It’s been awhile since I’ve written a blog post. I’ve written updates, but nothing too informative. Should I be more informative? I’m not exactly sure.

In my program at school there are certain classes where if you don’t pass with at least a B it’s considered failing. The deadline for handing in assignments was May 11th and final grades are to be submitted by May 14th.
For some reason I had a really bad dream last night that I got a C+ in one of my classes and couldn’t convince anyone to give me a B. I think I even tried taking my brain out to prove to them I was smart enough.
To be honest I’ve never had a nightmare about a grade….ever.  A GRADE.

I’m not going to go into TOO much detail about how I feel about the institutionalized educational system and the perceptions that go with it. That’s better contained in a genuine conversation (remember those? haha.) So…. to many people grades are a measurement of success, intellect, dedication, motivation, and so forth. To me it’s not. Well, I never fit the “cookie cutter” student of the American educational system. Personally. it’s simply a symbol(a letter of the alphabet) indicating nothing more to me except whether or not I can get more money through scholarships and also progress to obtain the overrated piece of paper I paid for. Gosh, that sounds negative. I do it yet I complain? I’ll say I do enjoy the learning experience. I love being in an environment that I can talk to people with the same interests and connect to very important individuals. There are positive aspects for sure.

So being that as it is, I’m pretty laid back with the whole grade extravaganza because I tend to be confident in my school work, especially when it’s in my “field.” Needless to say, I didn’t get a C+, but a B+…so I was in the ballpark with the + just a letter off. Actually so far I got two B+’s. I understand my analysis class getting a B+ because my last paper/test wasn’t as strong as my normal work because of the other production projects that I had to finish in such a short amount of time, so I am at fault for that…technically. However, this other elective class I took had the most ABSURD grading system. On one of my papers I got a 96.98 or something. How does one decide those minute points to deduct or add? There’s no regulated formula that makes sense to me. I think my problem within the higher education system is kind of like when someone makes a really amazing film or album and then the next one is disappointing. I believe I’m being compared to other work I’ve done and being graded based on that. I either have to lower my standards of quality and build up, be a ghost and blend in to the A crowd, or just push myself beyond my limits. Knowing me, It’ll be the third choice.  I wish there was a different grading system…or no grading system at all. If people just go for the sake of learning and do the work and engage themselves there’s no need for grades. I guess it can be argued then if that’s the case you wouldn’t mind grades because whatever you do will be A material. Bleh… I’m just speaking my mind way too quickly for my own good. Am I even making sense?  I’m not saying this out of laziness, but that some professors aren’t neutral and don’t necessarily understand or grade fairly. I don’t know the way to fix this, but I hope someone does before the world ends.

Now that my rant is over. Time to talk about happy things!

If you’re following me over on SoundCloud (which you should!) I shared an exclusive scratch track with a new piece I wrote in F minor …although I feel it is inevitably progressing to A♭Major hehe – anyway, now in the grand process of arranging. I’ve very pleased with the reactions I’ve been getting for the simple scratch track. Even though this little piece is just a newborn it has evolved rapidly like a virus…but a good virus Right now I have some really intriguing bells and an Octa-Harp working what I feel to be very fluidly. This is just for the first two measures mind you Once I have a few more layers to this piece that have mutated and evolved I’ll share it on here publicly to show the progress. I really think it’s important for composers and musicians alike to share their work as it grows so we can all learn from another.  Except singer songwriters that “orchestrate” their own music. *rolls eyes* (inside joke!)

OH did I mention also this WILL be for Illusionarium!

Jeff and I have a piece nearly complete also that we might share soon…very soon. =] Patience is the biggest virtue I suck at! hahahaha

So where do we go from here?

You tell me.

Again, thanks for all the support from both family, friends, and fans!

Jen

Oh, and I forgot to share as promised the family newt that likes freshly dug up worms from the ground. His name is newt also. He’s happy a lot .