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chosh part one

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back for a bit

15:14 on 07.08.03
"music camp again"

I'm still at music camp, with five more days here. Sorry about the scarce amount of entries. I have been using almost all of my free time to either practice flute or learn some bit of piano (I learned "Heart and Soul" yesterday and I'm really proud of myself, although my friends and boyfriend have taken to laughing at what I am learning. It feels good to start something new and do decently with it.)

I hit myself in the lip a little bit ago with the water bottle I was drinking from so it feels as if it is swelling, etc, etc. So in addition to feeling funny sitting in front of a keyboard, I am in great discomfort. And I hate the mouse I have to use here. SO...

I'm getting an MP3 player. With my own money. That I make. At my job. It feels so good to say that. I am going to buy something relatively expensive with my money. I take a lot of pride in that.

This week, due to new campers, etc, I am seated just a seat down, at first flute, fifth chair. Nonetheless, I am very happy with what I am accomplishing here. And I am proud to say that my high school has produced a good musician - one that can perform just as well in another environment, one that can live up to competition and learn quickly.

I'm sorry, did that sound arrogant? I'm not trying to be all high and mighty, it's just that it is a good thing for the high school. It really is.

This camp is good for me is three ways:

1). Learning that everywhere I go, I am not going to be the best, and at times I may be nowhere near the top. But yes I can deal with that. It's something I am learning to cope with. Like... I don't have solos here. School gives me solos galore.

2). Learning how to tune... Knowing when I am sharp or flat and how to correct it, either by pushing in/pulling out or by changing embouchure. I'm quite sure I spelled that wrong. Sorry. It's so cool... I know when there's something wrong with my sound and the other musicians. It's cool. It really is. They put a big emphasis on blending and not competing for sound and making the notes fit right with each other. It's something that is often left for dead in my home band because we have enough trouble with rhythms.

3). Being exposed to new pieces, things I know I will never see at school or in my lessons. I am playing levels above the home band and at first, it is disconcerting because I'm in very unfamiliar territory and you have to adjust to the change.

I can not believe we put together an entire program in one week. Five one-hour rehearsals, to be exact. A whole program. With "Purgatorio" and "The Ascention" in the program. It's... weird. And very different. At school we have trouble with pep band pieces which are everyday songs. I can not wait until I buy the CDs and bring them home to have Mr. R listen to while he looks over my sheet music.

This week we do not have Mr. Lowery. We have Dr. McRoy and to be honest, I now love Lowery to death and could do without McRoy. I definitely want Lowery back but I guess I can't have him. I would have him if I were here for the last week but I will be at CTY. Only about two weeks until CTY...

I want to stay here for the rest of the summer. I am learning so much and now I have my own little group instead of the Megan posse and that to me is a lot better. I will get into all of that later on. Like, when I come home.

Alright, I gotta run. I'll be back eventually.

I love Joshua.
<3 Chelsea