Hits and Misses (February 23 - March 1)

Another week has come and gone. Here's a look back at the highs and lows of the week that was.

HITS

• It's always a great feeling when a recital hearing is successful. Two down, five more to go in the next few weeks. The first recital will be Friday night.  Here we go!
• I've had some good luck memorizing solo repertoire this week as well. Since audition season is coming, I decided it was time to get prepared for the possibility (hopefully an answered prayer) of a job interview. I'm taking these slow and have memorized the first page of the Mozart Sonata in B-flat major, K. 333 and the opening section of the finale of Poulenc's Napoli Suite. 
• Since I'm in a musical mindset, I really enjoyed Saturday's concert by the Memphis Repertory Orchestra. The program featured Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor and The Appalachian Spring Suite by Copland. The violin concerto was definitely the highlight of the concert and beautifully played by all. It was also nice to see friends and colleagues that I don't get to touch base with that often.
• All is right with the world now that Olivia Pope and Rayna James have returned to my weekly schedule. That's right, folks…..Scandal and Nashville are once again part of my television viewing. I'll proudly admit my guilty pleasures. (By the way, it would be pointless to try to contact me on Wednesday or Thursday evenings at 9pm.  You will not catch me!)

MISSES

• Has the weatherman failed to notice that March has arrived? This week's weather has been insane! We've experienced all four seasons in less than seven days. I am so ready for Spring already.
• Students have surprised me this week. Just when I thought I had seen it all, I suddenly find myself amazed by the gall of some of them. My "royal" alter ego made an appearance (I'm slowly beginning to wear that nickname with pride) and some of those in my class got a rather rude awakening. Since midterm grades were submitted on Friday, I'm sure the cries for help will begin to rise as well.
• I was surprised to learn that I needed to learn new repertoire for a recital hearing later this week. That's always an interesting feeling. Not only do I need to be ready for the hearing (where I could write off not knowing the music because of the late date), I was also informed that I've been scheduled to perform it in recital on Thursday. Gotta love those nasty Faure arpeggios that don't stop and have no pattern. 

There you have it…..hope you have a great week while you stay dry, warm, and safe.