FINALLY!

Finally! I can concentrate on getting this stuff in my head. I work systematically subject by subject. Handbells - know the facts and be able to describe the techniques. Check. Theory - can't really prepare for the harmonic analysis, but I must know all the Neopolitan chord stuff and basic things to assess. Conductor analysis - know the list of what to prepare. Check. Know the various issues with preparing choral works from each era. Involved, but check. Choral Literature - know the development and important names for my selected genre, the Passions. Check. Hymnody - know the important movements and names. Check. Issues in Church Music - be able to answer the questions on the list. Trickier. But OK.

By noon I had covered all the material. But keeping it in my head will be the thing. I eat lunch, take a walk by the lake, and review my cards, trying to recite from memory the parts or create acronyms for the various pieces. Funny how many lists have 7 components. I take a short nap, then review again. I wander about the dorm, conversing with various people I bump into until it is time for the Coburg Recital - the annual showcase of what students have been working on this year.

I make my way to the sanctuary to hear performances of organ pieces, handbell pieces, solos, and one choral piece. I smile. It is comforting to be on the listening side of the event. Tomorrow seems a long way off, but I decline the invitation to get ice cream. I know that will stretch late into the evening and I need my rest.

I bid friends farewell and head to my room. 8 am will come soon enough.