The Circumference of the earth

SO - I am sitting here at the Pittsburgh Airport about to try and get on a flight to Dallas via Atlanta.

Today the bus driver informed us of a few facts that I found extremely interesting.

1. We spent a good 460 hours on that bus. That is over 2 weeks out of 3.5 months spent on a bus.
2. We spent over 18K on fuel alone.
3. We drove over 26,000 miles...the circumference of the earth is around 24,500 miles.


We practically drove around the world.

Dallas here I come - and i've never been more excited about it. :-)

The final stretch

10 days left. I can not WAIT to get home to my apartment, my wife, my dog, my own bed, even my awesome minivan. Things learned thus far.

1. Having amazing talent can get you very far, but if you've got connections and a moderate amount of skill, you'll probably go further.

2. I've learned alot about how to search for work in my field.

3. There will always be someone who is gonna make it difficult to just exist in your everyday life.

4. I've learned how to deal with that person.

5. Did I mention that connections are important?


Currently I am in Muncie, Indiana, home of Ball State University. Yesterday the propsmaster for our show flaked out and left, and also attempted to sabotage the crew. Petty man. The crew is resilient, and big props to Jon and the rest of them for calling a great show yesterday.

I will be working at EECU again this summer, happy day for having a job! Thank you Lord.

And now....back to the "grindstone!" Showtime.

You're Arrogant! You're Aloof!

The title is a quote from the musical that I am touring with. Jo March says this to Professor Bhaer before their relationship turns into a loving one, after Professor Bhaer speaks his mind to her, which she asked him to.

As unfortunate and as embarrassing as this may be - I have a problem.
I can be an arrogant moron. I've always had a problem with it. Sometimes it has been under control, and other times, Pride's ugly head seems to look very much like me when I look in the mirror. I know that I am with people in saying that the 2 hardest lessons for me to learn are lessons of patience and humility.

There is a stereotype within the musical world.
Sopranos and Trumpet players = Arrogant/cocky/condescending.
This is not always true, but sometimes I wonder if perhaps I should've played trumpet...and then I am reminded that my lips are WAY to big for all that. The trombone sounds better anyway ;-)

Forgive me if you've ever had to put up with this side of me. *Cue jokes* (I can take em!)

dilemma

My first thought as I started writing this blog was whether or not I spelled Dilemma correctly.

I am currently listening to an mp3 of Glenn Dodson - he was Joe Alessi's teacher, and the recording is of him performing Pryor's Fantastic Polka with an ol' skool US Marine band. He's extremely impressive.

Well I have 2 offers on the table now, and I'm not exactly sure which one HE will have me take. Lots of factors: Commute, Chamber Music, Orchestra, Class Schedule, MOOLAH.

Still shooting for the Coast Guard.

I was on Joe Alessi's website today and i copied all of his playing tips that he has on there. I'm always looking for more advice. And sometimes I wonder what goes on in the juilliard school. So I thought I'd find out. I did find out that his son is in a glee-club-esque group called the Alley Cats at yale.

I'm looking forward to school. I am NOT looking forward to moving.

reminders

Let's never forget - life is a gift. I knew him, not well, but I knew him well enough to feel this.

Let the small things roll off, and remember what matters when the big ones come.

Once More

United States Coast Guard Band
Principal Trombone
June 9th, 2008 - New London, CT.


Here we go again.


Has anyone heard of J.C. Heed's Storm and Sunshine? Cause apparently I need to play it.

Lessons Learned

A few things that I have learned on tour:

1. No matter what, in this biz - there will ALWAYS be at least one diva.

2. There will always be something that is going to bother you, the tough part is knowing how to keep your trap shut about it.

3. More than likely - there will also be somethings wrong, and something has to be said to prevent further damage.

4. Suprisingly enough - the trumpet player is NOT always the one with the biggest head in the band. hahaha!

5. Love can be hard. But I love her more and more everyday.


New picture posts on my picasa site.

I talked to Jon Schallert today - that was splended, he seems to be doing well, and living a wonderful dream! It made me miss school - he was on his way to a quintet rehearsal. Why is a good horn player always so freaking hard to find when you want a quintet. Maybe I should go to Michigan.

Next Stop - Gulf Shores, AL. Be jealous.