First Day Inspirations

The first day of school. Gosh, during the summer it seemed like school was just a bad nightmare that all children experienced. Now we're back. With a new school year comes a new set of high hopes, since there hasn't been quite enough time to crush them yet. I'm optimistic though, for STAC, for school, and for my future as a sophomore.

The most important part of the day for me was when Luke gave a speech on his life. Specifically, I was inspired by how in a matter of 8 months, Luke was able to teach himself how to be a director. The power of independence and perspiration can really help you accomplish great feats. One important thing that I learned from STAC last year is that talent is luck, and luck runs out. The only way to accomplish anything is hard, repetitive, sometimes painful and miserable work. That's just the way it is, and honestly that's the only way it could be. Otherwise, all bums could be artists.

One problem that I've been having recently is that I have been asked to compose songs on several occasions (for example, my brother's video games). This all seemed good in concept. After all, I'm a musician, I play many instruments including the piano which is often vital for composition, and I love to fool around with notes and make stuff up. The thing is though, I know almost NOTHING about composing whatsoever. I haven't even the faintest clue on where to start. Forming melodies with harmonies, complex chord changes, this is all a foreign language to me.

That doesn't mean I shouldn't try though. If Luke can learn how to run a theater program for a college in 8 months on his own, I think I have a pretty decent shot at teaching myself how to write music. Somehow, I convinced my mom to stop by Barnes and Noble to pick up the Idiot's Guide to Composition. It sounds silly, but it seems like as good a place to start as any.

Anyway, I hope that you all had an amazing summer. Returners, welcome back! And newbies, welcome to your new home. I'll sure you'll appreciate it.