UARTS Holiday Concert.

While I was sitting down inside an Episcopalian church waiting to hear my daughter sing with the UARTS choir I was contemplating and having somewhat of a flashback. Not because I was Episcopalian, but because this church I was sitting in reminded me of the catholic church I used to attend when I was a child. The smell of an old pew with red velour colored padding, and a cushion underneath my feet so that one can kneel in prayer seemed all too familiar to me. The feeling of sitting inside this nostalgic, beautiful, "elaborate in detail" building felt different, but knowing that I was sitting in a house of worship for the sole purpose of hearing my daughter sing was good enough for me...and it was gratifying. 

^^ Sierra & Liv, chorus girls ^^

This was my daughters first and final performance she will do with the university chorus. Her freshman year at UARTS didn't really give her too much opportunity to perform & "shine", and even though she won't be returning to this school next semester she is grateful for having a great piano teacher, and for learning and experiencing things she probably wouldn't have learned elsewhere. 

This evening was wonderful, and everyone sang so beautifully. Oh my gosh! Their voices! I didn't realize how great a university choir sounds compared to any choir in high school. Okay...Highland high school's Chorale was good, and I'm not just saying that because my daughter was part of it, but seriously...attend a choir concert at the University of the Arts and you'll "hear" what I'm talking about. 

University chorus singing "Gloria" from Rose Jorgensen on Vimeo.

I tried to get record as much as I could being that this was Sierra's final performance, and even though she didn't have a solo I could still hear her lovely voice. As you can see she is in the middle standing in the front row. For those of you who haven't heard her sing yet you can watch her on  my you tube channel as well as on my vimeo videos. 

I'll close this post with this video of Sierra singing "Silent Night". She sang it in her junior year of high school & being that it's the Christmas season I think it's a perfect ending to get into the holiday spirit! 

Enjoy the sounds & have a great day! 

open house at the U of ARTS.

Many of you have asked, (and keep asking) about which school Sierra has decided on. She has narrowed down her choices to two universities. She is deciding on going back out west to attend the University of Utah, or stay closer to home and go to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Either one is an excellent choice in schools, and I will be happy whether she stays closer to us, or to her grandparents, aunt, & uncles in Utah.

This past Sunday we attended an open house at UArts, and it was six hours long. We knew we were going to miss the first session of general conference but going to the open house was crucial for Sierra, and important for us as parents. Luckily I had some friends who were posting quotes from conference talks that were given on my wall. It was nice to have read them afterwards.

They call the University of the Arts the 'Julliard of Philly'. I was really impressed with the welcoming of some of the students as we were standing in line outside, the President of the University who had a nice british accent, the Dean of Students who had a great sense of humor, as well as the entertainment from talented students that was provided during lunch.

I thought the open house at Fordham University went all out, but breakfast here was scrumptious!

They even had cotton candy, and we managed to snag a few to take home to the kids we left behind.

While we separated for a couple of hours we stayed in the auditorium to hear a panel of parents whose children are currently enrolled at UARTS, and were answering any questions or concerns from parents in the audience. They were also discussing the pros and cons of the school, but were very positive in their answers. There was more positivity because the school is located in Center City which is the nice part of Philly.

One thing I am grateful for is the fact that Jon & I never sheltered our kids. The fact that we moved around a lot helped the girls learn about different environments, and cultures. It has build up their confidence, has taught them to be adventurous, fearless, and to make friends easily.

So Sierra having applied to various schools was a piece of cake for her, and she didn't hesitate to broaden her horizons. She wasn't afraid of applying at other schools in New York because she familiarized herself with those surroundings at a very young age. She loves the city, and I'm not too worried about her being on her own. Children need to grow up, and learn how it is to live on their own. At times it won't be easy to be on her own, and that is when she'll appreciate the life of being on her own! Okay...that was bit redundant. 

She told me the other day that it's going to be weird not asking us permission if she could go over to a friends house, etc. I laughed, and I'm sure it's going to get some getting used to.

It was interesting to hear others testimonials about their child and how one mother was nervous about sending their child to a school in the city. Suburbanites may not be accustomed to life in the fast lane because of  living in the suburbs for, like.....ever! I can understand why they'd be nervous, and I thank my lucky stars that we were never afraid to venture out to the city, and took Sierra to New York City when she was five years old.

If she attends this school it will be extraordinarily broadening for her, and she was quite thrilled to have been here for six hours! She'll already know someone from her high school who will 'possibly' attend (according to his parents he is also waiting on another college.)

All we need now is a final decision...

SOON!