Well... it's over with. The work I put in over the last few weeks paid off, but I'm not sure how much. I feel confident with how I did, and I know where my mistakes were (Ein Heldenleben still gives me grief), but I think they were minor in the grand scheme of things. The more I think about it, the more I am satisfied with how I played for the audition. I may not get the gig, but at least I represented myself well. Even the two old people who were recording the session were impressed enough to make several complements after I had finished, even though they have absolutely no bearing on whether or not I get the position. Made me feel good to at least entertain a few people.
I learned a lot more this time than I did for the Calgary Philharmonic auditions. I was more confident at this audition, and I think that allowed for a better performance. It is far less intimidating with two old people and a microphone in front of you instead of the big curtain hiding God knows who, so that might have something to do with it. But I think that this experience will get easier as time goes on. Also, far less intimidating warming up in a setting that I am familiar with, not some big room with a bunch of people from across the country far more qualified than I am.
Anyways, now I wait a month to see the results.
On another note, since I study with a relatively famous tuba profesor, I get to learn stuff about his very famous teacher, Arnold Jacobs. Jacobs was perhaps the most important brass instructor in the last 60 years, and has made an impact on the playing of the majority of performers in the brass world of today. Not because of his virtuosity, but because of his teaching, his knowledge of the anatomy of breathing, and his perspective on the mentality and psychology of musical performance. Gene and I go over this type of stuff every lesson, and more and more of it takes hold. If anyone is at all interested, they should check out his website (www.windsongpress.com), and read some of the articles. I'm reading one of the books published about his teaching (Legacy of a Master) and it is very interesting. It is a collection of essays written by his students, and it certainly offers some interesting perspectives and stories, like one about an oboe player from the Chicago Symphony who would have regular lessons with him to work out breathing problems. An Oboe player, working with a tuba player. Doesn't seem right, but that was how good Jacobs was with his teaching.
Anyways, Gene has an article in the book, so I borrowed it from him, but I'll probably want/have to buy it soon, as I think it is great reference for anyone who wants to teach. Read an article or two on the website, it's pretty interesting.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Saturday, January 21, 2006
NYO Auditions
Well, today is the day that I have auditions for the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (www.nyoc.org). Pretty scary process, but I think that I am prepared enough to make a good showing. My prof here seems to think that I've got a good shot if I represent my playing abilities well. Hopefully it goes well, but I'll probably have to wait a month or so to actually hear anything about how I did.
The stuff I have to play (excerpts from the orchestra trombone repertoire) is pretty standard for any professional competition. Which means to say that it is the hardest moments in a given piece for the trombone player. The problem with auditions is that I find that interpretation is a difficult point to get correct. There is no conductor, no orchestra, no trombone section to work with, just me and my lonesome. So you listen to recordings and get your context for the passage that way. At least, that's what I've been doing, but the issue is that what if that isn't the correct context? Every conductor/group has their own interpretation, some more drastic than others.
Basically, this leaves me with the choice of doing exactly what is on the page, and blending in with the masses of other trombone players auditioning, or doing something more interpretive with the materials (obviously still within the realm of what is actually written) and maybe distinguishing myself just a little bit. I don't know what I'm going to do yet, I could swing any way at this point. I guess we'll see what happens in 4 hours.
The stuff I have to play (excerpts from the orchestra trombone repertoire) is pretty standard for any professional competition. Which means to say that it is the hardest moments in a given piece for the trombone player. The problem with auditions is that I find that interpretation is a difficult point to get correct. There is no conductor, no orchestra, no trombone section to work with, just me and my lonesome. So you listen to recordings and get your context for the passage that way. At least, that's what I've been doing, but the issue is that what if that isn't the correct context? Every conductor/group has their own interpretation, some more drastic than others.
Basically, this leaves me with the choice of doing exactly what is on the page, and blending in with the masses of other trombone players auditioning, or doing something more interpretive with the materials (obviously still within the realm of what is actually written) and maybe distinguishing myself just a little bit. I don't know what I'm going to do yet, I could swing any way at this point. I guess we'll see what happens in 4 hours.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Firefly/Serenity
Well, being one of the few people at UVic with a full cable package, I make sure I take advantage of my situation. In the fall, I had an ever important, schedule binding addiction to "Law and Order", in either the original or SVU dosages. Having this aforementioned access to cable television, I get to watch 3 hours of Law a day. 3 hours a day! Anyways, it was a great addiction, and I'm still able to tell you what channels, at what time, and if you can see it in your respective time zone on said channels.
Well, the Bravo network kind of threw me for a loop the other day. They broadcast the classic Law and Order, which is my favourite, and they were showing the later seasons until suddenly, out of nowhere, they jumped to season one of the series! I guess that's all well and good when you don't really broadcast the show in any order as it is, but season one starred a very young Chris Noth. For those of you unfamiliar with names, he is now more famous for his role as "Mr. Big" from Sex and the City. Which is precisely the reason why I can't watch the first season of Law and Order. I just don't like the guy, and definetely can't see him now as the serious police officer. Thanks Bravo, thanks a lot.
All was not lost, however, as in my channel surfing to fill the gap created by Chris Noth, I stumbled upon the Sci-Fi network, and a rebroadcast of the cancelled TV show "Firefly". I had just watched the movie "Serenity", which is based on the show, so I was excited, and thus a new addiction was formed. Although it only made it through one season on Fox (ugh... Fox...), fan reaction to the cancellation got the movie made (kind of like when fan reaction got Family Guy back on TV... Fox has a really bad track record) and also allowed for unaired episodes to be broadcast in Canada.
Normally, I am wary of any show that gets air on the Sci-Fi network, but this stuff is surprisingly great. Firefly is created by Joss Whedon, the guy who created "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". Now, before you hold that against the guy, remember that he is also the one who wrote the script/story for "Toy Story", and you can't tell me that it was only a good movie because it was animated.
Firefly is very well written, and the actors protray their charaters as real people, and do it with excitement for the roles. After seeing the last three Star Wars movies, one feels like science fiction will be dead forever if the actors are always forced to read crap like that off of the paper, but Firefly seeks to make amends for those wrongs. The universe that Whedon created has depth, and it comes out in both the large and small details in the series, be it the script, art, scenery, and so on. The best way I can describe it is as seeing a show where what life would have been like if Han Solo had his own TV show. With some cowboy influence in there for good luck. And legal prostitution. But only for good one liners.
Well, the Bravo network kind of threw me for a loop the other day. They broadcast the classic Law and Order, which is my favourite, and they were showing the later seasons until suddenly, out of nowhere, they jumped to season one of the series! I guess that's all well and good when you don't really broadcast the show in any order as it is, but season one starred a very young Chris Noth. For those of you unfamiliar with names, he is now more famous for his role as "Mr. Big" from Sex and the City. Which is precisely the reason why I can't watch the first season of Law and Order. I just don't like the guy, and definetely can't see him now as the serious police officer. Thanks Bravo, thanks a lot.
All was not lost, however, as in my channel surfing to fill the gap created by Chris Noth, I stumbled upon the Sci-Fi network, and a rebroadcast of the cancelled TV show "Firefly". I had just watched the movie "Serenity", which is based on the show, so I was excited, and thus a new addiction was formed. Although it only made it through one season on Fox (ugh... Fox...), fan reaction to the cancellation got the movie made (kind of like when fan reaction got Family Guy back on TV... Fox has a really bad track record) and also allowed for unaired episodes to be broadcast in Canada.
Normally, I am wary of any show that gets air on the Sci-Fi network, but this stuff is surprisingly great. Firefly is created by Joss Whedon, the guy who created "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". Now, before you hold that against the guy, remember that he is also the one who wrote the script/story for "Toy Story", and you can't tell me that it was only a good movie because it was animated.
Firefly is very well written, and the actors protray their charaters as real people, and do it with excitement for the roles. After seeing the last three Star Wars movies, one feels like science fiction will be dead forever if the actors are always forced to read crap like that off of the paper, but Firefly seeks to make amends for those wrongs. The universe that Whedon created has depth, and it comes out in both the large and small details in the series, be it the script, art, scenery, and so on. The best way I can describe it is as seeing a show where what life would have been like if Han Solo had his own TV show. With some cowboy influence in there for good luck. And legal prostitution. But only for good one liners.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
The Ten Brass Commandments
Well, most musicians are aware of them, but it is nice to see it in writing. These are funny (or scary) only because, more often then not, it is true.
The Ten Brass Commandments
1. Loud is neither right or wrong, it just is.
2. Rhythm is irrelevant as long as you play loug enough.
3. Whoever plays the loudest has the right rhythm.
4. Whoever plays loudest wins --- and we always win.
5. Intonation is optional at fff or above --- tone quality is also a bonus.
6. Tone quality may/can/should/must be compromised for sheer volume.
7. Always have a target. (my favourite, I've got a story about this one)
8. Humour the conductors in rehearsals --- the performance is yours.
9. An outstretched palm means 5x louder.
10. A two-bar diminuendo is mearly a big accent.
11. This rule just shows that we really can go up to eleven.
What makes these "scary" is that there are players in the music world who actually subscribe to some of these ideas (such as number 8). There are some weird mentalities out there, especially with musicians.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Caraway Seeds
Ever since I moved to Victoria, I've had a mild obsession that has involved a breadmaker. Megan showed me how to use the machine properly, and as I was looking through the instruction manual, I found a recipe for Irish Soda Bread. My curiosity stimulated, I set out to make this bread, only to find that the recipe calls for "caraway seeds", of which I neither had, nor ever heard of. Thus my plan to be creative in a kitchen (this is creative cooking for me, alright) was thwarted.
This was back in September. Sadly, every time I go shopping, I take a run down the baking and bulk sections looking for caraway seeds. It has become a bit frustrating, as I have no idea what caraway seeds look like, nor did I ever bother to even look them up on the 'net. So, every shopping excursion involves a 5 minute period of searching aimlessly through the aisles for a product that, as far as I knew, could have been glowing purple.
On a whim, I decided to check out an organic store near UVic. I figured they might have something like caraway seeds, since I was fairly certain they were organic, judging from the name. Organic food stores are not set up like a normal grocery store. You are forewarned. It was like stepping into a Costco for health nuts. The more I wandered looking for a baking section, the more I noticed that stuff was "organized" in such a way as to make you wander through the majority of the store. The fruits and veggies were in the near middle of the building, you had to go through the bulk foods to get to the cash registers, and the coolers were actually part of the breads and cereals aisle. Just plain odd.
Anyways, after locating the baking section, I began my ritual scanning of package labels in the attempt to find the precious treasure that I'd been searching for. However, I was unsuccessful in finding anything. At least someone who worked there decided to ask if I needed help, so I inquired about the seeds. I must have asked the right person, because she took me to an organic spice shelf, and found them right there! I was shocked; I guess there was a possibility they were a spice, but that didn't seem right to me. In any event, the amount I know about foods and cooking could fill a small thimble, so I purchased my caraway seeds and went on my merry way.
Caraway Seeds
So I made my soda bread that night in the bread machine, and I must say, it is nice to have that so-called monkey off of my back. The texture seemed right, but it is hard to say for sure, as I have never eaten "authentic" Irish soda bread. The sad part is, I didn't like the flavour of the caraway seeds. Perhaps I could use less in the next loaf, but they have a pretty aggressive flavour that stands out more than I think it should. Pretty much a let down after a few months of searching grocery stores for a single ingredient.
I think I had my horn on my face for almost 6 hours yesterday, all things told. It's going to be one hell of a semester if this pace keeps up.
This was back in September. Sadly, every time I go shopping, I take a run down the baking and bulk sections looking for caraway seeds. It has become a bit frustrating, as I have no idea what caraway seeds look like, nor did I ever bother to even look them up on the 'net. So, every shopping excursion involves a 5 minute period of searching aimlessly through the aisles for a product that, as far as I knew, could have been glowing purple.
On a whim, I decided to check out an organic store near UVic. I figured they might have something like caraway seeds, since I was fairly certain they were organic, judging from the name. Organic food stores are not set up like a normal grocery store. You are forewarned. It was like stepping into a Costco for health nuts. The more I wandered looking for a baking section, the more I noticed that stuff was "organized" in such a way as to make you wander through the majority of the store. The fruits and veggies were in the near middle of the building, you had to go through the bulk foods to get to the cash registers, and the coolers were actually part of the breads and cereals aisle. Just plain odd.
Anyways, after locating the baking section, I began my ritual scanning of package labels in the attempt to find the precious treasure that I'd been searching for. However, I was unsuccessful in finding anything. At least someone who worked there decided to ask if I needed help, so I inquired about the seeds. I must have asked the right person, because she took me to an organic spice shelf, and found them right there! I was shocked; I guess there was a possibility they were a spice, but that didn't seem right to me. In any event, the amount I know about foods and cooking could fill a small thimble, so I purchased my caraway seeds and went on my merry way.
Caraway SeedsSo I made my soda bread that night in the bread machine, and I must say, it is nice to have that so-called monkey off of my back. The texture seemed right, but it is hard to say for sure, as I have never eaten "authentic" Irish soda bread. The sad part is, I didn't like the flavour of the caraway seeds. Perhaps I could use less in the next loaf, but they have a pretty aggressive flavour that stands out more than I think it should. Pretty much a let down after a few months of searching grocery stores for a single ingredient.
I think I had my horn on my face for almost 6 hours yesterday, all things told. It's going to be one hell of a semester if this pace keeps up.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Back in Victoria
Well, after spending a month back at home, I've returned to Victoria. I must say, it was nice to be back for Christmas, but it is also nice to be back in Victoria. I tried to fit Megan into my luggage, but it was a tough fit, and she refused to go in the trombone case with my horn. But I was able to fit in the tea press and tea leaves that she bought me for Christmas, so at least I was able to bring home some of my Christamas gifts. My brother decided to give me the Complete Calvin and Hobbes Collection, which is 3 gargantuan hardcover texts of funny. However, that doesn't go so well as carry-on luggage. At least I have clean clothing, so I don't have to do that for a while around here... stupid apartment washing machines...
I wasn't as out of shape as I thought when I started to practice yesterday. The reduced practice schedule I was doing over the holidays keep me at a good level, so I should have no problem being in top form for my auditions for the National Youth Orchestra (http://www.nyoc.org/) at the end of the month. Little nervous about it, since my first actual audition experience was for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and I was slightly traumatized by the event.
I'm a little more concerned right now with my sore throat. The day after I got back, it started to feel raw, so I figure that any sort of virus that was floating around the apartment mutated, and now I'm screwed because I am no longer immune. Hopefully this doesn't progress into a full blown cold, as I do not function well with a DayQuil/NyQuil infused body.
I had a brass quintet rehearsal sprung on me without notice yesterday. It all went well, but it would have been nice to have met before we went in to rehearse with our coach, who happens to be a former member of the American Brass Quintet, and the New York Philharmonic too. Kind of intimidating. Anyways, this group of ours is trying to work out a tour of some sort over to the mainland, and the responsibility has fallen upon me to create a new program for school concerts. Pissed me off, actually, as it seems no one else in the group is interested in anything other than the money we'd be paid. They want to play, but beyond that, there is zero input. I like making decisions and all, but it would be nice if I didn't have to do it all on my own. This thought process led to my reminiscing about my former brass quintet, for which this blog is named. At least Kick in the Brass worked more like a democracy; we knew what we wanted to do, and everyone had ideas on how to get to that goal.
Kick in the Brass
I've got ideas now for this new quintet, but it seems that I am left to my own devices to making them work. The "hook" that I'm working on is "Music of the World", which would allow for the quintet to perform various musical styles, stemming from different locals of the world. I have literature from a Russian composer, the classic arrangements of Beatles songs for British rock in the 60s, and Hockey Night in Canada. One of our trumpet players is Cuban, so he was trying to find something authentic for us, but otherwise, I'm on a music search. It isn't easy trying to design a concert program for kids. It gets even harder when you have to try and not repeat what you've done in the past. I guess I want to keep that stuff for myself. Kick in the Brass was one group, and I think that I don't want to share that with another.
Anyways, I think that I've done enough "blogging" for today. I have not done anything that exciting since I've been back, so it makes for some pretty boring reading on the blog. That, and I need to quit slacking off and go to the school and claim a practice room for the next 4.5 hours!
I wasn't as out of shape as I thought when I started to practice yesterday. The reduced practice schedule I was doing over the holidays keep me at a good level, so I should have no problem being in top form for my auditions for the National Youth Orchestra (http://www.nyoc.org/) at the end of the month. Little nervous about it, since my first actual audition experience was for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and I was slightly traumatized by the event.
I'm a little more concerned right now with my sore throat. The day after I got back, it started to feel raw, so I figure that any sort of virus that was floating around the apartment mutated, and now I'm screwed because I am no longer immune. Hopefully this doesn't progress into a full blown cold, as I do not function well with a DayQuil/NyQuil infused body.
I had a brass quintet rehearsal sprung on me without notice yesterday. It all went well, but it would have been nice to have met before we went in to rehearse with our coach, who happens to be a former member of the American Brass Quintet, and the New York Philharmonic too. Kind of intimidating. Anyways, this group of ours is trying to work out a tour of some sort over to the mainland, and the responsibility has fallen upon me to create a new program for school concerts. Pissed me off, actually, as it seems no one else in the group is interested in anything other than the money we'd be paid. They want to play, but beyond that, there is zero input. I like making decisions and all, but it would be nice if I didn't have to do it all on my own. This thought process led to my reminiscing about my former brass quintet, for which this blog is named. At least Kick in the Brass worked more like a democracy; we knew what we wanted to do, and everyone had ideas on how to get to that goal.
Kick in the BrassI've got ideas now for this new quintet, but it seems that I am left to my own devices to making them work. The "hook" that I'm working on is "Music of the World", which would allow for the quintet to perform various musical styles, stemming from different locals of the world. I have literature from a Russian composer, the classic arrangements of Beatles songs for British rock in the 60s, and Hockey Night in Canada. One of our trumpet players is Cuban, so he was trying to find something authentic for us, but otherwise, I'm on a music search. It isn't easy trying to design a concert program for kids. It gets even harder when you have to try and not repeat what you've done in the past. I guess I want to keep that stuff for myself. Kick in the Brass was one group, and I think that I don't want to share that with another.
Anyways, I think that I've done enough "blogging" for today. I have not done anything that exciting since I've been back, so it makes for some pretty boring reading on the blog. That, and I need to quit slacking off and go to the school and claim a practice room for the next 4.5 hours!
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