Strategy for Homecoming

The Michigan Marching Band (MMB) requires that I show up for all rehearsals and call times to be a part of the Homecoming Alumni Band. I can do that.

I have practiced marching. I know I can do that, too.

I have NOT practiced saxophone.

I like to see how quickly I can pick it back up after not practicing for a year. Having to learn songs again really quickly is kind of a fun little test for my brain. Plus, I remember that when I was in the MMB, the alumni generally sounded a little rusty. The bar is not as high for us as it is for the actual band, and this is part of what makes it so fun to be in alumni band.

The expectations are low but the nostalgia quotient is high.

Go Blue!

Almost a Month

I’ve almost met my goal of blogging every day for a month. Sometimes my posts are kind of garbage, like this one, but there are good stories in many of them. I’m practicing not needing to be such a perfectionist all the time.

Moment of a Concert

At one point in The Shins concert that I go see tonight, the opening band, Joseph, plays onstage with The Shins. Joseph consists of three sisters, all singers, one who also plays guitar and a kick drum. When they join The Shins onstage, the three sing and bounce around in pretty white outfits.

Their bouncy girlishness contrasts with the men onstage, who stand a little more still and straight. There is one woman in The Shins, and the Joseph ladies sometimes dance and bounce with her. The gals exude a playful joy.

Moments like that are what I want to see more of. Women having fun, being joyful, and singing their hearts out. Performances of easy happiness.