Practice!!!

Okay I feel like I might have been too lazy the past sembreak and I forgot much about Noh...
Now I have to make sure to get everything into order for this crunch time.

 

I look like this now.

Yes...I am nervous but I have no time to fret, I have to set my eyes on the goal. Help as I can, I must spend my time much wisely >,< I will just let this enrollment phase end then it's time to go back to practice.

Teaching Techniques

Today we had training again. My biggest concern with the chorus lately is the lack of good voice quality in each individual. I think the trainees still have those really thin, wispy voices that would be weak in Umewaka Sensei's words.

I taught them about energy and basically made them chant louder so that their voices would fill up the room. Today I made a breakthrough in my teaching technique. I tried to give physiological things that they can do to enhance their voices and I think it worked well. Marisse was the only one who I tested it on but I think she got it and she noticed the difference herself.

Hahaha also JP's constant nagging of more energy was helpful too ;P

The Sempai Complex

Last Saturday, I decided to go with the Global Studies Participants from UP for their data gathering at LILA Philippines, an NGO for the causes of Comfort Women. I wasn't required to attend but I wanted to go since it was a good opportunity to learn new things. It's not everyday you meet people who have been victims of war so I really treasure experiences like this.

It was a rough day since I woke up really early and decided to sleep a bit and when I woke up, I knew I was bound to be late. I felt really bad since I didn't want to inconvenience anyone. Nonetheless, I asked if I could still go and since my professor said yes, I continued to drive to the area.

In fact, I didn't know the exact location (= , =); so I had to ask my other professor the exact location. If I texted the first professor, I would embarrass  myself big time. Think about it, the person who has no idea where the place has the guts to be late for the meeting time. OTL ...

Luckily I got the message in time and had the load to go online and figure out the location. So lucky I'm blessed with a good sense of direction and can figure out maps.

After the very informative and emotional morning, we all decided to eat at the nearby McDonald's. It was so fun since I think the new batch of students have a good bond. It was a simple meal but I think everybody had fun eating unhealthy fast food.We talked about their upcoming trip and I think the group will bond even more when they arrive in Japan.

We did have to part ways later on since some of them had to go back for practice while the dancers and I along with my professor decided to visit the nearby Thrift Stores for good fall/winter clothes. I got a really nice silk scarf from Italy.

All throughout the day, I've been thinking of how I have become their sempai in a way. I want to help them out as much as I can so that they'd do well but at the same time I can feel that I'd have to graduate from it all soon.

Pasta and Realization

Today I made pasta. I know this is a blog about Noh but I promise pasta and noh are related in this blogpost.

So this morning I watched a video on how to make the perfect pasta. It showed what should be done every step of the way from boiling the noodles to how to warm the serving plate.

I have been making pasta for about 15 years but I never really bothered to study all the details.I made a delicious sauce, tossed in the noodles and served it on any regular dish. But for the first time today I did it quite simply and followed all the necessary preparation. When I tasted the pasta, it was simple and clear, the flavors were delicate. Back then it would be a boring pasta for me but then and their it hit me, I think I have somewhat understood perfection in simplicity in making pasta and in Noh.

Noh is about doing something with complete devotion. Chanters do not study the instruments but they focus on their craft, the drummers dedicate their lives to their instruments. The repetitions and the complete focus on one thing creates masters. Maybe italian chefs start from washing the dishes, to warming the serving plates, they move on to preparing the noodles and then the sauce... for a much immature me that life would seem boring but now to me it is showing their devotion to Italian cuisine.

Today's pasta was simple but I felt something from the depth of my heart knowing I made every effort to make it right. I made sure that water was well seasoned, the sauce was at the right consistency and that the plate was warm. I am sure that people who would eat my dish would not now how tediously it was prepared like a Noh performance but the joy of a chef or performer knowing that care, love and devotion went to that simple dish or moment is enough.

I think today I understood a lot more about my life.

Today was tough

We were supposed to have another production meeting today but we ended up canceling since many people couldn't make it due to personal commitments and exams. Difficult indeed...

I still have to do the following:

• Create Marketing Letters - Have to coordinate with Mars and Kuya Bryan
• Update Passport Status for those going to Japan
• Ask musicians about the tutorial project, still haven't e-mailed back to sensei
• Take a video of the new chanters
• Get small clips from UP CIS Training with the children from Salt and Dawn before Oct. 19

Hmmm did I miss anything...hopefully not. I am already thinking of starting to get Christmas Cookie Orders so I can have a little more cash and donate some of it to the ensemble instead of waiting around for everybody. 

Prod Meeting!

Yes! Finally the group was able to meet for the planning of the production (^ v ^)9

I hope everyone would really do their task. Last year, I felt I was alone doing most of the work but this time all I have to be concerned about would be helping out in the marketing field. Not my forte but I'll be writing letters and all so I do enjoy that.

I was in a really bad mood before the meeting but I felt that in Noh, I have to separate what I feel if it isn't relevant. There is a time for everything and when it's time for Noh then it's time for Noh.

I did it! Noh Way Diary Up and Running

Hello! Yes the diary is up \ ( * v * ) /

Actually the pen and paper journal has progressed to a more technological version! Well since I am mostly blogging, typing why not blog about my experience as a noh student.

It also gives people (who might read this blog) an idea what is it like to study Noh. What I am doing is so far from the traditional style but then...why must I confine myself.