Christmas Gala!

What is he looking at?  I'm not telling you.

     Time to feast!  One of the only major student events in December is the Christmas Gala.  It is a massive feast that takes place on north campus for students, staff, significant others, and parents.  The event includes speeches and so on.  Most importantly, it provides a chance to use the "photo-booth" to capture the moments - moments resulting in the admittedly rather snooty picture above.  
     And afterwards?  We party, to a sick dance playlist late into the night.  Is there a better way to celebrate?  (No.)

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Stress Relief!

1.  It's winter, and the snow hasn't happened!  Honestly, it feels like spring still!

2.  I've spent the past few days helping people with their work, and then distracting those same people from their work.  Honestly - there isn't a whole lot going on around campus other than work.  Late work, overnight work - you get the picture.

3.  A few days ago, I got into a really good truth or dare game in the lounge.  People came and went - and the scary truths ("what's the name of the person you most regret telling you liked?") were matched by equally scary dares ("be tickled for 1 minute without fighting back!").  I know - kind of juvenile.  But it's what students will do for stress relief!

4.  Another aspect of any sort of stress time is that some people show up to fewer classes.  This is not generally a good strategy if you want good grades, but when four 10-page essays are due, you sometimes need to push through.  Time management!

A CMU Christmas!

     Christmas @ CMU is one of my favorite times of the year.  Many different concerts, lots of people I know both inside and outside of the school, and hot apple cider make it an evening I really enjoy.
     The event is a massive "create your own concert" experience which takes place all around north campus.  It happens twice, and during each of them the place is simply packed with people.  My family comes every year, so it's a good time to see them and to catch up.



     I can't pick just one highlight, so I'll have to go with two.  I really enjoyed the reading of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".  The Grinch was played by Dietrich Bartel, one of our music professors, during the first event and by Earl Davy, VP Academic, for the second.  They had very different styles, but both of them made me burst out laughing in the audience.  Well done!  Secondly, this year we ended the evening with a rendition of the Halleluiah Chorus - the largest I have ever been a part of.
     Christmas @ CMU was exactly what I needed to get relaxed and ready for Christmas.  And as an extra bonus, the residence students got hot apple cider all day.  Merry Christmas to all!

Student Life + Christmas @ CMU!

     Crunch time continues.  Yesterday I managed to get together with a friend and go to Starbucks with some people, but I still had to get five hours of studying in.  I need to keep working to survive!
     One way that we are taking breaks is through Settlers of Catan.  We have played absolutely ridiculous amounts of this game in the past while.  How ridiculous?  Two games a day for ten days straight.  It's becoming a very serious endeavour for at least a few of us.

     People have also been trying to continue to exercise.  Sometimes working out is just what is needed - and the weather is still quite warm!  There's also a group going out for wings this week.  Still others have been taking the opportunity to prank their friends, making their lives just a little bit - well, fun, hopefully!
     Christmas @ CMU is coming up soon, and so lots of students have worked hard making cookies out of the goodness of their hearts.  The event is this weekend, featuring a bunch of live music, cookies, and apple cider.  You should come!  Here are the dates: Saturday, November 26 at 7 pm, and Sunday, November 27 at 3 pm.  

To remember is to work for peace

     Yesterday, November 11th, was Remembrance Day.  Mennonite Central Committee has for years produced Remembrance Day buttons with the phrase, "To remember is to work for peace."

"On Remembrance Day we honour those who fought in war and we remember what they gave in service of our country.  The "peace button," an initiative of Mennonite Central Committee, invites us to remember and to work for peace.  Together let us seek and apply non-violent ways toward more justice and safety in our world." (MCC)

     MCC yesterday held a "flash mob" at the Forks in observance of Remembrance Day.  I went with two CMU friends.  Over a hundred people gathered at the Forks Marketplace.  Many students from the school were there, as well as others from my church.   In a low-key gathering, we sang "Freedom is Coming", unveiled a peace banner, and dispersed.
     We remember.  And we will do all we can to work for peace.

Crunch Time!

     Well, it's the beginning of November.  Mid-terms are right behind us, and many of my fellow students are hard at work on their papers.  It is not uncommon for us to have between 10,000 and 15,000 words to write in our various assignments at this time of year.
     Of course, we also need to have fun.  Two weeks ago, we had the Fall Ball, with some outrageous costumes, a spooky haunted house, and a fire truck to boot.  (It turns out that smoke machines turn on fire alarms.  Who knew?)  Student Council had been collecting song suggestions for the party from students, so the music positively rocked (although my favorite song, strategically placed on ALL FOUR suggestion sheets around campus, was not chosen!)  There have also been random dance parties here and there, and longer snack times at 9pm because everyone wants to keep the essay away half an hour longer.  Yesterday, Sean on our floor turned 18.  Something had to be done!  We trecked to the local Original Joe's and toasted in his honour.  OJ's was the first time that the floor had been able to get together and go out somewhere, and it was a blast.  Between the conversations (which ranged from politics to classes to sport teams) we took a well-deserved break from everything.
     I didn't notice it as much this year, because I'm taking less courses, but this is a very stressful time for many students.  I know a few people who are writing papers all night and stressing over the work they have to do.  I wrote papers for what seemed like forever in my first year.  Believe me, you will get better at dealing with it!
    There's still a good deal more work to be done (and fun to be had) before the term ends.  I see some snow-ball fights in my future...!

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Time to Get Practical: Redekop School of Business

     A few days ago, Canadian Mennonite University announced something really exciting.  They are opening up the Redekop School of Business as the business section of the university.  This will be a full business program offering a Bachelor of Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Arts with a Business major.  The school is being supported financially by the Redekop family of Fraser Valley, BC.
     Through this school, CMU hopes to combine a biblical perspective and emphasis on global peace and justice with top-notch business instruction.  This is what gives the school its distinct edge.  We need more highly motivated people with a strong drive for innovation and entrepreneurship who care deeply about the people around them, are honest, and stand up for what is right.  Our university could be one of the key institutions training these types of people.
    I've always believed that business is one of the main ways we can influence the world around us.  In one sense, a successful business is usually doing something important to a lot of people.  Non-profit organizations also need to apply business skills to a huge extent to be able to use their resources as efficiently as possible.  CMU does an excellent job of giving people the environment they need to become responsible, ethical, Christian people who genuinely want to make a positive difference in God's world.  This is, however, not always enough.  We must be smart in how we work.  We must know how our economic and social systems work.  In short, we must apply our heart to the world in an effective way.
     I think the business school will be able to provide more of this practical side in a way that is complementary and fits perfectly with the good work that CMU is already doing.  And that is really exciting.


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Making Intentional Time for God

     Feeling spiritually empty?  Like you're not feeling God in your life?  It's something that a lot of people struggle with.  One of the things I appreciate about CMU is how we create an environment that helps keep us close to God.  One recent example of this is a small group that has been formulated with the intent of spending intentional time with God.  Every week day, for an hour, this group gets together to spend time in silent reflection with God.  We read through the Psalms, one a day, and then spend some time in silence, making space for God.  The practice is called Lectio Divina, or spiritual reading, and it is a practice that Christians have used for thousands of years to help facilitate connections with God.

     Spiritual disciplines are a bit of a paradox.  They don't create intimacy with God, but when practised regularly they can create good conditions for God to move in our lives.  These disciplines include prayer, fasting, spiritual reading, and many others.  They can be very important in opening us up to intimacy with God.

    One class that has helped me a great deal in this regard is Exploring Christian Spirituality.  This intensive class pushed me to articulate my understanding of Christian spirituality and to practice spiritual disciplines.  My idea of Christianity greatly changed through the experiences I had that semester.  I learned that the impetus was at least partially on me as an individual to cultivate opportunities for God to enter my life.  

     If you're interested in spiritual disciplines, a great place to start is Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life by Marjorie J. Thompson.  It's an easy read, and a good introduction to spiritual disciplines and practices.

    What I especially appreciate about this group is the community aspect.  I feel so much more comfortable spending time with God if it is with others as well.  Going on the journey together provides us with a support network, as well as ongoing opportunities to help others.  
     If you are on campus and want to join, swing by Lee's apartment in Katherine Friesen Apartments at 10:30 in the morning Monday to Friday.  If you don't live here, maybe you want to experiment with some spiritual disciplines, either with others or by yourself.  The spiritual growth can be amazing!

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An Exceptional Weekend

      I had an excellent week.  A bunch of people left us last weekend for soccer tournaments in Edmonton, leaving the campus rather empty for the weekend.  The Fall Festival was taking place, and I managed to catch a lecture on Friday evening about human rights and their connection to the Bible.  At snack on Friday, a bunch of us decided that something had to be done.  We decided to throw a dance party in basement floor Poettker residence.  And by that I mean a three hour dance party with a massive boom box.

It's a good day.

     On Saturday we decided to go to the Forks and have a picnic.  Turns out there was a celebration and fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation going on at the same time, so we were able to get our pictures taken next to some mascots.  The Forks is a large tourism spot you should visit at the centre of Winnipeg, two intersecting rivers which have been a meeting place for thousands of years and is a major tourist attraction.
     Sunday I got to go to my home church, River East Mennonite Brethren.  CMU is providing transportation this year, which is very exciting, because I will be able to get to my home church all year.  Sunday afternoon was also the Marilyn Peter-Kliewer Folk Fest.  This took place in the "back 40", a clearing and wooded area next to the campus.  We had various student bands playing, as well as snacks and an amazingly hot afternoon! 

  

     Enjoy your fall!

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The End of September

     The first month of school is drawing to a close, and boy has it been a busy one for me!  The way my schedule worked out, much of the work for the semester is already done.  The weather has been quite good for the past week, but the occasional cold day has proven that winter is on its way.
     One of the most positive influences for me over the past while has been Wednesday night worship, as well as doing my studying with other people in their rooms.  I've been going to my friends' apartments a lot to escape the business of dorm life - I'm sure I'm not the only person who cannot spend much time in their dorm room!
     Sports has been a very important thing for many CMU students at this time of year.  A lot of people are involved in the soccer and basketball teams, and we have been doing quite well.  The womens' team has won their first two games in the Manitoba College Athletic Conference tournaments with some very competitive schools.
      Now, it's time to delve into autumn leaves, Halloween, and Pumpkin Spice Latté's.  Bring on fall!


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Retreat!

     I really appreciated the retreat this year.  The weather was less than cooperative, but all we needed was a little bit of flexibility and it turned into an awesome weekend.  The weekend opened up with a worship session.  The theme was "All Things New" and I'll admit I was a little skeptical at first that they would be able to get past the clichés.  
     They did.
     Someone put a LOT of thought into these three worship sessions.  I particularly enjoyed the first one because David Balzer talked about the risks involved in forming new connections and how it makes us vulnerable to do so.  I remember my first retreat when I hardly knew anyone and I can't think of a better speech for the first year students.  Owning the fact that meeting new people and making new friends can be hard, David encouraged us to take the risk because God has created us to be social and God has created us to be in community with each other.  I stayed up late into the night at the campfire, and then spent some quality time chatting back at the cabin.  
     The next day was packed.  After the morning we had some free time.  There were a lot of activities that people could choose from, including trail rides and wall climbing.  I appreciated the hot tub!  
     One of the main highlights for me was another coffee house that evening.  Now people had had more time to prepare.  I wasn't going to do anything, and then a good friend of mine suggested that we sing the classic Veggie Tales song "Cheeseburger".  Yeah we did!  The main thing I remember about Saturday was how good it was to have a whole day to chill with my friends in a place that wasn't CMU campus.  
    Oh, yeah.  And that night around the second camp fire, we definitely spent half an hour belting out Disney songs at the top of our lungs.  And had several theological discussions taking place partially IN the fire pit because the fire pit was so large that we could have a few people inside without problems.
     Our school puts an intense amount of work into these trips and I think it really helps to set the mood for the year.  Now all we need is a hot tub at the school...!

Life!

     Most of us have been at CMU for about two weeks.  The small amount of time we've spent together has already been packed with welcome week activities, first classes, meeting each other and making friends.  Here's what's been going on at the CMU residence this week:
     1. Classes.  By this time everyone has finished their introductory classes and are settling down for the real work.  The first part of a semester can feel more relaxed than later, when papers are all due at the same time.  There's more free time for getting involved, chilling late into the night, and pranking our friends (more on that later...!)  Course change period continues for a few days, so classes are still shuffling, but soon that will be settled as well and we will be able to sink into what we're learning.
     2. Community.  Since the beginning of September, we have developed some close connections among different floors.  Over meals, late night craziness, and common experiences (what was that prof thinking?) we are already growing together.  One particular area where we get to be a team is with pranks.  There's some intense rivalry between the first floor men's and second floor women's residences.  These fun competitions allow us to vent our capacity to cause havoc and keep the atmosphere from becoming too tame.
     3. Camp Arnes Retreat.  This past weekend most of us went to Camp Arnes, a retreat centre, to have fun together.  The theme of the weekend was "all things new".  I enjoyed having some conversations with people I haven't talked to in a while, playing crazy outdoor games, and chilling in the hot tub.  We also witnessed the second talent show, which was even more interesting than the first.  As always, I got back relaxed and ready to work.  
     Twelve page essay, here I come!

Welcome Week 2011!

We celebrated the new year by basking in the excellent weather at the outdoor BBQ yesterday!

     Well, it's that time of year, folks!  Here at CMU we are in the middle of Welcome Week, when the campus transforms into an endless party to meet all the new students and get psyched about the year.  Some highlights:

1.  Go-lympics, which pitted the different residences against each other to win the Gerbrandt Goblet (a name which has my personal support, based on our illustrious president, Gerald Gerbrandt).  In order to do so we had to participate in challenges like careening through a tiny hula hoop in a potato sack during the sack race, and attempting to pulverize our opponents in a massive game of tug o' war. 

2.  Orientation, which lasted for three and a half hours, and included a massively detailed discussion on academic integrity and several very informative skits detailing community guidelines.  We look forward to this morning every year....

In this photo, Rianna Isaak represents a very strong scent which is just too strong for the onlookers on the left.  Moral: it makes sense not to use scents!

3.  Friends!  I have missed my friends SO MUCH since I left in April.  Several evenings have already been spent on long walks and just chilling in this place we call home.  Last night we definitely pulled out the Monty Python.  I had to work allllll the way until after the move in day, but this was made up by the fact that I covertly moved in a day early so I could spend an evening chilling with buddies before the dorms opened (which was probably not allowed.  ooooppps!)

4.  Coffee House.  The usual performance madness, now run by Clare Schellenberg and Coby Friesen, our Arts and Entertainment Directors.  We chilled, drank sweet free coffee and listened to music, poety, and drama.  Our ever-present hosts, Clare and Coby, were New Yorkers who just thought everyone was "faaanntasic!"

Two of the most developed Coffee House personalities I have ever seen.

     Welcome to CMU 2011.   Friends both new and old, crazyness, pranks, studies, challenges, weather (!), unplanned events, fellowship groups, sports, worship, and more are in store for us this year.  Time to GO!

CMU Grad 2011

Last Week of Classes

     Well, here we are at the last week of classes.  Yours truly has just realized that he really needs to get moving to get everything done because he's been putting too much on the back burner.  We are all out of here in just over two weeks.  
     The weather has been excellent for the past while, which is good because it allows us to get outside for walks after we've been feeling rather cooped up in residence for the past few months.  During this time of intense work, it's important to keep from feeling isolated; to still make time for others.  
     It's also important to make time for God.  I've realized how I'll start to feel really empty if I skip spending time praying and reading for more than a day or two.  It's kind of crazy how direct this connection can be - my happiness right now is directly connected to spending time with God.
     It's interesting to think about life being comprised of relationships, and our happiness being dependent on how we're doing in those relationships.  Our friendships with God and others - how much of a bearing does that have on our happiness?
     

Pranks

     Picture time.  What is this, do you ask?  Let me interpert the picture for you.  The clothes in the snow belong to Matt Mayers.  He is being pranked by Rianna Isaak.  Why is he being pranked?  I believe it was for throwing something at Rianna.  She froze the clothes, by the way..! 

     What did Matt think of all this?  Let's ask him.

     He won't say anything.  Is he actually upset, or just faking it?  We'll never know.

     Was I asked to help?  Yes, I was.  They asked me to get some clothes from Matt's room -- so I locked his door and then told them it was locked and I couldn't get in.  Oops! 

     I was also pranked by Rianna -- she put cafeteria food (FROM THE FLOOR!) under my pillow.  Will there be retaliation?  Stay tuned....

Show your Support!

     Sports are an important part of the lives of many CMU students.  The CMU Blazers have men's and women's basketball, volleyball, and soccer teams.  This upcoming weekend is a big one for us -- the men's and women's basketball teams face Red River College on friday and saturday.  I'm sure there will be vans heading out -- go and support your CMU Blazers!
     In the spirit of this weekend, I want to share a video my friend Laura made on the bus trip to Bottineau North Dakota last semester.   She's a member of the student media team. Take a look:

Vlog - Laura Tait "Bus trip to Bottineau" from CMU Media on Vimeo.

     The sports teams have been very busy this year -- it's been an especially good year for the women's volleyball team, who had 15 wins, with only 1 loss to Providence College.  We had mixed results in other areas, but fun was had, and that's what counts, right?  This weekend we're vying for 3rd place in our games against Red River.  If you're around, come on out!

Mikado Sneak Peek

    

     The Mikado is going brilliantly.  We've been working hard to put the finishing touches on it this past week, and the first show was yesterday.  It's showing tonight and Saturday at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 3pm, so come on out if you want to see an awesome show!  Tickets are $5 for students, $15 for adults, and $12 for seniors.  Phone CMU at (204) 487.3300; they are also avaliable at the door.



Into the Craziness!

     Well, it might be a surprise to some of you high-school students, but in the university world we are more than half-way through the semester.  My life is getting crazy with Mikado practices every night and a 25 page paper to work on during the day.  And it's not just me feeling the stress!  Here's the funny thing, though - it seems like socializing actually can go up a bit during times of stress.  How, you ask?  It's a proven fact!  Take a look at this:

"Piled Higher and Deeper" by Jorge Cham -- www.phdcomics.com.  Used with permission.

     Now, keep in mind that a responsible student does get everything done.  What suffers?  You got it.  Sleep!  You know what they say - about how you gain energy by spending energy?  It's true.  If you're tired but don't want to sleep, just do something and (usually) energy will come back.  It's worked for me so far!

     It's really very good that reading break is over.  I got far too much work done because there was no one to ever distract me.  Well, now the party has started once again.  Looking forward to what's in store for the rest of the semester.  Take care of yourselves!

Mikado + Reading Break

Hey, how's it going?


1.  I need to put a plug in for the Mikado.  It's an opera that CMU is putting on, written by Gilbert and Sullivan about love, executions, Japanese gentlemen and scandal.  It's happening March 3-5th at 7:30pm on North Campus, and Sunday March 6th at 3pm.  Tickets are $5 for students.  Come on out!


2.  This past week was reading week.  There were many things going on: a group of students went to Nashville Tennessee to help people rebuild houses as part of Mennonite Disaster Service; others went travelling to Florida for vacation.  I went home and buckled down for a week of work.  I'm going to have much more free time now!


3.  It's getting warmer..!

Project: Valentine

     Don't just sit there.  Take action!

    The 2011 Art of Peacebuilding class was charged with making a creative difference in our community.  Here's the question: can we make Valentine's Day more important than it is?  St. Valentine was a priest in Rome who was martyred on February 14th.  Though his work, he is one of many individuals who through their actions have shown Christ's love.  Why not plaster campus with artwork commemorating those who have shown love and worked for peace?

    Real Love.  True Peace.

Refreshing Winds

The CMU singers surround the audience during the opening worship session

     Refreshing Winds was very cool.  
     It's CMU's blockbuster conference on worship which they host every two years.  Stretching from last Thursday to Saturday, it attracted people of every denomination from all over Canada.  This year, we had Brian McLaren and Steve Bell as special guests.  Steve Bell is a prolific singer and songwriter based right here in Winnipeg, and Brian is one of the most prominent Christian writers in North America.

    The campus was packed.  Many of those attending were living on campus for the weekend and many more were eating in the cafeteria.  The days were also extremely warm (just below freezing) which is very weird for Winnipeg!  
     My favorite part was the 1/2 hour presentation Friday morning about us as Christians being open to other faiths, rather than continuing down the road of not listening, but attacking the other.  Brian talked about the four stages of faith.  It was about how we move from "us-vs-them" thinking into a more relaxed, more loving attitude.  Here are the four stages:


simplicity - Us vs. them, where only one can be right.
complexity - There are many ways of doing things. 
perplexity - There are so many perspectives.  Who knows who is right?
holistic - Give up the search for knowing everything, and just follow God using basic essentials (such as 'love your neighbor').


     Brian stressed that it's too simplistic to call the fourth stage the best.  Each stage has something to teach us, and you can't rush people through the stages.  They will move when they are ready.  Unfortunately, though, many churches will cater to a single stage (like stage 1) and leave people in others out in the cold.  
     This is big thinking, which goes beyond what some churches would be willing to consider.  Taking this larger view and looking for the patterns allows us to understand what's going on, where our path might lead.  It legitimizes those who are having difficulties with their faiths who may feel marginalized in their churches.
     I'm glad I was able to attend this conference.  It raised many points about faith that I hadn't considered before.
     

God-Reliant vs. Self-Reliant

     Once in a while, I have an spiritual experience that sticks with me.  
     Last week a very good friend of mine, Christy, shared the story of her life in Chapel.  It's an amazing story where it is so obvious that God pursued her and helped save her from her previous lifestyle.  Here is someone who hit rock bottom and God has turned her life completely around.  
     I'm sitting in the audience unsure what to think.  I realize that if anyone else said what Christy did about her conversion experience, I wouldn't have believed them.  I would have brushed it off.  Life doesn't work that way.  But coming from my good friend, I have to take it seriously.  Which leads to hard questions.  Why are miracles so hard to believe?  Why am I skeptical?  Am I growing blind to what God can do?
     Christy has seen Jesus.  Actually seen him.  Does that sound hard to believe?  Does it make you cringe just a little bit?  Too good to be true?  Yeah, me too.  
     That's why I'm scared.  Because I don't think about God often enough.  Usually, I know what I want, I have my plans, and I work to get them done.  I succeed at school because I work.  If I'm feeling burnt out, I'll continue to be burnt out until I change something.  I'll sometimes take my life to God and ask for help, but then I act as though I still need to solve everything.
     Some people would praise this as being self-reliant and self-responsible.  But if I'm self-reliant, how can I be drawing closer to God?  If I have the answers, what is there left for God to do?  Will God help someone who doesn't always think he needs help?

Why I'm Not Leaving Yet

Being a student allows you to have fun experiences you can't  otherwise have!

     Last week, I made a very important decision.  It took me months of thinking, but I've decided that I will not be graduating in April.  It also took a fair amount of convincing to get my parents on board.  They've always encouraged me to move fast, and finish my degree quickly.  And that is what I did for my first two years.  But last semester I took only three courses and a choir, because that's all I needed to take for my program.  Last semester was also my best ever.  Coincidence?  Nope!  
     Taking three courses allows me to balance my time and actually make time for other people.  Three courses allows me to make time for exercise and the other stuff I'm involved in.  Three courses allows me to actually do all of the readings and dig into my courses instead of sprinting all semester.  And most importantly, three courses makes all of the above more fun.
     Here's the thing: finding at the end of your university experience that you've sprinted through it sucks.  This period of your life can be some of the most important years you will have.  That's not meant to pressure or guilt you, but rather to get you to focus on the now rather than the "four-years-from-now-when-I-finally-become-an-adult".  The last is an illusion: four years from now you will still be you.  Perhaps the question is whether you will have sprinted through this time and ended up with a degree (which is good) or whether you will have taken your time, invested in the people around you, worked interesting student jobs that build your skill set, and generally had a blast (which is great).  Some people can take a full-course load and still do all those things.  Many can't.  
     What will be more important when you're looking for a job?  A younger person will excellent marks?  Or a slightly older person with excellent marks but who also has spent their time in university growing in many, many ways that can't be found in the classroom?  I know who I'd hire.
     My epiphany was that I don't necessarily need to speed through this time.  So I'll be around for a while longer.  


(PS: Now is the time to apply for summer student jobs if you're already in university or high school!  Check out my post here.)
     

Wisdom from the Heart

1.  There are some movies that just should never be watched.  Take the original Pink Panther movie.  It'll be good right?  Watching it with your friends is a good idea right?  No.  Never watch it.

2.  Realize that if you're signing up for both a chorus and an opera, you're going to be doing a lot of singing.  While the last might appear fairly obvious, I didn't quite realize how intense this would be!  Last weekend - 15 hours.  This weekend - 12 hours.  Phew!

3.  Grade 12 students: now is the time to apply for CMU's scholarships.  Are you a leader?  Don't think too hard.  Apply!

What Fifteen Hours of Singing in Three Days Does to a Student (the lab experiment)

Four REAL gongs guaranteed.

    This past weekend has given "intensity" a whole new meaning for the Men's and Women's Chorus.  We are preparing to sing Krzysztof Penderecki's "Seven Gates of Jerusalem" with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.  The piece is an hour long - to give you an idea of scale, the WSO is bringing no less than four gongs to the performance (along with a plethora of other instruments!)  The piece was originally commissioned for the city of Jerusalem, consists entirely of bible verses spoken in Latin, and sounds like a bomb going off (the music, not the Latin.  The Latin is just confusing!)
     For anyone who is also involved in the Mikado opera, this makes the entire weekend intense.  I sung for fifteen hours last weekend, which pretty much makes me a temporary music student.  Joining us are a number of volunteers, bringing the entire number up to something monstrous and ensuring that we really will destroy something (or someone) when we perform it on February 4th.

                     

           Our fearless leaders.

    Rudy Schellenberg and Janet Brenneman are our fearless leaders, and they are doing their jobs well.  But you must understand what we are up against - the choir is divided at times to twelve separate parts, so basically everyone is singing something different, and no amount of cookies can disguise the fact that aren't always sure what these Latin words mean (despite the translations).  
    Never fear - it's challenging, but we are working hard and we shall prevail!  The performance will be something to remember - I can guarantee it.  I'd suggest that you book Friday February 4th off, and get to the Centennial Concert Hall for 8pm.
     Oh, and what does fifteen hours of singing do to a student over the weekend?  At least one person I talked to told me she couldn't sleep because "one-two-tee, one-two tee, one-two-tee" was stuck in her head all night.  In fact, some of the only people who were just fine (and even found the entire experience enjoyable) were music students.  
     Figures, doesn't it?

what did you do over christmas holidays?

    It's funny how after two and a half years at CMU, my hometown seems like a bit of a dream.  When I got back to Niverville in late December, it felt kinda weird.  Friends I hadn't seen in far too long.  Family who I dearly missed.  I kept very busy this Christmas.  Some of my highlights:


1.  Playing an all-day board game with my friends (seriously, from 10am-6pm).


2.  Midnight trip to a really sketchy Winnipeg McDonald's.

Sketch restaurant, great people!

3.  Attending a really cool Christmas service at my church with a jazz rendition of the Christmas story.

4.  Lots of eating!

5.  Skiing and almost getting caught on the lift for 45 mins.

6.  Watching all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies with my sister, and then realizing that they are making another one (it's due out May 20th!)

7.  Going to a large water park in the US overnight.

     I had a good time.  At the same time, I'm really excited to be back at CMU - I started missing people almost as soon as I left!  Most schools in the Winnipeg area begin today or tomorrow, but classes started for us yesterday.
     Welcome to 2011!