James Flores » General

July Update

James Flores — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:34:23 +0000

The last few weeks of July and early August brings the eisteddfod to Albury-Wodonga. I've noticed that my contemporaries has slowly faded away from the competition (everyone getting older or I just don't want to grow up?). I still enjoy playing because it's probably the only time in the year where I get to perform what I've been working on. I'm going to enjoy listening to the others in the Chopin Piano comp though. The age bracket for the section I'm in is 14 years and over, I think there are about 4-5 other competitors. So anyway, apart from the practise and my nervous wait for next week, I'm also entered in the Wagga eisteddfod. I haven't been there in a while so it will be great to here what other talent and hardworking musicians are out there in country NSW.

July also brought my 1 year work anniversary. The place is awesome and I've good people. I even managed to score an invite to the social club function last week. Meeting colleagues outside the workplace is always fun and gives you a chance to interact in a different environment. So anyway, I leave you with a few photos of the evening and my eisteddfod pieces (along with youtube links to my favourite performances).

Bach BWV 848
Chopin Trois Nouvelle Etude No.1 in F minor
Gershwin Prelude 1
Khachaturian Toccata
Chopin Nocturne No. 20 in C # minor
Chopin Etude Op. 10 No. 5

Social Function

I love Paddies!

I guess we were tired?

May Update

James Flores — Sun, 09 May 2010 00:04:54 +0000

Happy Mother's Day to all the mums out there. I'd thought I would post something normal because the last few ones have been a bit techy. This is a bit overdue but I finally graduated with my AMus.A in Piano late March. I kept putting it off every year and even had a break from the piano while I was at uni. I'm so relieved that I got it. Thanks to my auntie and family for all the support. The ceremony was fairly formal and even showcased a few candidates' performances. My favourites - Chopin Op. 10 No. 2 and Chopin Op. 10 No. 4.

A tip from Agassi’s dad

James Flores — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:27:55 +0000

I've started reading Open and I'm enjoying it. I'm usually not that into books or fiction for that matter. My brother received it as a present for his 18th and he suggested that I read it. Agassi's dad was a nutter from what I've discovered so far. There's one thing that I am keeping in mind for future reference - If your opponent has a weapon, say a huge forehand, keep hitting it there until it becomes the most hated shot in his repertoire. Sounds simple huh? It's all a psychological mind game out there

Thought for Lent

James Flores — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:02:05 +0000

Lent is mostly known as a time where we try to give up something we like in order to experience Jesus' 40 days in the desert. Don't forget, Sunday's are exempt from fasting...eat as much as you like

Have you ever held back talking about your faith to your friends because you might lose them? I think of that all the time, but someone made me realise that you will lose them...but only for a short time. They will come back, no matter what decision they come to.

Another thought. Ever heard the saying "life is a distraction"? It does kind of make sense now. What is our final goal? To get to heaven of course! Everything else is just filling in the spare time. Our bodies have limits or certain thresholds of what we can experience. That's why we don't take our bodies up there. We must leave our bodies here on Earth to take up a place in heaven.

The white garment

James Flores — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:59:46 +0000

I learnt something today. When you think about professional athletes, musicians, politicians or any other high profile figures, for a moment they are at the top. They have probably worked so hard to achieve that feat. As you can imagine, it's hard to stay up there. The closer you are to perfection, the easier people and yourself notice the imperfections. Just like when God placed us on this Earth and we receive the sacrament of baptism in a white garment, we strive to "keep it clean". The more we become like God and realise how perfect he is, we come realise how imperfect we are. So I guess along our journey through life, our garments will get dirty, but we can always clean them by going to confession. Just like an athlete would train harder or a musician would continue to write more quality music in order to stay at the top, as a Catholic I must strive to become more like God.

Random sentence

James Flores — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:48:29 +0000

A jazz lodges a transcript below a defensive hello.

Wollongong Stopover

James Flores — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:13:13 +0000

A few days ago en route to Sydney, I stopped by Wollongong to visit my close friends, Zeynep and Jeff. Man I miss the place a lot. The air is fresh and the weather was cooler than it could ever be on a Summer's day compared to Albury. We had coffee at a cafe called "Aqua" on Cliff Road. I hope to see them sometime soon, here or there!

Facebook profile pics as your contact photos on the iPhone

James Flores — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:09:37 +0000

I only just found out lately that the latest version of the Facebook app for iPhone allows you "sync" your friend's profile pics to your local phone book. Now I don't have to bother (not that I ever did) setting a caller id picture for my contacts. Just a heads up anyway...

2010

James Flores — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:00:28 +0000

Happy New Year!

It's quite a relaxing feeling to be lying in my bed on the first day of 2010. I went out last NYE and I do admit it was good but I just wasn't feeling up to any large social gathering this time round. I hope 2010 brings much joy and well-being for all.

Piano Recital – Beethoven Sonata Op 10 No 2

James Flores — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:43:56 +0000

One of the pieces I played for my AMusA diploma. I was a bit disappointed that I couldn't play it as well I played during the actual exam! I've been too engrossed in learning Chopin's Black note etude.