I did something last night that I haven't done a lot for a couple of years: I went to a live show. (Live music performance, if that helps some of you.) Ever since I left home for college, I've been real keen on seeing as much live music as I can. Even when I was a teenager and still at home, I'd get a very big kick watching live performances on TV or DVD (we didn't have youtube back then - I know. I'm old.)
However, since I've moved back to Texas in August 2011, I've been really preoccupied with growing work for myself. I've had a lot of early mornings (getting up at 5am) which forces me to go to bed early as well - and a lot of great music happens late at night!
But last night I went to a show that was a part of 35 Denton, which is our northern version of Austin's South by Southwest (SXSW). I saw two of my favorite artists: Doug Burr and the fantastic John Vanderslice. Neither performance disappointed me!
Couple examples for you kids.
As I was enjoying that show, I felt a surge of encouragement and excitement. I like these people and I like this world. I deluded myself in college because I was so sure that this kind of world wasn't possible to work in. I was very certain that my situation was a get a job in a symphony orchestra sort of situation. And I'm sorry to say, while I enjoy performing with very large symphonic ensembles, I'm not sure I want a full time job in one. (I'll probably discuss that a little later.)
All I could think while John Vanderslice was on (besides, "This is FANTASTIC!") was that I really wanted to do work for him someday. After the show he hung out with his audience, so I approached him, gave him a hug and told him that I would like to work for him one day. He said, "You never know! Send me an email."
So yes, you never do know. I have a long way to go in my horn playing career, but I am definitely enjoying the ride.
It was speculated to me this year how new and uncommon the french horn sound is in the 'rock'/'pop'/'nonclassical' world. I agree, and I feel I am here to fill a need in that world. Nothing against either Doug or John, but they go to very accessible instruments: strings. Doug's lineup behind him on stage last night was drums, bass, and violin. John's Magik Magik Orchestra seems to be string-centric. No offense to string players, but I almost want to say they are a dime a dozen. This isn't meant to be a slam on them - for string players work really hard at what they do. I just mean there are so many of them.
But who uses a brass quintet? Who goes to a horn player before they get that hot cello chick to play on their stage? Perhaps it's been overdone. Perhaps it's time for a change.
We'll see. I'll keep you updated if that change happens.
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