Lame

I got an e-mail last night saying we're indeed not playing Shostakovich No. 15 because there aren't enough violins. That was the piece with the sweet 1st trombone solos. In general, it's an intense symphony. Instead we're going to play Schumann No. 4, which I'm sure is cool, but the part is for an alto trombone. Does anyone else see a problem with this? Besides the fact that the closest I've ever come to playing an alto is when I was looking at Dr. Smith's, there's the little issue that I basically started learning alto clef, oh, this week. There also is the slight problem that I don't own an alto trombone. So right, I don't know what I'm going to do, or what these orchestra people want me to do. I'll find out tonight. Needless to say, I'm pissed. First rehearsal, we're hitting up Richard Wagner, hardcore. I had my first trombone lesson yesterday. The guy, Doug Wilkie, is different than Smith, but he's alright. I guess I'm so used to Smith and John Tranter, it's a bit of a change. He has some really good ideas though, like practicing with your eyes closed so you can only rely on your ears. Anyways, he also said that at least one of the other guys who made orchestra was in his words, "weak." So, we'll see how this goes tonight. All four of my limbs are pretty much in a perpetual state of strain and throbbing, thanks to my lack of stretching during Wednesday's base stealing in the mud experience, so that sucks. Tomorrow I have orchestra from 10-1, and then will probably hit up downtown. I'm going to see whether or not it's more economically feasible to buy cheap soccer shoes, or buy cheap baseball shoes and ship them over here. And I guess there's a sweet Euro-chic clothing store that's having a ridiculous sale, so practically everyone from Luther is going to hit it up. Sunday brings more baseball practice, this time on Astroturf, which most likely means we won't be sliding, which is probably good. First week of class has been deemed a success. I'm really liking American History a lot. It's sort of funny to have the professor, describing America's current superpower status, also say under his breath that it could also be considered a hyperpower or a world threat. Good times. Anyways, I need to eat before orchestra. Later dudes.