A Monday unlike any other

Hello All,
Well I had a unique day today. I woke up this morning. Checked my emails and low and behold, there was an email from the Cleveland Orchestra. I sent in my resume requesting to be able to audition for their assistant principal position back in December. The email said they could not offer me an audition due to the number of highly qualified applicants. No big surprise there. I was expecting that.

HOWEVER,
The email did say that if I wanted to I could send in an audition tape that the judges would listen to and decide if to invite me to the live audition or not. If they like it, I'll be able to go to the auditions in March. So that was exciting to read at 10:00 this morning.

BUT THE DAY GETS BETTER

I practiced in the morning, had a noon rehearsal, then went to check my mail. Opened my box and there was a big envelope from the New York Philharmonic. Thinking I was not invited and they were just sending me the repertoire list, I was wrong. It was an audition packet asking for me to fill out an application and a repertoire list. Now with this audition, there are two options. You can either make a recording for a preliminary round, or you can go to a live preliminary audition in June. Now don't get too excited, because looking at this packet, I think this was sent out to everybody who sent in resumes. But I could be wrong. This audition is for associate principal in their orchestra, and will be held in June.

So yes this was an exciting day and good start to what will be, Lord-willing, a great week. A lot of stuff going on with preparation for my recital, and for these auditions. I would love to be able to get to go to New York and audition there and/or even go to Cleveland and audition there since it is about 4-5 hours away.

Some great opportunities that I have been praying about recently, and will continue to pray about: for God's leading, and for his provisions because it does cost money to audition. With all these exciting things going on, I better get some sleep so I can be alert for class and practicing the 'ole trombone. :)

From
J-man (Hebrews 12:5-11)

News and Update

Hello All,
So I just got back from practicing the 'ole trombone. I ran straight through my recital music for the first time tonight (without piano accompaniment), and all I can say is.....I'm smiling :)

PS And you remember how a while back I wanted to have a "540 week." That week I think I had a "375." Last week, I had a 540 week.....and I wasn't even trying to have one like that. Yea....something big is happening :)

From
J-man (Hebrews 12:5-11)

A "Rocky" attitude

Hello All,
It seems like it's been forever since I wrote on this blog, even though it has been about a month. This new semester is bringing new challenges as well as exciting opportunities.
This semester is going to be new for me in one way because from 4-6 p.m., I do not have an ensemble rehearsal. For the past 2.5 years I have been in Grace Brass, and decided (after much thought and prayer) that I would not be in the ensemble this semester. Why? I realized last semester that I have been doing a lot of playing but very little practicing due to the amount of ensembles I have been a part of--four groups last semester. Last semester I had a new desire to practice a lot and realized that I couldn't due to ensemble rehearsals. Some of you may disagree with me. Some may say that ensemble rehearsal is really good for the player. However, I never really had time to have personal practice to work on excerpts or solos.
So this semester I am not participating in Grace Brass, so I can focus more on personal practice for auditions, competitions, and most importantly for the semester--my Junior recital in February. So with the less ensemble work comes the responsibility of practicing during that time slot I would be in Grace Brass.
This semester is so exciting because of all the "free time" I have which will be spent in practicing and exercising. In Rocky IV, Rocky has to face the Siberian machine, so what does he do? He goes to Siberia and trains there for the fight. Basically secluded from everyone, he is able to focus hard and train well for a well-deserved victory.---Watch that movie if you ever get a chance!
I want to have this approach to my practicing: really focusing on my musical endeavors. Easier said than done though--especially that first week of classes. We'll see how it all goes as the semester continues.
I'm looking forward to it and can't wait to see how it all turns out :)

From
J-man (Hebrews 12:5-11)

PS the whole Rocky thing being in Siberia is kinda fitting too because Winona Lake is having one of its coldest winters in recent history. Adds a nice little touch to it. :)