Music in my Life

"Why do you need music in my daily life?" The real answer to that question is that music IS my life. As a music teacher, that of course I need music in my life. If I couldn't teach music, I am not sure what I would do for a living. Aside from the obvious reasons that I need music in my life, I believe that music is a way for me to express myself. I love to sing and play piano, and I find that when I am singing, I feel free. Sometimes it is hard to be inspired to sing if I am feeling down or anxious, but after I start singing my favorite songs or a song that I can relate to, I always feel better. It is a hard feeling to describe, but singing is one of the only activities that makes me feel free, whole, and content.

Source: https://goo.gl/u4t7yN
This is a picture of the UNH Chamber Singers before we went to Germany for a choir competition!

In college, I was a Music Education major. In my courses, I had to analyze, study, and interpret a huge variety of music from the year 800 C.E. to now. It could be extremely overwhelming, and at times felt more like a "job" than something I enjoyed doing. One way that I was able to get through the hardest times of college was singing with my A Cappella Group, Alabaster Blue. That was a great way for me to "escape" my demanding course load. I loved being in an A Cappella group because it was a way for me to continue studying and practicing music, but in a more relaxed and fun atmosphere. I arranged a lot of songs for my a cappella group, as well. I miss singing with those crazy people a lot, and I loved the experience. I think joining an A Cappella group was one of the best decisions I ever made because it helped me find a balance between the "serious" side of music and the "fun" side of singing.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ9YzPw9wWY

Alabaster Blue performing "Give Me Love" by Ed Sheeran

I come from a musical family, so when I was growing up, there was always someone singing, dancing, playing trumpet or saxophone or piano, or listening to music. That has also shaped my into the musical person I am today! Overall, music is a huge part of my life. I could go on and on about how important music is to me, but I don't want to make this post too long. I love music (duh) and I hope to spread that joy and passion on to my students.

Lada Gaga's Superbowl Performance (Review)

What a game! I have never considered myself the biggest Pats fan ever - in fact, I really don't like watching football at all. Tom Brady annoys me, and Bill Belichick is pretty grouchy. However, I found myself getting really into the Superbowl game this year. This is probably because the Pats had the greatest comeback in NFL History, and everyone likes an "underdog"! I am a big Red Sox fan, so the NE sports spirit is important to me.

Source: https://goo.gl/vCfI2c

My favorite part of the Superbowl this year was Lady Gaga's Halftime Show performance. I remember in 2008 when Lady Gaga had her first hit song, "Just Dance". I remember liking it, but getting creeped out by Lady Gaga's extreme outfit choices that she wore to public appearances. I couldn't help but like her music, though. I learned that Lady Gaga is actually a trained musician. She went to Tish School of the Arts (At NYU) and studied theatre and music. She is an amazing singer and songwriter, and has performed at many different events. I love how Lady Gaga has such a diverse range of abilities in her singing - from Pop/Dance, to Jazz (her album with Tony Bennett is amazing), to Musical Theatre and beyond. This year, she performed the Superbowl Halftime Show in Houston, TX, and I loved watching it.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txXwg712zw4

She opened by singing two Patriotic songs on top of the stadium and then was suspended down to her stage. She sang a bunch of her songs like "Just Dance", "Poker Face", "Telephone", and "Million Reasons". My favorite moment was when she sang her hit song, "Born this Way". That song is a great anthem for the LGBT community, and can be interpreted many ways. I like the message of that song because it instills pride in many people. I thought this was her strongest singing performance of the night because she sang that song with so much passion. Her voice was probably getting tired at that point, but she still sang with so much feeling and strength. Her voice never cracked or sounded unsupported. Her awesome singing was supported by her entertaining dance moves and costumes. I loved watching her march around the stage in her super tall boots - I was afraid that she was going to fall!
I was a little disappointed that she didn't have any guest performers. Sometimes, Superbowl Performers invite another artist or two to share the stage. There were rumors that Beyonce or Tony Bennet were to make guest appearances, and I totally fell for them. I am not disappointed in Gaga's performance, but I wonder what it would have been like with other guest performers. I think Lady Gaga was a great choice of artist for the Superbowl Halftime Show, and I enjoyed her performance a lot. What do you think of Lady Gaga's performance? Comment Below!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a6M1w1518E

(This is another video of a performance from 2015 where Lady Gaga shows off her versatility!)