The last week of exams almost torturous, largely because I didn't really do much music, and studied hard-core for International Trade Policy. I did go to a few recitals of some friends, which were a welcome break between study. Also had dinner with some friends, which was lots of fun (with carrot in the lasagna!), and delicious pudding.
Also went to a revision session, which turned out to be really helpful - one of the things I didn't previously understand (that somebody from my tute explained to me) came up on the exam, and I could write about it! So that was pretty lucky!
The actual exam went surprisingly well, I think (I hope!). When I read through the paper during reading time, I felt pretty confident that I could answer every question. So, doing the actual exam didn't kill me (phew!). Well, I suppose we shall wait and see how I did...
That night, I went out with F, K, T & S to the Docklands to see the Ignite fire show. It was pretty cool. And very nice of them, considering that two of them had exams the next day, one had to finish off the last essay and the other one had to work the next day! So thank you guys, for hanging out with me! S also joined us prior to that, where we had Vina Bar for dinner...mmmm....Vina Bar.......
Finally had a rehearsal/catch-up session with A on Friday (already postponed twice for various reasons, oh well). It was fun. Though possibly not very good because I had hardly practiced all week! So, tragic on my part. But we read through quite a lot of music (some funny stuff too! I joked, though not entirely untrue, that he could release a CD of obscure, unearthed musical treasures/miniatures for the instrument). Decided to keep some, ditch some. We'll see what happens. I suggested that we play every week in Concert Class, just a 3-minute or so piece every time (a new one) just so we could every week. It'd be funny. And yeah, we'd get lots of exposure, but not for very long periods of time. It could work!
On Friday night I volunteered for the opening concert of the 3MBS Chamber Music Feast. It was lots of fun! Basically, it was Z's idea and brought together the Who's Who of chamber music in melbourne (bar the Tin Alley Quartet, I think they are overseas....), in a celebration of chamber music across one weekend, and combining and 'sharing' players from various ensembles to perform. The opening concert was a surprise, the audience unaware of the programme until the actual concert; each piece was accompanied by a wine that was chosen to complement the music, which were little snippets (ie. one movement usually) showcasing a selection of the ensembles that played across the weekend. I was supposed to be one of the ushers/wine severs, but got roped in to page-turn! This turned out to be quite exciting, I mean, being on stage with these awesome ensembles and being part of it. And yes, page-turning can be a fairly stressful job (I know lots of musicians who don't enjoy it because it's so much pressure!), but I do enjoy it quite a lot.
One of the funniest things I heard that night went a bit like this:
S: Is somebody page-turning for me?
me: Yes, I am.
S: Oh, ok, great. Hang on, what was your name again?
me:
S: Oh,
me: yes, that's me
S: I've heard lots about you! [Please note that we have met before, but I suppose he knows lots of people, so it's understandable that he wouldn't remember me].
me: [give funny look....]
S: I've heard you play very well!
Wow. People like him don't talk to people like me...! So I suppose I should take that as a compliment. Maybe things are going well, and maybe I am going ok....!
Anyway, it was a fun night, and just the thing I needed to spur me to practice again. And realise how much I enjoy music, particularly chamber music.
Went to Tassie the next evening.
Wow. Tasmania is BEAUTIFUL! If you want photos, you know where to look.....
The adventures of Doggy, Boggy, Licorice Legs/Juke, Darth and the girls were much fun. Keywords: Cows, rainbows, winding roads, poo.
We visited lots of great sights in NW Tasmania, went for great walks here and there (which may or may not have involved me being carried up the mountain by S because I couldn't do it myself..... :( ) There was chocolate and cheese to be had, poo to be stepped on, a huge bonfire to get warm (hot) by, games to be played, puzzles to be done, and that's just part of the fun we had.
Came back safe and sound, to an empty though welcome apartment. Had a late dinner with A to which F came along too; it was great to see her and retell our adventures!
Flew home the next night; A drove me to the airport, which was very kind of her.
Anyway, so now I am on the west side of the country, enjoying my holidays at home. getting sleep (now I think I only have a 52hr sleep debt!) and some practice done as well (only a 18hr practice debt now!).
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