January 11, 2000

I forget if I mentioned that I joined a local community band. So, if I didn't, I am now. And if I did, too bad, you have to read it twice. So there.

Anyway, I joined the wind band that plays at the local community college. I was really worried about my skill level (I'm a flute player) after having not touched my instrument for approximately two years, but as it turns out I didn't have much to worry about. The organization is not exactly the New York Philharmonic.

It's not too bad, either, though, so that's a good thing. It's just about exactly what I was looking for: an organization that plays decently challenging music, but that isn't terribly restrictive about membership. In fact, they're not restrictive at all; they have that community wind ensemble staple, the old man who's been playing the flute since he was 10 years old and now has trouble even playing the notes, but still shows up to practice. There was a guy like that in the organization I belonged to in Zanesville, and his doppelganger was present at practice last night. I try not to sit next to him. I'm sure he's a perfectly nice guy and full of interesting stories, but he plays horribly out of tune, which tends to throw me out of tune also.

The worst part about practice was the overabundance of giggling teenaged girls in the flute section. They were passing notes back and forth to each other, I kid you not. I think most of them are students at the community college. They look about 18 or so. I mean, I think back to when I was 18 and still in my high school band, and I guess I was more flighty than I am now, but Jesus Christ, I hope I wasn't nearly as annoying as these girls are. I swear to God, they NEVER STOP GIGGLING.

Oh, the other annoying part about practice was the piccolo player. Not annoying for the usual piccolo reasons (if you have to ask, you'll never understand), but because she had a holier-than-thou attitude about playing in tune. During this one section, she gestured to the 2nd flute row (which I'm in, by default of being a new player) and pointed down, meaning "You're all sharp, get in tune, bring it down a little." Yeah, well, that's nice, but I'm not about to take advice from someone who *chews gum* as she plays her instrument. People who eat and drink stuff immediately before playing gross me out enough, but chewing gum WHILE you're playing? I think it would serve her right if her wad of gum got stuck in her mouthpiece permanently.

But, apart from those complaints, it was a good time. It's nice to be back in an ensemble, even if the quality of said ensemble might leave a little to be desired. I really missed having music as a part of my life. One of the things on my list of "stuff I want in the future" is a piano, in fact. I *really* miss being able to play every night when I get home. I'm sure I drove my family nuts when I was in high school learning to play, but it was one of the most relaxing things I could do. Your mind, your eyes, your hands, your feet, all working in tandem to produce music: come on, it's even better than playing video games or taking a hot bath. It's a lot better. So, eventually (probably when we have our own house) I want a piano. In the meantime, I'll just keep practicing the flute.

In weather-related news. I am really ready for the sun to start going down later than 4:30 PM. Yes, I know that we've passed the Winter Solstice and that therefore the days are getting longer, but they're only getting slightly longer. I want them to be a LOT longer. I want the sun to go down at 8 PM. I want to see the sun again. I want to leave for work and come home from work and have the sun still be shining.

Of course, to really accomplish this goal I'd probably have to move to some other city.

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