Home from UGA

I just came home from Janfest last night. We spent a weekend in Athens preparing pieces and playing concerts. It was really fun! Despite the fact that I did not make the top wind ensemble, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I still believe things happen for a reason. I think there are 4 reasons why I ended up in the Symphonic Band. Number 1: I messed up on my scales -- scales! absurd, I know. We had been waiting for an audition for 4 hours, so I guess my clarinet had gotten cold by then and I had somehow psyched myself out. The only major problem with this is that audition was with the clarinet professor at UGA, and if I plan on making the music school, I have to do another audition with him -- an audition that will have to be 10 times as good as normal. (ah!) Number 2: We had the most amazing conductor! He was really passionate about music, and I loved the way he worked with everybody in rehersals. I think having a clinician like that is so much better than playing in a group with amazing musicians and not getting much from that at all... (yeah right! =P) Number 3: I had a Chemistry webassign due Sunday night after the concert and no WiFi or laptop to finish my work at the hotel. Yes, a silly reason, but honestly, getting home at 8pm as opposed to 6pm would have been tough! Number 4: The most important reason, I believe. Not being in the wind ensemble wasn't that big of a deal. But, it really inspired me to practice more. I can honestly say that the times I actually practice are before all state auditions and for festival competition (barely). This is pathetic. If I really love music and clarinet, shouldn't I be practicing every day? It's not that I am forcing myself to practice. I just suddenly found an urge to practice clarinet. Hopefully, I can follow through and play every day.

Hmm... some other things:

I got a hair cut today. It isn't really anything different, and I kind of wish I could go back and have it cut more differently. But it's okay. I had a very awkward experience paying tip... I must fix that next time. I feel awful!

Oh! And updates from last blog -- I made All state! And, I got accepted to Emory University with a semifinalist in the scholars program. =D Hooray!

Inauguration tomorrow! :) Hope everyone is having fun in DC.