Random thoughts .........
Sep. 20th, 2005 12:13 pm......inspired by
squire_liz's post time to "move on"
I started to write this as a reply over there but then I thought why clutter up her LJ with this.
We all grow and change. Some more than others (my mother is a prime example of 'others' but I will leave that alone for a while) and while it's sometimes painful or confusing, often it's all for the best when groups and/or activities change members.
For years and years I was a very active member of my local symphony, my local community jazz band, and my local community band. I was (and I hope still am) a pretty damned good percussionist. I've played with semi famous and not to famous people. I don't do it anymore. It's a choice.
Jon (hubby) and other's have tried to shift me back into it. It's not that I've outgrown music but I've definitely outgrown performing. I spent every holiday preparing for a performance it seems. Fourth of July meant wondering how hot it was going to be, how windy, did I bring enough water, hauling the equipment (I was also the equipment manager since *snerk* my shit was the biggest and the biggest headache) would the violins steal my stands. Christmas didn't mean Christmas cookies but organizing equipment, finding alternate percussionist, and listening to the choir butcher Rutter's Christmas Carols. I fixed shit, broke shit and polished shit to play in front of an often noisy, rarely interested audience. I have played with a 102 temp, after a major person in my life died, and with a broken foot. I've missed funerals and weddings. I have had the stage pit floor break on me. I don't want to do that any more.
It's rather pleasant not to HAVE to revolve my life around Monday night, Thursday night rehearsals.
I have (quite happily) become a rather selfish bitch. I like my freedom.
Wow that felt good to get out of my system....sorry for boring the audience but hell I did it on tympani for nearly 20 years. Time I took a break.
Later y'all ........
I started to write this as a reply over there but then I thought why clutter up her LJ with this.
We all grow and change. Some more than others (my mother is a prime example of 'others' but I will leave that alone for a while) and while it's sometimes painful or confusing, often it's all for the best when groups and/or activities change members.
For years and years I was a very active member of my local symphony, my local community jazz band, and my local community band. I was (and I hope still am) a pretty damned good percussionist. I've played with semi famous and not to famous people. I don't do it anymore. It's a choice.
Jon (hubby) and other's have tried to shift me back into it. It's not that I've outgrown music but I've definitely outgrown performing. I spent every holiday preparing for a performance it seems. Fourth of July meant wondering how hot it was going to be, how windy, did I bring enough water, hauling the equipment (I was also the equipment manager since *snerk* my shit was the biggest and the biggest headache) would the violins steal my stands. Christmas didn't mean Christmas cookies but organizing equipment, finding alternate percussionist, and listening to the choir butcher Rutter's Christmas Carols. I fixed shit, broke shit and polished shit to play in front of an often noisy, rarely interested audience. I have played with a 102 temp, after a major person in my life died, and with a broken foot. I've missed funerals and weddings. I have had the stage pit floor break on me. I don't want to do that any more.
It's rather pleasant not to HAVE to revolve my life around Monday night, Thursday night rehearsals.
I have (quite happily) become a rather selfish bitch. I like my freedom.
Wow that felt good to get out of my system....sorry for boring the audience but hell I did it on tympani for nearly 20 years. Time I took a break.
Later y'all ........
(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-20 05:23 pm (UTC)I'm totally with you on this one, babe
(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-20 05:39 pm (UTC)If/when I ever miss it I can try to go back to it. Until them I'm relaxing and enjoying watching other's perform.
That's another thing. I love Kansas (the group not the state) but I had to hear them from the back. Same with Three Dog Night. Now I get to be the audience LOL.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-20 05:41 pm (UTC)It was fun but now I'm happy to watch others sweat on stage *grin*
Bring on Wolgemut !!!!! (wouldn't they be cool orchestrated? full backup?)
(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-21 09:00 am (UTC)I stopped playing after a very stressful time in my life (i was never a pro Like You ) Music was my world. But it seemed after everything was said and done myjoy was gone. Ive been thinking about getting back into playng something Just for the playing I will never preform again but i do miss the feeling
I remember as a teenager when something was getting to me Getting out my horn sitting on the deck and just playing Not because anyone was listening Just playing for myself it seemed to centre me
Oh look at that im rambling... Guess this means im ready to start playing again now its time to figure out what t play i no longer have a horn (i played baritone)
maybe i'll take up something new and girlie Like the flute
(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-21 12:06 pm (UTC)I"m still not the point of even wanting to play (I play piano and mallet percussion as well) but I"m sure in time I will.
Good luck on the flute - it's a pretty and relaxing instrument.
btw - thank you but really I was at best an amateur with a very good symphony. :)