Hello,
As the weeks pass the rest of my summer looks as if it is forming into shape. I will be takign two mini-mester courses...basically a lot of effing class cramm\ed into about 6-7 weeks. My break is ending...which is ok. The courses I will be taking are Italian and American Literasture as I am an English minor. Italian is required for my bachelor of arts degree in music. What degree I get for music really does not matter as long as I am playing well...thats what matters...the set of letters that sit after you name in a business card has no bearing to whats important...how you sound. Plus the BA is letting me take foreign language...I chose Italian and later in life I will take up German. That'll put me into a general knowledge intot eh three main languages of music- French, Italian, and German.
I have been invited to spend time on the ranch of Tom Tellez who is the former UH track and field coach and a member of the UH and USA Track and field Hall of fame. It is quite an honor to be invited by him personally to spend time with him on his ranch and train...and also maybe ride some horses...they better be strong! It'll only be me and him on his ranch...that's intense. He's coached many greats most notably Carl Lewis, 9-time Olympic gold medalist. He's also coached all of UH's top throwers in history and several olympians in the throwing events...hes an all-around stud coach. Hopefulyl I will be able to fit time in between now and the end of summer to go up to his ranch. I am honored nonetheless.
Musically Im doign fine this summer. Im feeling my chops bending back into shape most recently but Im finding some frustruations with my horn. It seems to be backing up on me as I play it. It raises concerns. I may be looking out for a better instrument to play. I am also gonan have to study hard to place out of as many music courses as I can for the fall. I took plnety of these courses at SMU but theyre making me do test to shwo that I still remember...and any real performer wont remeber everything they learned in class...its not important for me to compeltely understands all the modes in early music...its just not important. I learned it once, I dont need to learn it EVER AGAIN.
And a rant...
I recently read an article on Men's Health Magazine that offered advive on hwo to conquer competition. It discussed a method which involves invokign a mental war...thus altering your opponen't ability by mentally attacking them. I read this article in pure DISGUST. When pursuits of this kind occur, it is a true indicator that the love of what you are doing is out of the window. America has become so oriented with dominance it has told us that we should take measures to altar the other party in order for us to feel dominant. Competition should be beautiful, truthful, and well...perfect. That is the true pursuit with love and passion. There is no accomplishment in winning when you've faced someone who was not able to put forth their best. It is truely pathetic to thrive on one's inability to do their best...what does it say about you? I think musicians are particularly good in dealign with competition...though there are idiots who offer exceptions...for the most part musicians pursue comeptitons and auditions with love, pursuit of beauty, and the burden of sharing. Their comeptiton is themself and the obstacles that otehr spresent to them...their competition is not the other people...the competition lies in a divine purpose....the purpose of accomplishment and satisfaction to one's work. ..and in my case, a happiness offered to my creator. It is absolutely pathetic to rely on someone else's bad day in order for you to thrive and salivate at the opportunity to capitalize...its not beautiful.
later,
JL
