Sitting in my office.
It is 8:10pm
The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps is holding their 2nd annual Texas auditions here in Waller.
Snares are in the band hall.
Tenors in the ensemble room.
Waller children under-foot.
Sleep is not an option.
But I am okay with that.
Splooie.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Archival Post #3 - Final
27 January 2007
fits and starts...
My apologies to anyone who checks this blog - fresh content has been slow in coming due to the sheer volume of things going on; many of which, while time-consuming, aren't very interesting. (I mean really, how many people want to read about the latest thoughts in ensemble fundamentals? Well... me, but I digress).
To help expedite things, I will attempt to communicate some things via photo:
The UT bell tower in Austin, at night, from a car... not terribly focused, either. I shall leave it at that...
Sarah and I attempting to perfect the art of the self-portrait whist in Austin.She, obviously, was considerably more successful than I.
My father and I at the Oasis - his first introduction to the greater-Austin area...
Sarah and my father, posing with complimentary plastic cups...
My inner Northerner laughs heartily at how these Texans view cold weather and ice... though getting school called was a nice change-of-pace...
A fun road shot coming home from the Waller HS Performance Ensemble's first show at Cy-Springs HS...
And tonight's pastime - score study, planning, and coffee at Cafe Artiste (much to Marc Martin's chagrin...)And so it begins...
11 January 2007
de profundis, clamavi...
My, it has been quite some time since I blogged. Between a fried power cord on the PowerBook, Midwest, Christmas, New Year's, and unrelenting maelstrom that is work, I have been a little hard-pressed to find time to fire up Blogger and sit down to write. If you have checking here occasionally and found a lack of fresh content, I apologize. I really didn't mean to leave [both of] you high and dry. Please take this post as proof that there is hope for me yet.
Midwest was great, to say the least. Checked out a few concerts, met some great new people, and got to spend some quality time with some old friends as well. Sarah had her second Giordanos experience, and both she and Greg McCutcheon got to experience a Chicago-style hot dog first-hand.(though I am sure a NY dog is equally as tasty to Mr. McCutcheon) Had a great time hanging out with Dan Finley, the BCM crew, Cam Stasa, and the myriad of other people I haven't seen in ... well, years some of them. GREAT time. Looking forward to next year.
Christmas at home with the family was wonderful, as always. Last-minute shopping was entertaining (TSA regulations make it hard to shop, wrap, and fly...bugger) and, in exciting news, I actually got a camera! I have always liked the Canon cameras my friends have owned, and this one is shaping up to be very, very nice. Also, I received a large gift of 3 Moleskine notebooks (parents, sister, and Sarah), which I absolutely love (it's a small obsession with me). Sarah also got me "The Audacity of Hope" by Barak Obama (just a little smart) and some amazing cologne - she's a pretty amazing girlfriend, I have to admit. Just a lot.
That's all for right now - more adventures of New Years and "my-first-real-trip-to-Austin" soon enough ... maybe even this weekend! Adios!
The Meals Family, circa December 2006 20 December 2006
Leaving on a jet plane...
Today officially begins Christmas break! Joy!
Like so many Americans, I will be travelling this holiday season, hither and yon. First to Midwest in Chicago, then back to T-vegas to see the fam, then back to balmy Houston for the new year.
Oh - and in all of this - I have work to do. Sisyphus has nothing on me...
Nothin'.
17 December 2006
02 December 2006
Eleven Saints - Jason Webley
Came across this video a few days ago at work... The firewall was down for maintenance and productivity, of course, dropped to nil. I think you will find it as addictive as I do. Enjoy.
via Neil Gaiman (again)
23 November 2006
Boom Goes the Dynamite
This oddly appeals to the little boy in me who blew his GI Joe collection up with Black Cat firecrackers one fateful 4th of July...
stop looking at me like that, you know you did it too...
enjoy:
Seriously can't give the phrase, "These two are the dog's nuts of the periodic table" enough props. We need to import that one across the pond...
via digg
22 November 2006
Midwest...
... definitely going, for the first time since I was an undergrad. Very, very excited. That is all.
18 November 2006
A Spot of Catch-Up...
It's been some time since I have been able to sit down and update the blog for the handful of people who read it... and since I am up here at school administrating the Cavaliers Houston Audition Camp, I thought I would take a few minutes to bring it all up to speed.
A few weeks ago, I had the good fortune to go to BOA Grand Nationals - professional development well spent - and soak in the experience. Got some great insights and observations about everything from logistics to pit equipment to show design to contacts and resources. Great, great experience overall. Here are a few pictures taken by Waller's lovely guard instructor Alicia Lopez.
This is the view from outside our hotel room... on the 19th floor of the Hyatt Downtown... as has been stated before, I am terrified of heights... obviously Alicia took this picture....
These were our seats for Finals... pressbox, front row. The best seats in the house, easily.
And Tarpon Springs takes the field... neat show, and about the size of the Waller Band... the target has been acquired... Yes, we aim high. :)
Aaaaand Finale. Very surprised by the champion, Broken Arrow - well played show, and derivative of some other groups that I have enjoyed, but not who I expected to walk away with the eagle... Congrats to them, though. Must also give props to Plymouth Canton (especially my homeboy Martin): easily the best visual package of the evening
(as well as the best performance overall, in my opinion).
From Finals, we made our way over to the perennial hang-out, Rock Bottom, to visit with friends and colleagues. Yes, visiting occurs via many mediums and through many modalities.
(as well as the best performance overall, in my opinion).
From Finals, we made our way over to the perennial hang-out, Rock Bottom, to visit with friends and colleagues. Yes, visiting occurs via many mediums and through many modalities.
Alicia and Jason Greenawalt (FMM 01), our peripatetic chum on this excursion.
Me at 3am... the picture is fuzzy, but it's not too far off of how awake I felt at that hour...All-in-all, a great trip. Got to catch up with some old friends and meet some new ones. Ran into Daniel, one of the handful that read this textual drivel, as well as Kevin Nix and Daniel Cuevas. Very rewarding and useful experience - can't wait to start designing Waller's 2007 show. Quite excited.
After that, it was a whole week of preparation for the Winter Concert and the Cavaliers audition camp. Somewhere in there, I did find time to go see a pre-release screening of James Bond: Casino Royale with Sarah. We both agreed that, while long (2.5 hours!) it was a good Bond flick. Laden with innuendo and some stunning action sequences (I want to learn how to move like the bomb-maker at the beginning of the film) it definitely was worth the time spent. The more aesthetic aspects of the film weren't bad, either.
Well, that's about everything that's going on here. Watched "Shine" and going to see Rach. 3 with Sarah tomorrow - an excellent end to the weekend, if you ask me. Flying back to PA on Monday and Thanksgiving with the fam. Lots to do, lots to eat. Looking forward to sleeping later than 5:15am for a few days, too. :) Hope that everyone has a great Thanksgiving and enjoys the time with their loved ones - truly the best use of time in the world. Peace out.
After that, it was a whole week of preparation for the Winter Concert and the Cavaliers audition camp. Somewhere in there, I did find time to go see a pre-release screening of James Bond: Casino Royale with Sarah. We both agreed that, while long (2.5 hours!) it was a good Bond flick. Laden with innuendo and some stunning action sequences (I want to learn how to move like the bomb-maker at the beginning of the film) it definitely was worth the time spent. The more aesthetic aspects of the film weren't bad, either.
Well, that's about everything that's going on here. Watched "Shine" and going to see Rach. 3 with Sarah tomorrow - an excellent end to the weekend, if you ask me. Flying back to PA on Monday and Thanksgiving with the fam. Lots to do, lots to eat. Looking forward to sleeping later than 5:15am for a few days, too. :) Hope that everyone has a great Thanksgiving and enjoys the time with their loved ones - truly the best use of time in the world. Peace out.
16 November 2006
05 November 2006
Finis
Just got home from the BOA Super Regional in San Antonio - saw many friends, kids performed well, watched finals. Myself, Sarah, and the Waller staff had a great time watching the show... But then, we are all band nerds, so that should be par for the course. :)
Not a whole lot to relate, as it is 4:00am and I haven't really slept yet. Thought I would share the "warning" sign found in the bathroom on one of the coach busses we used today. Exceedingly odd. Enjoy.
Yes, that is exactly what it looks like. Not sure what's wrong with the guy who is sitting down, but it appears that the gentleman standing up is making great conversation.
I mean, really : who designs these things? I want that job. Oh wait...
03 November 2006
Silly Rabbit...
I really wish laughing this much were a more common occurence. I know my days would be a lot better if it were. :)
via digg
Ben Folds : Live
It's always nice when you can scratch something off your list of things you'd like to do while you're able - seeing Ben Folds perform live was one of those things, and the experience was nothing short of amazing.
Sarah and I had purchased tickets to the Ben Folds/Houston Symphony what seems like eons ago (actually in August) and the anticipation had been building ever since. I have always heard that he is a particularly electric peformer, and most music is better live anyways - needless to say I was pretty pumped. Day of the concert, bolted from marching rehearsal, touched base with the booster meeting, and all but sprinted down 290 to pick up Sarah and go to Jones Hall.
After parking in the most labyrinthine parking complex ever, we left the realm of the Morlocks to go stand in the longest will call line ever. Happily, that was for A-L... we hopped over to the line with 4 people in it (yay for the end of the alphabet) only to find that they had lost our tickets. Reprints were quick, though, and in we went.
Our seats were... well... amazing. Upper tier, just off stage right center - basically in line with the best view you could imagine of the centrally placed piano. The symphony was set up behind, as it would be for a piano concerto (as we thought some of the less likely concert-goers may have expected). The only tell-tale that this was an unusual concert was the drum kit in the back, and the fact that the percussion setup was something more akin to a piece by John Mackey rather than Rachmaninov.
Note: The thing I found most humorous was that all the orchestral players were going through their normal, pre-concert paces - orchestral excerpts and all (whoever was playing Pictures was pretty damn good, too) - for a Pops concert. A Rock-Pops concert at that (or Pop-Rocks... that would be fun... but I digress)
The concert itself was excellent - the color pallete available to these pieces with the addition of the full orchestra made for some really cool takes on things (Not the Same and The Ascent of Stan most notably). Ben is a phenomenal performer - wicked amazing, especially on his more pyrotechnic pieces (Philosophy, et al...). Simply amazing. Just a lot.
Dinner afterwards - Star Pizza and Dos Equis - all in all a ridiculously great evening. What a nice way to begin closing out my first marching season at Waller - part 2 this weekend! San Antonio Super Regional - can't wait for the kids to perform and see everyone and their brother. That, atop Grand Nationals the weekend after, means I get to check out marching band two weeks in a row. Sweet.
In closing, I leave you with proof that Thanksgiving is apparently no longer a holiday - taken at the CVS here in Waller today. Somehow, I know "The Man" is behind this, nefarious bastard that he is...
25 October 2006
Why I love Sci-Fi
The editors at Wired magazine had a good idea: an entire story, in six words.
Apparently, Ernest Hemingway did this once, considered it one of his finest works...
Here are some of my favorites:
"Machine. Unexpectedly, I’d invented a time"
-Alan Moore
"Internet 'wakes up?' Ridicu - no carrier."
- Charles Stross
"I’m dead. I’ve missed you. Kiss … ?"
- Neil Gaiman
"The baby’s blood type? Human, mostly."
- Orson Scott Card
"Computer, did we bring batteries? Computer?"
- Eileen Gunn
Read more at Wired.com.
Oh my, oh my...
This is so wrong, but so funny...
Yes, I am well aware I am going to hell. ;)
Found on digg.com
22 October 2006
Conceptual Resonance
What an eventful few weeks it has been since last I posted (and yet, I have no pics... bring on the criticism). So much to say, yet so little energy to turn it into written communication. My brain truly is tapoica, sloshing around in my noggin like so much soupy slush. I guess that's what a day full of meetings with Jeff Fiedler and every administrator in your district will do to you...
Well, the band went to BOA Houston and had a successful outing - got to see Dr. Tim and watch finals with the kids. Definitely glad we did that, as they had a chance to see some good groups. We ended up taking 2nd in our class, but all in all the kids gained some needed perspective on the whole competitive aspect of the activity.
That was also right around my birthday, so I became incrementally older - and got a new car (completely unrelated). Atop that, I was able to procure plumes through the Blue Devils and Pacific Crest, both of whom were absolutely great to work with. Thanks to Pete Emmons and Stuart Pompel, you are both life-savers!
The band also went to UIL Marching Contest this past Saturday - received straight ones (superior ratings) from all judges. That's only the second time in 13 years that Waller has received that rating - the first time being last year. That was kind of a nice note to begin last weekend on.
From there, it was off to visit a sick student, and then to dinner with the lovely Sarah Stern at Mark's on Westheimer - the food was ridiculous, as was the company. Good times.
The next day I experienced Hot Bagel Shop for the first time, and had the good fortune to eat dinner with Mr. Fiedler and Ms. Stern later that evening. Good times.
So yeah, that basically brings us to today - and my brain being what it is, that's about as far as the English language us going to take us. Time for sleep, and the hopes that it will repair something up there...
Yes - well aware - the lame post count is getting higher. You're welcome. :)09 October 2006
06 October 2006
Freaky Friday...
So, up at school, cleaning/redding out my office, come across the architect's plans for the fine arts wing here at the high school and think to myself
"Self, those would look kind of nice on your giant, blank, wall until you get something else to go up there..."
So, I decide to unroll them (they had been sitting behind my door for about a month) and put them up.
As I pick up the roll of paper, I notice there are some cobwebs on the inside. Nothing unusual, I work in the country - crickets and spiders are everywhere out here. I decide to unroll the plans and clear off the spider-stuff, nothing major.
NOPE.
As I unroll the plans what falls out but a ... BLACK WIDOW SPIDER. Now, I have never seen one of these in real life, but there's the red hourglass marking and everything. Apparently the bugs in my office aren't good eating, since it was dead... but wow.
Now, I am not creeped out by spiders usually (unless they are crawling on you - that's creepy) but this one makes my skin crawl.
So, now I have a class A case of the willies. Time to finish cleaning... *shivers*
(Above)Taken with my camera phone, a little too close to spidey for my tastes. Here's a comparison shot, for your reference...
01 October 2006
Let simmer until solution clears...
I had the opportunity to experience two pieces of music a few weeks ago, and it has taken me the intervening time to decide what I felt about the entire experience. The pieces that were programmed were John Adams' On the Transmigration of Souls and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, as performed by the Houston Symphony Orchestra.
On the Transmigration of Souls is, to me, one of John Adams' masterworks. The scale of concepts taken on by this work is staggering, and I truly feel that an event like 9/11 cannot be truly expressed in musical terms beyond those which Mr. Adams chose.
We live in such a fragmented, chaotic world. One that is replete with newsfeeds: frenetic activity, crisis upon crisis, hammering and assaulting our senses in an endless cacophony of emotion, information, and above all: thinly veiled panic. We are rarely shown dialogue or thought-processes that last longer than a few minutes, all ideas are edited and parsed into whatever our mass-media would like to feed us that given day. Through this reality, the melodic ideas of composers such as Mahler, Wagner, Beethoven, and Mozart no longer represent the time we live in. They remain excellent music, and are just a relavant as they were in the past (perhaps more so), but not evocative of where we are. One concept that does resonate with this time is that of texture and layers. All one needs do is watch CNN to observe it. Adams deftly does this through the use of pre-recorded sound and speech, as well as the liberal use of choir and text to add depth and meaning to this "memory space" he has created.
When I visited Ground Zero while on tour with the Cavaliers in 2003, I remember thinking how appropriate the titling of this piece was to me: absorbing the raw, kinetic energy that emmanated from that place. There are places in the world where you can feel the vast amounts of emotion and energy that have flowed through them - Ground Zero is, and will remain, one of those.
The term "memory space" could not have encapsulated the import of this piece better, either. Like any memorial or space set aside for reflection and remembrance, it allows each listener to bring to it their own experiences and insights, adding them to the structure they are presented with. Most commemorative music is aking to this, but much of it presents a theme or motif for the audience to latch onto, taking them along on a journey through the piece. Transmigration simply exists, moves through a structure of emotional highs and lows, texturally varied but always engaging. It allows for each listener to have their time, their space, to remember.
And remember well we should. Not for the fact that we shall never let it happen again: we have limited control over that. We should remember because that is what you do when you lose something. You remember and you reflect. And, with those memories, you live.
Symphony No. 9 was programmed to be the counterbalance to Transmigration and achieved that on a purely conceptual level. Beethoven was a wonderful choice, I just simply wish that it had been performed with the same seriousness of intent that the first half of the program was. The ensemble seemed so much more present for the Adams, and possibly was going through the motions slightly on the Beethoven (perhaps due its warhorse status in the orchestral repertoire). One would think, however, that the setting of these two pieces in contrast to one-another would have opened up new avenues of understanding in both pieces, though they bear few compositional similarities. The photo/video montage that accompanied Transmigration was interesting for the first few minutes, but then as it refused to develop any ideas or present any new views, it quickly lost its poignancy and became simply part of the backdrop. It was nice (and yet distracting) having the text for Beethoven's 9th during the Finale, however.
All in all, a worthwhile experience... if only for the fact that it made me think. So much of life this time of year is reactive and harried. It's nice to "sit back" and let things develop as they may, mentally. A welcome change of pace.
Well, it is nearly 4am - I should go to bed. Much drill to finish tomorrow.
25 September 2006
24 September 2006
To fill the time...
There is a substantial post in the offing, but until that actually has a chance to trickle out of my head - there's this:
Enjoy.
Ninja Text Generator
16 September 2006
11 September 2006
10 September 2006
Random
A few notes from the edge of reason:
Had the chance to watch Univ. of Texas football with a true Longhorn fan Saturday evening. Albiet on TV, and though they lost, quite an experience. Highly reccomended. Really... Texas is a crazy place when it come to all forms of football and band... I like it, it fits me. Though I know I can never call myself a Texan, I do enjoy my adopted state.
Talked to my friend Holly Carlton, who is currently performing with Blast II: MIX in Japan. She is the woodwind swing, a job ideally suited to her - since she is a badass. She also sent along some pictures... simply amazing. She is so never coming home. :)
Ate - for the first time - at the Waller County Line BBQ with two hard-working students (who had spent their Sunday afternoon folding ponchos while Mike and I worked on the third movement. Let me just say that Waller does BBQ well. I am told there is an even better place to eat, called "The Hill"... I will be sure to blog about that soon.
That's all - have a great Sunday evening, loyal blog reader(s).
06 September 2006
Banksy and Band...
Two random things, that just happen to temporally overlap in my life.
- One: Banksy, a socially-incedendiary graffiti artist, has targeted Paris Hilton. Not being a big fan of people whose only creative contribution is knowing how to market themselves (which, while impressive, doesn't stike me as creative when they look like Ms. Hilton), it made me laugh.
- Two: Have recently been scratching for drill ideas, and came across this show. Have to say, one of my absolute favorites. Seeing it live is a highlight of all the time I spent with BOA during college.
Alright, back to drinking the melted ice from my Sonic dinner and calling parents. Let's pray I get out of here before 10pm tonight. Adios.
04 September 2006
Bayou Sojourn
This weekend, I decided to get away from Houston for a time and visit some friends in Louisiana. Put the job behind me, rent a car (so the crap-bucket doesn't break down in ... Vidor or somewhere scarier), throw a rifle, some clothes, and a bunch of CDs in the car and take off. A well-deserved mini-vacation in my mind.
Drove the 4.5 hours to get to Berwick, LA to visit Chuck Landry, the guard instructor for Vandebilt Catholic HS (where I occasionally help out). Amazing food, and a Chuck's family is hilarious. A comment concerning apples and trees comes to mind... good times.
Then proceeded to drive to Houma to stay with my friend Marc Martin, the director of bands at Vandebilt. Ridiculousness ensues.
Being less than an hour from New Orleans, we decide we (Marc and I) must visit there. Steering clear of the tourist-y French Quarter and other destinations, we stay in the more retail-oriented portion of the city and decide to have some sushi for lunch. Of the handful of people who read this, those that know me well know that sushi isn't really my bag - but I figured "what the hell - at least you won't die". And die I did not.
Miyako Sushi Bar on Veteran's in NOLA doesn't suck. At all.
The kitties are either waving hello or goodbye. Or waiting for your soul to fall into their softly padded, yet strangely long and taloned paws... Japanese cats are creepy.
The kitties are either waving hello or goodbye. Or waiting for your soul to fall into their softly padded, yet strangely long and taloned paws... Japanese cats are creepy.From here, we decide to go to Barnes & Noble... a costly venture for all involved. Marc purchased the 25th anniversary edition of Cirque du Soliel's library. I decide to purchase... air. Very economical on my part.
CCs coffee was next. All I need say is that I hate Starbucks coffee with every fiber of my being, even if I did get a pound for free last week. Still tastes pretty close to terrible. Extremely close.
CCs coffee was next. All I need say is that I hate Starbucks coffee with every fiber of my being, even if I did get a pound for free last week. Still tastes pretty close to terrible. Extremely close.
On like Donkey Kong. Seriously.
From there, it was off to Cafe du Monde for some beignets.
Are you getting the sense that not much sucks about food in Louisiana? Good.
From here, Marc and I went to another CCs, swung by Borders, and headed back to Houma for a quick meal of leftover pizza, spending the rest of the night writing drill, music, and everything else band nerds like us are supposed to do.
By the way - we have decided (being charter members of the Enron club) that Reagan should have won BOA every year they went, and even the years they didn't. They're just that good. And they remain that good - our bands have to have someone to compete with once we get them where they are going. :)
A very good day, all-in-all.
Tomorrow morning, I drive back to Houston. Huzzah.
27 August 2006
Well, the thought is nice.
Apparently, the denizens of cyberspace have industriously been researching and monetizing this whole "blogosphere" business... and now they tell me my blog is worth... $564.54.
Well, it is rather new... and kinda small yet... and, as Sarah is often wont to point out, not as good as hers.
Hey - at least it's better than being stuck using that damn MySpace blogging software.
Blech.
Alright - back to drill. Have a good night.
My blog is worth $564.54.
How much is your blog worth?
Minor Update
IKEA was visited...
Money was spent...
Red Robin was patronized...
Waiter was straight...
Oh wait... not at all.
Yeah - that's the last 24 hours in a nutshell.
Straight up, yo.
This little fella is what happens when I get bored waiting for Sarah to finish with the plants... at least he wasn't an armature doll. That could have been bad. :)26 August 2006
I look like Desmond Tutu?
Not real sure what algorithm they use to match the faces, but it produces some interesting results...
- best site for your family tree and photos" alt="Click here to create your own Celebrity Collage on MyHeritage
- best site for your family tree and photos" target="_blank">
Back to the lazy Saturday morning as planned.
Currently watching: Donnie Darko
22 August 2006
19 August 2006
"Hide and Seek" - I. Heap
So, good few days here. Survived the first week of school... marching band rehearsal went well today... discovered a new artist that I love. (as usual, a few years after everyone else)... and ran across this video, which i find humorous. not a terrible lot in the way of excitement going on here, which is just how it should be - given what september and october hold.
whelp... here we go!
16 August 2006
15 August 2006
"Jubal Step" - Marsalis
MegaVox Field PA : $1295.00
Cavaliers T-shirt : $17.00
LiveStrong bracelet : $1.00
Imitation Cowboy Hat from Wal-mart : $9.88
Cavaliers T-shirt : $17.00
LiveStrong bracelet : $1.00
Imitation Cowboy Hat from Wal-mart : $9.88
Knowing your friends are dying laughing : priceless.
I am slowly becoming a Texan. Go Coogs.
You know you like the hat.... really. :)
13 August 2006
"Cavalier Corps Song Medley" - Arlen/Van Boskerck/arr. Wis
Happy, happy, happy.
A simply amazing show, and I trust an equally amazing trio of performances this week.
The fifth world title in seven years doesn't hurt either.
Along with that, the Jim Ott High Brass award is nice... as is high GE and Visual.
Mike Anderson... not so sure about that... lowest score since 1991... well, Star was good that year... though "Machine" strikes me as a better product (especially from a design standpoint) than "Non-linear-storytelling-with-a-door-and-no-guard -integration"...
But whatever - it's not about the score.
We kick ass.
That is all. 
12 August 2006
"Machine" - 97.875
Broke down and bought the APD of Cavaliers' Quarterfinals performance. They sound amazing - the hornline is probably the best we've had... ever. The pit is sick-good, and the battery is not too damn shabby (contrary to what the judges think). I am so proud of my boys.
Get it tonight.
Peace out.
Splooie.
11 August 2006
"Alone in a Crowd" - J. Beal
Lots of stuff to do, little time to blog.
Summer band is almost over, and here are some pics from my life outside of my job in the last little bit here.
As seen at IKEA, in a toilet, in a model-space section, chilling with Katie Beth Toups. Makes me want to hear the story about why they need those signs to begin with...
Observed at Whataburger today at "lunch" - my order number and my uniform number from when I marched Cavaliers. Between this and all the rainbows I have seen lately, I think it's a sign. >dons karma cap<
Well, back to work. Cheering on my boys - they were Quarterfinals-ish last evening. Semis is always a better show for us.
Can't wait for tonight.
And I am not happy with the brass judge from last night. Just a lot.
Splooie!
That is all.
02 August 2006
Road to Perdition - Northern Lights 2004
Well, it's official. I love green tea, coffee, and winterguard. Yay drill writing.
Thanks to Alicia and Dustin for letting me borrow Independent Open Finals. :)
30 July 2006
Concerto For Orchestra: Agitato - R. Danielpour
Well, things are busy here - and they don't appear to be slowing up any in the coming weeks. A small update, for the few that read this blog.
Spent last week in Houma, Louisiana teaching the Vandebilt Catholic HS band camp. This is the third year I have spent with them, primarily running their visual program. I love teaching this camp: the kids and the parents both are incredible. Without getting too maudlin, I can honestly say that teaching at Vandebilt has become one of the highlights of my summer. The students work their tails off at anything you ask them to do, and the parents go way beyond to take care of the staff. The other staff members are hilarious and great fun to teach with, and working with Steve Brown and Megan Knox is always a blast. My thanks to Marc Martin and Steve Wilson for inviting me to teach their students - always a great time.
Outside of that, and getting ready for Waller's summer band, I have been writing drill and going to several drum corps shows (Houston and San Antonio, namely). San Antonio was a blast, especially since I got to see the show from the press box, thanks to my friend Tim Miller. As I suspected, the shows I really enjoyed were Bluecoats and Cavaliers.
Cadets do have one nice phrase in their show (the sequential sabre work in the ballad)... but that's it. Blue Devils are very good at performing, something I have always credited them with... but the show doesn't doesn't do it for me. Sometimes too literal, sometimes too predictable... doesn't have the depth of design I would want from that concept. Catchy name, though.
Suffice it to say that Cavaliers have a clear shot at the title again this year, provided people (i.e. judges) keep the right perspective on what they are evaluating.
Well, back to the drill writing... my brain is slowly turning into pattern manipulated goulash. Joy.
25 July 2006
Louisiana Crickets (they're bigger and louder) ... Seriously.
It happened. Bluecoats beat Cadets.
I am happy.
That is all.
:)
18 July 2006
16 July 2006
14 July 2006
"The Internet is for Porn" - Avenue Q
Now don't get excited - the title has nothing to do with the content of the blog. The content of my brain... possibly. But that's neither here nor there - really. Trust me.
So, the lack of bloggage lately has been due to the fact that I have spent an ungodly amount of time at this place (see below)
Being a new head band director is a very time-consuming job. Not complaining at all - I really do love my job. Though the 13 hour day I put in on Thursday was quite trippy by hour 11... and then running on 3 hours of sleep... I really need to put a couch in the music library. Seriously.
But, there was one moment of shining, radiant joy. Alicia Lopez, our color guard director and all-around wonderful person, had just returned from the wilds of Pennsylvania (namely, Johnstown) and had brought with her one of the two nectars of the gods of the Keystone state - Gallikers!
That is my hand holding the blessed bottle of wonderment. I even got a sip - it was grand.
Alright - back up to the bat-cave to write more drill. Peace.
... and yes, i took those great pics with my cameraphone. low-tech, baby.
09 July 2006
Piano Concerto No.1, Mvt. 3 Allegro Molto - B. Bartok
Sculptures of Artists - mixed media defined?
Absolutely love this - very, very cool sculpture of one of my favorite artists. Please enjoy. :)
JoeFig.com
05 July 2006
In the Waiting Line - Zero 7
In O'Hare International ... been here since 8:30am ... plane boards in 10 minutes ... looking forward to the whole sleeping on the plane vibe being strong on this flight... must charge iPod ... ran out of entertaining things to do several hours ago ... i am beginning to see that a monastic life of simplicity would not be for me.
Thomas Merton - one for whom this sojourn would be cake.
03 July 2006
Silence... or 4'33" : Reader's Pick
Sitting in Rosemont School - quite a few memories from this building - how many camps did I drive to out here? Getting ready for the wondrous Chicago free day tomorrow, and the fight to get on an early plane ride home on the 4th - tour has been great, looking forward to being back in my routine.
This show is going to be amazing by the time it gets to Houston, and simply stunning by Finals in Madison. Leaving with the knowledge that things are only going to get better and better makes me a very happy teacher, as well as happy alumni.
The boys definitely deserve their free time tomorrow... who knows what they shall do with it. I am sure things have not changed too dramatically from when I marched... should be interesting.
And yes, all the staff looks like Chris and Marc by the end of rehearsal... every day.
28 June 2006
First Essay for Orchestra - Barber
On tour now, residing currently in beautiful Bloomington IL at the Bands of America Summer Symposium. The past week or so has been a whirlwind - here are some highlights.
- Tuesday, June 20 - Was offered and accepted the head director position at Waller High School - I will miss all my children at Klein Forest, but am very excited about working out in Waller!
- Thursday, June 22 - Flew to Saint Louis, rented a car, drove to Owensboro Kentucky - but not before experiencing the fun that is rural Kentucky... replete with people who have never heard of debit cards and strangely marked toll roads. Hung out with my friend Holly (a cast member of Blast 2 : MIX), ate some Steak and Shake, good day.
- Friday, June 23 - Wrote drill, visited the paragon of southern living that is Wal-mart, watched Blast 2 : MIX (which, by the way, is GREAT - if you are in Japan this fall, you should check it out - great, great, great, great show.) Had some drinks with members of the cast, turned in for a long drive back to Saint Louis.
- Saturday, June 24 - Drove the long 4 hours back to Saint Louis Airport, finding out about halfway there that the Cavaliers wouldn't be able to pick me up until 6pm that evening (it was 10:30am, so you know). After turning in my rental car, I found many ways to occupy my time (including observing the worst customer service ever at the Burger King outside security) until picked up and transported to the show in Columbia, Mo. Met the boys in warm-up - they sound pretty damn good - and finally got to see Machine. Very good day.
- Sunday, June 25 - Drove to Lexington, KY - got to the housing site - went for a run - rehearsed, became more familiar with the show, showered, changed, went to the show, good day. Left for Sevierville, TN
- Monday, June 26 - Rained out show, the first time Cadets were seeing us. Had a standstill - we did well, and sounded pretty ridiculous for late June. Cadets performed as well ... they were loud. That is all I shall say about that. Packed up and left for Bands of America, all of 12 hours away.
- Tuesday, June 27 - Arrived in Bloomington - went for a run - found out that the brass staff had nothing to do until after dinner, so we went bowling. I am a terrible bowler, but almost won the second game I played... with a score of 108 (a personal best, I must add). Pathetic? Yep. Worked with the tubas in sectional, made "Wired" sound some better - ensemble rehearsal, snack, shower, lame bar, bed.
- Wednesday, June 28 - Rehearsed, gave a clinic, ate Burger King for lunch (yuck! but there was nothing else around) and blogged. Don't think we have to be back to teach the boys until dinner or slightly before - nice, lazy afternoon.
Eventful week, if I do say. Also, here are some interesting links you will appreciate:
Cadet's uniforms (which they performed without at the standstill - glad they did that, for it would have made no sense at all out of context).
Cavalier's Guard Uniforms - these look great in the show. The entire effect is very convincing and I think will go down as many people's favorite when all is said and done.
And finally, a recap from the show in Evansville, IN last night - Cadets and Bluecoats, duking it out. I sense something rather amazing in the offing. Mark my words. :)
All right - that's all for now. Think I need to get a digital camera, since my friend Sarah's post of a similar nature looks so much better with her visual aides. Time to go to Wal-mart. Donations? :)
16 June 2006
Remembering - A. Cohen
Note to self:
Concerning Requiem for a Dream, it is not wise to watch this film...
- ...alone.
- ...late at night.
- ...if there is no one around to give you a hug when it's all said and done.
A very, very good movie that has a lot of important things to say, but the underlying form of the world is shows you is one that I pray I, nor anyone I care about, ever has to inhabit. I highly recommend it, but you may want to have something like Chicken Little waiting in the wings for the next morning, as a counter-balance.
Really.
15 June 2006
Cavaliers 2006 - Machine, Mvt. 1
Okay, so I am going to be a complete homer here for a post.
Check out the Cavalier's stuff on YouTube - Rick Lunn and Ryan Ling (and whomever else works on these things - Spoonhower?) are doing a great job of putting out tidbits here and there - I love it.
But before you do that, check out the new guard uniform. When the movie matches the music, things get ridiculous. This is going to be a fun summer, I think.
Enjoy.
09 June 2006
Feste Romane - O. Respighi/trans. M. Patterson
University of Houston Wind Ensemble.
Best collegiate ensemble... anywhere.
Hands down.
Don't agree?
Find me a better one.
Good luck.
04 June 2006
Blurred - B.Ryan/Music for 18 Musicians - S. Reich
Sundays are possibly the best of days in the arbitrary division of time mankind has created. They possess none of the lacksadaisical ennui of Saturday, and none of the pent-up tension Fridays need to release. They are finite, which makes you enjoy them all the more since they must end. They afford you the opportunity to get work done in an enviroment that, while conducive to the task at hand, allows a large degree of latitude regarding the pacing and practice of the act of doing. Is that the long-form of saying you can be lazy? Possibly, but it's Sunday, so I don't care.
Laying by the pool this afternoon (it being sunny and all), I started thinking about a statement that one of my teachers, Richard Saucedo, once imparted upon the Cavaliers hornline in 2001. He said "The true emotion in music comes from harmony. Not from text, or dynamics, or anything else - just the harmony." Coming from an arranger as enraptured with extended harmonic language as Richard is, that is made obvious just in listening to his work. Given that it was summer, and that is the time when great amounts of thinking, introspection, and discussion take place - we had plenty of time and energy to mull over these words in tandem with the system of thought that was being introduced to the hornline that summer. (which led to how we sound now, but that is another post for another day)
First, I must say that I agree with Richard on this count. The harmonic structure and progression of a piece determines its emotional impact, and all other components (rhythm, text, dynamics, other special effects) merely enhance or subdue the core emotional content of the piece. Really, look no further than the most basic cadence we find from the earliest music - V-I - to see the sense of arrival, finality, and closure a sequence of 6 tones, 3 at a time, tonally spaced a perfect fifth apart creates. It's so incredibly simple, and yet has one of the most indelible impacts upon our centers of emotion and perception that even people who know little to nothing about music can appreciate it. Or at least know when to clap. Sometimes.
But to delve further into this thought process, look at the marching arts - they absolutely rely on harmony to convey the emotion of what they do. A great flag feature (e.g. Fantasia 2004 or Pride 2001) is often accompanied by music that could be characterized as "expansive", "uplifting", or even "soaring" - which is created by often simple harmonies voiced in a very open structure, simple rhythmic counterpoint, and closing with a definite cadence - a period at the end of the sentence, as Bruno Zuccala would say. And what does it do? I elicits emotion that, while seemingly incongruous to watching two dozen people wave poles with fabric on them around in a gym, is genuine and strong.
The same holds true for drum corps and marching band - the emotional impact comes principally from the harmonies performed at a high level by the members of the group. Even the implicit harmonies of a running bass drum line create a response - bass 5 is going to drive us forward, and the other 4 leading down to it create tension and line just as much as a traditional melody. An great impact moment is one where the visual and musical synthesis is achieved at a level that the content seems to inevitably be what it is - it could be no other way. Visually, the motion leads the eye either to a focal point, or through a sequence of motion that creates tension that finds resolution. Musically, similar tension or aural "leading" occurs, taking the audience member through a process of thought and perception that (hopefully) affects them intellectually, aesthetically, and (strongest of all) emotionally. For evidence, look at the end of the Cavalier's ballad in 2002 - one of the best performed moments in the history of the activity - it achieved a quality of sound that rivals some orchestras in this country - which allowed for the harmonic progression to have its most potent effect. Though, listening to that moment begs the question "Is the greatest impact of the is moment in the cadence, or the silence that followed it?" Yet another post for another day.
In short, we as humans crave these sorts of moments - whether we realize it or not. We become part of something greater than ourselves, through the performance and through the music - that is the addiction. The endorphin rush of a moment like this - whether as a designer, teacher, performer, or audience member - is far beyond the normal experience many people have. It is something that stays with you, and won't let go. That is why music is an amazing art form, and I believe the combination of music and visual is the highest level of art one can make. But then, I might be just a little biased.
Just a lot.
DCI Finals - 2000 - A pretty good night, if you ask me.
30 May 2006
Towards the Splendid City - R. Danielpour
A quick post from the house of soup and bread.
Today was the first day of the 2006 marching season at KF: some leadership training and visual instruction. I think these kids might be able to march pretty well by the time contests start happening. At least, the twelve leaders we taught today will serve as good examples for the other students to reference along the way.
In all the preparation for the coming year, redefining the visual program and such, I have definitely re-discovered my technique-geek nature that I had in college, when I taught Lake Park and Wheaton South. Defining and cleaning the minutae of how a group moves is so complex and so much fun to do - just as fun as being a music fundamentals nerd. I really like when everything is perfect, or very close to - don't you?
At any rate, the food coma is about to hit. (From a bowl of soup and a baguette at that...) Nap time soon, then more planning, pick up the Berlioz CD (L'Enfance du Christ - excited) from the leasing office, and hopefully write some sketches for drill. Oh yeah, and hopefully the sun comes back out - much as we complain, we do thrive on it. Just a lot.
Another fun pic - just because.
The Daily Grind, but not in Houston - this one was discovered in Harrisonburg, VA near the campus of James Madison University. Definitely a pleasant shock after a day and half of driving.
23 May 2006
Black Angels - Crumb
Well, day 2 is done - only 3 more this week and I get to enjoy the slivers of weekend that aren't taken up by graduation or the accompanying parties. (Not that I mind the parties, but the whole graduation schtick is a little over-rated - only because it's frowned upon to bring a book).
There are times I wonder about the world around me, its machinations, and the people it brings into your life, takes out of your life, and how those influences alter you. Mildly abstract for a Tuesday night at 9:18pm? Probably - but life is grand at changing while you are not looking, and introducing things to you that both enrich it and challenge you to hold true to your values. Obtuse reference? shrug
Well, I am getting sleepy, but I thought I would pass along some things I happened across today: One being an article on sleep needs and cycles I found interesting (and strangely fitting, given my current state of semi-sonambulism). Another regarding the Nintedo DS - definitely a purchase I see in my future (even over the PSP, uber-geek as it is, the DS is just fun and much more innovative in its gameplay) - and on a fortuitous note: my boss, Paul Worosello, found a lot of drill that Michael Gaines had written for KF in the mid to late 90s - what a goldmine of resources to see how he approaches writing for HS bands. Very excited to analyze and make use of that info.
Alright - off to bed. And yes, in case you are wondering - Black Angels has been on the headphones this entire time - what a cool piece, even if it makes you physically sick to listen to sometimes - eliciting a reaction is effective, even if not puppy dogs and candy canes...
Oh, and since this blog is as yet bereft of photos, thought I would throw one out here:
Sheetz, Gallikers, and a roadtrip - the ultimate trifecta (augmented by the MTO off camera on the hood of the car). Photo credits to the inestimable Holly Carlton.
21 May 2006
Prayers of Kirkegaard: Final Prayer - S. Barber
Quite the eventful weekend - fewer things than I had intended got done, but an enjoyable diversion from the work-a-day drudgery that is the end of the school year. Ran Rice not once, but twice. First time I have had the chance to do run back to back days in... well, quite a while (at least since I was running with Holly). Felt very good - which is strange since I have never been one much for the whole physical exertion route... stranger things have happened, and the side-effects are quite pleasant... to say the least.
Friday's band banquet was fun - seeing the year in retrospect and watching the kids enjoy themselves is always rewarding. Watching last year's marching show definitely highlighted things that are going to be fixed this year, and things I really wish had not been laid out the way they were. But such is life. My students bought me several gag gifts (as is their way - I seem to attract gag gifts) a razor for my "Jesus" look which they don't appreciate - a plethora of kitten accessories (most of the comments I make to them are related to various sounds cats make in distress: e.g. "That sounds like a cat being shoved into a coke bottle...") - some smarties, because I sound like an SAT book - some pens to throw (as I sometimes do when I get excited - never in anger and never at people... except for my first clarinets when they pathologically ignore any conception of balance or texture... but they deserve it :D ) And a microphone, due to the fact that every time we are on a coach bus, I act as tour guide - mostly in Chicago on our Jazz Band trip in April, but also on our Corpus Christi trip ("On your left is water. It is composed of twice as much hydrogen as it is oxygen, with some Sodium-Chloride for good measure - it is wet.") Good times.
Saturday began with some running, then made the poor choice of ordering a new Domino's XL Pizza. Even splitting it with my roommate Steve we both felt rather gorged afterwards – went and picked up my friend Mike, checked out the Klein Forest Jazz Concert with Freddy Mendoza – pretty good stuff. Then went to Hooter's on Kirby to hang with a guy I marched with in Cavaliers – Kevin.
Aside from the extremely disappointing wings at Hooters, a good time was had by all.
Today was more of the same – running, dinner at Katz's, and a little quality time in Cyberspace. Looking forward to a busy week – middle school auditions, band assignments, finalizing numbers for the KF marching show, finalizing numbers for the Carencro HS marching show, trying to scare up one more client for drill writing, and grade books (something I detest more than any other activity I have to perform – such a hassle for a little CYA – blech).
I am hoping that my evenings will be free this week, as I would like to continue this whole “every day work out” thing I have begun to start (hardly any consistency over the course of 48 hours, admittedly). Maybe some time to chill by the pool and plan more marching band stuff would be good, too. Visual curriculum for Vandebilt Catholic/Klein Forest HS/Carencro HS/anywhere else I teach, perhaps? Stages of Man show abstract? We shall see.
I also am anxiously awaiting the arrival of a CD I ordered - L'Enfance du Christ by Berlioz. It comes highly reccommended by Holly Carlton - and everything else she has ever said that I would like I have, in spades (Ben Folds, Blurred, Avishai Cohen, Rufus Wainwright, Antonio's Pizza, a mess of saxophone quartet literature) Girl's got some good taste. Should be good. Romanticism in and of itself usually is, and Berlioz was just a bit ridiculous. Wicked awesome, some might say... Something to look forward to, at least.
On a sad note – I learned from my friend Kevin that one of the people I started in the Cavaliers with was involved in a serious car accident late this last week. If you are religious or simply spiritual (as I am) please say a prayer or give a thought to the family, friends, and students of Scott Thompson. He was a great person, and I am thankful for knowing him as I did. He will be missed.
19 May 2006
First Circle - P.Metheny/arr. R. Blades
So, this will be attempt no. 2 at my entries into the blogosphere – the last attempt petered away due to my own restrictions to what I would and would not publish... a rather myopic concept, admittedly. I just would like to stay away from the kind of blog that is grossly auto-biographical... all the people on MySpace and here on Blogger who air their dirty laundry for the world to read leave a bad taste in my mouth – so n'ere shall that tripe grace this chunk of electronic real-estate. Nope. Not ever. There are many better things to do with my time than be negative. Really.
So – fun this weekend: Band Banquet tonight, that should be an experience. Tomorrow is my one day to sleep in, and then running (Rice is the goal – Ruck Fice) and new tires for the jalopy. Dinner with some friends, and Jazz Band concert in the evening (thank goodness I don't have to conduct) – and then cleaning the house on Sunday (since it needs to be done... especially my room with the addition of the new bed – just a little bigger and waaaay more comfortable than the old one).
So, that is my weekend – probably going to design some drill when I get music from Marc Martin, arranger extraordinare. Looking forward to what we can do with this music – I am very excited about American Voices for KF in the fall. It's the first of my shows ever to be produced in full. It's exciting, because I think the strength of the design is very good, and it has the potential to be as multi-dimensional and nuanced as we can make it... (no peaking with this one, thankfully) Kinda excited... just a little.
Alright, time for more coffee here at “The Coffee Guy” on 2920 in Spring – free wifi, what a beautiful thing... One of my pet-peeves would be pay wifi... so silly. Just like Starbucks... but that's another post for another day.
By the way, the titles of these entries will more often than not what I am listening to as I type... being a musician, there should be some fun ones. Enjoy!
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