Misc. Update

Music: Goosens Oboe Concerto (Nancy Ambrose King Plays Oboe Concertos)

So, I have 2 "journal" entries that I made while @ Idyllwild that I just neglected to put up here until now.

Aug. 13 - Idyllwild is already 1/2 over. Time really does fly when having fun. The concert yesterday went well, although a little long. Some things in the Strauss didn't line up the way they should've, but it wasn't bad. Dr. King performed twice @ the faculty recital last night and was amazing as usual. The Kalliwoda piece and last movement of Zelenka 5 were amazing.
So, maybe the real reason I'm writing is for this reason - men. Sometimes I really hate the way I was brought up; people like me don't really stand a chance in the real world. Oh, and on the topic of food, Spencer, my roomate and I went down to Hemet for In 'N Out. Good times.

Aug. 19 - So tonight is the last night; I've said it so many times before, but I'll say it again: time really flies when having fun. I had such a great time this year -I really do hope to come back next year if @ all possible. I'm not sure I can explain all that's gone on over the last 2 weeks, but all of it good in someway or another. I've made some awesome friends and my playing is good. It's actually been really nice to get so many compliments, especially from oboists. I'm really beginning to think that I'm a decent player. The other oboes, Dr. King, and Larry Livingston all think I sound good, so it's looking promising. Maybe I do stand a chance. Dr. King even said that she was proud of my progress this year and remarked how my tone had gotten so "juicy" over the last year. And, my English horn playing is improving a lot, too.
On a more personal note, I'm happy w/ the friendships and acquaintances I've made and hope to maintain them. So, overall, I'm a little sad, but happy; always an awkward position to be in.

And, for some personal additions:

~Aryn Sweeney, Dr. King's assistant was great - I really enjoyed her and hope to work w/ her again.
~I have a facebook and updated myspace.
~I still feel bad and pissed @ myself for not being more receptive to Spencer that one night. I only hope our friendship can continue in both professional and genuine manners.
~The concert in Disney Hall was so great - I managed to get all of the notes to come out and the solo spots sounded awesome. I got a very nice compliment from Larry Livingston. The sightseeing in Hollywood was fun, too.
~There are some absolutely beautiful spots @ Idyllwild, like the Grotto, the Point, and that one big rock down the hill from the Point.
~I feel pretty good about the upcoming school year, except for my financial situation.

Oh, and before I forget, I made a list of legitimate reasons as to why a romantic relationship is pointless @ this point in life. So, in no particular order:

1. Time
2. Physical
3. Necessity
4. Relevance to career
5. Relevance to normal life (there are plenty of happy single people)
6. Finance
7. Blinding to detail
8. Longevity
9. Independence
10. Considering other's feelings on above criteria (it's not fair to the other person if I can't make all of the above work to the advantage of both of us and our relationship).

So, that's it for now.

Where does the time go?

So, Idyllwild is almost over!! The last two weeks have gone by so quickly...it always seems that way when I'm in California. Anyway, lots of good things have happened and I'm feeling very positive @ the current time. I didn't party @ all last year, but this year seems to be my year of being social. Every night in Husch, there's an abundance of alcohol and amusing antics. I've made some great friends in the UofM oboe studio and hope to keep in touch w/ them. Dr. King is just as amazing and much more. I've been hanging out w/ her more this year and really enjoy her company and insights. She's one in a bazillion...I really feel a little better about my playing and reedmaking and am looking forward to this year. Orchestra is going well - "Don Juan" is sounding better all the time and since I know the part now, I'm beginning to really like it. It's a really nice part w/ some good exposed stuff. Larry Livingston is also one in a bazillion - he's incredible and I think one must experience playing under him to get the full experience and understand it.
To our surprise, the food this year has improved quite a bit, though it leaves room for improvement. And, the oboe choir @ the potluck and downtown Idyllwild was a hit, as usual. Dr. King also showed us the grotto, this beautiful place w/ water and rock formations. More on this and "the point" later.

As far as men go, there's lots of good eye candy this year: Brian, the principle horn, Frederik, the angelic German cellist (read: so this is what true beauty looks like.), John, the oboist, Andew, the percussionist, and many others. My roomate, Spencer, is a really nice guy and is cute. My hypothesis is that most percussionists are pre-disposed to be good looking, as our suitemate, Tyler is this very cute innocent boy that just screams "take me." Anyway, Spence and I've spent some good time together and I really like him. I hope that even though we're not "best" friends that this friendship doesn't go by the wayside, either. I mean, CSUN isn't that far away and I'm thinking of asking him to play on my demo. I also found out that he's bi and very sweet in bed. I've never "cuddled," spooned, or slept w/ anyone, so it was an interesting experience. And, I can even admit that I liked the closeness of the whole thing, as well as how relaxed I felt. So, perhaps a fuck buddy is a good idea, even though I have heavy doubts about finding one @ school. Oh, and before I forget, he has a great cock. Had I not been so tired and wacked out, I think things would've been better. I just have to stop falling for straight men, dammit. I also find it amusing that I have more straight friends than gay ones - although, most gay men annoy me w/ their over-the-top, immature flamboyancy. I mean, come on - if I wanted a woman, I'd be straight. Grow up. Just a pet peeve...

So, I'm looking forward to the concert on Sunday, even though it means these 2 weeks are over. However, I tend to not think of "goodbye," but "see you, later."

That's it for now - I keep saying it, but more to come on this summer @ a later date.

Idyllwild 2006

I know, long time, no post. However, I'll shall fill in all the blanks ASAP. For now, however, I'm updating from Idyllwild. I made the Festival Orch. this year and am playing Eng. horn in "Don Juan." Should be interesting since I've never seen the part and don't really know a thing about EH reeds. Kate Green, one of Allan's USC students got the principle spot in that, and I think one of Dr. King's students got the Ravel. Thank God it wasn't me... Anyhoo, there are 16 oboes this year, so that should be fun. The wind ensemble oboes are all really good, with a few returns from last year, so even though their music is pretty hard, I don't think it'll be too much of an issue. John Speers is so...adorable and cute. I just want to grab him and make out... Phil Raskin, the other oboist from SCVYP is here this year and I hope he has a good time and gets a lot out of this. I'm looking forward to 2 weeks of hard work and really immersing myself in oboe once again. Dr. King's assistant is Aryn Sweeney, a mutual student of hers and Allans, so that should be fun, as well. I was told be her that I look a little like Allan when I play. Unfortunately, the parental units won't be able to come out this year, so I won't see them until Christmas. Very sad, since it will be a good concert.

And on the quick topic of auditions, everything went pretty well, except for a nervous finger flub and some non-speaking notes in "Don Juan." And, ironically, 90% of us played the Saint-Saens sonata as our solo piece, so that was amusing as well.

Off to sectionals and more to come.