A Musical Wonderland

Amazing Music

2007-09-29T12:21:00.001-04:00

It's been awhile, so how bout an update? I have been in Hartford for a little over a month now. I am loving all the new experiences and looking forward to meeting more people and going new places. It is also great to be close to family that I haven't seen a lot since I moved to North Carolina.

I am currently playing with the Hartt Symphony Orchestra, in which we are playing Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 3, Haydn Symphony No. 83, and Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1. I am fortunate to play in two of these pieces, and principal horn on the Rachmaninoff. It is such a blessing to be around such talented musicians. I feel that Hartt is really going to push me to work towards my ultimate goals. Our first concert is this coming up Friday night at 7:30. If you are in the area, you should come see it!

I am also playing in Wind Ensemble, Contemporary Players, Woodwind Quintet, and Horn Quartet. My woodwind quintet has some really great ideas and I hope we can start gigging in the area.

I hope everyone is doing great! I miss everyone from back home and think about you guys often.

Hartford Update

2007-08-31T18:59:00.000-04:00

Hi all!

Thought I would give you all an update since I moved to Hartford. I got here last Sunday night and moved into my townhouse on Monday. It has been a hectic week of moving stuff in and placement exams. I am glad to see the weekend! I have met lots of nice new people at the Hartt School and I am even hoping to start a new woodwind quintet soon.

After orientation today I drove down to NY for a horn lesson with one of my new teachers. It was a great lesson, very refreshing to get some new guidance. Auditions are on Tuesday. I'm hoping they go well. I hope everyone has had a good start to their semester, or good luck on the start of your semester!

Have a great labor day weekend! Be safe!

Who Knows Where The Time Goes

2007-08-24T22:25:00.000-04:00

As Eva Cassidy put it, who knows where the time goes? I'm already moving and it feels like I haven't been home very long since I moved out of Boone. But then again it seems like awhile. I can tell so much has already changed, but definitely has changed for the better.

As I sit here and listen to Variations on a Korean Folk Song (yes, I know I am a band dork), I think it really hasn't been that long since high school, and graduation. It hasn't been that long since I moved into Bowie dorm at ASU, and first met some awesome friends. There have been a lot of firsts, but it is time to make some new firsts.

I am looking forward to playing with a new group of musicians, studying with different teachers, meeting my new roomates and friends, and most importantly traveling and exploring unknown areas.

You all have a place to stay if you come visit Hartford or even NYC or Boston. Stay in touch!

~Sam

End of an era

2007-08-19T22:02:00.000-04:00

GOODBYE TO THE MOUNTAINS! This past weekend I visited all my friends that are still in Boone, where I went to ASU. It felt like nothing, yet everything changed about the dynamic of Boone, and I had only been gone a few weeks. I had a lot of fun catching up with some of my Boone favorites, yet I realize it is time to start a new chapter. It was also very sad that some of my close friends were not in Boone this weekend, as they are off to bigger and better places. MISS YOU GUYS! I start the journey up the east coast next Saturday, making a stop over in Washington, DC and then straight onto Hartford. Maybe Richard and Emily Gilmore will welcome me for a friday night dinner (sorry Gilmore Girls reference, couldn't resist). I had a lot of time to myself this weekend, something I haven't had in awhile. One of my favorite parts of the weekend was when I went to the Valle Crucis park and sat and read. I can't remember the last time I did that. Lila and I also hiked up Rough Ridge. I was glad to see the mountains (literally) one last time before I move. Wishing everyone luck as they start their new journeys.

Samantha Says

2007-08-15T14:47:00.000-04:00

This week: Memoirs of a Geisha and Donovan's Greatest Hits

Hi all! I just got back from the beach and will be in North Carolina for about two more weeks. Hope everyone is enjoying the end of the summer!

Movie: Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
Based off the book by Arthur Golden
Genre: Drama

"A story of forbidden love"

On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the best)...
Storyline/Screenplay: 3.5, A truly touching, and inspiring story of a geisha, Japanese "artist," and how she survives pre and post World War II. This movie adaptation of the book, however, is often slow-moving, hard-to-understand, and boring. The first time I watched this movie I fell asleep, and the second time I had to watch it in three viewings. The book is currently on my must reads, as I have heard it is much better than the movie (no surprises!).

Acting Ability: 4, These actors did a fairly good job becoming their characters. At times, I felt these characters lacked emotion. Thumbs up to female lead Chiyo/Sayuri played by Ziyi Zhang. She had the toughest role, dealing with the separation from her sister, forbidden love, and the difficulties of being a geisha.

Soundtrack/Visuals: 5, This movie was beautifully done and truly captured the essence of Japan (*won oscars for Art Direction, Cinematography and Costume Design). John Williams also took an Oscar for best musical score all 2006.

Overall: 4, This movie would have been perfect had the acting and storyline/screenplay stepped up a notch.

Artist: Donovan
Album: Donovan's Greatest Hits
Genre: Folk/Oldies

"A simple song never grows old"

Singing ability: 4, although some may disagree with me, Donovan's raspy voice represents the true folk voice, along with Bob Dylan. This singing is nothing fancy, but it tells a story :)

Musicality: 5, Donovan wrote his own music and played guitar, enough to please this reviewer. As stated, his songs aren't complex, but nowadays musicians are trying to "one up" each other and are forgetting the power of a simple folk song. Some tracks also include strings and flute, as in "Lalena"

Originality: 4, One might argue that a lot of Donovan's songs sound the same. One must sacrifice musical originality as a folk singer. He or she is telling the story, through music. Donovan's lyrics are original to each
song, as the music provides the same mellow groove or strum of guitar.

Overall: 4.75, Donovan is no Bob Dylan, but he can sure write a beautiful ballad.

Sounds like: Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Simon & Garfunkel

Favorite Tracks: "Catch the Wind," "Colours," "To Susan On The West Coast Waiting," and "Sunshine Superman"

Samantha Says

2007-08-08T13:20:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my new column, "Samantha Says," including music, book, and movie reviews. Enjoy! Feel free to post your own opinions on the items I review.

Have a great day :)

Samantha

Artist: Rachael Yamagata
Album: Happenstance
Genre: Pop/Acoustic/Eclectic

"A must for any acoustic and/or folk music lover"

On a Scale of 1 to 5...
Singing Ability: 4, voice is a little light and airy, but can carry a tune
Musicality: 5, use of piano, guitar, and cello in a delicate, yet creative manner, unique harmonies. (I always commend singers that can sing and play their own instruments), very soulful ballads
Originality: 4.5, most songs use different harmonies and melodies, a few songs contain the same harmonic structure, a real eclectic blend of sounds with folk and jazz influences
Overall: 4.5, the melodies are catchy, the music is innovative and entertaining, this album has something for everyone

Sounds like: Fiona Apple, Natalie Merchant, Sarah McLaughlin, Norah Jones

Favorite Tracks: "Be Be Your Love," "Reasons Why," "Moments with Oliver," and "Meet Me By The Water"

Artist: The Beatles
Album: Abbey Road
Genre: Rock/Pop/Oldies

"Abbey Road makes us remember why we love The Beatles and music in general"

Singing Ability: 5, The Beatles have proved their ability to harmonize and sing solo for decades. Is there any question? Prepare to sing along!
Musicality: 5, "Abbey Road" contains the "late Beatles" sounds of folk, rock, funk, blues, and jazz, there is even a hint of Jimi Hendrix-influenced guitar solos, Ringo Starr is the backbone for this album. From the grooves in "Come Together," sensitive side of "Here Comes The Sun," and the absurd in "Octupus's Garden," this album is a staple in time. Tourists do not take photos along Abbey Road for no reason!
Originality: 5, see above, aside from "White Album," this record defines variety and steers away from the early "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" and "Twist and Shout"
Overall: 5, my favorite Beatles album

Sounds like: The late Beatles, with a hint of Hendrix

Favorite Tracks: "Here Comes the Sun," "Carry That Weight," and "Because," however this is one of the few albums in which every song is amazing and original.

Catch The Wind

2007-08-05T21:56:00.000-04:00

Things that I learned this weekend:

1) I am amazing at Wii baseball, and would like to invest in a system. Anyone want to buy me one?

2) The bars in Downtown Greensboro make me feel old, hehe, or maybe young, cuz I was probably the youngest one there.

3) I never get tired of watching the Gilmore Girls, as I'm sure anyone who has ever hung out with me knows (currently watching Season One).

4) August in Greensboro and Raleigh is very HOT.

5) I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry is funny, but not Adam Sandler's best. It actually made me want to watch 50 First Dates (similar cast).

6) ANYONE can hang out in Barnes and Noble for hours.

7) I am convinced that I was a hippie in the 1960's in another life. After watching all of Season One of the late TV show American Dreams, which takes place in the mid-1960's, I realized that I was a flower child and was longing to sit on American Bandstand and listen to Donovan in a small cafe in a record store.

Last but not least:
8) Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold. Now sing it in a round!

You'll Be Mine :)

2007-08-02T21:05:00.000-04:00

Dear Guys,

If you can play this song and sing it on the guitar, you'll be mine.

Samantha

2007-08-01T23:49:00.001-04:00

Here is the non-live version:

Pretend I Was Queen

2007-08-01T23:43:00.000-04:00

Check out Rachael Yamagata if you like mellow music. This is currently my favorite song. If you are wondering where you heard this song before, it was in the movie Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Click and enjoy!

LAUGH!

2007-07-31T21:37:00.000-04:00

Good Cop, Baby Cop

On Top of the World

2007-07-31T21:30:00.000-04:00

On my last day in Boone, I couldn't decide what I wanted to do to mark the significance. Jessica, Lila, and I, as many of you know as the original trio from freshman year at ASU, decided to go to Howard's Knob. Although it was an overcast day, it felt nostalgic to see four years pass as I looked down at the campus. It was nice to go back one last time :)

An Ode to the Past

2007-07-29T10:52:00.000-04:00

Dear Past,

You are in the past, and not in the present or the future. You are not worth thinking about. It is time to move on.

Sincerely,

Your loving fan Samantha K

But, here are some fun pictures from the past :)

LAUGH!

2007-07-27T23:58:00.001-04:00

So Long, Farewell

2007-07-27T22:06:00.000-04:00

After a long, LONG day of packing and cleaning, I am officially moved out of my apartment. I never knew I could clean so well! It feels good to be home for now. I'll have a nice long break before the move to Hartford. Goodbyes are so permanent, so I felt I said none. Farewell for now, and we shall see each other soon!!

Last night in Boone

2007-07-26T21:40:00.000-04:00

Tonight is my last night in Boone. Redundant, my best work hehe. I have looked back at these four years and feel like a completely different person. Going from 18 to 22 is quite a timespan. In college, I have made many lasting relationships with people like and unlike myself. I have traveled the world, to Ireland, Austria, and the Czech Republic. I have loved and have grown as a musician. Even as I let the "bastards get me down," I continued to pick myself up and have developed in a beautiful person inside and out. I can say that I am truly happy where I am at this moment and look forward to many more special moments.

Last semester I had the privilege to teach music to young children all the way to middle schoolers. I student taught at two K-8 schools close to my college. Although this experience was quite stressful and exhausting, it made me an adult. It made me able to communicate with all ages. Even though I will not be teaching general music in the fall, I feel truly blessed for this life-altering adventure.

I will be leaving North Carolina at the end of August. As I dug deep into the world of elementary general music and musical rehearsals last semester, I also made three important trips. In February and March, I took auditions at several Graduate Schools. I was fortunate enough to receive admittance in Hartford and will be attending Graduate School there starting in September. I hope to grow as a horn player and a musician.

I am nervous to be moving to a completely unknown area, but feel at this time very ready to start a new chapter in my life. There are always the memories to keep and new memories to be made :)

To my friends at ASU: You all have supported me, comforted me, made me laugh, cry, and everything in between. I love you all, and will miss you very much.

To my family: The love and support is endless and even though we will be hundreds of miles apart, I know you will be right around the corner!

To my fellow musicians: Do what you love and love what you do. I know it is cliche, but I have come across some very talented musicians at ASU, in Greensboro, and wherever my life takes me. Stay in this beautiful art form in whatever way you can :)

As the best band in creation has said:

There are places I'll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all