Careful what you pray for!

Frantic practice

What's that note?

I think I can, I think I can....

       I tried out for the principle clarinet position with the Folsom Lake Symphony this past summer and did not survive the audition field.  I felt a little better when I found out the person who won the slot had a  masters degree as a clarinet performance major.  I had been asked to substitute for them at Christmas, but our regular band concert interfered.  I hoped I would get another opportunity to substitute, and it finally came.  When I got the music, I was impressed and started practicing frantically.  (There are a lot of notes I haven't seen in a few years.....) 

     I have been improving, being moved up to the first clarinet section in our Sacramento Symphonic Winds band, but I haven't practiced diligently each day as I should have to really improve.  Well, opportunity comes to the prepared, and sometimes even those who wish they were more prepared. I am now practicing my fingers off and am very excited for the concert.  I am substituting for the second clarinet part. If you want to know the concert pieces, google Folsom Lake Symphony and look at the concert on Valentines Day.  (You can listen to orchestral versions of the pieces on YouTube.)  The concert will be fun!

Dad