8.5 Hours

Today, I spent 8.5 hours in the music building. A half hour with my ear training professor, going over stuff. I was there from 11 in the AM to 2:30 in the PM, doing piano, concert band, music theory, and practicing . In the afternoon, an hour for trombone choir, an hour for jazz band, plus a half hour of random practicing. Then I went to a 2 hour flute recital. Such is the life of a music sort of major here at Luther. I say sort of major because if I go to England, any chances of a double major in music will be lost, and I'll have a minor. However, everytime I see an artist of such skill, such as the flautist tonight, I am inclined to just drop history, and continue taking music until I have a doctorate of the musical arts. It is tempting to me. I just feel so passionate when I hear such musicianship demonstrated. It's so beautiful. Now, I have never been a prolific performer. I mean, I've played in many a band and jazz group, but I don't usually solo. that's something I want to work on. Turning my music into something I can share with others, from the very personal connection of my singular horn, possibly a piano, right into others' ears. I want to play a recital here at Luther. Maybe even play a piece at a general recital this year. Something I really want to get into is improvisation. I think jazz improvisation is the most pure, and soulful, and intense, and beautiful form of musical expression. Now, I love classical. But there's something about sitting in a club or whatever, and listening to 3 guys just jam for the pure joy of the music. That's what improvisation is. The pure joy of music in an audible format. When I am finished with college, I hope to be skilled enough to play some gigs around the cities. I just want to play music well. I want to play my trombone well. I am so blessed to be at a school where I am so pushed to succeed, and am forced to practice in order to compete. It is hard, but it's worth it. I got an e-mail tonight from Chie, my host mother in Kumamoto (she's the woman in the photo). It was very nice to hear from her. I hate to keep harping on this, but I miss Japan. And I hate to keep reminding you, but if ever given the chance, please go to Japan. It is such an inexplicably beautiful place, full of such inexplicably beautiful people. Tying this in with my previous muse, it was such a great opportunity to be able to not just go to Japan, but to go share and make music with Japanese musicians. Those kids were so talented. Gah, what a great experience. I so hope the path of life takes me back there. I know I write about this a lot, but I find I just have a need for some sort of outlet for it. I just have so much to say. Anyways, Kathleen situation = the usual. It's really a shame I don't live in medieval Europe, where I could just engage in courtly love. Loving chastely from afar, but never actually acting on it. I would be really good at that. I hope an oppotunity presents itself. But whenever I see her in band, all I can think is, "She's so beautiful." It's like one of those ticker messages that keeps repeating across the Goodyear blimp or whatever. Constantly, she's so beautiful, she's so beautiful, she's so beautiful, etc, etc, etc. And yes, she is beautiful on the inside as well. But you can't very well examine the inside from afar. Well, as far as the trombone section. Let's just say she's absolutely beautiful in every way, and that's the truth. I haven't been able to post as often. It's just been so busy. I purchased a book entitled The Da Vinci Code. I like it. I mean, it isn't written that well, but it's a thriller novel. What do you expect? It is very interesting. I know the book is fiction, but I think the essence of some of the things in the book are true. More research is necessary. Anyways, I need to read The Republic, then do some relaxing. Hope all is well with everyone.