It's been awhile since I posted, so now it's time to repent. Instead of focusing on more abstract things, I'm going to talk more about my life.
Since last year when Zach Giddings convinced me to do Utah Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra with him, I've changed so much. It's an amazing group and Zach used to always say, "UVYSO is Timpview's real Phil Orchestra because all of Timpview's best string players go and play there." Which is pretty much true. This group is compiled of a phenomenal string section, a kick butt woodwind section, and a sexy brass section if I do say so myself (one trumbone, two horns which is usually one, referring to me, and a trumpet, all of which are phenomenal)!
Anyway, I won't expound too much on last year's experience (which was amazing) and rather focus on this year's experience and yesterday's 6 hour rehearsal. Yes, I did just say 6 hours.
This year I've had the pleasure and honor of playing Horn 1. It's hard for me to even comprehend now how much I have grown playing with this group. They set a high standard and expect you to meet it, and we have the people to meet the standard. Playing with so many good musicians rubs off on you a bit. We had a concert in the early Fall in the Covey Center which was really cool, but the next day's rehearsal we played THE HARDEST PIECE I HAVE EVER PLAYED. I was sight-reading Howard Hanson's Symphony Number 2. Now to put this rehearsal into perspective. The day before (a monday) we had a symphonic band rehearsal, then we had ~ 4 hours of rehearsing BEFORE the concert, and then a 2 hour concert playing in roughly 9 songs. THEN I go into a rehearsal on Tuesday (4pm-6pm) and play THE MOST DEMANDING PIECE I'VE EVER PLAYED.
When we started the piece I was so bad. It was pretty dang high and the intervals were unlike anything I've ever heard. So, after the conductor (Dr. Terry Hill, my new idol pretty much) restarted the piece 4 times because a certain Horn player (ME :) was sucking, something magical happened. It all started coming out. My ears adjusted to these unique intervals, I got used to being a soloist literally the whole piece, playing my one horn with the volume and fullness of 6, and an overall change in me that hasn't ever gone away. That rehearsal changed me as a Horn player. I've never sight-read such a hard piece so well. I felt accomplished. This really set me on track. My playing has matured immensely since then.
Now this is where I have to make a point. Don't get me wrong, Timpview Band/Orchestra are both amazing groups. We have an awesome program going and fantastic players, but to go to a group like UVYSO where all the players there are some of the best from their school and put together a piece like that is something you can't get anywhere else.
My story with UVYSO, to be continued...
Here's the piece that I've been raving about that you should all listen to forever and ever.
Click Here for Happiness
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