So today is 8 weeks from my Milwaukee Symphony audition. I feel like this is the readiest I've ever been before embarking upon preparations for an audition...if this makes any sense to you.
During this period, I will try my hardest to remember a few things...
a) Despite a highly pressurized atmosphere and rigorous preparation, it is still music after all.
b) It's not me vs. the 70 or 80 people or so for one spot...for most of the audition, it is me vs. me.
c) I do have what it takes to be a world-class musician. I have hints of it now...how is that for modesty?
and
d) I'm not a little twerpy trombone kid so that always keeps me from getting too nervous. Its amazing how many little dweebs you see at these auditions...dude, go drink you a cold one.
It's just music...enjoyment is the up most priority. VERY HARD work is necessary for me but I can do it. I can't guarantee a win, I can't foretell the future and say that I will have gotten everything in order both physically and mentally...but I can have a perspective that will hopefully lead to the aforementioned results.
Also...
Im currently sitting at 285 lbs after spending much of 2009 around the 265 lbs mark. Although I like the heavier weights, I'm afraid that it has taken a toll on my knees. I don't plan to lose a lot of weight but rather, lose only about 5 pounds and to focus balancing my body out to ultimately turn myself into a bigger person all around...this should help me with any bodily stresses. Something about being a muscular 280lbs seems really ....well....badass to me. At 265 I was just a bit too dainty for my taste. Being 280 dense in muscle will be quite a task, however.
I've also been toying with the idea of throwing again next season. I've been coaching the past few years, and though my throwing isn't quite in shape, every once in a while I'll flin that discus out there and feel like an absolute new man. My perspective has changed, my life is different, my throwing intellect is better...why not I say. One thing is certain, if I do decide to throw again, I will devote myself to being absolutely stronger as I did not in the past. In the past, I was just strong...compared to other little dweebs. Bench was about 370, squat was about 550. Yes, the technique is of paramount importance, but being strong as all hell does not hurt. Id like to get the bench up to about 430 and the squat to about 630. Also, I've realized the absolute importance of the core in the throwing motion. Id make sure that is in order as well.
Many people get the wrong idea that throwers should be merely big...that is foolish. Unfortunately, you see a lot of throwers who totally disregard their bodies and as a result their throwing is well...terrible. The ideal thrower will have size but not at the expense of not being graceful, quick, and dynamic.
later,
James
