Festivals and Boys Don't Mix Well

I was out in the hall outside of the performance room, filled with judges. My heart was beating way to fast to be healthy, my hands shaking as if I were a human earthquake. The lungs I had to live with, they were not doing their job as if they wanted everything to end too, just like I did. I felt them, the tears were coming like pools of fire.  I looked up as I knelt on the floor and hoped nobody knew what was behind the failure. 

Just as I left the room, my first partner had packed up his instrument, not even looking me in the eye. As I sat in the hall, my peripheral vision saw the feet of my second partner turning in an uneven circle, and then pointed and step towards the mess that happened to be me. My lungs were still not cooperating, but I managed to cool the pools of fire with my breath. My best friend came over and put his arm around my shoulders, and my partner kneeled beside me.

Of course, it wasn't wasn't just my fault. Why the judges crucified us had nothing to do with our playing abilities. Time screwed us over, and played with my emotions. Time usually does that, it happens in every concept: technology, fate, music. But it wasn't actually that time had screwed us over too much this time. Maybe, just maybe, if I just got over my fear of people judging me based on the fact that I was going to do something wrong I could play better.

So did you guys like that story? Yeah, so that was way too over dramatic, I just felt like typing like that because right now I'm bored, I can't play trombone, and I need something to do. But to get the point, I recently have competed in a festival, hence the title. The festival was called Solo and Ensemble Festival, a festival for small groups of people to compete and stuff. Me being me, competing with other instrumentalists just sounded like so much fun, so I just had to sign up. Me also being me, I was too scared to play a solo, so I picked a partner and he picked a rather difficult piece. It's not that we couldn't learn the piece, it was just that we didn't have enough time to rehearse together. 

The magical book of trombone duets

Courtesy of Amazon

Because guess what? MALE HUMAN PEOPLE JUST HAPPEN TO BE RATHER BAD AT FIGURING OUT TIMES TO WORK TOGETHER. I am not sexist, I promise. It just happens to be that I am jealous of this kids success, being that he’s super smart and super busy, and I know I wouldn’t be able to handle what he has been capable of doing. So kudos to you, William. But moral of the story- y’all need to pick a partner that is able to play with you twice a week before entering a music competition. William and I did not do that bad, so yay. My other partner, Jake, was one point away from qualifying for State with me. So double yay. But I’m only a freshman, and we’ll see how it goes next year.

Our high school actually hosted the festival, which was probably the coolest part. Next year I believe we take a bus somewhere over the rainbow to another high school, so it will be an adventure. :). 

I AM SUPERIOR.

Link to video: click here

So I made it. Out of all of my three-o'clock-in-the-morning videos, I chose one that sounded like the best, and apparently it did. Apparently, my teacher though it sounded good too. After staying up until three in the morning on the Saturday of the Peaks Jazz Festival, I decided I had enough recordings and would submit one in the morning. Well, guess whose phone crapped out on them an hour before they had to leave for a jazz festival? Mine did! Kudos to Jake for being able to connect my phone to his hotspot so I could submit my auditions at the festival, and for helping me write out the written part of the audition. If you're reading this, you saved my life.

The worst part of the audition is that I had to use music from my school folder to play in my videos.  Yeah, it's a good thing because the music is easy, but it's also the worst part. The point of the audition is to prove you're better than the kids in Wind Ensemble, and if Wind Ensemble is playing a level 5 piece of music while your stuck with half-notes on a level 3.... that may be just a bit of an atomic-sized problem. Fortunately, I have talked to my teacher and other kids who have auditioned before, and they said auditions are just a formal way of asking for a spot in the ensemble. The auditions were actually year-round, and the teacher sees how hard every student works and plays, and then he decides if they want them in the ensemble. So I guess my teacher knows how freaking hard I work, and doesn't mind having me around. Yay.

Park City High School Wind Ensemble 2014

Courtesy of YouTube

I guess it feels like an honor to be in Wind Ensemble, but I just don't really know. Out of a total of thirteen trombones in the program, only four are in Wind Ensemble. The personnel in the trombone section consists of Jake, Molly, Michael, and I. Jake will be a senior, Molly a junior, and Michael and I will sophomores. I think I'm still going to be in shock until the first time we rehearse together, and then I'll just be a nervous wreck. I am, of course, happy and excited that I made the ensemble, and I'll get to be with my friends like Amanda and Bryan. The best part of it all that I left the knuckleheads behind to pursue my musical abilities at a higher level with other peers that actually care about playing music. We will learn so much more as an ensemble, like about what emotions music can provoke and how to create them with our instrument rather than just being told what a b-flat is.

I have heard that Mr. Taylor has decided to bring the Wind Ensemble on tour next year, which will be very exciting. My abilities as a musician will be able to grow more with a surround of music-enthusiasts, fun, and friends.

Baby, Are You A Roller Coaster?

'Cause you're giving me WHIPLASH!

Hah, get it? It's a pick-up line! For band geeks! Like me! The pick-up line is themed to the movie Whiplash.  Who doesn't love movies? Especially, who doesn't love movies when they're themed around something you love? For me, I love jazz. Whiplash is a movie about a jazz drummer who overcomes his fears and regrets as he aspires to his potential and makes a name for himself. Of course, the film being made in Hollywood, the poor boy just has to make the stupidest decisions of his life when all he wants is to impress his Studio Band teacher.

At the beginning, it all starts out with young, innocent Andrew practicing in a practice room, trying to figure out how to perfect his technique. Fletcher, the director for the Studio Band walks in while he is practicing. Fletcher tells Andrew he is looking for players for his Studio Band, and then asks him to play a double-time swing. As Andrew is playing, Fletcher continues to yell, "Faster!" at Andrew until he breaks a sweat. Andrew couldn't catch up to Fletcher's tempo, but he tries really hard. After a few beats of being behind, you hear the practice room door shut and Fletcher is nowhere to be seen. 

You may think that was really rude of Fletcher, but compared to the rest of the movie, that was nice of Fletcher to just walk away. A few scenes later, Fletcher shows up outside that frosted-glass door of JVC band rehearsal, which is the band Andrew is in. At the shout chorus of the song the band is playing, Fletcher bursts in and asks random players to play their part in the song. Eventually, Fletcher gets to Andrew and the other drummer and asks them for a double-time swing. This time, Andrew succeeds and is asked to join the Studio Band. Well, not asked. More like commanded to.

Along the way of this thrilling and dramatic movie, Andrew makes the most idiotic, oblivious, and self-abusive choices possibly of his life in this movie. I won't ruin it for you, I will just tell you how controversial it is. If you didn't know, Andrew is a college freshman at his music school. Being in a band like Studio Band is a pretty darn big deal at his age. With a director like Fletcher, a student like Andrew could certainly learn a lot about music when he rehearses under his direction. However, throughout the movie, Fletcher attempts to both mentally and physically abusive Andrew, whether or not it seems like it. I have learned a bit about music and jazz history throughout the movie, but what stuck with me is Fletcher's strong disliking for some words in the English language.

My life lesson

Courtesy of Tumblr

So yeah, you should go see Whiplash if you ever get the chance.

One last thing. Since this entire post was started with a pick-up line, I thought I should end it with one.

Are you a fermata? Because I really wanna hold you. ;).

Why You Gotta Be So Rude?

This is probably the most accurate description of  how I feel towards people who are judgey. My whole life I have experienced judgment from others. From what I wear to what I say to what I play- people just can't get enough out of their own opinions. And that's fine. What isn't fine is when someone tries really hard on something, wether it be a new idea or a new project, and others just shoot them down without thinking of their emotions. Yeah, I'm human too, and what you said just hurt! From rodeos to band festivals and everything in between, there is no reason to hurt someone's feelings just because they tried something new or didn't succeed. 

Now, let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, registration for next year was starting.  Oh yes, the great registration process. The great am-I-gonna-have-any-friends-in-my-class and what-classes-are-they-taking routine. I had to take the usual: a rigorous course load, with five core classes and a sparing three electives. Of course, I had to take Spanish as an elective, which means I have two electives left. So what do I take? Band, obviously! 

Me being me all ghung-ho, I thought I would have a chance to make it in to the higher level bands in the band program. However, as soon as I started recording my auditions, I thought I would never have a chance. I didn't sound good on the recording, and I was wondering why the heck my teacher ever thought I would stand a chance against the juniors and seniors in the higher levels. And then, to my utter despair, I realized it was just a recording on a camera. I was scared and depressed because of a piece of metal manufactured in factory across the sea in China. Wow. Disappointment. So I continued to play, and I recorded the best pieces I could and uploaded them to the internets.

And this is where the entire point of this post kicks in. My teacher will have to judge me based on my skill and decide whether or not to make me suffer in a class with a ton of musical knuckleheads next year.  I hate it when I have to play to be judged. It ain't fun. All of my life, I take the extra mile to stay away from judgement, wether it be from taking a test, losing on a team, or falling off a horse in a competition, I've pushed and kicked not to go. Because people are there to judge. My fate is in the hands of a person who doesn't even know who I am or how hard I've worked for whatever it is I am competing for. Judgement is also my theory for how wars break out.

I'm not the only on who feels this way, right? I know I'm not the only one. Famous people know the feels too. One in particular, I am in total condolence with because he has experienced what I have felt to the max. His name is Charlie Parker. Now, see, Charlie was a different one. Charlie dropped out of high school to be a jazz musician. Of course, Charlie was a killer player. He had the chops, tone, creativity, everything and beyond. He could play really well, and he was known for it by the age of 16. One night, Charlie got a chance to jam at Kansas City's Reno Club with Count Basie's drummer, Jo Jones. Charlie thought his time come, he really did. He was soon up to play on a solo chorus. However, he had been practicing an improv method of his own, one that used keys rarely played in jazz. When playing, he immediately switched to a passing chord and could sense the shock in the band and the audience. He was shocked and nervous, and eventually lost the beat. Jo Jones then stopped drumming, pulled a cymbal from his drum set, and managed to throw it at Charlie. Sadly, Charlie was pushed off stage by a series of mean jokes and laughter. 

Courtesy of The Guardian

This is why I love Charlie Parker. Do you what he did after that nightmare? He told everyone the famous line, "I will be back." And he kept his promise. Without that promise, we wouldn't even be discussing his very existence right now. 

Now, it's my turn. I'm going to take a risk. I'm going to post my audition for Wind Ensemble right here, for everyone to see and judge. I hope your ear isn''t as criticizing as  Jo Jones' ear is.

Link to video: click here

Slow Dancing, Band Concerts, and Clinics. Oh My!

Yeah, so we all know about these things. You sweat out of control, you're terrified and shaking, and sometimes you fall asleep. For most people, it takes time and confidence to become okay with it, and other times the utmost amount of will power to continue to pay attention. But in the end- all of this is worth it. The first time for everything is scary, but after it's over the adrenaline makes the event so much more worth it and memorable.

Ahhh, slow dancing! It reminds you of couples, physical contact, and kissing. That one magical hour where you can look into your lover's eyes and bond over the magic of music. Ever experienced that? Yeah, me neither. For us young'uns, slow dancing is the utmost level of torture brought on to us by our P.E. teacher. And when you have to dance with your brothers' best friend...... bring on the sweat and klutziness.

Level of awkward: 3 cool 5 you

Image courtesy of 8tracks

Ironically, I did have some good experiences slow dancing with people of the opposite gender. Crazy, Right? My school does a fundraiser called the Sweetheart Gala, which raises the money for the ability for us to have nice things, as long as we manage not to ruin them. Unfortunately, I had to work the Gala this year, which means I had to do a job to contribute to the event. Once I finished my job, I was excused to leave or dance, and I obviously chose to dance.

But how can I dance if I don't have a partner? More importantly, how can I dance if I don't know how? I was looking around sort of worried, but one of the graduate students from the band program offered to teach me how to dance. We enjoyed dancing to a delightful tune called Beyond The Sea played by the Park City High School Varsity Jazz Ensemble. After the song ended, he requested me to pick someone else out to dance with.

Hardest. Task. Ever. Like, what if I get rejected? Oh well, worth a shot. Luckily, I found one of my best friends standing along the dance floor, and I asked him to join me. Both of us enjoyed ourselves for one song, and then the set ended for the ensemble.

The night after the Gala, Little Big Band had a concert. We shared the night with Caleb Chapman's Voodoo Orchestra and Siren Sounds. We played some pieces by ourselves, and shared the stage with the Siren Sounds for a bit.  Our main hit was Cry Me A River, but we also played Big Noise From Winnetka, Blue Moon, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, It Don't Mean A Thing, and Mr. Zoot Suit.

After our perfomance, we were required to stay and support the other bands. There was a dance floor, so naturally I was on it. Eventually, a slow song came on, how awkward. So me being me (I'm actually sorry if you know me in real life) high on dopamine and all the good brain drugs, I asked a boy to dance, and I didn't get rejected (if you know me, that's a real shocker).  We danced together to the Voodoo Orchestra, and I taught him some dance moves. It was really rather fun if you can get over the fact that your partner may have deadly cooties.

The latest performance we had was at the Peaks Jazz Festival. The festival was on a Friday and Saturday, which means I got to skip school, and the fear of cooties. The beginning of the festival is a competition between school bands around the state. Luckily, our school bands didn't have to compete. I went with a fellow trombonist Jake, and we went to most of the clinics together. Unfortunately, we went to a rather cruddy clinic at about nine in the morning, after we found out that Jake can't read maps. That was helpful. In the clinic, it was one hundred or so people listening to Karl Hunter talk about tours.

It was pain. Literally, I looked pain up in the dictionary and it showed a picture of the lecture. Jake almost fell asleep. It was bad. It was an hour not even close to paying attention to. Even the schools competing were more enjoyable. Dave Pietro managed to keep our attention because he taught us about scales in improv, which wasn't as painful.

Image courtesy of Wherevent

Friday night was the night Little Big Band preformed. We had two performances, one of which I made Jake come to.  Our set for that night was Cry Me A River, Mr. P.C., and the raise-the-roof Gordon Godwin tune, The Jazz Police. It was a good concert. Of course, we had to play those tunes again later that night, but it was even better because Herbie Hancock and Victor Lopez were in the room. 

As usual, we had to support the bands and stay for the entire concert. I must congratulate Bryan Croce for his performance, because we all know it was perfect. Jake and I met up after his set, which was amazing. Victory was achieved that night, because I got Jake to dance a bit while Bryan was playing, which was the bomb because I'm pretty sure Jake doesn't like to dance. 

Overall, the festival was a blast. I got to play with Tom Bones Malone while I was there, which was cool. But something weird happened. When I went to solo, all I did was close my eyes and focus on my horn. I kind of just played. It never occurred to me to play the right notes, stay in style, or anything like that. I just played. My solo was five choruses long, and when I opened my eyes I felt warm and tingly. 

After my solo was done, I talked to Bryan about it, and he said I caught all of the changes and played well. I told Jake and William about my feelings, and they told me it was a musical "goosebumps" moment. Of course, a pat on the back and a "Great solo!" from Tom Bones Malone didn't help. The goosebumps are great, and they are the entire reason I do music. I loved that experience, and having memories of them are what make my persistence and hard work as a growing musician worthwhile.

Like A G3

(I have not watched the entire video, nor do I intend to.)

You're probably wondering why the title doesn't have a six in it. Funny story, that's the name of my new cellular telephone device. 

Just look at this baby

Courtesy of USA Today

So I got a new phone. My old one just kind of decided to give up on life, given that it was an iPhone. A really, really old iPhone. But what is so cool about this one, you ask? IT ACTUALLY FUNCTIONS WITHOUT CRAPPING ALL OVER ITSELF. Please don't sue me, Apple. Anyways, the thing that is really, really cool about this phone is that it actually has a good microphone and speaker. The main reason that I actually have a so-called "smart" (not at all) phone is so that I can access the internet for all of my music purposes. I watch a lot of videos on how to play better, and I stream music more than I produce carbon dioxide. And when I'm not listening, I make recordings of myself playing that I can improve off of, or upload to the interwebs for auditions. You know what I love best about this phone, though? IT DOESN'T CRAP ITSELF WHEN I'M UPLOADING AN AUDITION. 

Speaking of which, I got to use a new horn for my auditions this season. My new (almost) soul-mate. 

YSL 548GOAL

Courtesy of Yamaha

Just incase you're wondering, this isn't actually a Xeno. I originally hoped to get a Xeno, but I decided to try every horn before I picked one. I tried mostly Accents, two Allegros, and two Xenos.  Of course, I'd thought I'd end up with a Xeno, but it turns out I didn't sound as good as I do now on this horn. What's great about it is they don't have a string on the rotor, which makes it prettier and easier to care for.  As for me, I do more playing everyday than the average student musician does in a week, and this horn is holding up pretty darn well. No dents, no scratches to show the usage of the instrument. Plus, it is way better to use than my beat up Jupiter. My Jupiter is my student-line horn, which is supposed to be durable and easy to play on, but things happen and it's dented and hard to play and maybe I shouldn't have thrown it across the room and mistakes happen and whoops. 

Have you ever thought about how hard it is to keep time? I cannot, to save my life, keep in time with a metronome. Last week I was playing the piano, and I was struggling with a few bars of a song, so I whipped out a handy dandy metronome. I have tendency to never ever ever stick to a metronome...  I promise I know how to music. Luckily I was able to fix my problem by keeping time in my head, which is a lot harder than you think, but it works! Time is a slut, she screws everything. but if you focus on her when you're thinking, you'll play better.