So when I signed up for my studio recording night class on Tuesday nights, I forgot that I wouldn’t be able to go to any concerts because class is at 7 and most of Dobson’s band concerts are at 7:30. Tonight was my recording final. The tests were handed out at 7:17 and I was on my way driving to Dobson by 7:45. It was sweet! Though I missed most of Concert Band, I was able to make Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. The concert, unlike most band concerts (especially Dobson), was an evening of suites from musicals, movies, and other easily recognizable literature–a very enjoyable concert for every audience member. And of course, complete with a couple of Christmas jingles! I’ve said it and so has everybody else: after being in Symphonic band for two years and going back to being an audience member really brings out the memories. It brings me back to those days in 10th grade when I was just in Wind Ensemble, those days when I’d sit in the back of the auditorium after just performing and simply just be moved by the music making. There’s only been two other cases where I’ve been as moved as hearing Symphonic Band: 1) Watching a performance of Eric Whitacre’s Paradise Lost in LA, and 2) Seeing Wicked on Broadway (although Whitacre’s work was the most moving experience of my life thus far. I was on the verge of tears which was amazing because usually it’s just that tingly sensation that crawls up and down your spine that makes you shiver. But tears, god…).
In Conan news, like I’ve said, we’ve finished a draft of the libretto. Next is for me to write all the music. Should be fun! I’m excited. I’ve been thinking about how we would go about filming it. Because realistically, how can we portray his studio without it looking like a crappy set? So, we’ve decided to go the theatrical route, making the movie look more… Chicago like… more… Moulin Rouge like; that is, bringing something real into a more dreamy atmosphere–a Rob Marshall feel. It’s not going to be anything profound, but that’s the world we’d like to create. Abstract is a good word.
Every year, Mr. Evans and the Dobson jazz/madrigal choir “Da Capo” team up with two other schools around the holidays to bring their friends and family a magical evening of madrigals, medieval festivities, and fine foods catered by AJs (the cheese is always a hit). Everyone dresses up in Rennaissance costumes and has a merry ol’ tyme. Yes, even I did this the two years I was in Da Capo. It’s a huge time commitment (especially around the holidays) but the gigs are unforgettable and always seem to bring out that Christmas spirit that is so often lost in school and work. Like Dobson’s band concert a week or two ago, it’s a refreshing and inspiring feeling to finally be in the audience and just enjoy and reflect on what we did only a year ago.
