Its about dang time! :)

Hello friends!

I know it has been a REALLY long time since I last posted on my blog, but so many people seem to be getting into it again, I figured it was about dang time that I do as well. I need to start this blog by saying that I really miss people this summer. The past few summers have been, to say the least, easy mostly because Becker has been around the whole time. Now that he isn't around anymore I'm realizing how much I just miss being around people all the time. I'm a social person; I don't like just sitting in the basement watching movies. I want to be out with PEOPLE! So that being said, if you're in the Minneapolis area and want to hang out, please give me a call! Always looking for new exciting things to do after a long day at Valleyfair!

Trombone is going well this summer...I have a recital coming up in the early fall.

Sept. 21st, 2009

5 p.m.

Phillips Recital Hall (UWEC)

So far I've put together the following for my recital, but I feel like it might be a bit more than I can do in these few short months. (If I do decide to cut some, I'll probably cut a movement or two of the Albrechtsberger Concerto).

1. Basta! (Rabe)

2. Concerto for Trombone (Albrechtsberger)---Alto Tbone

3. "Piece for Trombone and Piano" (subject to a title change). This piece was written for my recital by my friend Greg Ellis...so my recital will be the world premiere I guess. :)

4. Of Clowns and Dreams (Harmon)

INTERMISSION

5. El Alacran (Cutler)

6. Ave Maria (quartet piece)

7. One other quartet piece; TBD

My whole goal with this recital is to mentally and physically keep me on track this summer so I can't slack off. Thus far, my plan is succeeding. I am also freaking out, because I chose lots of difficult music. I still have about 3 months....BREATHE. :D

Family = fantastic; things seem to be going well for everyone. My little sister's boyfriend lost his mother somewhat unexpectedly the other day though....so if you are the praying type, please keep his family in your prayers; this is a very difficult time for them.

Valleyfair = good enough. I wish people would care during the second three shows. We seem to get really tired as a group and lots of dumb mistakes happen during these shows. I think (HOPE) this gets better as time goes by, otherwise we'll have to figure something else out. The most important thing is that people don't act like they are above the gig, especially when they keep messing things up. I feel that we all have yet to accomplish a 'perfect' show, and maybe thats what we should strive for.

Living at Becker's parent's house without Becker = fine. Lots of people keep asking me how it is. "Is it awkward living alone with his parents?" or "don't you feel really weird?". The answer is no. I do not feel weird or uncomfortable. His parents have been great in welcoming me into their place and its been great so far.

Me = motivated. I'm doing a really good job of getting my life in order (aside from a few days where I wayyyyyyy overslept my original goals). I am running at least 2 1/2 miles per day; a big step up from the last few months where I did no physical activity whatsoever, and I am eating much healthier overall (with the exception of today). I've been trying to drink tons of water and to break a good sweat once a day, and I've already lost 8 lbs this summer!!! Feeling good, strong and powerful.

Grad school stuff = coming up really fast. If anyone has any good teachers in Minneapolis/Apple Valley, please let me know! I need some summer lessons to keep on track with my recital materials and my grad school excerpts:

-The Ride

-Tuba Mirum

-La Gazza Ladra

-Saint Saens III

-Hungarian March

-Bolero

Back-up excerpts:

-Till Eulenspiegel

-Rennish

-William Tell

-Tannhauser

This upcoming spring I will be applying to: Eastman School of Music, University of Iowa, Rice University and Indiana University (Shepherd School of Music).

And now I'm realizing that this post is WAY too long. My apologies, friends. I'll keep my updates shorter from now on, but now you know what I've been up to for the last year or so. :P

Love,

Rachel