"UPDATE 32" - DECEMBER 15, 2017 (HO HO HO)

Today I essentially finished my term paper. I plan on making some final edits over the weekend and I began work on three potential tracks for my final project HYPERLINK and continued to sort through my collection of samples. I also researched potential MIDI controllers I could utilize to streamline the process of inserting notes into the piano roll. I plan on purchasing the Akai Mini. It would be much more beneficial than manually drawing out every note, especially as I am transitioning to using much more complicated systems, add-ons, and sidechains. I may be producing one of Isaiah's upcoming tracks, as we are frequent collaborators.

"UPDATE 31" - DECEMBER 13, 2017 (HO HO HO)

Today I spent the majority of class making up an essay for Mr. Templet. It took a little over an hour and when I returned, I wrote approximately an additional page and a half to my term paper. I did not work on any new tracks, but I sent two copies of the WAV file stems for my most recent tracks to other artists for feedback and as well as open the opportunity for future collaborations.

"UPDATE 30" - DECEMBER 11, 2017 (HO HO HO)

Today I released another track, titled "Monochromatic". I had to master it and release it on Soundcloud. After that, I opened an old project and revived it by integrating new filters and reverberation. Afterwards, I created a drum kit and began to layer them on top of the pre-existing track. I had to tinker with the side-chaining since it was not exporting with the specified levels. In the evening, I plan to release the track to my SoundCloud. Again, I received assistance from a TAG peer in designing the cover art using Fragment and Photoshop, but have yet to come up with a name.

UPDATE: The song can be heard HERE

"UPDATE 29" - DECEMBER 07, 2017 (HO HO HO)

Today was a thesis day. For half of the class, I was called out by Mr. Templet, the AP English Literature teacher, to make up a multiple-choice test. Upon return, I finished mastering a track on Logic Pro X and converted it into a WAV file compared to the usual MP3 or AAC stems exported. I then uploaded the track to Bandcamp and designed cover art for it using Photoshop, Fragment, and Photo Editor. The song title was chosen by fellow TAG student, Sally Thurman. After that, I shared the song to fellow peers to get an opinion on how to improve. I also began talks with Isaiah about becoming a co-producer on his upcoming record. After that, I began to sort through various samples of songs I had compiled for inspiration for a next track. Out of the approximately 50 I have made, only three have made it to my project HYPERLINK thus far. Finally, Krishna has requested for me to mentor him on becoming a producer and to tutor him on how to use a DAW (digital audio workspace) and MIDI keyboard to create music.

Click here to hear the track "SALLY IS WEIRD" by I/O on Bandcamp.

"UPDATE 28" - DECEMBER 05, 2017 (HO HO HO)

Today I worked on my thesis essay. I started my introduction and continued to produce more tracks in efforts to incorporate them into a cohesive project. I have produced over fifty tracks over the course of the class. I have uploaded some of them to SoundCloud (<- clickable link to my profile) and continue to make music for Isaiah and other local artists as well as other artists on SoundCloud. I have not found another mentor yet, but I have contacted producers for various record labels (such as OVO).

"UPDATE 27" - DECEMBER 01. 2017 (HO HO HO)

Today was another college day since many have December 1st deadlines. Today I receive word of whether I receive the College Match scholarship. It is supposed to arrive around 5pm today. It has been a stressful and dismal morning. I continued research on more potential fail-safe schools in the event that I do not receive the scholarship and get deferred to regular decision. I so far have only considered Texas schools since they have more favorable financial aid opportunities than out-of-state.I finished my Common App questions for my backup schools as well as submitted my SMU application.

"UPDATE 26" - NOVEMBER 29, 2017

Today was a college day and I began looking at more regular decision schools for backup in the event I do not receive a College Match scholarship from Questbridge. I have selected TCU, SMU, and Baylor as backups in case. I started their applications and finished UT's. I have yet to send my transcript, but they said I have until December 7th, so I still have time. I finished my essay for SMU, as well.

"UPDATE 25" - NOVEMBER 27, 2017

ABSENT DUE TO ILLNESS.

"UPDATE 24" - NOVEMBER 16, 2017

Today I went to the conference room to work on a track with Isaiah that we collaborated on.We finalized the instrumental, finished writing, and recorded many variations of what will end up on the final product. We tinkered around with the levels and the overall feel for the track and it will hopefully be released tomorrow.

"UPDATE 23" - NOVEMBER 14, 2017

Today I filled out my Raise.Me profile, which took a while since I had to include my entire resume, transcript, and test scores. In addition, I needed to add any extracurriculars in order to maximize my potential for financial reimbursement. The deadline for SMU is November 15th. I have finished my ApplyTexas for the most part. I am completely done with CommonApp.

"UPDATE 22" - NOVEMBER 10, 2017

Today was a college day. I nearly finished my UT application and need to finish my supplemental questions. I also discussed an essay topic for SMU with Noah and had a good conversation. These are the only other two colleges I have yet to submit. For Questbridge, I submitted twelve applications and will receive my response on December 1st. Here's hoping for the best!(I also researched how to apply for a fee waiver for the UT application since it needs to be submitted the same day that I receive my Questbridge results)

"UPDATE 21" - NOVEMBER 08, 2017

Today I finalized finding my sources primarily focusing on publications regarding music theory and I learned how to play a G-flat minor chord on the piano for a future composition. I am nearly done with my annotations as I explored why I chose this as a topic as well as how the source could help me. I worked on a song on the music software Logic Pro X on my laptop and finalized the main arpeggio that would resonate throughout.

"UPDATE 20" - NOVEMBER 06, 2017

Today, I took my picture for picture day. It took a while. Once I came back, I was sent to Mr. Mackey's office to update him on my happenings at home. I then returned to find more sources and potential new mentors for my revised thesis. My original mentors were not as available as I had hoped. And today, I gathered all of my sources and continued on my annotations.

"UPDATE 19" - NOVEMBER 02, 2017

ABSENT. AT HOSPITAL.

"UPDATE 18" - SPOOKY SEASON 2017

Today I submitted so many Common Apps. I just have to upload the writing supplements for some colleges and I am proofreading some essays before submitting them. I printed some forms I need to fill out for the IDOC, filled them out, and got Ms. Marberry's signature. Overall, it was a very productive, 100-quality day.

"UPDATE 17" - OCTOBER 27, 2017

Today, I uploaded my mother's tax information to the IDOC on the CSS Profile once I finished the CSS. I also submitted the Common App to some colleges after revising my personal statement. Finally, I revised my college rankings.

"UPDATE 16" - OCTOBER 25, 2017

ABSENT. AT HOSPITAL.

"UPDATE 15" - OCTOBER 23, 2017

ABSENT. AT HOSPITAL.

"UPDATE 14" - OCTOBER 18, 2017

Today I worked on an essay for Brown University and did a good portion of my CSS Profile. In addition, I requested transcripts and finalized my Common App.

"UPDATE 13" - OCTOBER 16, 2017

(ARRIVED LATE) Today, I considered changing my thesis. I did not know how I could effectively change the field with my original thesis and felt like it would be too much of a stretch. Also, I have another inconvenience with my mentors. Because of their prestige, they are rarely available to discuss my thesis. I plan on changing my thesis to something that revolves around another hobby of mine music production. I plan on developing an album consisted of original compositions.

"UPDATE 12" - OCTOBER 10, 2017

Today was also a college day. I am still uneasy with my college rankings. I have finalized 11 out of 12. I asked for the opinions of my peers to no avail. I also continued working on Common App. I finished my main essay and am done with my SMU application.

"UPDATE 11" - OCTOBER 02, 2017

(DISCLAIMER: I accidentally only pressed 'Save' instead of 'Publish' the day of class) Today was a college day and I continued to write some supplemental materials for Common App. I am almost done with my UT and SMU applications and need to schedule future meeting with my recommenders and have my essays reviewed by a teacher.

"UPDATE 10" - SEPTEMBER 28, 2017

Today I continued to research my colleges for College Match on Questbridge. I am content with 11 out of the 12 colleges. I started adding them to Common App and Naviance. Extensive research was done.

"UPDATE 09" - SEPTEMBER 26, 2017

Today, I tried to find sources for my working bibliography. I plan on making one of my main resources StockX, as it collects data and graphs it for a large portion of sneaker re-selling. I am also planning on attending ComplexCon and StockX Day. ComplexCon is collection of influencers in the streetwear market that meet to discuss the future of the industry. StockX Day is a similar concept, but focuses more on reselling and counterfeits.

"UPDATE 08" - SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

Today I worked on my essays. I revised my short answer responses for Common Application and Questbridge. I also updated Naviance and added the colleges from Common App and ApplyTexas to it. I also added two paragraphs to my biographical essay.

"UPDATE 07" - SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

Ettesaf and I presented and we passed out our notes to our classmates. Afterwards, it was a college day and I finished selecting colleges for Naviance and continued my UC application. I only have three steps left. Today, I am also meeting with Mr. Templet for Questbridge.

"UPDATE 06" - SEPTEMBER 18, 2017

Today I observed fellow classmates present their thesis presentations and commented on their performances. I will be the first to present on September 20, 2017.

"UPDATE 05" - SEPTEMBER 14, 2017

I received an automated email from Jon Wexler stating that he was, yet again, out of the office. Similarly, it has been a while since I have heard from Ms. Oberg. I sent another email to verify whether she had seen my previous emails. I hope she responds so or I believe I will have to consider the fact that she may no longer be interested. Afterwards, I checked StockX for any developments and continued working on my presentation and outline.

"UPDATE 04" - SEPTEMBER 12, 2017

Being that it was a college day, I continued my application for Questbridge. After meeting with my recommenders, they each had requested certain things. For Ms. Ellis, I revised and edited my senior survey. For Mr. Templet, I continued working on my essay and short answer prompts to review. I also began selecting my choices for colleges in Questbridge. I also continued uploading colleges to Naviance for Ms. Marberry. I also emailed her to clarify some things concerning the application process.

"UPDATE 03" - SEPTEMBER 08, 2017

Today I spent more than half of the class in a meeting with Ms. Marberry discussing financial aid. Afterwards, I worked on an outline for my upcoming thesis presentation. Earlier, I sent an email to my mentor with the official paperwork concerning mentorship. I have yet to receive a response. I am researching any possible complications that could come later on in my process. My mentor did a runway show yesterday for a new line of clothing for her consortium called KITH Sport and also has a continuing collaboration with VOGUE to celebrate their 125th anniversary. This along with her status within KITH has made me think approaching my topic from a more creative standpoint.

"UPDATE 02" - SEPTEMBER 06, 2017

Today, I started my application for the University of Texas at Austin through ApplyTexas and got halfway through the curriculum portion. I have already started them for three other schools. I have yet to receive my mother's tax information and discussed with Ms. Marberry how Naviance works with CommonApp and ApplyTexas. I also researched the possibility of applying to USC or even some schools out-of-country. I think it would be an enriching experience.

"UPDATE 01" - SEPTEMBER 01, 2017

I filled out a Mentor Request Form specifying what I have, and want, in a mentor. I also composed a follow-up email to Jon Wexler, my potential second mentor. Being the vice president of Global Entertainment and Influencer Marketing for Adidas, I feel he would be a very reliable resource. I originally received an automated email stating that he would be out of his office until this week. Hopefully, I receive a response. I visited some websites specializing in the resale of sneakers (StockX), as well as some consortium stores to try to notice any trends in pricing. Most notably, the apparel and footwear that is priced the highest often has rapper/producer Kanye West's name tied to it. He either wore it, designed it, or worked with the brand that made it. Other rappers have designed for brands, but none have reached the fame of selling out a shoe online in one minute. I plan on investigating why this is. I will return to StockX. It has graphs showing price trends on all items. I have also been in contact with Ms. Oberg and we are planning a meet-up over Thanksgiving break. This would give me an opportunity to speak with her vis-a-vis.

"WELCOME TO MY SENIOR THESIS BLOG"

In this blog I will be documenting the progress of my senior thesis project. I already have one mentor locked down and am vetting another. Hopefully, I receive a follow-up email from his office today. If not, I plan on sending another email asking if he had read the previous one. I believe I have made good progress and have started researching further.

Regards,

Carlos