6169 Words So Far!

Well fellow Bloggers I'm glad to say this week has been a lot more productive than the passing few were my head has been buried in college work and composing manuscript. Not only have I managed to finish most of my college assignments but I have also managed to complete my composition for the Paragon musicians and with a few tweaks it should at performance level.. This week however has not only been one of writing for it has been full of performance delight and dates for the diary as well.
Last Sunday was the turning on of the lights with Rhythm wave parading through the streets all afternoon for the occasion. It was the first time that I had played snare in the rain and paraded with the drum which revealed to me how much I have to work on my technique. Since the drum was so close to me I was acquired to play completely with my wrists, something I am not use to when I spend most of my drumming time on a kit swinging my arms around erratically. Its back to the practice pad with rudimental rituals until I can "work the wrist." Overall though it was a fun afternoon which I was pleased to be a part of.

On Monday I made arrangements to have a traditional jam for it had been a long time since we had come together. Although it had been a while I felt we sounded as good as ever and my fiddle playing was of a much higher standard. It made me realise that forcing practice was not always the best answers as if you're not having fun the chances are only half of what is studied shall be remembered. It was incredible how much bigger our sound was with a guitarist and so all we need to find is an accordion and whistle player. If you know anyone who is interested, get in touch.
Tuesday morning I walked to my piano lesson fighting through the horrible weather that came with it. I had been working on my Grade 4 pieces and had managed to learn one from the Baroque period to play. With a few tips for improvement I am well under way for my exam and have started looking at my second piece. This one is in the minor and with it my teacher has recommended I start practicing all my minor scales for it shall help me in tackling it.After a nice trim and refuelling of the car my band had a rehearsal for thre Eden Court on Thursday. The set had become really tight and it was just down to deciding what songs to play, which led to a small dispute. This has helped to build on my team working skills for the argument really helped on my approach to discussions and how to expand on my ideas to others.

After college on Wednesday I managed to find time to practice my trombone. It had been a while since I had played it and so I speant a good few hours playing pieces and using my new trombone book - Arbans Method For Trombone. I have started to rely on this book when practicing for it breaks up every possible scale and arpegio helping me to improve on intonation, range and tone.

Well the big day arrived and Thursday morning and the college bus set on its way to Eden Court. It was a gig I looked forward to however most of the morning and afternoon was taken up by sound checks. Although an amplified bass drum pounding my head for hours was an uncomfortable and monotonous experience it gave me time to analyse the set up and warm up properly. When it came to the night and it was our bands time to shine we kept the set tight and were well accepted by the crowd. It was the first real gig for our band and helped to boost morale between us.

The same night we were also asked by a few musicians to play in the Twa Tams the following night which we accepted greatfuly.

Although I wasn't feeling a hundred percent I turned up for sound check the next day ready to go. The drummer of the other band whose kit I was using was picky about what I use of his equipment. I was meant to be using my own snare drum but there was a dramatic twist when my snare skin broke at the sound check! What to do!
A few nice words to the other drummer and he finnaly gave into loaning me it for the gig. We were well received for our efforts and have been asked to come back again in the near future. This gig really showed me that I neeed to keep my gear in good quality and that its always good to communicate with the other musicians that are playing before hand in case there is a need of equipment loan.
Finnaly we have been asked by a music student to take part in a college roadshow around Perth schools which should be a good laugh and a learning curve.

Well this week has gone well for the band and has taught me some valuable lessons about practice and gigging. Lets hope the next few can live up to this!