Scattered Fingerprints

Since I've picked up keyboard, my workload has followed suit. Being a college student while also being lazy is pretty much a full time job. And learning a new instrument is at least a part-time occupation.

Here are a few techniques to keep me practicing that are worth sharing:

• Work it into the routine you already have.

For example, make it a habit to practice for at least 20 minutes before you hop in shower. That way, you'll have a (hopefully) regular time set aside to play. It's probably best to schedule it before doing something you enjoy so you can establish a reward system.

• Listen differently.

Since attempting to playing music, I have come to realize that there is one key step missing in my formula to composition. Listening.

Before setting my fingertips on the plastic Yamaha, I used music as a vessel for voice, for singing. I would mindlessly sing along with catchy tunes played continuously on the radio.

After beginning to play, I have learned to try and isolate the melody and identify what exactly I like about the tune. Then I try to discern the ways in which the rest of the song complements it (rhythm, bass-line, lyrics, etc.). With this added layer of attention given to the music, I can appreciate songs more fully while trying to apply the scales and intervals I am practicing at home. Which leads me directly to:

• Play what you enjoy.

Although I have attempted to master the basics of fundamental music theory, my fingers and I still have a long way to go before they can erupt into anything pleasant-sounding. To ward off discouragement and future frown-lines, I have started to practice "playing by ear."

After I can pinpoint the specific sounds I enjoy and the approximate distances between the tones well enough to hear it in my head, I translate that with my fingers.

After familiarizing yourself with the basic tune, the tempo and dynamics come more naturally. Plus, if it's something you like hearing in the first place, replicating it will be an electrifying experience.

Albeit I am nowhere close to being the virtuoso I had hoped to have transformed into by now, using these few guidelines has helped me to develop a routine of at least sitting in front of the checkered row every few days.

UNC's Shani Watson Makes History

The commotion coming from Swain Studio 6 could be heard from a few yards away.

Inside, the room was teeming with personality.

The cast of Shani Watson’s first production conversed affably behind her.

“We’re OK with black here,” Watson said, disarming the looming threat of tension.

“When you’re addressing topics like racism, you have to get past the awkwardness.”

Watson is an archetype of sorts.

She organized and lead Thomas A. Edison High School's first assembly showcasing various performance groups from around the school.  This year at UNC she's breaking new ground once again.

Shani Watson
Photo by Josh Clinard

With her production, “Imitation of Life” — which opened Thursday — Watson has become the first black female undergraduate to adapt, produce and direct a play at UNC.

The UNC senior said she was first introduced to the 1934 film because it was her mother's favorite. The show focuses on the coming-of-age experience of Sarah Jane, a light-skinned black girl, and her struggle to define an identity for herself.

Watson said this is her first venture into creative writing. But since the story's message was so meaningful to her life, she decided to take on the challenge.

"The themes in it were definitely pertinent to my life," Watson said.

"The common misperception that black isn't beautiful is constantly portrayed in the film," she said.

"Growing up in a world where I was constantly bombarded with the notion that black is inferior definitely impacted my life. It had a negative influence on how I perceived myself."

As the play's plot progresses, Sarah Jane and her best friend, who is white, learn about the societal implications of race.

Watson said one particularly poignant scene is what got the project started.

"I started writing the script in the middle of the play with a scene I had a big connection with--The Nigger Scene," she said. "It spoke to me because I was called 'Oreo' growing up."

"When I was younger, I was really light-skinned, so I had to decide if I was going to act mixed or black," Watson said. "There's racism within the black community."

Watson said she is aware of the potential offense the scene might arouse in some viewers but that the scene's purpose is to enlighten.

Watson's partner in bringing "Imitation of Life" to the stage was her assistant director and fellow undergrad Kallie Wray. The two met at UNC their sophomore year. Watson is quick to acknowledge that without Wray's help, putting together the production would not have been possible.

Wray, who is white, said her pairing with Watson helped the cast become comfortable addressing the topic of racial identity, a theme predominant throughout the play.

Wray said her presence was of asset in rehearsing the scene in which the girls learn the meaning of "nigger."

"It was so hard getting the cast comfortable with saying 'nigger' on stage, but the way they say it is really important to the play," said Wray.

"Coming at it from a white-and-black approach definitely helped to set them at ease."

Izzy Francke, a sophomore at UNC and an actor in the show, said she has been impressed with Watson’s work ethic. Francke, who is white, will play the role of Sarah Jane.

Francke said that Watson played an important part in developing her performance as Sarah Jane — especially since Francke and her character are of different races.

“It’s extremely daunting to play this role, but Shani is really good at helping me understand Sarah Jane’s dilemma,” she said.

“Being in college, a lot of us are confused about our identity and who we are.”

But she said bridging the gap between being a white person and playing a black one is still a challenge.

“Shani’s direction helps me feed the right energy into the character,” she said.

Although she is grateful to be able to use the play as a platform to address and heal social issues, Watson said she wouldn't do it again.

"I never wanted to write a play, I wish the play had been written and I was the director. I think I'm a good writer, I just don’t enjoy the process," said Watson. She said has revised the script completely 11 times.

"I don't think writing's my forte, I'd rather be directing."

But Watson said finding her passion didn't come easily. She originally came to UNC planning to major in biology/premed. Knowing she wanted to be a pediatrician so she could work with children, she took a drama class that changed her mind.

"I took Paul Ferguson's  class, Performance of Children's Literature and learned I loved performing," Watson said.

She changed her major to communications after discovering she could incorporate her love of children with her love of performance.

Paul Ferguson, a performance studies professor at UNC and a production advisor to the show, holds his former student in high esteem.

"Shani is one of the smartest, most organized, committed and talented students I've worked with since being at Carolina," he said.

Ferguson said it should be a testament to Watson that he is taking time off his leave to help oversee "Imitation of Life."

Not only is Watson using the play to "educate through performance," but it will also serve as her honors thesis project.

"I was going to research and write a paper, but that wasn't going to do anything to benefit the community or myself," Watson said, "I wanted to do something that had a greater impact than a paper that would be put away somewhere that no one would  see it."

Watson said the greatest reward of the job of producing the performance is being able to get her story out into the society and giving back to communities. Tickets to the show are free but donations are accepted. Watson said she will give the donations to charities whose missions are in alignment with the play's themes.

"Local ones, not big names," Watson added, "They always get the money."

Despite some setbacks early in the production process, Watson said pushing through to the end was worth it.

“The greatest reward for me is being able to get my story out and into society.”

The play will be performed Feb. 23-25 at 7 pm, and on Feb. 26 at 2pm and 7 p.m., in Swain Hall, Studio Six. Tickets are free and will be distributed through the UNC Memorial Box Office.