November 13, 2008

I have one rant right now, and I'm not quite sure what to do about it.

I've noticed in Austin that when I go play at events, people will try and play the valves of my trumpet when I'm talking and holding the instrument, before and after events. I've never really had to deal with this, and honestly, I feel a little violated. You would never walk up to someone and go through their purses, or try to push the buttons on someone's camera. When I give my token response, (Hey, that's mine!) I get, "oh, I played trumpet in high school." I like that people have knowledge of the trumpet, and I'm excited that they're excited, but I suspect it's a little like pregnant women who have strangers walk up to them and touch their bellies. It's just not right.

Other than that though, I'm really enjoying that the high today is 70ish. Sorry for those Albuquerqueans who are dealing with freezing temperatures, but not missing that aspect of home (or most of the Northern hemisphere, really) at all. ;-)

October 9, 2008

UT Thoughts: Oh my goodness. Things here have been going great--better than I could have hoped, really. I'm really enjoying the University of Texas and all it has to offer. I've really enjoyed going and hearing all the guest artist recitals-so far David Kim (Concertmaster of the Philedalphia Orchestra) , and Stephanie Jutt (flute professor at University of Wisconsin, Madison) have been my favorites. I'm playing, right now, in Jerry Junkin's Wind Ensemble, Dan Welcher's New Music Ensemble, and Guido Olivieri's Early Music Ensemble. I get everything written from the 1600s to yesterday, and it's a blast. I have been blessed with many wonderful teachers, and Ray Sasaki is no exception. Coming here was the right thing to do for me.

In other exciting news, I've been looking for a new B-flat trumpet for a long time now, and a month ago, my old teacher, Bob Dorer of the Minnesota Orchestra called and asked if I'd found one. Long story short, Bob is recently a Sonare artist and suggested that I try out their horns. I need to preface this by saying Bob has been involved in most of the trumpets I've ever purchased, going back to when I was maybe 13 years old, and I (and my parents) have always trusted his advice.) I went to San Antonio and tried out a Sonare B-flat, and it was like Christmas. Then, when I reported back, he put me in touch with the Sonare Winds people, and voila! I am a Sonare artist. Neat! So, mostly because I am totally into the instrument (and a little because I'm on their roster,) go try out a Sonare for fun. And, if you get one, please don't practice too much (like I have been) just because it's so cool.

August 21, 2008

Hi everyone! I'm not quite sure what I'll do with this blog yet, but we'll see. I moved to Austin on August 10th after my brother and his wife got married in San Antonio. Classes at UT--where I am pursuing a DMA--begin Wednesday, August 27th. Until then, I'm finishing up a few projects (arrangements, organizing my new domicile, things of this nature,) and trying to get to know Austin. All I have to say is thank you to the people who invented GPS navigation for cars. I am sure I would still be driving in circles without it.