Bittersweet Symphony

Thursday I went to by first Houston Symphonic Band practice. Getting there was a bit of an adventure, but when I arrived the real adventure began. I got pretty lost, so I went inside the Epicurian Market, went to the bathroom, got some laundry detergent, and went to the front to pay and ask for directions.

"I have a question." I said

"No." responded the cashier.

I stood there dumbfounded for a second, then I half-way laughed and said, "But really I need directions."

Because the store was mostly devoid of people all three of the cashiers came over and tried to explain how to get to my destination. It didn't make sense, but it worked. I arrived thirty minutes late, when I had planned on arriving thirty minutes early. A nice lady came out to go to the bathroom and asked if I wanted to go inside for the practice. I went inside with her, she got a chair for me, and I started sight reading the music.

Some of the music was approachable, but none of it was "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." I am going to have to practice my bum off in order to do well. The band is a dynamic mix of both professional musicians and other adult professionals. There are a lot of music directors in the band, which makes it interesting for the actual director, trying to persuade them to play it his way.

I'm excited to be a part of this band