The Bunker

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2018-03-23 3:25 p.m.

Hello Forumites. Welcome to The Bunker. This is a virtual tavern where you can sit back, sip a glass or cup of whatever, and shoot the ****.

Please note that Politics and Religion are OUT. But complaining about rotten conductors, foot blisters, or Lyme Disease are fine.

This will replace the Side Track Cafe that seems to have disappeared along with everything else that was here for the last 2 years. Oops...

Come in and sit down.

PhilipEdCarlson · by **PhilipEdCarlson** » 2018-03-23 3:48 p.m.

I thought everything was Political...

Drizabone · by **Drizabone** » 2018-03-23 5:25 p.m.

Nah, its all religious

Lawrie · by **Lawrie** » 2018-03-23 5:45 p.m.

A couple of us were thinking about collective nouns for trombones the other day. In having a look around the internet for suggestions I found a reference to a "plague" of conductors :D :D :D

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2018-03-23 7:00 p.m.

[quote="Lawrie"]A couple of us were thinking about collective nouns for trombones the other day. In having a look around the internet for suggestions I found a reference to a "plague" of conductors :D :D :D[/quote]

I think I like a ROAR of trombones.

whitbey · by **whitbey** » 2018-03-23 10:20 p.m.

Good choice. I don't talk polys at rehearsal for the same reason.

Kbiggs · by **Kbiggs** » 2018-03-25 10:57 p.m.

I think a nobility of trombones sounds more... noble.

Kbiggs · by **Kbiggs** » 2018-03-25 11:03 p.m.

BTW, is there any intel on when TTF might be back online? It’s difficult enough to think of all the knowledge (and opinion!) that (might) be lost from TC in this change-over to the new, snazzy-looking format, but it would be a great loss indeed if TTF were lost in the cloud, or slowly degrading in a server somewhere...

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2018-03-25 11:13 p.m.

I don't think anybody knows when or if TTF will resurface. This site was created as a "lifeboat" and it appears the Titanic has sunk.

There are probably some backups in storage somewhere but only Richard Byrd can restore them so unless he is amenable, that site is gone. The crew here would be anxious to take a stab at restoring TTF if Richard will allow us.

(Oh, and you now have your two posts and don't need one of us to approve any more.)

Matt_K · by **Matt_K** » 2018-03-25 11:16 p.m.

Everything on the site was under the creative commons license, and for that matter it was poitned out to me that the copyright hasn't been updated since 2008, so really everything beyond 2008 is in the public domain. I'm working on my taxes for the next week or so but I'm going to investigate if there's a way to put it in a shell phpBB site or even perhaps this site and merely lock the threads. Theoretically it's possible but I've never dealt much with phpBB's database.

Fortunately, the backup I created was ridiculously overengineered so it would be easy for someone to recreate the posts with it. Just trying to figure out the best way to make that happen.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-03-26 9:57 p.m.

The minor, but persistent cough that followed my bout with influenza has finally gone away. It is good to be able to play again, without worrying about uncontrolled coughing.

BflatBass · by **BflatBass** » 2018-03-27 4:28 a.m.

I think the collective noun should depend on if the group is good or bad.

A bad group might be called a "murder" of bones.

A good group.....help me out.

A "celebration" of trombones....that's kinda corny.

Neo_Bri · by **Neo_Bri** » 2018-03-27 10:37 a.m.

An "epiphany" of trombones.

Drizabone · by **Drizabone** » 2018-03-27 6:22 p.m.

- a sack

- a tribe

- a smear

- a blast

Lawrie · by **Lawrie** » 2018-03-27 11:27 p.m.

<tongue stuck firmly in cheek>

A Triumph of trombones ;)

a Cannonade of trombones

- a chorus

- a chorale

- a choir

PhilipEdCarlson · by **PhilipEdCarlson** » 2018-03-29 2:15 a.m.

A Sack

(A Sack of Trombones, a Sack of Posaune, a Sack of Bones, a Sack of Buttheads... Just: a Sack)

Jhereg · by **Jhereg** » 2018-04-10 8:03 p.m.

[quote="StevenC"]The minor, but persistent cough that followed my bout with influenza has finally gone away. It is good to be able to play again, without worrying about uncontrolled coughing.[/quote]

That's great!!! :good:

Jhereg · by **Jhereg** » 2018-04-10 8:21 p.m.

Hiiiii.

I'm glad to see The Bunker reinstated here. Awesome :good:

In other news. I think it's time to admit I've burnt out on being a musician. Summary of what I mean and why ~~[url=https://www.quora.com/What-keeps-you-from-loving-your-job/answer/Megan-OMalley-3?__filter__=all&__nsrc__=1&__snid3__=2270999349]~~HERE.

Don't feel obligated to respond or convince me otherwise or anything, I'm just thinking out loud. Kind of wish this really were a bar, I feel like this is something to be discussed over a beer.

Neo_Bri · by **Neo_Bri** » 2018-04-10 9:18 p.m.

[quote="Jhereg"]Hiiiii.

I'm glad to see The Bunker reinstated here. Awesome :good:

In other news. I think it's time to admit I've burnt out on being a musician. Summary of what I mean and why ~~[url=https://www.quora.com/What-keeps-you-from-loving-your-job/answer/Megan-OMalley-3?__filter__=all&__nsrc__=1&__snid3__=2270999349]~~HERE.

Don't feel obligated to respond or convince me otherwise or anything, I'm just thinking out loud. Kind of wish this really were a bar, I feel like this is something to be discussed over a beer.[/quote]
I have that feeling sometimes. It comes and goes for me, but I understand.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2018-04-10 10:42 p.m.

Megan, you wouldn't believe the number of ex-musicians I know doing other things. People with great musical pedigrees. All doing things they probably would never have considered when they made the decision to become a musician.

Try a few things. Find out what interests you. Maybe take a course if you can to test out different things. Talk to people. Make use of the State Employment Office. Maybe even do a couple of temping jobs doing odd things. Fortunately, the job market is a lot better than it was when you joined RBBB.

I'll bet if you get a job doing something else and keep music as an avocation, you may even enjoy it more.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-04-10 10:47 p.m.

[quote="Jhereg"]In other news. I think it's time to admit I've burnt out on being a musician.[/quote]

I'm sorry to hear this, but glad you made your way here to tell us. I expect music will somehow continue to be a significant part of your life. My daughter and nephew are both performance majors. Who knows what the future holds for them? Their present is very different from most undergrads, but they seem happy, optimistic, but realistic.

Yeah, I too wish this were a real bar, but I might opt for something stronger than beer.

Jhereg · by **Jhereg** » 2018-04-11 10:50 a.m.

[quote="BGuttman"]Megan, you wouldn't believe the number of ex-musicians I know doing other things. People with great musical pedigrees. All doing things they probably would never have considered when they made the decision to become a musician.

Try a few things. Find out what interests you. Maybe take a course if you can to test out different things. Talk to people. Make use of the State Employment Office. Maybe even do a couple of temping jobs doing odd things. Fortunately, the job market is a lot better than it was when you joined RBBB.

I'll bet if you get a job doing something else and keep music as an avocation, you may even enjoy it more.[/quote]

Thanks BG. That's kind of where I'm headed. I'm considering going back to school for a vet tech degree. I have one offer to play on a cruise ship over the holidays, it's just for four months and I'm accepting it as a sort of YOLO thing. After that, I think I may be done. Still can't believe I'm saying that after all I've been through. Life is weird. Seriously, thanks. Thanks especially for not offering criticisms. It's not any easy choice for anybody. <3

[quote="Neo Bri"]I have that feeling sometimes. It comes and goes for me, but I understand.[/quote]
Thanks Neo Bri.

[quote="StevenC"]I'm sorry to hear this, but glad you made your way here to tell us. I expect music will somehow continue to be a significant part of your life. My daughter and nephew are both performance majors. Who knows what the future holds for them? Their present is very different from most undergrads, but they seem happy, optimistic, but realistic.

Yeah, I too wish this were a real bar, but I might opt for something stronger than beer.[/quote]

Thanks, and I hope you're right. I hope your daughter and nephew get an education reflective of current trends. Many industries have had to go through this kind of drastic change...I'm sure with the right training they'll be just fine!

You and me both! I actually don't drink beer unless there's nothing else haha. Big fan of vodka, or wine.

timothy42b · by **timothy42b** » 2018-04-11 11:37 a.m.

[quote="Jhereg"]Don't feel obligated to respond or convince me otherwise or anything, I'm just thinking out loud. Kind of wish this really were a bar, I feel like this is something to be discussed over a beer.[/quote]

Welcome, good to hear from you! Job or not, at least you're among friends again here.

If it were a bar it would be nice to chat. I have some thoughts along this line, having changed careers several times myself, and having had a family member recently decide teaching was not for her, and leaving the field abruptly, to land somewhere else.

I read a book that kind of spoke to me on this issue, and I want to pass on the recommendation. (It came from one of those lists managers at work are supposed to read. I dutifully do, and sometimes they are good. Black Swan was excellent, as well as Spider and Starfish. But I digress.) It is Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work, by Matthew Crawford.

hyperbolica · by **hyperbolica** » 2018-04-11 11:40 a.m.

Jhereg,

That was me about 30 years ago. I had just played "Eye of the Tiger" one too many times. It wasn't going to plan at all, and it stopped being fun or interesting.

Back then I went to the state employment office and took some aptitude testing, and they gave me a few choices of things they thought I'd be good at. I've had a happy career as an engineer, and I've been able to pick which music I play and who I play with. It took a while, but I came back to music. Never to Eye of the Tiger, though. :roll: :lol:

Jhereg · by **Jhereg** » 2018-04-11 10:03 p.m.

[quote="hyperbolica"]Jhereg,

That was me about 30 years ago. I had just played "Eye of the Tiger" one too many times. It wasn't going to plan at all, and it stopped being fun or interesting.

Back then I went to the state employment office and took some aptitude testing, and they gave me a few choices of things they thought I'd be good at. I've had a happy career as an engineer, and I've been able to pick which music I play and who I play with. It took a while, but I came back to music. Never to Eye of the Tiger, though. :roll: :lol:[/quote]

Thanks hyperbolica. I feel bad, because I've worked very hard all this time. My parents were against my career choice from the beginning, and I fought them so hard about it that at one point I was fully prepared to move out of the house. When I bought my first large bore trombone with my own money, they didn't speak to me for about three days. And then all those years of being put down by others for one thing or another with my playing, or for being a girl, or for trying at all. To sum it up, I poured a lot into it, and it feels wrong to just let it go. But it also feels wrong to press forward while feeling empty inside.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your experience and thanks all of y'all for letting me talk about this a bit.

Jhereg · by **Jhereg** » 2018-04-11 10:06 p.m.

[quote="timothy42b"]Welcome, good to hear from you! Job or not, at least you're among friends again here.

If it were a bar it would be nice to chat. I have some thoughts along this line, having changed careers several times myself, and having had a family member recently decide teaching was not for her, and leaving the field abruptly, to land somewhere else.

I read a book that kind of spoke to me on this issue, and I want to pass on the recommendation. (It came from one of those lists managers at work are supposed to read. I dutifully do, and sometimes they are good. Black Swan was excellent, as well as Spider and Starfish. But I digress.) It is Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work, by Matthew Crawford.[/quote]
Hi Tim! Thanks for the recommendation. I see it's a pretty affordable book, I'll add it to my wish list and/or gift it to myself once I have a real job again.

Incidentally my sister has also recently decided that teaching is not for her. She's not leaving abruptly, but she's definitely moving on by the end of the year. It's a scary thing to do...I hope your family member landed somewhere better.

Matt_K · by **Matt_K** » 2018-04-12 5:52 p.m.

A career change is really hard. We attach a lot of weight to what we do and there's also the sunk costs we've put into it. I went through the process a few years ago myself, but I had less invested into it than you did. I love the field I ended up in and am much happier, but I'd be lying if I said the process wasn't difficult getting here. My wife has went through a similar change herself too, though her change was in a very different field and was motivated not by dissatisfaction but a better opportunity.

In either case, it's not an easy change. I know several people who have had the process expedited by seeing a psychologist and/or a career counselor. In the West, it seems like we attach an unfortunate stigma to seeing a psychologist; as if only crazy people 'need' to see one. That misses the point quite dramatically. People see psychologists to help improve themselves by utilizing the assistance of someone who is at least nominally an impartial observer of your thoughts. They guide you towards a right direction but help you get there on your own... in very simple terms.

StevenC · 2018-04-12 7:39 p.m.

[quote="Jhereg"]I hope your daughter and nephew get an education reflective of current trends. Many industries have had to go through this kind of drastic change...I'm sure with the right training they'll be just fine![/quote]

I don't know how reflective of current trends conservatory education tends to be, but I also don't know that my daughter would be any more employable if she were to major in English or Journalism. She has four years to figure out how trombone playing fits into the rest of her life. (I guess it's down to two more years.)

Me? My professional life makes me feel like it's time to move on again. I'd love to talk about it, but probably not in a public forum. I'm too young to retire, but too old to start a new career.

Neo_Bri · by **Neo_Bri** » 2018-04-12 8:14 p.m.

[quote="StevenC"]<QUOTE author="Jhereg" post_id="57974" time="1523458258" user_id="3030">

Me? My professional life makes me feel like it's time to move on again. I'd love to talk about it, but probably not in a public forum. I'm to young to retire, but too old to start a new career.[/quote]

I know how you feel.</QUOTE>

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-04-12 8:18 p.m.

[quote="Neo Bri"]<QUOTE author="StevenC" post_id="58060" time="1523576347" user_id="149">

Me? My professional life makes me feel like it's time to move on again. I'd love to talk about it, but probably not in a public forum. I'm too young to retire, but too old to start a new career.[/quote]

I know how you feel.
</QUOTE>

Don't know. At 98, I'd think you've earned a good retirement.

Neo_Bri · by **Neo_Bri** » 2018-04-12 8:59 p.m.

[quote="StevenC"]<QUOTE author="Neo Bri" post_id="58062" time="1523578446" user_id="50">

I know how you feel.[/quote]

Don't know. At 98, I'd think you've earned a good retirement.
</QUOTE>

You'd be surprised these days.

Jhereg · by **Jhereg** » 2018-04-15 9:52 p.m.

[quote="StevenC"]I don't know how reflective of current trends conservatory education tends to be, but I also don't know that my daughter would be any more employable if she were to major in English or Journalism. She has four years to figure out how trombone playing fits into the rest of her life. (I guess it's down to two more years.)

Me? My professional life makes me feel like it's time to move on again. I'd love to talk about it, but probably not in a public forum. I'm too young to retire, but too old to start a new career.[/quote]
Yeah, I know what you mean. My boyfriend went to Berklee, and they have a strong emphasis on electronic music and software that has enabled him to find good full time work even when gigs are scarce. He teaches Ableton and Finale and such. I was never even introduced to those things during my education.

She'll figure it out. At least she's trying something she enjoys. Better to try it and be sad about failing than to never try and have regrets for the rest of your life (imo).

Well, if you want to PM and talk about it, I'll be happy to listen. And I do mean just listen, and not provide commentary or suggestions or criticism unless asked. Lately in social media anything one posts seems to become a commentary magnet.

Jhereg · by **Jhereg** » 2018-04-15 10:03 p.m.

[quote="Matt K"]A career change is really hard. We attach a lot of weight to what we do and there's also the sunk costs we've put into it. I went through the process a few years ago myself, but I had less invested into it than you did. I love the field I ended up in and am much happier, but I'd be lying if I said the process wasn't difficult getting here. My wife has went through a similar change herself too, though her change was in a very different field and was motivated not by dissatisfaction but a better opportunity.

In either case, it's not an easy change. I know several people who have had the process expedited by seeing a psychologist and/or a career counselor. In the West, it seems like we attach an unfortunate stigma to seeing a psychologist; as if only crazy people 'need' to see one. That misses the point quite dramatically. People see psychologists to help improve themselves by utilizing the assistance of someone who is at least nominally an impartial observer of your thoughts. They guide you towards a right direction but help you get there on your own... in very simple terms.[/quote]

Thanks Matt. Yeah, it's hard. I feel pretty sad about it. I wish things had ended differently.

I want to take your advice and see a psychologist, for many reasons actually. You wouldn't believe how much hate I've incurred from complete strangers just because I worked for a circus, for one thing. It doesn't make you feel good. Another issue is that my boyfriend is a very successful musician who pulls in the same salary he got on the circus, plus he has so many gigs he has to turn many of them down for lack of time. Meanwhile I earn the same as someone fresh out of high school, and the only paid gigs I've gotten have been on the good word of my talented boyfriend. I can't tell you how much this hurts, and how much it makes me feel like an utter waste on this earth. Especially when I'm applying for jobs day in and day out, and from hundreds of applications there's not one that looked at my resume and thought I was worth hiring. I have worked SO hard all of my life, and it has really come down to nothing, and I find myself asking what my value is at all.

Anyway, yikes, sorry for going into it. I don't want to bogart the Bunker with my problems. TL;DR: if I had health insurance I'd see a psychologist.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2018-04-15 10:24 p.m.

Megan, chin up.

Tell the people who have it in for the circus that you (1) weren't an animal trainer and (2) noticed that the animals seemed pretty happy with their lot.

As to the rejections, realize that while you are a fantastic trombone player your other skillset is kinda limited and you will need training into any other job. Look into entry levels and see if you can work your way up. Sometimes taking a temp job can lead to something permanent.

I'd really like to talk to Jameson some day. I played around with Ableton Live 8 for a course and haven't used it since. Really need to talk to them -- the machines I installed it on are all dead and I'd like to move my licenses to my current machines but I haven't figured out who to contact.

Note that in today's music market, keyboard, Gee-Tar, and percussion are the main jobs out there (with occasional bass). The really sad part is that most jobs that would hire trombone players are few and far between (and often located near New York City or Los Angeles).

Get a couple of students as a way to keep some income. Contact the local Band Directors and see if somebody can use some help.

Good luck. And we are all here to help any way we can.

JohnL · by **JohnL** » 2018-04-16 12:04 a.m.

[quote="BGuttman"]Tell the people who have it in for the circus that you (1) weren't an animal trainer and (2) noticed that the animals seemed pretty happy with their lot.[/quote]
I'm afraid that would be like trying to put out a fire with gasoline...

Jhereg · by **Jhereg** » 2018-04-16 2:25 p.m.

[quote="JohnL"]<QUOTE author="BGuttman" post_id="58202" time="1523845465" user_id="53">Tell the people who have it in for the circus that you (1) weren't an animal trainer and (2) noticed that the animals seemed pretty happy with their lot.[/quote]
I'm afraid that would be like trying to put out a fire with gasoline...
</QUOTE>

Unfortunately and exactly right John. It sounds so logical, doesn't it, to just tell them you didn't work directly with the animals and that the animals "seemed happy". These people did not care. Five years of getting screamed at, spit on, and generally harassed has made that perfectly clear. I don't know if I can describe what that's like. I wore the Ringling logo, I was hated on sight.

Animals "seeming happy" is actually the biggest problem with animal rights. Anthropomorphism, or imposing your own idea of "happy" onto an animal. But I won't get into all that here. I have tried every tactic to get people to stop being hateful and accusatory, and just listen. I've been mean, and nice, and factual, and sarcastic, and pleading, and dismissive. And none of it works. Bummer.

BG...I'm kind of not sure how to respond. I understand that I have limited skills. I don't think you've seen my resume, but I guess since I'm griping it's fair to just assume, huh. This is the first year in my life that my work history has been deemed insufficient, so pardon me if I was a little surprised to find that out. I have never had trouble getting full time work before, so it took me a while to realize that it was due to having no worth.

Maybe I didn't mention this but I DO work entry level, and have ALWAYS worked entry level when needed. I am not some prude, I am not above any kind of work. All I've wanted for the past year was to be hired at ANY job, and I have been applying for ANY jobs, including fast food, management, teaching, performing, cleaning, cooking, and the list goes on. I don't know why anyone might jump to the conclusion that I haven't tried (and continue to try) every single job hunt tactic that there is. It frankly kind of hurts to find out that I'm viewed this way.

Jameson does not work for Ableton, he will not be able to help you transfer your licenses. That will be up to Ableton The Company. If you want help actually using the software, look up Jameson Boyce on facebook and send him a message, he'll be happy to help.

Sorry for all the long posts, everybody take care and have a happy Monday.

JohnL · by **JohnL** » 2018-04-16 5:40 p.m.

[quote="Jhereg"]I have tried every tactic to get people to stop being hateful and accusatory, and just listen. I've been mean, and nice, and factual, and sarcastic, and pleading, and dismissive. And none of it works. Bummer.[/quote]
It doesn't matter what you do or say because it's not about you, it's about them...

Megan, I've been in a place similar to where you are now. I'm sorry to say I never did get back to where I once was, and it's a pretty sure bet that I never will. On the other hand, where I'm at now is better than OK. I do useful work helping people who something important, and I make a decent living doing so. You mentioned thinking about being a vet tech. A noble calling, and you go home every evening knowing that there was a little bit less misery in the world thanks to you. It can be emotionally taxing, so you'd need to be prepared for that.

It's really hard to step away from a career you though would last a lifetime, but sometimes you don't really have a choice.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-04-17 8:52 p.m.

In a reasonably long, reasonably successful career, I have found job searching to be a soul crushing experience. The ability to get a job, and the ability to do a job do not seem to be well correlated. (Tim no doubt has statistics to support or refute this.) I remember back in the '80s, applying for my first software engineering job when the interviewer had no idea what to make of me. "You tell me you are hard working, and yet you have spent the past two years ..." I don't know, it was something about my working in music instead of doing what a good mathineer should. Maybe it was a softball I should have knocked out of the park, but I've always contended that my passions beyond math and engineering make me a better engineer. For my 20+ years in software, it seemed to work for me.

So 20+ years in software engineering was a good way to make a living, if not a great way to make a life. There were plenty of missed family vacations and events. We were always so convinced that what we were working on was more important than anything. Or our managers thought that, and we kind of had to go along. I've never regretted my decision to work as a software engineer and never regretted my decision to leave and go into teaching. Depending on where one lives, the much publicized great need for teachers, especially math teachers is illusory. The assurances my education program made that school districts would value my years spent in industry are not true. So I've stumbled into a fascinating educational niche. I teach in a trauma-senstive residential facility. Teaching this population is not easy, but these girls need what we have to offer. There are days when I can't imagine more rewarding work. There are days when the disrespect and lack of attentiveness are too much for me. I spend days being cursed at, and I must maintain composure. Sometimes I think I am not saintly enough for this job.

Reading what Megan has put out there over the years, I see a level of tenacity and passion that would be an asset in any job. Clearly, not all employers see this. Some employer will see and value these qualities, and find themselves an excellent worker. I have found patience to be a needed attribute in any job search, but how much patience can one be expected to have? We also have to make money.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-04-17 9:02 p.m.

[quote="Jhereg"]

Yeah, I know what you mean. My boyfriend went to Berklee, and they have a strong emphasis on electronic music and software that has enabled him to find good full time work even when gigs are scarce. He teaches Ableton and Finale and such. I was never even introduced to those things during my education.
[/quote]

My daughter goes to Oberlin. They've had a technology in music program (TIMARA) for about 50 years, but it is not where daughter's interests are. She is pretty much straight, trombone performance. My parents always supported my educational and career choices, even when they were stupid, and I think I owe her the same. We do not pretend trombone playing is a growth industry, but she'll work something out.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-04-17 9:04 p.m.

[quote="Jhereg"]if I had health insurance I'd see a psychologist.[/quote]

My county offers many types of low-cost counseling for low income residents. Maybe yours does too.

bhcordova · by **bhcordova** » 2018-04-21 9:41 a.m.

Megan,

Check with your local community health clinic. These are federally/state funded and many offer counseling services (or if not, they have made agreements with local counselors to charge discounted rates). (Full disclosure - I'm the treasurer on the board of my local community health clinic.)

CharlieB · by **CharlieB** » 2018-04-21 8:44 p.m.

Megan.....(if you're still here?)

You've had a real good ten year run at a musical career, with good memories and not so good memories, all of which will blend into the fabric of your past as the the anger and frustration that you are feeling fades. One day you'll be telling your circus stories to wide-eyed grandchildren. Right now though, you feel pretty depressed ??? This will pass as soon as you have a solid plan to move on to the next phase of your life. Meanwhile, your music will stay in your soul, so you must play, even though the music is no longer financially rewarding.

It sounds like you are absolutely on the right track with the desire to train for a new job. There is no future in taking entry level jobs in the hope of "moving up." Those days are long gone. Today, employers are looking for people with skills that will make the company money NOW. An interviewer doesn't want to hear that your qualities are that you are ambitious,intelligent, reliable, conversant, or even a war hero. He wants to hear that you have acquired a skill that his company needs. Acquiring that skill needs to be your new goal. Once you see that path leading to financial security, the passion for the music will reawaken.

FWIW, I just checked the occupational outlook for veterinary assistants. After training, the pay is $25K to $33K per year. That's about the same as an office secretary. :cry:

blast · by **blast** » 2018-04-22 5:03 a.m.

Hey, Megan might get another gig..... the music business is like that.... she got the circus gig so it could happen again...she might like the cruise ships.... let's not write her off as a player on this forum.

Chris

Grah · by **Grah** » 2018-04-22 6:23 p.m.

And just to show there is still an interest in circus music, although I suppose Sxip Shirey is getting a bit like the one-man band we see so much in the clubs putting proper circus bands out of a job, this is from the Sunday news:

<LINK_TEXT text="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-22/e ... ic/9680224">http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-22/enterprising-composer-reinventing-circus-music/9680224</LINK_TEXT>

However, it is interesting from a musical point of view.

Cush · by **Cush** » 2018-04-29 6:44 p.m.

Collective nouns continued...

Life is at it's best amid a HOST of trombones...

It's a full pendulum swing away from Ezeliel's "dry bones".

Cush · by **Cush** » 2018-04-29 7:09 p.m.

The power of suggestion at work:

a BUNKER of bones...

JohnL · by **JohnL** » 2018-04-29 10:34 p.m.

How 'bout a GLISSANDO of trombones (but only because a "slide of slide trombones" sounds silly).

PhilipEdCarlson · by **PhilipEdCarlson** » 2018-04-29 11:57 p.m.

[quote="JohnL"]How 'bout a GLISSANDO of trombones (but only because a "slide of slide trombones" sounds silly).[/quote]
how about we just shorten that to a GLISS ...

PhilipEdCarlson · by **PhilipEdCarlson** » 2018-05-02 2:05 a.m.

A Pile!

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-05-28 11:22 p.m.

At our Memorial Day parade today, the two bands were positioned too close together. This made for some Ivesian moments.

BaritoneJack · by **BaritoneJack** » 2018-05-30 9:06 p.m.

[quote="Jhereg"]In other news. I think it's time to admit I've burnt out on being a musician. Don't feel obligated to respond or convince me otherwise or anything, I'm just thinking out loud. Kind of wish this really were a bar, I feel like this is something to be discussed over a beer.[/quote]

Yep - been there, done that, still occasionally have nightmares about it, 30 years on; though in my case, it was working with horses, rather than as a pro musician. I ended up feeling as though I was their slave, and hated the sight of them. Getting out of it was a good move, and I only wish I'd done it sooner than I did. For several years, I didn't even want to look at a horse, let alone have anything to do with them. But several years later, when I'd just got an ordinary, 9-5, humdrum job, I started riding again, and thoroughly enjoyed it. No pressure, no demands, none of the relentlessness of having to think about them, and be responsible for them, every waking minute. Now, if I want to ride, I go to the yard, pay the bill, enjoy the ride, and walk away. If I don't feel like going, I don't.

And I remember when I ended up working for a multi-national company; supposedly a 'good job', with prospects, etc, etc, etc - but they treated their staff like cannon fodder. I used to wake up in the morning, think about going there, and groan. It was run on the 'just in time' basis - which meant if anything went wrong, everyone was tearing their hair out, because there was no slack in the system at all. One morning, I went in and was told that a bloke called Bob had been rushed into hospital after a massive heart attack. I was shocked, but not surprised - he was the production manager, and his job was to "get it out by Friday". So guess who took the brunt of the chaos when "just in time" became "OVERDUE!" ? That's right - Bob. He was just 41.

That night, I started looking for another job. Two weeks later, they sacked me - "not temperamentally suited to the company's ethos". Damn right, I wasn't! I walked up the road with my severance pay in my pocket, feeling as though I'd been let out of prison!

I believe it was Artie Shaw who was phoned up one day by his agent who had yet another string of bookings for him. Shaw said forget it, and intimated that if he had to play 'Begin the Beguine' once more, he wouldn't be held accountable for his actions. The agent pressed him, and asked what he was supposed to say to the people who wanted to book him. Shaw said "Tell them I'm insane."

"How do you mean?", asked his agent.

Shaw replied "If an all-American boy turns down a lot of money, wouldn't you say that he was insane?"

Sometimes, Megan, in order to take good care of yourself, you have to let the rest of the world go hang. Those who care about you will cut you all the slack you need, and still be there for you. Those who won't are no loss.

God bless.

Jack

PhilipEdCarlson · by **PhilipEdCarlson** » 2018-05-31 12:26 a.m.

[quote="Lawrie"]A couple of us were thinking about collective nouns for trombones the other day. In having a look around the internet for suggestions I found a reference to a "plague" of conductors :D :D :D[/quote]
This Skeleton (¿group of trombones?) got together at a local Jazz Jam last night!
<ATTACHMENT filename="20180529_223549.jpg" index="0">~~[attachment=0]~~20180529_223549.jpg</ATTACHMENT>

With so mmy members of this forum together in real life it was like a Virtual Trombone Chat. You know, like any artificial Online Community. Live Action Internet. My wife, Sarah (who took this pic) suggested afterword that we should have a trombone party at the house this summer. Wonder how the neighbors would feel about that!

PhilipEdCarlson · by **PhilipEdCarlson** » 2018-05-31 12:27 a.m.

[quote="PhilipEdCarlson"]<QUOTE author="Lawrie" post_id="99" time="1521841510" user_id="69">
A couple of us were thinking about collective nouns for trombones the other day.[/quote]
This Skeleton (¿group of trombones?) got together at a local Jazz Jam last night!

20180529_223549.jpg

With so mmy members of this forum together in real life it was like a Virtual Trombone Chat. You know, like any artificial Online Community. Live Action Internet. My wife, Sarah (who took this pic) suggested afterword that we should have a trombone party at the house this summer. Wonder how the neighbors would feel about that!
</QUOTE>

timothy42b · by **timothy42b** » 2018-05-31 10:43 a.m.

Wow, you guys are really young!

I'm used to thinking our group is mostly old furts like me.

I was at a conference for work last week, and we talked a bit about generations. To my surprise most of the group was GenX - in the past they've been Boomers like me. When I got back I checked my own workplace. We're about half and half, plus a couple of token Silent and Millennials.

Community bands in my area have tended to be older, white, and male, but that's changing a bit. I played with a different group last night and they were on average younger.

badger · by **badger** » 2018-05-31 7:53 p.m.

I guess hanging from the ceiling like that must be some late night tomfoolery.

Vampires?

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-05-31 7:56 p.m.

[quote="timothy42b"]Community bands in my area have tended to be older, white, and male, but that's changing a bit. I played with a different group last night and they were on average younger.[/quote]

The groups around here tend to have pretty good age and gender diversity. It's good for the group.

PhilipEdCarlson · by **PhilipEdCarlson** » 2018-06-01 8:22 a.m.

[quote="badger"]I guess hanging from the ceiling like that must be some late night tomfoolery.

Vampires?[/quote]
what's that about?

It did that in Preview too, so I knew it'd be upside-down. I tried editing the original pic. Flipped it upside-down thinking TC would flip it right side up. That didn't work so I went back to the original.[quote="timothy42b"]Wow, you guys are really young!

I'm used to thinking our group is mostly old furts like me.

...

Community bands in my area have tended to be older, white, and male, but that's changing a bit. I played with a different group last night and they were on average younger.[/quote]
At 54, I'm the oldest in this pic by nearly a decade and a half!

I'm usually on the young end in the Community Groups I play in, so, it is nice to hang out with some young people. I'm definitely on the older end in my department at work though!

timothy42b · by **timothy42b** » 2018-06-08 10:38 a.m.

Uh oh, a week since the last post.

I just want to share some success I'm proud of, even if it drives my family nuts.

On August 21, 2015, I went to our work Wellness Center and had them evaluate my health. I'd hovered around 180 the past two decades. They stuck me in a Bodpod to determine my body composition, and an oxygen hood to find my metabolic resting rate. Yup, overweight at 30.1% body fat. They made recommendations for calories per day, etc. I came down 22 pounds quickly and stabilized. My friends said I looked too skinny, but when I went back in I was still overweight at 22%. Last September at 155 pounds (I'm 5'10") I was still overweight. But I felt pretty good. They have my photo up in the Wellness Center holding 20 pounds of simulated fat, as a success story.

This spring I decided to take off a little more and see if I could get below that magic 20% body fat percentage. Today I weighed 141 and am officially no longer overweight at 15.8% fat. Dropping the first 30 pounds was easy, but the last 10 were hard fought.

On trombone I'm struggling with endurance a bit, I wonder if the recent weight loss affects it. I've dropped a bit in bench press strength too. Per the Bodpod, since September I've dropped 12 pounds of fat and 3 of nonfat. That isn't necessarily muscle, it can be water etc. and varies quite a bit. My disc golf drive stubbornly refuses to increase, but that's more a form issue rather than strength.

Kingfan · by **Kingfan** » 2018-06-08 2:07 p.m.

Good for you, Timothy! I was 194 when I retired two months ago, am down 8 pounds. Nothing special, just not tied to a computer or steering wheel all day five days a week, and not being on the road I don't eat fast food and soft drinks near as much as I used to. No need to "reward" myself with a donut or 32 oz. fountain drink (or both if I was REALLY bad) on the way home on a day with 7 hours on site and four hours driving.

Matt_K · by **Matt_K** » 2018-06-08 3:29 p.m.

[quote="PhilipEdCarlson"]<QUOTE author="badger" post_id="60693" time="1527810815" user_id="108">
I guess hanging from the ceiling like that must be some late night tomfoolery.

Vampires?[/quote]
what's that about?

It did that in Preview too, so I knew it'd be upside-down. I tried editing the original pic. Flipped it upside-down thinking TC would flip it right side up. That didn't work so I went back to the original.</QUOTE>

Fixed: :)

<ATTACHMENT filename="jam_session_june_2018.jpg" index="0">~~[attachment=0]~~jam_session_june_2018.jpg</ATTACHMENT>

JPEG files sometimes have a property that is auto set when you take the picture that records the orientation of the phone. Thusly, this was taken 'upside down' relative to what it was expecting. So even when you rotate it, the change isn't persistent (it doesn't wipe out that orientation). Why anyone would find that a useful feature that overrides being rotated is beyond me :idk:

timothy42b · by **timothy42b** » 2018-06-25 12:39 p.m.

I had my routine checkup with my primary care physician Friday. He said my blood pressure was way too low - with the weight loss, I was over medicated. He took me off the meds completely. Woo hoo! But now I have to be careful it lasts. Weight is SO easy to put on, compared to taking it off.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-07-04 3:31 p.m.

Fourth of July in Rosendale, NY starts the way it usually does. A cross section of town residents, onstage in Rosendale Theater, read the Declaration of Independence. This year the follow-up reading was by Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Then the band plays. This year we played some funked up version of "America the Beautiful". We led the audience out of the theater playing "Sweet Dreams".

timothy42b · by **timothy42b** » 2018-07-05 8:44 a.m.

I attended the celebration at the local Army base.

There was a headline top 40s commercial band, then the Army band took the stage.

They used only their small groups, not the full concert band; they did a set of popular music, then the big band took the stage. The full band never played. I don't remember that happening before but it clearly made the crowd happy. There were lots of vocals, and done very well. I think it is now necessary to double on voice in a military band.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2018-07-05 1:00 p.m.

Showed up for my fireworks concert and there were no French Horns. I knew one was a Late Looey Iand she usually plays principal). So I got the 2nd Horn book and played a cmbination of Eb and F music for the evening. I think my brain still hurts from all the transposing/reading.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-07-05 1:30 p.m.

Oh yeah, we had a late gig at a barbecue. We went out and played what we could play without sheet music. Unfortunately, we didn't have percussion, and recruited from the audience. It was in keeping with the spirit of the gig. We had a pair of claves, an egg shaker and a kind of double cowbell thing. Oh yeah, our tuba player also wasn't there. Not a problem, since I enjoy playing her parts.

JohnL · by **JohnL** » 2018-07-05 2:04 p.m.

[quote="timothy42b"]They used only their small groups, not the full concert band; they did a set of popular music, then the big band took the stage. The full band never played.[/quote]
They may have been double-booked and had to split the band. I've seen that happen with Navy Band Southwest.

timothy42b · by **timothy42b** » 2018-07-05 2:25 p.m.

[quote="JohnL"]<QUOTE author="timothy42b" post_id="62866" time="1530794687" user_id="211">They used only their small groups, not the full concert band; they did a set of popular music, then the big band took the stage. The full band never played.[/quote]
They may have been double-booked and had to split the band. I've seen that happen with Navy Band Southwest.
</QUOTE>

That could be, but I dunno. I never see a full military band except at a change of command for a commanding general.

I think it is a realization that nobody in the age range of the usual crowd wants to hear a wind ensemble play traditional wind ensemble music. Perhaps it will survive as a pedagogical genre, or perhaps it will not outlive us, I'm not sure.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2018-07-05 5:21 p.m.

There was a change in command at Hanscom AFB (near Boston) and there wasn't a full band. Only an ad hoc collection of volunteer musicians (including me). I felt bad for the two generals. In their infinite wisdom, the Air Force eliminated both the Band of Liberty (stationed at Hanscom) and the Reserve Band of Cape Cod. Left no Air Force band (regular or reserve) within 300 miles.

Schlitz · 2018-07-05 11:48 p.m.

blast · by **blast** » 2018-07-10 9:11 a.m.

[quote="Schlitz"]<QUOTE author="JohnL" post_id="62895" time="1530813842" user_id="119">

They may have been double-booked and had to split the band. I've seen that happen with Navy Band Southwest.[/quote]

I haven’t kept up on all of the navy music program staffing changes since I got out. But I’ve read each band has about 35 people, plus some tdy folks when the job load increases. When I was in, it was an 17 piece band on the gig, with the rock band on tour, and a brass quintet out doing conflicts. I think think they have a uniform band size of 35 people now. In the old days, San Diego, Great Lakes, and Norfolk had 45 in each band, with folks rotating in and out. We had smaller groups back then, when most had a minor instrument. I don’t think that’s required anymore.
</QUOTE>

Most quintets I have played in were conflict zones.... even outside the sevices .

Chris

Kbiggs · by **Kbiggs** » 2018-07-10 11:46 a.m.

[quote="blast"]

Most quintets I have played in were conflict zones.... even outside the sevices .

Chris[/quote]

Democracy in action!

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-08-01 9:18 p.m.

Yesterday, I was driving home from an interview on a two lane state highway. I was southbound. A car from the northbound lane drove right into me. I really had no chance of avoiding contact. Many airbags deployed. The car was wrecked, but I only have burns on my right arm from the airbag, and lacerations and hematoma on my left arm.

My daughter has sound priorities. Her question was would I be able to play in a concert we had last night. I was able to play.

Doug_Elliott · by **Doug_Elliott** » 2018-08-01 9:58 p.m.

Glad you're OK! I've been in a similar situation except it was because I fell asleep and went off the road. Maybe that's what happened to the other driver? At least I didn't hit anybody else.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2018-08-01 10:25 p.m.

I second the feelings! Cars can be replaced, but you can't.

I did just what Doug did when I totaled my car two years ago. Spent 4 days in the hospital and another 2 weeks in rehab -- 4 broken ribs.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-08-02 10:51 a.m.

[quote="Doug Elliott"]Glad you're OK! I've been in a similar situation except it was because I fell asleep and went off the road. Maybe that's what happened to the other driver? At least I didn't hit anybody else.[/quote]

Yes that is what happened to the other driver. There was a tractor trailer ahead of me. The northbound car clipped the tractor trailer before hitting me head on. This could have been so much worse for the northbound driver.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-08-03 12:26 p.m.

The insurance company declared the car a total loss. I sent them the title, and they will send me a check. The car was a 2015 diesel, so replacing it won't be entirely trivial. I do a lot of highway miles, so I do want another diesel.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2018-08-03 12:34 p.m.

Was it one of those Volkswagens that cheated on the emissions tests? :evil:

You can get good mileage with non-Diesel cars. Look into the hybrids. They use a gas engine simply to generate electricity and use that electricity to run the car.

timothy42b · by **timothy42b** » 2018-08-03 2:15 p.m.

Interesting story on NPR this week.

They were talking about hybrids and the idea of conspicuous conservation, as opposed to conspicuous consumption. In some affluent areas, showing off with expensive toys increases status.

In areas where an environmental ethic is shared, the same may be true with obvious "green" methods. In these areas, people tend to prefer hybrids that are obvious, such as the Prius, rather than other manufacturers that would seem to be of otherwise equal value. They did the research by getting vehicle registration records and voting registration numbers, it was quite ingenious.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-08-16 5:03 p.m.

A videographer came to our rehearsal last night. It set up some conflict between wanting to sound good, and wanting to work on what needed it the most.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2018-08-16 5:06 p.m.

Minimum capacity for my car is the trunk has to comfortably carry two trombones. When either our Subaru Impreza or our Volkswagen Golf had two trombones in the trunk, there wasn't much space left. The Golf has been replaced by a Golfwagen. The trunk is huge. It could probably easily carry five trombones.

Tetraphosphate · by **Tetraphosphate** » 2018-08-22 11:17 p.m.

:tenorclef: [quote="PhilipEdCarlson"]A Sack

(A Sack of Trombones, a Sack of Posaune, a Sack of Bones, a Sack of Buttheads... Just: a Sack)[/quote]

I'm 3 months late to the conversation, but... a sack of sackbuts

Kingfan · by **Kingfan** » 2018-08-23 10:04 a.m.

[quote="timothy42b"]Interesting story on NPR this week.

They were talking about hybrids and the idea of conspicuous conservation, as opposed to conspicuous consumption. In some affluent areas, showing off with expensive toys increases status.

In areas where an environmental ethic is shared, the same may be true with obvious "green" methods. In these areas, people tend to prefer hybrids that are obvious, such as the Prius, rather than other manufacturers that would seem to be of otherwise equal value. They did the research by getting vehicle registration records and voting registration numbers, it was quite ingenious.[/quote]

My wife drives a Ford Focus FFE, a pure plug-in electric. Looks just like a Focus with a different grill. Totally inconspicuous as an all-electric car. I am looking at a low milage used Ford C-Max hybrid rated 42 city/38 highway to replace my 155k mile Sonata. Alternate would be a Kia Niro hybrid, rated 52 city/49 highway, but they are so new there are no deals on used ones. Both of those five door hatchbacks look "normal".

ghmerrill · by **ghmerrill** » 2018-08-23 10:36 a.m.

I'm sitting in Seattle at the moment (second visit to a son who's working at Amazon now), and have to regard the area as one of at least some kind of "conspicuous conservation" -- particularly after a 15 minute debate my wife and I had concerning what stuff was supposed to go in which of the garbage/recycling/compostables cans for refuse collection. And whether the instructions for that were even consistent and intelligible. And then there are the fishing regulations that I'm pretty confident are incomprehensible to virtually everyone. However, I'm also impressed with the density of Tesla's, Porches, and other high-end vehicles I encounter on the roads here. Perhaps the one is used to offset feelings about the others. :roll: I wonder what the stats and analytics would show. :D

timothy42b · by **timothy42b** » 2018-09-15 9:42 a.m.

I hope those who live in the Carolinas are doing okay with the weather.

Hurricane Florence was predicted to have an impact on my area but turned south and mostly missed us. We're in the outer rain bands but that's about all.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2018-09-15 2:44 p.m.

I have a different problem. We're supposed to have an orchestra Board meeting at the North Andover MA Senior Center. I'll hAve to find out if they have power and if they are acting as a shelter.

For those who were under a rock, there were several explosions in Andover, North Andover, and Lawrence from overpressurized gas lines.

ghmerrill · by **ghmerrill** » 2018-09-15 2:45 p.m.

People are DEFINITELY NOT DOING WELL in New Bern and Jacksonville. My wife just informed me that Fayetteville is being evacuated and I-95 is closed down there. We assume US 1 is as well. I don't know what's going on at the base(s). I assume they aren't evacuating. :shock:

We're about 45 miles north of there, and after a lot of preparation (we live in the country on about 6.5 acres), the storm has proved to be a non-event for us. No loss of power. We're on high ground; so no flooding. Wind so far never more than about 25 mph. No trees down.

However, I do expect trees to be coming down over the next week. The ground here was excessively wet before the storm and we're getting about 3" a day -- which will be tapering off some time mid or late next week. So trees will fall. Chain saw is ready.

Our big problem (other than staying out of the way of falling 80 ft trees) is mowing the grass and weeds that grew over the 4 weeks we spent in Seattle. I think that's going to require a pass with the tractor, and then the lawn guys can go after it. :)

StevenC · 2018-10-31 10:05 p.m.

Sometimes it feels like playing low brass in an orchestra is less about playing good music than it is about getting a really good seat.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2018-10-31 11:12 p.m.

[quote="StevenC"]Sometimes it feels like playing low brass in an orchestra is less about playing good music than it is about get a really good seat.[/quote]

A symphony trombone player (I forget whom) once called symphony playing "hours of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror". I agree.

timothy42b · by **timothy42b** » 2018-11-26 8:22 a.m.

This would be off topic if this thread had a topic, but............

Years ago I bought a cheap Wallyworld UV flashlight thinking it might make pet waste fluoresce. It never did, but it did make posters etc. show up brightly.

But my sister has had an invasion of mice, and I revisited the topic. Instead of the cheapie at 390 nm wavelength, I bought a slightly more expensive one at 365 nm.

Here's the weird thing: cobwebs fluoresce. I have cobwebs some weird places I didn't expect. Also the bathroom needs cleaning. Currency (if not counterfeit) shows some interesting patterns. Anybody want to lend me a $500 so I can see what that looks like?

People use these to hunt scorpions, but there aren't any this far north.

I have been warned by the nice folk at Candlepower forums that 1. you should wear eye protection and 2. NEVER under any circumstances bring one into a motel room.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2018-11-26 9:51 a.m.

There is a whole range of UV lights. Note that each of those lights actually emit a band of light with the strongest light at that frequency. Most of the UV cured materials I used were cured around 365 nm. This is close to the blue end of the visible spectrum and you can see some of it.

CharlieB · by **CharlieB** » 2018-12-30 12:53 p.m.

Just geezin' here.

Remembering the early 60's and the Carl Fischer music store on Boylston Street in Boston.

That was near Symphony Hall and New England Conservatory. Some fine trombonists from those places moonlighted

at the store. I was a young student then, with no spare money. They would ask me to play for them, and then I would get a free quickie lesson. No charge. Just really fine people dedicated to their art. The store is gone now, and so are those musicians, but the things they taught me are still alive.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2018-12-31 5:58 p.m.

Note that we will not have a new Bunke for 2019. This one is still in good shape. Happy New Year to all.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2019-09-24 10:04 p.m.

At orchestra rehearsal last night, I kept hearing Gamelan being played in a distant room. I found it ... distracting.

AndrewMeronek · by **AndrewMeronek** » 2019-09-24 10:40 p.m.

Huh. I have some fond memories of The Bunker on the original TTF. Not that I contributed a whole lot - but knowing it was there.

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2019-09-25 8:17 a.m.

[quote="AndrewMeronek"]Huh. I have some fond memories of The Bunker on the original TTF. Not that I contributed a whole lot - but knowing it was there.[/quote]

I have kept the Bunker on this site, but it's nowhere near as popular as it was on TTF. That's one reason why I don't start a new one each year. Please feel free to post stuff here; sorta like our little tromboney chat room.

Steve, any conflicting sound can make a rehearsal uncomfortable. Gamelan would only be exceeded by a bagpipe ensemble :evil:

cmcslide · by **cmcslide** » 2019-09-25 2:12 p.m.

Q: Why do bagpipers walk around when they play?

A: They can't stand that racket either!

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2019-10-14 9:25 p.m.

[quote="BGuttman"]Steve, any conflicting sound can make a rehearsal uncomfortable. Gamelan would only be exceeded by a bagpipe ensemble :evil:[/quote]

The strange thing was no one else seemed to notice. Having played Gamelan, I knew where the music was going, so it was especially distracting.

StevenC · by **StevenC** » 2019-10-14 9:26 p.m.

I'm sanding the corks on my H&B cup mute so that it fits my tenor. I guess that means I'll need a cup mute for bass sometime in the next year...

paulyg · by **paulyg** » 2019-10-15 11:28 p.m.

Anyone come across pieces recently that shouldn't have been written? Covering a seat for a friend in an orchestra that has one of these on the program... "Carnival Fever," Cynthia Wong. Whoever reviewed her compositions as "beautiful" clearly never heard this one... it should be titled "A Carny's Fever Dream."

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2019-10-16 10:56 a.m.

[quote="paulyg"]Anyone come across pieces recently that shouldn't have been written? Covering a seat for a friend in an orchestra that has one of these on the program... "Carnival Fever," Cynthia Wong. Whoever reviewed her compositions as "beautiful" clearly never heard this one... it should be titled "A Carny's Fever Dream."[/quote]

You always run the risk of playing duds when you play new music. It clearly has not stood the test of time. There are probably tons of mediocre music from the 18th and 19th centuries that we don't play for good reason.

But if we don't play the new stuff we may never find out if there is a gem there.

Just chalk it up to experience.

Kingfan · by **Kingfan** » 2019-12-17 4:21 p.m.

[quote="paulyg"]Anyone come across pieces recently that shouldn't have been written? Covering a seat for a friend in an orchestra that has one of these on the program... "Carnival Fever," Cynthia Wong. Whoever reviewed her compositions as "beautiful" clearly never heard this one... it should be titled "A Carny's Fever Dream."[/quote]

I remember sight reading a piece in high school jazz band that was really bad. We turned the music upside down and played the first line or two. It actually sounded better upside down!

Najataagihe · by **Najataagihe** » 2020-05-11 12:45 a.m.

I think it is sad that it is the middle of May and a guy who stopped posting five years ago is the only one here, completely surrounded by no green, fury thong.

An era has truly passed.

May good fortune follow you all, all your days.

::takes a few pictures and goes back to his cave::

BGuttman · by **BGuttman** » 2020-05-11 5:34 a.m.

H Naja. Glad to see you drop in. Please feel free to join in the discussions on the other boards. We missed you.

Najataagihe · by **Najataagihe** » 2020-05-11 11:18 a.m.

Thanks, Bruce.

I've missed a bunch of you guys, too.

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