BAND WEEK/VANCOUVER

We just had band week at Western, and boy oh boy was it hectic.  I conducted a piece with the symphonic band and it went really well.  There was a point in the piece where the ensemble took off on me and my inner dialogue went something like this,…”OH NO YOU DON’T”,.. I aligned them at a big downbeat 2 bars later and all was well.  The ensemble was happy with their performance  

I also played in the WE concert that happened this past Friday.  The concert went alright.  I did not play well!  TOO BAD!   Actually the horns didn’t play well in general which is too bad considering they worked so hard to prepare this performance. 

I had a lesson on Friday with Dr. Thompson.  It went well, and I learned a lot.  She asked me some really difficult questions and I did my best to answer them.  I had some success and some failure, but I left with a good idea about how I can change my score study process.  She looked at my video and said it looked physically good, but questioned my interpretation of the piece.  FUN/SCARY. 

I am now dreadfully behind in my score study and philosophy, and I have an annotated bibliography due this Friday (I have no idea how this will get done in time). 

I had a great time in Vancouver at Chris and Lori’s wedding.  I flew in for 10AM Saturday and the wedding was at 3.  Chris was so excited (as he should be) and all was good until the videographer showed up to film us getting ready for the wedding (ALL fun stopped immedietely when she walked into the room).  Not a problem though, we all forgot that she was there soon enough.  Lori was stunning, the ceremony, and reception was PERFECT!!.  Jenny and I had a great time dancing, and having fun!! We haven’t been able to spend much quality time together lately because of our hectic schedules.  It was lovely to see our family and I am so glad I went. 

BACK TO REALITY-HONNEGER TOMORROW

freaking out

OK, minor freakout.  I am feeling overwhelmed lately!  I am, or believe I am, working at full capacity and still I feel like I am not achieving everything that I need to achieve.  I mean I am getting things done,…but there is soo much that needs doing.  Yesterday, I made 6 different piles of work that needs to be done in the next two weeks.  I start rehearsing the Honneger next Monday, and present it shortly thereafter,.. I just have to keep telling myself that it will all get done!  Keep working,..must go now, 3 more hours of philosophy tonight. 

Chicago

Planning for Chicago in December, and I am really excited that Jenny is considering coming.  She is even considering tagging along to the evening concerts.  It will be fun to hang out in Chicago in December. Romantic!  

Here is hoping that she can get the time off. 

fingers crossed

Excited,..

-I am teaching a lecture this Friday for the 3rd year conducting class.  I am doing a lecture on fractional beat preparations.  It will be a short half hour lecture but it will be fun. 

-Philosophy is eating my time and my soul.

-Lessons are going well so far.  I am learning sooo much already.  Seriously, my teacher is a conducting ninja.  The Symph Band read the Persichetti and it was really rough but I am going to tear it to shreds tomorrow. 

-I am scheduling in some fun for this weekend.  Woo FUN!

-People that rule today(that I saw)- Jenny, Michi, Steven, Sarah W, Brooke Taylor, Aaron Neeb, Catherine Folstad, Dittmer, and more

My Analysis for performers class is much like this post

September,…

I have been kinda quiet lately,..sorry.  I always find September difficult because I am not yet in the groove.  I am looking forward to this week.  I will be working with the Symph band for the first time this Tuesday.  I am working on a Persichetti piece and I am sure they will find it challenging. In addition, I am taking a Philosophy class and so far things are a bit frantic, but I am starting to get some ideas for reflections and paper topics. 

Coming attractions-SSHRC apps, school apps, reflection one for philosophy.

Fall is coming, it is starting to get cold,..I am looking forward to Christmas. 

1st Week

School started this week and things are CRAZY at the university.  There are thousands of people hanging around the building for Frosh week.  I have finally figured out an elective to take.  I will take Philosophy of music.  I think it will be a  very difficult course but I am up for the challenge. 

Ensemble auditions are happening this week, and I will be sorting folders out tomorrow.  Ensemble is starting next week,..wooo. 

Let the craziness begin!!!!!

My poor car,……

     Ok, we have a 1995 Mazda Protege and it has been a great vehicle.  Recently, it has been through a series of unfortunate events. 

1)  We were over at Mi’s house and this jackass backed into our vehicle, and tried to drive away, but Jennifer ran outside and then he stopped.  He destroyed the rear fender and the back bumper, and gas tank release.  He said he lived right there and would take pay for it but not through insurance.  Then he said he had to go and I said that he had to provide us with his information.  He then said no, he was busy and then drove away.  So, I called the cops and reported him, gave his liscence plate, and now he will be charged and he will have to pay for it.  POOR CAR. 

2)  On the way to Toronto, our charge light came on, so we decided to stop at the Canadian Tire, and get it fixed.  They hooked it up to their doohickey computer and then found out that our alternator belt was in broken and the battery was not charging.  So, I am sitting in the Canadian Tire waiting room waiting for them to perform surgery on our poor old car,…..POOR CAR.

WOW,…I can’t believe it!

Summer is almost over,….:(  Time to start with lists and organization,..boo

To do list

• Make a massive batch of sauce and meatballs to freeze for quick meals.
• Pizza Dough!!!!!!!!!!
• Make sure that the house is clean. 
• Paint the french door
• Shoe shopping
• PRACTICE and finish harmony
• get back in shape with my horn
• get my students set up for the year. 
• FIGURE OUT MY SCHEDULE!!!
• Start SSHRC application–sigh
• Pick up bus pass/day planner/OLGA!!hisssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
• Sort out office space—I am ready to fight!!

Focus, determination, and meditation,…

Meditation..

I am delighted to have taken some time for myself to recharge for this year.  I have taken a month off and I still have two weeks to go.  This is truly the calm before the storm…

Focus

I feel as though I am prepared for the first quarter… at least I think I am.  I have done a thorough score study of my first piece.  It took a long time but I have a solid plan for the first rehearsals.  My year looks like this,….

Research Seminar

Conducting Seminar

Lessons

Recital

• 1st Concert- Pageant-Persichetti w/Symphonic Band
• 2nd Concert-La Marche Sur la Bastille-Honegger w/WE
• 3rd Concert-Variants on a Medieval Tune ­– Dello Joio w/WE
• Chamber Concert-Harpsichord Concerto-De Falla, Beethoven Octet for Winds
• 4th Concert- Fantasia in G-Timothy Mahr w/Symphionic Band

Elective?? NO IDEA what to take booo X 1 million!!

TA-SOOOOOOO much work,…so little pay!

Determination-I am focused and ready to go.  I want to be the best conductor and musician I can possibly be!!!! 

Rattle,..the cool kind that is,…