Stranger Things

So lately I have been drowning in Stranger Things 2 commercials. AS I had never watched the original Netflix show, I decided I would watch it with my boyfriend. The first thing I noticed was the music. I couldn't help but bob my head the theme music. I found that I love the synth music created for the entire series. It really captured the mystery throughout the series. Kyle Dixon, the composer, created about thirty-six different songs for the series.
The show is set in the early 80's, in a small town in Indiana. It involves a research lab and its experiments getting loose. In the meantime, kids are starting to disappear. The music put in with this show really shows the intensity of each scene and sucks the view's attention in.
My personal favorite song is Eleven's lullaby. here is a link. My next favorite is Kids. I honestly love the synth style it has. It just makes the music seem set in the 80s again, yet futuristic at the same time. its out of this world, just like the show.

I scream, You scream, We all scream for....Neapolitan Chords?

Recently, in my theory class, we've been discussing borrowed chords, mode mixtures, and Neapolitan chords.
Now, at the beginning, learning all of these is confusing, much like the rest of theory class. I've learned that I am able to understand the concepts of each subject, however applying them to analysis papers or even composing is a struggle. If I can't learn the way I've been trying and fail at, I try any way possible to be able to grasp it. So far, I've switched up my study strategies more than four times this semester. I then realized from my Psychology classes that memories are best formed and remembered when an emotion is felt with them.
I finally got my "AHA!" moment after learning this, so I thought "What if I make Theory fun?" I've thought of many ways to try and make theory fun, from reward systems to relatable concepts, such as "Neapolitan Chords...like Neapolitan Ice cream!"

This is the idea that started this exciting idea:
What if my theory class had an ice cream party when learning this new subject?
I mean, if you think about it, it serves as a reward system AND gives each student of "you remember that time when..." moment they can refer back to. I remember this idea was an instant click at the beginning of school, when we were going over the class syllabus. I even remembering blurting out, without thinking, "Can we have ice cream when we learn this?" My professor laughed and replied "Maybe", probably thinking I wasn't serious.
I put more thought into that suggestion and the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. At the time, it really depended if Blue Bell would be back on the shelves by then. Well guess what? It is.
As time went by and Neapolitan chords came closer, I still hoped we would have that Ice cream party. I re-suggested it in class the other day, making my points about Blue Bell being back on the shelf, and explaining that memories are remembered best if excitement is involved. My professor looked at me with a contemplating look, and seconds of no response seemed like minutes, building up to, "Sure, why not?" Whether or not the class really cheered, I'm not sure, but I know in my head it did. I was so happy at that moment, I was actually able to enjoy myself learning during theory class. (I mean..not that I don't usually do...).

I can now tell you that Neapolitan Chords are built on a half-step above tonic, also known as a flat- 2, and they will almost always be built on a four chord, since they are pre-dominant. They have two tendency tones, and the flat-2 should be used in the soprano line, because it is easier to resolve down by a diminished third. The only note you should double is the bass, and the chord will always resolve to a dominant chord,such as V.

Soundtrack To My Life.

Lately, I've been really listening to soundtrack music from movies, animes, video games, you name it.  I'm not really sure why I've gotten into them lately, but I have a few theories.
My first theory is mainly set on the topic of Halloween. Now, during the Halloween season, music is very limited. You mainly hear Micheal Jackson's Thriller, or a CD with thunder, witch cackling, and angry cat yowling. I however, associate a more realistic view of Halloween music, such as those in Tim Burton films. In collaboration with most of Tim Burton's films is Danny Elfman. Danny Elfman is now a well-known film soundtrack director. What caught my attention towards his music, is the Corpse Bride's soundtrack. The ability to create a light, melancholic yet sweet tune, really captured my attention. I enjoyed the way he used it throughout each song in the film. The theme song made me create a station on iTunes's radio, bringing forth more content such as music from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and Batman Begins, to other well-known film soundtrack directors.
 Another theory of mine centers around my roommate, because that is what roommates are for, right?
She, too, has been delving into film soundtracks. One time while driving she turned her stereo system on, which was in the middle of an instrumental piece, and looked over to me, asking, "Do you know what this is?" After a few hints such as "Is this a film sound track?" and "Is it something I've seen?" I strained my ear and picked my memory of the haughty tune. "Is this a song in the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack?" Bingo.
We went on to discuss our preferences of different styles of Hans Zimmer, the composer of the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack, and countless other film scores. During our conversation, an idea suddenly hit me. We could become as great as these composers.
Just think about it! Each well-known film soundtrack composer went through Music Theory, Aural Skills, and other music classes we are taking. These are just the basics of every well developed musician. In college, it is easy to lose sight of where you want to go, seeing a failed assignment here, and a poor grade there. I've talked to many other students who agree. It is helpful to take a step back and look at those who inspired you to do what you love. Thinking about this, and listening to the powerful theme of He's a Pirate the time, made me feel excited, driven even, a feeling I had lost throughout the course of school year. Losing a passion for something you love and want to do, even momentarily, feels awful. You ask God for a sign and question yourself about why you even want to continue in the course you're going. As a double major, this rings true. I've caught myself wondering which path I enjoy more; looking back, I see myself enjoying both. I can really thank Hans Zimmer for being my sign, and inspire me once again.
So why am I listening to so many soundtracks? I believe it is the aspiring musician in me coming through. I have so much respect for each song I listen to, and I can't wait to have that same respect towards the music I produce or perform.

The sound of the Divine

Worship is defined as a praise to God, whether it be deep prayer, singing, writing, or reading the bible. What about the things that aren't so known for use of worship? Like, meditation, perhaps?

Yes, meditation. For centuries meditation has been used to get in touch with one's spiritual self; and whilst doing so, we would use chants, music and singing bowls.

In meditation, it is not uncommon to hear a drone, specifically set to a certain frequency. These specific drones are called Solfeggio Frequencies.
Solfeggio Frequencies are based on the original diatonic scale which Monks used to sing, in order to get closer to God. Each solfege had a certain frequency:

Ut-396Hz

Re- 417 Hz

Mi-528 Hz

Fa-639 Hz

Sol-741 Hz

La-852 Hz

It was thought that each frequencies had healing properties, so, the drone would be set while people meditated; it is still thought so today. However, today we now know that each frequency has an effect on our brainwaves (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Gamma waves) giving some truth to the fact that each frequency does change our body. 

There are specific frequencies used during meditation, in order to get in touch with our spirit. Each frequency has its own mantra ( Lam, Vam, Ram, Yam, Ham, Om, and Mm).
The most widely known mantra to focus on, is the Om.

Set at 136.10 Hz, the Om is set into four parts: ah/ oh/ mmm/ silence.
The Om has several meanings, such as the sound of all sounds, sound of the universe, sound of creation, and the beginning of life. The result is meant to dispel negative energy, promote a feeling of total peace, release spiritual vibrations, and fill the entire self with a luminous energy.
Each frequency can make a tonoscope pattern, for example, this is what 136.10Hz looks like:

I'm personally not one for organized religion, and don't go to church often, instead during that time, I meditate. I can personally say that when I meditate and listen to Solfeggio Frequencies, it helps me focus and get "in the zone". Once you get in touch with your spirit, you feel love for everything else, and in tune with other gifts from God. I am still new at meditating on a regular basis, but I find that when I do, I feel happier, and more spiritual. After I meditate, I feel more relaxed and refreshed than I was before. It is an amazing stress reliever.

For those interested in what each frequency looks like with tonoscopes, click here
For those curious what Solfeggio Frequencies sound like,here is an example, although they do vary and work best with headphones in.

A sky full of harmony.

Before I started theory, I remember listening to the radio and trying to harmonize with the songs, only to find myself failing...horribly.
Now, I can't listen to a song and not analyze it through and through. It is a blessing and a curse.

Theory has actually helped me in other situations outside of the classroom...well, outside of the theory classroom that is. All I can say are a few words, and most musicians can relate: Aural skills and Dictations.

Before my "vast" knowledge of music theory, I struggled with dictation so much, I'd give myself headaches (I still struggle, but not as bad). Not until I learned a wonderful thing called the Chord Progression Chart. Once I learned which chords go to where, doing dictation homework became easier, almost to the point where I was able to predict which chord came next before the chord was even played.

Now, back to the radio. As I said before, I always failed trying to harmonize with whatever song was on, sounding similar to a tone deaf toad. Not pretty. I know it was just a third above what ever notes were being sung, I just couldn't find the notes. After theory, I was not only able to find the third, but also a perfect fifth, and all other notes that sound great with it. I've noticed that now, I am starting to pick up harmonization quickly, and my favorite song to harmonize to is Coldplay's "Sky full of Stars."

So, as much as I complain about music theory, (wait, I don't do that...pshhhh) I do find it helpful when I run into those situations. When I do, I feel the same satisfaction as when I use the math I learned in high school that, "I will never need to know in my life." So, Thanks, Dr. Albrecht. And as I bid you readers ado, I must go forth and use my theory skills with a transcription assignment.
Au revoir!

P.S. Here is the video to Coldplay's Sky Full of Stars.

Back-to-back: The Met

Due to a very generous donation to the UMHB Opera/Musical Theater class, we were able to watch two live streamed performances from the Metropolitan Opera.

I have NEVER seen a big-time opera before (just ones from a community opera, like The Lady with the Straw Hat), let alone one from the Met. Don't ask why, because I'm not really sure myself.

But, I was able to view the well-rehearsed Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Let me tell you, I am ASTONISHED!

I am so impressed at the singers' performances. The tenor, Marcelo Alverez, had so much stamina that he was able to last TWO operas, one after the other. Not only did he have the stamina for two operas, but enough stamina to perform in a lead role for both!

By the end of Pagliacci, his voice didn't even waver from exhaustion.

When I started watching Cavalleria Rusticana I wasn't sure what exactly was going on.  In the beginning, Santuzza (Eva Maria Westbroek) is sitting in a chair off stage while people are sitting in a square on stage. I'm not sure if she is sitting off stage because she is shunned for being an outcast, or if it is a memory of hers.

But during the Opera, I really did not like the character of Turiddu, Santuzza's boyfriend/fiancé. In the story, he commits adultery while she begs for him to come back to her. While I understand that she loves him, she just needs to let him go. Usually in Operas, the sopranos always wins the man, when up against a mezzo.  While this is shining true in this story, Turiddu pushes her away, which by the fifth time he says to leave him, she should've just dropped him like a hot skillet. Yes, it will hurt, but that's the smart thing to do (In both situations)! In the end, though, after telling his mother what trouble he had started in a bar, he redeemed himself, showing that he still cared for Santuzza. But, even after showing that, I still believe he received his justice.

In Pagliacci, I LOVED the humor in it! It is about Canio and his wife Nedda (Patricia Racette), preforming shows like a circus would. If I ever performed in an opera, I would love to be in this one! Nedda's role looked like it would be a blast! Although Operas are usually something you would imagine as serious and visualize someone who is high-end and uppity to go to, this one really challenges the singing style of Opera, but performances like it would be a theater piece. Basically, it has so much satire in it, you forget you are watching an Opera.

I cannot wait for the Met's next season of shows. I truly hope I have the chance to see some more talent from such professional levels.

Here is a synopsis posted by the Met of what Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci is about:

Synopsis

and here is the Metropolitan Opera's 2015-2016 season:

Season '15-'16

Amadeus

Last month was the busiest month I have had so far.
Production week. All I have to say around the music depart is those two words and you see grimaces, hear frightened gasps, and feel empathy seeping from everywhere. It sounds horrible, but the real reason is because everyone knows the lack of sleep, lack of free time, and worse, lack of homework time you have during the hours of 5-10pm for the entire week.
I should explain; the opera my university was in production for was Mozart's The Magic Flute.
However, I have been very grateful that, at semester, I was able to join one of the UMHB Opera classes. Since I joined at semester and parts were already cast, I was given the role of a chorus member. I am completely fine with that, because "There are no small parts, just small actors"-unknown.
Another reason why I enjoyed having a small part, is because I was able to watch how an Opera is pulled together from behind the scenes. I learned by watching my cast mates sing and act, learning what it takes to have a lead part.
I am blessed to have had production week take place. I was able to get to know my peers better, and build relationships. I can now say that every time I smell the scent of Pantene, I will always think of the dressing room I was in, soaking my hair with mousse, and having a fellow Mezzo roll my hair into a bun any ballerina would be jealous of. Not only that, but having a professional powder-room mirror was kind of exciting, and made the experience all the more real. I could look around and watch my fellow cast mates applying makeup to one another, watched the Queen of the Night get her hair done in an elaborate up 'do, and watched the princess get a weave sewn into her hair.
 Not only was I just a chorus girl, I was able to be assistance to the assistant director, powdering the extras' faces before going on stage, and corralling little kids on stage.
 I can say that I can not wait until my next opera! I am so excited  to be on stage again, and I look forward to the many memories to come!