No More RAM

My brain's RAM is full.

Need more.

Here's how I know:

Yesterday I said goodbye to Long Beach Opera's production of "The Cunning Little Vixen" and collected my paycheck.

I came home after the demanding final performance, carefully put the sheet with the payroll information in the file folder newly set aside for that purpose, and threw the envelope in the trash...

WITH THE CHECK STILL IN IT.

I realized that something was amiss when I arrived at the bank parking lot this afternoon and couldn't find said check.

Bob was able to locate the errant check just where I thought it might be; IN THE TRASH CAN.

Fortunately, I hadn't shredded the envelope.

I would have, but I was just too tired.

The check has been safely deposited IN THE BANK instead of in the trash can.

See, slothfulness is not always a bad thing.

Brain RAM.

I need some.

Vixen Venue

The orchestra moved into the "Vixen" venue at the Center Theater yesterday afternoon.

I arrived early enough to slither into my seat before the egress was blocked:

My colleagues settle into place:

My close companions, these lights are so near my chair that I can't hang a sweater on the back of it without the threat of ignition:

The violins are wedged in to my immediate right. Fortunately, the video camera that broadcasts the conductor to the monitors where the singers can see him absorbs the brunt of the piccolo playing, thus shielding a hapless string player from deafness and misery.

My view of Andreas is fairly unobstructed. The violist in front of me is extra tall, but is quite willing to adjust his position to keep out of my line of sight.

The carpool is coming in less than 2 hours for today's rehearsal.

I'm looking forward to what the "Vixen" brings.

Rehearsing Vixen

No, I haven't abandoned the blog.

I've been busy.

First I had to cram 3 acts of opera into my brain and under my fingers.

Then I had to begin to demonstrate that what I had crammed in had actually taken root.

I had my chances on Thursday and Friday when we joined back-lit conductor Andreas Mitisek for the first rehearsals of "The Cunning Little Vixen".

Here's my short sword...

and my complete arsenal.

I happily joined my colleagues in our first stab at this exciting music (okay, Mike doesn't look so excited).

Here is the weaponry to my immediate left:

Allan keeps the mood light:

We transfer our small ensemble into an even smaller parcel of stage at the Center Theater on Tuesday.

Until then, you'll find me in the practice room...

A Cunning New Year

Yes, I've been light on the blog posts. That's because I've been heavy on the practice strategizing.

I had a simply marvelous week off before Christmas. I put my feet up and did NOTHING. Absolutely NOTHING. And I LIKED it!

I'm excited to get back in the practice habit because I've got something wonderful to practice for:

Those of you who know me well know that I adore working with Andreas Mitisek and Long Beach Opera. Bob and I stopped by the opera office right before Christmas to pick up my music. Andreas welcomed us like family, offered us delicious candy, and had me so excited about the upcoming production by the time we left that I almost thought I should pay him for the privilege of playing in it.

ALMOST.

I've been slowly ramping my chops up, listening to the recording repeatedly, trying to get the rented music in shape (it's a marked up MESS - did a junior higher get ahold of it?), and preparing mentally for the time ahead (no, I can't play it perfectly now; yes, I will be able to manage it by January 17).

I am so grateful that lessons at APU don't begin until the week after the first performance. My students should be grateful as well. I'm a little scary when I'm in focused professional musician mode.

Our first rehearsal is next Thursday. Our first performance is 9 days later. That's not a lot of time to swallow a 3 act opera whole.

But we'll do it.

And we'll LIKE it!