Back in the saddle - so to speak

I know that one of my resolutions for 2008 was to update my blog more, so I will just say that I am beginning this resolution NOW. I'll spare you the apologies and ranting about how busy I am - and just get to typing!

It's been a great semester so far here in PHX. I find after living in the UK, and traveling so much - I begin to use airport codes for everything. Like, I'm going to visit my parents in EVV, or flying back to MCI for a gig or my favorite - going on spring break to OGG. I never got that airport abbreviation. OGG, hmm... well, OGG was great. Mary and I met up with my parents, and my aunt and uncle in Maui for spring break - it was pretty much Mary and I's first vacation away from this place together since we moved out here.

It was great getting to see my mom and dad, and aunt/uncle for a week - and get to relax in the sun as well! I did have to bring along my euphonium for some warming up each day because I had to play my first DMA recital at Arizona State this past week. And - how did it go you ask??!? I think it went pretty well. I think that performing definitely gets easier the more that you do it - just like anything (except typing in your blog... I know... I know...) and this was the case here. I was pretty happy with my degree recital at the RNCM last year, but this felt more natural. Sometimes people ask me what England did for me as a player. I think it gave me a year to mature - put simply. I went over a euphonium player, and came back a musician. I was able to dive into facets of my playing that I didn't know existed. I got to spend close 1-on-1 time with the 'godfather of the instrument', and I guess some of it stuck - even in someone as thick as me.

Right now it's April Fools Day - and I'm going to go ahead and sign off. There is much more I could write, but this will give me more inspiration to write to you all later this week. Have a great day! And for all of you in the midwest with hail, rain, tornadoes and all of that bad stuff - it's 80 degrees and sunny here. Yeah, I'd hate me too.