downtown grand rapids portraits | glen + mikayla

As I glanced over from my piano into the floor-length mirror in our practice room, I caught Mikayla’s eye and started to laugh. We'd only been rehearsing our new trio for a few days, but Mikayla and I had figured out we had one random thing in common: if we made eye contact with any of us (but especially Glen!), we couldn't keep a straight face. We tried so hard to look like serious performers, but it just resulted in the practice room being filled with laughter from us all.

While we didn't get to play in a recital together because of the virus, one of the many things that stayed with me about Glen and Mikayla was the overwhelming joy and kindness that radiated from them both. If any of us made mistakes, we ALL laughed a lot over the bumps it had caused. They trusted each other, one of the most important components of playing in an ensemble. Even though we'd never played together before, our connections enabled us to rely on each other. That showed itself as we found out we were playing with all the same articulations, expressions, and emotions!

Not only are Glen and Mikayla wonderful trio partners, they're incredible friends with everyone.

If there's a baton in school, there's a good chance it was custom-made by Glen, and 1000% chance the owner will rave over how beautiful it looks and feels. And if you haven't tried Mikayla's three-ingredient peanut butter cookies, you're missing out. Her baking during exam and jury week can only be rivaled by Joanna Gaines. There's nothing like seeing Mikayla pull a bundt pan from under her chair at the end of our 7:45 a.m. class and hearing her say "Who wants monkey bread?!"

I'm not sure they ever met anyone that they weren't super kind, welcoming, and helpful to! It's rare you'll find either of them without people and laughter surrounding them.

As both of them will be music teachers, I can say without hesitation, these are the kind of people you will want teaching your kids.

When they asked me to take their recital portraits, I was so excited! I was thrilled I would be able to capture their joy in a tangible way. And even though it was a cloudy, bitterly cold, windy February day, they cheered each other on with big smiles through cold hands and instrument assembly. I think you'll have to agree: these two are naturals in front of a camera!

Glen & Mikayla,

Thank you so much for trusting me to capture this season in your musical journey! Even though we didn't get to play our woodwind trio together, I loved every minute of practicing with you, and the way that you each showed grace and kindness to all of us in the room. You inspire me to practice more, lead better, and make everyone feel truly welcome. Thanks for trusting me with your trio, and that a seedy corner in front of a hospital would be a great place for some headshots. The best is yet to come for you both in your musical journeys!

music major: freshman year!

The school year might not be done yet, but it's been the best one yet! Because of COVID-19, I'm no longer going to campus everyday, so it feels like the winter semester is over. My piles of homework and textbooks everywhere reminds me it's not. ;)

This year has been in one word, UNEXPECTED-the new and old friends, the opportunities to grow in grace and share God’s light, the humbling answers to prayer, the joy, the discipline. this semester hasn’t “ended” the way I thought it would, but I’m learning that God’s gifts are often where I don’t expect it. He’s so faithful to show me that every single day.

So here we go...100+ picture recap of my freshman year in the music program! :):)

1. friends are one of the most incredible gifts from the Lord!!

I love performing but just the way ensembles run at CC, there wasn't an option for a pianist in the bigger ensembles. Then, the first week of school I got a text from my piano teacher.

"We're looking for a pianist for a chamber trio with a violin and cello."

And I jumped at the chance to perform! I remember hoping I would be friends with the violinist, Katelyn. Little did I know, I had just met my new best friend.

Let me tell you about Katelyn...she is an incredible violinist but more than that she is an incredible friend. The way she loves people is so uplifting, encouraging, and supportive. She is my cheerleader when I succeed and prays when I don't. She is an absolute gift!

The friendships I’ve developed in the music building and outside of it too! have been one of the greatest blessings in my life. Because I’m not attending a college where you live on campus, it definitely was hard to develop friendships the first year I was there doing my gen eds. Being in the music program means we’re all in the same building for two years! It’s one of the many reasons I’m glad I’m not a dental major anymore ;)

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It's a fun blessing to be around your friends all the time! I normally eat lunch with the greatest group of girls and there's always someone in the Commons to work on homework with.

One thing the music program makes you do as a gen-ed is taking a health class. I had a great strength teacher who motivated me to stay active and Bri is the best workout buddy!

Here are a few more snaps of my sweet friends...

I know there's more somewhere buried in the depths of my terabyte and I'm so excited to find them someday haha. I can't find them now!!!

2. concerts are the. best.

Each ensemble has two big concerts per semester and since I was in band in the fall and in an orchestral chamber trio, I got to play in four! Katelyn and I have been together before almost every single concert we've played in, and we definitely have a routine.

a. Qdoba. A non-negotiable, relaxing, "pack in your carbs and protein so our hands don't shake" meal. We are so lucky to have a Qdoba 10 minutes away from campus!!

b. costume change! Sometimes we get ready in the practice rooms (because the lighting is phenomenal) or we go join all the other girls. We just try to avoid climbing the three stories of the building in our floorlength skirts. It's an absolute art to walking in those...but we match and that's the best part!

c. dress rehearsal! We normally do a quick run-thru of whatever we're playing for the evening, and then join all the other students to relax in the green room...

d. praying together! I keep saying everything is a gift but truly these are the things I never want to take for granted. Praying together before the concert has become a ritual for Katelyn and I! It's a chance to center our focus back on glorifying God and praying that He would be seen in us. That we wouldn't be nervous or anxious but rest in His peace.

The first concert I played, I was feeling so nervous before so I just traced fHg on my hand: a reminder that this is all for His glory, not mine.

e. green room! All of the performers congregate to *sweat* in the same room. The green room is easily one of the best parts of the concert because we all get to be together and actually talk! Walking back after performing is always so sweet because of the support these kids give each other.

and of course...then we perform!

and after we perform, we cheer on everyone else...and then take pictures...

We also had the privilege to take part in a few masterclasses in the fall semester!

If you want, you can find all of our performances here!

3. the daily classes with our teachers are such a gift.

We rotate the same teachers for different classes for our entire stay at CC and get to know them on a personal level. They are some of the kindest people I know and we're so lucky to have them! The way that they take the time to get to know us is phenomenal and they're so clear and genuine about telling us their office doors are always open. They also stay on top of updating Blackboard like champs. There's nothing like having your phone vibrate 30+ times in a row while your teacher updates it haha! Or like waking up on the first day to 100 notifications...

And then my sister sent me this in response...

Every music major takes private lessons, performance class, theory, aural comp, history, and a big ensemble. I absolutely love theory because I'm learning why my music is put together the way it is! And harmonic analysis brings me so much joy.

In late November, we got introduced to the bane of our existence...species counterpoint...

Awwww, simpler times. 2 part 1rst species.

There was a time when my phone was filled with photos of the board because counterpoint is a beast none of us were ready for haha!

4. FaceTime is gift from GOD.

My older sister Rosie is such a wealth of knowledge on being a music major and I'm so blessed that I can call her up when I need help! I wouldn't have passed theory 1 without her. And I'm only slightly excited to see my nephew whenever I call! ;) Ezra Steven brings joy to everyone who sees him and I'm so thankful I can keep up with them.

5. daily discipline.

I had to write a self-evaluation for my midterm piano assessment and I realized that one thing I had to learn this semester was discipline! It took so much work to grow physically and artistically in piano and I'm so proud of the progress Dr. DeWitt has helped me develop! I definitely have my favorite rooms...so if you need me, you can find me in 127. Like Danny Tanner says, the door is always open :)

here's a series of practice room photos...😂

ahhhh the first day of practicing....so young. so innocent. sent this to my sister to tell her how excited I was! :)

And I present to you...the pre jury "I CAN DO THIS" photo!

5. take a work road trip to clear your head.

Between Christmas and New Year, I headed down to Dayton with a dear friend to work a wedding! We had the sweetest host family (Dunkels, we love you!!!!) It was just what we needed to clear our heads, grow as wedding vendors, and grow deeper in our love for the Lord and others.

We can find Panera in a different city like pros. #notanadbutPaneraweloveyou

Rachel for the win with the behind the scenes!

Post 8 hour wedding day!!! Also we got to cut the line for tacos because when you're working the wedding it becomes socially acceptable 😂

Our sweet host family!!!

5. Moods!

Once a year, our school hosts a collage concert where every single ensemble plays. They also hold auditions for select solo spots and from the beginning of my time in the program, my goal was to make it as a soloist. I remembered going to my sister's Moods concert when she played, and I definitely wanted to win a spot just like her. ;) It was so surreal to open this email...

They have everyone in the separate acts stay on stage, so at dress rehearsal we got the feel of how everything would run.

One thing I wasn't prepared for was the peace of God that just flooded me as I sat with Katelyn on state waiting for our solos. I remember looking up at the stage lights and having the most surreal sense of knowing this is where God has me right now, and this is where I'm supposed to be.

To be surrounded by 60+ friends and faculty on stage made my solo debut so incredibly wonderful. To know that you're not alone on that giant stage under the blue light, to feel so surrounded and supported was a great gift. Afterwards, my old piano teacher texted me to tell me that it's so clear that this I'm meant to be. I have it saved on my phone along with all the other encouragement every other person sent me on Moods Day! I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family who believe in me!

You can watch my performance of Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum right here at 1:53:44.

6. the leadership awards!

In the throes of concert and finals season, Katelyn and I were nominated for leadership awards! It was so humbling to know the faculty believed and saw growth in us. After writing four page essays about ourselves, we submitted them with a faculty letter of recommendation and waited...and then last week we opened up our emails to find this waiting for us.

You can bet my face looked like this:

What a surreal blessing!!! It was that much sweeter to win with my best friend!

7. learning to cherish the small moments.

I'm so thankful that every good and perfect gift comes from our heavenly Father. So without further ado....here are the sweet blessings He so graciously gave me this year! :)

Quarantine Facetime....

babysitting...

being backseat buds...

celebrating Ezra's first Christmas!

our first PianoGuys concert!

testing the good lighting with Katelyn...

taking pictures of my bestie...

when Rosie and Ezra came to school....

having a locker (SO THANKFUL I NO LONGER HAVE TO CARRY ALL MY BELONGINGS AROUND WITH ME!) with vegan snacks...

morning practice room devotions....

hearing a little voice call out "Mei Lin!"...

catching up with a sweet friend...

turning twenty...

celebrating Ezra's first birthday with...

cupcakes and...

a Pooh cake!

Someone loved it very much. We are so thankful for this little boy!

Whew!!! So there we have it, friends...a year of being a music major. I just keep thinking about Romans 8:32 that says "He who did not spare His Son but gave Him up for us all-how will not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" God has been so gracious. I don't deserve any of it, but by His kindness, all of this was possible. So humbled by His goodness!!!

I remember taking this photo after Honors Recital, probably knee deep in homework, just awed and astounded that this is my life. It feels surreal. I'm so blessed.

19 things!

Growing up, I LOVED reading Elise Joy's blog. Every birthday, she'd reflect on her past year and write two blog posts: "28 things" and "28 moments". Since I turn 20 this year (WHOAH!) I'm so excited to be sharing the 19 things and 19 moments that made my year. I'm not paid to promote these things, but I totally would if they offered because I'm SO obsessed with them!!

hydroflask-I got a 25% off coupon and free shipping on a hydroflask (A STEAL OF A DEAL) and I haven't stopped using it since!! it keeps my water SO cold and I am thrilled. I use a straw top and when it started leaking and within a month or two, they emailed me back and sent me a free replacement. I couldn't recommend a hydro more!

echo app-I heard about this app from Shay Shull! It's such an innovative idea on your quiet time. You can write down prayer requests for different people and then swipe through all the people. It's absolutely such a cool way to focus on each individual prayer request!

made by mary necklace-made by mary is an up and coming jewelry store based in Utah. Something the Lord has been teaching me is that He will always provide whatever I need for me to glorify Him. Right before school started, I got the word "Jireh" stamped on a bar necklace and I wear it every.single.day. I cannot recommend a MBM piece more!! It's so high quality and beautiful and meaningful.

daniel wellington watch-anddd poshmark scores again. The highest quality and absolutely BEAUTIFUL. 10/10 recommend again!

1 SE app-the sweetest way to watch Ezra grow. EVER.

giant haircuts. SAY NO MORE.

lululemon gear-fully 100% obsessed with this gear. I never buy it brand new, but I've scored at goodwill a few times! Poshmark is perfect if you're looking for some cheaper items. I work weddings in the &go endeavor dress (size up 3 sizes!), waitress in the on the fly pants (tts! if you're not sure, size up one), and lived in the tracker IV 3" shorts and the track that 5" short this summer. (I definitely favor the track that short because the cut is more flattering!)

barnana chips-heard about these on Instagram. The pink himalayan salt and the brazilian barbeque are the best!

plant snacks-these are SO GOOD. they're free of all eight major allergens and the vegan cheddar and multiseed are AMAZING. the ingredients are clean!

maybelline lash stiletto-the only mascara I will ever use! so much length that my little lashes have ever had in their entire life.

patagonia atom 8l pack-the handiest dandiest little pack! I got a dark green one from urban outfitters because it was $20 cheaper than other listed ones and I absolutely loved it this summer. it was the perfect size for my phone and cream and chapstick and sunnies and I LOVED the money pouch on the shoulder! that is the handiest thing!

himiwari backpack-the cutest, sturdiest backpack for school!! I love the doctor bag style at the top and the pockets are perfect for my waterbottle. It's so light and compact! my girlfriends have them in cranberry and grey and I have it in black and I'd recommend it to anyone! I got the size large.

diydress skirt - I needed a formal floorlength skirt for chamber concerts and this skirt just wowed me. The zipper broke and the company replaced it immediately and the second skirt fit even better! couldn't recommend the high quality and the POCKETS. fits tts and the perfect thing for any musician who attends formal events.

she reads truth bible - I absolutely LOVE the wide margins and the devotionals. the CBS is so close to the NIV and I couldn't more highly recommend this study Bible!

henley - the softest blue bear you ever did see.

eczema honey co - one of my favorite health finds ever! this cream is $30 which sounds pricey but it's such a huge jar and it works wonders on my skin. i've tried so many different creams and i couldn't recommend the overnight healing properties this cream ACTUALLY has.

glossier storm cloud paint - this high quality blush is the most beautiful color I've ever seen. it's so pigmented and the richest berry color. i'm obsessed!

the nifty 50 - the 50 mm 1.2 lens has changed my photography game. THE END.