Silversonic

Yesterday I sent off a check to purchase a vintage 1960's King 3B Silversonic. That's right, I found one. The quest is over. Well, I still have to play the thing and make sure I like how it sounds, etc, etc, etc. But still, this is a momentous occasion. As anyone who knows me well can testify, the King 3B Silversonic has long been the trombone of legend for myself. In high school, Gaisor and I used to spend jazz band periods waxing eloquent about its sterling silver bell, lightning fast slide, and sweet tone. It was our perfect instrument. As I came to college, it was with shock and awe that I learned such a legendary instrument resided here. It was truly an ecstatic day when I was allowed to play the Silversonic for the first time. I have had the honor of borring that instrument for jazz concerts here at Luther, and it is a beautiful thing to play. It's so responsive, and so easily to pop into the high range, and still sound bright. To compare, this is like, I don't know, a brand new set of Taylor Made golf clubs, or if you're into coffee, one of those $500 dollar jet expresso machines. The one I'm getting won't be as nice as the one I've gotten to play at Luther. But you know, I don't care. It's not the looks that count, and I can always get it spruced up if I wanted to. I guess it was owned by a guy in a U.S. Navy band, so it has "USN" stamped on it. It will add character. Other than some lacquer wear, it doesn't have any big dings or anything, and it has a great slide. I can't wait to play it. So yeah, big news. I have most of my Christmas shopping done already. It's weird. Anyways, today was my last day of ear training for the semester. To give you a good example of how ear training went for me, today, I wrote out a minor melody in a major key by accident. Yeah, let's not talk about it. I felt pretty damn stupid after my teacher pointed it out to me. It's not like I didn't know it was in minor, I just had a brain fart or whatever and decided to write it as if it was in F major instead of d minor. Oh well, last class is cause for celebration. I am in the process of growing a beard. Why, you ask? Well, for one reason, I can. Secondly, and most importantly, I think it will make me look more like Obi-Wan Kenobi. Thirdly, I don't know, it sounds like a good thing to do. I don't really plan to keep it long, unless I like it. I learned the other day that Kathleen, a girl I once had aspirations of wooing, is now in a relationship. And you know, it really didn't bother me that much. I don't know, I just hope she's happy. What's meant to be is meant to be, you know? It's no use getting all riled up about something you have no control over. It's snowing again here at Luther. I love winter, I really do. Thus, I am enjoying the snow. Benjamin and I are sending some crap over to Japan as Christmas gifts to Chie and Keito. Just some Luther stuff. I hope they like it though. It's really fun to keep in touch with them. Speaking of foreign friends, I need to get a card off to Camille over in France. I talked with her the other week, and next year, as I am exploring Europe, I am going to go visit them. She seemed to find that an acceptable prospect. Isn't it strange how people you only spend a limited amount of time with can have a lasting impact on you? I lived with the Ehrmann's for 4 or 5 days, yet Camille imparted a very strong emotion on me. I can't really place it. But I mean, we had the language barrier in our way, I really couldn't speak very much French (even less now), but I still find myself thinking about her often. She's like, 4 years younger than me, so no one get any weird ideas. But I don't know, she has to be one of my very favorite people. Just something about the way she carried herself. Hard to explain. I wish all the best for her and her family. They are beautiful people, and I look forward to seeing them again. Anyways, I hope everyone is doing well.

P.S. Yesterday, I played on a piano that was extreme bargain priced at $90,000. A special edition Steinway grand. It was pretty intense.