Trombone, Eccentricity, Film Music, and My Origins

Hello readers of Aaron's blog. Before I do anything, I am going to clarify something which has sort of caused confusion at college for people. When asked where I hail from, I always respond with "Farmington." I have never, in my entire life, lived in the city of Farmington. I have lived in Lakeville, right near Farmington, and Apple Valley, just a titch farther away. So, why do I say I'm from there, you ask? I spent all my school years in Farmington public schools, and as such, became quite intimate with the workings of the town. Especially in high school, I began to identify heavily with the city of Farmington, and my school. So, I always say I'm from Farmington because that is the town I feel I most connect and identify with, and best reflects who I am as a person. I do not identify with either the academic or civic functions of either Lakeville or Apple Valley. So, that's why I say I'm from Farmington, and as far as I'm concerned, I am. Anyways, on to the rest. I play trombone here at Luther. I've played trombone from 6th grade. And you know, I've always been pretty good at it. I mean, in high school, save for my 10th grade year, I was first chair in the top band, and held lead position in jazz band all except one year. I won some US Marine Band award my 12th grade year, and even lettered in band. I like band, and the trombone. Then, I came here to Luther, and got my butt whooped, hardcore, in terms of band auditions. I ended up in the lowest band here. I also discovered I had been playing the trombone incorrectly since 6th grade, in multiple ways. I did get 1st chair in the second jazz band down here, but I sort of got whooped in that too, by the other players. So anyways, I didn't want to suck, so I practiced. A lot. I became good enough to snag the last chair in the top concert band for second semester. And realize, I go to a music school, which is famed for music, and famed for having awesome bands and choirs. So, I was kind of surprised at that. I learned that I had to play bass trombone in band, so I had to basically, build up my low register from scratch. And I'm still working on it, but I've made considerable progress, I think. Throughout the year so far, I've also met quite a few people because of trombone. There's Luke, who is pretty much a cocky mofo, but a freak at trombone. Brad, who is freakier, but not a cocky mofo, and also a big Star Wars fan. Benjamin, who is quite hairy, but quite nice, and a freak at trombone. Phil, who is just messed up, and a freak at trombone. Lacey, who also plays cello, Emily, my jazz band buddy, and various other people. I think I'd be in trouble if I didn't play the trombone here. This girl I play with in jazz band, I like her. She's very quirky. I think that's the best way to describe her. I can't really put a finger on her quirkiness exactly, but it definitely exists. She has hair that is uncannily similar to one of my good friends from high school. Except she isn't half Thai. I don't know, I seem to be attracted to quirky girls. The girl who is discussed in the "Interesting Developments" post was very quirky, at least when I knew her. I think she's a little more diluted now. Most of my petty crushes in high school were eccentric in one way or another also. Actually, when I think of it, most of my friends are people who would generally be considered to be eccentric in one area or another. I have friends who are Lord of the Rings geeks, Star Wars geeks (naturally), band geeks, Catholic zealots, gamers, overly political, exceptionally opinionated, exceptionally religious, obsessed with boys, obsessed with girls, Republican, etc. I even have a friend who drinks Pepsi (gasp). If you didn't know, I am a Coca-Cola devotee, and consider Pepsi to be no better than motor oil mixed with sugar. Anyways, I think it's good to have strange friends. Normal people are quite boring, I think. It's good to be eccentric in certain ways. It definitely makes life a little more interesting, at least in my experience. The Star Wars Episode III soundtrack is released tonight at midnight. I think I'm going to go pick it up at midnight. Plus, I'm all out of deodorant and other hygienic items, so it would probably behoove me to get those items as well. I'm excited for the soundtrack, as it comes with a DVD of music videos, culled from all 6 Star Wars films. It basically takes a piece of Star Wars music, and shows how the person, and/or idea it represents progresses through the movies. Brilliant idea. And they're all introduced by Ian McDiarmid. I am a big fan of film music, especially epic music like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. I just think John Williams is a genius. I have the "ultimate" edition of Star Wars Episode IV, which basically means, every single note of music in that movie, I have on two CD's. And it's amazing, I can listen to the music, and basically be told the story, such is the interconnection the movie has with the music. Like, I can tell feelings, events, whether something is good or bad, all sorts of stuff. George Lucas has always maintained that you can watch any of the Star Wars movies without any dialogue, and still be able to understand the story through simply listening to the music, and I heartily agree. I just think the Star Wars music is so beautiful. And I think Twilight and Shadow, from the Return of the King, may be the most beautiful song I've ever heard. If you haven't heard it, go find it. It's in Elvish, and I just think it's the most relaxing song in the world. Before the TEC leadership turned upon me, and I was still in good relations with them, I sat in the prayer chapel on a TEC weekend one time, and just listened to that song, and prayed for a friend, and seriously started to cry. I was that moved by this song. Anyways, I should go practice the trombone and stuff. I hope everyone has a great night. Only 16 days or so until Revenge of the Sith!