Paradise Lost...
My mind goes wild, thinking that such a sight is real and that someone was so graciously blessed to see it in person. Wow.
Eric Whitacre is one of my most favorite living composers. His music is so alive and natural. It doesn't sound like it has been superficially vomited out of a textbook. It is real. Finally, someone opens their heart and displays such true passion. Eric's (yeah, we're on a first name basis... eh, I'm on a first name basis.) newest and biggest work is in progress now- Paradise Lost: Opera Electronica. Composer Eric Whitacre and lyricist David Noroña bring a futuristic performance of the epic story of the mythic battle for paradise. One angel who followed her heart. The world premiere was supposed to be in Los Angeles in February of 2004, but it has been pushed back. The dates are still unannounced, but the location is still LA. I am praying that it just HAPPENS to fall on the same week/weekend in August that I am on the Tour of Champions. I have been keeping up with this work ever since its beginning stages. I want to see it sooo badly. Check out the website, and be sure to watch a couple of the movies, especially Episode 2 and 6. They show a glimpse into what the show might look and feel. Episode 2 is actually video from a presentation Eric, David, and Hila (Eric's wife and angel vocalist Exstasis) gave in a California Apple Store. Hila is AMAZING, and she shows some of the demands this new opera throws upon her! The idea to put a beautiful soaring voice over expertly composed, driving electronica is purely genius. I can't wait to see a work that has the potential to revolutionize the world.
The posting has been slack, yes, but I have good reasons! Last week I had midterms, which took up every waking second of my life. I studied and studied and studied for my International Affairs test, and did everything I felt that I could to be prepared. The test came ... The test went ... And the grade came back. Class average was 20.43/30 questions. I achieved 24/30. My percentage grade after a curve: 86.8. Not too bad, I guess. I was hoping for an A, but a lot of information was covered that I had to study. I just missed several bits of information that appeared on the test. Besides that test, I also had a huge english paper due on Thursday of last week. I started and finished it on Tuesday, and I feel very confident about it. I hope my grade reflects my confidence! Other midterm week stuff included Sight-Singing Individual Exam, Sight-Singing Ear Training Exam, and a masterclass with David Vining, one of the best trombone players in the world! It was pretty cool. That week is now over (Thank God!), and I am enjoying the freedom of Spring Break! Since I am poor from drum corps fees, I won't be able to go anywhere too exciting this week. No beach. No Florida. No cruise. No Bahamas. No nothing... except the gym. Each day of my break consists of sleeping in 'til about 1pm, lounging for a while, going to the gym for about 2 hours, showering, eating, lounging and socializing on the Internet, staying up until 2 or 3am, and starting over again. I love not being tied down to a meal plan. I can eat how I like. For instance, I had one fairly large meal today. That's it. That's all I needed; that's all I wanted!
FINALLY! Charlotte is getting a real Apple Store! The new 4,200 square feet store in South Park mall will have its Grand Opening this Friday, March 12th. As far as I know, I will be there when the doors open at 10 AM! They are giving away free T-Shirts to the first 1,000 customers. I WANT ONE! I might even leave town at 6am to get there really early.
I am NOT an impulse buyer. AT ALL. But! I just randomly made the decision to buy a digital camcorder last Thursday! It must have been the relief from all the stress of midterms finally concluding. Looks like I relieved just a little too much. Heh. Nonetheless, I'm excited about my purchase. I chose the Canon ZR-70MC. 22x Optical Zoom. 440x Digital Zoom. Pretty sweet, if you ask me!
I have to teach a couple drum major lessons this week, which I'm kinda excited about. Conducting is an aspect of music that most people don't ever get to fully experience. I have always loved getting the opportunity to express my love for music through conducting. Hopefully, the person I'm helping will catch on quickly and have the determination to develop outstanding technique. We'll see.
I was stupid today. I haven't been out in the sun at all in months, and I got in the tanning bed for 10 minutes. WAY TOO LONG! I am burnt!
