Ever Forward we shall flow, Sempre Avanti.

This weekend has just introduced me to a whole new kind of magic.
It was the weekend for All-Districts, which I finallllly made this year, and how sad I am to see what I've been missing these past few years.
I don't know what it was, but something about these slightly-more-than-24 hours showed me how I really should play oboe, how I should perform as a musician, how I should act as a person and achiever, and how to overcome my many adversities in this department to just enjoy the ride. You know what? I am hear to tell you that it REALLY is like a ride, like a roller coaster. Many people play, but not many do it right. I have never done it right. And I might have begun to see that this weekend.
I got a taste of "right," and all it takes is the simple but powerful courage to see past your mistakes and just do what you are told. Don't cut corners and don't be lazy, just play the music. And don't be afraid. Granted, the environment allowed a bit of room for error, but I think human correction and embarrassment gets in the way of art.

I absolutely loved the feeling, today especially at our culminating concert, of being completely immersed in the music. For perhaps the first time ever. Sure, I've certainly been able to get into the music and cry and be happ or excited about it, but everything is blurry from when we were onstage, I don't remember much except for the blur and swirl of melodies and color. We made many mistakes, but they didn't bother me, or maybe it was just because it was All-Districts. I was simply, happy. And free for a moment. I was independent and I could relax because I knew everyone else was just as capable.

I knew I liked our conductor. He inspired me. A lot.
This is the link to the song we performed of his. The band is quite good, "tasty" as he would say, but it just doesn't carry the same emotions I felt as I played this piece. Easy stuff, just a cute little grade 4, and perhaps even on hearing it, it could be deemed elementary. But the story behind it and the way he presented it and what he demanded of us made this an unforgettable experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO-vdseS3jE

Give it up for Patrick Burns and his kind, inspiring, and often hilarious words.
God bless.