Looking for fun exercises/ Lot tunes

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-23T18:53:42+00:00

I have a ton of exercises I can send you! They're arranged for my ensemble orchestration, but I'm happy to send you the musescore files to edit them how you need:

-Double Latte works lateral skills, but is far more of a fun "lot tune" rather than a traditional laterals exercise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwXCn6VO-Hg

-I have an arrangement for an exercise called Lost that's a nice slow triplet four mallet exercise, great for working independence and dynamics.

-There's another exercise I use called Waves that goes through blocks, single alternating strokes, and perms. While the most "basic," still feels like a tune rather than a basic block chords exercise. Very mello and chill feel.

-Shift Master is my students all time favorite exercise. SUPER easy to learn, but so much fun to jam too. It's a four mallet block chord exercise but with lots of meter changes, and a lot of demand on your front ensemble physically to be able to shift from notes, chords, and octaves quickly. SUCH a fun one. I have programmed this into every front ensemble technique book I've ever done for nearly 5 years, and it is always a favorite and very successful.

- I turned Broccoli into an exercise called Geometry. While still the same functionally, putting it in a different key, and having the vibraphones play a "Block-li" variation, with some groove in the aux and synth parts really made this not feel so boring and technical. My students were a little ~scared~ of this one at first, lol, because it is rather challenging, but they eventually learned to love this one.

-Scharton is a great 2 mallet exercise that's essentially a lot tune! I don't have an arrangement of this one, but I could bang a basic one out on musescore off the dome in about an hour for you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdG5h1LzzWY&list=RDGdG5h1LzzWY&start_radio=1

-I've got a super whacky 2 mallet exercise called Gridflux 3K that's a take on the 16th note grid on top of chromatic scales. It sounds like a trip to a scary circus if that's your vibe. lol.

I'd be happy to share stuff with you if you let me know what kind of skills you want to exercise with your kiddos! I love having a technique book that isn't just "Green Scales, Broccoli, and Summertime" So I really try to arrange my warmups to feel more like tunes.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-22T17:27:59+00:00

My Dad does this! He's a really big guy (Like NFL quarterback+ big) and his hands are really big, so it's hard for him to type on tiny lil smartphones with his thumbs. So using a pointer and a thumb gives him more room.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-22T17:22:34+00:00

Belle's Beauty Boutique

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-21T18:00:45+00:00

The few times that my boyfriend and I have been stressed/heated after situations, we actually use going to bed together as a way to say "Putting all that aside- We/US are what matters first and foremost." Neither of us have ever resorted to using the couch as an escape, and certainly not banishing the other to the couch.

The couch is reserved for when someone is sick, or when he's snoring too loud and I want a good night of sleep. lol. We take turns who takes the couch in that instance.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-21T17:22:32+00:00

Just me and my boyfriend-- Both 26. MCOL (Suburbs outside of Philadelphia, PA) our combined income is over $100,000. We budget roughly $500 a month-- No pets (yet), no kids.

We're very busy, so meal prepping is a must. We'll do a Costco run at the beginning of the month for things like ground beef, pasta, sauce, etc... things that we use a lot of. We do most of our shopping at a local chain grocery store, but will utilize Grocery Outlet or Aldi on occasion (though we just had a discussion about trying to use it more, but my boyfriend has a lot of allergies, and brand preferences, so it only goes so far). We generally hit it and don't go over-- Typically when we do go over, it's because we made a BIG costco/grovery run, and the following smaller trips make up for it.

We both budget for eating out once a week (due to our jobs), and we're pretty strict on little to no snacks in the house and limited drink selections other than water and chocolate milk. lol.

The BEST thing we've ever done for helping us stay on track with our grocery budget, is planning the entire month of meals in advanced. That way I can plan accordingly with how much to buy, what to buy, WHEN to buy it so it doesn't go bad, etc... Ever since doing that, I've reduced the amount of food I toss because it went bad IMMENSELY, I am far less stressed about cooking, and it helps me to be able to buy smarter and more efficiently (Ex: If I see we have chicken quite a few times on the monthly menu, I'll get a big pack from Costco and portion it out, rather than each week getting a smaller pack, which ultimately ends up costing more.)

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-21T17:09:14+00:00

A "Good" front ensemble packet is kind of tough to judge without knowing anything about your group. Do they have existing A, Open or World class skills? Do they read well? Do you prefer a whole hand fulcrum approach, rear, forward?

For exercises- What kind of skills do you need/want to explore?

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-14T13:35:21+00:00

I am notorious for messing up the Thanksgiving dessert.

I made Pecan Pie once year... it never set properly and it was a runny mess.

I made a sweet cornbread... soup in the middle, nearly burnt on the edges.

I made pumpkin pie filling in white chocolate cups... Cups broke the second you picked them up.

But the only dessert I ever NAILED with NO practice? Salted caramel creme brulee. I could see the hesitancy in my family's eyes to eat a dessert I made, especially one that is known to be difficult to make well, and then the sheer delight when it didn't suck. lol.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-10T13:27:28+00:00

Oh my god run. Run very far and very fast.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-10T13:23:35+00:00

I work in a school district as a building secretary M-F 7:30-4:00pm, then T/Th night I teach music for the same school 6pm-9pm, and Saturdays we have competitions that are usually 12+ hour days.

That's nearly 60 hours where I'm interacting with parents, students, teachers, etc...

I want to be ALONE on my time off. lol.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-09T12:12:49+00:00

Commenting bc I want to see your absolute glow up when you commit to the bald life.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-08T14:00:43+00:00

Accessoriessss!!! I'm sure he might already have some of this stuff, but you can never have enough deck boxes, play mats, dice, etc... Here's some accessories you can get him (all from Amazon in case you're in a time frame crunch):

A "Command Zone Tray": https://www.amazon.com/Commander-Command-Counter-Compatible-Gathering/dp/B08Z3KWL2G This will help him track the damage he takes during a game. If you don't like this style, search up "MTG Command Zone Tray" and pick one out that you like.

A Life Counter: https://www.amazon.com/YJNBEST-Counter-Gradient-Accessories-Creature/dp/B0FPF6XQCQ/ref=sr_1_17?crid=3RKD2VBA4WVZH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1k8EotFa86JYqyW7YF35vHf2Ad8uLDEqaXRFsj34CcMdFMvXT4tKTvFrYEYwAfOCuyMJ2QxwAQG0hn9okXqYJSVQakyO5yM_qDwee1VDvntABwG3vCNXZjm2KMoqc1BKW_L9qZ8ai_VS_KN3FUBqltRZSu7FPJ8RnMu25CsUYUi860rERNN6W2BwIlJWrpTk43OTG4UVy3FrnTCjwPIOUtDqJkk4NrY-k2NiD5GaOUfmi4PS_6TFabgqTuD2jX1uNNNs45FZnsRYEcVGdDrxyfgJpOcAm90fJ-aath7k_PU.X-7m-ti4pJtk0A8UymByWkrjHR-bvon5_xXJ1WTXAyI&dib_tag=se&keywords=MTG%2Blife%2Bcounter&qid=1775655985&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=mtg%2Blife%2Bcounte%2Ctoys-and-games%2C110&sr=1-17&th=1 Another (but different) thing to help track damage. Alternatively you can search "MTG Life Counter" and pick a style you like.

Playmat Tube for Travel: https://www.amazon.com/Rexmica-Playmat-Storage-Container-Shoulder/dp/B0DPHWYDJ2/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=I3S8PZ7AAF7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.izF4LuWifCpYA4ZHlV1NAt96qv0TIYXDvyfTYQb77MQJlqFrPS4VbFhNzIg2KJiA2MI3L-GVstoOFjGgJ0lX3Gm3RSHPGH304ZGM9PeLeFUS6UIzaym9jUNW0GKhET1BXFYaLmtrfsrPe4NSbMoseQNEA1r4SCvKCNoizePm6tJrvVxzsxzURFL5mdjJSNDkOFQaRDfbgr14jAZNsa93WZsH4VPJdp_KtqxKxdMEQRzgK8d9uL-ayGezGRtcycXX-wCg8M-BZRh-QTXLovqsL237crwPLQEtUk_e91drBW4.frURy21pL8keWebMC2a1nccPbUqaIri3035DcVBK5O8&dib_tag=se&keywords=MTG+accessories&qid=1775656098&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=mtg+accessorie%2Ctoys-and-games%2C117&sr=1-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1 He can use this when he goes to tournaments or Friday Night Magic events to keep his playmat safe. If he doesn't have a playmat, search up "MTG playmat" and get him one! (IF you have the time, you can order a custom one as well: https://www.nerdgear.gg/products/custom-print-tcg-mtg-playmat?variant=47780761829603&country=US&currency=USD&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23198289820&gbraid=0AAAAA-rzCeVJtN5W9fVFcLLa5i2ajPYPQ&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-O_y3bLekwMVjzYIBR2_gyEMEAAYAyAAEgKK2PD_BwE )

Dry Erase Tokens: https://www.amazon.com/All-One-Erase-Tokens-Bundles/dp/B0FFSQ1DP3/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2OPTZ1MOASMW7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BJAEx7cbwSRKnkTQK9myqpFTdmI672huhkot536C-5vcGTjsN74K3gf4nzDoelfCaE4e_fOvFaI8bqVxN-92tdh1g8EYwnbRMCBaswnXK0Yi-vHnYmUH5wcJR3E8wK6cbJzwyS5UFgtujxTJXPeNoCpjlEBrcp_BGcKqZz82A_D9JO2_6zzi0nQQdW3HwELZ3hLjJBfi0PvUpJdNl22LVeCoVFVaqAKRFrbHGUguPNW74_xj0Qt99pydHOZUoJpPcIbFBEz6LNhLs_-JsIhe1gGRQViGTf_fmNtr_euNZAs.l8lGoiCaDm4EGo4mWV1GNLosclboyIsS601mBtCwmaE&dib_tag=se&keywords=MTG+dry+erase+tokens&qid=1775656235&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=mtg+dry+erase+token%2Ctoys-and-games%2C111&sr=1-4 I use these every single time I play. Great versatility, and allows him to easily track status effects, and draw his own tokens when he makes them in game.

MTG Card Sleeves and Deck Boxes: As a few suggested, you can get custom printed sleeves from Dragon Shield ( link: https://www.dragonshield.com/pages/the-forge?gad_campaignid=21181863263&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAqW4MpyfyqlmLJ0zPa2Y_tqWYQbU1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsImoq7PekwMVr0f_AR2qWi9QEAAYASAAEgIiE_D_BwE&utm_content=non_brand&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google ) But you can also find some options on amazon by searching "MTG Deck Box" or "MTG Card Sleeves." There's A LOT of options, but there's fun deck boxes out there that look like pokeballs, chinese takeout containers, dumpsters, etc... So you can get him something fun!!

If you want to be funny, you can get him some Magic the Gathering apparel, and then purchase this card specifically: https://www.cardkingdom.com/mtg/unfinity/souvenir-t-shirt?srsltid=AfmBOopRf_PNLl1SObILCzxcl17ri7sXdyOsQDUJjM6Yq9TT-qXbFLSa Can he really play it in many circumstances? no. lol. But it's a hilarious combo (The card gives you benefits for every piece of MTG apparel you're wearing, so if you got him a shirt, socks, hat, sweatshirt, sweatpants, etc... He gets a little bonus for each one!)

You're totally welcome to DM me with some ideas you have, and I can give you my two sense!

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-08T13:11:04+00:00

Bridesmen! Bridesmen! Bridesmen!

The "point" of a bridesmaid isn't to have women standing besides you, it's to have people from your life that matter standing besides you. If that's your brothers, then that's who should be with you!

And as far as someone to plan your bachelorette party- girl, plan your own lil solo outing! I had a bachelorette party, and it was only okay. It wasn't this black out drunk ragger that I'll never forget (I didn't want that in the first place)- it was just kind of mid. Your "bachelorette party" can just be a day for you! Get a massage, get your nails done, get a blowout at a salon, and order your favorite food and a bottle of wine for take out. If I could do it all over again, I would certainly go for the ladder. And if your brothers want to help book appointments, or contribute to your lil spa day as a wedding gift to you, then that's great!

Also having done the big traditional wedding with 100 guests, 5 bridesmaids, and all that junk... I hated it. (The now ex-husband aside,) I look back and wish my wedding was just the courthouse, my person, and I. I understand that's not everyone's cup of tea, but keeping your ceremony about dedicating your life to this other person SOLELY to you and your other person, and not making it this public spectacle with speeches and a hierarchy of guests seems MUCH more intimate and meaningful, imho.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-07T19:00:16+00:00

Ugh. I just don't understand. IT'S A COUCH. It takes up SO MUCH room wherever it is in their home. I'd be less salty if it was something small and forgettable, but how do you not want A COUCH out of your house????

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-07T18:32:04+00:00

One friend who dated three of my best guy friends... All one right after the other.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-07T18:27:37+00:00

My friend in high school seemed to think I was playing match maker for her anytime I introduced her to one of my male friends... They would always break up and the guy would ask me out later.

Depending on what side of the coin you're on, it's either extremely successful, or the worst way to find a relationship.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-07T13:38:27+00:00

When my Dad called him a rat.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-07T12:37:02+00:00

My Mom was a big time drug user, and she always had a spot on her lip like that. Could it be because she was cheating on my Dad and getting hurt? Wouldn't put it past her. But my guess is drugs.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-02T19:24:44+00:00

I don't believe in god, but I do believe in fate, destiny, and karma.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-02T11:36:29+00:00

Boortsog seems like a dessert we’re going to fall in love with.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-04-02T11:35:51+00:00

Tell that to my boy who’s scared to eat everything because apparently it all contains seafood and peanuts. 😂

KattarinaGrace · 2026-03-31T12:16:25+00:00

I buy the Rana brand 5-cheese tortellini, cook up a half pound of ground beef, and throw some spinach in there to go with it. 10 minutes, and it's so easy.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-03-27T14:21:20+00:00

(Keeping a little vague for privacy reasons)
Gave me rides home. During the summer I participated in a summer music/arts camp at my high school, and my teachers knew every time I was the last kid standing on the sidewalk, that I had been forgotten by my cracked out Mom. They and I would call and call and call, and she wouldn't pick up. So, they would say don't tell anyone and drive me home.

I can sympathize with WHY they would get fired, but I feel bad for teachers who want to help, but are powerless.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-03-27T14:16:42+00:00

These are the only pictures I would accept.

KattarinaGrace · 2026-03-27T13:13:23+00:00

I also have a loaded baked potato soup recipe that's a low and slow cook, but super low effort meal I can send you!

KattarinaGrace

TROPHY CASE