Violin Lessons

Torrence Music finally hired a violin teacher, it's the moment our daughter have been waiting for. We got her a violin last Christmas but we couldn't find a teacher near our area. During the recital, the owner of Torrence Music talked to us and said that they have a violin teacher. My daughter's piano teacher mentioned to her that we have been looking for a violin teacher that could teach our daughter.

#Daughter had her first #violin lesson tonight . She said she likes it. #forTheLoveOfMusic #music

A post shared by Chubskulit Rose (@chubskulitrose) on Jun 20, 2017 at 5:43pm PDT

Last night was her second lesson and she said she love it.  Before her  class, we went to  Center for Arts and Music in Wintersville and bought her  some supply like shoulder rest and humidifier.  The teacher seem to  like  Rylie because she already knows how to  read notes and stuff so it is easier for her to explain  stuff to our daughter.  She also gave us a list of some to her things to get.  I am glad she is into music.  

I wish I would have had the resources to  learn music instrument when I was younger but I am happy that we could  provide the  privilege to our daughter to enjoy her music interests.  

Step Up Your Game and Your Health

Getting out and enjoying nature is irresistible this time of year. Strolling through the neighborhood or hiking nearby trails that beckon is a great way to get your daily exercise and the recommended vitamin D from the sun. As you pursue these outdoor activities keep in mind that tracking your activity helps you stay focused on your fitness goals and you can use one of several outdoor accessories from Garmin to do that. Garmin might bring to mind GPS devices for your auto, but they also offer gear and equipment to make your outdoor activities such as skiing, cycling, hiking or swimming more enjoyable.

Since they have partnered with Groupon, you can search the site and find Groupon coupons that will save you money on lots of items by Garmin. If you could save as much as 45% or more off the cost of an item, wouldn’t you? It’s as easy as using your smart phone. You can take advantage of sales Garmin offers on outdoor equipment or their activewear and have all of your items shipped in time for your next summer adventure. Choose one of their personal navigation devices and equipment to use in the car, on a motorcycle or on yourself. The have a distance counter and tracker that monitors your movements so you’re constantly challenged to perform your personal best. Their weatherproof and shock-resistant timepieces and exercise monitoring equipment would be great for those preparing to run a marathon or extreme sports enthusiasts. As you exercise you can wear one of their ankle devices to count steps, mileage and heartbeats. 

The great thing about adding Groupon to your shopping is that you can find all the gear you need at one site and forget about running from store to store in the mall. You make your selections and before you know it, they’ve been shipped to your front door or office. And often for free because it’s easy to qualify for free shipping. So don’t wait, get out there and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. You count your blessings and let Garmin count your steps.

Garth Brook's The Dance Performed by Rylie on Piano

2017 is our daughter's  4th year of  playing piano.  Their recital was held on June 4th at Weirton Memorial Baptist  Church.  She was  put into the second group of performers this year .  On her first three years, she  always performed during the first group so it was a bit different this year.  I also miss our son participating into the recital.  He stopped taking piano lessons when he started playing football.  

The founder of Torrence music asked her if she would play two songs since the performers on the second group  was  short and she practiced  for a second song but for some reason, when the audience  applauded for her first performance, she decided not to play the second song.  

Here is the video of her performance.   She played the song by Garth Brooks, "The Dance".  She dedicated this song to her Dad since it is one of  my husband's  favorite  country song.

Thursday Music Club Honors Recital

Before April come to a close, let me share our daughter's performance during the Thursday Music Club's 66th Young Musician Honors Recital on April the 13th at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church in Wheeling West Virginia.

 We  always admire this church  whenever we would pass by it  last year when our kids would play tennis match and we never imagined that we would one day  get to see  the interior part of it.  This church was the venue of the  recital set by  the Thursday Music Club, the  group that  held the audition at  West Liberty University where our daughter performed two songs and  got  a superior rating.

All the  students that received superior and superior with honors were invited to a recital.  This was  our daughter's  second time auditioning and getting invited but it's her first  attendance to the recital.  Last year's recital was postponed due to there were not many students who got the  superior rating.  

Rylie was very anxious coming to this recital.  She told me a couple of times while waiting for her turn to play that she couldn't remember the notes.  I calmed her down by telling her that she will be fine.  She was so nervous that she  was sweating bullets and her palms were cold as ice.  We prayed for her and she  did really well and didn't mess up.  She was relieved!  

They served refreshments and cookies after r= the recital but we didn't wait since we still have to go back to Weirton.  Below is the video I took of her performance of Seafoam, one of the songs that she performed in West Liberty University during the audition.  Enjoy.

Young Musicians Audition at West Liberty University 2017

The Thursday Music Club of Wheeling, hosted the annual Young Musician Audition at West Liberty University.  It was held last March 31st.  This was our daughter's second year of participating.  

Her schedule to play was 8:34 pm, I thought that was late but it was okay.  We went earlier anyway and the ladies at the registration were very thankful that we came early.  They said that they have been there   all day and  were already exhausted.  

This is what she wore on her audition.    The navy blue dress  was a gift I gave her for Christmas and she bought  this  leather jacket with her won money that  she earned for dog sitting.

We didn't buy anything from http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibraltar/ but if you want to look at a great selection of accessories for your music needs, they have a huge selection.

She did  some last minute practice before we left.

The required composition that she played was the Sonatina Op. No. 3 by Clementi.  It's a long piece and she did really well.  The comment she got from the judge was "Bright, Sunny,  clean, clear sound, perfect for this  classical style.  Excellent temper control and balance; I admire your focus and concentration.  Very good technical execution and preparation".

Her second piece, the second choice composition was  the Seafoam by Helen Boykin.  The judge  comments was "Beautiful tone quality and atmosphere.  Regarding balance, the running six tenths are fine but the left hand melody just needs to sing out more.   Generally good, even sixtenth; Good feeling for the condenza in the middle"

This years judge was Dr. Gerald Lee, he was a Chinese American.  He gave her a superior rating.  The highest is Superior with honors.

Last year, not many participants   received a superior  rating so the Annual TMC Young Musician's Audition Honor Recital was cancelled.  This year, it will be pushed through because more participants received the  superior ratings my daughter included.  The event will be held on April 23rd at Vance Presbyterian Church Sanctuary.

Here's the video I recorded of her performance.  Hope you enjoy.
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Joey and Rory Feek: This Life I Live

The very first song I have heard about  this  lovely couple was the  "Jesus Loves Me" which truly  left an imprint  to me.  I didn't know that they have so many songs and that they  had their own  show called The Joey and Rory Show.  Later last week, I was browsing on youtube about songs about  losing someone as I was missing someone and I was feeling  emotional.  I  found their  music video of "When I am Gone" then I went on and read some comments and learned that  Joey passed away.  It made me cry and I don't even know them but  it made me very sad because they just had their first  baby together and it is sad to think that their daughter Indiana will grow up without her.  The great thing about it is that Indi can watch all these videos and know her Mom through their music.    I am glad to find this  compilation of their song.  I also signed up to Rory's blog, This Life I Live.  Their story  really captivated me, if you  get a chance to watch the video below, you too will fall inlove with them.  

When I'm Gone

During my father-in-law's wake, there are songs being played that makes me really weep. I still remember those songs when my kids were still babies and my FIL would sing those beautiful songs to them on the swing and my kids would fall asleep in his arms. It's hard to think that he is gone now but I am glad that we have so many great memories to look back to. I was browsing through music videos on Youtube and found this one that really touched me and made me think of my FIL, my own father, and my brother. Sometimes, when I think of them, I can't help but wish that they are still here. This song "When I'm Gone" by Joey and Rory is a perfect song in this moment, check it out!

When Joey and Rory recorded this song, they have no idea what's in store for them. Few years later, she died of cancer and this video just made me cry hard because I just started loving this duo's music and to learn that she passed is very sad. I also love this song that their family's friend have written and sung for the Feek family.