YES ... Julia

I MADE IT INTO THE BYU MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM!!!!!

this... is what happiness looks like :):):):):):):):):)

It is an understatement to say it has been extremely difficult for Julia to wait to get into the music program at BYU, Provo. She went from being top in her high school and in the state of CO to being just another great musician (she scored 98 out of 100 on her All State audition ... which is one of if not the highest score last year ... no one got a perfect score).

Character building. Patience building. Humbling. As a Mom it has been difficult to see her doubt herself and want to quit. But it has been joyful to see her pick herself up and carry on. To dig deep and seek for strength.

I did not doubt. I knew she could do it.

Julia started BYU last Summer Term so that she could take the prerequisite class to audition for the school of music education program.  She auditioned. 

It is not an easy audition. 

She had to turn in a portolio.  This portfolio included essays - including answering questions about why she wants to be a choir director (her amazing cousins - Erin G and Christina S helped her edit them to perfection).  It also included a section of "all about me" ... they didn't want it to be focusing on music - they figured the applicant loved music.  So we got creative. 

The portfolio also required a DVD with three video taped solos and a 10 minute video of them teaching a musical concept to three or more people.

The audition also included two live solos.  An interview with a panel.  She was told that no freshman has ever made the program, ever.  She was disheartened. 

She auditioned again last month - February. She felt confident with her solos. She felt she did horrible in the interview - she felt they were picking her apart. She told them that she will be a Junior credit-wise come April and that she has completed all of the GE requirements possible without getting into the program. At the end of the interview they asked for a DVD of her Enchords group she formed and directed while in high school.

She called me. In tears. She felt frustrated.  I told her not to worry.  If things didn't work out, she can audition again in July. No big deal - (although it is).  If she was going to stay and go Spring and Summer ... then yes, it would be a big deal. I told her that it was a good sign if they asked for a DVD of a few of her songs that she directed/performed with Enchords. Thankfully - I as a paparazzi Mom - had all of her performances. I even sent Jenna in last year with the camcorder to record some of her rehearsals with the girls ... just a gut feeling that she should have some footage.

I told Julia not to worry ... I would find the footage on the computer. Thank goodness for John's computer skills. I have filled up most of the drives on the computer with pictures and video ... he was able to search and find the videos ... thankfully I knew the dates of the performance to narrow the search (thank you blog!).

Since I had the footage, I put together a 4 minute clip of Julia working with the girls during rehearsals (warm ups, parts, tapping out beats, picking solos, etc) and then 4 of her favorite songs/performances - Under the Willow, Goodbye/Lullaby, I'll Paint  You a Rainbow, and Deck the Halls.

She turned in the DVD to both Sis. A and Dr. B.

She was supposed to find out March 1. She was so nervous. She asked me to keep my cell phone on me just in case the notification came in. I did. Nothing.  I stopped carrying my phone.

I get a call nearly a week later (yesterday just after 2:00 - on my way to visiting teaching). Julia said she heard her e-mail ding letting her know she had mail. She pushed it off and then thought ... maybe it was the letter from the school letting her know if she did or did not make it. She checked.

Julia is beyond ecstatic. She received a letter congratulating her on her hard work and inviting her to be in the school of music with an emphasis in education.

It is an amazing feat if you ask me. Over 100+ students auditioned. They only accepted 12 students total ... 12 students for music education in choral, orchestra or band. She was one of 4. No freshman has ever been accepted. I guess you could say she is not a freshman, but in the eyes of the school of music back in July, she was a freshman even though she was a Sophomore in credits. She is only 18 years old.  And to think she auditioned only twice ...

I knew she could do it. I always have.

Enchords - the finale - for Abby

The last post I wrote mentioned that Julia's a cappella group, Enchords, sang for the last time together. 

The girls were asked to sing one last time. 

Today. 

For Abby.

It was a beautiful, moving finale

I know I am overcome with just the beautiful notes - but listen to the lyrics too (typed below).  So fitting ... as Abby has golden hair.  Abby passed away last Wednesday - she won.  Cancer didn't beat her down.  I was able to record this during their sound check. 

left to right - Lauren V., Madeline G., Madi S., Aubrey E., Sierra M., Quinn K., Mikaela M., Julia  (Julia is the high soprano ... oh how I love her voice)

Under the Willow by Stephen Foster arr LaBarr

Under the willow she’s laid with care
(Sang a lone mother while weeping,)
Under the willow, with golden hair,
My little one’s quietly sleeping.

Chorus:
Fair, fair, and golden hair,
(Sang a lone mother while weeping,)
Fair, fair, and golden hair;
Under the willow she’s sleeping.

Under the willow no songs a heard,
Near where my darling lies dreaming;
Nought but the voice of some far of bird
Where life and its pleasures beaming.

Chorus:
Fair, fair, and golden hair,
(Sang a lone mother while weeping,)
Fair, fair, and golden hair;
Under the willow she’s sleeping.

Under the willow I breathe a prayer
Long to linger forever
Near to my angel with golden hair,
In lands where there’s sorrowing never.

Chorus:
Fair, fair, and golden hair,
(Sang a lone mother while weeping,)
Fair, fair, and golden hair;
Under the willow she’s sleeping.

Enchords - their final performance - Under the Willow

As a Mom, it brings such peace and joy knowing that your child has found their passion.  Music.  Music speaks to and comforts the soul.  I love it when Julia brings me to the computer to listen to a new piece she wants to introduce to the a cappella group she formed and directs, Enchords.  Her passion for music and choral directing is amazing.

Julia fell in love with this piece months ago.  It is breathtaking.  I wish we were in a better venue for the concert - it was a very moving piece.

Enchords singing Under the Willow by Foster.  (Julia is on the far right with the pitch pipe starting the group).  Quinn is in the center with some beautiful solo parts.  These girls are amazing.

I am sad to see Julia end this amazing chapter ... yet excited to see and hear of the wonderful experiences she will have at BYU.  She has touched many with her musical gift.  She will make an amazing music teacher and will bless the lives of many young minds.

I know I am overcome with just the beautiful notes - but listen to the lyrics too

Under the Willow

(Julia and Mikaela start off singing the first verse - far right)
Under the willow she’s laid with care
(Sang a lone mother while weeping,)
Under the willow, with golden hair,
My little one’s quietly sleeping.

Chorus:
Fair, fair, and golden hair,
(Sang a lone mother while weeping,)
Fair, fair, and golden hair;
Under the willow she’s sleeping.

(Quinn sings Ah - she is in the center)

Under the willow no songs a heard,
Near where my darling lies dreaming;
Nought but the voice of some far of bird
Where life and its pleasures beaming.

Chorus:
Fair, fair, and golden hair,

(Sang a lone mother while weeping,)
Fair, fair, and golden hair;
Under the willow she’s sleeping.

(Quinn sings Ah)

Under the willow I breathe a prayer
Long to linger forever
Near to my angel with golden hair,
(Julia and Mikaela) In lands where there’s sorrowing never.

Chorus: (Julia and Mikaela)
Fair, fair, and golden hair,

(Sang a lone mother while weeping,)
Fair, fair, and golden hair;
Under the willow she’s sleeping.

(Quinn sings Ah)

Enchords sing Adiemus

Julia's choir group she formed and currently directs performed Adiemus at the concert on Wednesday.   This song was on Avatar.

These girls are amazing!  They practice only once a week before school.  This semester they were only able to get together 3 times due to snow days, All State Concerts, CSAP testing, etc. 

One more concert before Julia graduates.  I can't wait to hear their beautiful voices! 

Choir Concert - ENCHORDS!!!

Julia formed and directs an 8 girl a cappella group at her High School.  They practice once a week for an hour.  They performed last night at the HS Choir Concert.  These girls are simply AMAZING!  Julia is on the far right.  You can see her directing the girls with her arm movements.  She does a great job!

Enjoy ...

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Somewhere - from Westside Story.

Enchords Final Concert for 2009-2010 school year

Julia's group that she conducts sang at their last concert tonight.

Julia's choir director did a really sweet introduction for the group Enchords. She said that Wednesday mornings are her favorite. She comes to school and listens to Julia and her group prepare musical numbers to sing at concerts.

I'll Paint You A Rainbow (Several people came up to me after the concert and told me that they cried during this number - I was teary eyed myself and grateful I have another year to enjoy her leading this group). Thanks for painting so many beautiful musical memories this year for me! (Julia is in the middle)



Goodbye (Boyz II Men) Lullabye (Billy Joel) Medley. Julia's group she sang in while living in IL had this as their final number to sing and dedicated it to the Seniors. Julia only had the sheet music to Lullabye for the group to use. For Goodbye, she had a recording that was done by her original group which they used to arrange their own version with some of their own touches. These girls are TALENTED!

Seasons of Love ... choir concert

Julia and Jenna had a choir concert last night.

Theme: Seasons of Love.

It was a real treat to see the girls singing together!

Julia's A Cappella group that she directs, Enchords, was a real hit last night ... the biggest hit if you ask me. I could listen to these girls all night! (I finally posted the "full size file" so that the sound is better for all to enjoy)

So ... ENJOY!

Misty. (Julia is 3rd from the left. She starts out directing them by giving them their rhythm).

Kiss the Girl

Julia also sang a part of a song in her Women's Select group "It takes a Village". She is the second girl to walk forward to sing.

Enchords - Kiss the Girl

There was an assembly today at school.

Enchords performed - Julia's amazing a cappella group that she directs. And they had fun!

The theme for the week: Disney.

The song: Kiss the Girl

Julia got Mr. K involved - a beloved teacher at the school. The girls asked for Mrs. K (his wife who also works at the school) to come down to join their group for their musical number.

She did.

She stood there.

They started to sing.

Mr. K came out ....




and kissed the girl!

Advent Activity #8 - Attend Julia and Jenna's Choir Concert

Attend Julia and Jenna's Choir Concert.

They sang Vivaldi's "Gloria" ... the entire piece... for the first half of the concert. It was amazing!

Julia had a solo (movement #10).

What a treat it was to have my two girls on stage together! (Jenna is second to the top row, third from the far left, Julia is second row from the bottom far right). This was during the last half of the concert when they sang more traditional Christmas songs.

Julia's music group she started (she is the director), performed two numbers during the last half of the concert. Here they are singing Winter Gift ~

Her AP Language teacher, Mr. K., was a guest in their group. Deck the Halls ...

I could do this every night!!!