Firehouse Center for the Arts ~ Solo

[jbaylies]

Well, I’ve played my solo. It was interesting to say the least. We found the place after a little frustration (we passed it several times) and climbed the narrow, twisting flight of stairs (not fun when you play a tuba) to the second floor. I played my piece once on stage with a couple early birds in the audience and found that it sounded pretty good! I was then directed in to the basement below the stage where I was to warm up with the other members of the trombone quartet. It looked like this:



and since it was located in back of a kitchen, it reeked of fish! When it was time I went back up to the stage a waited to play. The trumpet trio was first (one of the players decided to arrive literally 30 seconds before they performed). After that there was a string quartet. My heart beat faster. You know how people say to take deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth? Well it’s a lie, I doesn’t work, or at least not that time.

It was my turn. I was up. I waited for the chairs to be set up and walked on amid the applause. I sat down, took a deep breath, and played. I was so nervous those first few notes, I messed them up horribly, but then all of a sudden I was OK, or at least a little less nervous, and forced my mind off the crowd and onto the music. I played as musically as I could, and did my best (considering I had hurt my back a few days before while I was hoisting my way-too-heavy backpack onto my shoulders). Then it was over. I bowed, and walked off the stage. So, yeah, it was interesting.

Video: http://www.vimeo.com/920758