So this post is just all about news. So the concert I had with the Yakima Symphony a couple weekends ago was amazing. Playing a concert of just Harry Potter Music (more specifically, music from all 8 movies) is a real treat, and was in no way easy. It's amazing to think of how much better of a player I am than I was 5 years ago, because that music would've scared me at points. But no, I kept my cool the whole time and really stepped up to the difficult parts. It was a lot of fun, the crowd loved it, I had a very fun adventure traveling to Yakima and back, and I got to chat with some old friends. Really great experience.
Then, last weekend, the Saratoga Orchestra had another concert. This concert was an American Classics concert, which centered around Jazz. I love playing Jazz, especially in the orchestral setting. And we had a number of local high school players with us, so that made it a nice experience for them. There were a lot of notes and exposed stuff for me on this program, and I had kind of an off day on the first concert (at least I think I did), but did a lot better the second one. I'm proud of myself for not letting that off day get to me. Man, it's so nice to have control over my performance mindset! It was such a killer for me through most of my career...can I get an "amen"!?
Next week I have my "Romantic era" concert with my brass ensembles. This is going to be a great concert, not only because we are playing great music, but also because the kids seem to really be stepping up. I gave them the hardest music they've seen yet for this concert, which was a risk, for sure. But I think they will do well. I'll record them on their concert Monday and show it to you.
And they're playing some great stuff too...Sleeping Beauty Waltz, March to the Scaffold, and Bruckner Chorale work, music from Mahler 2...and several more. This is the meaty stuff, people!
And the weekend after that, my horn ensemble is playing at the NW Horn Workshop! I'll fill you in more about what's in store for me on that weekend, because there's a lot. For now, bedtime is upon me.
Take care and value music.