I wrote something today. It's... repetitive. That's almost progress for me. My problem in composing has always been *too* much melodic material. I sort of have that here, too, but at least it's in a new way, I think. I need to fix it, it needs a bit more progression, but the melodies are nice, and rather calming to have going in the background. Unfortunately it's only in midi right now, so it sounds like video game music. I should so do that with my life. I bet they'd like this carp. And I'll be broke in the street, too. What more could I want?

I love music. I know this is probably obvious to everyone who knows me, but I have a slight tendency to forget at times. Yesterday and today we've had a clinician at our school. I can't remember his name. I don't care. I'm not much on him. However, he brought circumstance into my lap. This Tuesday was the Symphony orchestra's last concert of the year. I was in the ensemble for the first concert, but not the second, and was sort of depressed about that, since they played the Firebird suite, and Stravinsky is one of my gods. But then I saw the concert.... yes, Stravinsky is good. Firebird is good. Little old English boy, Edward Elgar blew it out of the water in my opinion, and that was first half. I wanted to give a standing O at intermission. I was so touched. I almost cried during Nimrod. (Out of context that must sound so odd. Nimrod. As an affectionate nickname it leaves something to be desired.)

Meanwhile, as amazing as that concert was, that wasn't even the best part about this. Because of random clinician we went through the Elgar and Stravinsky again this week in rehearsals. On Thursday we had Wind Ensemble, so when we got to the orchestral bits of the clinic I got to read the Elgar with Megan, seeing as none of the orchestra members were there. It was great. I was so happy to have the opportunity to play the piece. Then my luck got... well, maybe better.

Amy, our principal player in orchestra unfortunately is having problems with tendonitis and arthritis. This sucks. Muchly. She's a great player and very dedicated. Not that I really feel that *anyone* deserves to get tendonitis, but really... Anyhow. So it did mean that I got to play more Elgar, some Glinka and the Stravinsky. It is not possible to sightread things like The Infernal Dance of King Katscheï. Well, it was still fun. I love playing in orchestras.

Happy Friday. Happy May. I've been taking the time to walk my favourite route through campus whenever I can for the past couple of weeks, since I'm so aware of the fact that I'm not coming back. Today I was there again and looking at the view in between the library and McEwen Hall... I need to draw that as a persepective sketch. If I can only take a photo now, that'd be enough. I need to preserve that somehow, though. Too bad I had no camera last week when the full moon had risen over there above the library with such a beautiful symmetry. The dogwood tree by Gregory was gorgeous for all of maybe three days before the storms and winds typical around here ravaged it. I think I'm appreciating beauty as I see it lately, although I never get it on film. Not that I feel that beauty should be or ever really is permanent, but it's a nice thought.
posted by Unknown at 12:21 AM