UT Tyler School of Performing Arts Accredited for Excellence!

Being a music major here at The University of Texas at Tyler is not always easy. But if you work hard, your hard work will always pay off! The School of Performing arts here at the university was very recently accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, otherwise known as NASM.

How I reacted to being accredited!

This is something that we have been trying to do for a while now. This just goes to prove that if you put your best work into something, it will always turn into something beautiful, whether that be school, art, or just living out your everyday life in general.

With that being said, I must inform you all that I will no longer be working here in the call center any longer. No worries though! It's for the best. Now I will have more time to put in my whole effort into my music! Time to make progress, not excuses!

We will keep putting on concerts for all of you guys, and I hope that you guys make it to a few! Here's a list of what's coming up soon!

Patriot Singers/University Chorale 

Saturday, March 1st @ 7:30 pm

First Presbyterian Church

Saturday, May 3 @ 6:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church

UT Tyler Wind  Ensemble

Thursday, March 6th @ 7:30 pm

Vaughn Auditorium

Thursday, May 1st @ 7:30 pm

Vaughn Auditorium

Jazz Ensembles

Thursday, February 27th @ 7:30 pm

UC Theatre

Thursday, April 17th @ 7:30 pm

UC Theatre

You can check out and see what's going on at the Cowan Center here!

I'm really going to miss writing for you guys! I'm actually thinking about starting a YouTube comedy blog sometime in the future, so be sure to keep an eye out on it! Remember, as long as you strive for the highest, you will earn excellence. AEA.

 If any of you guys are interested in performing with the UT Tyler Wind Ensemble, or any ensemble for that matter, contact the Performing Arts office at 903.566.7450! Come audition and join us! WE WANT YOU!

Braithwaite Recital Hall

For more information about the UT Tyler music program, visit http://www.uttyler.edu/academics/undergraduate-majors/music-bm-degree.php..

"I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul."

East Texas Symphony Orchestra

Hello internet! So last Saturday night, I went and saw the East Texas Symphony Orchestra concert at the Cowan Center here on our campus! I've been to a few of their concerts before, and I’m always impressed by their performance!

Any time the symphony comes around I’m always excited to go see what they have prepared! On Saturday, the theme of the concert was “Classics in Film”. The orchestra was also accompanied by guest Soprano, Suzie Leblanc! Here is a list of all the pieces that they played! 

Also sprach Zarathustra - R. Strauss   2001: A Space Odyssey

On the beautiful blue Danube - J. Strauss  2001: A Space Odyssey

Nulla in mundo pax sincera - Vivaldi  Shine

Ombra mai fu - Handel Dangerous Liasons

Una voce poco fa - Rossini  Citizen Cane

Music for strings, percussion, and celeste, mvt. 3 - Bartok The Shining

Throne Room and End Credits - J. Williams Star Wars: A New Hope

Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana - Mascagni  Raging Bull

Symphony no. 25 in g minor, mvt 1 - Mozart  Amadeus

Gabriel’s Oboe - Morricone arr. R. Longfield  The Mission

Summertime - Gershwin  Porky & Bess

Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Arlen The Wizard of Oz

Adagio for Strings – Barber Platoon

Overture to The Barber of Seville – Rossini The Rabbit of Seville

The ETSO absolutely nailed every single one of these songs, and I was very impressed with their performance! They have three more concerts coming up for the 2013-2014 concert season! All of the concerts will take place at the Cowan Center here on our very own campus! Want to see the symphony orchestra live? Come to one of the upcoming concerts, each featuring a number of guest artists! Tickets are fairly cheap and it's defiantly worth it! 

January 18, 2014 - The Five Browns  

March 22, 2014 -   On Nature

April 26, 2014 -     Power Play

Did any of you guys go see the ETSO also? Tell me what you thought by leaving a comment below!

New things are happening at UT Tyler!

 Hey guys! This semester, the university is making a few changes to the way things are done. One of these things includes the expansion of the Enrollment Services Center here on campus!

IT'S RIGHT HERE

Starting this Monday, October 14, 2013, students may pay their charges and bills at the One Stop Shop on the second floor of the Administration building! Up until now, in order to pay for tuition and fees, or other outstanding charges, students had to go to the downstairs cashiers' office. Now you can get all of your things done at the same place!

Faculty and Staff will keep using the downstairs Cashiers office for campus business services.

Another change that was made was that now you no longer have to wait in long lines at the Enrollment Services Center! The university has set up a queuing system that notifies students when they can be seen. Notifications arrive via text to your phone, and your name also pops up on our nifty new kiosk! Now you can avoid waiting in horribly long lines and treat yourself to some food in our University Center!

Hours for the Enrollment Services Center are from 8am to 5pm on Monday through Friday! If you have any questions, feel free to check out our website HERE, or contact the ESC at 903.566.7180! 

Life as a Music Major

Studying music is pretty much what I've always wanted to do in college. Pretty much. And now that I'm finally doing it, I can actually tell you guys what life as a music major is all about!

How to talk to girls at UT Tyler

       Hey guys! So I was doing some thinking about what exactly I should blog about, and I got an idea when I saw a couple of people talking to one another. And I understand that there may be some of you that find it difficult to talk to girls, so today I'm going to give you some super helpful tricks and tips about how to get to know them!

       First of all, don't be afraid to be yourself around a girl. If you really want to get to know them, then you need to be able to be yourself. Trust me, if people can tell that you're comfortable with who you are, then people are much more likely to want to be your friend. When I started to be more comfortable with who I am, I noticed that people seemed to be more interested in how I am. Be confident!

       Have good hygiene. Brush your teeth. Take a shower. This is actually something that you should live by anyways, daily. Because it's important to take care of yourself. Nobody likes to be that person sitting next to the guy who has really bad body odor. If anything, put on some deodorant at least. It works pretty well, and it makes you smell like you MIGHT have showered, so at least there's that. But seriously, dress to impress.
 
     Be mature when you talk. And by this, I mostly mean avoid saying any of those pick up lines. Girls don't like when you treat them like a joke. Be serious in your conversation with them, and they'll be that much more willing to talk to you!

But don't let being mature keep you from being funny sometimes. I try to make people laugh and smile pretty much any time I can, and it actually works!

But like I said, steer clear of anything that could be taken as degrading or insulting! Try to think about what to say before you say it.
      So there are a few tips that you could use to try to talk to girls. Basically, treat them the way you would want someone else to treat you! Girls are just people! It's not that difficult to do. Good luck!

     Do any of you have any extra tips? Leave us a comment below and let us know! :)

Supplemental Instruction at The University of Texas at Tyler is...

       Supplemental Instruction is awesome! Basically, SI is a weekly study session taught by another student for certain, more difficult, classes. The study sessions are taught by students who have previously taken that course, and made a very good grade.
       Last semester none of my classes had a SI leader, but this semester I'm taking history! So I can go to the SI session now if I need help studying anything before tests! Not only can you study for tests, but you can also compare notes with other students, and get a better understanding of what your class is learning!
       Your SI leader, like I said before, is a student who has already taken the class, so they know what to expect out of the class. Also, they regularly sit during your class so that they can see how your professor is teaching!! If you go to your sessions regularly, you have a better chance at making a good grade than people who don't go!
       Last night, I went to my first SI session ever. I went because they were going to be talking about the test that we had today. When I went, I found a lot of resources that I could use to help study for this test! We had everything from a study guide to a practice test available! Honestly, I believe that had I not gone to this session, I would have not even known what to study for. I usually have a difficult time studying, but I have learned a few study tips just by going to SI!
       SI sessions are held every week, and the leader will set up the session according to which times are best for the students. The sessions are very casual! I definitely recommend that you go if there is a session available for your class!!

       Have any of you guys ever gone to SI before? What was your experience like? Leave us a comment below! :)

Masters of Illusion Live at UT Tyler!

       Anytime there is an event going on at the Cowan Center, I try my very best to make it. I really enjoyed watching the Broadway productions put on this year, and I'm very eager to see what the rest of the semester holds in store for us!

       Next week on Thursday, April 11th, the Cowan Center will be hosting the Masters of Illusion - Live!! I've never heard of this group before, but from what I can tell so far based on what the description of the show is, they're pretty awesome!! Basically, it seems to me that this is going to be kind of like a magic show or circus type of thing!

When I was in elementary school, magicians and illusionist would come to my school once a year and put on a show for us. I was always amused when I got to see them! 

       I also used to go to the Circus when they came to town. One of the main reasons that I stopped going is because clowns really freak me out. Like REALLY. But I'm sure that there will be no clowns at this show.

       I'm very much so looking forward to seeing these stage magicians put on their best to wow us. The show will take place in the main auditorium at the Cowan Center here on campus. It starts at 7:30, and students can get free tickets with their student ID. Hope to see you all there!

       Have any of you guys ever seen a magic show, or seen Masters of Illusion before? Leave a comment below and let us know!

My College Experience

       The semester's end is drawing nearer and nearer. My Freshman year is going to be over in 6 short weeks!! So, I decided that I would write a blog reflecting back on my first year in college!

       Before I moved here to UT Tyler, I was living in a house with six other people. I have a very big family, so I was not used to being on my own whenever I moved away from home. I was used to always having a part of my family around me. So that was one of the very first adjustments that I had to make.

       I didn't know what else to expect when it came to college. I was the first person in my family to go to a university. Another thing that I had to get accustomed to, was trying to manage my time. Time management has never been so important and critical to me. I learned over time how to balance school, work, and having a social life. It took a while and a lot of mistakes, but I got there.

       One of the great things about living right here on the campus was that I could interact with other first time freshman very easily. I met very many people over the course of the first two weeks that I was here. Now, many of those people are my friends! And friends are an important thing to keep close, especially in difficult times, like moving to college.

       Overall, I believe that I did quite a bit of learning this year, both academically and just about myself. College is so different than anything else I have experienced, yet it's one of the best things that I have ever done. I honestly don't know what I would be doing if I wasn't at college. Responsibility plays a much bigger role in my life than it ever had before!

       So, for all of you high school seniors out there who don't know what to expect from college, don't worry. The next four (or more) years of your life are very well going to be some of the best years of your life! Sure, it might be different at first, but like everything else, takes some getting used to!

       If any of you ever need any kind of advise about college, or wants to share your freshman experience, you can leave a comment below! :)

Spring Wind Ensemble concert!

       It's starting to turn into Spring here at UT Tyler! Spring is my favorite season of the year, because the weather is perfect (mostly). It is Texas after all, so the weather can be quite unpredictable. A lot of great things also happen during the spring season, including band concerts!
       In high school, spring was referred to as "concert season". That means that you perform concert music on a stage in front of people, rather than marching on a football field. In college, you are able to perform in concerts no matter which season it is!
       In fact, the UT Tyler Wind Ensemble is putting on our first concert of the 2013 spring semester tomorrow night! This is the first time I'll be playing clarinet for an actual concert, and I'm beginning to feel very nervous. I feel kind of unprepared, but I think that it's because this is the first time I'm playing in a college band.
       The music that we're going to play is much more difficult than the music I played in high school. I feel very honored to play with all of these talented people. Everyone in the ensemble takes the music very seriously, but they are also some of the nicest/coolest people that I 've met in college!
       If you're interested in going to watch the concert, it will take place this Thursday, March the 7th at 7:30 pm. The concert will go down in the Cowan Center Auditorium. I hope you guys can make it!

       Have any of you guys ever played in a band or choir? Leave me a comment below telling us about your musical experiences!

An Evening of Jazz at UT Tyler

       Last Thursday night at 7:30, the UT Tyler Jazz Ensemble had their very first concert of the Spring semester! It was held in the UC Theater, as usual. I went to their first concert with Kat last semester, and was blown away. So, I decided that I would once again go see what they have prepared for us this time.
       First the UT Tyler Jazz Patriots played. There were only about 9 players, but when they performed they sounded like a lot more people were playing.
       For a couple songs, Susie Carter sang the lyrics. I know Susie from wind ensemble, but I never knew that she could sing. And dang, she can sing. I was very impressed with her singing and how the Jazz Patriots played!
       Next, the UT Tyler Jazz Ensemble played their pieces for the night. There were quite a few more players for this ensemble, and it was set up like a "Big Band" which is like how bands were set up in the 40's. The pieces that the Jazz Ensemble played were very complicated and fun to listen to! If I could play any of the 'jazz instruments', I would've loved to  be a part of the ensemble.

       Overall, I really enjoyed the time I spent watching the jazz ensemble. I was very impressed at how well they all could play, and improvise, their music. One of my favorite pieces was called "When Sunny Gets Blue", by Marvin Fisher and Jack Segal. It takes a lot of talent and practice to be able to perform the way they did. +1,864,279 bonus kudos points!  Their next concert for the semester will be on Thursday, April 18th at 7:30p.m. It will be in the UC Theater, just like the past concert was. I'll most likely be there, so I hope you all get to make it!

       Also, next Thursday night at 7:30 (March 7th), the UT Tyler Wind Ensemble will have their first concert of the semester! It will take place in the Vaughn Auditorium, which is in the Cowan Center here on campus. As many of you already know, I play clarinet in the wind ensemble, so I will be playing at this concert. Come and support us next Thursday night! Hope to see you all there!

       Did any of you guys go to the Jazz Ensemble concert too? Leave a comment below and tell us what you  thought about it!

Broke college student heaven

       The other day, I decided that I would take a trip to The Dollar Tree here in Tyler. I was getting my oil changed, and it was going to be a while. So, I figured that instead of staying there for a few hours, I would walk over to the nearby dollar store.When I walked in, I noticed that it was much larger than any other dollar store that I have seen!

       So, me and my friends decided to walk around and see what kind of things that you could buy for a dollar. My eyes were opened up to a whole new world! I was wasting so much money before on certain things. This store had EVERYTHING, and I'm not even kidding. They had everything from batteries, to cups, to headphones to pretty much anything else you can think of. I felt like I was in college student heaven.

       I was there for at least a solid hour, and I bought so many things and I spent only a little bit of money. I loved going somewhere and not feeling bad for spending money! It was amazing.  If you ever are in need of something simple like batteries for a remote, bowls or plates, or even candy. There was so much candy, and it was all only $1..

       If any of you plan to ever save money, go to the dollar store. You will save a ton of money. You see, I'm trying to save up some money to go on a trip this summer, so I'm saving pretty much all of my extra money. Now that I've discovered the dollar store, I can finally buy school supplies and just stuff and still have money. I say its a win-win scenario for everyone.

        What's the best item that you've ever gotten for a dollar? Leave a comment below! :D

Forever Alone!

          So today is Valentine's Day here at UT Tyler, and love is in the air. Unfortunately for me, I am left yet again single on this one horrific day of the year. Like most people left single on Valentine's Day, I despise everything that has to do with love today.
          Well, that's not completely true. I do enjoy receiving candy and chocolate and food! So anytime somebody offers any of the above things to me, I quickly accept and consume. But hey, I always convince myself that "It will be different next year, Chandler. I Promise." But every year always turns out to be the same. Only this year, I can't even get candy from my parents. But hey, I won't let that bring me down! So far, today has turned out to be one of the better Thursdays of the year so far!

          In the words of my history professor, "Valentine's Day doesn't always have to be about romantic love!! It can also be about the love that you have for your friends and family!" And I totally agree. If couples can express their love for one another, then why can't I say how I love my friends? After all, it IS Valentines Day! So just so all of my friends know, I love you.
          Later tonight, the staff and RA's at O-Hall are throwing a Singles Party, or otherwise known as a "Forever Alone Party." It starts at 8 pm, and they will be celebrating being single by playing games, eating food, and watching movies with other single people! Everyone will be together alone! :) Hope all of you singles out there can make it!
And I'd like to thank Megan E. Allen for bringing us pizza and Valentines cards! :D

Tell us how you're spending your Valentines Day this year! Leave a comment below!

Local Hangout Field Trip: Andy’s Frozen Custard

Everyone pretty much has heard of ice cream. Most people are aware of frozen yogurt, and some aware of frozen Greek yogurt. But have you ever heard of Frozen Custard? If not and you love frozen confectionary treats, run to Andy’s Frozen Custard right away! I know it's supposed to be winter right now, but you won’t be sorry! 

What’s so unique about Andy’s? This custard is the softest and creamiest of all the frozen treats I’ve ever tried. Plus they are incredibly customizable! Although they only offer vanilla and chocolate custard (unless you buy one of four prepackaged pint flavors), they have a wide variety of topping for you to choose to have with your treat. You can get anything from a cone to a concrete, which is the topping of your choice blended into the custard.

What’s awesome is that although Andy’s is a franchise, the only one in the state of Texas is right here in our city, so it’s a pretty unique experience for Tylerites and our visitors. My sister and her boyfriend, who both live out of town, always ask if we can get some Andy’s as soon as they come in for a visit. It’s that delectable!

If you feel like grabbing some custard with your friends, you can definitely do that! Andy’s is known for being a local hangout for teenagers where you can get your custard and mosey around on the patio or grab a bench or two. The staff is always very friendly and the service is really great. If you’ve never been, what the heck are you waiting for?! In the meantime, I’ll just be here enjoying my cherry cookie dough sundae…

 If you are interested in other local good eats, check out this blog!

What About Kabob in Tyler, TX

  Since moving to Tyler, I've tried very few new restaurants, but I have added one on that very short list.

 Chandler and I went to What About Kabob! last Thursday but with the three day weekend and my mounds of homework I have delayed making this post.
So here it is!

hmm.. isn't this the band of a former blogger? I don't know..

It was yummy! I had a mini gyro and some pita and hummus. Chandler tried Hummus for the first time!

 So try it out if you like Greek food!

Semester Number Two

                Hey guys! Well, the spring semester of my freshman year here at UT Tyler has officially begun! I can already tell that this semester is going to be a lot more difficult than my last semester was. It’s not at all a bad thing, and I actually think that the classes that I am taking are going to be much more exciting than all of my previous classes were.

                As some of you may know, during the fall semester I took a math class. I really don’t like math, which is weird because my major is currently management! Now I’m not taking any math classes at all, and so far I found my classes to be much more appealing than before.  Now I’m taking courses like History, English, and Politics. So far, they all require a lot of reading.

                In addition, I am now officially a part of the UT Tyler Wind Ensemble! It’s all very exciting for me! I honestly feel like I’m finally doing something right in school by being in this ensemble. Everyone that I’ve met in the wind ensemble is all very nice and funny, just like how I am. I really missed band being a part of my life when I graduated from high school. Maybe I should reconsider what my major is, maybe.

                If I stay on track this semester and step up my A game, I really think that I can really excel in all of my classes this semester! I have set a standard for myself to do the absolute best that I can in everything that I do. I’ll be sure not to disappoint myself!

                Also, I got a new camera for Christmas, so now I can record video blogs in better quality! I am really looking forward to being able to use it! I came up with a small list of videos that I think will be fun and interesting, so be on the lookout for any video blogs on our page in the future! If you have any video blog ideas for me, I would absolutely love to hear them! If you do have any, please leave me a comment below, or anywhere on our Facebook app! As long as I can get to them!

                How is your semester going so far? Leave us a comment below too! Be sure to subscribe to our blog too! We would very much appreciate it. :) Happy 2013!

-          Chandler Upchurch 

UT Tyler Wind Ensemble Concert!

                With finals just around the corner and tensions running high, it’s definitely time to find some kind of way to relax and stop worrying about everything. Luckily for me, I found a way to chill pretty quickly. I decided to go to the last UT Tyler Wind Ensemble concert of the semester! If you have read any of my previous blogs you know about my ridiculous obsession with music, so this was the obvious choice for me.

                After my semester concert for my percussion ensemble ended, I no longer had to go to class. I feel like I have been musically deprived since then. I have a few friends who are in the Wind Ensemble, so I would always ask them when their final concert was. Plus I’m just really pumped to actually be in the Wind Ensemble next semester! It’s definitely going to be different, because I've been playing percussion for the past four years and now I’m going back to clarinet! Hopefully it’ll all work out in the end.

                I went to the first concert that the wind ensemble put on earlier this semester, and I was really impressed! From what I have been told by my friends that are in the wind ensemble, they are playing really cool (but yet difficult) music. I know that I will be blown away again. I am definitely ready to get my finals over with, and move into a new semester. If the school  never put on things like this, or any other campus activities, I know I would go crazy.

                The UT Tyler Wind Ensemble concert will take place this Thursday night at 7:30 in the Vaughn Auditorium in the Cowan Center! It’s free and open to the public, so please come see what the ensemble has been preparing for! Hope to see you there!

My Thanksgiving!

                Hey Guys! Well, Thanksgiving break has come to an end, and normal life has started back up again for everybody. Overall, my break was amazing. I must admit that this has probably been one of my absolute favorite Thanksgivings ever!

Gabby and Chandler's favorite place on campus

They made this vlog! and now it is being revealed for your eyes to see.

Student Bloggers Go Longboarding

So I recently got a new longboard! It's a Rayne Killswitch and I bought it mainly to do technical downhill races and slides. I love my old board but it's only amazing for beginners to do basic things and  stable cruising.
So the other day my co-bloggers decided to test out my new longboard and I happily agreed to teach them and let them try it out! This was the result.

Remember to gear up and wear your helmets! (And yes, I am aware that we weren't wearing any, but that's because at the speed we were all going in, we could've raced turtles and the shelled creatures would've won)

Typical Day on the UT Tyler Student Blogging Team

     As I walk into work today, with my maxi dress flowing in the wind, and a spring in wedged heeled feet, I knew today was gonna be a good day. Last week was KINDA sucky. I wasn't feeling all that well from the crazy weather change. Texas, please make up your mind about the weather. Is it gonna be fall yet or are you still clinging on to summer?.... Can't you see that my closet cannot handle both summer and fall clothes together! I am not fond of being bundled up in the morning before class and when I get out of class the temperature rises 20 degrees and I look like a fool wearing fall clothes :( (sorry I went off on a tangent. That tends to happen)

But the reason why I am all dressed up and excited about today is because i'm going to see the Shaolin Warriors at the Cowan Center ! You see, I am very excited about this cause it just looks absolutely awesome. My attention was caught when UT Tyler pinned up the flyers for the show and this is what I saw!