4/18/99

Last wind symphony concert of the semester was this afternoon. We split the concert with the MSU Alumni Band. This is traditionally a large pain in the ass. Since I'm the librarian, I have to be at the Great Hall at 8 in the morning to set out the folders and the music. It's a pretty boring day after that; just making sure things go smoothly. The only really irritating thing is that the alumni get together and make anti-U-Michigan jokes, just like they did when they were students. It would be pointless (and tacky) for me to tell them how little anyone really cares over in Ann Arbor. Besides, Spartans wouldn't know what to do with themselves if they couldn't hate U of M.

We had a rehearsal at noon, and the concert was at 3. We got out of the rehearsal early and a few of us decided to go to Harper's for beers before the concert. Silly me; I'd forgotten that some people who don't drink as much as I do find that exciting and rebellious. It was a great time. Three tuba players and me, the whole place was fraught with double entendre and beer stories. We spent a good amount of time trying to determine the sexual preference of the bartender. This was important because it would dictate whether Eric or I flirted with him. The guy was hot. In the end he bought Tim's soda, anyway. Answered both questions at once, I guess.

Way good thing: I sold Eric on good beer, I think. He just turned 21 on Friday. I ordered a stout at the pub today, he ordered "same as her" and then he liked it. He seemed to,at least; he said he did. Sweet.

The concert went well enough. I'm rather glad to be done with the ensemble. I've loved playing in Wind Symphony--it's one of the best groups I've been a part of. But this semester has taxed me to no end. My section is very young. I'm old, musically speaking. I've played in very mature sections for the last 6 years. Last semester, the section consisted of me and John; the amount of time we've spent playing together made us an incredibly tight section. This semester, I have one freshman, who is talented but so immature as a player, and one first year grad student. Said grad student came from a school with a band not as good as this one; he seems to have trouble tuning and following the conductor. Part of that (but only part) is somewhat understandable--it's very difficult to learn the dynamic of a band. Our band is very advanced, and we tend to play a split-second after the baton drops. It's typical of really mature groups. My new euph player is not used to this, he's always coming in a hair early, because he's nailing the sound right on the downbeat.

It's just so hard for me to deal with this. I'm used to a section that breathes together, certain things are understood...they don't understand the intricate balance of a section. They think that all they need to do is play the right notes and they will be able to hide inside my sound and not be noticed. They lack responsibility for section issues. It's so obvious when a section, especially a small one like ours, is out of tune, or out of rhythm. I could have helped them more--I feel guilty about that. The euphonium section will be weak next year.

I feel really guilty for not-so-much caring. I won't be here. I wash my hands of my section. They are still my friends...until they find this page. Guys, sorry. I'll buy you a beer.