i've got a lot going on...

hello again. why so quiet around here?

well, as you can see,

i've got a lot going on...

No, no, no...in reality I actually do have a lot going on!

Something kind of random that my mind keeps coming back to lately is:

CORRECTIONS.

When I was in ballet during school we would get so mad if our teacher didn't CORRECT us. Pay attention to us. SEE US.

But...now that I am a teacher...I worry about correcting too much or too little.

I don't know the answer, but I have been thinking about this a lot lately.

I've also been thinking about etudes a lot lately! Here is the first one out of the Langenus method, which I secretly love. It's just kind of fun. Well, a few of them I have deemed unplayable. Whatever. Soon I will be starting MY clarinet lessons. As in...I will be the STUDENT! Scary!

I have one goal for summer lessons: to relearn articulation. (I just can't be doing it right...and even if I'm good at faking it, I should be sure I have a proper understanding in order to TEACH it, right??) Anyway, I have a feeling that correction will require a good dose of ETUDES.

Good thing I love'em!

One thing I've learned about etudes, (and most challenging things in life, as it were) is that sometimes the harder you work the harder it is to progress. I mean, obviously this doesn't apply to all things, but you know...sometimes you can trick your mind into thinking something is easy...and it does become easier.

It's like one of my conductors said in an orchestra rehearsal one time that really stuck with me: "instead of trying harder, try softer!" meaning, take it easy! (and i do believe that was mr. manny laureano back in the youth orchestra days.)

Another thing that was AWESOME that I had going on a few weeks ago was this guy: Bakithi Kumalo.

Ben & I got up one very rainy Saturday morning to see him play at a music store in our area. Actually we THOUGHT we were going to see a bass uke demonstration--yes, as in bass ukelele--awesome!!--but then we found out it was being presented by Bakithi here!

Don't recognize him? How about now...
MMMMMHMMM!! That's right. He was definitely on Paul Simon's "Graceland" album and tour! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys, he was so good. He had a GREAT personality. And he was wearing Coach tennis shoes. So, there was that, too. He told unbelievable stories about living/growing up in South Africa, meeting Paul Simon, playing with the band, recording the album, going on tour, and eventually moving his family to New York permanently. Sure he was an outstanding musician, but more than anything his PERSONALITY was the inspirational thing!

The next thing I had going on was my ten millionth attempt to go to our neighborhood Farmers Market! I had failed to actually make it until last weekend! And I'm talking, trying to get to it for a year when it's four blocks away.

I guess my comment would be:

"It had musicians. It had mini donuts. It had cheese. It was lovely."

Later I did get excited and I did plant some herbs. I am trying not to kill them. I have basil, rosemary, something else, and one other thing. Pretty impressive gardener, eh?

But as usual, one of my favorite things that I am so happy I got the time to do this long weekend involved a quiet house...

with some mini champagnes

and some Chopin Nocturnes.

Because Chopin & Champagne are a natural combination. Besides, Chopin can be hard, but that's where the champagne comes in. You, too, can play Chopin with new confidence with maybe just half of one of those little mini's. I know what you're thinking: how do I afford my rock-and-roll lifestyle? It's pretty tough. And it's about to get tougher come June-July-August.

Clarinet Duet day, of course, is going great. I think we started almost 5 months ago. I'm totally almost back in shape! A very good thing. Seriously, considering where I was at, clarinet wise, and pscyh-wise back in January...not good. I am so happy to feel like I'm progressing on the instrument again. I seriously owe a lot to my duet partner! I <3 you, Bob!!! It's soooo important to have support and friends to help you through rough patches. Talk about a life saver!

Oh, dear--and one more thing! Did you know that last week I fell into a hole? It's true! It happened just as you might imagine. Except way more blood! Hahaha! Just kidding. The blood part at least.

Until next time! xo