I've been principal horn (that's 1st chair) in an orchestra for the last five years. It started with the CWU Orchestra during my 3rd year. By the time I graduated, I had worked my way up to principal chair of the Mid-Columbia Symphony in the Tri-Cities in Washington, which I held up until we moved to Wisconsin. Now, here at UWM, I have successfully auditioned to the principal chair of the orchestra. It's just such a great feeling to move into a new area and make a good impression. It's also cool to continue my streak of seeing 1st horn parts on my stand with at least one large ensemble, and to see that chair sitting there waiting for my butt to occupy it every rehearsal. I make such a big deal out of this not only because I obviously love playing principal horn, but also because I never thought I'd get to be principal horn, let alone for this long in my life. It'll probably be over once I graduate from UWM, so I'm gonna enjoy it while I can.
Don't get me wrong - Playing section horn (2nd, 3rd & 4th chairs) is a pretty amazing experience, too. I'd be happy to have a career as one of these. But still, I love principal horn the most, and I'd want that job most of all. Plus, it the professional world, principal hornists are paid more!
So orchestra rehearsals will start up soon. I also made it into Wind Ensemble, which is the top concert band at UWM, although they haven't announced chair placements yet. I think that they do a little more rotating of parts in Wind Ensemble, while in orchestra, my section with stay the same for the whole school year. Other than those ensembles, I'm started up with classes and stuff, and I think they're going to go well. It's just two classes, and they'll have a lot of work involved, but they'll still be quite rewarding. I've also starting horn lessons with my horn professor, which are going fantastically well, and will continue to. It's cool having a desk in the horn studio office with my professor. I feel so...important there.
On top of all the great things about school, I've also made a few great friends here already. Holly and I had a few of them over last weekend, and had a really great time. They're all grad students, too. Each of the grad students I've met here have been really awesome people, and I'm getting along with everyone quite well. Now I'm eager to hear the skill level of all these musicians!
As you can tell, I'm really loving UWM. I made a good choice.
So while I'm busy with school stuff, Holly will be mostly at home with Luke. Actually, she's doing her best to get involved with activities away from the house. She's going to be involved with a women's bible study with the church we go to. She's been hanging out a lot with one of our new friends, who is a wife whose husband is also a UWM grad student. Holly's also looking to do some babysitting.
As you can see, Holly and I will be doing totally different things in our everyday lives, while still trying to get as much time as we can together. During the week, I won't be able to be home much. But so far on the weekends I have no commitments to keep me from home. Once I find a part time job, that may change, though.
And what about Luke, you ask? Yes, I made you read most of this blog entry when all you really wanted to read about was Luke. Well, Luke's doing fine, of course! He's just growin' and growin'. He's been pretty vocal, although it's all jibberish, still. Nothing else spectacular is happening as of now. You'll hear about it, don't worry.
Sorry to be out of touch to all you eager readers. I've had a busy week. I'll try to write more often.
Take care and value music.
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