Update Update

[bort]

Update: I have been busy! Also got engaged a few weeks ago.

Congratulations! Marriage is awesome! Is she a musician too?

Haha, plus now she gets to run around saying that she's going to be married to a doctor!

[Chadtuba]

I had the immeasurable pleasure to play Pomp & Circumstance for 30 stinkin' minutes tonight.

I'll be taking my shot at it tomorrow. As an entire piece of music, I think that P&C is a beautiful work; as the graduation march I think I might vomit one of these years

[PMeuph]

bloke "and I might dare to add that a run-of-the-mill high school diploma in 1961 required quite a bit more application of self that it does today"

And it probably had as much value and recognition as an undergrad does today.

PM "who gets to play three days of graduation ceremonies on tuba in about three weeks"

[Biggs]

I seems to me that with the degradation of decorum at commencement ceremonies (starting in the early 1970's, and deteriorating from there) that the whole thing of wearing caps, gowns, and regalia, and having someone of note deliver any sort of thoughtful address is all a mockery of itself.

(hollering, calling out, cheering, air horns, silly string, confetti, milling about, a constant undertone of jabber, etc., etc.)

I recall my brothers (not college, but) high school graduation in 1961.
ladies: hats and white gloves
men: suits and ties
decorum: absolutely solemn and respectful...not even people getting up to take pictures

I played for a doctoral hooding this evening. ' no air horns or confetti, but hollering, calling out, cheering, talking, a constant undertone of jabber, and milling about were constant.

yeah...I know...I'm an old fart, and I just don't get it.

bloke "and I might dare to add that a run-of-the-mill high school diploma in 1961 required quite a bit more application of self that it does today"

I just had this discussion with my parents (close in age to you) and they share your view. My 'counter-view' (not an explanation, or even an excuse for such behavior) is that it is MY graduation, I worked damned hard for the final product, and I'm there to celebrate it, not mourn it.

Also, in my case, the school supplied the confetti.

[TubaRay]

it is MY graduation, I worked damned hard for the final product, and I'm there to celebrate it, not mourn it.

I wouldn't attempt to argue with you about that, but I believe the mere fact that you look at this in the manner you do, indicates that you just don't understand. Serious ceremony does not indicate "mourning." It pays homage to the seriousness of your accomplishment. It does so in a dignified manner. Do you really think that us old guys didn't celebrate? Well, we did. The ceremony served as a stamp of approval and congratulations for such a significant accomplishment. The ceremony was to celebrate. That is true. And, I suppose you would argue that celebrating needs to be rowdy. I believe there is more than one way to celebrate. In my view, the ceremony is not the place for rowdy. A dignified ceremony adds a dimension not possible in any other place.

[MartyNeilan]

I spent the day at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL yesterday. (In keeping with the graduation thread, it was paid for by a graduation gig I had done a week earlier.)
I would strongly suggest that everyone should visit this museum at least once in their lifetime. The extent of their exhibits is truely amazing, and to see the size of these beasts in person is awe inspiring. There were enough simuators and hands-on activities to keep the kids' attention. Not cheap, but worth every penny.

[Chuck Jackson]

Sunny, 90 degrees, working in the back yard while the Vin Scully calls a Dodgers game, a cold beer soon to be in hand. Life is good.

Chuck

[The Big Ben]

I seems to me that with the degradation of decorum at commencement ceremonies (starting in the early 1970's, and deteriorating from there) that the whole thing of wearing caps, gowns, and regalia, and having someone of note deliver any sort of thoughtful address is all a mockery of itself.
<cut>

yeah...I know...I'm an old fart, and I just don't get it.

bloke "and I might dare to add that a run-of-the-mill high school diploma in 1961 required quite a bit more application of self that it does today"

I just had this discussion with my parents (close in age to you) and they share your view. My 'counter-view' (not an explanation, or even an excuse for such behavior) is that it is MY graduation, I worked damned hard for the final product, and I'm there to celebrate it, not mourn it.

Also, in my case, the school supplied the confetti.

Mr. biggs, There's the wedding, followed by the reception. There's the funeral, followed by the repass. There's the inauguration, followed by the ball.

...There's a time and a place...

I have this conversation with the seniors at my school every year: "This is NOT your graduation. It is OURS. You have worked and met OUR standards and we are bestowing upon you OUR diploma. So, no you can't walk across the stage with your dog. No, you can't blow bubbles on the stage." Our administration takes a similar position. Besides, Grandma in the audience doesn't want to see all that crap. We conquered most of the home video makers and photographers by making a pro-quality DVD for about $10 and pay a pro photog. to take photos the folks can buy off a website.

[Biggs]

Mr. biggs, There's the wedding, followed by the reception. There's the funeral, followed by the repass. There's the inauguration, followed by the ball.

...There's a time and a place...

I have this conversation with the seniors at my school every year: "This is NOT your graduation. It is OURS. You have worked and met OUR standards and we are bestowing upon you OUR diploma. So, no you can't walk across the stage with your dog. No, you can't blow bubbles on the stage." Our administration takes a similar position. Besides, Grandma in the audience doesn't want to see all that crap. We conquered most of the home video makers and photographers by making a pro-quality DVD for about $10 and pay a pro photog. to take photos the folks can buy off a website.

All reasonable points. Given that I didn't wear a shirt to my high school graduation, I'll allow that the issues are probably on my end.

[Dan Schultz]

Well... FINALLY!

It's National 'dance like a chicken' day.

OK, kids... here's how it's done http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/pla ... cken+Dance

[toobagrowl]

A few days ago, I FINALLY re-soldered the 'floated'/ lowered mouthpipe on my M-W CC. I had un-soldered it about a week ago. Then I scoured & cleaned the crap outta that thing with a wire brush and brush snake with some Comet, Dawn and lots of hot water!
Got the position just the way I want it (about 1.75" lower and 'floated' around the bell), then started to solder. After a few days of testing, I can confirm that the ergonomics are better and that the tuba plays
easier - a touch more responsive and definitely not as 'stiff' as before. The 'F' in the staff and 'Bb' above, in particular, always had very tight 'slots' and were easy to "french horn" (miss/crack) if I was not careful.
Now, those two notes are noticeably easier/better as well as the overall horn. Slots are more even. The flat G/Gb at bottom of the staff are still flat, but a little easier to lip in tune.
I'm not saying there is a HUGE difference, but there is a marked difference - no 'placebo' effect. The tuba definitely plays better/easier than before. I can play certain etudes and exercises a bit cleaner and smoother than I ever could before on that horn.

I see why tuba players like to get the mouthpipe lifted/floated around the bell, rather than soldered all around it - it usually improves response.

[tbn.al]

Hey Joe! I noticed that your old tag is not showing up at the bottom. Has it been replaced by the new quote? If so, is this a shift from commercialism to etherialism for the blokester?

[Dan Schultz]

Finished my bass horn!

It sounds a lot like a mix between a french horn (when quiet) and a cimbasso/contrabass trombone (when loud).

An alto kazoo?

[MartyNeilan]

Jalapeño spaghetti. One of those things you can make when your wife is out of town for the weekend.

[MartyNeilan]

Jalapeño spaghetti. One of those things you can make when your wife is out of town for the weekend.

good for you, Marty....I LIKE spicy spaghet'

About an hour after I finished, she called me and told me about the absolutely incredible dinner she had at the Marietta Diner with her church group. Today they visit the Coke museum, among other places.
Last night was play video games and watch Zombie movies, today is work on the small tuba day.
Marty - typing this while sittin on the can (lots of Jalapeños in the spaghetti )

[Kevin Hendrick]

Marty - typing this while sittin on the can (lots of Jalapeños in the spaghetti )

Nice to know you were thinking about us!

[sousaphone68]

Just finished reading my book pool side and have turned off Lollipop on my ipod getting dressed to have a pirate dinner adventure you have been updated

[ppalan]

Last night I had the great pleasure of listening to the phenomenal choral group Voices of Ascension in Manhattan's Episcopal Church of the Ascension.
They performed a program of mostly early Renaissance liturgical music. It is the finest choral group I've ever heard.
Pete

[Tubajug]

"School's out for summer!"

[Juggernaut04]

I’ve spent the last hour reading about and admiring the work on the Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works website. Hats off to the guys that have spent countless hours mastering their craft.

@Tubajug: I am very jealous of you, school doesn't end for me until Friday.