The Penn Cove Brass played their hearts out and played very well (I'll post the video later). They got two "Superior" scores and one "Excellent". It was kind of a shock, because I thought my group played exceptionally well. We were all quite pleased with the performance, especially the students themselves. But, there must have been something about us that didn't impress one of the judges enough. That's how it is at these things, though...we are being ranked by human beings. So even though we nailed our piece (due to some pretty intense preparation), to one of the judges we didn't have the right ensemble sound.
Not like the Anacortes group, who got all "Superior" scores! They actually has a couple timing mistakes in their performance, but I tell ya, they have a good ensemble sound and sense of pitch. Not that the Penn Cove Brass doesn't, but there's just something about the fact that that brass ensemble plays together 5 days a week....
Of course, I was disappointed that my group technically "lost" to the Anacortes group again, but was very happy for Anacortes. I knew I had played a part in their success, and I was proud of that. My group was a little disappointed, but they understand how to take a loss and learn from it.
My trumpet soloist played on Saturday, but unfortunately the performance didn't go as well as we had hoped. She just wasn't quite prepared enough, and thus didn't seem to trust herself at the performance, which led to nerves. I know how that feels...that's how my last several orchestral auditions have gone. When I talked to her about it, she was proud of herself getting through the piece, particularly because it was long and challenging, but also because of the fact that she was nervous. And I completely agree with her.
A horn student from Anacortes that I've been working with did quite well, and got two "Superior" scores and one "Excellent". There are some fundamental things she can work on for next year...but she's definitely one of those students I wish I could work with individually on a normal basis...
So yes, I was a mix of emotions this last weekend: proud, disappointed, shocked, relieved...It was a challenge to sort out. But after talking with the students and from just observing them during this time, it reminds me of that all-important quote I heard at the WMEA workshop last year:
"What matters most of all in music is the people you make it with."
Man, that is so true with me and my group of students. We love to be together, and to make music together. That's what matters the most in the end. My kids genuine had fun at this competition. First and foremost, that's what I observed, that's what we will remember, and that's what matters most. And I have to always remember that. Sure, I want students that can win competitions every year, but it's so hard to do that, especially when we're up against kids that come from large reputed band programs that are constantly surrounded by greatness. But, we can still walk amongst them (because we work hard) and just have a great time.
Now, I'm just thankful it's over, and I have a lot to look forward to over the month and into June:
The Saratoga Orchestra is playing a fantastic concert this month, with some pops music (Star Wars, Sound of Music, West Side Story) mixed with some standard concert music (Mvt. 2 of Beethoven 7, Lark Ascending). I'm actually pretty excited to play the Lark Ascending because I've never played it before, and there are a number of horn solos. Also, I've got 5 students playing in this concert with us, since this orchestra has a mentorship program fo high school students. So that's extremely exciting to me. Also, the mom of one of my young horn players plays violin in the orchestra, so I've arranged to have her sit right next to me in a rehearsal and observe. I've done that before with young students, and they've always loved that. Those concerts are on May 20&21.
My brass ensembles will have their second Spring concert on May 22. This should be a fun one, though I'm a little concert about my middle school group (the Harbor Brass), since they are playing a really tough piece that I wrote, and some of them haven't really practiced it. Hopefully my frustrated motivational speech I gave on Monday to them will help. They are also playing a couple other classics, the Earle of Oxford's March and Salvation Is Created. The Penn Cove Brass is playing a really great arrangement I made of the "Triumphal March" from Aida, as well as music from Phantom of the Opera. I'm also featuring my senior trumpet player Hannah on the 2nd movement of the Haydn Concerto, and my senior bass trombonist Joseph on a little medley of a couple Bordogni melodies.
I have my brass studio concert on June 5th, and I tell ya, it's going to be quite an entertaining show. I'm extremely excited about it, but it'll take another entire blog post to tell you about it...so I'll wait.
Holly and I are going to see the Seattle Symphony play the Saint-Saens "Organ Symphony" on June 4th, which will be a real treat.
And, I get to play with the Anacortes High School Band again on June 6, and they're playing some great pieces by Wagner, like the Rienzi Overtire and Elsa's Procession.
And then there's Oak Harbor's graduation...and the brass camp.
Yes, I'll be busy this month.
Take care and value music.