Saturday, September 24, 2011

Minnesota!

I moved to Minnesota 5 weeks ago. My mom came to Aspen and helped me drive the 1200 miles in as short a time as we could. We almost made it in one day, but common sense took over (aka my Mom talked some sense into me) and we spent the night in a hotel.

My last few concerts in Aspen were so much fun! I played Stravinsky's Pulcinella with the Chamber Orchestra, Hugh Wolf conducting. The "Duetto" movement that featured trombone and double bass was so much fun! My sound went really far in the tent. It wasn't hard to play the solo super loud, which is what Stravinsky calls for. (ff)

The final concert in August 19 was also a ton of fun. Leonard Slatkin came in and conducted an all-Shotstakovich program, concluding with the his ninth symphony. I enjoyed my sweet 2-note solo that recurs throughout the first movement of the work. What a cool piece! It's the perfect length, and it has a little bit of everything in it.

So anyway, now I live in Minnesota! The position that I interviewed for in June worked out! It is a one-year position at Bemidji State University. I teach low brass and music theory. It is certainly keeping me busy, and I love it!

And no, its not snowing yet in Minnesota. All of our friends and family could not resist telling us that Minnesota will be cold. And yes, Bill moved with me. Bill, Charlie and I are a happy little family living in a big house in Bemidji.