November is the busy month!

Sorry that I have not written in a while. Here is a rundown of what I have been doing and what is to come.

I had two midterms last week and the week before. I am taking two linguistics classes online and I had one test on my home computer and another onsite. It is only worth mentioning since I want everyone to know that my time at night is now divided among instruments and homework. Composition has gone out the window but will return when I am able.

This past Saturday, UnCharted (the old MaineStream back together) played a show at Club 302 in Windham. It was short notice so we didn't get the turnout that we got playing it a year ago (packed house).
We still gave our costumed audience a great show with great beats to dance to-- there was even a Halloween costume contest with cash prizes and a tv giveaway.

Here is my setup prior to the show. It looks simple but I make it sound as if more things are being played. I am almost always playing both keyboards simultaneously.

Here is Brandi, our lead singer dressed as Marilyn Monroe. This was the costume contest near the end of the night. Everyone gave us compliments and I am waiting for more "likes" to our Facebook page. If you are reading this, please do so.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/UnCharted/254549014667139?ref=hl

Sunday began the week of rehearsals for "The Whiz" at CLT that will lead up to opening night this Friday. The pit band consists of old friends that I have played with for years. We sound amazing and so does the cast. I wish I could see the show but I am stuck behind the cyclorama. If you want tickets then go here:
http://www.laclt.com/

I will also be in "Honk" at a high school in New Gloucester in the middle of this month. I can barely make rehearsals but I was somewhat roped in without guarantee for compensation (gas). I have a few students in the show so it will be worth it.
http://www.msad15.org/event/high-school-play-honk-4/

The ASO will be having their fall concert also in the middle of the month. I have been rehearsing with them almost every Wed in Manchester.
http://www.asomaine.org/

Finally, in two weeks I will be playing lute and acting as a minstrel in the Franco Center's Medieval Feast. This runs along the same time as the Whiz so I will be in and out. Luckily, only a bridge separates the two buildings so I have little ways to travel.
http://www.francocenter.org/

Hopefully all of these events can gather a huge crowd. Pass the word on!

Thanks!

A week in mono

How have you been?

I have been keeping up with schoolwork, practicing when time permits, preparing for students, taking care of a curious toddler and cleaning my house daily. I have been neglecting my compositions, but then again, there are so many composers and such little demand-- I need an impetus at this point. I am sure I will regain my stride again, and hopefully a few gigs since times are getting lean...

The air is getting colder and that puts away the daily walks with Christian (my son) around Bates. If I can get a heater and a cover, I would gladly keep going until January (then add skis on the stroller)! We will be making up games to play inside, and I hope I can show him a few music things as well as science illusions to get him to pay attention for an extended time.

Here he is picking apples this weekend. He loves "app-ees"! I like to make him happy and I hope I can keep paying the bills and adding more to enrich his life-- Sesame Street and Thomas are not enough.

This weekend was my birthday (now 34). Nothing too important happened and it was not well received. No European spree or a mountain get-away with a week vacation from all jobs. I was not even at my best, because, for the past week my right ear has been plugged up. Cold? Allergy? Wax buildup? Something like this happened before and it took a doctor to clean it out. I guess wearing headphones or using my "tools of the trade" too often cause the occasional blockage.
As I write, I am still somewhat hearing in mono (one ear), and yet I have been teaching lessons by relying on the other side. For singing lessons this has meant singing less myself and trying not to hum along (I can hear humming like thunder). I have managed. I don't think this is a Beethoven-esque prediction. I keep myself healthy. I just want every reader to know that even when you are not quite yourself, you can still strive for doing a good job. Life doesn't stop with obstacles in the way.

Live mono...the Beatles did for many years. It also blocks out crowd noise well (keeps you concentrating).

Thanks!