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!
you were a doll even in high school...
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