First of all, I finally have the video posted of my Penn Cove Brass Ensemble playing at Solo & Ensemble last month! Here it is:
Anyways, on to more current news. I had a very fun day yesterday subbing for the first time with the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra (PASO). I'd never even been to Port Angeles before (not that I remember, anyways), so it was a fun new adventure. This was a really great orchestra, consisting mostly of volunteers and a few hired professionals like myself. I played with them on the 1919 Firebird Suite playing 4th horn. I'd played the part before, so I was familiar with it, and I had a really great time.
What was really reassuring and even surprising was the recognition I got, particularly from the conductor. I thought that coming in as a 4th hornist, no one was really gonna notice me or pay attention to me, but I guess the conductor noticed me (there are some exposed moments in the 4th horn part) and was very happy with how I played. That was great to hear. And the other horn players were happy with me, too. It was reassuring after my more recent lapses in confidence in my playing.
I also got to catch up with an old friend, Becky Ford. She's a trombonist my age who was at Central Washington University with me, and already had a reputation as a killer trombonist, placing at State in Solo & Ensemble more than once. She's now the trombone professor at Pacific Lutheran University and a very busy performer in the Northwest. It was really great to catch up with her and talk shop.
And after listening to this group play the rest of their program when I wasn't playing and then playing with them, and after talking with everyone and getting compliments and such, I came away from Port Angeles inspired again. I simply just need to get the horn to the face. A lot.
If I keep that up, maybe I'll earn my way to get to play more. I really want to do that...c'mon, dude...make it happen.
Take care and value music.