I'll just provide an update on things now. My student load has been decreasing a little bit each month, which isn't good, but I have been making some good progress with my remaining students. I'm doing monthly virtual recitals with them, as well as assigning them to quartets to do virtual ensemble projects. The virtual ensemble idea is new to most of them, but I think it will be great.
I'm been getting some practice in, but not an ideal amount. I've been spending a good chunk of my playing time on recording the Dauprat Op. 10 Sextets that I've arranged, and soon you will get to hear them on here. Other than that, I've been doing a lot of fundamentals in my practice, which has helped my recording, for sure.
I still haven't written any original music since my last project in 2019, but I've been really thinking about an 8-part horn ensemble piece to submit again for the IHS competition. I also want to write an original work for brass choir to play at the next brass camp. And also some orchestral music, too, but not quite sure what context for, exactly.
Every day, I miss more and more my students, my ensembles, and performing. This pandemic has really affected me, as it has with all musicians. The decrease in income is concerning. But I just miss the thrill of making live music, the thrill of playing in the orchestra. I miss seeing my students in a group setting. I miss going out and meeting new students and interacting with the local band teachers. I miss seeing my former students who come back to visit every summer. I even miss being super busy with music and feeling nearly overwhelmed, which is always alright because it's within music. Right now I don't know what to look forward to.
But, y'know, every day I keep telling myself to be ready for anything. That's my motto: "Be ready for anything." That;'s why I practice and do arrangements and lesson plan and research. This could end at anytime and I'll be back to work again. Just crossing my fingers like everyone else.
Take care and value music.