I've been busy! After many many weeks and a few unsatisfying jobs I finally have something that is worth hanging onto for awhile. I now realize that being in school full time really wasn't as time consuming as I once thought. In undergrad my theory teacher Dr. Wegren said that once you leave school you will be busier than you have ever been. I didn't believe him, and I should have. Working full time at the airport keeps a person busy enough. On top of that I have the exciting privilege of playing with Wichita Grand Opera, the Wichita Professional Wind Ensemble, teaching some wonderful kids, and my newest horn playing endeavor-Assistant Horn for the Wichita Symphony (1 year position). All that tends to keep a girl out of trouble! It is also good for my bank account. I never have time to spend any money and everything I do tends to give me some sort of income.
I am absolutely stoked to be playing with the Wichita Symphony this year! I can't even describe the feeling I had at the audition. It was unreal...a sort of quite calm confidence. Totally unlike the doubt that usually consumes me day in and day out. Of course the audition wasn't perfect and there are things I wish I could have done better. But for me I just wanted to play a damn good audition...I wanted to play like I know I can play...Like I play when I think no one is listening. I came pretty darn close to that on Wednesday night. The mistakes I made just rolled off and didn't affect the next note or phrase. I never snowballed into an uncontrollable mess. I was in complete control the entire time. It may have been the most intense musical moment of my life thus far.
So, all is well in the world of Amanda. I just need to figure out what I am going to do next. I kind of want to just sit and hang out doing what I am doing for awhile. But alas, the only thing that is constant in the world is change and I will be ready for the next change whenever it comes my way or whenever I decide to make it so.
