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
