Ethnomusicology

You are probably wondering about the title. I myself pondered what it could mean as I filled out my application for Moody. My parents thought it meant you studied ethnic music and cultures. At a quick glance, that could be a very general way of putting it. It wasn’t until a month ago when I started realizing how much more there was to this incredible major!

First off, I found out that you get to study linguistics (which is the basics of language so you can learn any language from it.) Also, you are able to study culture. Throughout the years, I have found myself more and more fascinated by different cultures and languages. Without realizing it, I automatically think about culture everywhere I go.

One day I was so caught up in studying culture without realizing it, that when I went home for Thanksgiving, I found myself studying the culture of cows in a pasture while taking a three-hour-trip to my grandparents’ house. What was I doing! Jolting myself away from the concept, I blushed and tried to forget the thought. It was an interesting concept, however, and I’m pretty sure it’s true! You see, when cows graze together in a group, they all face the same direction. That way, no one feels threatened that another cow will come and eat his patch of grass. Hill after hill went by, and still, all the cows on the hill faced the same direction as the cows around them. I know you must think this silly, but it really is true!

So, what can you do with such a splendid major? Well, there are actually many things you can do with it. The most common application is to join Wycliffe and go overseas to tribal countries. You would then learn their language, study their culture, study their style of music/dancing/choreography, and then write hymns for them to praise God! When tribes hear the Gospel for the first time, they should also as Christians be able to worship God in their own style, not some other culture’s style.  (I had been to Mexico and had sung many songs that were merely translated American songs into Spanish. So sad!)

The best part about this major is that it is quite similar to my present major. All my classes this year are exactly what I should take for “ethnomusicology.”  Also, I will be required (yay!) to go overseas for my internship during the summer before my senior year. Please pray for me as I seriously consider making this transition from “Bachelor of Arts with Violin emphasis” to “Ethnomusicology with Violin emphasis” major.

Soli Deo Gloria,

~April

 

Moody Students

Hi! I am totally convinced that Sarah Grandinetti and I (and all the rest of the music majors on our floor) have the most fun at Moody. We’re always busy doing something fun in the afternoons and evenings. It’s usually never planned. Today, we joined some of our band family for a ping pong ”around the world” game, which ended up so intense and fast that we kept trying to get out the person who won the last game. It usually didn’t work. We tried hitting the ball off the walls onto the table, spiking it like volleyball, and using our paddle as a baseball bat. The people outside the game room watched with mouths gaping with awe. They were very jealous.

Then, to top it off, Sarah and I joined our friend Peter (who plays trumpet in band and goes to Covenant Presbyterian church) to sing “Carol of the Bells” in the Arch. Now, if you don’t know what the Arch is, I’ll try to explain. (It’s actually our mascot.) It is a hallway with beautiful arched ceilings made of stone….(aparently Pastor Tony has mopped it several times?).  Here’s the outside of it:

Pastor Tony and I at the Arch

The accoustics are so wonderful that the echo lasts for a whole second. It sounded beautiful! Sarah, Peter, and I agree that band members have the most fun at Moody. Tomorrow is our all-day, band fall social, and only the people in charge know where we’re going. To the rest of us, it’s a SECRET! :) All we know is that it will be 10 degrees cooler, and to dress warmly.

But, with all that, I cannot wait to come home to Kansas. Michigonians and Alaskans are hilarious, Californians are clever and outgoing, Iowians are great, Missourians are cool…..but I miss my Kansans! Hope to see you soon! Somehow, though, I must get my Old Testament homework done in two weeks. Please pray that God will give me strength and energy to read and write about all next 13 books of the Bible (including Psalms), and that I would gain something from it.

Soli Deo Gloria,

~April

 

Moody #3

Does Chicago ever just stop and relax, I wonder?

If it does, I certainly have not been involved in helping it happen. My idea of “relaxing” would be talking to friends, gazing out the window while traveling on the EL, doing homework, reading the Old Testament, or eating in the SDR (Student Dining Room). As far as breaks go, there are very few. SInce most Moody students are very busy working and taking classes, when we do have a break, the most likely decision we make is to take a 45-minute nap. Then, our break is over, and we must jump up and continue on our way. If I ever do have an extended break, I feel terribly distracted and not able to enjoy it, because my body is so used to buzzing around from place to place. :(

Good news, though! I have finally found a church I love. It is called Covenant Presbyterian, and it was where my Pastor Tony went fifteen years ago when he was a student at Moody. :)

Not only do I agree with their doctrine, but there are many children and music opportunities. It is everything I really wanted, and I didn’t expect there to be a church with doctrine, children, and music all combined. I have visited many good churches, but they were all extremely different. I’m not sure I could spend every Sunday going to any of them. One pastor had many tattoos all over his body and the congregation was mostly young couples. Another was a baptist church with an altar call, and many elderly men and women. Another was a Spanish church that was focused mainly on helping those in gangs around the surrounding neighborhood by giving them hope and sharing the Gospel to those in desperate need. It was a blessing to have have visited all of these, because it gives me a much broader perspective on Christ’s church. Now, though, I am ready to become a part of a great church! My roommate also enjoyed it, and might join me. 

The passage the sermon went through today was Phil. 2:1-11:

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

I bolded the main points the pastor talked about. To briefly cover it, while we grasp, clutch, and grab onto selfishness and authority (it all started with the Garden of Eden); God Himself willingly made Himself nothing and a nobody to draw us to Himself and to glorify Him. How humbling! How strange and yet so, so glorious.

Soli Deo Gloria,

~April

 

2 Hours

Hi! Well, I have just completed my first week at school. Now I have tons of options concerning what to do with my weekend. I could go to a jazz fest with my band group, go to a barbecue cookout with my floor, go to a baseball game in Wrigley field for free (blah!)….or…I could even do homework, do laundry, go shopping, go swimming, practice more violin (I’ve already done the 10 required hours this week), go to the bank, decorate my dorm room with my roommate, clean the room (which never seems to work because it’s always messy again the next day!), etc.  Thankfully, at least, no one here is bored!

(Band retreat photo. We are playing the “tummy ha ha game, only saying “bunny bunny instead of ha ha.”

 

I’d like to touch a little more on the violin practicing. How and why would I consider 10 hours every week of long, hard, dedicated practicing “fun” and “exciting”? Many Moody students have actually changed from being a Music major because of the hard work involved. It’s hard at first, but this is how I think of it:

• Playing violin for a long time is not monotonous. The more you play it, the more you experience different aspects to it. (And, the more you play, the better you sound!)
• Being in a small, enclosed practice room for 1 or 2 hours keeps you from any distractions. You are here to build a “relationship” with your violin, and nothing else!
• Being focused and dedicated in one area such as violin helps you grow to be focused and dedicated in everything else.

Now, that sounds great, I’m sure. However, what I’ve been struggling with recently is this: I spend 2 hours every day building a “relationship” with my violin, but only 10-15 minutes building a relationship with my Lord who loves me and has died for me. Does that sound slightly lopsided to anyone? My violin doesn’t love me. It’s just a piece of wood with a purpose: to glorify God in the sound that I make with it.  Maybe this rings a bell with some of you. Maybe you play sports after school for 2 hours, or watch movies for 2 hours, or hang out with friends for two hours. There is so much you can do with “2 hours.” Hopefully, I’ll be able to schedule a time during the day for prayer and for being transformed by His holy Word. Sure, it’ll be hard, and maybe frustrating when things come up, but the same situation goes for practicing violin. What’s more valuable? Two hours of laughing with friends, or 2 hours of getting to know the most important, wonderful Being who always was, always is, and always will be?

It is so easy at a Christian college to get into the routine of thinking about God during classes and homework, but not at other times. As one of my professors put it this morning, “If we only spend our time here at Moody “preparing” and not actually getting involved with ministry and living our lives radiantly for the Lord, our faith becomes stagnant. We take in all these spiritual ‘calories’ and don’t exercize to stay spiritually ‘fit.’” I am so thankful for my Practical Christian Ministries (PCM) program. It will start next wednesday, and will entail being an after-school tutor for inner-city children grades K-6.  It will be challenging, especially for me because I have not been very exposed to inner-city life, but I am excited that it is where God has put me, and I pray that not only will the children be changed by our ministry, but that God will work in our own hearts and that we would come out of it more spiritually mature.

May the Lord bless you in whatever you are involved in! Please let me know how I can pray for you!

Soli Deo Gloria,

April Cervinka

 

Guys Can Play Harp, Too

I thought this was really neat. Before you actually see a man playing a harp, it may be hard to visualize, since the harp is such a graceful, elegant instrument. It’s true that they are rare, but we definitely need more of them. With big, strong hands you can go far with a harp. Let me know what you think. :)

Greg Buchanan Playing Amazing Grace on Harp

 

More recordings coming!

Last Thursday, I was given the opportunity to record some of my violin pieces in my church sanctuary. The sound echoes so beautifully! I was in heaven. I ran out of things to record before I was done playing. Thank you so much, Mrs. Felich, for the piano accompanyment for Orange Blossom Special and Schindler’s List! The songs just came alive. :)

Let me tell a little about some of these songs.

Orange Blossom Special–this piece is dedicated to my grandpa, who heard me and my dad attempt to perform it last spring, and really wanted to hear it again. It was so much fun to record. I challenge you not to smile when you listen to the song; it really makes you want to laugh and dance!

Schindler’s List–I have not seen the movie yet, but from what I’ve heard it is so sad. When you listen, try closing your eyes and thinking sad thoughts. Every single time I or my mom listen to the song, it makes me want to cry…for absolutely no reason. Now that I’m leaving for college, I do have something to cry about, and listening to this piece puts me into a really somber, pensive mood. Time to listen to Orange Blossom Special again! :D

Titanic–Having not brought the music with me, the ending may seem a little odd. The acoustics in the tall sanctuary are so perfect for this piece; it emphasizes the smooth, watery, romantic aspects to it.

Pachelbel’s Canon: This was recorded with Mrs. Felich on flute and Mrs. Smith on the organ. We played it for church last Sunday, and many appreciated it. It is perfect for weddings. (hint, hint. ;)

So, stay tuned the next few days for some of my favorite songs! Please comment and tell me which ones you like, or suggest something for me to record! A favorite hymn or song; it doesn’t hurt to try. :)

in Christ,

April

 

A What Class??

 I had one of the most interesting experiences last fall, namely, a “master class.” My violin teacher told me the class would really improve my skills, that it would help me have a broader viewpoint about the interpretation of songs, etc., etc. My response to her wonderful idea: “ Yikes! I don’t think I’m good enough.” I was scared stiff! This is what I had heard about master classes:

 

1. The teacher, or “master” is usually a world renown virtuoso.

2. You are expected to play your best song, and then let the “master” critique it.

3. While you play and are being critiqued, there is an audience of violinists watching and listening to everything.

4. Even worse, your class is being video-taped.

5. The master plays a portion of your song the way she thinks it should be played, and expects you to copy her playing perfectly.

 

To sum it up, I did NOT want to do this. I was sure that only the most advanced students were good enough to play before this outstanding, superstar violinist and survive the severe “criticism” about every note. However, my teacher insisted. My mom insisted. I finally decided that it wouldn’t kill me, so I’d go through with it. Maybe the benefits my teacher was talking about really were worth it. (And, it looks good on your resume! ;) And, I knew God would help me do my very best. Whatever happened would be according to His perfect, sovereign plan.

 

I arrived at the recital hall, where I would be playing in an hour. I dressed semi-formal, and tried to look as if I knew what I was doing. The guide showed me to a powder room behind the stage where I could practice, and nervously, I got out my violin. I could hear another violinist in a nearby room. “Wow, he sounds great!” I thought. He was playing two notes at a time, fast and furiously as if it was nothing. My piece, “Vivaldi’s Spring Concerto” never played two notes at a time. It was a pretty piece with trills, written to sound like little birds, other times to sound like a gurgling river, other times like lightening, other times like thunder. I loved my piece with all its different personalities, but still I was nervous. The guy next to me was playing a piece that was many times harder. Swallowing hard, I decided at that point to play for the Lord, not for the master. It certainly wasn’t a competition, but still I was nervous.

 

As I took my place in the recital hall, I looked at the other violinists. There were three Oriental girls, and my program informed me of the various famous people they had studied under. Then, there was a college student, the one I heard practicing in the other room. “At least he’s older.” I thought. Maybe when I’m his age, I’ll be able to play his song.” Finally, there was a little twelve-year-old girl. She looked just as nervous as I was. I smiled at her, and really prayed that she would do well.

 

I won’t describe every detail of the master class. I must confess, it being last fall, that I don’t really remember all the details. I do remember that I wasn’t first in the program, the college student was. Then, it was my turn. I took a deep breath, smiled, played Vivaldi’s Spring Concerto (not perfectly, but decently), and then waited as “Master” Jennifer Koh gathered the notes together she had been vigorously writing while I played.

 

Here is a link to Jennifer Koh’s website: http://jenniferkoh.com

She is…”a risk-taking, high-octane player of the kind who grabs the listener by the ears and refuses to let go.” –The Strad

I learned that there was a rule on how to criticize the player. You say, “good job” and then talk about “interpretation” of the piece. She didn’t point out every note I played slightly out-of-tune, she instead discussed the dynamics (loud, soft) and how to use the bow ( vigorous, excited, smooth like butter, clean, hacking, faster bow, etc.) One funny thing she talked about was making up a story to go with my song. I don’t really remember it, but it started out with one bird singing about the coming of spring, then it fades away and another bird picks it up, then the first bird, then another bird, etc. When it came to the thunder, she made me dig into the strings with my bow so hard and vigorous, I thought I would break something!

 

I was very happy to have gone, though, for everyone had learned a lot, even the overwhelmingly amazing Oriental girls. It was hard, and for 20 minutes we had to concentrate really hard and pay extremely close attention to the master who talks fast and then expects you to play again and again until she is satisfied.

 

If any of you ever get a chance to go to a master class, please don’t chicken out! Even if you just come to watch (which many do), you will still learn so much! It is almost like taking a year’s worth of lessons from your regular teacher in 20 minutes! (Which means, that having a friend or relative write down notes for you is extremely invaluable).

 

Hopefully this gave you a glimpse into the world in which violinists live. Thanks for reading!

God bless,

      April

 

How Do You Do?

 Hi, my name is April! I am almost 18 years old, and seek to serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to bring Him glory as my main goal in life. This blog has been dedicated to glorify God with my writing, music, and whatever else I choose to display. I pray that you as a reader will greatly benefit from this blog, as I will!

Let me share a little bit about me: I love all Classical, Celtic, Hymns, and fiddle music. I enjoy other genres as well, but not to the same degree or respect. As I play violin, harp, piano, and sing a little, I definitely love music. My favorite instrument is violin, (though if you asked me what instrument I’d love to learn next, it would be the guitar, and then after that the steel drums.) This fall I will be majoring in Bible and Music Ministry (with violin) at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

                                                                    

 Random facts: I adore bunnies, dogs, and chocolate; I always put chocolate chips at the bottom of my ice cream cone to keep it from leaking, I have a huge imagination, I love gazing at the stars, swimming, cooking, and reading; I have taught piano and violin since I was 13, I’m a firm believer in spelling “worshiping” the proper grammatical way it’s been spelled for centuries, and I can usually find Biblical applications to little things in life, even peeling potatoes.

 

Also, I fervently believe that Christian teens should be actively involved in their faith. Christianity affects each and every part of our life. It applies to work, going to the grocery store, doing homework, spending money, things we do with our friends, why we do the things we do with our friends (our motive), etc. We have to constantly keep this in mind again and again; otherwise we can easily be sucked into the the world just like a whirlpool—little by little, and then more swiftly—and have a beastly time trying to escape. Only God can (and will) preserve us and keep His own separate from the world; it is by His grace that we have been set free from sin and death.

 

 

 

 

Ephesians 2:8-10: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

 

 

Jesus was tortured, beaten, battered, and brutally murdered—not because He sinned, but because we sinned! Few boyfriends would do anything half so selfless as to take the shame and punishment that the girl rightfully deserves—yet Christ did for us, and He calls us to also be selfless. This is far different from the world’s logo, “It’s all about ME” —as different as midnight is to noonday! How could we not fall on our faces out of love and awe, and be perfectly willing to risk even a drop of blood for Him who loves us so?

 

So, thanks for visiting my blog! I will try to post more songs every week, or at least write every other day. If you see anything interesting, or just want to say ”hi”, please comment! If I say anything you don’t quite agree with, or something that I probably should have worded differently, please let me know! I’m still learning. haha

      In Christ,

          ~April

 

Yay! I have finally recorded my first piece. Go to “My Music” if you would like to listen to it. It was really fun to do…I can finally play songs with myself! First, I recorded the piano part, then I recorded the violin solo. Meanwhile, my dad pressed the play button at just the right moment so I could hear the piano part as I recorded the violin part. It seems hard, but it actually only took us an hour! Enjoy.

Dio Ti Bendica,

~April