Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory

For three weeks, I lived in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The most prettiest place! So green and gorgeous. I attended Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory that was held in this small town. For three weeks I practiced, rehearsed, hiked, attended and participated in recitals and masterclasses, and basically had the time of my life! I learned so much in those three weeks from my private teacher, Nancy Buck and my quintet coach, David Bjella. I consider myself a better musician and perfomer from this experience and will always remember it.

Fourth of July in Steamboat Springs is a big deal. They basically celebrate all week long. It was so exciting though to watch the fireworks. Since I am from AZ, I don't experience really awesome fireworks, but CO knows how to celebrate this wonderful holiday. It was so much fun!!!

We went on several hikes, this is part of the RMSC experience. And it was good to get out and be active. Everything was so green and beautiful, the hikes were tons of fun and a good way to enjoy nature. :)

This is my quintet for three weeks. We called ourselves the Bjella Berry and the Babes Quintet; from left to right: David Bjella (cello, also the quintet coach), Alyssa Saint (violin), Alexander "Zan" Berry (cello), ME! (viola), and Anne Sorenson (violin). We performed the first and third movements of Schubert's Cello Quintet in C. I have to say though, we were the best quintet and we had the best piece! I had so much fun performing with these amazing musicians. When it was time to head back to Provo, I didn't want to leave. I had an amazing time and learned so much! I am glad that I had the oppurtunity to attend RMSC this summer and will remember my experience there. Now back in Provo, I am working and just practicing and taking a break from school. (read the post below, this talks about my adventures in Utah. ha ha.) I will keep you all updated on my exciting life, until the next time: hope all is well and life is good!

Summer Adventures

Alright, alright... I know. I haven't posted anything in forever! I am so sorry. So now I am trying to redeem myself here. This will probably be a super long post, since a lot has happened since the end of winter semester. Ok... here I go.My lovely sister Jessica moved in with me for Spring semester. We had tons of fun together. I am glad that she lived with me for that short while, I probably would have died without her (a little exaggeration). ha ha. But we had many adventures together that I will always remember and love! Love you Jess and miss you!

Well, I did take classes for Spring semester. I took Humanities 202, Music History 304, and lessons with Dr. Bigelow. The classes for the most part were really laid back and I learned a lot about the history of dead composers from the romantic period (I actually really enjoyed this class). :) The violists that were staying put together a little recital where we all played duets or trios or quartets. I really enjoyed playing with my friends!

Of course we had to take advantage of the amazing weather! So Amy and I and some of her friends took a bike ride down Center St. to this little burger shack called Sammy's. It was way fun! The weather was perfect and the food wasn't too bad either.

Well, as you probably know, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince came out July 15th. So I had to go see it at midnight! And of course we dressed up for the occasion. Guess who I was?! That's right... Malfoy. ha ha. We waited for about 4 hours, and the movie was AWESOME!!! I absolutely loved it.

Then on July 24th, an actual holiday in Utah, some friends and I made corn dogs. Yes, we did make the batter and actually deep fried the stuff. And it was covered in yummy grease. ha ha. But we had a crazy good time just hanging out and eating corn dogs. Tasty... I did make a quick trip home just to get away and visit. I really needed it and it was so good to see the family and hang out. :) And that is pretty much what has been going on in my life. Took a couple of classes, kept on working (I still am), and of course practiced. Until next time...