So there are lots of ways to try and earn money these days that don't actually require you to have an employer, etc. They are tricky, but they are really unique and fun too! So if you are looking for some extra cash you can try some of these ideas :)
1- Jewelry Consultant
We have all heard of Cookie Lee jewelry, Lia Sophia jewelry and the likes, and we all love them! Being a consultant is easy because you buy the product from the company and then resell it. Each company has their own set of rules and guidelines, but you really have a say in how well you do. If you want to earn more money than just advertise yourself and the product more, be friendly, and most of all have fun.
Nowadays there are tons more "party" ideas than just jewelry and they are all jobs that need consultants. I recently hosted a Jamberry Nail party where you can seal sticker nails to your own and they look completely legit. I also just went to a skinny jean party which was really fun. THere are all sorts of ideas out there: shoe parties, modbe parties, home craft parties, kitchen parties. Find what you love and become a consultant to sell that product.
2- Fliers
This idea may seem obvious and actually does require an employer but it is a quick, easy way to make money. I work as a Customer Service Representative at Lender Insurance Agency, but I also am part of the advertising team because I go and pass out fliers. My job is paid by the amount I pass out rather than the time I spend doing it. This makes it really easy because if I ever need some extra income I can just go pass out fliers at the local event going on at the Scera Shell or at other public parking lots.
3- Etsy.com
Do you remember my post awhile ago about etsy.com? Well this is a nice and easy alternative to working "more hours" at a usual job. This site is awesome because you can go ahead and sell the wonderful things you can make whether it is hair accessories, clothes, tablecloths, vases, whatever. It's a good way to get your ideas out there and maybe make some money too. Check out my shop, Ideality, by clicking the link below.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ideality?ref=si_shop
Friday, August 17, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Haunted Halloween Ideas
So it is a little far away, roughly 2 months, but Halloween is something that if you are going to be legit, needs preparation early. Anyway, I want to give some ideas of awesome, creepy Halloween Costumes. Justin and I are getting married in December so we only have a few more chances to go all out in crazy, scary costumes before we have to dress cute so we don't scare our kids. There are some really good ideas out there, if you are willing to put out the time to make the look work.
#1- Zipper Face
This idea came from reddit.com and almost won me the "Scariest Costume" prize at the Halloween party I went to. I used a zipper, face wax and concealer that you can get at any Halloween/ Costume makeup store, and fake blood. It was a little tricky getting the zipper to stay stuck to the curves of my face, but the good thing about this costume is that even though it gets messy, that just makes it look more legit.
#2- Murderous Clown
I couldn't find a picture of Justin by himself in this costume. This costume was way cheap because he just threw together clothes that he already had... a regular button up shirt and his jacket, patchwork pants that his mom had and a clown wig. Luckily, Just knows how to make balloon animals so he could make his bowtie. What really makes this costume, however, is the face. We painted his face with white concealer makeup found at any Costume makeup store. We also used black concealer face paint around his eyes before painting dark green triangles above and below his eyes. We added angry eyebrows, pink cheeks and bright red lipstick with a little blood trickling from his lips.
Justin won the best overall costume at our Halloween Party.
#3- VooDoo Doll
This costume was partially inspired by the horror movie "The Strangers" and Kristy's own creepy imagination. This costume won the "Scariest Costume" award. Kristy made her dress out of burlap fabric, a burlap sac would work well too, which she rubbed against cement to tear and then she burned the edges. She used twine to wind up a voodoo doll that dangled from her waist. She used lots of dark eyeshadow to create her bruises and eyeliner to "stitch" up her lips. Also, the black concealer face paint was used around her eyes.
#4- Gothic
So this costume isn't necessarily scary, just a different style and a fun way to dress when it isn't your normal style. ** If this is your normal style, try dressing without black and makeup. Jusitn was way hesitant to dress like this haha, mostly because he didn't want to wear eyeliner or have me do his hair... but look how awesome he looks!! Actually, since that day he has sworn to never let me do that to him again, but I like it haha. This was a way easy costume. Just wear thicker makeup, girls, and boys wear a little. Every piece of this costume can be found around your house. For instance, the collar that Justin is wearing is his dogs' collar.
This costume was awesome because we went to El Mex Sal in Provo for dinner and then went to Harmons' to get a RedBox movie. As we waited in line to get the movie a lady came up to us and said, "I hope that is a costume! If not, I still love you, but I hope it is." haha. So obviously we looked legit!
#5-Serial Killer and Victim
I don't have a picture for this yet because this is our plan for this Halloween. Justin is going to be a serial killer and I am his victim. We are going to dress him in ratty clothes; jeans with holes, stained T-shirt and a ratty hoody. We are going to put gel in his hair to make it greasy and give him dark circles under his eyes.
I am going to be handcuffed to him, my hair dark and long. I will have black circles around my eyes and sunken in cheek bones. We will use fake blood to have drip from my mouth and then to be running from a "slit" in my neck. For a final touch we will stick a knife in my back.
I am way excited to try this one out... come on October!!! Leave me a comment and let me know if you try any of these or of other scary Halloween costumes you've done!
#1- Zipper Face
 |
| Insane Asylum Victim |
 |
| With the Zipper Face |
#2- Murderous Clown
Justin won the best overall costume at our Halloween Party.
#3- VooDoo Doll
 |
| VooDoo Doll, carrying her own voodoo doll |
 |
| VooDoo Doll under the hood |
 | ||||
| VooDoo Doll with her hood on. |
#4- Gothic
 |
| Gothic Couple |
 | |||||||
| Headed for a night out on the Town |
So this costume isn't necessarily scary, just a different style and a fun way to dress when it isn't your normal style. ** If this is your normal style, try dressing without black and makeup. Jusitn was way hesitant to dress like this haha, mostly because he didn't want to wear eyeliner or have me do his hair... but look how awesome he looks!! Actually, since that day he has sworn to never let me do that to him again, but I like it haha. This was a way easy costume. Just wear thicker makeup, girls, and boys wear a little. Every piece of this costume can be found around your house. For instance, the collar that Justin is wearing is his dogs' collar.
This costume was awesome because we went to El Mex Sal in Provo for dinner and then went to Harmons' to get a RedBox movie. As we waited in line to get the movie a lady came up to us and said, "I hope that is a costume! If not, I still love you, but I hope it is." haha. So obviously we looked legit!
#5-Serial Killer and Victim
I don't have a picture for this yet because this is our plan for this Halloween. Justin is going to be a serial killer and I am his victim. We are going to dress him in ratty clothes; jeans with holes, stained T-shirt and a ratty hoody. We are going to put gel in his hair to make it greasy and give him dark circles under his eyes.
I am going to be handcuffed to him, my hair dark and long. I will have black circles around my eyes and sunken in cheek bones. We will use fake blood to have drip from my mouth and then to be running from a "slit" in my neck. For a final touch we will stick a knife in my back.
I am way excited to try this one out... come on October!!! Leave me a comment and let me know if you try any of these or of other scary Halloween costumes you've done!
Friday, August 03, 2012
5 Months to Marriage
So Justin and I have a 6 month engagement before the BIG day... that is a really long time, but we've got one month down and only 5 to go! The first thing everyone says when we tell them that we are getting married in December, is, "Wow, that's forever away!" I know,tell me about it! We're the ones who are actually waiting that long. I know, we are crazy.
Well, to pass the time Justin and I came up with a way that will help us keep track of the days and to give us something to look forward to doing each day instead of just wanting every day to pass by quicker than the last. The engagement is supposed to be fun, we want to enjoy it even though it is long. So... we have created the 5 Months to Marriage chain.
We have 147 days to go as of today so we each took half of our paper chain links and wrote down one reason why we are excited to marry each other on each link. We are going to connect them alternately so that one day I can read why he is excited to marry me and the next he can be reminded why I am so excited to marry him :) I think it is a great idea! It helps us actually see all the little things that we love and are grateful for with each other, as well as reasons why we are excited to get married.
Well, to pass the time Justin and I came up with a way that will help us keep track of the days and to give us something to look forward to doing each day instead of just wanting every day to pass by quicker than the last. The engagement is supposed to be fun, we want to enjoy it even though it is long. So... we have created the 5 Months to Marriage chain.
We have 147 days to go as of today so we each took half of our paper chain links and wrote down one reason why we are excited to marry each other on each link. We are going to connect them alternately so that one day I can read why he is excited to marry me and the next he can be reminded why I am so excited to marry him :) I think it is a great idea! It helps us actually see all the little things that we love and are grateful for with each other, as well as reasons why we are excited to get married.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Etsy.com
Have you heard of Etsy.com yet?? If you haven't, you should go check it out asap!!! Etsy.com is an awesome website where people can go and sale handmade stuff and create online shops. It's easy, simple, and so fun to see what creative ideas other people have and what they've learned to make. Go check out Etsy.com and my shop "Ideality" and see what you can find!
The aprons that I posted below are being sold there, if you don't want to make them yourself, along with other peacock accessories that I have made for my wedding, but want others to see too!
Go to: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ideality?ref=si_shop
The aprons that I posted below are being sold there, if you don't want to make them yourself, along with other peacock accessories that I have made for my wedding, but want others to see too!
Go to: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ideality?ref=si_shop
Monday, July 09, 2012
Fancy Schmancy Aprons
Alrighty, so for those of you who don't know, I am getting married in December... I know, it's a long ways away. Luckily, though, thanks to it being a long ways away, I have plenty of time to get all of the preparations made. My fiance and I are getting married at Timpanogos temple, woohoo! And then having a reception at our stake center.
Somehow our colors just kind of fell into place and I love them. We are doing a peacock "themed" wedding. Well, it's not really themed, but our colors are the turquoise and teal green of peacock feathers plus there will be some peacock feathers. Holy cow, I did not know how pretty these feathers were until I saw them in real life.
For the reception, we are going to have our neices be little bus girls and clear the tables as people leave. To make it more fun, we are making them each cute aprons in our colors... on an adult it might look like a french maid haha, but for little girls they are super cute!
LACEY APRONS:
FOR EACH APRON YOU WILL NEED:
- 1 Apron Skirt (25 X 13 1/2 inches)
- 1 Belt (4 X 15 inches)
- 2 Ties (2 3/4 X 22 inches)
#1: The first step is to make your own patterns. On a roll of newsprint, cut out your desired sized aprons. The apron size we used was 25 X 13 1/2 inches at the center. When you cut it, round the edges and make it like 1/2 an inch larger than you want it to look so that you can hem it later. About 1/3 of the way in from both sides on the top, gradually dip the pattern down about 1 1/2- 2 inches. This makes a spot for the belt which we will make later.
You also will need to make patterns for the belt and the ties using the measurements above.
#2: Once you have made your pattern, pin it onto your fabric and then cut around the pattern.
They should look like this when they're done.
#3: Next, you will want to hem the edges of all of your pieces of fabric so that they don't fray. Some sewing machines have an automatic pressure foot that can do this and it makes it way easier, or you can just do it normally with a sewing machine. Pull the hem in a few centimeters to hem, it doesn't need to be big. After all of your pieces are hemmed, pin the lace onto the skirt. Start at the top right, just after the dip where the belt goes. Pin it right along with the hem, making sure that there are no gaps to where it is pinned.
#4: Go ahead and sew all of the lace on.
#5: The Belt and ties need to be ironed before you sew them on, just to make sure that they are straight and crisp.
The belt, you will want to iron out flat, fold in half and then iron it again so that it stays folded in the "hotdog" form. Each tie you will want to iron out flat and then fold the tips in to make a point and iron those flat so that they stay. (In the final picture, you can see what the ties and belt look like).
You will want to sew the outside edge of the tie down first so that it doesn't poke out away from the belt (It's weird, but ironing just isn't enough to hold it down ;))
Sew the belt on first, having pinned it to the skirt. The lace edges should poke inside of the belt. DO NOT SEW THOSE EDGES CLOSED! Make sure that when the bottom edge of the belt is pinned on, the back side of it has been caught in the pin too.
After the belt has been sewed on, scrunch the end of the tie that does not have the point on it and sew it so that it is more narrow. These will then be slid inside of the belt on the two ends that you left open. (Aren't you glad you left them open now? haha). After you have slid the tie in, you will sew back and forth vertically across the belt, the tie is inside. Voila! You have a cute fancy schmancy apron!
Somehow our colors just kind of fell into place and I love them. We are doing a peacock "themed" wedding. Well, it's not really themed, but our colors are the turquoise and teal green of peacock feathers plus there will be some peacock feathers. Holy cow, I did not know how pretty these feathers were until I saw them in real life.
For the reception, we are going to have our neices be little bus girls and clear the tables as people leave. To make it more fun, we are making them each cute aprons in our colors... on an adult it might look like a french maid haha, but for little girls they are super cute!
LACEY APRONS:
FOR EACH APRON YOU WILL NEED:
- 1 Apron Skirt (25 X 13 1/2 inches)
- 1 Belt (4 X 15 inches)
- 2 Ties (2 3/4 X 22 inches)
#1: The first step is to make your own patterns. On a roll of newsprint, cut out your desired sized aprons. The apron size we used was 25 X 13 1/2 inches at the center. When you cut it, round the edges and make it like 1/2 an inch larger than you want it to look so that you can hem it later. About 1/3 of the way in from both sides on the top, gradually dip the pattern down about 1 1/2- 2 inches. This makes a spot for the belt which we will make later.
#2: Once you have made your pattern, pin it onto your fabric and then cut around the pattern.
They should look like this when they're done.
#3: Next, you will want to hem the edges of all of your pieces of fabric so that they don't fray. Some sewing machines have an automatic pressure foot that can do this and it makes it way easier, or you can just do it normally with a sewing machine. Pull the hem in a few centimeters to hem, it doesn't need to be big. After all of your pieces are hemmed, pin the lace onto the skirt. Start at the top right, just after the dip where the belt goes. Pin it right along with the hem, making sure that there are no gaps to where it is pinned.
#4: Go ahead and sew all of the lace on.
#5: The Belt and ties need to be ironed before you sew them on, just to make sure that they are straight and crisp.
The belt, you will want to iron out flat, fold in half and then iron it again so that it stays folded in the "hotdog" form. Each tie you will want to iron out flat and then fold the tips in to make a point and iron those flat so that they stay. (In the final picture, you can see what the ties and belt look like).
You will want to sew the outside edge of the tie down first so that it doesn't poke out away from the belt (It's weird, but ironing just isn't enough to hold it down ;))
Sew the belt on first, having pinned it to the skirt. The lace edges should poke inside of the belt. DO NOT SEW THOSE EDGES CLOSED! Make sure that when the bottom edge of the belt is pinned on, the back side of it has been caught in the pin too.
After the belt has been sewed on, scrunch the end of the tie that does not have the point on it and sew it so that it is more narrow. These will then be slid inside of the belt on the two ends that you left open. (Aren't you glad you left them open now? haha). After you have slid the tie in, you will sew back and forth vertically across the belt, the tie is inside. Voila! You have a cute fancy schmancy apron!
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Aspired Writing
On my way to forever, I will become a published author. This blog will actually focus a lot on my goals and things going on in my life as an author, a newlywed, and other things that come up in life. They all make up my "forever" and hopefully there will be good advice in here for you guys!
It has so far taken me about 5 years of writing, re-writing, editing, re-writing again, editing again ... and so on of my first novel. I began writing this 64,000 word novel when I was 16. It all started with a day dream of someone traveling through time that I just could not get out of my head. I decided that I should write the idea down and it flowed into a story on its own.
I have had a ton of people read this book and review it for me. I am really grateful to all of these people and you better believe that the book would not be the same without their comments and criticisms. (Can you believe that the first draft had cannibalism in it?! Haha, thank you to Alyssa, Kristy, and Sharon for kicking that part out early!). Those who have read it are a mixture of every group out there. I've had young adults read it, male and female, I have had women in their late 20's and early 30's read it. Women older than 65 have even read it and enjoyed it, although my grandma told me that it gave her nightmares... that could be good. At least that means that the story has the potential to really envelope the reader.
I am really psyched though! After attending many different writer's conferences, including Rhemalda Publishings "Got Stories?" conference in June 2012, I figured that I really need a published author to take a look at my work and give me an idea of how it stands compared to the work being published by actual companies. Either that or join a writers' group, but I have no idea how to find one so I am sticking with the first option.
Fortunately, networking is everything when it comes to selling yourself and ultimately selling your novel. My dentist happens to have published a novel recently and agreed to review my manuscript and give me feedback!!! I'm way stoked! Most companies who I have sent my manuscript to, which have declined me, don't bother to say why... not all that helpful.
I am not published yet, but for any future writers out there, let me share with you what I have learned:
1. Don't be fooled by self-publishing. They require that you pretty much do all of the work. You have to market, you pay them before you ever see a penny, you are betting on yourself to be the next best-seller. You definitely have to believe in yourself, but a self-publisher will publish your book even if they don't think it is going to sell very much because they are making money off of printing your book regardless.
2. Always be refining your writing skills. When you are in between writing projects, always be writing! Whether it is your journal, a blog, short stories, whatever-- don't stop writing.
3. Go to Writer's Conferences. Some people find them boring, but if you are serious about becoming a better writer, these are the most helpful aid out there. Most publishing companies hold these conferences for free. You get to learn tips and tricks from publishers & published authors. You get to meet these published authors as well as network with other aspiring writers. Plus, there is usually food... who can turn that down? ;) haha.
4. Let people read your writing. It was a long time before I actually let people read my novel. I was afraid that if I let everyone read it, then no one would want to buy it if I got published. The thing is, there is like 60 billion people in this world. The small group you let read it, isn't going to be the only ones who do. If people don't read it, then you're going to have a hard time making it better. Other people can catch mistakes and plot holes that you miss.
Any questions? Please leave comments!!!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Mother's Day!
Alright, so Mother's Day is coming up in a few weeks and it seems like there are never enough ideas for what to get mom! Especially because my mom's birthday tends to land 2-3 days before Mother's Day. There are a lot of different ideas out there and after researching a lot of them I have decided to come up with a list of ones that really take the gold!
1. Spa Day: Every mom needs a day off from their busy lives. A spa day is the perfect relaxer especially if you go with her so she isn't having to go alone. You can either send her to a real spa such as Seasons Salon & Day Spa or create one for her yourself by pampering her with breakfast, giving her bath salts, body wash and lotion and giving her time to take a relaxing bath. Give her a massage, etc
2. Sandals: Mother's Day is the beginning of summer when it is the perfect time to break out the open toed shoes and, of course, get some new ones. Fun sandals are a good gift, ones that are her style but she may not get because they aren't practical. I love these: (Fossil Women's Alice Sandal--Grey)
3. Personalized Gifts: You can actually find these all over the Internet at places such as gifts.com, or other personalized gift websites. I got my mom a picture frame last year that had a picture of the two of us and a poem personalized to her. It brought tears to her eyes and she absolutely loved it! Mothers love the gifts that are really from their kids or spouses. You can do other things too though, such as mugs with photos or words on them, or even M & M's haha. One gift that I love is the photos of nature that make a name when put together.
4. Pay for a family trip: This could be a gift from the family if you are going far like to Disneyland or something...hey, it's a reason to have a vacation. Not that you really need a reason haha.
5. Get her something she already enjoys doing: If she loves to read, get her one of her favorite books. If she loves to garden, get her new flowers, or gardening tools. If she loves to cook, get her a flirty apron or cookbook or ingredients. If she loves adventure and the outdoors, get her rock climbing gear or a pass to a ski resort for the next season. If she loves to write, get her a journal. You get the idea... :)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Dance Project Recital!
As lights began to brighten, a circle of bodies appeared on the stage, all connected, all intertwined. Legs were held in the air while others were spread across the ground until, with a shift in the music, the bodies moved.
One at a time, dancers broke out of the routine, spinning, leaping, flipping, as their fluid movements pulled them across the stage.
Utah Regional Ballet performed the work of six competition-finalist choreographers in the 5th annual Choreography Dance Project at UVU Jan. 26, 27 and 28.
Choreographers were given the chance to win a scholarship award of $1000 “to further their education and expand their careers and experience in choreography,” said Jacqueline Colledge, artistic director of URB.
The different pieces filled the night with a variety of ballet styles from classical ballet to modern ballet and even some contemporary pieces.
“It has a little bit of everything to offer,” Colledge said. “It’s very different; there’s bound to be something everyone will love.”
“Life: written” choreographed by Shayla Bott is one of these unique dances. The dance featured seven dancers acting out a story not to music but to spoken words. The story took the audience from childhood through adolescence to adulthood and into mature adulthood all the while URB dancers acted out happiness and heartbreak, joy and loss.
Another piece, “Pickles and Milk” by Terry Davis, told its story by using one white balloon that the dancers continually handed off to each other throughout the dance.
“It’s not what I expected. It’s a lot more modern; it is all very different,” said Arrianne Noland, freshman at UVU.
Many people attended the performance to support family or friends and some went to simply experience the dance.
“I like to see the different style of dances and how well they [URB] portray them,” said Lexie Billings, who came to support her sister.
At the end of the three day competition, three judges determined the outcome of the competition based off of the creativity, the creative process, the structure of the work and the characteristics of good choreography, according to Colledge.
Results can be found at www.uvureview.com/2012/01/30/scholarships-awarded-through-dance-competition/
One at a time, dancers broke out of the routine, spinning, leaping, flipping, as their fluid movements pulled them across the stage.
Utah Regional Ballet performed the work of six competition-finalist choreographers in the 5th annual Choreography Dance Project at UVU Jan. 26, 27 and 28.
Choreographers were given the chance to win a scholarship award of $1000 “to further their education and expand their careers and experience in choreography,” said Jacqueline Colledge, artistic director of URB.
The different pieces filled the night with a variety of ballet styles from classical ballet to modern ballet and even some contemporary pieces.
“It has a little bit of everything to offer,” Colledge said. “It’s very different; there’s bound to be something everyone will love.”
“Life: written” choreographed by Shayla Bott is one of these unique dances. The dance featured seven dancers acting out a story not to music but to spoken words. The story took the audience from childhood through adolescence to adulthood and into mature adulthood all the while URB dancers acted out happiness and heartbreak, joy and loss.
Another piece, “Pickles and Milk” by Terry Davis, told its story by using one white balloon that the dancers continually handed off to each other throughout the dance.
“It’s not what I expected. It’s a lot more modern; it is all very different,” said Arrianne Noland, freshman at UVU.
Many people attended the performance to support family or friends and some went to simply experience the dance.
“I like to see the different style of dances and how well they [URB] portray them,” said Lexie Billings, who came to support her sister.
At the end of the three day competition, three judges determined the outcome of the competition based off of the creativity, the creative process, the structure of the work and the characteristics of good choreography, according to Colledge.
Results can be found at www.uvureview.com/2012/01/30/scholarships-awarded-through-dance-competition/
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Expression Through Music at UVU
Music creates a unique experience for everyone, playing on the listener’s emotions and experiences, pulling out hidden dreams and ideas from the recesses of the mind. Whether it is used to simply relax or while studying, music becomes a central part of life.
Utah Valley University’s music department shapes an experience for students to share their love of music with a variety of instruments through the Percussion Ensemble.
Students get the opportunity to learn to play different instruments from an electric guitar to a police whistle. The ensemble mixes a variety of vibraphones, wood blocks, marimbas, and other instruments that help develop culture in the students as well as provide entertaining and unpredictable music, according to Dr. Doug Smith, UVU’s new Percussion Ensemble director.
“The ensemble has played over 100 different instruments just this last semester,” said Nate Anderson, UVU senior.
Smith works to give his students the experience to do what they love, playing their music.
“It makes it an exciting group to be a part of, playing all of the different styles and genres. It’s exciting for the audience, too, hearing all of the different types of instruments in one concert,” Smith said.
The Percussion Ensemble is a place where students create music. They create these unique experiences for everyone to be a part of.
The ensemble is “very expressive,” according to Anderson. “There are lots of instruments, lots of styles, lots of opportunities. It’s a pretty diverse experience in expressing yourself.”
In the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day concert on March 19, pieces will feature fast-paced, non-stop movement described by Smith as a roller-coaster as well as music that will immediately put listeners in a good mood.
Some of the pieces are unpredictable while others are “exotic [and have a] sexy, sort of tango feel,” Smith said.
The Percussion Ensemble performs in a way where each musician is continually playing and actively participating in making the music.
“You get to play all the time. The parts are more active and you play instruments that you can’t in other [musical ensembles],” Smith said.
Percussion is a different way of experiencing music. It is a combination of listening and seeing.
Percussion music is not just hearing the notes but visually seeing how the music is made and what goes into the sound, according to Smith.
Music can lead people on a journey wherever they need to go. The Percussion Ensemble hopes to lead that journey, not just for one piece of music, but for the whole concert.
“Human beings are music makers. Music’s uplifting, inspiring and educational. What better way to experience it while we play the oldest instruments next to the voice?” Anderson said. “Percussion has been contributing to culture all through history and it will continue to do so.”
Utah Valley University’s music department shapes an experience for students to share their love of music with a variety of instruments through the Percussion Ensemble.
Students get the opportunity to learn to play different instruments from an electric guitar to a police whistle. The ensemble mixes a variety of vibraphones, wood blocks, marimbas, and other instruments that help develop culture in the students as well as provide entertaining and unpredictable music, according to Dr. Doug Smith, UVU’s new Percussion Ensemble director.
“The ensemble has played over 100 different instruments just this last semester,” said Nate Anderson, UVU senior.
Smith works to give his students the experience to do what they love, playing their music.
“It makes it an exciting group to be a part of, playing all of the different styles and genres. It’s exciting for the audience, too, hearing all of the different types of instruments in one concert,” Smith said.
The Percussion Ensemble is a place where students create music. They create these unique experiences for everyone to be a part of.
The ensemble is “very expressive,” according to Anderson. “There are lots of instruments, lots of styles, lots of opportunities. It’s a pretty diverse experience in expressing yourself.”
In the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day concert on March 19, pieces will feature fast-paced, non-stop movement described by Smith as a roller-coaster as well as music that will immediately put listeners in a good mood.
Some of the pieces are unpredictable while others are “exotic [and have a] sexy, sort of tango feel,” Smith said.
The Percussion Ensemble performs in a way where each musician is continually playing and actively participating in making the music.
“You get to play all the time. The parts are more active and you play instruments that you can’t in other [musical ensembles],” Smith said.
Percussion is a different way of experiencing music. It is a combination of listening and seeing.
Percussion music is not just hearing the notes but visually seeing how the music is made and what goes into the sound, according to Smith.
Music can lead people on a journey wherever they need to go. The Percussion Ensemble hopes to lead that journey, not just for one piece of music, but for the whole concert.
“Human beings are music makers. Music’s uplifting, inspiring and educational. What better way to experience it while we play the oldest instruments next to the voice?” Anderson said. “Percussion has been contributing to culture all through history and it will continue to do so.”
Monday, January 16, 2012
Break Me Out
Wow, school takes up so much time! After having been in school for one day my planner already overflowed with things I needed to do. Maybe I need a bigger "To Do List" planner? Between trying to shop for textbooks that will wipe out my bank account and actually finding time to do all of the readings, get to know you assignments, and preparing for quizzes (who has quizzes on the second day of class anyway? We haven't learned anything yet!)there is practically no time to just sit and enjoy being back in school.
It's a good thing that today is Martin Luther King Day....Thank you Mr. King! I needed a break. Or at least time to catch up on everything. I know, I'm trying to "catch up" already. This is the first break of the new semester so it better not get wasted. I've been thinking about some ideas of what to do over this break so that it doesn't just drift off into a day of watching TV and reading all of the other fun things people are doing on Facebook.
In case these ideas don't work for today, the next break is on February 20, that's President's Day. I'm glad they are helping us out too ;)
1. Go hiking up to Bridal Veil Falls.
I did this on Saturday, which was definitely warmer than it is today. Man, our weather is so crazy lately. My guess is that by the time we hit June a freak snowstorm will hit us and last until September and then we will jump back into fall. Let's hope I'm wrong...I love the snow, but we kind of need summer.
Anyway, the Provo Canyon trail is pretty nice and dry, but once you cross the threshold over into Bridal Veil the ground is completely frozen, so if you do this make sure to wear good shoes. At some points the snow on the ground is actually pure ice so you have to slip and slide to get across it. A lot of people were up ice climbing the falls too so if you are in to that kind of thing. It looked sketchy to me though because the river and big parts of the falls are still rushing.
2. Go to Trafalga
This is even better if you have a Pass of all Passes. The Orem one is fun, they have outdoor and indoor mini golf, arcade games (which lamely aren't included in with the pass), 4D movies, batting cages, and the best of all.... go karts! The Lehi one I like better. There is way more to do up there. They have indoor rock climbing, laser tag, indoor and outdoor mini golf, a "Rocket" type of roller-coaster. It's like the mini one they have at Lagoon. They have arcade games, which also aren't included with the POAP, but their games are way more fun than Orem's. They also have an outdoor roller-coaster and bumper boats to get you soaking wet, but those are only open during the summer.
3. Go Sky Diving
Looking for an adrenaline rush this break?? Sky Diving is definitely the thing to do. Just make sure to go on a warmer day...so today may not be the best but if the weather keeps going the way it has been then by President's Day it might be the perfect time. Sky Diving is sketchy... yeah I know that, but there isn't anything like it.
I went with Sky Dive Utah and was very impressed. It's up in Tooele: www.skydiveutah.com It only cost us about $240 to tandem jump AND get photos. They have different prices based off of how many people you have, if you want pictures, videos, etc. It was the craziest experience in my life!
Going up in the plane was so much fun... I wasn't worried at all! Haha, okay, maybe a little bit, but nothing like what I expected. Mostly I remember just thinking, "Dang...I'm hungry." After having watched close to 30 other people fly up and come floating back down, my whole group was ready to just get strapped up and jump. It really wasn't that bad flying up in the plane.
The crazy thing was just feeling like you couldn't breathe the entire way down because so much air and pressure is hitting you, but it doesn't feel like you are falling at all. Just floating. Getting to see the world from that angle was the best experience of my life.
4. Tye-Dye T-shirts
If Sky Diving isn't really your thing and you hate being outside when it's cold then this is something you could do while being inside. Tye-Dyeing is one of the most fun activities to do when you're bored, especially if you have someone else to do it with. It's messy, it's fun, AND you get a new shirt out of it. :)< What could be better?
5. Murder Mystery Party
You better watch out because you are now the suspect in a disastrous murder! Don't look away, it's you that is in trouble. This takes a little bit more preparation than just getting up and doing it. You've got to invite people, set up the scene, have time to get costumes, and then all come together for a few hours to solve a murder! You may think acting as someone else is nerdy and that this couldn't be that fun, but trust me, if you get the right people then it can be awesome! And I am NOT a drama person saying that. The other cool thing with murder mystery games is that once you've played one you can't really play it again because you already know who the murderer is and so you can just trade the game with someone else and get a new game to play for free. It's the game that just keeps on giving ;)
6. Life-Size Board Games
We actually did this for FHE last week. Out of crate paper, tape, and card board boxes you can make a life size Monopoly game with huge die, houses & hotels, everything. If you have the electronic Monopoly then it's easier to keep track of your money, but normal Monopoly money can work too.
You could make life-size Clue, or Settlers of Catan. It really could work with any of your favorite board games.
Those are just some ideas that are kind of unique that I've done recently and absolutely loved. You could also play:
- Paint Twister (Paint spots instead of a Twister board)
- Go swimming somewhere: It's actually really fun to swim when the air is cold outside
- Go star gazing
- See a hypnotist show, or be hypnotized yourself
- If we could get any snow in Utah you could go skiing or boarding.
- Rock Climbing at the Quarry
- See a movie: but really, how lame is that to do on your day off?
- Make a movie
- Got to the Hot Pots
- Go tubing at Soldier Hollow: If you've never been tubing, you better go do this right now!
No matter what it is you decide to do, don't waste your break. We all know that school is going to get hectic no matter whether you are in high school, at a University or just working right now. Make the most of your break!!
It's a good thing that today is Martin Luther King Day....Thank you Mr. King! I needed a break. Or at least time to catch up on everything. I know, I'm trying to "catch up" already. This is the first break of the new semester so it better not get wasted. I've been thinking about some ideas of what to do over this break so that it doesn't just drift off into a day of watching TV and reading all of the other fun things people are doing on Facebook.
In case these ideas don't work for today, the next break is on February 20, that's President's Day. I'm glad they are helping us out too ;)
1. Go hiking up to Bridal Veil Falls.
I did this on Saturday, which was definitely warmer than it is today. Man, our weather is so crazy lately. My guess is that by the time we hit June a freak snowstorm will hit us and last until September and then we will jump back into fall. Let's hope I'm wrong...I love the snow, but we kind of need summer.
Anyway, the Provo Canyon trail is pretty nice and dry, but once you cross the threshold over into Bridal Veil the ground is completely frozen, so if you do this make sure to wear good shoes. At some points the snow on the ground is actually pure ice so you have to slip and slide to get across it. A lot of people were up ice climbing the falls too so if you are in to that kind of thing. It looked sketchy to me though because the river and big parts of the falls are still rushing.
2. Go to Trafalga
This is even better if you have a Pass of all Passes. The Orem one is fun, they have outdoor and indoor mini golf, arcade games (which lamely aren't included in with the pass), 4D movies, batting cages, and the best of all.... go karts! The Lehi one I like better. There is way more to do up there. They have indoor rock climbing, laser tag, indoor and outdoor mini golf, a "Rocket" type of roller-coaster. It's like the mini one they have at Lagoon. They have arcade games, which also aren't included with the POAP, but their games are way more fun than Orem's. They also have an outdoor roller-coaster and bumper boats to get you soaking wet, but those are only open during the summer.
3. Go Sky Diving
Looking for an adrenaline rush this break?? Sky Diving is definitely the thing to do. Just make sure to go on a warmer day...so today may not be the best but if the weather keeps going the way it has been then by President's Day it might be the perfect time. Sky Diving is sketchy... yeah I know that, but there isn't anything like it.
I went with Sky Dive Utah and was very impressed. It's up in Tooele: www.skydiveutah.com It only cost us about $240 to tandem jump AND get photos. They have different prices based off of how many people you have, if you want pictures, videos, etc. It was the craziest experience in my life!
Going up in the plane was so much fun... I wasn't worried at all! Haha, okay, maybe a little bit, but nothing like what I expected. Mostly I remember just thinking, "Dang...I'm hungry." After having watched close to 30 other people fly up and come floating back down, my whole group was ready to just get strapped up and jump. It really wasn't that bad flying up in the plane.
The crazy thing was just feeling like you couldn't breathe the entire way down because so much air and pressure is hitting you, but it doesn't feel like you are falling at all. Just floating. Getting to see the world from that angle was the best experience of my life.
4. Tye-Dye T-shirts
If Sky Diving isn't really your thing and you hate being outside when it's cold then this is something you could do while being inside. Tye-Dyeing is one of the most fun activities to do when you're bored, especially if you have someone else to do it with. It's messy, it's fun, AND you get a new shirt out of it. :)< What could be better?
5. Murder Mystery Party
You better watch out because you are now the suspect in a disastrous murder! Don't look away, it's you that is in trouble. This takes a little bit more preparation than just getting up and doing it. You've got to invite people, set up the scene, have time to get costumes, and then all come together for a few hours to solve a murder! You may think acting as someone else is nerdy and that this couldn't be that fun, but trust me, if you get the right people then it can be awesome! And I am NOT a drama person saying that. The other cool thing with murder mystery games is that once you've played one you can't really play it again because you already know who the murderer is and so you can just trade the game with someone else and get a new game to play for free. It's the game that just keeps on giving ;)
6. Life-Size Board Games
We actually did this for FHE last week. Out of crate paper, tape, and card board boxes you can make a life size Monopoly game with huge die, houses & hotels, everything. If you have the electronic Monopoly then it's easier to keep track of your money, but normal Monopoly money can work too.
You could make life-size Clue, or Settlers of Catan. It really could work with any of your favorite board games.
Those are just some ideas that are kind of unique that I've done recently and absolutely loved. You could also play:
- Paint Twister (Paint spots instead of a Twister board)
- Go swimming somewhere: It's actually really fun to swim when the air is cold outside
- Go star gazing
- See a hypnotist show, or be hypnotized yourself
- If we could get any snow in Utah you could go skiing or boarding.
- Rock Climbing at the Quarry
- See a movie: but really, how lame is that to do on your day off?
- Make a movie
- Got to the Hot Pots
- Go tubing at Soldier Hollow: If you've never been tubing, you better go do this right now!
No matter what it is you decide to do, don't waste your break. We all know that school is going to get hectic no matter whether you are in high school, at a University or just working right now. Make the most of your break!!
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