Late Arrival

23. February 2008 · Comments Off on Late Arrival · Categories: Ramble

I’m home. Finally. It’s actually only about 15 minutes later (I doubt anyone in my house even noticed!), but it feels much later.

We had a delay before the final act; tonight’s Rigoletto, it was announced, would be unable to finish the opera. Scott Bearden had to be called and he came in and finisehd up for us. This meant a bit of a pit sit while we waited.

These things happen. I remember at least two other times when we had to do this, and I’ve read about it in other places.

I think we need a replacement for the oboist as well. Just in case her reed says, “No more!”

Anyway, I’m quite exhausted and I need a good sleep. (FYI for my mom and sister: I have a feeling I’ll be staying home tomorrow morning. I really need to get some energy going here, and I think rest is the only way ….)

They Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Cases

23. February 2008 · 1 comment · Categories: Links, Ramble, You Gotta Be Kidding

So … I guess, if you drive an Infitini, you won’t need a cello case for your cello.

Because this ad makes that pretty clear.

Stupid ads. Stupid, stupid ads.

Of course, maybe with a “crossover car” you have a “crossover artist” … and maybe they just aren’t as picky about their instruments.

FYI: Kiri hates crossover stars.

John Mack Oboe Camp

23. February 2008 · Comments Off on John Mack Oboe Camp · Categories: Announcements

I just received this:

John Mack Oboe Camp: Continuing the Legacy at Wildacres

The John Mack Oboe Camp will take place in Little Switzerland, NC from June 6-13, 2008. Nathan Hughes and Scott Bell, both students of the late John Mack, will be teaching this summer. In addition, Thom Moore, oboist and a Grammy award winning recording engineer, will give a masterclass on the specifics and difficulties of recording the oboe. Repairman John Symer will present a basic adjustment masterclass and be available to assist participants with their instruments. The focus of camp is standard etudes, orchestral excerpts and solo literature. Applications and more information are available online at http://dept.kent.edu/oboecamp

Of course we have our own oboe workshop nearby, which John Mack used to hold, but Hidden Valley Music Seminars hasn’t continued with the John Mack name. Elaine Douvas will be there this year, as she was last year.

Small world little tidbit: I played at John Symer’s wedding reception, when he and a former oboe student of mine, Coco Wiedmer, were married.

Hah!

23. February 2008 · Comments Off on Hah! · Categories: Fun

Despite their elitism and grouchy nature, double-reed players are actually very popular to have around in the ensemble, because their presence insures that a random clarinet player cannot approach you and start complaining about their reeds. A double-reed player’s rehearsal time is spent either complaining about their reed or working on the reed they will be complaining about tomorrow.

For more go here.

Blogger Points

23. February 2008 · Comments Off on Blogger Points · Categories: Blogger Points, Ramble

I think I will start a new category. When a blogger writes something that makes this oboist happy, I will award blogger points. (Although I think a better word should be discovered. Blogpoints? Bloints? Plogoints? Gee … nothing is working! A little help here …??)

I just found a blog entry that wins double points for these:

I must say that Francois’ playing makes you rethink the oboe. I now want oboes everywhere. Oboes for everyone is my new, albeit odd, motto.

Go to a classical concert. It’s good for the soul. Trust me on this. We rarely listen anymore – to anything. Give yourself the opportunity to really listen and to listen to something beautiful. Discover where your mind takes you and report back.

So yay for Becky, whoever you are!