Hobbies, Talents, & Interests
Unfortunately for me, I have a very wide and varying range of interests and talents. I say unfortunately because it is virtually impossible to be able to do all of them (or most of them, for that matter) simultaneously, so I'm compelled to pick and choose which ones to devote time and attention to. I find it hard at times to let go and sacrifice doing one thing in order to do another, but I also find the accomplishments in each field greatly rewarding, for which I attribute my continued desire to do as many things as I can. I guess you could call me a Jack of All Trades.
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Cheerleading/Stunting
At the top of this page is the video from the Dixie State College 2012 Homecoming Halftime Performance. It's the most recent video I have of a full-out routine, and it's a routine that I'm proud of. It was filmed by a couple injured teammates, so please excuse the rather loud cheering on their part.
I became interested in cheerleading in the fall of 2009. I was a sophomore at Dixie State College, and through a club recruiting activity, I ended up joining the Dixie State Cheer and Stunt Team. I had never had previous experience, so I began to learn from scratch. I was able to learn a lot my first year on the team, but unable to actually perform or practice due to a major wrist injury that I was recovering from. In the summer of 2010 I left to serve an LDS Mission (see "Resume"), and upon my return two years later I was eager to continue with cheerleading.
Over this past year I've learned a great many things, progressed a lot through the different stunts, and have thoroughly enjoyed the practice and performance process. I have intentions to continue cheering during my stay at Dixie; after that I'm not sure if I'll pursue the course any further.
I became interested in cheerleading in the fall of 2009. I was a sophomore at Dixie State College, and through a club recruiting activity, I ended up joining the Dixie State Cheer and Stunt Team. I had never had previous experience, so I began to learn from scratch. I was able to learn a lot my first year on the team, but unable to actually perform or practice due to a major wrist injury that I was recovering from. In the summer of 2010 I left to serve an LDS Mission (see "Resume"), and upon my return two years later I was eager to continue with cheerleading.
Over this past year I've learned a great many things, progressed a lot through the different stunts, and have thoroughly enjoyed the practice and performance process. I have intentions to continue cheering during my stay at Dixie; after that I'm not sure if I'll pursue the course any further.
Vocal Abilities
I proudly sing as a second bass, but I have the ability to reach second tenor notes. It has been over time I have come to realize that I have fairly impressive vocal abilities. I began to become aware of it from my performances in the musical theater (see "Theatrical Productions & Performances"). I at first discredited the compliments I would receive concerning my singing abilities, taking them to be simply polite remarks. But two things happened that opened my eyes a bit. First, I was approached after the conclusion of Guys and Dolls in the fall/winter of 2012 by Jeffery Ellsworth, the director of two choirs at the St. George Institute of religion. He had heard me sing in the show, and he asked me to join his audition choir. A short interview later and I was part of the team. I have since been in the choir, performing in varying venues and circumstances throughout the year. The second event that brought me to realize my vocal potential was a conversation with the musical director of the two shows I performed in during the 2012-2013 year, Dr. Ken Peterson. I had learned my audition pieces with him, as well as the solos that I had in The Gondoliers. During one of my few sessions with him to learn these short pieces, he stopped, looked at me, and proceeded to explain to me the great fortune with which I had been blessed, to have such an amazing natural voice, and then continued to expound to me the many opportunities that were available to me because of my voice. He helped me prepare for a vocal competition that took place early in April, 2013, but I was unable to compete due to commitments with the Army.
Apart from being able to sing, I pride myself with a couple other vocal abilities that I felt should be included in this section. First, and most closely related to singing, would be vocal percussion, more commonly known as "beatboxing". I've always had a fascination with percussion (in fact I took private drum lessons for a year during my Associate's Degree), and once I learned of vocal percussion, I picked up on it fast. I've always enjoyed doing it, and I pick up new techniques whenever possible. The second would be an ability to imitate voices, accents, and sound effects. I've also developed this ability over the years, and I've learned that I'm quite a bit better at it than most people.
Apart from being able to sing, I pride myself with a couple other vocal abilities that I felt should be included in this section. First, and most closely related to singing, would be vocal percussion, more commonly known as "beatboxing". I've always had a fascination with percussion (in fact I took private drum lessons for a year during my Associate's Degree), and once I learned of vocal percussion, I picked up on it fast. I've always enjoyed doing it, and I pick up new techniques whenever possible. The second would be an ability to imitate voices, accents, and sound effects. I've also developed this ability over the years, and I've learned that I'm quite a bit better at it than most people.
Musical Instruments- Piano & GuitarMusic had always been a major part in my life, and I have been fortunate enough in my days to have picked up the ability to play a couple of instruments. Guitar is by far my favorite instrument to play. I've had a basic class, and I've learned a lot from friends and family. I've also developed a love for the piano, which I've also learned mostly on my own. I haven't yet had any lessons on the piano, but I do have the ability to read music, and with much practice I can learn the songs I'm interested in playing. I greatly enjoy playing both instruments, and I've used both in talent shows at some time or another, and I intend to maintain a certain level of proficiency throughout my life.
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