FlutePrayer

Rainy Day Date

2011-11-12T12:30:00.001-08:00

My dear Bob proposed a rainy day outing to Disneyland. The Christmas decorations are up, the music is playing, and the crowds are light. I'm grateful to be here sharing it with my dear spouse!

Posted via email from Teri's posterous

It Wasn't Indigestion

2011-07-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

Originally published on my Posterous blog on July 11, 2011 as It Wasn't Indigestion

I'm sitting alone in an empty hospital room. Bob is having an Angiogram to determine the extent of the blockage in his heart. It felt like indigestion. He began having what he thought was severe acid indigestion on Thursday. When he had to leave the Muni Band tear down early on Friday, I told him he was having symptoms of a heart attack and should go to the ER. Convinced that it was indigestion, he spent Saturday in bed. He was talking about going to see his doctor on Monday. When I checked with him as I drove home from a gig, I argued strongly that he needed to be seen immediately. Persistence overcame stubbornness, and a Saturday evening trip to the ER saved Bob's life. Although he had no other symptoms besides acid indigestion, an alert ER physician persisted in her suspicion that it was heart related instead. A stress test yesterday morning revealed a blockage at the entrance to the heart. Bob is at this moment having an Angiogram. The best case would be a stent would open the blockage. Worst case (besides death) would be bypass surgery. Please remember that indigestion can indicate a heart attack. Don't blow your symptoms off. Do the right thing for the ones you love.

UPDATE: Here is a view of Bob's heart during the Angiogram with arrows pointing out the blockage:

Here is the same view after a stent was inserted to open the blockage:

What a miracle!

Here is Bob in the park last night, 4 hours after being discharged from the hospital:

He was just there to observe and offer advice.

He was back to work at the concert tonight. He is pretty wiped out, but he is ALIVE. I am extremely grateful for that!

PULIZTER PRIZE WINNER

2011-06-15T18:44:00.001-07:00

Pulitzer prize winning composer David Lang with Long Beach Opera artistic director Andreas Mitisek at opening night pre opera talk.

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Define Major

2011-06-12T22:56:00.000-07:00

Close up of a birthday scarf knitted for my niece. Knitting has replaced blogging...for now

I have a new definition of major surgery.

I'd never spent much time thinking about the term before. I'd hear that someone had "major surgery" or talk to someone who had "major surgery". I thought I could empathize and understand what they had gone through.

I was incorrect.

I'd had one previous experience with an unpleasant, painful surgery under general anesthesia several years ago. As painful as it was, it was an outpatient procedure and the healing was rapid, the discomfort short lived.

My paradigm underwent a radical shift on August 17, 2010. What started out as a laparoscopic procedure quickly transformed into rather extensive abdominal surgery. My excellent surgeon tried everything possible to avoid this, but it was quite impossible for her to do so. She is well aware of my profession, of the extensive use of the abdominal muscles as part of the flute playing process, and was very reluctant to slice them up. Thankfully, she DID slice them up. Her regard for my life and well being far exceeded that of my flute playing muscles.

I thought pneumonia was difficult to recover from. It WAS difficult to recover from, although I did play a full 2 weeks of Muni Band and 4 days of a Michael Crawford show with it. There was no possibility of anything like that happening THIS time.

Long story short, it's been an interesting 10 months. I'm at about 95% right now, feeling better than I have for years, and back to extreme fluting. The remaining 5%, though, must be my blogging percentage. I have had no energy or desire to exert myself in that direction.

Having said that, I can feel a 1% improvement coming on even as I type. I am willing to be willing to blog again. I'm making no promises, but I'll keep you posted.

Maybe.

Life Is Just A Bowl Of Cherry Town

2011-04-22T14:24:00.000-07:00

The newest addition to my music stand is Dimitri Shostakovich' MOSCOW, CHERRY TOWN for Long Beach Opera. Once again my dear husband is doing sound design. As Bob says, "We met at work, and I always enjoy working with you."

We get to take this production on the road - at least on the roads of Southern California - with performances at the Center Theater in Long Beach, the Barclay Theater in Irvine, and Barnum Hall in Santa Monica.

Sun. May 15, 2011 - 2pm
Center Theater, Long Beach

Wed. May 18, 2011 - 7:30pm
Irvine Barclay Theater, Irvine

Sun. May 22, 2011 - 2pm
Barnum Hall, Santa Monica

Duration: 3 hours, 1 intermission
Sung in English with English Supertitles

Here's a taste of the music (LBO production will be IN ENGLISH):

Don't expect the giant orchestra, however. We've got a cozy chamber version that looks hilarious. Rehearsals begin the first part of May.

I'm really looking forward to life in Cherry Town!

A Pharaoh In My Future

2011-03-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

The latest addition to my music stand is the Philip Glass opera Akhnaten. Long Beach Opera is producing the West Coast premiere of this work as part of the Philip Glass Festival this month. I can't wait to sink my teeth into this one. Opera with pulsating drums like this is a must see:

Opera In A Warehouse

2011-01-22T20:14:00.001-08:00

Playing opera in a warehouse is fun - great orchestra, soul stirring singers, magnificent conductor, stellar crew. Long Beach Opera rocks, plain and simple. Still haven't seen the blood, though. Maybe Monday...

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That's Opera

2011-01-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

Bob went to the first production meeting of Long Beach Opera's Medea this morning, where he's back doing Sound Design. Among the fascinating subjects discussed were the practical requirements of what kind of (fake) blood to use, where and how to store it on stage, and how to get it out of the costumes.

This harkens back to another Long Beach Opera production years ago. My favorite conductor's comment of all time, made during a rehearsal for Janacek's From the House of the Dead: "Could you stop spraying blood on the orchestra?"

That's opera for you...

Performances of Long Beach Opera's Medea:

Sat. January 29, 2011 - 7:30pm - limited availability
Sat. February 5, 2011 - 2pm - just added, great seats available
Sun. February 6, 2011 - 2pm - limited availability
EXPO Building, Long Beach

The Spider Trap

2011-01-04T16:13:00.001-08:00

With Bob freezing in Yucca Valley until late Friday, I have the house to myself. Last night before I crawled into bed, I was occupied plugging in my cell phone, i-pod, and e-reader for a good night's re-charge. As I reached for my ear plugs, I saw it - a large, rather substantially built spider had claimed part of the night stand that I had been bustling around for the last several minutes. If Bob was home, I would but have to summon him and the beast would meet an instant end. As it was, I was too interested in preserving the relaxed, sleep-ready state I had been cultivating for a dramatic dive into spidery demise. Instead, I hit upon The Spider Trap. Bob made a special trip to Disneyland to buy a Monsters Inc snow globe for me one Christmas. I have always been struck by the impermeable bubble of protection around Boo, who is blissfully unaware of the (terrified) monsters behind her. Clinging to that image, I clapped a small cup over the large spider. To ensure my peace of mind, I placed the snow globe on top of the cup and went to sleep. This morning I took the spider outside. Even though the violin shape on its back revealed it as a Brown Recluse, I couldn't bring myself to squash it. Don't assign any noble motives to me, though. Despite my desire to be rid of it forever, it was just too big for my shoes to stomp. I hope it doesn't come back to haunt me like Haman haunted Esther after King Saul failed to put an end to Agag. That, however, is another story.

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Merry Christmas From The Christians

2010-12-21T22:30:00.000-08:00

After 8 straight days of rain, it is hard to believe that last Monday it was 82 degrees at Disneyland where Bob and I posed for our Christmas picture:

May the peace that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds and bless you richly this holiday season.

How I'm Spending My Holiday Dollars

2010-11-21T23:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to friend Darleene Powells at The Wedding Decorator Blog, Karen Robes-Meeks, a friend of Darleene's, included me in a piece she wrote for the Long Beach Press Telegram featuring this picture by staff photog Stephen Carr:

Bob and I have already made our Cambria reservations (see the article for details about why we're going there).

Idina Menzel

2010-11-07T12:03:00.001-08:00

Wow. What a talent, and so nice. Love playing with her!

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Fun Work Call

2010-09-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

Just got a work call for Idena Menzel's concert at the Orange County Performing Arts Center on Sunday, November 7 at 3:00pm.

Many of you will know her as Elphaba, the green witch in Wicked:

I loved her as the girlfriend in "Enchanted":

As always, I am so tickled to be a small part of a performance of a musical hero of mine, and very, very grateful for the work.

Overcoming Fear

2010-09-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

A large part of my job is facing fear and overcoming it. I've worked for years to calmly assess my flute playing in the midst of fearful circumstances and make corrections on the fly without collapsing into a quivering mass of nerves. It hasn't been until recently, however, that I started taking an inventory on the everyday things that I fear.

I fear parties, so I have forced myself to go and MINGLE (I'd prefer a quiet night at home with my husband, or a corner where I can ~~hide~~ sit and observe at a safe distance).

I fear math, so I forced myself to learn Sudoku and not freak out over it. I can do medium puzzles with no problem now. I don't really care to hurt myself on the hard ones.

I fear, no, LOATH shopping for clothes, so I force myself to go WITH AN OPEN MIND and try things on that I might not like at first. If I don't find something on the first try, I force myself to keep trying. I'm getting better, but I still hate shopping for clothes.

One of the biggest fears that I nursed for decades was the fear of knitting. I can crochet with no problem, and enjoy it immensely. When it came to knitting, though, I gave up after multiple attempts that ended in dismal failure.

After repeatedly turning a blind eye to the "K" word, I realized that I had ignored the elephant in the living room long enough. I was going to gird my loins and plunge into the knitting arena.

Thank God for YouTube. After just a little searching, I found numerous basic instruction videos. It was then that I discovered that I was not stupid, I was just wrapping my yarn incorrectly when I purled. After that simple correction, I was suddenly able to knit rows of the kind of even stitches that I had secretly been longing to produce for years.

Here are some of my summer projects:

Easy Lace Scarf

Ribs and Ruffles Scarf

Heaven Sent Baby Blanket

Another Easy Lace Scarf

Drop Stitch Scarf

Seeded Rib Scarf

I am still fearful of dropped stitches, have started and re-started projects, and ripped out a good number of rows. I am finding, however, that knitting simple patterns is soothing and comforting. I love the feel of the (pricey) fibers and the beautiful results. I am learning to let small imperfections remain as a hallmark of a handmade product.

Overcoming fear. I'm working on it...

Back At It

2010-09-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

Surgery recovery has been slower than originally anticipated due to multiple incisions after the laparoscopy turned into an abdominal incision. All is well, but 3 weeks later I'm still limited in my activities.

I lasted through the 4 hours of flute auditions at APU yesterday, and am planning on teaching Flute Choir tomorrow afternoon. Then I'm hitting the bed until lessons start next week.

I'll keep you posted.

Muni Band Flute Section - A Different View

2010-08-17T22:27:00.001-07:00

The Long Beach City Council met today for round two of Municipal Band budget talks. As I lay in the hospital recovering from this morning's surgery, I wondered how things were progressing. I was really tickled, then, when fellow Muni Band flutists Patti and Eileen stopped by to bring official tidings and a get well balloon. To hear tell, it was another emotionally charged scene. When I recover a bit more, I'll watch the video online. Meanwhile, I'll remember the emotion and joy my two lovely colleagues brought with them. Thank you, friends!

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KCAL At Marine Stadium Tonight

2010-08-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

Suzie Suh and photog Ken Koller from KCAL9/KCBS were at Marine Stadium tonight covering the Municipal Band. Here is the package aired during the 9pm broadcast:

Photog Ken Koller with Suzie Suh

Live truck WITHOUT beFrank in it

Conductor Larry Curtis gets interviewed

My view from the stage

Ken getting the crowd shots

The mast over the Muni Band

101 Years And The Long Beach Municipal Band Is History?

2010-07-30T01:08:00.001-07:00

I've been employed by the City of Long Beach as a flutist with the Long Beach Municipal Band since 1985. Last night the 40 members of band were shocked to learn that, after 101 years of service to the citizens of Long Beach, the band's final concert of the 101st season would be the last one in the band's history. Do you think the 70,000 people we see every summer will miss us?
Can this be stopped? The city council has the final say.
I'll keep you posted.

UPDATE: The City Council will meet on Tuesday, August 10 at 3:30pm at Long Beach City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd to decide the fate of the Municipal Band.

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New Clothes!

2010-06-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

The 101st season of the Long Beach Municipal Band started at 1:30 this afternoon with our first rehearsal. Besides reading through our concert music for tomorrow, we got WARDROBE:

My men's small shirt means I can eat anything I want this season and NO ONE WILL EVER KNOW!

I actually like this shirt which is fortunate because I've got 2 of them.

Our first concert is tomorrow, June 30 at 6:30pm in Los Cerritos Park.

You know you want to come see these shirts...

Escape

2010-06-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

The first Long Beach Municipal Band rehearsal is tomorrow, with the first concert of the season on Wednesday. Bob and I will be occupied with 4 concerts a week until August 13. We're both working most weekends as well. On Tuesday, August 17 I'm undergoing major surgery with a 4 week recovery that puts me directly into the new semester at APU.

With all that in mind, I've been keeping my eye on the AP (Annual Passholder) rates for the Grand Californian Hotel at the Disneyland Resort. Last year's stay was so peaceful and restful that we've been longing for a return visit. Yesterday we struck gold with a room rate only $4.00 more per night than our incredible rate from last year. We've signed up for 5 nights starting at the very end of August. I'll be able to continue my recovery in style, and we'll both be able to soak up the peace and grace that is the Grand Californian.

When beginning a long period of hard work ending with a serious medical procedure, it is wonderful to have an escape planned!

Spring 2011 Recital

2010-06-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

Joel and I are planning another recital for Spring 2011. We can't help it. We love collaborating.

That means, however, that we actually have to choose repertoire. So far we have ~~commitments~~ vague promises from Phil Shackelton and Mike Lee for new pieces written just for us. Those pieces, as magnificent as they will be, do not a complete program make.

I was perusing Flute World and YouTube for inspiration this morning and came across the second movement of a beautiful piece:

The other movements are equally lovely. I checked with Joel, and we both agree that Summer Music by Richard Rodney Bennett is a go for the program.

Great.

Three down, some more to go.

Any suggestions?

The Most Important Room

2010-05-31T16:08:00.000-07:00

I left a very important video out of the last blog post:

Despite the small size, the bathroom was well appointed and very comfortable.

I especially looked forward to showering in the "Star Trek Tube". The water was plentiful and hot, and the water pressure was great.

For an added thrill, use it on 15 foot seas. Some fun!

Our Home At Sea

2010-05-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Bob and I completely enjoyed our Anniversary Cruise on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas.

Here is our home at sea:

I love the little slip of the tongue Captain Per makes when describing the Ice Show. Can you catch it?

There is nothing like looking out your window and seeing the sea:

I've also got pictures up on Flickr. They aren't yet organized and commented, but I have to go to work. I'll get to it.

Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy our view of our home at sea.

Waiting To Disembark

2010-05-24T15:12:00.001-07:00

Bob and I had a relaxing, refreshing time away from it all on our 7 night cruise. We're waiting comfortably in our cabin until it's time for our group to leave the ship. This is the view from our balcony. So nice!

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A New Season

2010-05-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Spring Semester wrapped up for me this past Saturday with 4 hours of woodwind juries. The students played well, and the time was made even more enjoyable by the enthusiasm and musical insight of my colleagues. I made the FINAL COMMUTE home, turned in my final grades, and did the happy dance. Well, I would have done the happy dance if I hadn't been so fried from the pressure and stress of the last week of classes. Instead, I took a nap. Geezer!

Anne Frank rehearsals begin next Thursday. Without the commute and long hours of teaching, I've got plenty of time to work out, clean house, AND practice opera. What a concept. Of the three, practicing is the only thing that gets done with any regularity during the school year.

Bob and I are especially looking forward to our anniversary cruise a week from Sunday. As I mentioned before, the pleasure of anticipating this cruise has been worth the price already.

One of the things I've come across in my months of anticipation is this video of a cabin similar to ours on the Mariner of the Seas. I especially appreciate the, um, enthusiastic camera technique:

I have to say, he captures my feeling of excitement if nothing else.

And if May is here, can Muni Band be far behind?

I am so enjoying the promise of this new season.

Revisiting An Old Friend

2010-04-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

I am revisiting an old friend.

Long Beach Opera will present one peformance of "The Diary of Anne Frank" on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at the Barclay Theater in Irvine, CA. Reviews of our 2007 performances were excellent:

"..an emotional tour de force. [Maljian's] singing was commanding and brilliant, fresh and strong from beginning to end...this production functioned on an authentically high level. Mitisek conducted with authority and his nine piece ensemble was exceptional." - The Los Angeles Times

I picked up the music at the opera office today. I am grateful to see that most of my original markings remain, even though the rental music has traveled around the world since last I saw it. It is a bittersweet reunion.

The music is challenging and powerful. Ani Maldjian (last seen as Madame Mao in LBO's Nixon In China) is stunning as the young Anne Frank. The most moving part of the whole production, however, is Holocaust survivor Laura Hillman.

Director/Conductor Andreas Mitisek and Laura Hillman

Upon first meeting Laura, it is hard to grasp that this elegant, friendly woman survived 7 concentration camps. During the course of the opera, as she reads excerpts from her book I Will Plant You A Lilac Tree, one can only begin to grasp the depth of the sheer horror she endured as a Jew in the hands of the Nazis during World War II.

Ani and I had a chance to talk about the difficulty of this opera at the Nixon In China cast party last month. I remarked that I spent the entire first rehearsal with Laura dissolved in tears as I struggled to play my part. After that I had to completely shut out what was happening on stage and focus entirely on the job of playing the flute. Ani said she has to remove herself even as she sings or she'd never be able to perform the role.

Laura is the one who suffers. Unlike Ani and me, she is not a performer. This was her life. She often falls ill after the performances for weeks at a time under the sheer weight of the memories.

If you can, please join us as we revisit this old friend. Hearing directly from a survivor of the Holocaust, one of Oskar Schindler's Jews, will leave you forever changed. As painful as it may be to be a part of this evening, you will not regret it.

The Patience Of Job

2010-04-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

I love teaching the flute almost as much as I love playing the flute. The time spent with students can be so inspiring and very rewarding. I find myself thinking about my students while I'm performing, part of my mind analyzing how I can better prepare them for performance challenges and pressures.

I am grateful that, for the most part, the students in my care come to lessons with open minds, willing to try new things, and with the willingness to keep on trying until they can execute a new technique correctly and consistently.

Very rarely, I am presented with a student like this:

There is nothing more frustrating and exhausting than trying to impart to a belligerent, defiant pupil that challenges every word out of your mouth. It is difficult to keep frustration in check while searching for a chink in the armor of defensiveness. Sometimes a long term breakthrough occurs. Sometimes it doesn't.

I admire dance professional Tony Dovolani for his grace under pressure. He has the patience of Job.

I want to be like Tony when I grow up.

An Interesting Twist

2010-04-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

Bob and I recently discovered that we will have some interesting traveling companions on our anniversary cruise next month.

We will be sailing on a "Cougar Cruise".

Really?

Singles Travel Company describes this as a cruise for older women/younger men. After the first Cougar Cruise, the Carnival Cruise line banned future cougar cruises:

"Carnival's De la Cruz didn't say why Carnival had banned future cougar cruises. The International Cougar Cruise's organizers have said the first voyage was a smash sell-out with a lengthy waiting list of people wanting to get on board."

"We have no reason to deny this group the opportunity to sail on our ship," Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez tells USA TODAY. "We assume this group will follow our guest conduct policy, just like any other guest. We have no reason to think otherwise."

Bob says we don't qualify anyway since he's an older man traveling with a younger woman, and that we'll have a great time no matter what. Amen to that!

And as the cruise boards say, the people watching ought to be interesting...

7.2 Easter Earthquake

2010-04-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

Bob and I were spending a pleasant Easter afternoon with my brother and parents at a friend's home in Long Beach when we were surprised by an earthquake.

I've experienced some gut-wrenchers in my time, so I know from experience IF YOU CAN'T HEAR IT, THE EPICENTER IS FAR, FAR AWAY.

We didn't hear a bit of rumbling, so we were astounded as the quake increased in intensity to the point of concern. We knew that people somewhere were having a VERY BAD experience because it wasn't very pleasant where we were.

When we learned that the epicenter was down in Baja California, we were flabbergasted. The shaking we felt was significant, yet the quake was well over 100 miles away. No bueno.

It took me several moments to grab my camera and start filming (we had to make sure we weren't going to die first). By the time I took the following video on my Droid, most of the shaking had died down.

For those of you who have never experienced an earthquake and think it would be cool, guess again. Speaking from experience, when your home suddenly begins to collapse around you, it is FAR from cool. And if you're at Disneyland during an earthquake (been there, done that), they close all the rides to make sure nothing is broken. It kind of takes the fun out of the day.

Easter Earthquake

2010-04-04T15:59:00.001-07:00

The 6.9 Baja California earthquake was felt strongly here in Long Beach, CA,

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Incentive

2010-04-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

For the Christian family, "Nixon In China" was a daunting, exhausting, intimidating, ultimately wildly successful undertaking. Frankly, there were moments in the process (okay, more than moments) that we were teetering on the brink of utter despair.

Knowing that we would be facing some trying times, we took action before the rehearsals even began.

We booked a cruise.

We took our first cruise together 2 years ago. It was a short 4 night trip out of the Port of Los Angeles, close to home. Bob was unsure if he could hang with it, but it ended up being, as Bob would put it, an enjoyable experience.

As we stood on the brink of "Nixon", we agreed that a cruise in our future would be an incentive to maintain sanity. Believe me, the cruise has already more than paid for itself in the moments of escape it offered during the darkest of "Nixon" hours. I would be sitting in the pit completely overwhelmed physically, mentally, and emotionally (but never spiritually), ready to cash it in. Instead, I would picture Bob and myself lounging on our balcony breathing sea air and eating bonbons and I would feel refreshed. It worked every time.

As we make our way through the next 44 (but who's counting) days, we will be savoring every moment, even as we anticipate our escape.

Meanwhile, here is a glimpse at what we have in store:

Room With A View

2010-04-01T11:52:00.001-07:00

This is the view from the jury room. Santa Catalina Island is in the background "26 miles across the sea".
Two panels have been called (including the loud chatting ladies), but I remain listening to Chuck Missler on the i-pod, doing crosswords or Sudoku, or reading a variety of books (yay Sony Reader!)
We've just been given a 2 hour lunch break. It's a beautiful day here in Downtown Long Beach. Enjoying the new experience is on the agenda for the rest of the afternoon.
I'm making the most of it!

UPDATE: In all, three panels were called. I was not among them. At around 3pm we were all excused. I'm good for the next 12 months.

I've done my duty!

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Jury Duty

2010-04-01T09:46:00.001-07:00

I'm sitting in the jury room of the Long Beach Superior Court near some extremely loud, chatty older women. I've learned WAY more about their personal lives than I'd ever hoped to know. Wow.

Meanwhile, I'm trying to find my happy place by remembering these beautiful roses Bob and I came across at Disneyland yesterday. Called "Brass Band", they caught the eye of many people hustling through New Orleans Square, so much so that several stopped to get a closer look.

It has been some time since I've seen a rose that I wanted to run out and track down. This little floribunda seems to be calling my name.

Meanwhile, those ladies sure can talk...

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An Almost Rainy Day At Disneyland

2010-03-31T12:55:00.001-07:00

I've got to report for jury duty tomorrow.

What are Bob and I doing today?

Disneyland!

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Anne Frank Revisited

2010-03-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

I was very grateful to get the work call for Long Beach Opera's production of "The Diary of Anne Frank" just two days after completing the massive "Nixon In China".

I am so grateful to be working on this opera again. This time we will be at the Barclay Theater rather than in a parking garage (I actually prefer the parking garages for this particular piece).

Details will follow. I'm still in a "Nixon" haze.

See you at the opera!

Nixon In The Pit

2010-03-20T19:46:00.001-07:00

I'm sitting in the orchestra pit at the Terrace Theater waiting for the opening night down beat for Long Beach Opera's production of "Nixon In China". Bob is at the back of the house ready to run sound (a 16th mic was added to the mix a few hours ago).

We're ready to go. See you on the other side!

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Nixon Sound Design

2010-03-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

My dear husband Bob is doing sound design for Long Beach Opera's production of "Nixon In China" at the Terrace Theater.

It is no easy task.

Blog hero beFrank caught Bob at work the other night:

15 wireless mics with as many as 9 on at one time is a lot to handle just blocks from the Port of Long Beach and its jammed radio frequencies.

I can tell the stress is beginning to get to normally unflappable Bob. Today when I asked him what he would like to drink, he said, "Reverb" instead of root beer...

Photos by Bryan Frank

Nixon Flutes

2010-03-11T09:47:00.001-08:00

The first orchestra rehearsal for Long Beach Opera's production of "Nixon In China" was last night. Fellow Muni Band flutist Eileen is joing me on this quest. The music is challenging and never boring. Eileen and I both laid in a supply of Girl Scout Cookies from keyboardist Lisa as a balm against practice related brain depletion. We're back at it this afternoon at 2. Thin Mints anyone?

I'm guest blogging on LBO's Blog.

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Garden Surprise

2010-02-22T12:19:00.001-08:00

A little bit of spring has sprung in the garden.

Looking forward to the promise of more to come!

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Recital on YouTube

2010-02-19T19:51:00.000-08:00

Joel has posted some YouTube video from our October recital.

Here is a sample:

On To The Next Thing

2010-02-02T16:01:00.001-08:00

Three days after our final performance, Schweik is still swirling around in my head.

Things are about to change.

I just picked up the music for Long Beach Opera's next production.

Nixon In China will dominate my March.

Practicing for it begins today.

I love this part - adding another magnum opus to my musical data base. Today is like the first date of an intense relationship. Can't wait to see what lies ahead!

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Time To Schweick

2010-01-30T21:51:00.001-08:00

Sitting on stage waiting for a sound check for the last Good Soldier Schweick performance in Santa Monica.

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Without An Audience It Doesn't Matter

2010-01-25T13:14:00.001-08:00

photo by beFrank

Ask any performer.

Without and audience, what we do doesn't really matter.

With an audience, there's nothing quite like it.

Long Beach Opera's "Good Soldier Schweick" opened to excellent reviews Saturday night.

Orange County Register

Los Angeles Times

The music is extremely demanding. The orchestra (with not a string instrument in sight!) played well, putting our hearts into it.

The audience responded.

We hope we touched their hearts.

There were two audience members I was especially pleased to see - blog hero beFrank and his lovely Action Wife.

It was Action Wife's birthday, and beFrank was pulling out all the stops to make it a memorable one. I'm so glad I could be a part of the celebration.

Thank you audience members one and all. And a special thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Frank for becoming season ticket holders.

We do this for YOU!

The Good Soldier Schweick

2010-01-23T11:00:00.001-08:00

Opening night is tonight!

A 60 second spot:

An in depth interview with Conductor and General Manager Andreas Mitisek:

Tonight's show is SOLD OUT, but tickets are available for the Santa Monica performance next Saturday.

Please join us!

Oh Hail

2010-01-22T16:04:00.001-08:00

The heavens have opened up yet again and hail is noisily pelting our neighborhood.

It's raining, it's pouring.

Stop already.

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Rehearsal

2010-01-20T20:28:00.001-08:00

We all slogged our way through horendous weather to the Center Theater in Long Beach to rehearse the opera "Good Soldier Schweik". Here is General Manager and conductor Andreas Mitisek conducting as if he didn't have a care in the world. In fact, the ceiling of the company's administrative offices caved in during the torrential downpour this afternoon causing severe damage and taking out the box office running at peak capacity 3 days before opening night. You would never know it by looking at him. Andreas defines grace under pressure. Rock on!

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Tornado Warning

2010-01-19T15:28:00.001-08:00

A tornado has been spotted off the coast. We in Signal Hill are being told to take shelter.

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UPDATE: The storm blew over to the northeast. The scariest moment came when the pressure changed so dramatically that my ears popped. We're on high ground and fine now.

California Adventure

2010-01-07T22:26:00.001-08:00

Bob and I ran into friend David wearing his colorful Mickey's Playhouse costume at Disney's California Adventure this afternoon.

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Sony Pocket Reader

2010-01-06T11:05:00.001-08:00

"Highest Duty" by Chesley B. Sullenberger on the Sony Pocket Reader

I have been hankering after a Kindle for a couple of years. The price tag, however, kept me from acting on the hankering. Still, I was firmly set on someday acquiring a Kindle.

That changed when I discovered that the Kindle could not download ebooks borrowed from the library.

I am a big library fan. I LOVE books! I just can't afford to purchase them. The library feeds my hunger for new reading material.

When I learned that the Sony Pocket Reader could download library ebooks, I sat up and took notice. Although both the Kindle and the Sony can download free public domain books, the Sony Reader was the only one of the two that could supply me with large amounts of current books FOR FREE.

That sealed the deal for me. My mother-in-law's generous Christmas gift made it possible for me to indulge in the luxury of the Pocket Reader. Purchased from Costco.com, the price included an AC power adapter AND a leather book cover.

Downloading books from Project Gutenburg and the library is painless and blazingly fast. I've powered through several books already, and find the reading experience pleasing and comfortable.

Kindle, you had me at hello, but the Sony Pocket Reader is the one that delivered the goods.

Holidays 2009 - Batting A Thousand

2010-01-05T12:14:00.000-08:00

As you saw from a previous post, I was down for the count on Thanksgiving Day. I was eager to head north again for Christmas, reveling in the fact that I felt well and looking forward to getting in all the partying I missed at Thanksgiving.

What could go wrong?

I will say that Christmas Eve was lovely. I felt especially fine and enjoyed the company and massive amounts of delicious food immensely.

Christmas Day started at 2am for me in our hotel room. No, I wasn't hyped up wondering what Santa had left for me. I was, how shall I say, stricken with an exceptionally violent case of stomach flu.

The next 24 hours were spent in a misery of extreme nausea with attendant body aches, headache, and other, um, other interesting manifestations.

What were the chances?

By the next day I could drink Gatorade and smell food without wishing for death. I spent the afternoon at my sister's, prone on the couch, hiding under blankets until our late afternoon departure.

I'll admit to a few tears of frustration and self pity as we pulled out of their driveway. I missed Thanksgiving AND Christmas. BOO HOO. Poor me.

It was almost a week before I could stand up for more than a few minutes without getting dizzy. No matter. I had a delicious stash of books to read. Who needs to stand for that!

New Year's Eve arrived and I was feeling pretty good. Bob went out and rounded up some delicious treats, and we spent a quiet evening at home enjoying each other's company.

The new decade dawned warm and bright here in Southern California. And guess what! I felt FINE!!!!

I'm putting the ills of the old year behind me and embracing the fresh promises of a fine New Year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!!

Wheel Chair Birthday

2009-12-01T16:49:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving didn't exist for me last week as I lay prone in a hotel bed trying not to oink.

Today is my birthday and I didn't want to yield completely to infirmity. I've been fever free since Saturday and am not coughing or running out the nose. I did develop a new symptom yesterday, though - Vertigo. No biggie unless you want to WALK. At Disneyland, Annual Pass Holders get a $72 gift card on the day of their birthday. I didn't want to miss that. Hence the wheel chair.

Although there is no way I can walk, the wheel chair allows me to enjoy the Disneyland experience. Here's something I've noticed: kids look me right in the eye with big smiles and (thanks to my birthday pin) wish me happy birthday. That is absolutely making my day. We should all try to be more childlike...
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Which Turkey Gave Me The Flu?

2009-11-26T10:53:00.001-08:00

I woke up this beautiful Thanksgiving morning in Atascadero with the flu. There's no doubt that the headache, body aches, and fever over 100 degrees match the classic flu symptoms. I haven't had flu like this for years. A flu shot was on my to do list, but I've spent the last two months with a cold then a mild bronchial thing. It didn't seem wise to get a flu shot. Now I won't need one. Think of all the money I'm saving. One of the benefits of flu is loss of appetite. I won't feel at all sorry for myself as the rest of the family digs into the feast later today. All in all things are pretty great. I've never had the flu in a hotel room in Atascadero before and I love new experiences. I've got a stack of books, a loving family praying for me, and Jesus in my heart. It doesn't get any better than that!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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Happy 80th Birthday Dad!

2009-11-25T18:25:00.001-08:00

My dad was born 80 years ago today in Boston, Massachusetts.

Bob and I are grateful to be able to spend the day with him at my sister Christy's home in Atascadero, CA. The big celebration will be tomorrow, but we're having a quiet little do tonight. Happy 80th Birthday Dad! Here's to many, many more.
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Carpooling on the 405

2009-11-24T08:54:00.001-08:00

Bob, nephew Seth and I are on the road to high adventure. Actually, we're on the Northbound 405 during rush hour, trying to escape L.A.'s clutches. We were making good progress in the carpool lane. It just ran out. No matter. Traffic is MUCH lighter than usual. We are grateful to be on our way to visit family in Atascadero. Fresh air here we come!

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A Visit From Nephew Seth

2009-11-24T00:19:00.001-08:00

Our nephew Seth left his Paso Robles home in September for a 9 month stay at Hume Lake under their Joshua program. He spent last week with his group in Mexico. Today part of the group made the pilgrimage to Disneyland. He was going to return to San Diego with his friends, then turn around and drive home tomorrow. When Bob and I heard about the back tracking, we offered to pick Seth up at The Happiest Place On Earth. Apparently a good time was had by all, although Santa Ana winds kicked up, forcing the cancellation of the fireworks show.

Seth is safely tucked away in our office, drooling over Bob's studio set up. Tomorrow (later today, actually) the three of us will drive 240 miles north to join the rest of the family for Thanksgiving. Bob and I are thankful for our traveling companion. Sleep well, Seth!

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Teaching In A Practice Room

2009-11-19T11:14:00.001-08:00

It sometimes comes to pass in the course of flutely events that I have to teach in a practice room.

Advantages: It's better than teaching in the elevator

There's a piano in here

Disadvantages: Door doesn't lock, air conditioning isn't sufficient, lots of company

Bottom Line: I am so grateful to have this job. I love working with the students. If that means we sometimes meet in a practice room, it's alright with me!

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Juries Are Approaching

2009-11-18T12:49:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year. Time is flying and accompanists are in short supply. What are we talking about?

Flute Juries. What is a Flute Jury anyway.

You've been taking flute lessons all semester, receiving weekly grades for practice time and lesson performance. How will you demonstrate what you have learned? You will prepare a solo to play with a piano accompanist in front of several faculty members. No pressure there. Performing well under pressure is what is required of musicians, hence the JURY. Two lessons remain in the semester after this week. Have at it!

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Ryan Seacrest on Main Street USA

2009-11-09T13:36:00.001-08:00

Bob and I are back at Disneyland picking up an item that wasn't packed with the rest of my purchases on Saturday. Ryan Seacrest is on Main Street USA as filming of the Disney Christmas Special continues. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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Holiday Filming at Disneyland

2009-11-07T12:13:00.001-08:00

Main Street USA is filled with the holiday spirit as filming is taking place for the Christmas Day holiday special. It just wrapped. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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Faculty Recital

2009-10-27T14:43:00.001-07:00

Joel Clifft and I really enjoyed our Faculty Recital at Azusa Pacific University last night.

My dear husband Bob recorded and video taped the concert. When it gets posted to YouTube, I will post it here as well.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who attended, and greater thanks to those who couldn't attend but prayed. You all made it a pleasure and a joy.

Until the YouTube postings (don't hold your breath), check out more pictures here.

Tuba Recital

2009-10-18T18:55:00.001-07:00

Bob has been in Goleta since Friday. I've been staying occupied practicing for the recital Joel Clifft and I are doing at APU. Meanwhile, I wanted to lend my support to friend and colleague John Van Houten at his recital close to home at Cal State Long Beach. Tuba seems to be the opposite of flute in all respects. It's extremely refreshing to hear it's robust, thunderous sound. What a great way to spend a Sunday evening while I wait for my beloved to return to me. Way to play, John!

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Flute Repair

2009-10-13T12:10:00.001-07:00

I'm in Carlsbad watching flute technician Jay Sleigh lay hands on my instrument in preparation for the recital a week from Monday. He is a patient artist, extremely gentle with my beloved flute. It was worth driving 83 miles in the pouring rain to get here. I know it will play all the better for his expert touch. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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True Love

2009-10-09T18:23:00.001-07:00

Although my dear husband Bob is pretty far under the weather, he is still working out of town this weekend until Sunday evening. When I left for my rehearsal this afternoon a few hours before his departure, he was slumped in his comfy chair looking miserable. Despite his pitiable physical state, when I returned our empty home I was greeted by a really funny and romantic note that he had taken the time to write. What a guy!

When I went into the bedroom some time later, I was touched to see Bob the Bear surrounded by rose petals.

Gentlemen, this is the way to express true love to your wife.

Thanks, honey!

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Disneyland Date

2009-09-28T17:41:00.001-07:00

Bob and I haven't seen much of each other lately. We've had opposite days off for the last month. Despite the fact that Bob is exhausted from punishingly long days at work and very concerned about his still-hospitalized mother, the dear man insisted that we take advantage of our Annual Passes and head to Disneyland for dinner and the new fireworks show.

We are enjoying the MUCH cooler weather, and are contentedly digesting our delicious meal. Not sure where we'll wander to next. I'm just grateful that whatever we choose to do, we'll be doing it together. Bob is a true prince.

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Low Tech facebook

2009-09-26T14:20:00.001-07:00

My brain has developed a case of Short Attention Span Theater.

I find myself surfing from book to book to book to, well, book. In my defense, sometimes manly Jack Reacher is in a bit TOO much of a bind. If things get unbearably tense, I flip over to see how wry, witty spots agent Myron Bolitar is doing. This book is much darker than usual, though. Hmmmm. What is pet sitter Dixie Hemingway up to? Oh. Ludicrous plot premise. Maybe new friend Lewis Gillies has something entertaining to say.

It's like a green version of facebook - checking on friends' statuses (statusi?) without using a bit of electricity is good for the environment. Really. Best part? These are LIBRARY books. See? I'm recycling AND saving money. Have I justified my short attention span yet?

No?

How about * WAIT*! Jack Reacher's in a bind... Gotta go!

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Posterous Posting

2009-09-25T18:17:00.001-07:00

Trying out posting with Posterous because blog hero beFrank uses it. Not sure what I would do if he told me to jump off a bridge...
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Excellent Expo23 Experience

2009-09-15T12:50:00.001-07:00

I wasn't sure what to expect from Expo23 at the Anaheim Convention Center on Saturday.

Bob was out of town and I was on a solo geek tour of all things Disney.

I was not disappointed.

I am looking forward to the new Cars Land, so was excited to see the scale models.

What I wasn't expecting was the Imagineers that are working on the project were actually there to answer questions about their project. No detail was too small, and they withheld nothing about the coming adventure.

Very, very cool.

This audio-animatronic stuff creeped me out a little:

I heard about the castle being built with donated canned items so I brought a few myself.

I wasn't prepared for this level of artistry:

I was excited to hear about the new things in store for the parks.

I didn't expect to see Darth Vader:

Here's what we saw:

My favorite part of the day was The Princess and the Frog presentation. No cameras were allowed so I can't share the stunning images we were amazed by.

Hand drawn animation vs computer aided is like a live symphony orchestra vs a synth.

There is no comparison.

Sonic BOOM

2009-09-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

I was just sitting at home minding my own business.

La la la.

Peaceful busi***B*O*O*M**BOOM****what the????

First thought? Earthquake. Except, wait. No shaking.

Hmmmmmm....

Then I came to my senses and remembered some news story or other had mentioned that the Space Shuttle might land at Edwards Air Force Base resulting in the signature twin sonic booms:

I can also report that this map was extremely accurate, at least here in the Long Beach area.

I am extremely thankful that the landing was safe.

I feel fortunate to be a small part of the experience.

It's All About The Food

2009-09-10T20:30:00.001-07:00

Azusa Pacific University resumed classes yesterday. I was on hand for the first meeting of Flute Choir (more on that at another time).

Thursdays are another teaching day for me, but since flute lessons don't start until next week, I took advantage of my last Thursday of freedom and went to the Los Angeles County Fair.

Here's a question I've always pondered - why is the L.A. County Fair so far from most of L.A. County?

My dear husband Bob has been putting in up to 15 hours on the days he's been working in the Green Building.

I used his employment today as an excuse to make my first trip to the fair in probably 25 years.

That's just the excuse.

It was really all about the food.

What to choose? Frogs legs? Deep fried twinkies? Totally fried smores? Heart disease?

I went for the healthy option:

Really.

It had a vegetable right in it!

It was FABULOUS!

I thought happy thoughts all the way home.

And there you have it.

It's all about the food...

Unexpected Road Trip

2009-08-20T11:37:00.001-07:00

It was Monday, the first day of vacation for Bob and me after 7 weeks of Muni Band and a weekend of work for us both. We were going to take the week easy before heading up to Crestline for 6 days of quiet solitude and recuperation from the grueling summer's work. We were going to sleep in, then spend a lazy day being lazy.

The phone rang at 6:40am.

It was Bob's brother-in-law Jim. Bob's mom had had a heart attack the night before in Oklahoma City and was at that moment undergoing heart catheterization. Bob's sister Merilyn, Nellie's caregiver in times of need, was unreachable on a fishing trip to Alaska, the first she had been away in quite some time.

I hopped online to check the airline schedules. It's not easy to get to Oklahoma City from L.A., and it was already pretty late in the day (7am!) to grab a flight. When we determined that it would cost almost $2000 to get us both there, I changed tactics and went to Costco Travel.

In no time I had arranged for a car rental and a hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We threw things into suitcases, jumped in the car, and hit the road.

We kept checking on Nellie's status as we drove. By that afternoon it became clear that she needed a pacemaker installed. Her pulse often dropped to 20 and she was not doing well the way she was.

Although Nellie wanted to wait for us to arrive, she finally agreed to have the surgery at 8am Tuesday morning, about the time we were waking up in Albuquerque after our 2am arrival. By the time we hit the road, Nellie was out of surgery and doing well.

As we drove through the Texas panhandle we were able to talk to her and receive the encouraging news that her pulse rate was steady at about 60 and her blood pressure was regulated as well.

We finally arrived at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City a little before 9:30pm to see a glowing Nellie sporting wonderful vital signs. What a relief! We were told that she would come home the following morning. We went back to her place, scrounged up bedding, and plunged into sleep.

Yesterday morning, however, brought some sobering news. Fluid had built up in Nellie's right lung that would have to be removed before she could be discharged. We high tailed it over to the hospital and sat with her while she waited for her turn in the cath lab. We were told it would be a few more hours and were just ordering her lunch when the tech came to take her down to face the needle that would do the job at hand. Bob accompanied her while I remained in the room fielding phone calls and admiring the efficient staff as they performed their duties with smiles on their faces.

After 90 minutes or so Nellie and Bob returned, glad that the procedure was successfully completed and hoping it would never, ever happen again! The waiting commenced. Any adverse symptoms wouldn't manifest until 2 hours later. We were assigned the task of watching her blood oxygen level. If she could keep it well over 90 she could go home.

It wasn't looking hopeful at first, but Nellie got right down to the task of breathing more deeply. The numbers slowly improved to the point where she was free to go home at about 6pm. HAPPY DAY!!!

After we got her settled in at home, Bob went out to fill the armload of prescriptions she was handed on her exit from the hospital. After a call to her doctor to clarify dosage, she swallowed her meds and we got her safely to bed where she enjoyed a restful night.

She is doing very well today, ensconced in her recliner with Bob by her side on the matching chair. I'm enjoying the opportunity to dive into the pile of books I had checked out in anticipation of a vacation quite a bit different than the one we are experiencing.

It is peaceful and quiet here. Bob's mom is a model patient - strong in her faith and determination to look at the bright side. Her left arm will be pretty useless for the next 6 weeks so it won't do to leave her on her own. Bob's sister will return Sunday afternoon. Until then Bob and I will stay here enjoying Nellie's company and marveling at how our plans were suddenly and smoothly transformed to God's plans.

They are the best plans every time...

Monday Night Date

2009-07-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

Bob has been working 6 grueling days a week since Muni Band started - 4 with the band, and 2 with his other job, usually out of town. That's why I was extra grateful for a Monday night date tonight.

We are thankful to be Disney Annual Passholders. We decided to slip over to California Adventure for some dinner and a parade.

We hadn't tried the Mexican food place since it moved to its new location so we gave it a try.

It's not quite as good as our favorite Mexican food over in Disneyland, but delicious none the less.

We found a peaceful place near the water and enjoyed a warm breeze, a beautiful sunset, and each other's company.

Here I am on the outside of a couple of soft tacos:

Paradise Pier looked lovely as the moon made its way across the sky:

Our parade vantage point was excellent:

I haven't seen the Electrical Parade since the 70's. What an extremely pleasant blast from the past it was to see and hear it once again!

As the crowds surged to the main exits, we went against the flow and exited through the lovely Grand Californian Hotel and out to the trams just as the fireworks started. We watched the grand finale from the parking structure, then made our escape before the throngs even reached the main gates.

It was wonderful to spend the evening with my true love.

It made me feel like a genuine princess!

Muni Band In Review

2009-07-18T13:06:00.001-07:00

I've been too occupied playing in the band to blog about it.

What I can do is show you the season so far.

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Please bring your picnic and join us for Week Four.

See you in the parks of Long Beach!

It's A Sign!

2009-07-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

Marine Stadium was filled to overflowing last night for its first Long Beach Municipal Band concert of the summer.

The crowd was the first of the year to see the magnificent new sign celebrating 100 years of Muni Band:

Fortunately, last night's audience contained trumpet player Chris Eble. Chris, a Muni Band regular, is on leave this season to play "Spamalot" at the Ahmanson Theater. He dropped by with his family to listen to the concert (we're THAT good!). The traffic in the greater Los Angeles area was HORRIFIC last night - so much so that one of the trumpet players got hopelessly mired in congestion and was unable to make the downbeat.

Along came Chris to the rescue! With the aid of Muni Band Crew member John and his trumpets, Chris jumped into action. Way to go Chris!

Also on hand was Darlene, the winner of a silent auction prize at March's Municipal Band Gala. Darlene's bid secured her the opportunity to conduct the band in the "Washington Post March":

She did a wonderful job!

To top the evening off, vocalist Barbara Morrison wowed the crowd:

You've got another chance to see us and our fabulous new sign tonight at 6:30 at El Dorado Park.

Be there or be square.

Mayor Bob Conducts The Municipal Band

2009-06-30T22:36:00.001-07:00

City of Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster joined conductor Larry Curtis at this afternoon's Long Beach Municipal Band rehearsal at Long Beach City College.

It was an honor to have the Mayor drop by, but we were in for a special treat.

The former trumpet player stood in front of the band and conducted Stars and Stripes Forever.

He rocked it.

His favorite part?

"The Little Music Things".

Translation: the piccolo part played by us:

Come join us in the parks of Long Beach.

The Little Music Things are featured every night this week.

Complete Schedule Here

Muni Uni - The Reveal

2009-06-29T17:34:00.001-07:00

The Long Beach Municipal Band met for the first rehearsal of it's 100th season this afternoon at Long Beach City College.

We were there to look over the more complicated music we would be facing in the next 7 weeks.

We were also issued our uniforms for the season:

A men's small seems mighty big to me.

I've got my cotton band shirts in the washing machine right now using hot water, and will follow with the dryer set on high heat in hopes of reducing the acreage.

I do this every year.

It never works.

No matter. It's HIGHLY comfortable, and I am far from fashion conscious.

If you want to see a whole bandstand in identical attire, please join us for the first concert of our 100th season tomorrow at 6:30pm in Whaley Park on the NORTH side of Atherton.

It's going to be a great summer!

Muni Band Mock Set Up 2009

2009-06-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

Before the first concert of the Long Beach Municipal Band Centennial Season takes place on Tuesday, a lot of back-breaking labor will already have been invested.

The truck load in took place on Wednesday at El Dorado Park.

The mock set up took place at Marine Stadium on Thursday.

For years I didn't really realize that this stage for 38 musicians complete with individual mics does not appear on its own.

For years I would appear at the gig for the sound check at 6pm and leave after my set by 7:30.

Then, at the suggestion of the 2nd oboe player, I began to stay for the Jazz Band set nightly. It is magnificent music. Why did I leave early all those years?

At the suggestion of another wise colleague, I began to get to know the crew. I had never really paid attention to them, but came to realize and appreciate the long hours of toil they invested, both before and after the concerts, under the watchful eye of stage manager Greg Flores:

Years ago I began bringing them snacks to help ease the long day. They were so appreciative, and I discovered that they were also hilarious company and fine musicians in their own right.

As the years progressed I was bestowed with the title "Honorary Crew", one of my favorite to this day.

It is amazing to see how a vacant park is transformed into a performance venue. The set-up starts at around noon.

For a real treat, stay for the tear down after the concert. The choreography is dazzling and the feats of strength amazing (I'm not kidding!).

There was one member of the crew who was virtually invisible during the long years of snack sharing and conversation. Although he was always there, he sat quietly without uttering a word. That is until 5 years ago when the veil was lifted, we looked at each other, and he actually spoke.

We were married 9 months later:

So when you attend the Muni Band concerts in the parks this summer, be kind to the crew.

You never know what kind of return you'll get on your investment!

Complete Muni Band Schedule

Mickey Fashions

2009-06-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

As we talked about last week, there are a lot of Mickeys at Disneyland.

Check out these roses growing up the Monorail supports in the Entrance Plaza:

After so much subliminal messaging, it is very hard to resist the urge to depart the Park without something Mickey.

Add two adorable great nephews to the mix and The Mouse is going to get some of my coin.

Introducing niece Bethany and husband Tim's son Sam in his stylin' Mickey onesy:

Sam finds it just the thing to wear while playing with the rings:

Meanwhile, Sam's older cousin Hunter bursts on the scene in his cool Mickey jersey:

The son of Coach Matt, Hunter and Mickey love to help mommy Heather with "oobs" (herbs) in the garden:

Those handsome boys are growing fast.

Pretty soon they'll need bigger Mickey fashions.

Fortunately, Great Aunt Doda will be back at Disneyland tomorrow...

Release The Air

2009-06-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

No, this is NOT a post about breathing techniques for the flute.

It is, however, about another kind of technique.

"Release the air!".

As I lay in the hospital bed waiting for my routine colonoscopy, I heard this phrase being repeated like a mantra to patients all around me.

"Release the air! Don't be shy!"

What?

"Release the air!"

I finally got an explanation from the kind woman prepping me for my procedure.

"The colon is filled with air to make it easier for the doctor to see. When you wake up, it is important to release the air."

Ever the delicate conversationalist I asked, "Do you mean fart?"

"Yes," was the immediate reply. "It is considered proper etiquette around here."

OH HAPPY DAY!!!!

I was wheeled into the procedure room with a smile on my face.

When I awoke, I knew just what to do.

RELEASE THE AIR!!!

Finally, something I'm good at!

A Serious Post Script:

Why endure a colonoscopy? Because you could be harboring this:

My Polyp

Most people have a few polyps hanging around their colons. They are easily removed:

Now It's Gone!

Why remove them? Because they progress into cancer of the colon.

This simple procedure prevents disaster.

Don't put off your chance to RELEASE THE AIR...

UPDATE: The biopsy results show the pre-cancerous polyp was CANCER FREE.

YES!!!

An Up Day

2009-06-09T22:28:00.001-07:00

I headed out solo early this morning to meet former flute student Amy for a 3 hour visit to Disneyland.

We were on a quest for Hidden Mickeys.

Our first assignment: locate the Hidden Mickey in the Alice in Wonderland ride.

We had been through this ride several times on a fruitless search for the pesky thing. I finally googled it and came up with this.

Once you know where to look, it is not hard to spot.

Can you find Mickey in this painting near the Mark Twain dock?

There he is on the lower deck, hanging out with the ladies:

This mouse-shaped lock is located in the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean.

We spotted several more "Mickeys" throughout the park, and had a thoroughly grand time in the process.

On our way out we spotted this:

The "Up" house was on the Esplanade.

Speaking of Up, after Amy and I said our good-byes, I went home to practice, then Bob and I headed to the theater to see the latest Pixar offering.

It was marvelous.

Bring your tissues...

What If...

2009-06-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

...I went on vacation and forgot to start blogging again.

I'll be back again soon.

Really...

Chilling in Cambria

2009-05-21T20:53:00.001-07:00

Bob's wonderful mom Nellie and his excellent sister Merilyn flew out from Oklahoma City to treat us to a long weekend in Cambria.

The view from the front porch is pretty great:

I like the ocean, too.

The blogging table:

Loving my Muni Band shirt:

Our cozy group kicking back:

You may not hear from me for awhile.

I'm on vacation!

Bon Voyage B-1 Bomber

2009-05-19T12:52:00.001-07:00

Bob and I spent a lovely hour yesterday afternoon sitting in the shade in front of our home, watching birds and waiting for the B-1 Bomber to take to the skies from nearby Long Beach Airport. Bob had his camera at the ready.

It was easy to tell when the jet began its take-off roll.

It was LOUD.

Soon the war bird rose siftly over the trees:

It made a graceful arc over our back yard:

...and flew off into the wild blue yonder:

See the KCAL 9 video here.

It was a rare sight indeed.

What a pleasant way to spend an afternoon!

Opera Finale

2009-05-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

Today I headed back to the boat for the last 2 Long Beach Opera performances of "The Emperor of Atlantis" and "The Clever One".

Many people were in attendance for the 11am pre-performance lecture:

Meanwhile, out at Will Call...

...blog hero beFran k and lovely wife Dellis check in.

They scored some pretty sweet seats - second row, third and fourth seats in:

The set changed for Act 2:

beFrank and Dellis said they had a great time.

I love it when friends come to work!

Opera Reviewed

2009-05-13T13:06:00.001-07:00

The reviews are in.

The Orange Country Register thought "there was plenty of tuba":

"Long Beach Opera Has An Orff Night" by Timothy Mangan, Orange County Register

The Los Angeles Times said, "In an ideal world, Long Beach Opera wouldn’t have to operate as a poor theater. But at least Mitisek knows how to create magic with minimal means. It boggles the mind to consider what he might do with a decent budget.":

"Long Beach Opera in the Hull of the Queen Mary" by Chris Pasles, Los Angeles Times

The Press Telegram liked the venue: "Despite the huge, empty, steel-walled interior (this was the Queen's boiler room before the ship was decommissioned), the sound was clear and bright, without uncomfortable echoes."

"Shipshape Operas at Queen Mary" by John Farrell, Press Telegram

We'll be back under water for 2 more performances this Sunday, May 17.

I'm looking forward to it!

Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-10T22:58:00.001-07:00

Happy Mothers Day Mom!

See more pictures here.

Boat Opening

2009-05-08T17:11:00.001-07:00

It's almost time to head out for opening night of opera on the boat:

The sold out audience will sit here:

...while I will be located here (in the dark):

Opera ahoy!

Opera Ahoy

2009-05-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

I'm heading out shortly for opera dress rehearsal.

It is very fun being on the Queen Mary.

Hope the show goes well so we don't have to abandon ship...

Opera On A Boat

2009-05-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's really a ship.

And what a ship!

I was on board the Queen Mary last night for a rehearsal of Long Beach Opera's production of "The Emperor of Atlantis" and "The Clever One".

My chair is right in front of the trumpet player in the white shirt:

It's an impressive venue:

Step up to the stage:

I'll be back on board tonight.

I love my job.

Lean Muni Band Season

2009-05-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

First the good news:

The Long Beach Municipal Band's 100th Year Summer Concert Season has been announced.

Now the bad news:

The season has been trimmed from 8 weeks to 7 weeks.

We're doing our part and cutting back along with every other department in the City of Long Beach.

The season may be shorter, but it will certainly be sweet.

Please join us in the parks of Long Beach beginning Tuesday, June 30, 2009.

Click here for the official schedule.

See you there!

What Exactly Will You Be Celebrating?

2009-05-04T17:22:00.001-07:00

Disneyland has an excellent promotion going on in 2009 called "What Will You Celebrate?"

If you come to Disneyland on your birthday, you get in FREE.

THAT'S a good deal.

The celebrating doesn't stop there. You are encouraged to celebrate True Love, Triumphs, Reunions, and First Visits.

The resort is decorated with balloons and looks very cheerful.

The characters are there to celebrate with you (I'm not necessarily calling Disneyland Band Director Art Dragon a character):

I was more than a little taken aback, then, when one of the first displays I saw in a shop window on Main Street featured this:

What exactly is THIS guy celebrating?

The Afghan That Ate My Blog

2009-05-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

I've been blog silent for a long time.

I've got an excuse.

Really.

See, there was this afghan that ate my blog...

My beautiful niece Bethany was expecting her first child on April 26.

Being the loving aunt that I am, I began crocheting a baby afghan in October.

I worked on it.

I really did.

But Bethany's baby shower in early March crept up faster than the afghan's finish date.

Rather than blog, I got to work.

I'm not kidding when I say that every spare minute went to the construction of Baby Sammy's blankie.

I finished it the day before the shower:

Bethany liked it!

Someone else also showed up right on time.

Samuel Edward was born ON HIS DUE DATE last Sunday, April 26, 2009.

He's looking none too happy about it:

Daddy Tim has a way with his son:

Sweet newborn Sammy slumbers wearing the hat I also crocheted for him:

Less than a week after his birth, mommy and baby went to their first mothers group "with Sammy on the outside" as my niece would say:

Now you know the whole truth.

The afghan ate my blog, but my great nephew Sammy makes it all worth while!

New Grading System

2009-04-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

In honor of the spectacular Executive Assistant to the Dean of the APU School of Music, Joy Oxley, who has been very careful to make sure the faculty has been informed and trained on the new grading system:

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Hang in there, Joy!

Opera In Hull

2009-04-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to Long Beach Opera's next production, not only because I'm getting paid to be there, but because of the unique venue: the hull of the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

In the line up: "The Emperor of Atlantis" by Viktor Ullmann and "The Clever One" by Karl Orff.

I was unaware of composer Viktor Ullmann's tragic death:

I've not played either opera, and am looking forward to learning the music (did I mention I'm getting paid to play this?).

I'd better hit the practice room...

On The Mend

2009-04-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

I got blind-sided by a cold last Friday.

Fortunately, I've been able to spend the time since in bed watching old movies.

I'm at my computer for the first time since illness struck, hoping that I feel this good at the end of the day.

I'll be back!

Air Force One At Long Beach Airport

2009-03-18T21:15:00.001-07:00

Air Force One landed at Long Beach Airport this afternoon.

I missed it.

I was at APU teaching.

At least one family member got up close and personal with the president's ride however.

My brother Ken, Executive Assistant to the Airport Director, was thrilled to stand on the tarmac next to this impressive plane:

Meanwhile, Bob and I settle for a view of the Sikorskys thundering directly over our home as they shuttle their important passenger around the Southland.

Long Beach Airport: the airport of presidents!

It's a great place...and an interesting neighbor.

Almost Back

2009-03-16T23:53:00.001-07:00

I'm almost back.

Really.

Meanwhile, check out pictures of the Long Beach Municipal Band Centennial Gala here.

Epic Fail

2009-03-08T20:30:00.001-07:00

No, I haven't abandoned the blog.

Yes I have been busy.

I will try to post tomorrow, but there are no guarantees.

Sorry for the epic blog fail!

A Taxing Time

2009-02-21T18:02:00.000-08:00

Unlike many new government officials, I am working on my taxes.

I was truly lax in the Quicken department this past year. I finally got all my banking information entered. It took awhile, but it's done.

Now it's on to the mileage portion of our cruise.

My tax appointment is Tuesday afternoon. I'm hoping to be done with all this fun by some time tomorrow.

I'm already making plans on how I'm going to be better prepared for next year.

Regular blog posts will resume soon.

A Prelude To Pain

2009-02-14T11:21:00.000-08:00

The APU Faculty Woodwind Quintet gave its annual recital this past Monday (complete photo set taken by my dear husband Bob here).

I was grateful that my parents were able to attend, along with a wide assortment of flute students and other well wishers.

The concert was a success and was well received, aside from a moment of drama when I had to ask two whispering members of the audience to refrain from speaking right before a very quiet piece began.

Who can think with all that noise?

The post concert huddle is always delightful!

Even before the concert began, though, I was struggling with pain.

Due to a last minute personnel change, rehearsals, although rewarding, were more stressful than usual. Extra rehearsal days meant more commuting and eliminated my workout times. The stage was set for an epic fail.

I have NEVER had any major flute related pain...until Tuesday when I awoke with back spasms of epic magnitude. Things have gradually progressed from being in pain and immobile to being in pain and mobile.

I've begun stretching again (something that would have prevented the whole ordeal) and look forward to increasing my physical activity in an effort to prevent this from ever happening again.

Meanwhile, though, I thoroughly enjoyed making music with my esteemed colleagues.

It was completely worth the pain.

Beethoven's Pastorale Symphony Is People!!!

2009-02-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

When did the music of my youth become ancient history?

I passed out a jazz version of "The House of the Rising Sun" in Flute Choir a few weeks ago. When I asked how many people knew the song, I was met with puzzled silence.

In case YOU'VE never heard of it, here is a little music history lesson:

The biggest comment I received about it at our next rehearsal? The Animals look like babies, but they're singing such a tough song.

I had to explain that that is what tough people looked like in the olden days.

The APU orchestra will soon be performing Beethoven's Pastorale Symphony:

My students are beyond bewildered when every time they bring the music to their lesson I yell, "SOYLENT GREEN IS PEOPLE!!!"

Please tell me you know what I'm talking about...