Caroline Gallagher

NEW BLOG WEBSITE!

2011-08-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

I have a NEW blog page at www.carolinelgallagher.tumblr.com

(I will no longer be blogging on this site. Tumblr suites my blogging goals better.)

Please visit my NEW blog page and share it with your friends!

THANK YOU!

Stressful?...That depends on your point of view

2011-01-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

When I tell people about my weekly, or even daily schedule, they often respond sympathetically. I think that is because they misunderstand. I absolutely love being too busy to breathe...It makes me feel at least like I am doing something productive in my life, and fortunately, everything I do benefits me and/or others :) Most are even good for my resumé.

That being said, I am not some crazy supergirl. Sure, I get stressed out sometimes. I have no down time right now, and with 18 hours of classes (and homework), sometimes I feel a little bit overwhelmed. But that has more to do with my obligations to other people, rather than my schedule. So many people are so good to me, and I want to do as much as I can for everyone, along with everything else I am doing..But there are not always enough hours in a day :/ I can honestly say I do the best I can. And that's all I can do :) I do love my life <3

Here is my general schedule:

Tuesday and Thurdsay
5:30am leave my house
(drive 3 hours to Boone in time to catch the bus to campus)
9:30am-4:45pm classes, then take the bus back to my apartment
5:30pm leave Boone to drive back home
8:30pm-10pm go to the end of rehearsal for Evita

Monday, Wednesday and Friday
9am-1pm babysit my grandfather
(12pm-12:30pm songwriting lesson on Mondays)
1pm-6pm work at the yoga studio
6pm-10pm rehearsal for Evita

Saturday and Sunday
6:30am/8am-1pm work at the yoga studio
1pm-until.. rehearsal for Evita

Old Myspace Post

2010-12-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

I posted this bulletin called " ******** is soooo stupid!!!" in 2007...I really posted this. (Name has been removed for the protection of the person.) But, it's soooo funny because they're all true stories!!!!!

reason number 1: she just gagged from smelling her own armpits

reason number 2: she told me to tell people that

reason number 3: story time- someone left her a myspace message earlier today and they used a word she did not know the definition of. So, a few minutes ago, says to me, "What does 'integration' mean?" I tell her, "I don't know. Why?" and she said, "Cause someone messageded me and said 'dude it's been like 5 or 6 years..you're gonna be a senior right? INTEGRATION!' but i don't know what it means." So I go to dictionary.com to find the definition. I read to her, "an act or instance of integrating a racial, religious, or ethnic group." So she said, "that doesn't make any sense...wait, how did you spell it? cause I remember how he spelled it: i-n-t-e-r-r-o-g-a-t-i-o-n." HAHAHAHA....i laughed pretty hard.

reason number 4: she thinks that instead boobie traps and cock roaches we should have cock traps and boob roaches

reason number 5: she thinks that she is unable to sign her name on paper be cause her ankle is sprained. ......? ya got me with that one..

reason number 6: she just drooled and is now crying and hyperventilating because i just read this aloud...and she knows it's all true.

reason number 7: when she was 12 years old, she peed in a red chair cause she laughed so hard

reason number 8: she's about to do it again

reason number 9: last christmas, she tried return a scarf cause she said it was too tight

reason number 10: the other day she asked why Asia got to be a country, but the United States had to be continent...? yeah that one's got me too..

reason number 11: a few weeks ago, her mom asked her to get the cookies out of the oven, and ran into the kitchen when she heard her scream. Her mom asked her what was wrong, and she was crying on the floor saying she burnt herself...her mom suddenly realized she had tried to use her bare hand to take the cookies out.

these are all true stories..and there's like 1000 more.

WOW....good times, good times.

Spring 2011 Class Schedule

2010-11-28T17:51:00.000-08:00

Tuesdays and Thursdays
9:30am-10:45am: Business Writing (3 hours)
11:00am-12:15pm: Business & Economic Statistics I (3 hours)
12:30pm-1:45pm: Principles of Macroeconomics (3 hours)
2:00pm-3:15pm: Principles of Accounting II (3 hours)
3:30pm-4:45pm: Principles of Marketing (3 hours)

Online
CIS-Computing Effectiveness (3 hours)

Total Hours: 18

Yayy, I'm excited :):):)

SOOO can't wait!!

2010-11-22T10:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, so...It's Monday, and I have about four more classes left today...

Tomorrow is Tuesday, and I only have one class before THANKSGIVING BREAK!!! I am so ready for a break and to go home!!!....

Wednesday and Thursday, I'm going to be at my mom's house for the holiday :):) ...

Friday, I'm going back home...

Saturday and Sunday is the OPEN HOUSE for my mom's brand new Hot Asana Yoga Studio & Boutique www.hotasanastudio.com where I will soon be working!!!

Then I have about one week of classes before Winter Break!!! Oh man...soooo excited!!

Next semester, I will be studying in my new major, on a fast-track (or, normal track) to graduation. I'm also hoping to be cast in the show I just auditioned for, which will be in February... :):)

I like change. I think this will be a good one.

Anyways, time for Intro to World Music :P

Psalm 23:6

2010-11-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" Psalm 23:6

I went to my mom's church on Sunday, and it is my favorite church ever. Unfortunately, I don't always get to go because it is not in either town I live in. But I go when I can, and this past week was the end of a six-week series on Psalm 23 (one week for each verse).

This semester at school has been...a whirlwind, I suppose...in many different ways. Obviously, I've heard this verse a thousand times, but it never really meant anything until Sunday. It has stuck with me, sort of as a ray of hope, and an assurance that everything is going to be alright. (Just like the full, entire rainbow I saw on the way home last week :)

Fall Break

2010-10-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

Woot woot! I'm officially on Fall Break, and it is NICE! I'm home (duh), and even though I am going to work, it's nice to have time to chill with my family <3

Today was especially awesome because I got to visit the choirs at Pinecrest :) Hearing them sing today reminded me of how my passion for music began...Being in those choirs in high school is the reason I am so in love with music now.

On another note (no pun intended), I am trying to start things with the band. I got my demo (finally!!!) but I cannot put it on Myspace yet (www.myspace.com/codamuse) because the copyrights are not finished. BUT, I really want to get back into the studio ASAP, so I have been working on some new songs, and am hoping to get together with some other musicians soon :) Oh man, I'm excited. (I will also be getting back in the same studio soon for my brother's song....it is amazing! He is a lyrical genius, in my opinion. He wants me to do back-up vocals :D)

Soooo...whirlwind analyses has settled into a nice break. Ya know, I really love my life <3

OMFG >:O

2010-10-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

I will never again say that this is the last time I switch majors, because I have switched for the "last" time about...twenty times.

But since I do not want to sing opera after I graduate from college, and I also do not have an operatic voice, it does not make sense for me to major in Vocal Performance. That does not mean that I am not and cannot be a singer. It just means that I should major in something more fitting to my career goals.

So, although it will take me an extra year to graduate, I am switching my major BACK to Music Industry Studies with a concentration in Management and Marketing. Super elitist, I suppose, but super awesome. Plus, the required internship will definitely be the best thing that will have happened in my music career thus far. (I mean, that's partly the point :P)

Anyways, short blog this time. Hopefully the last time I switch majors (knock on wood).

Carpe Diem!

What Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up?

2010-10-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

(This is more for me to process my thoughts, than for any reader.)

I am currently majoring in Vocal Performance, but I do not want to sing opera when I graduate from college. The problem is, is that I do not know what I want to do when I graduate from college.

Important Factors:

-I want to be able to travel, or at least to be able to do my job anywhere

-I do not want to have to worry about paying my bills

-I need to feel smart at what I do, or I will lose interest

-I still want to have time (and money) to write and record music

Interests:

-Singing

-Writing music: as in songwriting, not composition

-Recording music

-Choral music: singing and listening, but not conducting (I am most passionate about choral music)

-Classical music training: not necessarily to perform, but to protect my voice and prove legit musicianship

-Music Theory

-Pop music/media

-French language

-Traveling

Weaknesses:

-Operatic singing: I have tried. My voice isn't fit for it (it is breathy and lacks vibrato). And honestly neither is my personality (because the only way for me to produce an operatic sound is to "mock" other performers). Although I do enjoy watching some operas.

-Interpersonal skills: It is strange because I can perform or speak in front of large crowds easily (and I LOVE to do so), and I can market anything through digital media and online networking, but I am not good with personal, face-to-face, one-on-one interactions with people (at least, people I do not know well).

Strengths:

-Belting (haha)

-Pop and Musical Theatre singing

-Songwriting: I did not think so, but professionals have taken an interest and have encouraged me to pursue it

-Choral music

-Music theory: It started out rough, but I am getting better, and I love it (I am highly analytical.)

-Mathematics: And I LOVE math

-Organization

Things I might want to do/have considered doing:

-Performing as a singer on cruise ships

-Professional choral ensembles

-Studio singer/Recording artist (:D)

-Flight attendant

-Massage Therapist

-Work for a corporation or other business-related place (music-related)

-Management/Marketing (music-related)

Things I know I do not want to do:

-Musical Theatre: I am not a dancer, and I am hardly an actress

-Teach music: I have done student directing, student-teaching, and produced a musical theatre camp and I do not have the ability to control groups of students. By "ability", I mean that I do not have the patience or interest to do so.

-Pedagogy: it kinda goes along with the teaching thing, even though it does not include groups or conducting

-Hate my job: too many people these days are depressed because they hate their jobs and feel trapped by it. I think I'd rather be homeless.

-Cop out, settle, sell myself short, etc. That is the biggest thing.

Ugh. I still do not know what I want to be when I grow up :/

Tangible Tangent (...or a Secondary Dominant?)

2010-10-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

I came up with a brilliant idea the other day.

I do not know if the idea is going to work, or if it will ever happen, but I have been doing a lot of research on it lately, and as we all know, research is what I do best.

Okay so...Basically I have decided that every year I want to travel somewhere in the world. There are so many places that I want to go, and depending on how I go about it, it can be surprisingly (relatively) inexpensive. (Fortunately, my tastes and interests allow me to ponder and plan on a small budget.) And while I would love to experience all of the tourist attractions in each place I visit, if only for the experience, I do not want to travel like a tourist. I would rather experience each place and culture as the locals experience it. After all, to understand the people and their way of life in each place is the main reason I am interested in traveling in the first place. To me, what else would be the point? If I only go to meet other tourists and visit places the locals usually do not, that completely defeats the purpose.

Since I am Irish, (and therefore proud of my heritage), naturally the first place I want to visit is Ireland. Of course, I would like to visit Dublin, but in all of Ireland, I am actually least interested in Dublin. It would still be nice to see the east coast, such as (well, Dublin), and especially Wicklow. I also want to visit the south coast, particularly Cork, because that is where my grandmother's father came from. I am probably most interested, however, in visiting the west coast, including Galway, Limerick, and Clare. Ireland is a place that I feel a strong connection with, since my not-so-distant family came from there. That is entirely fascinating to me. It is the only place that I have always wanted to visit, and although I have never been there, I think I want to live there for some time.

Of course, there are many other places I want to visit. Probably second on my list is France because I want to learn to speak French fluently. I am not sure whether I would want to visit Paris or not; I have heard southern France is spectacular, and much less "busy". But then again, you cannot go to France and not see the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées!

Like any American, my family comes from many places. Although I am mostly Irish (and really only care about my Irish heritage!), some of my ancestors also came from Scotland and Germany, so those are other top places on my list. I do not know much about either country, so I will have to do some major research on them, but I do want to visit them both.

Since I am majoring in Vocal Performance, I want to visit Italy, although I am not yet sure where. I am also considering adding Austria to my list because they have a rich music culture. (I mean, every culture is rich in music, but...you know.."The Sound of Music" was set there--and partly filmed there). I also want to see London, Spain, and Switzerland someday, but they are not at the top of my list.

Each place will require an extent of flexibility in various areas, and I am fully aware of that. But at least with Ireland, I am planning to visit for two weeks in May (2011). This year, I am working during the school year to save enough money. My budget for each place will need to be different for each year. This year it is around $3500 for flight, hotel, transportation, food, and spending money. Fortunately, according to the research I have done, that is a reasonable number.

I am thinking that each summer I will plan a trip for around two weeks, in the following summer. Even (and maybe even especially) when I graduate from college, I still want to be able to travel a lot. Hopefully I will come to a point where I have fully funded it the year before (when I plan it); that way I know it will happen. I do not want to become one of those people who always wishes they could travel, but never ends up doing anything about it. After all, one of my biggest dreams is to travel the world, and I am all about working hard to achieve my dreams :)

I am either a hard-core dreamer, or my thoughts are their own distraction from themselves.

If you know me, then you're not suprised

2010-10-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

I switched majors again, for my birthday, about a month ago. THIS time for final. (For REAL.)

My new major is my old major: Vocal Performance. So for anyone interested my schedule now looks like this:

Monday
9:00am-9:50am: French I, Mrs. McNeill
11:00am-11:50am: Music Theory II, Dr. Licata
12:00pm-12:50pm: Opera History and Literature, Dr. Amaya
2:00pm-2:50pm: Intro to World Music, Dr. Semmes
3:30pm-4:00pm: Accompanist rehearsal, Aaron Ames
5:00pm-6:00pm: Voice Studio Class, Dr. Amaya
7:00pm-9:00pm: Appalachian Chorale, Dr. Hopton-Jones

Tuesday
11:00am-11:50pm: Aural Skills II, Dr. Licata
1:00pm-1:50pm: Class Piano II, Mrs. Rippey

Wednesday
9:00am-9:50am: French I, Mrs. McNeill

11:00am-11:50am: Music Theory II, Dr. Licata

12:00pm-12:50pm: Opera History and Literature, Dr. Amaya

2:00pm-2:50pm: Intro to World Music, Dr. Semmes

Thursday
10:00am-10:50am: Applied Voice, Dr. Amaya

11:00am-11:50pm: Aural Skills II, Dr. Licata

1:00pm-1:50pm: Class Piano II, Mrs. Rippey

Friday

9:00am-9:50am: French I, Mrs. McNeill

11:00am-11:50am: Music Theory II, Dr. Licata

1:00pm-1:50pm: Performance Seminar

2:00pm-2:50pm: Intro to World Music, Dr. Semmes

P.S. This post is not even why I logged in, but now I'm out of time. I'll be back soon!

School Schedule....Almost final...

2010-08-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

I still have to make some changes to my school schedule, but here is what I have for sure:

Monday
9:00am-9:50am: Intro to Music Industry Studies, Mrs. Wangler
10:00am-10:50am: Survey of Western Music, Dr. Semmes
2:00pm-2:50pm: Intro to World Music, Dr. Semmes
5:00pm-6:00pm: Voice Studio Class, Dr. Amaya
7:00pm-9:00pm: Appalachian Choral, Dr. Hopton-Jones

Tuesday
(NO CLASS!!!)

Wednesday

9:00am-9:50am: Intro to Music Industry Studies, Mrs. Wangler

10:00am-10:50am: Survey of Western Music, Dr. Semmes

2:00pm-2:50pm: Intro to World Music, Dr. Semmes

Thursday

(NO CLASS!!!)

Friday

9:00am-9:50am: Intro to Music Industry Studies, Mrs. Wangler

10:00am-10:50am: Survey of Western Music, Dr. Semmes

1:00pm-1:50pm: Performance Seminar

2:00pm-2:50pm: Intro to World Music, Dr. Semmes

At some point, I will be doing a voice lesson once a week with Dr. Amaya :) Since I placed out of Contemporary Musicianship I until next semester, then HOPEFULLY I can take Artist Management or something. I am also supposed to be taking Survey of Management, but the one I am in now conflicts with my Voice Studio Class, so I can't add it. All of the other ones are full, but I'm working on switching to another time...We'll see. Anyways, the first three days haven't been too bad! :)

El cántaro roto

2010-08-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

El cántaro roto

La lluvia...

Ojos de aqua de sombra,

ojos de agua de pozo,

ojos de aqua de sueńo.

Soles azules, verdes remolinos,

picos de luz que abren astros

como granadas.

Dime, tierra quemada, no hay aqua?

hay sólo sangre, sólo hay polvo,

sólo pisadas de pies desnudos sobre la espina?

La lluvia despierta...

Hay que domir con los ojos abiertos,

hay que soñar con les manos,

soñemos sueños activos de río buscando su cauce,

sueños de sol soñando sus mundos,

hay que soñar en voz alta,

hay que cantar hasta que el canto eche,

raíces, tronco ramas pájaros, astros,

hay que desenterrar la palabra perida,

recordar lo que dicen la sangre y la marea,

le tierra y el cuerpo,

volver al punto de partida...

Octavio Paz, adapted by Eric Whitacre

Cloudburst

The broken water-jar

The rain...

Eyes of shadow‐water,

eyes of well water,

eyes of dream‐water.

Blue suns, green whirlwinds,

birdbeaks of light pecking open

pomegranate stars.

But tell me, burnt earth, is there no water?

Only blood, only dust,

only naked footsteps on the thorns?

The rain awakens…

We must sleep with open eyes,

we must dream with our hands,

we must dream the dreams of a river seeking its course,

of the sun dreaming its worlds,

we must dream aloud,

we must sing till the song puts forth roots,

trunk, branches birds, stars,

we must find the lost word,

and remember what the blood,

the tides, the earth, and the body say,

and return to the point of departure...

Translation by Lysander Kemp

Count Your Blessings

2010-05-15T23:32:00.000-07:00

Life is so exciting! I have so many great things coming up in my near future that I am too excited to sleep! (Literally.) And every time I think that I am so blessed that life can't get any better, it always does, and more great things appear. This is not a bragging post. I am simply counting my blessings.

For one, I just graduated from Sandhills Community College with an Associate in Arts degree. Even though I am the fourth child in my family, that technically makes me the first child in my family to graduate with a college degree. (In my oldest brother's defense, he will receive his Bachelor degree at the end of the summer.)

This summer, I have countless job opportunities that really give me an advantage, as far as my resumé and real-life experiences are concerned. I will be continuing my work as a Marketing Manager, but will be able to take on bigger, more important projects this summer, and potentially begin training for a more permanent position that I can continue with after I transfer colleges. I have also been given an opportunity to produce the Summer Theatre Camps with the Moore County Arts Council. I am probably most excited about this opportunity, as it most closely pertains to what I want to do in the future. Summer for most people means a break. But for me, it means a chance to get ahead. So I say, "Bring it on."

At the end of the summer, I will transfer either to UNC Chapel Hill, where I will double major in Vocal Performance and Mathematics, OR to the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, where I will either double major in Vocal Performance and Music Education, or major in Music Industry Studies, with a concentration in Music Business (Marketing and Promotion). I know that sounds a little bit complicated...But trust me when I say that I have performed extensive due diligence on each option and know in great detail what each path entails. Whichever road I end up taking will produce an equally desirable outcome, in my book.

As I have mentioned before, I have a strong, loving family that I absolutely adore. Not just my (two) immediate families, but my extended family as well. Everyone is so supportive of everything, and I will never be able to express my appreciation for all of their belief in me. It is deeply humbling.

On another note, I recently resolved all of my debts, the biggest of which concerned my car. Having spent six months, and almost 300 times that in dollars, paying for my lemon of a Volkswagen, I was finally set free after making my last payment before the beginning of May. Consequently, I have been able to redirect my earnings to my savings account, carefully following a tight budget I outlined for myself just for fun. Because I was not keeping any of the money I was making, I was not aware of how successful, financially, I have actually been this past year. But now, seeing it build, I realize that I am actually well off, and, ahead of budget already, I know I will be in a good place when I head off to college in the fall. The most baffling part of the whole situation is that everywhere I turn, another opportunity falls into my lap, and I am continually rewarded. I don't expect these gifts (as most of my financial rewards are carefully planned and justly earned), and they sort of come out of no where, but I greatly appreciate them, beyond the point of fair expression.

As if all of these practicalities were not enough, God has opened a door for me to something so beautiful. I cannot really explain it, but then...it could not be understood by anyone other than myself anyways. He is sending me in a direction that I am undeserving of, but that I am ready and willing to pursue full on. I will work harder than I ever have before to not fail. If you're confused by what I'm talking about, it ties everything together...I just mean that I am confident that my future is bright. And what I recognize is that it is brighter than I have ever imagined.

Counting your blessings is truly a beautiful practice. I honestly feel like I am the most blessed person in the entire world.

This isn't a question. I just couldn't see the option to post anonymously to your latest blog entry. Go to App. You'll want the connections that the professors can provide if you hope to perform.

2010-05-12T11:39:00.001-07:00

Haha, well thank you for the insight!

Ask me anything...I will answer.

Uh Oh...I think I'm in Trouble

2010-05-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

Since yesterday was my last day of school, and I've officially completed all of the requirements for an Associate in Arts degree, I've been thinking about my future regarding school...again.

For the past semester, I've been dead-set on being a music major again, no matter what. Music is my passion, especially performing and singing. And I have been accepted at The Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, as a Music Performance major (for Voice), which, evidently, is the most difficult major to be accepted for there.

But I've also been thinking about how little success I've had singing Classical music (other than Choral music), and how much more I enjoy singing the kind of music that 1.) They don't teach you in schools and therefore, 2.) You don't have to go to school for....The only other thing I could get out of going to said School of Music, would be a Music Education degree. Except that I don't exactly plan on being a teacher (just as a fall-back).

Which is what any other degree from any other school would be: a fall-back. So then, it doesn't really matter where I go, or for what, right? So why would I spend 4-5 years in school to get 1-2 two music degrees, therefore starting my career later...when I could spend 2-3 more years getting a different Bachelor degree or two, and graduate on time, therefore starting my career earlier, and leaving even more time for graduate school...? Is that logical? Or is that just my logic? If I don't major in music, I'd still be able to pursue a career in performance (I think), I just couldn't pursue a career in education...which I don't really want to do anyways. I think I'd rather try to land a career for a record company, or a radio station, or an entertainment company, or a film studio, or....something of the sort. Which I could do with any degree.

I'm so lost...ugh. Why do I continue to create these circles to run myself in?

I need guidance, feedback, advice, opinions!

I think I'm just being retarded. I know I will forever regret not majoring in music if I don't. I'm just worried that I might also resent it, for delaying the start of my career, if I do. Which, in 5-10 years will not even matter. And I've learned that lesson before. I guess I'll go ahead and remind myself not to make that same mistake again.

Thanks for the help!

Please check out my other websites:

http://www.myspace.com/carolinegallaghermusic

http://www.youtube.com/cgallagher08

http://www.twitter.com/cgallagher08

http://www.myspace.com/lineystarre

http://www.youtube.com/lineystarre

http://www.twitter.com/lineystarre

GLEE AUDITION VIDEO

2010-04-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

HI EVERYONE!

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=104638630

I HAVE AUDITIONED FOR GLEE! IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY, PLEASE RATE MY GLEE AUDITION VIDEO, THEN SHARE IT WITH ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=104638630

I WANT TO GIVE A SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO ALL OF MY TWITTER FOLLOWERS AND MYSPACE AND FACEBOOK FRIENDS WHO HAVE SHOWN SUPPORT AND HELPED ME OUT!

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE IT!

YOU CAN HEAR MY AUDITION HERE:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=104638630

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE RATE IT AND SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW!

THANK YOU EVERYONE!

Family Heirloom

2010-03-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

In my nineteen years, I have always been proud of having a large family. Somewhere along my journey thus far, however, I had grown used to the idea of having such extended connections. I recently realized that I somehow have been taking it for granted. I have never forgotten about them, and I take comfort in knowing they are there; the fact is always in the back of my mind, but that's the thing.

While it is impossible to see my whole family at any given time, I share a unique relationship with each family member. I remain on (at least) good terms with everyone in my family. Where this is going, is that it just dawned on me that they are the reason I am as fortunate as I am about where my life is going. They are the reason I have been so successful, so far.

To explain myself a bit more in depth: Being that my family is so large, it can be expected that there is a large variety of personalities and ways of living. (You'd be surprised how very different people who were raised exactly the same way can be!) Because of that, I have been inspired and moulded by the examples and decisions of each person in my family.

My oldest brother, Matt, is to become an Officer in the US Navy upon graduating from NC State this summer. From there, he will attend flight school in Pensicola, FL to begin training for a career as a Naval Flight Officer. He is a highly intelligent, very patient, quiet-yet-fun, novelistic idea of an oldest brother. He is perhaps not very challenged in his education, being too smart for his own good. Either way, he is very respected among others, myself included.

Next in line is Kevin, who could not be more different. He is still trying to find what exactly he wants to do with his life. He is one of those people who is able to become passionate about whatever he is doing, almost to the point of obsession. He is also very talented in many ways I wish I was. Throughout his school years, he had to work a little bit harder for the same effect as those who didn't put forth much effort. Because of that, he has searched for alternative ways to survive in the "real world". Currently passionate about golf, he works as a caddy in Pinehurst. Searching for his next move, he is bracing himself at home, gaining some resistance before taking off again.

Brittney is my older sister, right before me. Like Kevin, she has taken an indefinite break from school, viewing it as a barrier from doing what she really wants to do: become a movie star. She is a successful waitress, happy with her latest boyfriend, and living with her dad. Growing up, she encouraged me to live by my heart, pursue my talents and passions, and not to care what others think about me. She is the sister that is also a best friend. I owe a lot of my confidence to her.

Right below me is my younger brother, Patrick. He is the perfect combination of all of us older kids. He has the brains, the looks, the talent, the swagger...haha. He gets perfect grades without trying, he is practically famous in his school (EVERY girl in his school wants to date him), and he is recognized by respected musicians around the town for being a proficient guitarist. He also dabbles in singing and songwriting. His dream is to go to Berklee College of Music and become the next John Mayer.

Michael is a red-headed leprechaun of a little brother, trying to figure out how to make the smoothest transition from elementary to middle school. He makes being cool an academic subject, studying the "textbook" of popularity. Largely misunderstood (being the youngest child in one house), he remains my best friend still at home. I can tell he looks up to me (to a certain extent), so I enjoy spending one-on-one time with him. He is just like me, only far ahead of where I was at the same age. So, though he'd never understand it, he teaches me more than I teach him.

Peyton is next. Extremely intelligent, just like Matt. Peyton knows more about some subjects (especially sciences), than I think I may ever comprehend. He is one of those people who likes to read and watch educational things, to learn just for fun. He's also the engineer-type. He has a unique personality, and while he is still growing and finding his way, he is firm in his beliefs, and I'm inspired by his self security. He idolizes Matt, and that is not a bad thing at all.

Last, but certainly not least, is my mini-me, Paige. She is a confident, outgoing, sassy six-year-old who says she wants to be like me when she grows up. I'm not sure that is such a good thing, haha, but it does keep me in line, to remain a good role-model for her. Being my only little sister, I think I adore her more than she adores me. Also, her level of confidence at her age is very reassuring to me, because that's what I lacked at her age. It is also inspirational. If I could teach her only one thing, however, it would be independence. But that will surely come with time.

As for my parents, each of them has a different but important impact on me. Having four of them, I have a full range of influences. I am most like my dad, and he has perhaps the largest influence on me. We have the same personality and sense of humor, and he's careful about guiding me in the right direction. My mom (the one I don't live with) always encourages me to pursue my dreams, and not let any obstacles prevent me from achieving them. The mom I do live with is a yoga teacher, so she always offers emotional viewpoints, but she is aslo highly realistic and rational. My step-dad (who I don't live with), acts as a guidance counselor, providing real-world advice in terms of education and career.

I am the kind of person that takes much pride in being independent and working hard for what I want. Sometimes viewed as stoic, uncaring, and even self-important, the facts that my self-standards are high, that I want to do things on my own, and that I will do whatever it takes to achieve my constantly heightened ambitions, are closer to the truth. And while that has brought me a long way, even further have I come as a direct product of my family members.

formspring.me

2010-02-28T20:47:00.001-08:00

Ask me whatever you want, mes petites lumières des étoiles. http://formspring.me/cgallagher08

Thinking schools. Again.

2010-02-22T21:38:00.000-08:00

I have college and future plans on the brain again. It's what I obsess over, about 99% of the time.

I have applied to six universities:
1. University of North Carolina School of the Arts
2. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
3. East Carolina University
4. Appalachian State University
5. Western Carolina University, and
6. North Carolina State University

Those are in order of where I'd like to go. So far, I have been accepted at NC State and ECU (although I've not auditioned for their School of Music yet). I have auditioned at UNC Chapel Hill and UNC School of the Arts, which are my top two choices! :)

Basically, the School of the Arts and Chapel Hill are the only two schools that I actually want to go to, at this point. The other four schools are back up plans (after an elaborate, yet sporadic and daring plan to take a break from school to study music in NYC...but anyways). Plus NC State is pretty much out because they have nothing to offer me: no music, and no B.A. in Math, (only a B.S. in Math)....so, I am pretty much planning my life around UNCSA and UNC-Chapel Hill.

Here's the deal: If I do not get in to either, or if I only get in to one, then all of my problems will be solved, and none of this worrying will matter. If, however (crossing my fingers), I am accepted to both prestigious universities, I cannot decide which one I should go to. (I swear, sometimes I think that being an INTJ, the way that I think is a curse. In the long run, though, it's always a blessing.)

UNCSA is a conservatory, and so obviously the better choice, in terms of music and vocal training. It specifically trains students for a professional career as a performing artist. They also have an unofficial pipeline to Broadway, as most alumni end up there. Also, I have worked with several UNSCA alumni in the past, and their talent, confidence, and professionalism far exceed those around them. But it will take me another four years for one degree: a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance (I would start out as a freshman again in the Fall).

On the other hand, UNC Chapel Hill will take 4-5 semesters (depending on one or two summer semesters), to get a B.A. in Music, plus a B.A. in Math, which together would beat most resumés. Then I could go ahead to NYC or the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati (or any other conservatory, but you get the idea...), for graduate school.

My ultimate plan either way is to be classically trained for my undergraduate studies, then go to graduate school for Musical Theatre. (Since, apparently Musical Theatre is where I ultimately belong....read the post below for THAT story). So, if I go to UNC School of the Arts, then I will be 24 years old with a B.M., then 26 years old when I finish my Master's degree. And if I go to UNC Chapel Hill, then I will be 21 years old with two B.A.s, and then 23 years old with a B.A. in Math, and a Master's in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Musical Theatre, and a Classical foundation. Which to me seems like the better choice...(Being an INTJ, I think in terms of the long run. Or in this case, the long-long run).

What to do, what to do....?

Wait until mid-March when I get my notifications, I suppose is all I can do for now.

Interesting Reviews

2010-02-06T19:58:00.000-08:00

So, I have successfully completed two of my five college music auditions.

Or unsuccessfully?

It's hard to say, but one thing's for sure: The general consensus among the music faculty at the universities I have auditioned for seems to be that I am better suited for Musical Theatre, as opposed to Classical training. I suppose based on my solo repertoire and my extensive background in musical theatre, it is easy to assume that musical theatre is my area of focus and intention.

Au contraire.

My intention is to be classically trained. I have been thorough in my research of universities and their music programs, what they are all about, and certainly the difference in musical theatre training and classical training.

Hearing that consistent uncertainty in my musical purpose has somewhat daunted me. I was taken aback at today's audition, after performing a requested musical theatre piece. They asked me what my interest in their program is. And if I thought I would be bored at their school...studying French, German, Italian literature, etc...I wondered if they really assumed I had not made myself aware of what type of singer their program composes, how they train, and exactly what I might be getting myself into. Which, frankly, slightly offended me.

Of course, I wouldn't be bored! That's exactly WHY I chose to major in music. So that I could learn all of that, and build a solid foundation from which to launch and maintain a successful music career. I know exactly what I am getting into, and what I am looking for. I may not be (vocally or by genre) exactly what they look for in auditionees or future/prospective students, and I was aware of that before auditioning...But I guarantee them this: They are exactly what I want. And I am willing to do what it takes to get the training that I firmly believe in, and hold the highest respect for as a musician. For what other reason would I even bother?...If I didn't give it my all or work to and above my highest standards? I am not the type of person, or musician, that settles. That, in my book, is not above giving up.

I didn't skip a beat, though. I explained that I was completely aware of what it means to be classically trained, and that it has never been my intention to major in musical theatre. I also explained that I understand that, although that is what my background is made up of, and that I have never been operatically trained, it is still my desire to become a classically trained singer.

Even then, they threw back that it's okay to admit that Musical Theatre is my career intention and that I may wish to base the extension of my career in performance on classical training...but that thought has never crossed my mind. And I explained that in a Statement of Purpose that was submitted along with my application.

But never fear. (Although I somehow screwed up the Italian piece that I have been studying for over a year)...I was the last voice student to audition today, and the first to be asked to perform three pieces (as opposed to two), and also the first to get a perfect score on the sight-reading. Surprise, surprise. My theory may be a little bit of proof that I am working to be where I know I want to be.

I plan to exhaust every source possible to prove that that school is exactly where I have specifically chosen to attend.

Good day.

What a GREAT week! :)

2010-01-17T21:18:00.000-08:00

Hooray for a day off school tomorrow....even if it is only the second week.

Today was quite productive. I cleaned my room and closet, which is part of my agenda every weekend, since I usually don't have time to clean them during the week, arg. Plus, I gathered material for a speech I'm working on, studied for school and work, payed some bills, and got to go to my grandparents' house with my family for dinner :)

This was such a great week. It was my first week back at school, and my new classes are totally boss. I'm officially taking:

General Chemistry I (Lecture and Lab)
Chorus
Applied Music-Voice
Independent Study-Class Piano I
Dancing for Fitness
American Literature I, and
Principles of Management.

This week, I was also hired as a waitress at Outback Steakhouse (FINALLY), and I will begin training on Tuesday. The manager is way cool, and he seems to be impressed with me, so that's good. I was also offered an interview for my dream job, but more on that when I find out a little more....For now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I also was offered a highly profitable babysitting gig for a week or two, and I'm hoping that my crazy schedule will allow room for it.....Because I'm still the Marketing Manager for the textile company, and I am in the middle of four or five projects with that job! AHH, my life is crazy right now, but I'm so digging it!

I had rehearsal for Oklahoma! again this weekend, and it was perfect...I can't even explain how much I love doing this stuff. As frustrating as musical mistakes can be to me, I love them all the same. It's all part of the process. (Being an INTJ, the process itself is almost more important than the outcome to me.) I also began rehearsals for Choral Society this week. That's one that I'm not entirely sure I can fully commit to. I'm going to try to stick through the whole season, but I don't yet know if the rest of my schedule will allow room for it. I'm pushing for it though :)

This coming weekend is my first college audition, for UNC Chapel Hill. I'm not very nervous...I don't really get nervous for things anymore, but I am very excited. I get to stay with my mom in Cary for the weekend, which will be awesome because I haven't seen my other family in a while. For my audition, I'm going to sing:

1. "Per La Gloria D'adorarvi" by Giovanni Battista Bononcini

2. "Mein Herr" from the musical "Cabaret"

3. "Angels Ever Bright And Fair" by George Frideric Handel

Not that really any of you know any of these songs....but they're pretty popular in the Classical world, haha. Then the next weekend, I'm headed to Boone to stay with my Aunt Shirley for my audition for Appalachian State University. I'm singing different songs for that audition (because different schools have different audition requirements).

Another great thing to mention is my training for the SLO Triathlon in July. My training has been going surprisingly well this week, and I have been improving more quickly than I had expected. At least in the swimming. I still hate running, but I'm doing it anyways, and I haven't started the biking yet. I'm going to incorporate that soon, after I get a better hang of the running. I didn't think I would, but I'm actually very much enjoying the training! It's great so far, and I'm already planning for some 5ks next month :)

Well, I need to go prepare myself for the busy week ahead of me.

CLG

Today was CRAZY!

2010-01-11T14:18:00.001-08:00

So I have a few kinks in my schedule that I'm still working out....as is the case with seemingly the entire student body. Which, by the way, consists of WAY more people than just from this county. Seriously, people really need to stick to the Community Colleges in their own counties. I mean, I know Sandhills is one of the best, certainly in the surrounding area, and with some of the most reputable programs, but come on people. I LIVE in this county, and I went to school 30 minutes early and still barely made it to class on time, thanks to lack of parking. Jerks. Whatever. My schedule rocks.

I got to see my music family again today since I'm back in all those classes :) it was awesome. I didn't realize they care about me so much; plus we got a new member from my old choir family in high school, which was one of the best surprises :)

So three of my friends, that are also in choir with me, all work at Outback, and have convinced me to apply there for a third time. And one of them is in Oklahoma! with me. She advised that I definitely apply now because it won't interfere with rehearsals, and training takes so long that if I apply now, then by the time Oklahoma! is over, we will be done with training. Which we get paid for. Oklahoma! and training. So I'm applying tomorrow.

As for tonight, I'm gonna unwind from my crazy, frantic, running-around day by swimming some laps at the gym, and probably some running too. :) After I get all of the membership paperwork done, haha.

Watching The Office now--VERY IMPORTANT!! So I gotta go.

World Peace.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Pinehurst Ave,Southern Pines,United States

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love ya. I love where my life is going :)

2010-01-10T16:48:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, my classes begin. My new classes, since my original schedule was purged for lack of paying tuition. Either way, I'm excited to have something to do with my time that at least moves me forward, rather than just running in place.

My new class schedule is as follows (15 credit hours):

MON:
9am-10am: General Chemistry I-Lecture
12pm-1pm: Chorus II
2pm-5pm: General Chemistry I-Lab

WED:
9am-10am: General Chemistry I-Lecture
12pm-1pm: Chorus II
1pm-2pm: Class Piano I
6:45pm-8:35pm: Dancing for Fitness

FRI:
9am-10am: General Chemistry I-Lecture
12pm-1pm: Chorus II
1pm-2pm: Class Piano I

I do have an Applied Music II-Voice class that has to be scheduled on my own time, probably from 1pm-2pm on Mondays, since that's open, and I also have American Literature I online, which I'm very pleased with :) Plus, I have to change my Public Speaking class to another one (probs Business Math or Principles of Management) because I've already taken Public Speaking. BUTTTTT, I don't have any classes on Tuesdays or Thursdays. On those days, I babysit my grandfather, so my grandmother can go to the gym and run errands and such.

I love that things are getting busy again! :) Besides school, rehearsals for "Oklahoma!" have begun, and I also have college auditions (for Music Schools) coming up almost every weekend starting in the end of January. I am SOO stoked! :) And on top of that, I'm graduating from Sandhills this semester. AAHH, I'm so happy!

Once Oklahoma! is over, I plan on getting ANOTHER job. I work for my dad now, as an Associate Marketing Manager, but it's not a whole lot of fun, so I only end up doing a few hours a day. And I also get paid to babysit my grandfather. But I need to start making more bank. I have to pay off my car ASAP, and begin saving for when I go to a real college. I don't wanna be broke anymore :(

I don't know yet which University I'm going to, or what exactly I'm majoring in, but it will all depend on which schools (and their Music Schools) I am accepted at. That's basically the only thing keeping me up these nights. I'm just too excited, and the anticipation is a killer....boy, it will only get worse after I audition and am waiting for a response....!!! Oh well, I can't do anything about it now other than focus on acing my auditions, my current classes, and Oklahoma!.

Bouts ta go home to FINISH cleaning and re-organizing my closets and room. :)

LAYTA.

To-Do List

2010-01-07T06:28:00.000-08:00

I love how instead of actually doing things on my to-do list, I choose to blog my to-do list. I'm so bad at DOING things. (Although I did just finish listing all of my textbooks on eBay :)

Whatever. Classes start on Monday for me, and I still have a lot to do to get ready for that and a bunch of other things I won't have time to do once school starts back up. But I do want to take advantage of the free time I have left.

Either way, I need to organize my thoughts so that I know I am thorough in my preparation. So not that anyone cares, here's my:

To-Do List
-Reschedule my audition for UNC Chapel Hill (currently its the same day as my ECU audition...)
-Make boarding arrangements for my audition weekends
-Confirm that Appalachian has received all of my materials (they claim they're missing items, but I've sent them everything.)
-Lunch at How Ya Doin' with by bestie Bradley, and also Charity and Adam :)
-Re-register for classes at school (my schedule got purged because I missed the tuition date.) :(
-Pay my tuition at Sandhills (uh, haha..)
-Send my audition pieces to Appalachian for the accompanist
-Gym membership! I have to fill out all the paperwork still...yuck.
-Work out my Oklahoma! schedule....They gave it to me in strange, sporadic pieces.
-Organize my music notebooks
-Finishing organizing my room and closets
-Start my sheet music project for KC

Andddd that's about all the official stuff I guess. I do also need to get some hours in for work, plus get another job. I have big plans for the summer that I will need to be able to afford, plus I don't wanna go to real college, poor. Haha....anyhoo, now as my current Twitter stat say, "Today is a day to get things done." (http://www.twitter.com/cgallagher08). So I need to execute that statement.

Layta!