Cha Cha Changes

We're experimenting with photos today. This is a photo of the Luther College Concert Band trombone section last June in Kyoto. Relevance coming soon. So, I biked roughly 30 miles today. It was intense. I rode from Decorah to Bluffton, and man, I scaled and descended some INTENSE hills. Seriously, I probably pushed 35 mph going down one of the hills. And you know, that's not much in a car, but on a bike, holy crap. I was very tired, but I pulled off the ride, so I felt very pleased with myself. I have such intense tan lines on my legs and arms though, from my biking clothes. Oh well. I slept in today, ate lunch, practiced for roughly 40 minutes, then went biking. I then ate dinner, and went to band practice. It was really strange, not having Brad and Phil around. Phil is the guy on the right, and Brad is in the blue in the middle. Really really messed up. I was so used to having Phil to listen to, and learn from. If you don't know, Phil played bass trombone last year in concert band, and I sat next to him. He graduated, along with Brad, who was section leader. Brad was a great guy, and a big Star Wars fan. We had a lot of fun in Japan and China together, like going to see Episode III in Beijing. A good friend. But yeah, it was weird, actually having to think and play completely for myself, and not being able to rely on Phil to show me how to do it. Very intimidating, but a good challenge. Now the burden is on me to be a good leader, and step up my playing. Music here can be so stressful, because you're always comparing yourself. At least, I am. Who am I better than? Who's better than me? Will they be good enough to take my spot in band next semester? Will I be good enough to keep it? Will I improve enough? Will I be able to do a recital, etc, etc, etc. All I can do is just practice hard, push myself, and play my very best. But man, all this competition just makes you become so much better. I spent some time with Benjamin tonight, listening to some of the pieces for the orchestra audition on Friday. I hope I can make it, but I'm doubtful. I know I will play it well, but I just don't know if it will be good enough. Anyways, I'll give it my best, and that's all I can do. Speaking of old trombone players, Brad e-mailed me tonight, and sent me a Star Wars desktop for my computer. It was just great to hear from him. I wrote him back. He's a guy I wished would have been 3 years younger, so I would have been in contact with him more. He's a guy I respect a ton, and just really enjoy as a person. Dude, Candice is thinking of coming to Luther. It would be so cool, I can't even handle it. So, classes start tomorrow. I'm hesitant, but I know when I'm back in the swing of things, it will all be better. Speaking of swing, I am in desperate need of dance. I miss it so much. I just want to dance with someone. Okay, I need to sleep. Historical Methods coming at me hardcore, 8 AM.