Lakota West

The reason I came back from Piteå early was to have the opportunity to rehearse with the Lakota West Symphonic Winds before playing two pieces with them on their winter concert on December 14.

I went into rehearsal on Friday (after getting to Ohio in the middle of the night on Wednesday…after a lovely 26 hour of traveling) still jetlagged. I put on a happy face and did my best to play through the concerto for the first time. My old band director, Mr. Snyder, had really talked me up with the band, and even dubbed that Friday “Maria Day”. I had a big expectation to fill, that’s for sure!! Unfortunately, I wasn’t happy at all with my playing that day. I ended up using the music as a crutch because I was having so many memory slips, and was having a hard time focusing. Again, I just put on the confident face, and knew that Monday would be better.

I spent the weekend practicing and preparing for the concert. I wrote the cadenza addition to the xylophone rag, as well as an alternative part to one of the choruses that I was pretty happy with. When I went into the dress rehearsal on Monday I was much more rested and prepared!

The dress felt great! My tempos were more consistent, the band sounded more confident, and I felt a lot better about my playing. I was having  blast! Good thing we had an extra rehearsal!

That night we met some of my extended family members at Penn Station (a sandwich place) for dinner. Uncle Dan, Aunt Georgia, Pam, Dennis, little Chloe, Uncle Gary, Aunt Kathy, Brad, Chad, Ness, Chris, and chubby little Logan all came out to support me. I was so excited to play for them!

I got to the school early to "get into the zone" (haha). The joy about playing with such a huge high school program…the concerts are really long. West has a great program (thanks to Mr. Snyder) and there are FOUR, yes FOUR, bands of sophomores-seniors. They break the night into 2 sections, so I just had to sit through one of the other bands.

I set my equipment up at around 8, but didn’t get on stage until around 9. That is one of the worst things about percussion…not having a physical relationship with your instrument is very different from all other instruments. I just had to trust that I could play everything cold!

It was really surreal standing on that stage again. I played in the Symphonic Winds for three years in high school, and I have some amazing memories playing with the ensemble...the most special being the concert we played at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Thinking about everything I’ve been fortunate enough to experience in the past 6+ is so incredible….four great years at Ohio State, two intense years at Eastman…and who would have ever imagined I’d be living in Piteå now studying with Anders?! And now, coming back to my highschool as a "famous" alumna...life is crazy…and now more than ever I’m just enjoying the unexpected.

I was absolutely overwhelmed by the reaction of the audience. They leapt up after the concerto. It really made me feel amazing. We did a quick shift of instruments to get the xylophone in place, and played Charleston Capers. In the cadenza (that we added), I played a bit of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, which was definitely a crowd pleaser. I was excited because the band didn’t drag at all, they played great! After the tune, once again the audience stood up, as did the band. Talk about feeling like a rock star! Thanks Lakota West for a great experience!

with Mr. Snyder after the concert

My mom and dad! Mom invited "all of West Chester" to the concert!

I have my own roadie! thanks for carrying my stuff bro!

Later in the week, I spend two days up at the school coaching percussion ensemble and doing a clinic on timpani. The students were wonderful to work with, very attentive and responsive. As much as I like performing, I love teaching, too. Man…I hope I get a job one of these days!!

Just for laughs...my junior year (around 15 years old) Marching Band photo that is hanging up in the band room at Lakota West!

Getting there is half the battle

Since I’ve been home for almost 2 whole weeks, I guess it’s time to tell you about it! As you can see, I’m in my “relax and enjoy life” mode…meaning that I get about one major task accomplished everyday. Today the goal is to update this blog, so here it goes…

Getting there is half the battle…and whoever made up this saying is totally right! The few days before I left to come home, I was so preoccupied with practicing and seeing my friends that I had to (chose to) stay up all night cleaning and packing before I left for the States. I had to leave my apartment at 5am to take a taxi to the airport, so I just figured that it would be best to not go to bed at all. The best part about this plan was that three of my friends, Venla, Johann, and Phil, came over for tea and to visit throughout the night. So, along with their company and everything I had to do, it was pretty easy staying up (note that my last blog post was at 3:10am during that night!). I know that when I get back to Sweden I’ll be very happy that I tore my apartment apart cleaning…so I’m glad I stuck through it!

Finally, at around 5am on December 9, I rolled/carried my 50 lb. suitcase and backpack to the stop where the taxi was to pick me up. At that time the weather in Piteå was pretty mild…so I was literally dragging my suitcase (that is about as big as me) through about an inch of nasty slush. Nothing like starting a whole day’s worth of travel off with a little workout!

I reached my destination at around 5:15am, and my taxi was supposed to pick me up at 5:25am. I always like to be early, but the time was passing my so slowly! I was so nervous that the taxi wouldn’t show up. I made the reservation online, and printed out the confirmation because I was so scared that it wouldn’t make it. As even more time passed, I really started to get nervous! When it was 5:35, I called the taxi company, but of course no one answered. If I missed my first flight, all my travel plans would be ruined!

I finally sighed with relief, as the taxi showed up around 5:40. Phew. I texted Lou later saying that she almost got a 6am wake up call of panic!

As soon as my butt hit the seat in the taxi, I was asleep. I literally have no recollection of the 50 minute car ride. When I got to the Luleå airport (in a blink!), I went to check-in at one of those self-serve kiosks. My heart dropped again when it read “reservation cannot be found”! WHAT?! At this point I have flow Scandinavian Airlines tons of times, and this has never happened. I waited in line at the bag drop, and luckily the woman at the desk found my reservation in the computer. Phew number 2!

Once again, I have no memory of this leg of traveling. I can’t even tell you if I was in a window seat. All I can say is that I had a very deep 1 hour nap!

When I got to Stockholm, I had 2.5 hours to kill before my flight to London. I immediately grabbed my bag and checked in at the other terminal, just so I didn’t have to drag it around (and I’m really glad I did, because I didn’t have to wait in line at all. Plus, when I went back to go through security it was really crowded!)

Arlanda Airport is really nice, so I wondered around the stores and ate a yummy breakfast at McDonalds (fresh grain bread with cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ham…won’t find that one the menu in the USA!). In the stores I found a lot of gifts that I would have loved to buy for family and friends, but I just had to resist. I purchased most of my Christmas presents in Paris, and I’ll have to bring home more Swedish gifts at the end of this year.

The flight from Stockholm to London was pretty uneventful. It was only 2.5 hours, and I dosed in and out throughout the journey. When I landed in London, I immediately turned on my phone. My good friend from Eastman, Becky, is from London and she was going to try to meet me at the airport. After about a million messages, we realized that it just wasn’t going to happen. I only had 1.5 hours between flights, and had to go through security and such. If I would have gone out to meet her, I would have had to go through customs and all that jazz. The employees said that you need at least a 3 hour layover to do so. I was really bummed because I miss Becky a ton and she came all the way out to the airport to meet me. We had a laugh realizing that we were essentially in the same place but couldn’t see each other. We’ll be planning a trip in the spring to visit for sure!

I’m really weird, and actually enjoy long flights. It amuses me how the system of controlling the passengers works (plus I was flying British Airways, so all of the flight attendants sounded even friendlier with their accents). I got settled in my seat next to an old Hungarian couple that were very nice, but didn’t speak English, so I knew that this flight wouldn’t be filled with any exciting conversations. Almost immediatly after taking off, the stewardess came around and ask you if you would like a drink. I always choose water or orange juice. Then about 30 minutes later it was time for our meal, with wine! After you eat they turn off the lights as if to say “now it’s time to sleep and not bug us, we’ll wake you up when we want you to be awake!”

If you know me, you know that I can sleep absolutely anywhere. Normally, I would probably sleep 5 hours out of an 8.5 hour flight. For some reason, despite my inadequate slumber the night before, I COULD NOT SLEEP!?!!?! What’s up with that? It was very frustrating. I actually watched 3 full movies. Usually, it’s hard for me to stay awake watching one movie at home, but for some reason my brain just kept thinking and I couldn’t turn it off.

I finally reached Chicago safely and was prepared for another 3 hour lay over. By this time I was just ready to be back in West Chester, but did try and take this time to enjoy being back on US soil. I went through customs in a breeze, and was immediately reminded of the American friendliness. I ended up chatting with a couple in the airport shuttle, and befriended a man sitting at the gate waiting for our flight. He was returning from Spain, lived in West Chester, and used to coach JV baseball at my highschool. Small world, huh? It was nice chatting with him because the flight was delayed an hour! Ugh! I just wanted to get home! Plus, at this point, I would be arriving in Cincinnati at around 1am, and that is way past my parent’s bedtime!

The flight was delayed because of the aweful weather in Chicago…it was snowing and icing. I joked by apologizing for bringing the winter weather with me. On the 45 minute flight (seriously…I hate when I have to fly to and from Chicago, it just seems so silly!), I sat next to a very chatty guy. He literally talked for about 35 minutes of the flight…about all the places he’s gone, his wife (newlywed, kind of cute) and his job. I got in a few words here and there, but it was nice to listen. It was also a little odd…he really liked talking about himself!

...and...finally....I was back in Ohio! Mom, dad, and bro were waiting outside the gate at CVG! I felt so out of it, I couldn’t even process the fact that I was home!!! I recalled as many travel stories as possible during the drive to West Chester, and was really happy to see our beautiful house, and sleep in my huge, comfy bed. Välkommen hem till mig!

Homeward bound

I haven’t done a good job of remember to write since I got back from Paris. Again, time is just flying...and it about 2 hours I’ll be climbing into the taxi to take me to the airport and begin my travels back HOME! woohoo!

When I got back from Paris I was exhausted. Absolutely exhausted….2-4 hours of sleep a night just didn’t cut it! At first I was really happy to be back in Piteå, but once the comfort of my own things wore off, I was really cranky! I was on such a high the whole vacation, I think my body and mind just crashed. It took me a few days to be happy again…my great friends and some great practicing helped a lot!

The great weekend also assisted with getting over my post-awesome-trip-depression. I threw an “American Style” party at the community building (called Kvartes) on Friday. Anna and Lou (and Facebook) helped me spread the word. We set up beer pong, flip cup, and a kings (card game) table. I also maybe Skyline Chili dip…it was to be as American as it can get! My friend, Marcus, also agreed to be the DJ, so we were all set!

The party was a blast…and people are still talking about it :) So, if Piteå doesn’t remember me for my music, at least they will remember me for being the hostess with the "mostess"! Haha…here are a few pictures. A ton of people showed up...half of which I didn't even know!

We come as a Trio...most peole know that by now! Couldn't have thrown the party without Lou and Anna!

Swedes love beer pong...and I love that I can actually win playing against them :)

Ulf made me a necklace, because one of mine broke and everyone blamed him (I didn't). It was a funny joke, and I can't believe he actually came through and made me another one...from plastic wrap, almonds, paper clips and a chain. I wore it all night...it was a bold fashion statement!

David and Alexander practicing their flip cup skills!

Ola and I try to convince people we're cousins (he studied in the States for a year)...more people believe us than I ever thought would!

 Happy friends = happy Maria!

On Saturday, Anna and Lou helped me clean what was the biggest mess I’ve ever seen. Then, we went into town to go to Max…our 'McDonald’s'. We felt like we deserved a burger :) We got stared at though...first because we were speaking English, and second because we looked and smelled really bad…oh well, th food was worth the horrible looks! Later, we watched a movie and made dinner that night to recover from the party. Being a hostess is tiring!
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For the past few days I have spent a lot of time in the practice room. Next Monday I’m playing a concerto and a xylophone rag with Lakota West, and I really needed to focus on memorizing! I was a little worried over the weekend, since I’ve spent so much time away from the instruments…but I’m feeling good about it now. I’m actually really excited! I think it’s going to be a fun concert!

I’ve also said a lot of “hejdå” (goodbye) to my friends the past few days. Although Piteå may not be the most lavish town, I think that as long as you surround yourself with good people, positivity, and a trade that you enjoy…any place can become home. I’ve made so many memories here the past 4 months, I can’t wait to see what is in store for the next 6!

On that note...I CAN NOT WAIT to get home to Ohio…I am just happy that this adventure has turned as it has. Sharing my stories and what I’ve learned with friends and family will make the experience even more rewarding.

Next time I write, I will be in Ohio!!!!!!!!!!!!!

An American in Paris!

Well...not just one American...but MANY Americans! This trip was even better than I could have imagined. Seeing Kana and Morgann from Ohio State, and then the majority of the Eastman Percussion Studio in such an amazing city was such a wonderful experience! I think I could write for ages about the whole trip, but will just share a few pictures to give you an idea of the insanity that was the past two weeks of my life!

The trip began with 5 days in Stockholm. I spent a ton of time with Tove and Emma. We went to the premiere of "New Moon" (not good, but really entertaining!), shopped, baked, and ate! I had a fabulous time with them, and really feel like one of the family...which is the best feeling ever! This is a picture of us outside the huge gingerbread house in Central Station in Stockholm.

We made cookies and did a lot of Christmas-y things!

Then, it was off to Paris! I had to take a 1.5 hour bus ride to the airport, because I was flying RyanAir (a really cheap airline!) The traveling went really smoothly. Kana gave me detailed directions for the Metro once I arrived in Paris. I was a little nervous to navigate through the city by myself, but I'm a smart chick, and figured it out! Morgann was waiting for me because Kana was at work. We chatted and walked around until Kana was home.

When I heard Morgann's voice shout my name, I flipped out...first because it was in English, and second because I haven't seen her in over 2 years!

Walking around with the girls...the lights were so pretty!

Notre Dame was incredible. We listened to the Mass for a bit, and took communion. I actually started to cry a little bit, just reflecting on how lucky I've been to experience such great things. Wow, it gets to me just thinking about it right now!

Kana and Morgann

Eiffel Tower!! it was so huge! Plus, since it's her 120th birthday, they do an amazing light show every hour. We got there just in time to see it, on accident!

View outside of Kana's apartment....so Parisian!

Out shopping in the morning before I have to leave for the percussion festival

Thanksgiving Dinner with the Eastman percusion studio in Paris. I have a TON to be thankful for!

Professor Burritt and our super cool waiter!

Then it was time to walk to the Eiffel Tower, and go to the top. Our perfect plans were spoiled by the rain....and man, did it pour! Although some may have turned back to take shelter, we all powered through and were drenched...it was a ton of laughs, and even more memorable than if we would have been dry!

Annie, Amy, and I right before the rain started...

And....we're soaked!

The rain stopped when we got back to the ground, of course! The moon looked amazing too!

We did a lot of sight-seeing inbetween the concerts and my work schedule. Annie, Sean and I ran over to the Louvre one afternoon...

Nutella and banana crepe! Yummy!

We went out on the town everynight. I will spare you of those crazy pictures! But, this one is fun. Chris and I outside of the Moulin Rouge the last night. It was so sad to have to say goodbye to everyone!

The ESMers left on Monday morning, and since my flight wan't until the evening, I decided to do some solo sight-seeing, which I thoroughly enjoyed! I went up to Sacre Coeur...a very artisty district, beautiful church and amazing view of the city!

I can't believe that the trip is over, since I was looking forward to it so much! Reuniting with some of my best friends made me realize how important it is to keep in touch with and support those that mean so much to me. No matter where we are in the world, they know and accept the real me, which is all a friend can ask! It also gave me motivation to create opportunities to play with them...because I sure so miss it!