Masada

Today my family and I climbed Masada in Israel! I am not the best hiker, but I was determined to push through for the spiritual experience! Masada is such an important monument for the history of Israel and the Jewish people. I associate this experience with Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. I faces a lot of challenges that day. First of all, I am not the best at hiking. Second, I had a very bad sinus infection that whole week. These challenges made it hard to climb the mountain. My sickness, plus the crazy altitude of the mountain caused a terrible pressure headache which made me have to sit down a lot over the course of the hike. It was also very windy outside, which made staying on track very difficult. Despite all of these challenges, I did what the learning outcome said and face new challenges and developing new skills! I developed skills of perseverance during the hike because these challenges made the experience hard, but I pushed through in order to see the beautiful view and landmarks from the top of the mountain!

Chicago Performance!!!!

Tonight we opened Chicago!!!! Not going to lie, we were all very nervous for the show for various reasons, but we really pulled it off. The morning before opening, I woke up with ZERO voice and I was scared that I wouldn't be able to sing. I did everything in my power to preserve my voice for the show! At school I drank a total of 6 cups of tea with honey and lemon and I had 3 bowls of chicken noodle soup and gargle a ton of apple cider vinegar which was NASTY but really helped! When if came time to perform, we were all nervous. Our nerves were so high we were shaking! Once we went   on stage we killed it! We sang and danced our hearts out. I didn't sing at my very best ability, but I did my best and that is what matters. I associated tonight with Learning Outcome 7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions. I had to learn how to preserve my voice for the show even though it was so tempting to talk and break vocal rest. It was also hard to do the apple vinegar even though it was gross. I did it even though it gross because I knew I needed to have a strong voice that night! Im so proud of the whole cast and crew of Chicago!

Last Day at Martinez for the Semester!

Yesterday was my last day teaching guitar at Clemente Martinez Elementary school for this semester. The kids have grown a lot throughout these past few months! To round out the semester, I was put in charge of teaching the class mostly by myself. I was supported by my co-teacher, Rachel, but I lead thereclass mostly by myself! We reviewed chords and rhythm because that is what we had been doing most of the semester! Towards the end of class we did a small showcase with the violin class next door. We first went over to their room and watched them play a short piece! After, the violin class came to our classroom and we demonstrated whole notes, quarter notes, etc using the E minor chord! I think it was very beneficial for both classes to observe the other because we have talked to the kids about how part of being a great musician is being a great listener. I feel that this whole day aligns with LO 3: demonstrating how to initiate and plan a fieldwork experience. I planned the contents of the class myself and helped plan the crossover class with the violin kids and their teacher! I look forward to returning in January!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chicago Run Through

On Sunday at rehearsal for Chicago, we ran through the portion of the show that we have staged! We have staged most of the first act so far. The whole cast was very nervous because we were scared we were going to mess up or forget choreography. We decided that we were all going to meet up at the theatre early for rehearsal and practice all of the large dance numbers before we had to do them in front of the choreographer and the leads of the younger cast of Chicago so they could gain inspiration from the older cast and see where they could go with hard work and practice! We ran through the show twice and it honestly went very well. It was very long and quite exhausting because we were dancing for four hours straight, hut I felt really good after. I feel that this connects with learning outcome 1, identifying own strengths and develop areas for growth. I felt really good with my memorization of lines, lyrics and choreography, but I still need to work on feeling comfortable in my body when dancing and working on calming my nerves when singing a solo! Overall, I am excited to see this show come together! I will keep this blog updated throughout the process!!!

Third Week At Clemente Martinez!!!

Yesterday marked my third class at Clemente Martinez Elementary School! Teaching at a new school with such short notice and transition timer was hard, but I think that my co-teacher Rachel and I are transitioning well! We now have 13 kids in our class instead of 9 or 10. We also teach an hour and a half class instead of 50 minutes, which is a large difference! Aside form these struggles, the classes are going well! We have introduced the kids to basic music theory and have taught them some basic chords like Em and A! Some of the kids are super hyper and it has been a challenge to calm them down, but aside from them being hyper, I see so much potential in all of these kids!

I feel that this whole experience aligns with Learning Outcome 2, demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. As I said before, moving to a new school that is a completely different environment as well as teaching a longer and bigger class has been hard, but I have learned how to adapt to new circumstances and grow as a teacher and leader. I am excited to watch these kids grow throughout the year and gain skills and knowledge. I see so much potential and excitement in them and I cant wait to see them grow into mature artists!

Chicago Rehearsal Update!

Today I had rehearsal for Chicago!!!! Today was the first day I had lines and solos in the show! I have a sinus infection, which was a minor setback, but I was just so excited to prove to the directors that I was a good choice for my role! The role I have is different from anything I have ever played! She is a soprano and has a wild personality! I was so excited to sing and act for my cast. When it was time to sing the song I have lines in, I was so ready. I sang my part for the class and I got great feedback from the music director. He gave me great tips on how to combine my action and singing. When we staged the song I sing in, I got to do my lines in front of the directors for the first time. It was so fun to act as someone that is so different from me and just have fun with it.

I feel that this aligns with CAS Learning Outcome 1, identify own strengths and develop areas for growth. I got so much great and helpful tips and constructive criticism that I think I will be able to portraythis role very well! I am excited to see how the show turns out and I am excited to have fun with this role!

First Day at Clemente Martinez!!!

Last week I received an email that Hope Stone, the organization I intern with, is no longer teaching at Browning Elementary. I was devastated because I had bonded so much with the kids there and wanted to return and see how much my students have grown over the summer. I was informed that Hope Stone's program was being moved to Clemente Martinez Elementary School, just down the road from Browning. Instead of teaching 4th grade ukulele and 5th grade guitar, I was told I was teaching a mixed 4th and 5th grade guitar. It was going to be shift, but I was excited for a new experience and the opportunity to impact more children.

The first day went very well! The group of kids I have is amazing! They all seem interested and willing to learn! To me this whole shift aligns with Learning Outcome #4, demonstrating that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. I will admit that shifting schools in such a short period of time was challenging, but I learned how to adapt and think on my feet!

I am excited to see these new students grow!!!!

Dancing at Chicago Rehearsal

Today was our third rehearsal for Chicago. We finished the opening number and started learning the dances to the next two songs in the show. Dancing has never been my strongest suit. Out of the three components of musical theatre, singing, acting and dancing, dancing is my weakest. Chicago has really broadened my horizons in recognizing my dance skill. It has also allowed me to practice, grow and improve my dance skills in a safe and supportive environment. The dance style for Chicago, fosse, is very style specific and pretty technical. Although it is difficult, I am enjoying the process of learning and practicing this new style that I have never experienced. This connects to Learning Outcome #2, Demonstrating that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. I have struggled the past few weeks with learning the dance steps and keeping up with the choreographer, but I am learning and improving with time. I love learning new skills in an environment where I know I am supported and encouraged to step out of my comfort zone.

Chicago Callback

Today I had my callback for Chicago! I was excited to know that the director wanted to see me again after my audition. This boosted my confidence walking into the theatre for the callback. We were notified before that the callback would specifically highlight dancing, since the dance style for Chicago is so specific and technical. We began with the choreographer telling us to walk across the stage confidently to music, which is a lot harder than it sounds! I felt very confident afterwards! Next we learned a dance combination to the end of the most famous song from the show, All That Jazz. This was one of the hardest dances I had ever learned. Out of the three components of musical theatre, singing, acting and dancing, dancing is my weakest. Even though I was struggling with the technicality of all of the steps, I tried my best to let me personality shine through! By the end everyone was sweating and exhausted! This experience aligns strongly with Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. I undertook the challenge of learning a new dance style and combination, but I learned the steps and tried my best to show style and personality! While dancing is not my strong suit, I tried my best and I was very proud of myself after. The fact that I did as well as I did even though I wasn't a dancer made me proud. I look forward to the casting process and learning my role. The rehearsal process is going to be exciting and different from anything I have ever done, but I am excited to learn from this new experience!!!!!

Chicago Audition

 I auditioned for Chicago where I do theatre. I had not sung, acted or danced all summer so I was very nervous. I practiced my song for the audition at home and in my car on the way to the theatre. When it was time to get up and audition I was so nervous, but I recognized that all go my friends were also nervous and we had to support and encourage each other. I sang my song and it was pretty good. I was rusty but I am still proud of my work. This represents CAS Learning Outcome 2,

demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. I faced a challenge by coming back to something I haven't done in a while and I learned to calm my nerves by leaning on my friends!!!!!

Chicago Audition Prep

While at summer camp this summer, I learned that my theatre was doing a production of Chicago in the fall and the audition was soon after I came home. The genre of the show was different from things I had performed in in the past. Chicago is set in Chicago in the 1920's and has many themes of love, fame and murder. The show also has a ton of dancing, so I did a lot of research and practice into the dance style of the show, which was very technical. I did a lot of research into the style of Fosse and songs I could use for the audition. I decided to sing the song Maybe This Time from the musical Cabaret because the musical styles of the two shows were very similar. I learned the lyrics to the song and practiced any time I had the chance! This connects to Learning Outcome 4, show commitment to and perseverance in a fieldwork experience. I was committed to doing well in the audition and showing that I had done my research into the show and practiced my song to perfection. I am excited for the audition process and I hope my work pays off!

Walking at Camp

At summer camp, I had an hour off every day. I could do whatever I wanted with this hour and I would usually take it so sleep or watch television because it was the only time I had away from my campers to rest. Today I decided to use my hour to walk around camp to increase my step count and take some time outside to myself! I walk around camp all day every day, taKing care of my campers and walking to activities, but today I took time walking around camp to myself to think and reflect. It was a great experience, walking around with no stress and no place to go. I feel that this aligned greatly with Learning Outcome Number Seven: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions. I knew I could have taken my hour off to nap, which sometimes is beneficial, but today I took initiative and recognized what was best for me, my body and health and got outside and took some time for myself to walk around camp. I explored new paths and trails that I didn't know existed! I learned to analyze my body and mental state and do whatever is best for me in that moment! I hope to get my friends involved on their hours off and walk with me.

Carrie Dress Rehearsal

Last night I had my final dress rehearsal for my show, Carrie! My show opens tonight and I am super excited! If I have learned anything from the process of working on this show, I learned about working as a cast to create something special! From the directors, sent designers, musicians and cast, we all had amazing work ethics and ideas that we implemented to make the show the best it can be! This reflects learning outcome 5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively. I am confident that the shows this weekend will go well because of all the hard work and dedication from everyone involved in the show!

Tulane Tour

Last weekend I went to New Orleans and Toured Tulane University! We flew in on Friday afternoon and left on Saturday evening so we only spent like 24 hours there. We toured campus and I loved it! Im glad that I am touring colleges ahead of time so I won't be stressed touring at the last minute! This aligns with Learning Outcome #4, show commitment to and perseverance in a fieldwork experience. I feel that I have been very committed to making the college touring and application process as efficient and smooth as possible! I really enjoyed Tulane and I am excited to potentially go back!

Rehearsal 4/29

Yesterday night I had rehearsal for Carrie. Our dress rehearsal is in 2 weeks so we had a lot to do! We need to finish blocking the show next week and as of last night we had about 20 minutes of the show left to block! Knowing we had minima time to block the show, the cast, crew and directors all worked together to learn and block material in an efficient manner. This aligns with learning outcome 5, demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively. We all deeply care about the show and want it to go as well as possible, so we all made a point to learn fast and work hard as a group to create high quality and meaningful show!

Choreographing for Theatre Fundraiser

Every year, the theatre I work with hosts a fundraiser performance to raise money for scholarships so students can take classes and perform at the theatre. This year, along with past years, I perform in this fundraiser, but this year my friend Mikayla and I were asked to stage and chpreograph and number for the younger kids. This is a leadership opportunity that really excited me because i love working with younger kids and I love to choreograph! So, Mikayla and I worked with these kids to stage their song and it looks great! This aligns with Learning Outcome 5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively. Mikayla and I had to collaborate and hear each other out and work to understand each other's visions and ideas! The fundraiser is this Saturdayand im excited to see the number on stage!!!!!

NFTY Convention Breakout!!!!!

Two weeks ago I had the amazing opportunity to attend NFTY Convention, the biannual North American for NFTY held in Dallas! Since I am the Religious and Cultural Vice President of my region, I had a big responsibility to help represent my region throughout the weekend with my fellow regional board members, especially since the event was held in my region! Over the summer, all of the RCVP's from all of the NFTY regions were asked to group up and collaboratively create a unique Saturday morning Shabbat service for convention. I teamed up with two other RC's, Hannah and Emma from the Missouri Valley and Ohio Valley regions! We took time over the past few months to develop our service concept and we planned out a service where participants would create visual representations of their connection to a prayer of their choice! At convention, which was only the second time Hannah, Emma and I had met, we pulled off the service! There were a few technical issues along the way but it went really well. This ties to Learning Outcome 5: demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively. Emma, Hannah and I had to work as a team on this service for months and months without ever meeting in person to rehearse music! I think we did a great job and I would love to write another art based service!!!!

Browning- Writing a Song

Last week at my internship, my co-teacher Rachel and I decided to take on a new approach to when kids forget to bring their instruments to class. The approach we used was more creative than having them do a writing prompt. We ended up splitting the kids in the ukulele class up into wither they forgot or remembered their instrument. The kids who had their ukuleles went with Rachel and learned more chords and the kids who forgot went with me and I taught them about the structure of a song, like verses, chorus and bridge. We decided to have the kids write a song. I taught them the song structure and the kids decided they wanted to write a song about Rachel. I had them name their favorite things about Rachel and come up with rhyming words. We ended up with a short song about their favorite things about Rachel. To me, this aligns with LO3, Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process. The kids forgetting their stuff is a challenges but me as well as the kids learned new things even though the circumstances weren't ideal.

WinCon Nature Service

So, I am on the regional board for my youth group for Texas and Oklahoma and out most recent weekend on event was hosted in Houston, so I knew I had a lot of work ahead of me! I knew that for Saturday morning services, I wanted to plan something unconventional that gave participants a great experience, along with a taste of Houston. I decided to make the service a nature walk along Buffalo Bayou. I separated all of the prayers that needed to happen in the service and split them into five groups of two or three and assigned a teen and an adult leader to each group of prayers. I led the path along the bayou and located five stops that groups could stop  and recite or sing the prayers at. They day of the event. To me, this experience connected perfectly to Learning Outcome 3, demonstrate how to initiate and plan a fieldwork experience. Im very used to planning services in a conventional way at the temple, but this really pushed me to create a meaningful nd fun experience for all of the participants to experience services in a new way. So many people told me that they loved my service a lot and that they thought it was the highlight of their weekend! Im so happy with how my service turned out! Even though it was quite a walk and we were tired after walking even a little over a mile! Everyone had a great time Here are some photos from my nature walk service!

Browning- New Curriculum Aspect

Last week was the second day of my internship for second semester! I missed seeing the kids a lot and now one of them is taller than me and thats scary! Two weeks ago, during the first class of the semester, my co-teacher Rachel and I, along with some of the Browning staff, decided to create a repurcussion for the kids forgetting to bring their instruments. We decided to print out articles on the history an other facts about the ukulele or guitar for them to write a short essay on. So, when the forget to bring their instrument, they sit down with me a write their paper. I sit with them and Im available for help whenever they need. I feel that this applies to Learning Outcome 7, recognize and 

consider the ethics of choices and actions. I feel like this learning outcome applies to both parties, the teachers and the students. The students realize the repercussions they will face by not being prepared for class, while Rachel and I had to really consider the ethics behind making the decision to

implement this.