Ummmmmm.....wow.....

Wow. What a week. I suppose it is about time for an update. I can't even tell you everything that has happened this week but I will touch on the main points. On Monday they were filming a promotional TV documentary and I got to be the "conductor" of an imaginary "rock" band. It was chaos and we all probably look like fools but oh well! It was an interesting experience. Then I tried to meet with the choir during lunch periods. That did NOT work. The idea is that they eat for the first 15 minutes and then come to choir for the remaining 30. Most of the students didn't come to my room until about 10 minutes before lunch ended. I have since told the principal that it has to be an after school program. If he wants me to create a quality choir then it needs to be after school where I can have at least a solid 30 minutes of rehearsal. He was fine with that so hopefully that will make things easier. Also, my principal observed me this week. He observed me with Y6 and it went VERY well. The students were engaged and interested in the lesson and my principal was actually fascinated by that. He also learned something :) He will be observing me 2 or 3 more times coming up as part of my 2 month probation. Considering how the first observation went I think I'll be getting that permanent contract. It's hard to believe it's already been one whole month. I must say it has flown by.

Today I was sent an email by a contact of Dr. Robinson's. She asked if I would like to sing two solos and two duets in a concert next month. I will be accompanied by an orchestra and this will be broadcast on TV throughout Vietnam. WHAT?!?! I graciously accepted and I now have four songs to learn by April 20th and 21st. Wow! I am just flabbergasted! They have also invited my choir to participate. I will have to talk to my principal about this but I doubt he will refuse. It would be a great opportunity for the students to see a real concert and actually participate in the rehearsals and performance. I am still in shock about this offer. I never thought I would be a singer (more than in choirs) but this will be my big debut! It's a shame I'm so far and none of my friends and family can be there. I am hoping I can find somewhere to watch online, so hopefully you can see it (though if it is LIVE then you may have to get up really early in the morning hehe). I'm meeting with her tomorrow to talk about it further.

Another development: I have decided to begin working on my Masters degree. I am going to take advantage of my free nights and weekends and do something productive with my loneliness. I have decided on Kent State University's online Master of Music in Music Education program. It will take 20 months to complete. I begin classes in May and will graduate December 2013. I'm pretty excited about it, actually. I thought I wanted a long break from school but I'm already bored and I feel like I wasted a bunch of years on my undergrad and I want to make up for it. It will also keep me busy and make the time go by faster. I'm trying to make the most of this experience and I think earning an advanced degree would be a great accomplishment to come out of this with (aside from building up a program and choir and singing semi-professionally).

Ok, that's enough ramblings :) Night, all!

~Erica