a reedy sort of trio

I’m playing in a reed trio at the moment, and it has been a complete blast. Picture an ensemble where all reed complaints are immediately understood, where the instruments have similar technical concerns (although I win when it comes to the question of thumb dexterity), and, perhaps most importantly, where we all have a similar [...]

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lesson… lessoon?

Yesterday I had a lesson at Northwestern — my last lesson with Professor Kirk until next year! (He takes me on as a temporary student when the breaks for Eastman and Northwestern are different, which is always a good time. And I have a lesson with my old teacher scheduled for tomorrow. So there hasn’t [...]

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not quite the mahler problem

At least in my experience, Gustav Mahler is the indie composer of the classical music world. Beloved of college students in music schools across the country, thousands cherish this long-ignored genius.
Of course, being me, I was scared away by the massive symphonies and the fact that I kept confusing Mahler and Wagner. And symphonies of [...]

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it’s a life story

In the past few days I’ve had so much to say, but no time to say it in. Life has been crazy! It’s also been amazing.
Today, for instance, I woke up wanting to listen to Okkervil River on the way to lunch from practicing. I was only about twenty seconds into “Our Life Is Not [...]

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making up for lost time

It seems like I just can’t keep from updating this blog! In Miami it was definitely weird, not being able to update the greater online world about my bassoon-ish exploits. Or my crazy larking about.
Hey, these things amuse some people. (And to all of you: I am forever grateful.)
I’ve been thinking a lot about classical [...]

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glad tidings we bring?

I just got back from watching No Country For Old Men. Amazing.
That said, it’s keep-you-sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat stressful, but have you ever seen an artsy thriller with fantastic writing and acting? I think you almost need to see it because of just how many odds it defies. It definitely deserves everything it’s been nominated for, and let [...]

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