Being on Stage

    Hey Everybody! As spring celebration is coming up fast (tomorrow actually. I present TOMORROW!!! :o :o :O *deep breaths* ) I wanted to talk about stage presence. :) 
    The presence you give on a stage is super important. What you wear is important, and what you act like is really important. 
I'm feeling pretty scatter-brained today as I have a lot to do and very little time to do it, so I'm really sorry if this post is kind of all-over the place.

Stage Appearance

     The first thing I want to talk about is what you wear. I did a lot of research on this. Most of what I read encourages girls to wear anything that draws more attention to their bodies.  Looking up images for "what to wear on stage" kind of proved that for me. Most stars wear very revealing things to draw more eyes to them. I didn't really go for that. I mean, I know it's super cliche to write all about how beauty is only skin deep etc.. but really. Don't even get me started with all the issues I have with the way these girls dress (or pretty much don't dress. I'd hardly count what they're wearing as clothes... just sayin'.) 

What is "Real Beauty?"

      Honestly, do you really want everyone to think all you are worth is what you can show on the outside? If I've learned anything this past year, it's that music is 100% from the inside. Every song I've written, ever word I've sang, has been from inside my heart. The reason music messes with people is because it touches them someplace deep inside. It's like setting your emotions inside of somebody else.

If you could hear emotions, they would sound like music.

    Music has the power to give you that moment where suddenly you don't care what you look like, you just have to cry for awhile. That's what music is to me. So the last thing I want to do is dress as if all that matters is what's going on on the outside. This isn't just about being modest, it's about giving people a chance to have a moment without being distracted. I can't speak for all musicians, but for me, my music was written to change hearts and give people that moment with God that they want back when it's over. I don't want their eyes on me, I want their hearts pulled in and vulnerable, because guys, that's real beauty. 

 What I Chose to Wear

 

     I wanted to go simple, but still look good. Always a girl's struggle. ;) Anyway, I went shopping with my mom and we found a dress in my current favorite color. :D (I'm not sure what color it is though, I just really, really like it. ;)

     I got these floral wedges over 10 months ago, but I haven't worn them yet. I'm finally brave enough to wear them with my outfit. I got them on sale. I thought "surely someday I'll wear these, they're too cute to leave behind!" It's not that I haven't had the opportunity, it's just that I'm really insecure about my height. I'm almost 5'8" already. With these, I'm almost 6'. With most of my friends being pretty short, I always feel like the giant anyway, so I never was brave enough to wear these shoes. Now I'm finally gonna do it! :D I want to talk about all the anxiety and fear that I've had through this project at the spring celebration, so I thought it would be a great demonstration of my confidence growth. I'm not gonna lie, I'm kind of excited. ;) 

     I'm not sure how I'll have my hair yet. I guess it comes down to just depending on how much time we have. ;) 

     I'm not sure yet, but I think I'll go with this nice silver necklace. it's pretty simple, but it's still nice. 

     I've been saving this set of jamberry nails all year!!! I'm so excited for them, even if you guys are the only ones who will know they're on my nails during the presentation. ;) 

Stage Presence

     As some of you may or may not know, I have to sing tomorrow! In front of everyone!!! *blows up like puffer fish from Finding Nemo* *starts quoting Finding Nemo in my head because I know that movie way too well* 

     Anyway... I'm kinda freaking out inside, but it's gotta happen. 

     Did you know that as soon as you appear nervous on a stage your audience gets really uncomfortable? I actually did some research on what causes stage fright, and the truth is, when you get on a stage to speak or to sing or to do anything, the part of your brain that stimulates fear tells you that your audience are predators. As in.. You=Zebra,They=Lion. yeah. That kind of fear. No wonder stage fright is such a common thing if that's what our brains are telling us! 
     But through all my talks with my dad and all the research I've done, I've learned that all an audience really wants is to be entertained. I'm not sure about you, but when I watch people on stages, all I sit there and think is "She/He is totally awesome!" "He/She can do this!" and "I hope to high-heaven they don't call on me!"
     My dad told me that people love watching a performance done with confidence, because even if they don't know it, they live vicariously through the performer while they watch them. You think you're the only one who drives down the highway singing your lungs out to the radio and pretending you're famous too? Heck no. We ALL do it. ;)

      Finding My Own Secret

     I'm about to tell you a little secret of mine. You must keep it in absolute confidence. Ready? ;) 

     Knowing the research never helped. So, I decided to just figure something out by myself. Then I watched a clip of a girl on Brittan's Got Talent. I'll link it here so you can watch it too. 

(this isn't the secret, but I totally binge watch these and cry and clap and everything for hours at a time... I'm weird like that. ;) )

So when you're done watching it you can come back and read what I have to say. Go on, click that link. ;) 

     

     She's amazing isn't she? What she was saying before she went on went right to my heart because it's exactly how I feel. But she somehow did incredible even though she's terrified! How did she do that?! That's what I had to figure out. I decided the reason she captured me (and still captures me every time. I seriously start crying almost every time I watch this! I know, I'm ridiculous. )  so totally, was because she loves singing, and she took the feelings and the passion behind the song and poured it out of herself with everything she had as she sang. "I can do that" I thought. "I'm pretty much all feelings, I think I've got this."

     So that's my secret. I don't need to dance around the stage or be a huge star or have fancy flashy clothes, all I need is to figure out how the song touches my heart, and let my walls down when I'm on stage. Yeah, that's a lot scarier than it sounds, and for sure it's hard to do with people watching you, but the first time I was able to put my hand up and totally praise my God on the youth group stage was a HUGE moment for me in a lot of ways. 

 I Can't Believe It's Almost Over!

     That's what I'm going to try tomorrow, but no promises that it will be amazing because I actually got a cold just yesterday... Great timing I know. :P I can't believe my project is practically over!!! There was a point I wasn't sure I could get this far. Thank you God, and thank you all my readers who prayed for me. I love all of you so, so much. God bless your beautiful hearts. I'll let you know how it goes!

~Arianna Rose 

   

It Always Seems Impossible Until It's Done

It's Finally Done!!!

     Everyone! I have a big announcement! My EP is finally done!!! My dad brought out the red-book master copy last night and we listened to it together. I can't believe I'm here. I can't believe we made it. I got my own copy today and put it in a just cried. (yeah, I cry a lot. you know that by now. ) I'm so relieved and overwhelmed and just... OH MY GOODNESS IT'S DONE!!

     Now unfortunately I don't have any copies of the CD printed yet because it turns out that making an album cover and getting your copies ordered is a lot harder than it looks. Here's the cover I designed though, so hopefully we can figure all that out as soon as school is over! I'll post about it as soon as I know they're done! 

     Mastering

     I don't know a whole lot about what all went into mastering this. It's a bit complicated. All I know is that I can really hear the difference between the final mix-down and the master. My dad describes mastering as "putting that coat of finish on your wood project" and that makes sense to me. 

     One thing I remember him telling me was an example of just one thing you do in mastering. See, everything has a specific frequency, and sometimes certain frequencies match up and cancel each other out. Two frequencies that are often the same are the human voice and a cymbal. You know how if you hear a cymbal crash while someone's singing it drowns them out? well, what it's actually doing is cancelling the voice out. In mastering, you have the ability to move frequencies, so if there's a circumstance like that, you can just move the cymbal's frequency a tiny bit so they don't cancel each other out anymore. 

     I'm not sure if I explained that very well... I'm doing my best to understand it all myself. This is just a small example of everything that goes into mastering, but whatever my dad did, it sounds pretty good in the end. :) I'm very proud of him. I couldn't do what he does! 

Some More Updates

     Here's a few more updates for you. Kristen is working steadily on the music video and it will be done by May 26th, (the date of my Spring Celebration where I present my project) which is coming up really fast! I'm so excited to see it. 

    Also, I've been working diligently on my power point while my dad was finishing up the mastering work. It's pretty much all put together! The plan is for me to speak about the project, play the music video for everyone, and then sing a song live. I'm getting really nervous but also super excited!!! Here's a few screenshots of what it's looking like! There's a chance I'll actually have it on video afterwards to share with those of you who can't be there to see it live. ;)

Thanks for reading! I'll see you guys next week!

~Arianna

Mentors and Thank Yous

 Thank You Everyone

 

I want to take some time to thank some of my mentors and the people who made a big difference in my life during this year. 

     This is Jill. She has faith I only hope to have someday. She's my youth pastor and has had meetings with me every month during this whole year and before I even started. She's been with me and praying for me through the very best and the very worst of all of this. If any of you remember from my second post, Jill had a huge hand in reminding me to be brave enough to try this in the first place. I hope God blesses you abundantly Jill, thank you so so much, for everything you do.You're such a gift from God. 

     I already talked about my Dad awhile ago, but I just want to take a moment to mention my Mom. This lady is so amazing. She may not be musical, but she understands why I love my art and music, and she encourages me in it. I'm so thankful to have parents who understand the way I was wired, and are more than encouraging in anything I want to do with my talents. Thank you mom for working so hard, and for giving up so much time with Dad for me. I know he's been working on my album a lot, and I'm so thankful that you understand and have shared him with me. Don't think I haven't noticed everything you've done for me in this past year. I have! I love you! <3 

     Thank you Lexi for all your hugs on Wednesdays and for doing the lovely harmonies to "This Narrow Road" even though you were so busy. You light up a room as soon as you walk into it. Never stop being you! <3 
 

     Raven, Thank you for telling me to make the album even though I whined and complained and was sure I couldn't do it. Thank you for writing that letter (that is taped to my wall ;) ) about how much you really liked my songs. Thanks for taking me aside and praying for me that night at the girl's retreat when I was too scared to go up and sing. Thank you for coming in an instant when I called you that one night... I can't even describe how much your friendship has meant to me in these past few years. You're one of the strongest, toughest girls I know. I know you've been through so much, but your constant faith in God despite everything reminds me and encourages me to have that too. I know we like, never say this, but I love you. I want to see you take your dreams and soar with them. I want you to know that even though I'm leaving, I'll never forget you. I'll be back sooner than you know. Don't have too much fun while I'm gone dear. ;) 

     Abbey, you knew you were on here didn't you? ;) You girl, I don't even know where to start. Thank you for your steadfast support. Thank you for taking all my pictures for the album! Thanks for teaching me about blogging, and for reading every post and telling me how much you love them. Thanks for always being there when I need you, offering all the hugs and prayer I can handle. Thank you for being my best friend since we were 11 & 12. I couldn't have survived through life without you by my side. Thank you for loving watching me spread my wings and fly as we grow up together, and for telling me you want me to go to school next year even though I know it breaks your heart to see me leave. Don't worry girly. We'll always be the closest and dearest of friends. You are one of the most amazing young women I've ever met, and I pray every blessing in the world over you. I love you so much!!

     Brittany and Christopher, thank you for all your support. Thanks for taking me in when I needed someplace to go for awhile. Thank you for believing in me 100% and encouraging me so much. you guys are awesome. I love you and your family so much, and I'm going to miss you all like crazy next year! 
(special thanks to Mr Swagg for giving me a job. Only people who really know me will get this reference...)  

     Callie, thank you for listening to me and letting me pour out my heart to you when things got tough. thank you for taking me shopping and being so understanding when I needed it, and thank you for keeping me for almost a week and letting me de-stress at your apartment with your crazy cat. ;) (bonus pic of Callie's crazy cat attacking the plunger.)

 and Tianna, Thank you for also letting me come to you when I didn't know what to do, and thanks for listening to my songs and telling me I could do this over and over. I'm so glad I have sisters. ;)

     

     Emily, Cayli, and Mattie, thank you for being my supportive girls and loving me through the good and the bad of this project! thanks for being so excited that this was getting done and believing in me so much! And Cayli, thank you so much for coming for me that weekend. I know you girls have had such a busy year, as two of us are graduating, (YEAHH :D ) and Cayli is old and in college, ;) but you all took time to call me, Skype with me, or see me, and to make sure everything was okay. Thank you! The three of you mean so much to me <3

      

     Larry, thanks for all of your patience when things went wrong, and for telling me I could do this and encouraging me every time we had a meeting. I really couldn't have done this without you! You're the best teacher ever ever!!

      Kristen sweetie, I know I already talked about you, and that this thank you post is getting wayy too long, but I just have to say a couple things. Thank you for always putting up with me when I got over-emotional, and for holding me and wiping my tears when I cried through the hardest parts of this project. Thank you for driving all the way from Sun Prairie Wisconsin to be with me for a weekend when everything was too hard to handle. I know sometimes I get hurt over the simplest of things, but when that happens please remember that it's just because I have you so, so close to my heart, that when you move you sometimes accidentally elbow it, and it's easily bruised. I know you love me, so thanks for forgiving me when I'm ridiculous about things. I don't think I could live a day without you dear. <3

     
     Man you guys... You got me all teary. Ugh, emotions. Anyway you're finally to the end of my explosion of thank-yous. If you actually read through all of that, then... go you. But if you didn't, don't feel bad. ;) I'm going to post again today or tomorrow about things all of you will actually want to read through,  but I had to do a mentors/thank-you post because it's in my project, so thanks for bearing with me. 

And of course last but not least... Thank you for all your support through this whole thing! I love you guys! 

~Arianna Rose