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Well, it feels like a long time since I posted. A lot has happened.
Last night after posting I decided to go downstairs and ask the front desk where a good place to eat was. I think they were a bit bored, and so instead of the shuttle driver just telling me where it was, he offered to drive me there. He seemed alright, so I accepted his offer. His name is Bernard, he's a trumpet player and part-time shuttle driver. He's black, 40-ish, and, I kid you not, his performing name is "Shockazulu". He took me to a restaurant called the Iron Pot. They do Louisiana cuisine, heavy on the seafood. He introduced me to the manager, his friend, and told him to treat me right.
I got a table, and ordered ice tea and a fried catfish po' boy sandwich. That isn't all that adventurous but I felt happy. As I waited for my food I read a book. The waitress asked me who it was by and what it was about, and was promptly astonished that I was reading a story by Dean Koontz about a guy who sees dead people. She actually asked me if I was from around here, and if it was fiction. She then asked me (in a very nice way) why I read this kind of stuff, like what is it's point? I told her my reasoning: Extraordinary people in interesting situations, great writing, and clever stories.
I have always enjoyed science fiction/fantasy, and have never met anyone so astonished by my reading choice. Really, the best thing about it is that these people are not real, and therefore I can learn from them (they are often smarter than most people) without feeling the sting of possibility when they fail. These books are made to entertain, unlike real people's lives, which can be related in a fun way, but are just so heavy with reality.
After I finished, I took my bread pudding for later, and Bernard picked me up. He had asked me what I did and was doing here on the way over, and asked me on the trip back to play for him. I agreed, he asked so nice, and half an hour later went and played a few pieces for him. My main one was the Meditation from Thais by Massenet. I was playing in a hotel lobby and so attracted a bit of attention. They all clapped for me afterwards. This was one of the first 'honest' reactions I've gotten. I don't mean this in a bad way, but to be clapped for in a recital is expected, even if you think you did horribly. Playing for family and friends is the same way, as they don't want to hurt your feelings. But I wasn't expecting any real reaction except from Bernard (he shushed some boys who were talking while I was playing, crazy man), and so my training took over and I bowed, and I felt really gratified that these people were moved by my efforts.
After that I hung out with the receptionist and her friend at the desk for a while. The friend was a pianist, had red hair, had a violin-playing daughter with my name, her mother's favorite hymn was "How Great Thou Art" (the same name daughter played it for her before she died). I was a bit freaked out by the similarities. I even asked if the lady's name was Melinda, just to be sure there wasn't a doppelganger family going on (it wasn't and there isn't).
Bernard has offered to take me to a real jazz place this week, I'm considering it. We also exchanged numbers because he thinks I'm good enough to play in clubs for money, and he wants me to come play with him in a band once I'm done with school or on vacations (Flattering, but unlikely). He's a shoot for the moon kind of guy, he's also already playing in the clubs solo.
Once again I ask: how the crap did my life turn out this way? Mom says it's because I made it like this. I look back and see the steps I took, but I am completely disbelieving of the results.
Anyway, today has been rather fun, as well. I slept late (last time I get to until next weekend) and went to a Krispy Kreme for breakfast. (hypnotized voice) Donuts...Good. This is one of the things I love about traveling within the US as opposed to outside it. There are store names you recognize, everybody speaks your language (or at least a regional variation), and I feel like I can do anything here. Then I went to Suzuki Violin Book 1, day 1. I love the teacher, Ronda Cole, she frigging rocks. She is a people person, very engaging, easy to understand, and extremely articulate. She's also funny, which is great.
There was introductions, some lecturing that was more conversation, and we got to watch her teach lessons. This is a huge part of the class. There will be 15 hours of observation and 28 hours lecture. I felt like several holes in my teaching strategy were addressed, and this is just the first day. I realize that I won't be a full-formed, 20-years experienced teacher when I get through with this class, but this is doing wonders for my confidence and is really comprehensive. We are going to study Twinkle tonight looking at posture and hand position on our own, and then continue as a group tomorrow morning.
By the way, I totally knocked on my neighbor's door and told him I would be practicing and to tell me if it bothered him. It only scared me a little, maybe because it was necessary and I just went and did it without thinking very much.
Well, I need to go practice book 1, now.
See ya tomorrow.
Greeny
Last night after posting I decided to go downstairs and ask the front desk where a good place to eat was. I think they were a bit bored, and so instead of the shuttle driver just telling me where it was, he offered to drive me there. He seemed alright, so I accepted his offer. His name is Bernard, he's a trumpet player and part-time shuttle driver. He's black, 40-ish, and, I kid you not, his performing name is "Shockazulu". He took me to a restaurant called the Iron Pot. They do Louisiana cuisine, heavy on the seafood. He introduced me to the manager, his friend, and told him to treat me right.
I got a table, and ordered ice tea and a fried catfish po' boy sandwich. That isn't all that adventurous but I felt happy. As I waited for my food I read a book. The waitress asked me who it was by and what it was about, and was promptly astonished that I was reading a story by Dean Koontz about a guy who sees dead people. She actually asked me if I was from around here, and if it was fiction. She then asked me (in a very nice way) why I read this kind of stuff, like what is it's point? I told her my reasoning: Extraordinary people in interesting situations, great writing, and clever stories.
I have always enjoyed science fiction/fantasy, and have never met anyone so astonished by my reading choice. Really, the best thing about it is that these people are not real, and therefore I can learn from them (they are often smarter than most people) without feeling the sting of possibility when they fail. These books are made to entertain, unlike real people's lives, which can be related in a fun way, but are just so heavy with reality.
After I finished, I took my bread pudding for later, and Bernard picked me up. He had asked me what I did and was doing here on the way over, and asked me on the trip back to play for him. I agreed, he asked so nice, and half an hour later went and played a few pieces for him. My main one was the Meditation from Thais by Massenet. I was playing in a hotel lobby and so attracted a bit of attention. They all clapped for me afterwards. This was one of the first 'honest' reactions I've gotten. I don't mean this in a bad way, but to be clapped for in a recital is expected, even if you think you did horribly. Playing for family and friends is the same way, as they don't want to hurt your feelings. But I wasn't expecting any real reaction except from Bernard (he shushed some boys who were talking while I was playing, crazy man), and so my training took over and I bowed, and I felt really gratified that these people were moved by my efforts.
After that I hung out with the receptionist and her friend at the desk for a while. The friend was a pianist, had red hair, had a violin-playing daughter with my name, her mother's favorite hymn was "How Great Thou Art" (the same name daughter played it for her before she died). I was a bit freaked out by the similarities. I even asked if the lady's name was Melinda, just to be sure there wasn't a doppelganger family going on (it wasn't and there isn't).
Bernard has offered to take me to a real jazz place this week, I'm considering it. We also exchanged numbers because he thinks I'm good enough to play in clubs for money, and he wants me to come play with him in a band once I'm done with school or on vacations (Flattering, but unlikely). He's a shoot for the moon kind of guy, he's also already playing in the clubs solo.
Once again I ask: how the crap did my life turn out this way? Mom says it's because I made it like this. I look back and see the steps I took, but I am completely disbelieving of the results.
Anyway, today has been rather fun, as well. I slept late (last time I get to until next weekend) and went to a Krispy Kreme for breakfast. (hypnotized voice) Donuts...Good. This is one of the things I love about traveling within the US as opposed to outside it. There are store names you recognize, everybody speaks your language (or at least a regional variation), and I feel like I can do anything here. Then I went to Suzuki Violin Book 1, day 1. I love the teacher, Ronda Cole, she frigging rocks. She is a people person, very engaging, easy to understand, and extremely articulate. She's also funny, which is great.
There was introductions, some lecturing that was more conversation, and we got to watch her teach lessons. This is a huge part of the class. There will be 15 hours of observation and 28 hours lecture. I felt like several holes in my teaching strategy were addressed, and this is just the first day. I realize that I won't be a full-formed, 20-years experienced teacher when I get through with this class, but this is doing wonders for my confidence and is really comprehensive. We are going to study Twinkle tonight looking at posture and hand position on our own, and then continue as a group tomorrow morning.
By the way, I totally knocked on my neighbor's door and told him I would be practicing and to tell me if it bothered him. It only scared me a little, maybe because it was necessary and I just went and did it without thinking very much.
Well, I need to go practice book 1, now.
See ya tomorrow.
Greeny
