Well summer is in full swing and I'm still busy as hell...but atleast im not busy from doing school work!
Today began with a masterclass that I will be giving for the next three days for the Cypress Woods HS trombone players. I have to admit, there is quite a good group of players that will be at Cy-Woods and I look forward to teaching them throughout the school year. They all seem to have nice attitudes and are all very nice. This is the first time i've done such a thing and Im glad to be apart of it because a) it pays and b) im teaching these kids what I believe are essential aspects of brass playing...a dicipline that I think many young trombonist lack in their early instruction...because of the lack of quality brass teachers for the young sector of brass instruction. I am also revealing them to important aspects of style and beauty...something many people dont obtain from playing in such acaste system known as TEXAS BAND. I am priviledged to have met great players who have influenced me a great deal and for me to pass on this love and art is truely a blessing. This is why I do it.
I have been playing in a really good quintet lately comprised of local pros young and old. It is a great experience for me as I am truely in a sponge-like state absorbing all the things I can from these professional players. The players in the group have played with pretty big name symphonies and studied at good schools. It is a blessing for me to learn from their experience. It also pressures me to play at my highest level possible so that I can be on their level of playing...it is abeautiful challenge and it brings out a part of me that I havent seen in a while...the eager and spontaneous effort to match the higher levels of other players...things tend to get compalcent in music school, ironically.
As far as trainign goes, this past week has been a pretty tame one. I traveled to Dallas for the majoity of the week to visit friends and not much trainign was done their other than a light lift. I havent throwin in about a week and sadly, that is the most time ive taken from throwing in about 6-7 months...I didnt realize how impoirtant it is to rest from throwing every once in a while...by body just feels...better. I will resume throwing tomorrow, however. Ill ease back into lifting and begin a cardio routine. I want to balance my body out and be at 285 come august...hopefully 280 by January. I will go back to Dallas for a breif training and also hit up Kingsville, TX at one point to train for afew days. It should be good...lots of gas, however!
There is also a big conference heading to my church this week and many activites have captivated our congregation. I am head of intrumental music at the church so I have to organize a few perfromances by our members.
It has been a hassle lately, practicing, rehearsing, giving the masterclasses, and keeping up with my church duties...i would liek to say im enjoying i right now...but im not...mainly because of these unexpected church duties...it will be over soon.
Well it is time for bed as I have a masterclass to give tomorrow morning and an opportunity influence young kids...it really is pretty cool if you think about it.
-JL
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Vissi d'arte
Passion, sincerity, integrity...such is the intent of Puccini's character in in his famous opera Tosca. "Living for the art" and enveloping yourself in the present to communicate this art.
I commute a long drive everyday to school that is at best a 45 minute drive in the morning. The routine hardly ever falls outside the lines of getting in the car, turning on NPR, and minlessly await as I glide into campus. One day was anything but ordinary however.
There was a story on NPR about the street musician scene in Berlin, Germany. Many street musicians from around the world have fled to the streets and subways of Berlin hopiong to take advantage of their newly formed union for public musicians. However, things have not been easy. In fact, there is a constant underachievement in gross income for many of the musicians. The reporter interviewed one of the men and helped us understand his past. He was a solider of the Russian army who played the accordian and was musically trained through their army to serve as a military musician. After his discharge and many years of struggle he made the trip to Berlin to start a new life. Though he is upset with how things have turned out, he is glad that there is now organization on street entertainment and that it is btter for the long run. When asked how he deals with a stuggling life he answered int he most sincerest of tone, "Don't think bad about your hard life...someone will walk by you, someone will give you small money, and even if you had a mistake in your solo-dont stop playing...because this is your solo...I just sit and play...I just sit and play for God".
I felt compelled to write about this as it is both beautiful and inspiring. We have to remember why we play. Sure we work hard to find employment but why we started...we started with that youthful love...the innocent love to play music. This is what should be held onto.
I can imagine walking by this man, just as I have walked by many intrigueing musicians, and Im sure I would remember vividly the day I saw him playing. It happens in everyday life. The moment when you sit back and say "hey, thats nice"...that in itself is a miracle...that is what Art is...to share. When I witness people or groups that exists solely for the promotion of art to people who would otherwise not understand it, I become overwhelmed at what beauty has occured.
That is what I devote myself to...to truely live for my passion...to truely love it and not to let it die...to maintain this child-like love that is pure and open-minded. That is life...its not for money, its not for respect, its not for legacy...life is to be lived in the moment...and to approach every wink with understanding and beauty...and to recognize it. Am I being cheesy?
-JL
I commute a long drive everyday to school that is at best a 45 minute drive in the morning. The routine hardly ever falls outside the lines of getting in the car, turning on NPR, and minlessly await as I glide into campus. One day was anything but ordinary however.
There was a story on NPR about the street musician scene in Berlin, Germany. Many street musicians from around the world have fled to the streets and subways of Berlin hopiong to take advantage of their newly formed union for public musicians. However, things have not been easy. In fact, there is a constant underachievement in gross income for many of the musicians. The reporter interviewed one of the men and helped us understand his past. He was a solider of the Russian army who played the accordian and was musically trained through their army to serve as a military musician. After his discharge and many years of struggle he made the trip to Berlin to start a new life. Though he is upset with how things have turned out, he is glad that there is now organization on street entertainment and that it is btter for the long run. When asked how he deals with a stuggling life he answered int he most sincerest of tone, "Don't think bad about your hard life...someone will walk by you, someone will give you small money, and even if you had a mistake in your solo-dont stop playing...because this is your solo...I just sit and play...I just sit and play for God".
I felt compelled to write about this as it is both beautiful and inspiring. We have to remember why we play. Sure we work hard to find employment but why we started...we started with that youthful love...the innocent love to play music. This is what should be held onto.
I can imagine walking by this man, just as I have walked by many intrigueing musicians, and Im sure I would remember vividly the day I saw him playing. It happens in everyday life. The moment when you sit back and say "hey, thats nice"...that in itself is a miracle...that is what Art is...to share. When I witness people or groups that exists solely for the promotion of art to people who would otherwise not understand it, I become overwhelmed at what beauty has occured.
That is what I devote myself to...to truely live for my passion...to truely love it and not to let it die...to maintain this child-like love that is pure and open-minded. That is life...its not for money, its not for respect, its not for legacy...life is to be lived in the moment...and to approach every wink with understanding and beauty...and to recognize it. Am I being cheesy?
-JL
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Throwin' and bonin'. Bonin' and throwin'.
Friends and Colleagues,
I have pretty much achieved my goals for the season. I told myself that at my first meet I would hit 185' and I did that...and more; 188-10. Hopefully, with the two or three meets I'll have this summer (mainly for the sake of practice) I can hit 195'. I scratched what was assuredly a 190+ throw in Abilene so I know I have it in me. As far as the shot-put goes...well, I have a longer way to go than I do in discus...so that is evidence of how FAR i have! both are quite lacking. This summer I will devote my technical practice to being slower out of the back and really being more efficient in the technique. All I pretty much do now is spin and whip...which is not good for the long run. I have to turn myself from a raw thrower to a somewhat mature competitor. lots of things have gone funny because of my immaturity...espescially in competition. I am really going to focus on practicing intelligently and keeping an honest perspective on my progression. My goal for this season was 185' in the first meet. My goal for next season is 200' in the first meet.
I have also set a goal for the summer of 2008 for the Olympic Trials. I know, for sure, that I will be there...now whether or not I get to the Olympics...have no clue. But my goal by then is to be in shape to throw 65 meters...which is about 213'. there are a lot of good young throwers in the nation...if I throw 65 meters in the trials and dont make it...i wont be mad...that will have been only my third year of competition! 65 and a half is about what won it at the las trials.
Throwing
My season looks as though it is beginning to wind down. I will throw maybe afew more meets but just that...a few...mainly to have more chances at possibly qualifying for the US Nationals. i will resume throwing and training until maybe late July to take a two week break. My body is beginning to tire and then will be a good time to take a break for my muscles to recover and to also serve as a healthy mental break from training. I want to begin focusing on my overall body fitness to balance my body out and just plain out be more healthy. Having a balanced body wll yield more efficient performance. When it comes around season, I will cut that out and narrow it down to event specific workouts...but that wont be until about late December to get ready for indoor season in January. I will add 2-3 cardio sessions per week, my lifitng will consist of high repetitious workouts to shed fat, and I will work on strengthening my legs especially in the area from my knees and below (shins, calves, and ankles-much damage from previous basketball carreer). By the end of the summer, I want to be a lean 280lbs and have more agile capablities vertically and horizontally. I'm sitting at about a 28 inch veritcal that was a 31 inch in the fall...have gained too much mass.I have pretty much achieved my goals for the season. I told myself that at my first meet I would hit 185' and I did that...and more; 188-10. Hopefully, with the two or three meets I'll have this summer (mainly for the sake of practice) I can hit 195'. I scratched what was assuredly a 190+ throw in Abilene so I know I have it in me. As far as the shot-put goes...well, I have a longer way to go than I do in discus...so that is evidence of how FAR i have! both are quite lacking. This summer I will devote my technical practice to being slower out of the back and really being more efficient in the technique. All I pretty much do now is spin and whip...which is not good for the long run. I have to turn myself from a raw thrower to a somewhat mature competitor. lots of things have gone funny because of my immaturity...espescially in competition. I am really going to focus on practicing intelligently and keeping an honest perspective on my progression. My goal for this season was 185' in the first meet. My goal for next season is 200' in the first meet.
I have also set a goal for the summer of 2008 for the Olympic Trials. I know, for sure, that I will be there...now whether or not I get to the Olympics...have no clue. But my goal by then is to be in shape to throw 65 meters...which is about 213'. there are a lot of good young throwers in the nation...if I throw 65 meters in the trials and dont make it...i wont be mad...that will have been only my third year of competition! 65 and a half is about what won it at the las trials.
Trombone
Playing has been ok. I took three days of for a mental break just because I REALLY needed it. It has payed off. I plan on taking a week on in about a a month or so after my playing obligations pass. I really need the time off.
My goal in my summer practicing is to basically strengthen the fundamentals of playing through working on etudes, exceprts, and solos. That includes tuning, rhythm, and intonation. I feel more now than ever that I can accomplish a very productive summer of practicing. This year has helped me build a strong perspective on how to become a player despite not playing as much as I should have been. I have a solid education to recall upon to aid me...first with my two years at SMU with Kitzman and a new addition to my persepctive built here at UH with Warny. They are great compliments to each other. i feel that I have a lot to offer to the culture of music within the trombone community...i want to be able to share it one day and be an example.
I also hope to learn the solos and concerti written by Grondahl, Dutilieux, Tomasi, Mozart (Rondo Alla Turka), and Massenet. I am planning to play a recital in the fall of epic proportions...some of these pieces will be on it. I basically am doing this (though not required of me) to share with everyone the music I can offer...recitals are a great experience.
My goal for the fall is to come into the school year as solid as possible and to play solid ensemble auditions for the fall (thus shoving into the czarist band directors face that I can play-the guy hates me...i guess band directors just have anack for not liking me) . I know that what I am capable of can be the best at any school or conservatory in this country...there is no doubt about that...within me...and with any of the teachers I have ever had.
I also plan to take orchestral auditions during the next school year.
Bach Trombones are really raising an interst within me...if I find agreat Bach, I might end up selling this Edwards...im sure I can sell it...easily.
Well ther eyou have it...my summer plans...I will be teaching some this summer and helping ou tmy parents at the store..,other than that, im free...
till next time,
JL
My goal in my summer practicing is to basically strengthen the fundamentals of playing through working on etudes, exceprts, and solos. That includes tuning, rhythm, and intonation. I feel more now than ever that I can accomplish a very productive summer of practicing. This year has helped me build a strong perspective on how to become a player despite not playing as much as I should have been. I have a solid education to recall upon to aid me...first with my two years at SMU with Kitzman and a new addition to my persepctive built here at UH with Warny. They are great compliments to each other. i feel that I have a lot to offer to the culture of music within the trombone community...i want to be able to share it one day and be an example.
I also hope to learn the solos and concerti written by Grondahl, Dutilieux, Tomasi, Mozart (Rondo Alla Turka), and Massenet. I am planning to play a recital in the fall of epic proportions...some of these pieces will be on it. I basically am doing this (though not required of me) to share with everyone the music I can offer...recitals are a great experience.
My goal for the fall is to come into the school year as solid as possible and to play solid ensemble auditions for the fall (thus shoving into the czarist band directors face that I can play-the guy hates me...i guess band directors just have anack for not liking me) . I know that what I am capable of can be the best at any school or conservatory in this country...there is no doubt about that...within me...and with any of the teachers I have ever had.
I also plan to take orchestral auditions during the next school year.
Bach Trombones are really raising an interst within me...if I find agreat Bach, I might end up selling this Edwards...im sure I can sell it...easily.
Well ther eyou have it...my summer plans...I will be teaching some this summer and helping ou tmy parents at the store..,other than that, im free...
till next time,
JL
Friday, May 12, 2006
School's End/Abilene Christian University Track Meet
So school has ended and I am friggin glad to have a break for a friggin change. Remember, Jamesy has had non-stop school since august. And training and boning on top of that...glad to feel things slowing down for a damn change whew.
On wednesday night my bud and I from Rice went took the 6 1/2 hr drive up to Abilene for a track meet at ACU. Why? Because Jason Tunks the world's 7th best discus thrower was going to be there...thats WHY MUTHA PLUCKA! He throws for Canada and has placed high in the Olympics. Also an SMU grad.But yeah, it was more for an educational experience rather than trying to rip agood mark...but I did eh...decently 182'. I wouldnt be so upset normally but I scratched (fouled) a throw that couldve been my personal best at around 191'. I just let my bad habbits of not alwasy leaving the back of the ring kill me...thus proving how immature of a throwe I still am. Oh well...i threw it and I know I can do it so thats a start. The experience was truely a blessing for me. I've been keeping up with Jason for the whole year now and to finally meet the man in person was a true pleasure. Quite possibly the nicest thrower I have ever met. We talked a lot after the comp and he was very encouraging...he also commented on how he was glad that me and my Rice buddy loved throwing enough to drive all the way out to see someone throw a plate...its true..thye dude was strait up inspirational. And I honestly think my big throw (even if I scratched) was due to a big effort of support that he showed me the whole meet. Talk about class...this guy was great.
Even if the driving was friggin lame and costs were pretty high with hotels and shiz...the trip was definitely worth it...it was everything that I would hope to be and more...
Im glad.
On wednesday night my bud and I from Rice went took the 6 1/2 hr drive up to Abilene for a track meet at ACU. Why? Because Jason Tunks the world's 7th best discus thrower was going to be there...thats WHY MUTHA PLUCKA! He throws for Canada and has placed high in the Olympics. Also an SMU grad.But yeah, it was more for an educational experience rather than trying to rip agood mark...but I did eh...decently 182'. I wouldnt be so upset normally but I scratched (fouled) a throw that couldve been my personal best at around 191'. I just let my bad habbits of not alwasy leaving the back of the ring kill me...thus proving how immature of a throwe I still am. Oh well...i threw it and I know I can do it so thats a start. The experience was truely a blessing for me. I've been keeping up with Jason for the whole year now and to finally meet the man in person was a true pleasure. Quite possibly the nicest thrower I have ever met. We talked a lot after the comp and he was very encouraging...he also commented on how he was glad that me and my Rice buddy loved throwing enough to drive all the way out to see someone throw a plate...its true..thye dude was strait up inspirational. And I honestly think my big throw (even if I scratched) was due to a big effort of support that he showed me the whole meet. Talk about class...this guy was great.
Even if the driving was friggin lame and costs were pretty high with hotels and shiz...the trip was definitely worth it...it was everything that I would hope to be and more...
Im glad.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Another stab at life
Well, school is winding down and it finally seems like there is time to breath. A good portion of my lessons load with Clements High School and Hamilton Junir High will remain so it's good to know atleast SOME cash will be coming in. I just got an offer to teach at the newest addition to the Cyprees-Fairbanks School District at Cypress Woods High School. This school makes like the 8th high school or so...the district is HUGE. I really dont'...honestly, have no idea how this will work into my schedule next semester (teaching at three schools) but I do want to expose as many young kids to the right path of becoming a better player so I accpeted it...ill pray that it works out.
Ive been spending some time lookign for places to live next year. Dorm life may be making a comeback...
Trombone has been going better...still a bit out of shape but I'm gaining a lot in terms of perspective on how to practice and what to expect as I become older. I will be sending in a tape to the Las Vegas Music Festival this year after the Round Top Festival rejected me when i was named first alternate...and they needed an alternate...ironic. anyways, you live and you learn...shit happens...im looking forward to an intelligent summer practicing and getting better. Hopefully this festival in las Vegas will happen for me.
Track has been going good (as much as I hate to say it). I hate to say it because for someone who hasnt comepted for two years it is great...but for me...a bit frustrating. So far my places at the meets ive been to have been 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1st, and 4th. My season's best has been 188-10 and my second best has ben 188-1. The observance of my otehr marks is hard to believe as alot of them are somewhat dramtically lower. I have a meet in Abilene on the 11th and the world's 7th best discus thrower will be there...i kinda looked at his website and stalked him...hes in Texas so I want to see him. I have no doubt that it will be an inspirational experience for me. I might have a bud of mine that throws for Rice come up with me. He just hit anew personal record today in discus and shot-put...congrats to him. Also in today's meet one of my trainign partner's hit a personal record in the disc ...congrats to him as well.
I gues i'll end this post with soem reflections I have made after this school year...
-I really love the non-calculative areas of life...science, math-boo...I'm gonan go ahead and say it...I do think I have a lot of depth in my personality and I have a hard time trusting formulas and charts...I more of a literature and art guy...too bad the majority of the world has no understanding for the finer points of existence.
-I have become very disappointed in modern academia. Too much empahsis is put on the acheivement of status (via-degree or certification) rather than the achievement of love, udnerstanding, perspective, depth, and truth. The term "education" now only refers to those who have simply endured college.
-I know that my potential on in music is world-class...absolutely certain...and I know that I may be beginnign to udnerstand hwo to reach that potential.
-I know that I have the desire to be a great discus thrower...I have some physical attributes...but not as much as others...but I know my desire can help me be world-class.
-I don't know when I'll have to decide between discus and trombone...but it isnt any time soon. I have to know that I tried.
-If I don't become a professional trombonist I would really find much fulfillment as a teacher of english and coach. I like english.
-I want to attend graduate school at Indiana University, Rice University, and The University of Georgia. All three of these have quality training as far as discus and music are concerned. Juilliard has no track team...
-I would hate to be a band director...HATE IT...I do admire those who are wanting to do this with their life...and NOT those who are pursuing this for a stable income only...sad.
-It has become harder and harder to assume the best of people...peopel truely are weird.
-it's amazing how much we engage in mindless conversation thus proving how generic life can become:
James: "Hey, Hows it goin?"
Quiznos guy: "Good"
James: "Im doing well"
Did he ask me how I was doing? no! but i said that ...was i engaging in nothing more than a simple generic function of the brain? sad...i blame houston traffic...
-I shouldnt be so shy around girls...some losers have hot girldfriends
aaaaand its 3:30...bed time.
Ive been spending some time lookign for places to live next year. Dorm life may be making a comeback...
Trombone has been going better...still a bit out of shape but I'm gaining a lot in terms of perspective on how to practice and what to expect as I become older. I will be sending in a tape to the Las Vegas Music Festival this year after the Round Top Festival rejected me when i was named first alternate...and they needed an alternate...ironic. anyways, you live and you learn...shit happens...im looking forward to an intelligent summer practicing and getting better. Hopefully this festival in las Vegas will happen for me.
Track has been going good (as much as I hate to say it). I hate to say it because for someone who hasnt comepted for two years it is great...but for me...a bit frustrating. So far my places at the meets ive been to have been 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1st, and 4th. My season's best has been 188-10 and my second best has ben 188-1. The observance of my otehr marks is hard to believe as alot of them are somewhat dramtically lower. I have a meet in Abilene on the 11th and the world's 7th best discus thrower will be there...i kinda looked at his website and stalked him...hes in Texas so I want to see him. I have no doubt that it will be an inspirational experience for me. I might have a bud of mine that throws for Rice come up with me. He just hit anew personal record today in discus and shot-put...congrats to him. Also in today's meet one of my trainign partner's hit a personal record in the disc ...congrats to him as well.
I gues i'll end this post with soem reflections I have made after this school year...
-I really love the non-calculative areas of life...science, math-boo...I'm gonan go ahead and say it...I do think I have a lot of depth in my personality and I have a hard time trusting formulas and charts...I more of a literature and art guy...too bad the majority of the world has no understanding for the finer points of existence.
-I have become very disappointed in modern academia. Too much empahsis is put on the acheivement of status (via-degree or certification) rather than the achievement of love, udnerstanding, perspective, depth, and truth. The term "education" now only refers to those who have simply endured college.
-I know that my potential on in music is world-class...absolutely certain...and I know that I may be beginnign to udnerstand hwo to reach that potential.
-I know that I have the desire to be a great discus thrower...I have some physical attributes...but not as much as others...but I know my desire can help me be world-class.
-I don't know when I'll have to decide between discus and trombone...but it isnt any time soon. I have to know that I tried.
-If I don't become a professional trombonist I would really find much fulfillment as a teacher of english and coach. I like english.
-I want to attend graduate school at Indiana University, Rice University, and The University of Georgia. All three of these have quality training as far as discus and music are concerned. Juilliard has no track team...
-I would hate to be a band director...HATE IT...I do admire those who are wanting to do this with their life...and NOT those who are pursuing this for a stable income only...sad.
-It has become harder and harder to assume the best of people...peopel truely are weird.
-it's amazing how much we engage in mindless conversation thus proving how generic life can become:
James: "Hey, Hows it goin?"
Quiznos guy: "Good"
James: "Im doing well"
Did he ask me how I was doing? no! but i said that ...was i engaging in nothing more than a simple generic function of the brain? sad...i blame houston traffic...
-I shouldnt be so shy around girls...some losers have hot girldfriends
aaaaand its 3:30...bed time.
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