Obviously, I love to drum. Playing at UNL has been so awesome, and brought up new opportunities for me. In October, I was hired by my old high school to instruct the drumline there. I was stoked. I took the gig and found out that instructing is tons of fun. One tool that's used constantly (or at least should be used constantly) is the metronome.
A metronome's primary function is to keep time. Humans don't do a very good job of it, so we play with the metronome to give us that constant steady, and even ruthless beat that will not change. As we improve, we become better at holding tempo, but still need to continually be referring back to the met. Drumming especially relies on this, more than any other section. It helps the whole line play as a line. The ultimate goal is to sound so tight, that it's only one guy playing.
Unfortunately, there are instructors out there that decidedly don't use a metronome (there is a point to this, I promise). Mainly, because "they won't have it out on the field during a show." Which is true, but how do you expect students keep consistent tempo if they can't in the first place?
Whenever I talk about why we use the metronome, the two words "reference point," always come up. The metronome is the thing that we fall back on when we suck. We all need to refer back to it at some point or another in order to further our striving towards good drumming. It's a lot like our spiritual lives.
The Metronome/Dr. Beat (God/His Word)
Always right. No matter what. If you're struggling, you got to get right with God. Everything must fit exactly with Him. Extremely hard to do, that's why so much practice is needed to be put into it in order to be successful.
Instructors (Pastors/Ministers/etc.)
A fairly good amount are great at what they do and have had success, however, there are some out there who aren't the best. The main idea for them is to help other christians become more solid in their faith. They encourage very much and only want the best from their people. Also, they were in the same position themselves at one point. They recognize the difficulties and challenges presented. But, there are those who don't exactly know what's up. They may have stopped practicing themselves, yet still expect the same results from their students.
Drummers/Drumline (Everyone Else/The Church)
Constantly practicing to get closer and closer to God. So much hard work is put in to being a good christian young man or woman. There are plenty of loving people around, always wanting to further their relationship somehow, but there are also a good amount that just get by with what's "necessary," and aren't fully committed to Him, or they just want to chill and have fun. And they may do so, but won't produce anything of quality, a waste of time. Bearing fruit will not take place.
I haven't been practicing with a metronome a whole lot lately. My tempo fluctuates and everything is somewhat choppy. It's lacking something...
*deek deek deek deek*
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Perfection
Lately, I've been having conversations with friends of mine about faith. Generally, they're good, but I've found out that we don't quite see eye to eye on things. One of those things, is Jesus.
They've said Jesus wasn't perfect. A good majority of people actually belive this, but the thing is if He wasn't perfect, than none of us would be able to go to Heaven. Salvation does not exist. No one would be able to be saved. Do you really want to believe that?
The whole reason God sent His Son was to offer Him as a sacrifice to forgive every single one of us, and to allow us to one day be with Him. The perfect, sinless, unblemished Son of God is the only One that would do. If Jesus had sinned once, only once, we would all be doomed to Hell.
Now, Jesus was born to a virgin. Many people will argue that she wasn't, because otherwise it wouldn't be possible. The thing about God is...He can do what He wants. So, if He wanted His Son to be born to a virgin, so be it. That's the way it happened. I don't know how He did it and it really shouldn't matter. God can do anything.
The thing that amazes me the most is how Jesus remained perfect throughout childhood. Things were probably pretty easy on Mary and Joseph. This made it evident that Jesus was indeed God's Son, and sure, the Bible doesn't really give us much into Jesus' childhood, but one of the first times it does is often seen as a sin on Jesus' part.
Luke says that "when Jesus was 12 years old, His parents and He traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. After they were done eating they packed up to head back home, but Jesus stayed and his parents were unaware of it. [. . .] When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him."
~Luke 2:41-45
If anything, this was Mary and Joseph's fault as they forgot their son. I don't think anyone would say that a boy left in a grocery store is his own fault. That is the parents' responsibility. And look what Jesus was doing. He wasn't worried: crying or running around crazy like any other kid would do. He was in the temple sitting and listening to the teachers AND asking questions. He wasn't worried at all. His parents had been gone for 2 days and he was absolutely fine. If your parents forgot you as a child and were gone for 2 days, how would you feel? I know I wouldn't be as nearly cool and composed as Jesus was.
The other instance people argue that Jesus sinned was when He went to the temple. He got angry, which is where many people believe the infraction occurred. It's amazing what simple and easy research in the Bible can do. Usually, it seems that this is taken out of context, and there is complete disregard for what others were doing around Jesus. They were using the temple as a marketplace. Selling and bargaining was going on in the Lord's house. You can imagine why Jesus was not happy.
Anger is not a sin. I mean, think about it, God has gotten angry numerous times. How can He go against His own law? But, you can sin IN your anger. This could be, swearing, being unkind to someone, etc. Jesus got angry because these people were misusing His Father's house and seeking to earn benefits of their own. They were not using it properly. That's why Jesus got upset and did what He did, had to do. Just like God would have done.
It just kind of blows my mind that some people don't realize that believing Jesus sinned, indirectly says that none of us are going to Heaven. Jesus was absolutely perfect in every single way, and because of that, we get to spend eternity with our awesome God.
Luke 23:13-15
They've said Jesus wasn't perfect. A good majority of people actually belive this, but the thing is if He wasn't perfect, than none of us would be able to go to Heaven. Salvation does not exist. No one would be able to be saved. Do you really want to believe that?
The whole reason God sent His Son was to offer Him as a sacrifice to forgive every single one of us, and to allow us to one day be with Him. The perfect, sinless, unblemished Son of God is the only One that would do. If Jesus had sinned once, only once, we would all be doomed to Hell.
Now, Jesus was born to a virgin. Many people will argue that she wasn't, because otherwise it wouldn't be possible. The thing about God is...He can do what He wants. So, if He wanted His Son to be born to a virgin, so be it. That's the way it happened. I don't know how He did it and it really shouldn't matter. God can do anything.
The thing that amazes me the most is how Jesus remained perfect throughout childhood. Things were probably pretty easy on Mary and Joseph. This made it evident that Jesus was indeed God's Son, and sure, the Bible doesn't really give us much into Jesus' childhood, but one of the first times it does is often seen as a sin on Jesus' part.
Luke says that "when Jesus was 12 years old, His parents and He traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. After they were done eating they packed up to head back home, but Jesus stayed and his parents were unaware of it. [. . .] When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him."
~Luke 2:41-45
If anything, this was Mary and Joseph's fault as they forgot their son. I don't think anyone would say that a boy left in a grocery store is his own fault. That is the parents' responsibility. And look what Jesus was doing. He wasn't worried: crying or running around crazy like any other kid would do. He was in the temple sitting and listening to the teachers AND asking questions. He wasn't worried at all. His parents had been gone for 2 days and he was absolutely fine. If your parents forgot you as a child and were gone for 2 days, how would you feel? I know I wouldn't be as nearly cool and composed as Jesus was.
The other instance people argue that Jesus sinned was when He went to the temple. He got angry, which is where many people believe the infraction occurred. It's amazing what simple and easy research in the Bible can do. Usually, it seems that this is taken out of context, and there is complete disregard for what others were doing around Jesus. They were using the temple as a marketplace. Selling and bargaining was going on in the Lord's house. You can imagine why Jesus was not happy.
Anger is not a sin. I mean, think about it, God has gotten angry numerous times. How can He go against His own law? But, you can sin IN your anger. This could be, swearing, being unkind to someone, etc. Jesus got angry because these people were misusing His Father's house and seeking to earn benefits of their own. They were not using it properly. That's why Jesus got upset and did what He did, had to do. Just like God would have done.
It just kind of blows my mind that some people don't realize that believing Jesus sinned, indirectly says that none of us are going to Heaven. Jesus was absolutely perfect in every single way, and because of that, we get to spend eternity with our awesome God.
Luke 23:13-15
Monday, December 14, 2009
Acquiring the Confidence
It occurred to me the other day that the semester is nearly over and I haven't posted a new blog in freaking FOREVER! So I hope this helps all of you who I know had withdrawal of this over the past few months.
Not gonna lie, it has been a pretty rough first semester here at UNL. The only thing I seemingly haven't struggled with is my composition lessons. Which is great considering that's my major, however, I need to get my stuff together next semester.
In case you don't know, I really am a shy and quiet kid at heart. When I was younger, I didn't talk a lot and still have my moments now when I won't because I feel uncomfortable somehow. Now, once I get to know you and become pretty good friends I will REALLY open up, as some of you know. But one thing I've definitely been learning is to be confident in everything you do. To have the courage to be firm and just do things, and do them well. This first came up with drumline, but I've noticed how important it is just to be successful in general. I'm learning to quit being so wishy-washy and just get in there and do it.
Also, my relationship with Christ has been somewhat lacking, just with me being so stressed. No excuse, I know, but it's just been tough. I still managed to open my Bible every couple days, but I could still give more of an effort.
So next semester, I'm hoping to hit the ground running in all aspects. I won't have marching band, so that'll help somewhat, but I'll miss it. There's your update of me. Hope it was what you wanted.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Not gonna lie, it has been a pretty rough first semester here at UNL. The only thing I seemingly haven't struggled with is my composition lessons. Which is great considering that's my major, however, I need to get my stuff together next semester.
In case you don't know, I really am a shy and quiet kid at heart. When I was younger, I didn't talk a lot and still have my moments now when I won't because I feel uncomfortable somehow. Now, once I get to know you and become pretty good friends I will REALLY open up, as some of you know. But one thing I've definitely been learning is to be confident in everything you do. To have the courage to be firm and just do things, and do them well. This first came up with drumline, but I've noticed how important it is just to be successful in general. I'm learning to quit being so wishy-washy and just get in there and do it.
Also, my relationship with Christ has been somewhat lacking, just with me being so stressed. No excuse, I know, but it's just been tough. I still managed to open my Bible every couple days, but I could still give more of an effort.
So next semester, I'm hoping to hit the ground running in all aspects. I won't have marching band, so that'll help somewhat, but I'll miss it. There's your update of me. Hope it was what you wanted.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Monday, October 5, 2009
Status Stupidity
So, I'm on facebook quite often. Much more than needed, but I'm usually have Finale up working on something or other and just have it up if someone wants to chat. However, some statuses have really started to annoy me lately. So much in fact, that I've hidden certain people from my news feed and even more have removed some as friends. With that said, here's a list.
Things No One Wants to See on Your Status Update
Things No One Wants to See on Your Status Update
- Homework Assignments: Chances are someone else has more than you and will comment about it so you know.
- Things That Don't Make Any Sense: Seriously, if you're going to put something with your name on it, at least make it somewhat sensible to someone out there.
- What Day of the Week It Is: Everyone knows.
- Inspirational Quotes That Suck/Were Written by You: As much as I appreciate you flaunting yourself around like Socrates and showing everyone how "deep" you really are, stop it.
- Feelings Towards Your Significant Other: I don't mind the occasional "my gf/bf is awesome," but once you start posting "LOVES HIM/HER SOOOO MUCH," or "wouldn't know where he'd/she'd be without you babe," it gets really old, really fast. We get that you like each other. Please stop screaming it at us.
- Status Hijackings Concerning Victim's Sexuality: Ok, changing your friend's status to "...is so gay (among various other homosexual things)," makes it absolutely completely obvious that someone messed with it. What is actually comical is when you can change it to something that makes friends laugh at the victim, but still makes them think they posted it.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Transfer Tension
I'm in the middle of week 4 at UNL. I wish I could say the transfer went amazingly, but it didn't. The past couple weeks I've been feeling stressed. Everything is a lot more intense, which is great, but has so far been a bit overwhelming. I feel like I'm forgetting something every other day. For instance, yesterday I missed our first composition departmental meeting. Not something you want to miss as I was informed of today at my lesson. I think I'm finally kicking things into high gear though and getting used to the pace.
I've also noticed how much I compare myself to others. Other guys on the drumline, in the percussion studio, in my classes, and music majors. I am terrified of not measuring up, not being legit, and turning into a fold. Terrified. This is a new experience for me, and thankfully I seem to be adjusting. And really, I shouldn't be concerned about that at all. As long as I'm doing what is asked of me by God, which I believe I am 100 percent.
I can't help but notice now, that over the past few weeks, I haven't been where I should have been with God. Devotions are quite rare and church is iffy. Finally today, I made the time to sit down, read my Bible and listen to some Casting Crowns. I said a short prayer before that God would show me what He wants of me. I clicked on my iTunes and opened up my Bible. I opened up to where my bookmark was. The first thing I read was:
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."
-Proverbs 16:3
It's nice to know that the only One I'm seeking approval of isn't concerned of how good of a snare drummer I am, or how fast I can play my scales on a marimba. As long as I am doing everything for Him; I will be fine. God is so amazing.
If you'd pray for me, that I'd stay on the track I've gotten back on with everything, that'd be great. That I'd stay on top of my classes, lessons, assignments, practicing, and most importantly with God.
I've also noticed how much I compare myself to others. Other guys on the drumline, in the percussion studio, in my classes, and music majors. I am terrified of not measuring up, not being legit, and turning into a fold. Terrified. This is a new experience for me, and thankfully I seem to be adjusting. And really, I shouldn't be concerned about that at all. As long as I'm doing what is asked of me by God, which I believe I am 100 percent.
I can't help but notice now, that over the past few weeks, I haven't been where I should have been with God. Devotions are quite rare and church is iffy. Finally today, I made the time to sit down, read my Bible and listen to some Casting Crowns. I said a short prayer before that God would show me what He wants of me. I clicked on my iTunes and opened up my Bible. I opened up to where my bookmark was. The first thing I read was:
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."
-Proverbs 16:3
It's nice to know that the only One I'm seeking approval of isn't concerned of how good of a snare drummer I am, or how fast I can play my scales on a marimba. As long as I am doing everything for Him; I will be fine. God is so amazing.
If you'd pray for me, that I'd stay on the track I've gotten back on with everything, that'd be great. That I'd stay on top of my classes, lessons, assignments, practicing, and most importantly with God.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Drummin' for the Huskers
It has been far too long since I posted anything on here, so hopefully this somewhat satisfies you.
Well, as of August 15th, I made the snare line at UNL, and it has been awesome. It's hardcore and I love it. Our center snare marched Phantom over the summer, so naturally he wants things very clean and intense. This is easier said than done, but I feel we keep getting better as the season goes on.
Yesterday, we had our first game, and it was incredible. I've been a die hard Husker football fan since I can remember, and actually being there on the field doing what I love to do was such an amazing feeling. Being surrounded by The Sea of Red was so sweet, and I get to do it at least 7 more times!
If you're ever bored in Lincoln on game day, you should come check out the line. We usually warm up and hour and a half before kickoff outside of Arch Hall. It's a good time.
Well, as of August 15th, I made the snare line at UNL, and it has been awesome. It's hardcore and I love it. Our center snare marched Phantom over the summer, so naturally he wants things very clean and intense. This is easier said than done, but I feel we keep getting better as the season goes on.
Yesterday, we had our first game, and it was incredible. I've been a die hard Husker football fan since I can remember, and actually being there on the field doing what I love to do was such an amazing feeling. Being surrounded by The Sea of Red was so sweet, and I get to do it at least 7 more times!
If you're ever bored in Lincoln on game day, you should come check out the line. We usually warm up and hour and a half before kickoff outside of Arch Hall. It's a good time.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Trusting Him to Provide
We've all heard the phrase that goes something like, "Trust in God and He will provide for you." I've taken this for granted, yet today, I realized how much He really does take care of me.
Friday, a few friends and I went and got fireworks, the 4th of July on Saturday, and we decided to hang out and light some fireworks, have some fun. When we got the stand we had a tough time deciding what we wanted. So we had the idea that everyone had to get one (within reason) that began with the same letter of their name. For example, I got "Killer Bees."
I looked at my friend Troy and asked if he was paying and he said yeah, but I wanted to pitch in. I had a 20 dollar bill so I told him I would pay then he could give me a few bucks, whatever. The total turned out to be 9 dollars, or something like that. Troy gave me a 5 and the lady working the register only handed me a dollar. I didn't notice until later that night. We were gonna go out to eat and instead of having the 16 dollars I thought I had, I had 10 less.
Now, really, it wasn't that big of a deal. The lady shorted me 10 bucks, not a lot to some, but for me, thats a meal and a half. I brushed it off, moved on and wasn't gonna let it ruin the time I had with my friends, but it was one of those things where you go "Ugh, if I only still had those 10 dollars." But I got my mind off of it and didn't worry about it.
Sunday was an amazing day of worship for me. From singing, to having great conversation, to serving food, it was great. I really did truly believe that God was there for me and was going to provide for me.
And then last night, when I got home I was talking to my parents and sister about the Esprit concert among other things. Finally, my parents asked us what we had planned for the week. We mow a lawn of some friends of ours. I usually don't, I let my younger siblings do it because they want to, it's a paying gig, but then my mom turned to me and said, "Keygan, will you do it?" I said yes, not because I knew God was doing what He promised, but just because I didn't have anything else to do.
This morning, mowing, it hit me. He provided for me something that wasn't even that big of a deal. A measely 10 dollars, He changed into 15 and gave to me. Thanks God.
Friday, a few friends and I went and got fireworks, the 4th of July on Saturday, and we decided to hang out and light some fireworks, have some fun. When we got the stand we had a tough time deciding what we wanted. So we had the idea that everyone had to get one (within reason) that began with the same letter of their name. For example, I got "Killer Bees."
I looked at my friend Troy and asked if he was paying and he said yeah, but I wanted to pitch in. I had a 20 dollar bill so I told him I would pay then he could give me a few bucks, whatever. The total turned out to be 9 dollars, or something like that. Troy gave me a 5 and the lady working the register only handed me a dollar. I didn't notice until later that night. We were gonna go out to eat and instead of having the 16 dollars I thought I had, I had 10 less.
Now, really, it wasn't that big of a deal. The lady shorted me 10 bucks, not a lot to some, but for me, thats a meal and a half. I brushed it off, moved on and wasn't gonna let it ruin the time I had with my friends, but it was one of those things where you go "Ugh, if I only still had those 10 dollars." But I got my mind off of it and didn't worry about it.
Sunday was an amazing day of worship for me. From singing, to having great conversation, to serving food, it was great. I really did truly believe that God was there for me and was going to provide for me.
And then last night, when I got home I was talking to my parents and sister about the Esprit concert among other things. Finally, my parents asked us what we had planned for the week. We mow a lawn of some friends of ours. I usually don't, I let my younger siblings do it because they want to, it's a paying gig, but then my mom turned to me and said, "Keygan, will you do it?" I said yes, not because I knew God was doing what He promised, but just because I didn't have anything else to do.
This morning, mowing, it hit me. He provided for me something that wasn't even that big of a deal. A measely 10 dollars, He changed into 15 and gave to me. Thanks God.
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