Bio help!

I have to give my bio to the awesome publisher EditionSvitzer (http://editionsvitzer.com/). The one on my website is too detailed and university oriented, and the one on ensemble-evolution.com is too vague. I loath writing these things! Anyone have any advice? I haven't won (or been involved in) any competitions, I don't have a full-time teaching job, and I'm not in a full-time orchestra. Is the information I've written too generic and "fluffy"? Any tips or thoughts would be greatly, greatly, greatly appreciated!! :)


THE TEXT:

Maria Finkelmeier is a passionate performer, dedicated educator, creative composer and organized advocate for the arts. Combining these skills, she is exploring the European music scene from Piteå, Sweden. She regularly performs and records new works for solo and ensemble with her group Ensemble Evolution. Striving to cross cultural barriers, Finkelmeier aims to help build an international community at Piteå’s Institution for Music and Media as an administrator in the international affairs office and educator in the percussion department.

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Maria attained degrees from two diverse universities in the United States; The Ohio State University and Eastman School of Music. From Eastman she not only received a Masters degree, but also the prestigious Performer’s Certificate and Arts Leadership Certificate under John Beck and Michael Burritt.  In 2008 she traveled to Chihuahua, Mexico with the Eastman Broadband Ensemble.

Maria enjoys playing in ensembles filled with energy and passion. In 2010 she toured northern Europe with the Baltic Youth Philharmonic, under the baton of Kristjan Järvi. Maria also feels driven to share the percussive arts with eager individuals regardless of level or background. In 2009 she was awarded a grant from the Golisano Foundation in Rochester, New York to create the class Drummin’ at Dazzle for disabled and inner-city kids. In 2010, she was a guest teacher at the Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China where she taught drumset and conducted the orchestra.

Maria continually seeks and creates performance opportunities for herself and colleagues around the world, and uses these journeys to inspire new ideas, compositions, and adventures. For more information see mariafinkelmeier.com. 

back to reality

even though my reality is still a bit crazy!

I experienced a lot of nostalgia flying back to Sweden yesterday. It was definitely the smoothest travel experience I've had to date. I am very proud to be a SAS (Swedish Air) SILVER member, so I was able to check 2 bags all the way to Luleå with no fees. It is so sad that this fact makes me so happy! All of my flights were on-time, and I just had 3: Cincy-Chicago-Stockholm-Luleå. For the transatlantic flight I had 4 seats to myself! If only every flying experience could be full of so much bliss...

As I sat at my gate in O'hare for a few hours, murmurs of the Swedish language slowly began to surround me. I was instantly taken back to my time at the airport in London last August. An excerpt from a blog post last year:

Spent 4 hours in London. Then, I was on my way to Stockholm. At this point, it started to sink in. At the gate I was sitting around people talking in Swedish, and the announcements were first in Swedish. Here goes nothing, I thought to myself.

Now, I could understand the announcements (for the most part) and giggled at the Swedish baby talk that the mother sitting next to me directed towards her small son. I was looking forward to getting back to the foreign country, that isn't so foreign anymore.

I navigated Arlanda airport (in Stockholm) without even checking the signs and knew exactly what to expect when boarding the routine SAS flight from the city to Luleå. However, when I landed in Norrbotten, I couldn't have felt farther away from the family I just left. I can't wait for everyone to come over and visit so I can share this world with them (hint hint...mom and dad)

There was about 10 centimeters of snow on the ground and the sun was made each flake sparkle more than ever. My taxi driver didn't speak English, but we had no trouble communicating at all. I enjoyed the drive to Piteå so much, I wanted to film the whole thing...I was surrounded by a true winter wonderland! My driver dropped me off at our apartment instead of the regular stop because there was no one else in the car, and he was super nice. Arvid was waiting for me, and the embrace was 4 weeks overdue!

As we approached our apartment I noticed a cute little Christmas wreath and mat in front of our door! How sweet! Arvid bought a few decorations to surprise me....and A CHRISTMAS TREE! I was so excited, like a little kid. He was very proud of himself, as he should have been!

We spent yesterday just lounging and talking about everything under the sun. It was like I had never left :) I was in and out of napping, and we watched a few downloaded shows (welcome back to a world sans TV!) I unpacked and attempted to get organized for what was to be a very busy Monday...

Arvid forced me awake at 7am. I was so close to saying "screw it" and sleeping until whenever...but I knew I had a lot to catch up on. I spent the morning hours in my little office writing emails and doing some work. One of the exchange program applications is due this week, so I new a lot of students would need some help. I am proud to say that 45 students showed up at the meeting that I advertised while I was away, I really happy that so many students are seeking these opportunities, and that I can help!

At about 10:30 I needed to not sit at a desk. I went to practice, but only got 30 minutes in, and Micke called. One of our current foreign students needed some assistance, and I spent an hour and a half helping her work through some things. Then, I went to a lunch concert that my friend Gisli arranged. I was supposed to play, but Charles agreed to cover my butt so I could visit with family a little longer (thanks again, Chaz!) It was a nice concert, and even nicer to catch up with everyone after over lunch.

I spent the rest of the afternoon going through the applications with various students. I really hope they all get into the schools that they want! I walked home at 6pm (Arvid had band practice...yes he's playing in a band with his friends at work. It's really cute...I mean cool and manly! haha) I came home, made some dinner and finished a book I was reading while traveling. Now, I'm back on my computer, fighting some fatigue.

November to remember

The past month has been quite a whirl wind! I'm at mom and dad's right now, and it's hard to believe where life has taken me the past month (or so!) I've traveled to places I never even knew existed, met people that have changed my perspective on the world, and learned a lot about myself and my ambitions. The crazy schedule was:

Oct. 23-26: Nordplus Music meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania. Micke sent me to learn about exchange opportunities through a network that our school belongs to. Met some great colleagues, and learned a lot about the programing and opportunities for our students and teachers. Can't wait to share more info with the teachers and students up in Piteå!

Oct. 27: Fun day of rehearsals with Evolution, Anders and Dave Samuels. Ensemble Evolution (ensemble-evolution.com) concert debut in Piteå that night! It was a great concert!! woo!!

Oct. 28: Arvid and I drove to Umeå for my interview with the Migration Board (3 hour drive...and it was my only chance to pack for the 4 weeks of travel to come! I was a tad stressed...) We'd been calling and pestering them since June to extend my visa. I finally sent them a letter requesting priority for my case, since I would be traveling to China and needed my visa! They finally called, and Thursday was the only day we could go for the interview. But, we had a lot of fun :) And, I'm glad we got to spend the day together! the interview was easy, I just had to talk about my whole life and Arvid had to write it down while I was being interviewed. Then, they compared the answers...and we passed!

Oct. 29-31: Ensemble Evolution's debut in Stockholm! Left at 4:30am to fly to the city (bad planning on my part!), hung out, then met up with Anders, Dave, and Evaristo Aguilar for a great concert at Capitol. We also met two great women from Croatia that we may be able to work with next year. After the concert, I had a great mini-tourist-trip with Jake, Charles, and Anna...we wondered around the city, went to the Terracotta Warrior exhibit and had a ton of laughs!

Nov. 1-8: Teaching exchange to Hangzhou, China. I coordinated a trip for 4 of our teachers to travel to a sister school in Hangzhou to teach. It was a struggle to get everything organized, and I learned a lot through the process. We really impacted the students lives and made some lifelong friends. It was great to get to know my colleagues better and share a once in a lifetime opportunity with new friends! Much more on this trip later...

Nov. 9: travel day, going back in time 12 hours!

Nov. 10-14: PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention) in Indianapolis! I was super jet-lagged and battling a cold, but was determined to power through. Had a GREAT week networking and meeting with old and new friends. Anders, Evaristo, and Rolf (Swexican Trio) played the best concert of the convention, and gave Evolution a shout out (so nice, we are so lucky to work with Anders!) Two other highlights included great, long conversations with Bill and Ruth Cahn, and Robin Engleman. I was reminded that there are people supporting my crazy endeavors, and that my risky move abroad is respected. I talked a ton about Piteå, and there are a lot of people interested in the program or in collaborations. Plus, it was great hanging with like-minded, percussionists...even if our hotel room ended up being grand central station the last night (hahaha!)

Nov. 15 - present: Home Sweet Home :) well, it's hard to define "home" anymore. I really miss Arvid and Piteå! But, I have had a great time spending time with family and friends in Ohio. I know I won't be back for a long time, so I'm trying to suck up every moment! For the first week, mom and I had terrible colds (that we're still fighting), so at least we were sick together! I've been trying to get work done (and I have!) but, I'm bored of so much relaxing! It's been so hard being away from Arvid for so long, and I need to get back "home" and into my schedule!  I miss playing Jake and Charles too! But it will be hard to leave Cincy again...Thursday is Thanksgiving, and I definitely have a ton to be thankful for this year!

From Sweden to Lithuania to China to America...I can't complain about these opportunities! Now I just need to focus and make sure that this momentum keeps going!


on a deeper note...
My experiences abroad have given me such a new perspective on people, relationships and actions. Now more than ever,  I pick up on negative comments that put down specific types of people, or certain beliefs and ideals. I have even heard ignorant comments from those close to me, and at times it's hard to digest. I wish that more people would strive to see the world through a different set of eyes, or know how it feels to be unable to communicate and express yourself, or just be the minority for once. My experiences are so minute compared to those who endure prejudices and bullying everyday, but at least I feel like I have endured moments of frustration because of culture differences and language boundaries. Sometimes it just gets to me to hear such narrow-minded and negative opinions. I wish everyone could have seen some of the living conditions in China, or witnessed the religious warmth in Vilnius, or spoken to the wonderfully kind woman working at Starbucks in Indianapolis.  I'm always reminded of something that my percussion/jazz teacher in junior high and high school (Mr. Mitchell) said to me once: whenever you feel angry at someone or someone's actions, or just don't understand another person, imagine the words "created by God" on their forehead. I think about this idea all of the time as I meet new friends around the world...I know that it may sound silly, but it works for me. I don't really know the point I'm trying to make, other than the fact that I'm thankful to have seen the warmth and kindness of people around the world. I think it makes me a better and more accepting person, and I hope I can share the knowledge with people that haven't been blessed with the same opportunities I've had lately.

I think most of this rant was sparked by American culture at the moment (and what I've seen on TV!) Ellen DeGeneres has been talking a lot about bullying on her show lately, and I cry.  It's no secret that I am emotional and cry quite easily, but the stories are so sad, and so real. I have also been strangely moved by the messages on the show Glee. Behind all the silly characters and fun songs is an amazing message of acceptance. I hope that the message reaches a new audience through this hit show, but know that those who need to hear it, don't watch. Then, there is Dancing with the Stars and all of the drama that surrounds Bristol Palin. I feel bad that she has to live through all of the negativity and hate that comes along with her mom's campaign. I don't agree with how she has handled some of the situations, but I can't imagine having to deal with what she does. I don't understand the people that use such low and hurtful language just because they have different opinions or beliefs. She is just dancing for goodness' sake! Let the girl be, and don't vote for her just because you are a part of the Tea Party...it's not going to change how the government works...it's a show on ABC, people.


Well, that was a long rant, and more philosophical than most. But, at least I'm writing again! More pictures and stories from the travels will be posted soon!

My Job

I am sitting in my hotel room in Vilnius, Lithuania reflecting on the past 2 months of my life. When Arvid and I decided to stay in Sweden and live in Piteå, we had no idea what would happen. I knew that I would have great opportunities to play with Anders and the new Masters guys (Jake and Charles), but how we would live from day to day was totally unknown.

Before leaving for the summer, I knocked on a lot of doors to let as many people know that I was staying in Piteå as possible. I met with a few of the school administrators to inform them of my skills and attributes, and pretty much asked for work even though there weren't any jobs open. I was really nervous leaving Piteå and knowing that wouldn't have any steady work when I returned, but had to put those feelings aside to enjoy the opportunities of the summer.

Just before we moved, the anxiety of the unknown returned. However, it didn't last long. The day we moved into Nygatan, I got a call from Micke. I wrote about Micke a lot last year. He is the advisor to the international students at the school, as well as the coordinator and teacher for the jazz/rock/studio music program (which is the best in Sweden). He was the only person I could go to last year that would help me instantly and I always felt like he got things done. He called and asked me to meet him the next day.

On Tuesday, I met him at 11am. After a bit of a catch up session (he had heard about Arvid through Anders. And, everyone wants to hear a good love story!), he said that he was working at about 300%, and needed to hire an assistant, specifically to work with the international/exchange students. My main duties would consist of taking care of all the non-Swedish students; help them integrate into the community, and guide them in any and every way. I quickly took the job. Unfortunately, we couldn't solidify a salary or the specifics of the position, which caused a few headaches in the following weeks. But, I trusted Micke. I knew he would look out for my well-being, so I started to work right away.

The orientation period began that very next day, so there was no time to loose. I met all the students, and helped organize the 2 weeks of events, classes, outings, and such. I also helped the students with their apartments, laundry, where to go get groceries, how to open a bank account, how to log-in to the school's website, etc...all of the things that I figured out on my own last year. It makes me feel really great that I was able to help these students get acclimated so quickly...all the headaches that occurred at the beginning of my Swedish adventure were worth it!

Along with taking care of these "kids" (yes, they now just call me mom), I am assisting our students apply to study abroad next year. I've gotten about 16 students that are interested so far, which is double the amount of last year!

I am in Vilnius to attend a conference that starts tomorrow for the "Nordplus Music Network". It's compiled of music schools in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Iceland, and Estonia. They have the funds to give students and teachers scholarships for exchanges, and this is their annual meeting. I'm here to network and learn more about the organization. Not a bad gig!

I will also be traveling to Shanghai and Hangzhou, China next week!!!! I have organized a trip for our teachers (including myself) to visit a University in Hangzhou to help build their music program. Micke set up the exchange a few years ago, and he is sending me to get a new contract between the schools. While I'm there, I get to teach as well! I can't believe I am getting this great opportunity!

The first few weeks of being "hired" at the school were tough because no one really knew why I was still around. But, now I have a little office and more administrators and teachers are used to me being there. I'm also getting more "side jobs". I'm teaching a rhythm class once a week along with the percussion lessons that I taught last year. I also get random assignments to edit translations and write texts in English.

Along with the "job", I am working hard with Jake and Charles and for Anders. We have 2 concerts coming up with week, and a lot of plans for the next 2 years (including a percussion festival in March, a trip to the Ice Hotel to play on ice instruments, a Swedish tour, etc...) We named our group Ensemble Evolution and we're going to start an official business under the name. We hope to get as many gigs as possible!!! More on the group later (I love the guys!)

Arvid is also really happy with my success, but I am even more happy with HIS success. He has had his own web development company since he was 17 or so (that's why he's so flexible when it comes to moving!) He's been looking for more steady work, and a few weeks ago a friend called us saying that his friend was leaving a job at a marketing company in Piteå, and they were searching for a new guy to take his job. Arvid agreed to take an interview, and the following day, he got the job!!! Just like that!!! He is so happy as the Senior Web Developer at More Media. His office is actually in the building connected to the music school....so, we can have a fika together at anytime!

So, we have the apartment, the jobs, the friends, and the love. I miss my family so much, but I know that they are happy with how this adventure has turned into so much more!

Nygatan 34

Arvid and I have lived in our new place for about 2 months now, and it really does feel like home! Moving-in was a bit stressful (when is moving not annoying!), but we got through it all, and are in love with our new pad!

A few photos from the move.... 

 First....we needed to pack up Arvid and Alex's apartment in Uppsala. 3 boys + 4 years = 1 messy place!

 Loading the trailer...getting ready for the 8 hour drive to Norrbotten!

 BFF's are sad to be apart. I am a home wrecker! :)

Pit stop during the drive! (I probably had to pee)

We arrived in Skellefteå on Sunday night, but had to return the van by 8am the next day. So, we stayed the night at Arvid's parents house, then got up early on Monday to make the hour drive to Piteå. We unloaded the truck in about 30 minutes (just the 2 of us). Arvid had to return to Skellefteå to return the trailer, and I stayed to start unpacking...then the real FUN began! :)

 Our building! our windows and balcony are in the back 

The kitched is the first thing you see when you walk in...and now it looks a lot better!

the large living room is so nice! We really didn't have that much stuff, I couldn't wait to fill it up! 

 I LOVE the windows. We still don't have curtains, and I'm ok with it! (hope our neighbors enjoy the show!)

 Balcony! part of it is glassed in! I can't wait until the Spring! 

 Oh, how I love Swedish bathrooms. :-( I miss shower stalls and bathtubs! but, I'm not complaining!

 We bought a new coffee maker right away! 

 our view!!

 our first night together in our new place!

 a new beginning....

 "organized" living room...can't wait to get furniture!

We kept the table from Arvid's old place. For a couple weeks it acted as a work station too. I was checking out the IKEA website while eating dinner!

 Arvid's farmor och farfar (grandparents on his dad's side)  gave us thier couch and chair! We were so thankful! they are really comfy, plus I was able to use the fabric to plan our colors, which was helpful during the big IKEA run!

 I have never had so much fun at IKEA. I'm proud of us for doing our homework, and knowing what we wanted before we went. We spent the entire day at the store, and would have had to spend a week there without the planning! I couldn't wait to get home and put everything together!

 All the kitchen stuff

 I am now a Master Ikea Assembler!

 The big shelf

 We are nerds. We bought our desks before we bought a bed. seriously.

IKEA IKEA IKEA everywhere!

 It's starting to look like a room!

 Our coffee and tea station :)

Floating dish drying rack. so cool!

 LOOK! no computers on the table! woohoo!

 My desk with all my things

 IKEA run no. 2 (it's about 2 hours away)! We needed a few more things, plus I had to get all the supplies for the new exchange students at the school (for my job...I'll write about that soon!)

 The car was filled! we had so much fun shopping for the students...it's not everyday you get to buy 6 of everything at IKEA.

 Thanks for your help, RV!

 When we got home, Anna and Lou were there! Lou was visiting from England, so I gave them a key. It was time for a house warming get together...but first, we put them to work!

 I love the red and black combo :-)

 mmmmm.....I felt like my Piteå family was all together! It was a lovely night!

Cozy 

The apartment has become more like home everyday, but this is what the first few weeks were like! We expect visiters (hint, hint!) :-)