faith-and-music

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Losing a loved one during this time..how to grieve?

“Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” John 5:8 NIV. 

It’s important to grieve the loss over your loved one and to remember who they are. But it’s important to know that your loved one who has passed away would want you to continue living your life. They want you to succeed and live your life to the fullest. My interpretation of the quote is to keep living, also have faith in God that he will be hear for you no matter what. Ask Jesus and pray to him what do you need and ask for guidance. What are you meant to do on this earth?

After my Father passed away, I struggled to live life to the fullest. I prayed for guidance and faith from Jesus. Jesus healed me with the spiritual guidance and presence of the lord. I felt his presence as I would practice the flute, perform in a concert or in prayer.

My suggestion of grieving is praying to Jesus and your loved ones. Ask for help from your family and friends. To continue living life one day at a time. 

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I hope I can uplift your spirits in someway today. I believe the power of music can heal others during this time. 

#flutist #positivity #sweetmelody #debussy

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For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12

So during this crucial time of covid 19, many people struggle in staying in a positive mindset. What I have learned during this pandemic, it’s important to make a schedule of things that I need to complete, but also choose activities that are fun. It’s important to be kind to yourself and to not let things bring you down. 

One of the things I do to keep myself in a positive mindset is to practice the flute. One practice technique that I learned from Burton Kaplan’s music seminar was to choose a piece of music that will want me to pick up my instrument. It can be anything as playing a pop’s tune even if its not something you are supposed to do for grad school. Inspiration and positivity is key. Pray to the Lord and he will guide you to do positive things. 

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Day 2:

John 8:28 Jesus says, “I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught me.”

So what does this mean to you. My interpretation of this quotation means, to follow my Father’s path. What are the lessons that the Father has taught me? What are the things he wants us to apply to our every-day lives in these challenges especially this time of quarantine. 

So after my father passed away I definitely felt lost without him. I lost one of my best friends. What helped me through the grieving process was my family, the power of prayer and practicing the flute. I remember how much my father enjoyed it while I was practicing the flute after school. 

After many years still today I feel my father’s presence whether I am practicing a song at home or when I am performing in front of an audience. Music is an avenue for me where I can share music with others. Music affects humans in so many ways. 

The father has taught me to embrace my gift by sharing the power of music. 

So therefore one of my practice strategies as a flutist is to share a fun lighthearted song on social media or to my friends and family. The other day I was doing a song “Name that Tune.” I played Beauty and the Beast with the melody and accompaniment via accapella app. It’s a great tool to use while practicing music if you don’t have a pianist at home. 

Share the positivity in music and the power of prayer will keep us strong.

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During this time of quarantine we all struggle to be positive. I believe in the power of music because music can sway us with different emotions, of joy happiness, sorrow, grief, and so forth. When I look at this picture it shows me that I believe that God has a plan for us and wants us to appreciate the things we have. Just look at this picture of the beautiful bridge, and scenery. God created this earth for us to enjoy. Music and my faith has helped me cope with my emotions and to stay positive. Playing the flute has lifted up my spirits with pleasant major keys of etudes and beautiful solos. We need to take a breath and take in each moment. What things are you grateful for today? I am grateful to have food on my table and that I’m healthy. In addition that i can share music with others and lift other people’s spirits. I pray to inspire all of you and all of you to be healthy.

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Graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Music

I have had an amazing 3 years studying with my teacher Kaoru Hinata. I have learned so much from her about learning how to phrase, making things more musical and learning how to make music in chamber group settings. She has given me so many tools that has helped me with either playing in orchestra or band; I have been able to share these tools with my students. I have been teaching for a year now and it’s amazing to see my students growth and how much their sound has developed. Not only do they learn from you, but you are also learning from them. 

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Phoebe missed me!! lol

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Music helps you in the good times and bad times

In life we have our good days and not so great days. For example, if it is dreary outside and it makes you feel sad, I find it helpful to play one of my favorite flute tunes that will make my heart sing (Over the Rainbow or a French piece). By playing something that makes you happy will make your day better already. Music is a great form of therapy. 

Please share some of your experiences.

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Playing some of the Poem from memory on the balance board.

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Here is a motivator to practice your instrument? Always find something unique to motivate you while you practice such as a beautiful landscape or family picture. That may give you purpose to play. What are your motivators?

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Performing some music for my little dog.

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How do you get to perform in a pit orchestra in NYC on Broadway shows?

When I was a little girl my parents would bring me to various broadway shows in New York City for years. I was always engaged in the music because I played the flute. The music seemed to be fun and entertaining! When I was in High School I played in the pit orchestra for four years and I absolutely loved it! I was always wondering are there auditions to be in a pit orchestra? Many of my teachers told me actually there isn’t. You have to know a lot of professional flute players and if there is an opening, they may give you the opportunity to sub in the pit orchestra or you will get a permanent position. What I have heard is you get the score of the music and you will listen to the show live for a couple of nights. You have to know your part very well, it is not like you can rehearse with the group. Hopefully one day I will be playing in Broadway shows, it has always been my dream!

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Flutist: Patricia Anselmo Pianist: Junko Ichikawa Recording by: Alex Rosenberg

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When I perform I want my audience to feel the emotions are coming from my soul.

Patti Anselmo

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“Il Gardellino” by Vivaldi

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Found a way to have a concentrated practice.

This week I went to a practice seminar and I learned about how to use my time efficiently while practicing. To get the best results there are many techniques that Burton Kaplan mentions in his books. What really helped me was using the timer because I was just focusing on practicing this one little phrase. I wasn’t looking at my phone and that’s a good thing. Many of us rely so much on technology these days. When you finish with 10 minutes then you add another 5 minutes. Then that is when you have to stop. The next step would be to take note of what things you need to work on tomorrow. In addition, I learned how to practice with different rhythms, grouping and always feeling like you are moving forward with the music. Just playing rhythms is not music, while you are practicing scales or exercises you can make it musical by sub-grouping and grouping phrases. You want to group the phrases and feel like its moving forward.

Do you have practice strategies that you would like to share? 

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Finding myself as a musician

My Dad always had a passion for music and he loved listening to me play the flute. I thought flute was just something that was fun, but then I realized I that this is what I wanted to do with my life. Each time I play the flute I am reminded of my Dad. He was my biggest fan and so now I am working to make him proud of me!

So my journey began in fourth grade and now I am a junior at Mason Gross School of the Arts. Although my Dad passed away in 2009, I play for him each day. Sometimes when I perform, I can feel his presence. I can’t put into words how wonderful that feels. That’s why I love being a musician.