NDMEA Conference highlighted in the EOT Focus :)

Greetings Perham,

            Congratulations to the boy’s basketball team for taking 3^rd at the State Tournament. I was so bummed I wasn’t able to be in the middle of the action, but I was being fed updates through the world of text messages. I’m so happy for the team and our community for another great experience!

            It’s now almost the beginning of April, which means more warm weather, and we are just a few short months of away from summer. I hope you have some ideas planned for April Fools day. I’m still trying to dream up something hilarious for some of my college friends. Hopefully, my creative side kicks in fast for that one! I’ve seen some great April Fools day pranks in my day.

            Last weekend I attended the North Dakota Music Educators Association conference, which is held in conjunction with the North Dakota All-State competition. The conference involves intelligent presenters in the field of music education and showcases the most talented music students from the state of North Dakota. As a collegiate member of NDMEA I was encouraged to attend the conference, workshops presented, and listen to wonderfully accomplished choirs, orchestras, and bands. It was a very enlightening experience as I heard from individuals who have been in the field of music education for many, many years. It was also very inspiring and uplifting to hear how they had overcome challenges, what they have learned to work best, and the students they have touched. I’m very excited to be a music educator one day.

            This weekend I will be in the Twin Cities at the Miss Minnesota workshop. I’m looking forward to receiving more information to pass on to you. Last week I submitted my paperwork to the state of Minnesota. We are getting so close to June 14^th through the 16^th. It will be here before I know it. Blessings to you this week. 

The exciting experiences with NL SADD and North Dakota Music Educators! Association

Hello readers,

Here is a quick update with what has been going on in my life the last few weeks. It's been quite busy, but the experiences I have had are worth noting.

Last weekend I spent a day in Grand Forks co-leading the Northern Lights SADD Advisory Board Training for over 20 candidates. I was able to share my lessons leaned while I represented NL SADD in 2010-2011. I lead the group in ice breaker activities and facilitated much of the afternoon I had with them. I enjoyed spending some time with friends from NL SADD and making new ones.

For the past three days I was in Bismarck, ND at the North Dakota Music Educators Association Conference with my fellow music ed friends. We spent the weekend attending seminars focusing on teaching techniques, experiences, strategies, and tools. I learned so many new valuable things and I appreciate being submerged in a world of music people who have the same desire I do; to teach music. I heard wonderful concerts presented by colleges, and high school students alike.

Next weekend is girl talk, I can't wait!

Here is my EOT article of the week!
Much love,
Paige
Greetings Perham, 
        I am so thrilled the weather is getting warmer. The spring is such a wonderful time of the year after such a long weather. I do have to admit our winter this year was phenomenal compared to others in the past. However, it’s always nice to see the season change once again. And spring also means state basketball. Congratulations to our boys team on their journey to State, once again! 
        Last weekend I traveled to Grand Forks, ND to help lead the Northern Lights SADD Advisory Board Training. I served on this board two years ago and had a wonderful experience. The training consisted of team building and leadership activities for the 24 candidates campaigning to represent SADD in the tri-state region of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The students I met were all very passionate about serving and encouraging others to make constructive decisions. As I drove back to Jamestown on Saturday evening I reflected upon my time on the NLAB. I was encouraged by the thought of just two years prier I was there myself and was now able to uplift and teach the current candidates. 
        The Jamestown College Concert Choir recently had their home concert in Jamestown at the Basilica. In March of 2011, I went to the JC Choir concert as they were concluding their tour. I sat alone in the back of the Basilica knowing I would become a part of the choir one day. In March of 2012 I know had a different view of the concert, a view of the audience instead of the choir. I smiled at the thought and how much growth had taken place in the past year as I sang. 
        As each year and day passes, we all grow as people, individuals, communities, states, and as a nation. During the growth we learn about ourselves, the people we love, and how we can further serve. This week, think about the places you’ve been, where you are now, and how it has made you the person you are today. I hope you can smile, just like I did this past week. 

EOT articles and Tour! :)

Hey Guys! 

My apologies for not wrapping up some last minute details with choir tour. We spent our last day traveling home and making a quick stop at Dickinson High and Redemption Abbey. Our last day was just as incredible as the days before it. We arrived back safe in sound in Jamestown around 5:30 on Monday afternoon. I was so sad to see choir tour end. It was such a wonderful experience. I'm so glad I still have three more in my future! 

This week has been all about getting back into the swing of things. I'm back at homework, and a strict schedule. I'm so excited Easter is on it's way! I look forward to be able to make it home for a four day weekend! 

I've included my last two articles for the EOT Focus. One of them talks about my brother and his honest attitude and of course choir tour!

Enjoy!

Much love, 

Paige 

Hello Perham,

This past weekend I had the pleasure of visiting home for just a few short days before I leaving for the Jamestown College Midwest Choir tour. Even though my time was short, it was well spent. I am now traveling in the Midwest sharing choral music with my fellow choir members. So far, I have had an incredible experience sharing lovely music with complete strangers. Watch for next weeks’ article, as I will be giving more details about the trip.

During my time at home I traveled with my Mom to the little town of Evansdale to watch my 4^th grade brother play basketball with his fellow teammates. Each and every time I come home it seems my siblings are “growing up” faster and faster. Watching my brother, his team, and his couch was time well spent. It was great to witness the lessons of teamwork, dedication, and focus already being instilled in our fourth graders. One lesson in particular stuck out to me. Bear with me as I brag about my little brother. McCormick has always been a quite honest boy, very blunt, and rarely misses the truth. Not to mention, he is sure to speak up or when things seem unfair. As McCormick made his way to the basketball hoop to score he accidently traveled. I must admit, I know little about the rules of basketball, but I do know “traveling” is typically penalized. Instead of my brother, continuing to play after the referee did not call his travel; he decided to call his own. It brought much laughter to the audience and to me; however, in the midst of my laughter I was proud of my brother’s honest and truthful way of obeying the rules of basketball. I hope all of you as parents encourage truth and honesty each and every day in your home.

            I was also reminded at this fourth grade basketball game of all of the volunteers and mentors who coach and teach in our community, regardless of a paycheck. Without mentors in my life who encouraged me in my endeavors, or spent extra time investing in me, I’m not sure where I would be today. Thank you to all of the volunteers who spend countless hours investing in our youth. Be encouraged that your service doesn’t go unnoticed. Special blessings this week to our appreciated mentors, teachers, coaches, and volunteers. 

Greetings Perham,

            I have now arrived home for a busy week on choir tour. It was sure an incredibly busy, hectic, but wonderful time. I am now back to the everyday normal life of school, homework, workouts, meals in the cafeteria, and time with friends. To be honest, I’ve always enjoyed having a bit of a schedule. However, travel is always refreshing and exciting. This past semester I have been all over the United States it seems from New York City, to Washington D.C. and all across the Midwest Region. I am so thankful for the time I’ve had in each location.

            Choir tour was a great reminder of why I love music and the power it has to touch peoples’ lives. Our tour consisted of 5 Concerts all of which took place in a different state, in different churches, and with different people. Each day we had lovely host families who took great care of us. Even though our time with people in each state was short, it was encouraging to meet such wonderful people. Our big concert was held in Denver, CO. Very exciting for me, as my aunt, uncle, and cousins from CO came to watch the performance. It was so great to see them. We spent many hours on the bus driving from location to location, but gave our choir some great bounding time. Overall, the experience was a great! My reasoning in sharing about choir tour is to highlight that we should all do the things we love. We all have gifts and talents and ways in which we can share them. We should always take full responsibility to do that. I encourage you this week to think about the talents you have and how you can use them. Our talents are to go beyond just making ourselves happy, but to brighten another’s day. 

            I’m still busy working and preparing for Miss Minnesota. I can’t wait to represent Perham this June on the Miss Minnesota stage. At the end of March I will be traveling to the Cities to learn more about pageant week, my contestant order, and more exciting competition details. I will be sure to share! Keep smiling as Spring is just around the corner! 

Sturgis, South Dakota

I must be honest, I was a bit nervous before arriving in Sturgis for our fourth concert. Luckily, my time there exceeded my preconceived thoughts and worries.

We arrived at the Presbyterian Church in Sturgis right on time. We spent an hour going over our music, or as our director stated, "finishing the sound with 400 level sand paper." After our rehearsal we once again were blessed with a wonderful meal provided by the church members.

The concert went well, and I must add one of the most inspiring for me, with Wichita following close behind. Each concert, however, has held a special and specific place in my heart.

My roommate and I, along with my wonderful friend and upper classmen Caroline, were greeted by our host family.We had a fabulos stay. Our host family shared several stories, many of which came from the fellow man who was a police officer and how they raised their family. I also learned my host (the police officer) worked with DARE, a program very similar to SADD. We also spent time talking about relative problems with today's youth. I admired his mission to help the youth in our society restrain from drugs and alcohol.We also shared experiences with loved ones who had suffered from the effects of smoking. This host family was phenomenal in so many ways.:)

This morning we spent time at Mount Rushmore. The weather was beautiful. The suns rays felt lovely on our white North Dakota skin. The black hills filled with rocks and trees were stunning.I can't even do justice to describing the beauty. Tonight we will have our concert on Hettinger, ND.

Blessings,
Paige

Time in Denver and Westminster CO:)

Greetings everyone!
Sorry the updates have been a little up and down, but these last few days have come and gone so quickly.

The choir arrived in Denver on Wednesday. We had a couple of days to sight see and rest after our first couple of concerts. I enjoyed things such as the 16th Street Mall, Little Italy, Dazzle Jazz Club, CO ballet, and several art and science museums. It was a wonderful time! Its been a joy getting to know everyone in the choir even more. The choir also took some lovely new promotion pictures in the mountains and at the Basillica of Immaculate Conception. We were stunned by their beauty.

We concluded our time in CO in Westminster with a concert at Covenant Village. It was definitely our biggest audience yet. My aunt and cousins came from CO springs to see me. I was so glad to see them. Our time in Denver was filled with much joy, despite our lack of oxygen from the high altitude. We hope our songs were a blessing.

Much love,
Paige

choir tour day 2...kansas:)

Hello readers,
Yesterday was day 2 of choir tour. We made a stop in Witchita Kansas.

This stop was more relaxed and polished as we arrived in time at our church with no delays. We reherased for a couple of hours in the sanctury before enjoying a wonderful home cooked meal the church provided.

Our concert was quite a success and once again a wonderful experience. Many of us agreeded we were grinning from ear to ear during our last piece "Praise to the Lord." Singing with such a large group of people is such a phenomenal experience.

Three of my great friends and I had a lovely home stay just a few minutes from the church. We enjoyed some time on the grand piano, visiting with our hostesses, and enjoying the snacks they provided. They were delightful!

As of right now, we are about two hours from Denver. Tonight we will he enjoying some rest and the great view of the mountains.

Blessings,
Paige

Jamestown College Choir tour...first stop. Omaha:)

Hello readers,
Yesterday the Jc College Choir began their Midwest tour. So far the experience is off to a great start. Despite our 3 hour delay yesterday we had a lovely concert in Omaha at the Church of the Cross. The people we sang for were a very generous and wonderful group of people.

My roommate Taylor and I had a fabulous host stay with a 1959 JC grad. I was amazed by her wisdom and kindness. Meeting new people has been the highlight of tour for me so far. Each place we have stopped has been a blessing so far.

Right now we are on our way to Wichita, KS. I'll be sure to continue updates from the trip.

Also more exciting news.:) NL sadd contacted me. I will be helping with some training they will he having for their incoming nlab members. I served as an nlab member in 2010-2011. Because of them I've been blessed to become part of Sadd National. NL Sadd was also were I learned about Jamestown College 3 short years ago. Wow! The journey of life is quite amazing. :)

Blessings,
Paige