New horn! New books!

I don't know why I put off updating this thing. The symposium was a great experience and a huge success for me-- I won the solo competition! I am now the proud owner of a brand new, shiny, beautiful, Shires trombone!!!!! It's pretty awesome. I am so grateful for the entire experience and thankful to my family for making the trip to Columbus to support me-- that is probably why I played the way I did. The whole week really inspired me and sparked some new motivation that any mid-summer music student needs. Another great thing is that now that the competition is behind me, I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I had no idea that I was so stressed out about it, but I guess I really was. Now I feel like I can enjoy the rest of the summer and the time I spend with my new trombone :)

 The participants at the Southeast Trombone Symposium 2010
 

The student quartet that I played in (#1, ha)

My performance of the 1st movement of the Tomasi Concerto for Trombone, accompanied by the talented Yien Wang on piano.

Waiting for Dr. Palmer to read the results of the competition

On a different (less musical) note, my book club "Brain Trust"-- formed with my dearest friends dating back to elementary school-- is probably the highlight of my week. The last meeting we had was a tea party in honor of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  Though I was late, due to traveling back from NC and visiting the grand 'rents, I had the best time. Everyone was dressed up, and we sipped tea while munching on croissants and nutella.  I mean, who doesn't feel fancy while eating Nutella?! Our current book is entitled Italian for Beginners by Kristin Harmel. While it is no literary masterpiece (sorry, Ms. Harmel), I am thoroughly enjoying the read. Why is it that I always end up reading books about messed up or troubled women that go to Italy? Oh well, hopefully one day I will travel to Italy as well.

Cheers,
Jessy