Sunday, October 05, 2008

Music, the international language

This afternoon I went to hear my new Chinese friend play Soviet, Yugoslav, British and American marches with the MU Symphonic Band. The program began with Shostakovich (Festive Overture, originally for orchestra, transcribed (obviously) for band) and ended with...circus music (Barnum and Bailey's Favorite, Karl King). There was much more - an amazing amount of work, considering the band has only had about five, maybe six weeks to rehearse. My ears are still ringing (112 member band playing in a theatre that is just wee bit too small for all that sound) and my fingers are still numb (the concert was moved indoors because it was so chilly outside; apparently no one told the custodian to turn off the a/c inside), but all in all, it was fun.

Jessie was absolutely thrilled to see me. With the hordes of band members, parents and friends in the lobby, I never did find her before the concert began. I know from personal experience the difference it makes when someone you know is in the audience; I had told her I would be there, but hadn't made definite arrangements to meet up.

As a violinist, however, I have to say to all my woodwind and brass playing friends (and how I ended up with so many of you, I don't know): Any instrument from which you have to clean the spit after playing - ewwww.

I love you all anyway.

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