Sunday - and the sky is grey... totally...

This weekend has been pretty laid back. I finished reading a book that I have been working on for the better part of two weeks, Lisey's Story by Stephen King. It is my first taste of horror, but I would classify it more under suspense. The book has its own 'language' meaning that it takes you 100 pages or so before you can adequately get around the lingo and know what it going on. But, overall a pleasant read.

I had my first experience in a brass band concert on Friday night with the Besses. It went pretty well, aside from a minor collision (I would refrain from using the word trainwreck), because the wheels didn't fall off the bus - not totally, that is. The only problem was the there was a reviewer from 4barsrest.com, which is the major brass banding website - only know what he'll write about that little incident. Oh well. No problem.

Had a nice lazy Saturday and Sunday after my three days from hell. I think I spent more time on the bus and on the tram than I did sleeping! Geez! But, for all of the travel that it takes to get to rehearsals and gigs, the people in the band really make up for it. They are all super friendly, and are a great bunch of people to be performing with. Also, the musical director (MD as they are called, over here), asked me to solo on the next concert - geez... now I have to memorize something. Darn it!

Yesterday was laundry day. Those of you who live in dorms (or remember THOSE days) know exactly what I am talking about. We have 300 people in this dorm, and we have 8 (actually make that 7 because one was broken yesterday) washers and dryers. So, it is always fun getting to a machine when you need it. I usually do it on Wednesdays, but just didn't get it done this week - and when the supply of socks is up... it's time to do the wash.

Tonight I am headed over to school for a late night practice session. I usually try to get 90 minutes or so in the evenings, before I go back to my dorm to make my phone calls back to the US. With the time change (we are six hours ahead), it makes it slightly difficult, but not too bad.

I just found out that I am going to Germany for a couple of days. My teacher, Steven Mead, is going to the Besson factory (they make the euphonium that I (we) play on), and we fly into Munich - so a new country to visit... It's only for 2 days, but I think it'll be fun! I promise pictures for everyone!

I have some free time this week. I am going to take some pictures around town here in Manchester. I will go out to the city centre and give you guys some nice shots. We have a large ferriswheel in the middle of town right now as a tourist attraction. So, I will get a ticket and get some nice aerial shots!

Thanks to everyone who has been writing lately. I have gotten your emails, and will get back to you real soon. I am glad that people are enjoying reading the blog and I will keep posting things as they happen!