Wow, so much has changed!
Which is usually how I begin most of my posts. I’m sorry I don’t post enough but it’s been one heck of a year. Just this past summer I’ve moved into an apartment with my boyfriend... I know BIG STUFF. But it’s super exciting getting to know someone you love in a ore natural habitat, how they function as a morning or not so morning person, do they leave the toilet seat up or down, do they clean up when they’re done making a meal. And I’ve also learned when to pick and choose your fights, because even though we love each other it doesn’t mean we always agree on everything.
I had the awesome opportunity last year to go to IDRS (International Double Reed Society) conference in Granada. It was a great deal of fun and I met so many people that I decided to do it again this year in Florida. I. Had. A. Blast! I also turned 21 this year so I felt I could keep up with the adults more rather than being in that awkward in between stage, but half the time they outlasted me! I had chosen to stay in an extended stay hotel because I would be able to make my own food. It also allowed me some needed alone time to do nothing.
As always at IDRS I went to see my friend Bernd, whom if you don’t know is an incredibly friendly guy who makes the Moosmann brand bassoons from Germany. We had a conversation and I am working on taking out a loan to upgrade to a higher leveled bassoon (from an M24 to a 200CL). This is almost pristinely perfect timing in my life because I’m also preparing for grad school. THIS IS REALLY SCARY BUT SUPER EXCITING! because I have no idea where to go lol.
Nonetheless, I am auditioning for large ensembles with Dr. rose next Wednesday and I’ll start practicing tomorrow (Friday)..... haha oops. But in all reality I attended the new bassoon institute in Maryland this year under the National Music Festival (of which ya girl was a competition finalist!) and the number one thing I took away from the festival and possibly all ‘new’ music is to play without regrets, and to play freely. When you let go of all the things musicians tend to worry about (intonation, timbre, dynamics, blend, does my body look really weird right now, does the director even know I’m playing...) you become what I call a badass bassoon player. Your tone will improve, your intonation, and you’ll feel better about what’s coming out of your horn. So go ahead and try it!
Hours practiced....0
Don’t practice too much,
EM
