The End, The Beginning, And The Next Chapter...

Today was a great day. The chapter in my life dedicated to obtaining my under-grad is now closing and I find myself eager to move on to the next. Finishing (and more importantly, passing!!!) a final test for credit course was what made the day exciting. I can't wait to receive my degree and have it hanging there on the wall...aaaahhh...one nice, finely wrapped receipt for a job well done!! Woo-hoo!!!

The school term will find me playing lead with our big band and that's about it. I'm not quite sure what to expect from the performing aspect of it, but do know where I'm comfortable and that place is center spot in the big band! I'm pretty sure that the semester will find me performing on some student recitals as well as a few duets and combo settings. Should be a good time, and this year is definitely dedicated to making quite a bit of progress in arranging and writing.

All is quiet on this Sunday night and the condo-community is settled in for some sleep before starting another week. School tomorrow, but not for me...I'm going to try and not sleep in, but I may just treat myself to an extra hour or two for all the hard work this summer and the last five years...

Sweet dreams...Ciao!

Summer...Indoors...

Today was a long day....for school...

Chemistry in the summer, yay!  (Blah!!)  I think that Tuesdays will be the day of loathing for the first 5 weeks of summer class this year.  With a two hour lecture followed by five hours of lab work every Tuesday for five weeks, I think that I'll eventually go insane and leave a few people buried under the Chemistry building.  (ha ha ha)

I haven't taken this kind of class in a very long time and as such, its definitely going to take a while to get used to.  After class ended this afternoon, I can honestly say that I was extremely frustrated.  Somehow the realization of spend a full day in one building, especially on a perfect day like today, made me crazy envious of the rest of the world who were able to get out and enjoy the day.  That coupled with the fact that I really didn't get much accomplished outside of class made me feel even worse.  But, in the end I realized that it was important to get this class done and out of the way.  Dinner at my sis' place really helped and it was just what I needed to get me out of my frustrated self.  Thanks Sis!!!

The days are getting longer and our mountain town is blossoming into full swing weather wise.  It was hot today and I get a feeling that they are only going to get hotter.  The trees are blossoming and it smells wonderful around town and all over campus.  The mountains are picturesque and the skies are extremely blue...needless to say its a little slice of heaven here in CO.

My "Uber 80's" mix is coming along and now is up to 100 titles.  I can't wait to see what my prof thinks about his copy of it.  We've been talking about it since the Reno trip.  (oh...totally have to post about the trip sometime soon.  It was awesome!!)

Ciao!

Busy Bees and Sandy Beaches...

Day three and already I feel like my brain is melting down! Actually I love it and I have really missed school. I suppose its safe to say that I'm going to be doing the school thing for life! There's definitely something to be said for being busy all the time and this is definitely the term for being busy. I thought that my last term here would a little easier but they are going to make it as difficult as possible. (They being everyone...including myself) I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the fact that every day is packed full of things to do. Practicing, rehearsals, work, bar tending, concerts, sectionals, inventory, gigs, private lessons, teaching lessons....I simple cannot imagine my life without these things. Granted that a nice relaxing vacation on a white sandy beach with clear blue waters does sound appealing, I don't think I could go on one without my horn and a bag full of charts.

The first week is shaping up to predict how the rest of the term will flow. There is a definite air of "fast and furious" surrounding my schedule. Though, I do feel it necessary to mention that I absolutely could not accomplish anything without the irreplaceable guidance, mentoring and friendship from my advising professor. He has been the rock, the foundation, the anchor, the lighthouse, and any other metaphor that has helped me through my time in this school. He is one in several billion and I can't think of ways to thank him enough.

It's a great start to a great year and the best of times here in the mountains. Making music and enjoying life...I can't think of anything better. Even the beach sounds a little boring compared to all of this...

Ciao!

First Day Back!

The first day back after break has traditionally been long and tiring.  Today was no exception.  It seems that in our absence the department has seen fit to make sure that the first day back will always be long and tiring.  (Good times...good times...)

The day was great.  I was really glad to get back into the swing of things.  Getting up early this morning was better than I thought it would be and practicing first rattle out of the box was awesome.  I'm definitely going to make a habit of taking the mornings to practice and get some extra time in the practice rooms.  It was quiet, there were plenty of rooms available, and some how the department felt just a bit more cozy at 8am.

Rehearsals was pretty good for a session of sight reading.  The pieces are low grade difficulty and I see them coming together fairly easily.  Honor band should be fun and I can't wait to play some great music for the kids this year.

Work was good as always and I think this new quarter will promise good things for everyone, staff and kids.

All for now...Ciao!!