Music

Many people may have been confused at the fact that I hadn't mentioned a lot of music stuff in the past few bloggings, aside from the orchestra announcement. So here it goes. I am in fact, principal of the school's top orchestra, but unfortunately, I really don't consider it much of an accomplishment. Meaning, however happy I am with my role as leader, the other trombones in the group are rather subpar. They would not survive at Luther. In general, I don't like how musical ensembles are run here. You basically only meet once a week for groups, for a 2 hour rehearsal. No daily meetings like at Luther. And in the case of the orchestra I am playing in, we rehearse on the weekends until our first concert, which is next Sunday. And then, we won't meet again until early February, to prepare for the next concert. Once again, I am not a fan. Here are the reasons why this system is stupid.

1- Plainly put, it just isn't enough time to play music to an appropriate standard
2- It doesn't allow for the ensembles to "gel" as a group
2A- There isn't sufficient time for relationships to form among people
2B- Without the connection that usually is intrinsic among tight knit ensembles, a lot of the joy and emotion of making music is lost

So that's what's up. I'm a little bitter right now, partially because of this weird system, but mostly because I was sort of let down by the other players. The "bass trombonist" of the top orchestra is playing his part on a straight Yamaha. At Luther, you don't even get close to 3rd part in Concert Band without a real bass trombone, to say nothing of any of the orchestras. And overall, if put in a musical battle, Luther orchestras would absoloutely demolish Nottingham's. I won't say anything of the concert band, since I haven't heard them yet. I really am irritated that I can't do concert band, and I really miss playing band music. Hopefully I'll be able to join next semester. But they're playing some sweet pieces this semester in honor of Shostakovich, like a jazz suite and Festive Overture. Subliminally though, my desire to play wind music stems from an intense missing of the World Famous Luther College Concert Band. A lot of photos from fall tour have been posted on Facebook, so it's good to see what's been going on, but it's also difficult for someone who feels a great tie to the LCCB. I think mainly though, I just miss my friends. It's hard, when you're so used to hanging out with people who share your same passions, and then be thrown into a group of people who are so different. I very much enjoy the people here, but we have to be honest, most people don't understand why you kiss your hand before buzzing on the mouthpiece. Just so I can still feel somewhat a part of it, like a member on sabbatical, I'm posting a few randomly selected Luther band/trombone photos.



Anyways, it's Brandon's 21st birthday today, so happy birthday. This weekend we are going to the Lake District, made famous by William Wordsworth and the Romantics. I guess it'll be fun, but I'm angry about missing both the first baseball tournament and an orchestra rehearsal. It's fair to say that I am chafing under the two directors here, Mark and Carol. Being so used to being independent, it's hard. Also, being a history/music person, their blatant bias towards art and literature annoys me. There was more to the Romantic period than Wordsworth, surprisingly enough. Maybe Edward Elgar? He's on the frekking 20 pound note. I've mentioned this before, but it's so hard with all this crap we have to do to really get involved in the university. I can't do concert band, can't do Sunday baseball practice, can't do a lot of the games, etc, etc, etc. For a college (Luther) that is so keen on students getting involved, it seems like a very ironic twist. I wish these trips were optional. As educational and enlightening as they are, I think I'd rather be able to fully experience foreign university life. Plus, it would be an escape from the pseudo-pretentiousness of Mark and Carol, who may or may not be reliving raising their children with us. It's lame, the director last year was a music professor, and the one next year is an intense philosophy guy. But despite the relative grumblings of this post, things really are going well. I'm looking forward to playing in alto clef on my tenor trombone in orchestra, and am being challenged by my teacher. I really suck at playing musically, but my pedal notes are improving exponentially. I have to pack up my instrument. Later.