Winter Vacation -- Thoughts on changes

This week is a sort of "vacation" from a few responsibilities. Even so, I have a host of other projects that I am doing:
1) Reading necessary chapters for the following week classes
2) Fixing up a vocal quartet transcription for submission to a society of sorts (not my own).
3) Sound design for the Public Theatre
4) Giving some attention to neglected instruments (violin mostly)

Aside from all of that, I get to read and spend time with my family. This is something I neglect during the week and I get to "sort of" fix that during these few breaks.

So what is else is happening?

MaineStream is back at Fusion on Feb. 24th.

I am playing the "13" pit at LHS in March with EOS member Mike French. I have been out of the theatre loop for a while and I intend on getting back in-- with a vengeance!

School has presented many opportunities and I am trying to acquire contacts and resources. Musicians need to connect for jobs and for personal growth-- I would say every profession works like this. "Be with those that are in understanding of what you do". It is nice to talk with people that actually like what you do. I would even go so far as to suggest that at least 50% of a music lesson is just that. You can only teach once you are both on the same page.

In the next few weeks I am going to see my summer and fall semester become fleshed out. Plans are a good blueprint for the future-- and I will be prepared if they change.

Have a good week!

What have I been up to?

Good thing you asked...

For 3 days a week I have been attending USM in Gorham in the mornings in pursuit of a degree in Music Education. Yes, I have been teaching for quite a while-- it is time to have the proof that I know what I do. These past few weeks have been an adjustment to the schedule and how it is affecting my family with daycare and general house upkeep-- we are all making it work. The goal is to fulfill the quota in this program in order to continue on to my masters. I have wanted to return to school for a long time-- it feels good to be back.

Of course there is the cost. I am trying to manage the payments while deferring the loan I have been paying for the past 7 years. I have not seen any financial aid yet or heard back from a potential scholarship. Could this website help? I hope I can continue to go-- it will all be written of on my taxes at least.

Rehearsals have continued. I have missed orchestra rehearsals with both Bates and ASO-- I can't make it and reschedule students if there is no spot to put them. USM has its own groups that I "must" join, but for now I have a busy schedule and cannot miss work that pays for the classes. What happened to the past 3 years of dedicated orchestra and chamber music? Can I get credit for that?

MaineStream has a gig tomorrow and then an average of around 2 each month. There is my tuition money (partially).

As for the books...two words. Amazon and the library. An old edition about the history of great composers is just as good as the updated, more pictures version. I saved over $300 this week alone!

Thank you