Busted Chops

I had my first rehearsal with the Indiana Wind Symphony tonight. I'm playing assistant first. Lets just say it's been well over a year since I have played in a rehearsal or on a regular basis. Needless to say, my chops got busted.

A little over a month or so ago, I opened my closet and saw my horn sitting there. I thought to myself, "That's a $4000 chunk of metal sitting there collecting dust. I want to play it, and I hate playing solos. I miss playing in an ensemble." To the interwebs I went, searching for a community band or sorts. I came across one that looked like it fit me, so I emailed the lady. She sent me an email back saying that there weren't any horn spots open, but she would check in the other ensemble she plays in. She mentioned that the other ensemble is better and is filled with mostly people that have college degrees in music. They had a spot, so I went and played tonight. It was fun and it felt good to just totally destroy my chops. I was surprised they held up as long as they did. Rehearsals are 2 hours, it's been since December 2005 that I've really sat through a rehearsal. It felt good to be musically challenged. The music was top college ensemble plus. And we're playing 'Jupiter' from "The Planets" by Holst. That's enough of a reason to keep me coming to rehearsal right there.

While there, the lady I sat next to (the 2nd chair part) mentioned that I should come play on Tuesday nights with the Zionsville Community Band. It's a little more laid back and she told me to bring my ear plugs. It's all old people and the music is really easy. They play a lot of marches. I hate marches. But she said it was a lot of fun and the old people would love to actually have 4 horns. I guess I can miss House to play da horn with old people :p She also said they go to the bar to have some drinks after rehearsals. Sign me up!

So I'm playing 'da horn again. After college, I never wanted to see it again, because I played it so much. After a year hiatus I guess it started calling my name and making me realize why I teach the musics. Tonight while playing, I forgot about the girl fight in my room today (sad as this may sound, it was a really good fight) and how the kids really get under my skin some days. It was me, and my horn and my brain trying to tell my fingers what notes were flying by in a blur on the page. That did happen. The notes were gone before my brain could process what notes were supposed to be played. I did a lot of finger wiggling in that one :p It will get better though, once I get rid of the rust :p