Schmoozing/out of the comfort zone

So I went to the Director's Symposium put on by the San Diego Winds last night, and who is the first person I meet walking in? Warren Torns, of course, who is one of our judges on Tuesday. I made sure to introduce myself and then he introduces himself. Yes, I know who you are, you're kind of a big deal.

WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE

Anyway, I told him I live in Penasquitos, where he taught for many years, and that he'll be one of my judges next week. Listening to him and Tom Cole (a judge on Wednesday), it is apparent that they expect notes, rhythms, dynamics, intonation, etc., to all be at a high level. But what they really want is to hear music. They want to be entertained and moved just like everyone else in the audience, maybe even more so since they have to listen to every group that day. Mr. Watson liked a lot of what we did at pre-festival, but he was genuinely excited by "Air". That how we want our judges to feel after we perform.

The person who most impressed me though, is Anthony Maiello. He's directing us tonight as the various band directors play in a group together. But he deserves his own post.

Meanwhile, because so many band directors tend to be trumpet players, I volunteered to play trombone if necessary. I played trombone in a community band over the summer. Turns out this is completely different. The other guys showed up with bass trombones, which means I ended up on first. And we sight read 10+ tunes. No prep, no explanation, no second chances (except for Mr. Maiello). I was just a bit out of my comfort zone. Luckily not only do I enjoy the challenge, but everyone else was chowing just as much as me, but on their primary instruments, so that's good(?). Tonight we are only playing 2 tunes, and this is one of them:



But hey, we played this one TWO WHOLE TIMES last night, so piece of cake! And I got to practice the music today. I'm looking forward to the concert tonight!