But anyways, the newer production the ballet company has there is really masterful and entertaining. I found myself smiling a lot, and not just because of the music (most of the time I had chills because of the music, actually). I strongly recommend going to see it of you live in the Pacific Northwest or are visiting.
I really wish I could perform the Nutcracker more often. I've just played it once, for a weekend in 2011 with the Walla Walla Symphony, and that was just the medium orchestra version. I need to keep track if they have auditions anytime soon. One thing I could do is set up a lesson with Rodger Burnett and get to know him so that maybe I could get on the sublist. That's happened before when I've gotten to know other horn players that have yielded opportunities.
I just want to say, also, that it really annoys me when I see horn players on Facebook complaining about playing the Nutcracker. Their primary gripe is that the parts are really boring and repetitive. That's not true at all! There's lots of great moments for the horns in the ballet. Sure, there are some repetitive moments in the ballet, but they aren't that bad...it's not like Bolero or Sleigh Ride or a Sousa march.
In other news, on Saturday I invited my students, friends and family to play Christmas carols in front of the Safeway in Oak Harbor. It was our 3rd year doing it, and it was very successful. We had a great turnout of players, with a nice rotation throughout the 6-hour timeframe that I was there. The group consisted mostly of my current students, but there were also a couple former graduates of mine, as well as some students that I see at the brass camp and a couple local teachers. And my mom and my wife. We played out of my flexible Christmas quartets book, which really worked well for this event. I just love the positive reaction from the folks passing by and they positive, fun vibes from the members of the ensemble. It's so great getting everyone together...it's like a family.
I really consider my students (both current and former) family. I form a great bond with them and see them often. I have a lot of students graduating in the next several years that I've formed bonds with, and when the graduate, it will be incredibly bittersweet; I'll be happy for them, but sad they're gone...just as if my own children were to leave home. It's the hardest part of my job, for sure.
Take care and value music...and Merry Christmas, everyone!