Senior Project Reflection

Title: Senior Project Reflection
Label: Presentation
Directions: Please answer the following questions and turn it in to the blog.
Due Date: The day after your block presentation by 8:00 A.M.


(1) Positive Statement
I am most proud of the creativity and quality of content that I put into my senior presentation. I used many mediums to present my info in- i.e. videos, audience interaction, diagrams, and hands-on props/materials. I believe containing all this is what made me excited to present and what made a fun exciting experience for my class room. 

(2) Questions to Consider

a.    Considering all I accomplished with my presentation, and the successful end result I would give myself an AE. 

b.    For the overall senior project I would give myself a P+, if not an AE because I feel like I worked really hard and attempted to go beyond what was expected of me on all components since I have a topic that I am authentically passionate about. 

(3) The presentations (10min. 30min.) we did throughout the year is what really worked for me. They truly helped prepare me for the final presentation and they got me to find a specific direction for my senior project. 

(4) What didn't work for me was the ESA because I had an arts project so it was difficult for me to find data to create statistics. If I would have known that it would have been that difficult to find the data I would have started earlier and became more creative with my search process. 

(5) Finding Value
The senior project really helped me improve in my performance skills and assisted me in understanding what I want to do in music for my future. Throughout the senior project I've discovered that I love songwriting and composing maybe a bit more than performing. The research that I did helped lead me into songwriting and composing and I am minoring in music when I begin to attend school this coming fall- with an emphasis in composing. 

Additional Post: March

Since the talent show is coming up very soon (3 days exactly) I thought I should probably mention that somewhere in my blog. 

I was intending to do an original song of my own that I have been working on for quite some time now. However due to a high demand of slots for the talent show I wasn't able to do that. Instead I'm going to be performing a lovely song called "Everything Has Changed"  by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran with a fellow peer, Angel Flores.

My big goal is to be able to play guitar as an accompaniment, which would be my first time doing so. 

At the moment I'm really trying to master my chords structure since at times my finger placement can be a bit off. 

The chord that is giving me the most trouble is the D chord, which looks like this:

It is one of the easier chords in the song but it will be the death of me. Practice makes "perfect" so I won't stop trying to replicate it until it sounds right. 

Blog #18: Third Answer

What is the best way a singer can create a fun atmosphere during a live pop performance? 

The best way a singer can create a fun atmosphere during a live pop performance by engaging with audience participation. 

• Create a strong memory for each audience member through an experience that entices most of their senses. (lighting, props, sound) 
• Making It In Music: How Can I Improve My Stage Presence 
• Tear down "the wall" between the stage and the audience at every venue you perform at.
• Making It In Music: What It Takes To Win Over Your Audience
• Have a one size fits all mentality. Not only perform original songs (especially if you're a not too well known musician) but covers as well so that the audience can do a sing along. 
• NewMusicBox.org: Playing with the Audience 

Creating a fun atmosphere for the audience during a live pop performance is not only an audio responsibility but also visual. Singer's need to create an experience that the audience will remember by indulging in all their senses.

Blog #10: The Senior Project: The Holiday

       I performed for the City of Chino during their annual Christmas event as part of my independent component. At the event I met my new mentor which whom I'm going to start working with next week. I also went looking for books for the research check that is coming this week. 

       The performance I did for the city occurred on Christmas Eve so I had rehearsal the day before. When I woke up that day I wasn't feeling well at all so I stood in bed until my mom came into my room. Oblivious to my sickness she began ask whether I was going to go to rehearsal. When I gave her a simple "no" she gave me a lecture on how many successful people in the industry worked very hard to get where they are. I ended up going to rehearsal which went great! I got a feel for the stage and mic that I was using. I also found out which parts of the songs I needed to work on. Long story short, the most important thing I learned over break is:

A. Listen to your mother, she's right most of the time. 

B. Never let a little cold stop you from accomplishing big things.

       I would most likely interview one of the talent directors I met at the event. He happens to manage the performing company 'Rock Stars of Tomorrow'. He's had years of experience and has worked with many young adults to improve and build their performing and vocal skills. Speaking with someone who works with my topic as a career can most definitely be useful ands helpful in building answers to my EQ. 

Lupe Lara

01/06/13

October Blog Post

Recently I came in with some complications with my prior mentor after realizing that she wasn't going to be able to give me sufficient time. So I had to go seek for another mentor!
I decided to stay local and visit the music director from my parish. That's when I was able to attain Phil Arkfeld the Audio and Visual Director at St. Paul the Apostle!
Our first meeting was for my first interview but my first working experience with him was this past week. He is teaching me about beats, notes, and the basics of sheet music to familiarize myself with.

This is an example of how we were dissecting the music to fully comprehend it. 

We also went over the hand motions that represent things to the choir, such as how many beats are in the measure. 

Once I become comfortable with sheet music I am going to start directing the church's choir group. I also joined the choir and am going in a bit before and after class to help prepare and clean-up. 

Additional Post: September

Hey-yo!
This month I want to blog about one of the most exciting things that occurred for me this month relating with my senior project!
On the 29th, my sister told me that the radio station Power 106 was having a contest that day. The contest was basically a spin-off on the television show "The Voice". Right when I found out, my sister drove me over to the location where I had to sing for one of the radio's host, Louie G.
Louie G told me before I left that he was going to play my audio on Power 106 the following morning!
Getting to here my voice on the radio was one of the most surreal things I have ever experienced. Not only was it really cool but it has also motivated me to work even harder at accomplishing my dreams.

Here's a picture of my with the radio host, Louie G, after my audition.

I'm hoping to receive the audio file soon so that I can post it for all to hear! 

-Lupe Lara
9/30/13