Lots of stuff!

So, since my last post.....
It has been very busy (bus since when has it not?)
There was that week of a bajillion rehearsals. Fun fun. That week probably gave me a bit of a taste of what it was like to be a freelance musician. I have to say I quite liked it. You know, own practice in the morning, afternoon rehearsals (evening if necessary). Some performances here and there (afternoon and evening when necessary). Master's recital was lots of fun - I'd almost forgotten how much fun it was to perform with the sextet, and can't wait for more projects. At the moment, we might have a Lunchtime Concert at ACU lined up for next year - a lot of Mozart (as we did this year). And we're throwing up the possibilities and ideas of touring with the Mozart programme.

Concerts that week were also fun. St Matt's Prahan had a Violin-Viola extravaganza (with some piano thrown in as the orchestra!). And then rushed off straight after (I mean in the style of C giving me flowers, hug & kiss, then whispered "I'll see you next week!" and then ran out the door, down the road, and onto the train!). Got up to North Carlton to Gerald's Bar for some Schubert (hastily put together with our substitute clarinettist!). It went really well, and a few friends came, which was cool.

Had a few more rehearsals the next week, as well as two horn exams to play for, which were both great. Had lots of fun doing them! Then some page-turning 'gigs' - which was fun. And got to meet some cool people in the music industry, which is always cool. Met a couple of friends who were over in Melbourne for holidays - quite coincidental that I was free that day, and met them both! Went to recitals, practiced, hung out with friends. It was pretty cool.

Did the violin-viola extravaganza again, but at St Jude's in Carlton. Was much fun, though it was very tiring, as that day I went to and played at B & J's wedding in Weribee, which was just beautiful. Unfortunately couldn't go to the reception (which would have been very fun!) because of the concert that night, but that's cool - one definitely picks what they're going to do, I suppose!

Had Queen's Advent Service on Sunday ('wear a party frock' were the instructions, which A & I took seriously). It went really well, particularly as I had my first and only rehearsal for it that afternoon! Much fun. Profiteroles were delicious haha. And then rocked up to Prayer Meeting looking all dressed up, to be asked "Why do you look so nice?" Haha.

Monday involved some recital-going (in fact, four!!). It was great. And it's always fun to support your friends, and hear them play.
My own recital was yesterday. About 20 people came, which was cool. I kinda didn't expect that many people to come, even though I know I invited about 70 people! But it filled up most of Heinze Room, so that was a nice audience to play to. there were some parts of it (my recital) which I liked, some I didn't. But I'm taking Geoff's advice (considering he was one of my examiners!) that I wanted to come out of it feeling better than what I felt like going into it. I think I can say I am relieved it's over, but also a little sad that I don't have anything like that to practice for the immediate future (apart from you know, camp and AYO stuff, when I eventually get it!). I slept in this morning (something I haven't done for about the past three months!) which felt very luxurious and a little indulgent. And haven't touched piano at all today. Feeling a bit of withdrawal symptoms.

After exam, went to have some brunch and celebrate (fairly low-key!). Had to laugh at S's chai latte. Then spent the rest of the day, with A's amazing help, packing and moving out of my flat. I'm so glad I didn't do it before my exam - I think I would have gone mental! And probably hurt myself. But it took a very long time, and it was quite painful. But we finally did it. Thank you D, F and S, for letting me keep stuff at your places. And A, for your muscles and cheerful attitude throughout it all!

So, catching up with friends in these last few days, going to some recitals, chilling out, re-packing. Before I finally go home.....and will be separated from these Melbourne friends!
Thanks for another amazing year - I love you all, and really appreciate your friendship.
To another amazing year in 2009....