Nothing to Wear

I wasn’t a very socially acceptable teen. I mean, I got along with everybody well enough, especially when they wanted help with homework, but I wasn’t into the rabid fan, fashion shopping spree, squee, painted nails, up all night convo, boyfriend gossip party…ness. In fact, I can solidly say I pretty much gave up on boybands when I was ten.

Now I’m almost thirty and about to attend my very first rock concert. Ever. Mind you, I’ve been in music education for nearly a decade already, but I’ve never officially been to THE quintessential American musical experience- a crowd full of thrashing, hormonal, screaming fans cheering on screaming guitars and drums. But…

A band that I’ve respected since my college days has finally made it low enough in their careers to consider going to my city- and I couldn’t be happier. Well, maybe they’re not “low” in their careers, just a bit older and not as single as they used to be, therefore not making thirteen year old girls and boys break into a sweat over the mere mention of their name. And that’s alright with me, because they are some of the most poetic, musical rock musicians this side of Muse.

I’m angsty, nervous, excited, and haven’t a single clue what to expect. I will, undoubtedly, bring you many, many pictures. Wish me luck.

Concert Reruns

A collection of videos of my kids performing throughout the years. Some good, some better.

Top Ten Things NEVER To Do At A Piano Audition That I Still See Every Year

1.) Walk in without your music. Don’t expect me to have your music memorized for you.

2.) Look at your feet, look at the pedals, look at your feet, then ask the judge which pedal to use. Go back to piano 101 and come back to me when you’re ready.

3.) Come in wearing muddy jeans and cowboy boots. What is this, a rodeo?

4.) Tell the judge that you don’t know how to sight-read, even though it’s been listed on the audition sheet for the past six months. If you can’t read, then I won’t waste my time with you.

5.) Ask to start a piece over when you mess up. Why would I want to sit through that again??

6.) Talk to yourself, make strange noises or stick out your tongue during the audition. Do I really have to explain this one?

7.) Play an entire piece in the wrong key or ignore the key signature altogether. *rubs temples* It’s there for a reason. Anything else is simply excruciating to listen to.

8.) Ask to play the sight-reading or scales hands separately. This screams, ‘I have poor reading and coordination abilities.’ If that’s the case, go home. I came in on a Saturday morning with no pay for this. 

9.) Play in the wrong octave. Every note has its place. I won’t call you Sam if your name is Brian, so don’t play a treble G if it’s quite clearly a bass G!

10.) Bring in music that has letter names written by any note whatsoever. This tells me you can’t read. Don’t waste my time if you can’t read.