) was like a breath of financial freedom again. We'll see how long it lasts :)

Well, I hope all is going well for everyone!
Later
Jake

We've got trouble, folks, with a capital 'T' and that rhymes with 'P' and that stands for.....Student Academic Support Center

2008-11-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

Hola!

It"s been one cold week, and I still can't figure out how to work the heater in my dorm room. I figure by mid-January either my roommates and I will have it figured out or turn into little freshman ice-cubes. Speaking of January, it's registration time for all spring and J-term (1 class for 1 month=1 semester) classes. I was pretty excited, but then I looked at the list of all the possible first year classes for J-term. It was intense. I mean, they had everything from Chinese film studies to "The Big Question" philosophy courses. As of right now, I'm on one of the last days available to schedule classes. At first I was upset about it, but then I realized that it would give me more time to think about what I actually wanted to take for the entire month of January.

But, back to why a capital T rhymes with P and stands for SASC. First and foremost, SASC stands for the Student Academic Support Center ( I think....). It is a entity of Luther College that helps students with anything academic: from study techniques to getting back on their feet after failing a test. I decided to turn myself in last week and finally break down and get an appointment with one of the counselors. I am a horrible studier. I always have been and hope to change that soon. In high school, I unfortunately found it very easy to not study and still get by. I've found that that is next to impossible, especially with upper level courses, here. I also have found that I find it very easy to spread myself thin because I am so busy. In SASC, they also help with time management. Mary, my counselor, and I worked though the schedule that I have on my computer and talked about ways that I can try to study, different things to try, and times to do them. It's only been three days, but I can already see improvement in the quality of what I do. It's odd that I needed someone to tell me how and what to do....but it seems to be working out so I won't complain at all.

Today I had the opportunity to play in a masterclass with some other Luther pianists for a phenomenal concert pianist, James Tocco. Skeptical? Check You-Tube. Lordy, can that man play. I heard that after his recital, our in-resident piano tuner, Conrad, said that he'd have to touch up the piano after that performance. I've done a few masterclasses back in my former piano studio, but we each had 30 minute time slots, and I actually took quite a bit from him in the small time. That's another great thing about music at Luther. We have recitals all the time, but we also have frequent guest musicians. It's really cool to see what is possible in the professional realm of music performance.

So, I guess not all of that had to do with any sort of trouble, or pool....but I had the music man stuck in my head today. I hope the college search is going well!

Later
Jake

Holy Music Competition Batman

2008-11-02T19:16:00.000-08:00

Hello again!
I'm writing to you coming out of what could be the two most stressful days of the fall for vocal music majors and their accompanists. I like to call it "the purgatory of contests," but you'll probably hear everyone else refer to it as NATS. NATS, or the National Association of Teachers of Singing, hosts an annual "audition" in which college and high school singers have the opportunity to sing for two or three accomplished music educators for comments and possibility of cash prizes. This year, I went to sing in the Freshmen Men's division and also accompany several of my regular vocalists. All in all, I took part in 7 auditions...when the average is 1.

Now you're wondering "what does this have to do with me?"

Never EVER overbook in college...especially in your first year. As an accompanist, singer, or instrumentalist, a lot of preparation goes into any performance opportunity. Multiply that by any number and you have a lot more preparation. I think 7 "portions" of preparation was too much, and I had more stress than Monk (USA). You get the idea.

There are 3 rounds, and two of my people made it all the way to the finals, which take place the next day in a four hour recital. Luther brought more than 50% of the people participating (that's a guesstimate), and took home at least 50% of the top 3 rankings. That's pretty good considering that most all of Iowa's colleges participate in this competition.

So, this has been yet another short addition to my Luther life blog....but now that NATS is over I can go on living life, and experiencing even more to tell you about soon!

Later
Jake

Fall Break....WHAT?

2008-10-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody!

I'd like to start by reminding all readers how wonderful of a school Luther College is. Where else do you get a week-long Fall break? Now, thats not to say that I'm not enjoying my college experience, but who doesn't appreciate a chance in mid-October to go home, stay in the dorms with no classes, or in my case, take a trip. Its such a freeing experience when you're able to suggest to a couple of friends that you should go on a trip to Chicago. I don't know how many other people out there experienced this in high school and younger, but all of my big vacation-like trips involved my family. Its quite a different feeling to be much more independent and decisive about what you want to do and where you want to go.

After break, I was back at school for a total of one and a half days, because now I'm at home for my brother's confirmation. Before, I've said it's weird to be home. I'd like to rephrase that. It's weird NOT to be at Luther. I miss all of my friends, staying up late, and having a Nutty Irishman at Marty's, among other things.

As far as school goes, I experienced something new this past week (before break). First, here's some background information. When I would imagine what it would be like in college (before I decided on Luther), I would always think of classes being large lectures where the professor didn't know you, or care if you took the time to study or even come to class. Even though it isn't the “large lecture” setting at Luther, I still figured the professors could care less if I came to class or studied. After all, I'm paying tuition. Now, my grades are fine, but I missed my Paideia class 4 times because I was either sick, sick, sick, or sick. A few days later, I get an e-mail from my Paideia professor, my advisor, and the SASC office. (SASC is the Student Academic Support Center...I think). The two e-mails from my advisor and professor were full of concern, and asked if I needed to talk about anything. When you get an e-mail from SASC, it is usually because a professor forwards your name to them, so then I figured my professor was double concerned. It was kind of an awakening of sorts, because those events totally shifted my views of the compassion of professors at small (or perhaps any) colleges.

I hope the college search is going well for everyone. If you are still undecided, I found a great resource that helped me make my choice. Hope it helps you as well !

collegesearch.collegeboard.com

Later!
Jake

Norsemen...at Luther....really?

2008-10-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

This past week the Norsemen began working on our Christmas at Luther music. I never thought I'd say that it's too early for Christmas music, but I'm going to. It's too early for Christmas music. I'm a firm believer in waiting to bring out the Christmas cheer until after Thanksgiving. Wait for the big sales, that's my motto. Granted, my motto in no way seems to reflect Luther College's view on when Christmas starts: October first. That aside, the music itself is pretty cool. We're singing some pretty traditional pieces, but they are really cool arrangements. I also think most of the guys in choir with me share my sentiment on when the Christmas music needs to be pulled out.
Now, with the way Christmas at Luther works, I understand the necessity of preparing. Our first concert is Dec. 4th, and that's a little over a month from now. All of the choirs (7 of them), bands, and orchestras take part in this gargantuan event. This year, it's going to be nationally televised, so you can imagine the excitement...or stress levels that are already floating around with the professors and students.
I think there is a visit day that's in direct relation to Christmas at Luther. If any of you are interested in coming, its a PERFECT opportunity to get some free tickets for you and your family. When you come, you not only get to see the concert, but you also get to audition for any music scholarships that you are thinking about and get to see Luther at its busiest.

Later!
Jake

Home again, Home again...or however it goes

2008-09-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
I can't believe it has already been almost a month since I've moved in. As a matter of fact, it has been a month exactly! As kind of a weird anniversary of that occasion, I went home this weekend. It was honestly a weird feeling. I mean, I missed my family a lot, but it was almost like my body had adapted to Luther being my "home." I can't exactly describe what I was feeling, except that it was similar to a "oh yes...." feeling. It was weird to see my puppies (5 and 10 year old dogs) again, weird to see the cows, and pretty much the same for all the other parts of the farm. Now, I would like to reiterate again, it wasn't a bad weird, it was a different feeling than what I expected. So, I spent some time with the family, went out to Hu Hot (an amazing mongolian grill chain in Iowa), and sang at a wedding. It made for a pretty random weekend, but towards the end I was slightly tempted not to come back to Luther (only about one percent....and that was only because my mom made pancakes before I left.)

I do think that while it was good to see my family, I don't think I could handle more than the once or twice a month seeing them, because then it would be really hard for me to come back to school. I've already kind of planned out my next visits home, so that shouldn't be a problem.

OTHER than that, the past week has been fairly uneventful, I got horribly sick and really didn't do much for the entire week. I'm still getting over it, but I think I may have gotten my two roommates sick...so sorry guys!

Well, I have to go practice some before my seminar!

Later,
Jake

Family Weekend

2008-09-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hello....again! It's been a trying week, I went from having minimal amounts of homework to having two papers to write, 300 pages to read, and five pages of my theory homework to do. Talk about passive aggressive assignment...ing! But that's what I originally expected from college, so I think I'll adjust just fine to the work load, just not this weekend.

I can mostly attribute my lack of motivation due to the fact that this weekend was “Family Weekend” here at Luther. This basically means that 99% of the students here had their parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles...and second cousins. Anyway, I was part of that 99%. A lot of people's families come up on Friday night for some events the college has then, but most people come up Saturday for the football game and choir and band concert, like my mom and brother. I hadn't seen my brother since I moved in a month ago, and he grew about another inch (he's now a 6'4'' [ish] 15 year old). It was fun to show them around campus and share everything I had taken in over the last month in about 2 hours.

Later in the day, I had my first Norsemen concert, along with Aurora, Cathedral, Cantorei, and Collegiate choirs, and the Varsity and Wind and Percussion bands. Looking at that list, it looks like it would make a long concert, but it was only about an hour and 15 min. Shortly after the concert, I had to make the short jog from the CFL (Center for Faith and Life), to the cafeteria in the Dahl Centennial Union for the Jazz band concert. It was a “soda shoppe” event hosted by the SAC (Student Activities Committee), which basically means people ate ice cream and listened to... slash danced to... the music of the Jazz Band and Jazz Orchestra (Jazz II and I respectively). As boring as my day sounded, I really enjoyed spending time with a portion of my family again. I was a classic case of not missing them until I was gone. Well, that's all I have for this week!
Later!
Jake

One week down...

2008-09-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

Now with the first "official" week of classes under my belt, I think I'm finally settling into a groove. it didn't take me long to realize that 18 credit hours makes for, well, four too many credit hours. For those of you who don't know, Luther bases it's course credit on "credit hours." From what I understand, the title really doesn't change the fact that they just add up to the amount you need to graduate. Speaking of which, I'm not sure off the top of my head how many you do need, so I'll get back to you guys on that. Each class on average is about 4, and some are 0, and some are more...I think. But anyways, 18 credit hours is a lot, most people max out at 16, and with all the things I'm doing, I doubt I could even handle that.

So, now I'm down to my theory and ear training classes, my sophomore psychology class, and of course, Paideia (which isn't as bad as you hear about ;). I also recently made the Jazz Band (in essence, Jazz Two) on piano. We rehearse every Tuesday and Thursday for an hour and a half. I'm also in Norsemen, the freshman men's chorus. Its a pretty sweet experience, I've never been in a strictly TTBB (Tenor 1 Tenor 2 Bass 1 Bass 2) choir, and I've got to admit, it's awesome! On top of those, I'm also taking private Voice and Piano lessons. Because of that, I accompany for 8 other music major's lessons, and accompany my voice studio's seminar once every week. Oh, and I also tutor down at the elementary schools every Tuesday and Thursday.

Honestly, I haven't had much homework yet. Apart from the frequent worksheets from my music classes, I know I haven't hit the "motherload" of college work yet. Luckily, I'm pretty interested in all of the classes I'm taking. More than likely, my next post will find me SWAMPED in homework. Wait for it.

Apart from the busy schedule, I still am having a phenomenal (word of the day) time here on campus. I may or may not be eating too much at the cafeteria. I may or may not be studying as much as I should. But I certainly am getting a LOT out of my experience thus far.

Later!
Jake

First Things First

2008-09-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

Hey! I'm Jake, and if you didn't read my info, I'm a music and psychology major at Luther, and enjoy candlelight, coffee, and poetry readings. I'm originally from Cedar Falls, Iowa, which is a whopping hour and a half away. However, I've never gone to school in Cedar Falls, but instead up the road to a smaller town of Waverly. But, that's just some boring education background stuff.

I came to Luther for several reasons, the top two being their impressive music program and the financial aid I received. All in all, I applied to 15 different schools: private, out of state, state schools, and big universities. Regardless of where I got accepted, I wasn't ever treated the same as I was when I visited and applied to Luther College. And wherever you visit and go, you'll find that every campus has a different attitude - Luther's just happens to be nice. But I digress, I came to Luther because I liked it, and when you visit, you'll probably find some things you like too.

Anyway, enough about me, I want to tell all of you what an AMAZING experience I had moving in. So, I spent most of the last few weeks of summer actually preparing to move in. I was even able to move in one day early on Friday the 29th. When we got into Decorah, I just got this overwhelming feeling, and I actually missed my parents...who were still in the car with me. One good thing about living in Olson is the fact that there is a parking lot right behind the building. You don't get that anywhere else as a freshman! We pulled up to the door, and brought my 14 boxes, mattress pad, futon, rug, fridge, and everything else in in about 5 minutes. I figured if college doesn't work out for me, I definitely have a career in moving. However, it took us about 4 hours to arrange the three lofts into the best arrangement on my floor. So, when I finally got everything moved in, arranged, and unpacked, I sent my parents home. It was a weird feeling, but I felt that I had just jumped the first and biggest hurdle of college: being ok with not being at home. The next few days were spent going to meetings, meeting people, and just spending time in my AIR CONDITIONED dorm room being cool...literally.

Now I have the first few classes under my belt, and feel ready to conquer the world. Which would be interesting to see, I may add...but that's for another day.

Hope this finds you well.

Later!
Jake