I burned my thumb. Owwwwwww. But! Today we finally listened to a recording of Short Ride in a Fast Machine, then attempted to play it up to tempo. Results weren't insanely bad. I think we can actually do this on the concert. Dr. Holcomb was asking me afterwards about how sectionals went when I led them on Wednesday, so I told her that we didn't progress as much on the actual notes as on knowing where entrances were. She commented that maybe only the top players would really get it and that there'd be a decent amount of faking going on. I'm so glad this is something she's expecting, because I'd hate to be held responsible for trying to get everyone to learn this stuff--it's a bit insane, really. When I first did it two years ago it took me forever to learn, and honestly even back that I was one of the better technical players in the studio. To think our entire ensemble would really put in the time required... Umm, no.

I'm also very excited because I ordered CDs from three concerts from this month. Urgh. Forty five dollars for three CDs. That's insanely overpriced, really, but on the other hand I know the man who has to go through and edit all of these things himself, and if he's getting a cut, then I'd feel better. In any case, I've been playing well at concerts lately, and I'm really excited to get these recordings. I was told that the Wind Symphony recording I ought to be getting any day now. I'll be happy to listen and try and see if things were as bad as I thought. I have this morbid curiousity about these things. Ow. My thumb hurts.

Visual Basic was cancelled today (Huzzah!!) and in place of that I went to dinner with Rich, who I don't get to see enough of, then was indoctrinated into "The Great Mighty Poo" song by Rich and his suitemates. Damn, but that's funny. And it has musical integrity, dementedly enough. I was so amused.

So after that was the Wind Ensemble concert, which was pretty good, and I was glad I went. I think I must make a note from now on to take *every* opportunity possible to hear Wildy Zumwalt play, becuase that man is *amazing*. His tone... his technique.... Oh my freakin' word is really the most I can say about it. He's just incredible. They also played a piece by Zappa which was rather interesting. I really like going to music school and experiencing these things. Tomorrow we get to have a masterclass with a flutist from a modern ensemble. He's a flutist and rapper, actually. Should be interesting. Too bad these things won't continue much longer.

Now I get to pretend that I'm going to have a decent amount of sleep tonight.. yeah right.
posted by Unknown at 9:44 PM