Sunday, November 18, 2012

Throwing Paper At The Wall


Most of my presentation was of me expressing what I felt in the there and then, which makes it hard to type it up. However, I will do my best from memory and apologize for and words written that were not said or ones said that were not written.

[Stand before class and ripped paper out of notebook]

Who was I? [Hold blank side of paper for class to see]

This was me. I was like this blank sheet of paper. [Crumble up notebook paper and hold it out for class to see]

This is who I was. No one knew me. No one saw what was inside. They tossed me aside thinking I was trash. [Toss paper angrily aside]

No one cared to see what was inside. [Pick up piece of paper. Laugh a little and sigh]

They don’t know what I’ll become. [Open piece of paper, smooth it out and turn it over to reveal the drawing]

This is me. [Show to the class]

This is me. I’m not going to hide behind a PowerPoint or some video. I’m not going to even show you the pieces I have composed… because they’re not me. They may contain a part of me, but I am so much more than a simple song. I am so much more than that one ensemble, that one cello part, that one melody line. [Briefly pause]

This is me. [Emphasize the picture as well as yourself].

I’m rough around the edges. No, part of my life is easy going, but really whose is? I’m straight forward, or at least, I like to be.  I’m shy as hell. Standing before you- I’m shaking. Ask me anything about myself and I’ll tell you. I hold no secrets about myself. I make mistakes. I have fallen flat on my face. [Drop piece of paper]

The important thing is that I can pick myself up again. [Pick up piece of paper and pause again briefly]

But this, this is just a piece of notebook paper with my attempts at drawing on it.  A picture representing me. However, one day I hope my picture transcends the boundaries of something as insignificant as a piece of notebook. [Pause for the last time while looking at the class]

This is me. I am what you see no more no less. [Smile and walk away
      
                   


8 comments:

  1. Your presentation was so dramatic! But in an amazing way. It was really unexpected and I think it really hit all of us hard. You have great expression which I know will take you far with your composing!

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  2. As Lydia said, your presentation was just right in my face and really hit home a point. It had me thinking for a while after class, which is a big accomplishment! I hope I see you around more missy! Great job!(:

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  3. Has anyone told you you should take up acting? 'Cause that was some impressive monologuing you did there. It was so different from all of the other projects, but just as creative.

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  4. I really loved your presentation! You are such an awesome person and I know you'll be an amazing composer some day. I can't wait to see a piece by you and be like, "Hey! I know her!" (:

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  5. Can I just say your presentation was minimalistic, hilarious, memorable, and most of all, brilliant. So much was said in your presentation about you, without actually saying anything at all.... if that makes sense.

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  6. I have to agree with what everyone above me said. I think your project was both intimidating and outstanding. I remember thinking "No one is gonna wanna go after that" meaning that your presentation was insightful and hard to measure up to. I loved how everything you said had a deeper meaning that really makes you think.

    P.S. You have awesome confidence. I agree with Hannah about the acting.

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  7. You did a terrific job at this presentation. I honestly wasn't really expecting something like that from you. It was really straight to the point and showed who you really are and what you are capable of becoming. Great job!!

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  8. I really enjoyed your presentation as well, Alex. It was surprising and dramatic, and a really good way to start off our final round of presentations. Thank you.

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