Came back from Dallas last night after a very difficult drive home that was tiring and boring as all hell. Despite hacing such a struggling trip back home, the overall week I spent in Dallas was wonderful to say the very least.
I originally planned this trip to Dallas to attend a throws training camp at SMU but it turned out to be a beautiful combination of musical and athletic endeavours.
I first arrived and attended camp. It was a three day event that required much energy and mental stamina. The camp went great and it was a pleasure to work with Dave Wollman, head coach of the track team (only a women's track team there after the men were cut in 2004) at SMU. For the past four years, the NCAA champion in the men's discus have been from SMU or people who transferred from SMU after their cut of the men's team...he is a good coach. Well, actually, a GREAT coach. He gave me a lot of encouragement and said I have the potential to be a national champion in the discus...this means a lot...coming from someone who has worked with so many world-class throwers. In the 2004 olympics, he had 8 athletes that have worked with him extensively in the throwing events. 3 of them were top 8 in the discus placing 1st, 2nd, and 8th. He has alot of confidence in me and I am happy to be able to work with him now and in the future...now it's just amtter of utilizing this potential. The camp only had 5 participants so it was great to be in such a focused atmosphere. Being there made me miss SMU a lot and I wish they still had a men's track program...It still doesnt make sense how they (SMU athletics dept) would cut a nationally known track program.
In the afternoon of the first day I went to take alesson with a professor from the University of North Texas who is an expert on the neurlogical funstion of brass playing. She helped me TREMENDOUSLY and I am already hearing and feeling the benefits in my playing. The day after the camp was over I also attended a recital and masterclass of New York Philharmonic principal trumpeter Phil Smith. This man is nothing short of amazing. His playing was truely inspirational and perfectly tasteful. At the same time, he was an extremely humble person who truely loved the fact that he was there and proved so as he offered advice. Truely one of the greatest people in the circle of brass playing.
So the trip overall was great in variosu aspects. It wa svery well worht the money I put forth for the camp and lessons and GAS...truely a trip to Dallas seperate from others. I come back to Houston with a renewed sense of assurance that I can be world-class in both music and athletics and that my best is capable of being THE BEST. I haven tbeen feeling down or infereior...only feelignt hat I have a long ways to go and I cant wait to embark on the journey to becoming the best I can be. it's just one of those things you know is right.
I will be heading back to Dallas July 14th or so to dogsit for a friend. Why would I go back to Dallas to housesit dogs? Well A) I like being in Dallas and B) itll give me quiet time and a place to have focused practice in a house by myself and at a nearby high school for discus.
Later
JL
