In the Eye of the Storm

Due to recent demand, I have emerged from the hurricane of events in which I live from day to day in order to impart further insight and observations to the masses.

My life is full of music. Everything reminds me of something I've heard or played. Sometimes that's really cool. But it can get annoying too. Part of my education is becoming familiar with tons and tons of music. I spend time listening to different works with scores and studying pieces I haven't played yet in preparation for playing them in the future. The library here on campus is a great resource. They have a ton of CDs and scores to most major works.

I don't get a chance to talk to some of you who read this very often so I will give you a quick update on some of the concerts I have been able to play recently and coming up soon. I still play with the Thalia Symphony, but instead of assistant horn, I've been moved the 3rd position (a great part) from now on. We are preparing a concert of Mahler's Songs of a Wayfarer, Stamitz's Viola Concerto and Dvorak's 7th Symphony in d minor. Our last concert consisted of the Grieg Piano Concerto and the Northwest premier of Grieg's c minor Symphony. I was also able to fill in as an assistant horn for Seattle Philharmonic when they played Tchaikovsky's 5th symphony a month or so ago.

Starting tomorrow night, I will begin rehearsal for Bizet's Carmen with Bellevue Opera. This is the first time I will play an opera. I'm looking forward to the excitement and challenge that goes along with performing opera. Rehearsing every night in Renton will be a challenge that will hopefully pay off. I've now listened through Carmen twice (once with a score) and I really enjoy this opera. I will keep you updated with how the process of preparing for this opera unfolds.