become a better musician.

I litterally rented a flute today from work so that i would have something to jam on that would fit in my backpack since i couldn’t very well bike with a trombone.

It was AWESOME.

I haven’t played in months but somehow i was better and sharper today than then, and frankly something that has helped has been my intermittent jam sessions with jillery.

I am so much bolder and more willing to adlib and fuckabout than ever simply because we have played in the park this summer several times and there are NO CONSEQUENCES!!!

I goof up but i am learning too.
I am learning key signatures and it forces me to look at what notes i’m playing by name not just play along by ear…

I actually enjoyed the flute tonight which is a big change from the hate i used to harbor for it when it was playtesting time.

One day i might even own one of these stick-type-noise-ers just for fun.

:)

So next year, AP English and the auditioned Senior Jazz Band are in the same block.

This means that I had to choose between them.

I can’t not be in English, so looks like I’m in the non-auditioned Senior Jazz, which practices in another block (I still had to not take Social Justice or Acting to free that block up…apparently the school system just doesn’t like me for grade 12).

The only thing is, I’ve been in the auditioned group for three years. Now I’m suddenly going to be playing at a way lower level and I’m extremely bummed, especially since this is my last year as a high school musician.

But, I’m friends with a lot of people in the non-auditioned band, and I believe we can pull together and become something awesome.

Even if we only have one trombone and eight saxes…

EDIT: BUT I got into a new choir for next year that’s seperate from my school :D It’s taught by my favourite conductor ever. I’m very excited.

I love it! I went out tonite and jammed in the park with my roommate Jill (who plays fiddle) and it was not great at first but we got better and better at playing together and finding the right keys etc.
Its funny how you don’t think about keys until you start starting to improvise and play with other people. I need to start really learning the scales and making use of them. Who knew the fiddle and frorn went so well together!

I hope that we get more chances to keep playing together, we both had a really good time and people came by and enjoyed our noodleiciousness too while walking their dogs or biking home. :)
Oh, and tonite i had two people tell me about the Vancouver Carnival Band, which i’m super super super super excited about.

We’re going to go and see them play on friday (if i still have the gumption on after the critical mass bikeride) and I hope to attend a practice with them on the following monday. :) What could be better than playing in an all inclusive band like this one! HOORAY!

I am SO excited.

You can’t really tell from typing, but i’m REALLY excited, like remember when you were six and tomorow you were going to wonderland or christmas or you got to ride horses… that kind of excited. :)

I doubt that i’ll be able to play lars the frorn though if there’s marching/dancing so i’ll probably have to get out the clarinet, or maybe trombone to fit a little better… oh, and there’s dressing up!!!

now if only i could find my awesome tbone mouthpiece! maybe i’ll punk one from work next week? :p

It was a great gift to myself for this weekend and i’m stoked to get better at horn, its sort of wicked cool fun, i mean, what else is so difficult (embouchure/lip) but somehow so easy (super simple fingerings!). I honked in the living room for a good while today… i plan to make more noise tomorow.

I am playing my french horn a little. Its really ‘wobbly’ but kind of exciting because its so hard to control…. like one of those beachballs with the water in a little pocket inside them so they’re all unpredictable… yeah, that’s lars.

I’m enjoying the weirdness… its less satisfying than a trumpet but there is a certain lovlieness when something sounds like a piece of music rather than a warm up excersize.

Go me!
I’d like to hope that soon enough i’ll be able to ‘jam’ with my roommates who sing and play guitar and fiddle.
Maybe we could play in support of the local bike polo team. Hoorah!

Subgoal: utilize remaing free blocks to practice for Senior Concert and Senior Jazz Ensemble auditions

Subgoal #2: ask Ms T about CSMA choir

Subgoal #3: practice at least once a week during the summer

I borrowed a duets book from school to practice from until i need to return my horn.

I also want to practice the Trombone and French Horn a little more often before i go.

I’m relaxed by playing and right now on the precipice of the rest of my life when i need the most relaxation i can get!

Today i played the sax that i’m repairing and it was wobbly at first but pretty fun once i got myself back together and remembered the fingerings.

I’m really loving the trombone right now, and i hope that i will be able to practice some more and play in a community band once i end up someplace.

:)

I play trumpet somewhat and i have a clarinet now that i can play pretty well, but i think i’ll hand that one down to the niece this summer.
I’m just happy to be playing something again, and now that i’m older and not being pushed into it, its a LOT of fun!

Long haired guitarist and music student needs to put some work in right here :)

This is something which will never be completely checked off my list.

I’ve been playing music since I can remember but I’ve never really been satisfied with my chops. I don’t I put enough effort into it, or what I effort I do is not nearly enough. For something I love so much I can’t seem to put my but in gear to accomplish this goal. I’ll continue to play and write and hopefully inspiration will hit and kick me back into gear.