This is my "To-Go" list (in beats per minute):

Flute:

Ibert - Concerto - 3 bpm
Feld - Sonate - 3 bpm

Clarinet:

McAllister - X - 41 bpm
Tomasi - Concerto - 30 bpm

Saxophone:

Lauba - Steady Study on the Boogie - 59 bpm
Albright - Sonata - 38 bpm

Bassoon:

Tansman - Sonatine - 54 bpm
Saint-Saens - Sonata - 62 bpm


Days until the first audition: 43

Ughhh, I passed up on another Cruise ship gig this afternoon... If it paid more than $30,000 a year I'd consider putting off school. I'd also take it in a heartbeat if I knew I could make money by fixing instruments and making double reeds in addition to the gig.

I'm going to make it a priority this year to learn how to do each of these things. I need to be able to support myself in the arts without relying on other people's generosity.

This has been a very sad week. Yesterday afternoon I received an e-mail from the daughter one of my private teachers saying that he has passed away...

Although I have only studied with him for a short period of time - about six months - I feel as if I have lost one of my best friends. He owned and operated a musical instrument repair business for nearly 30 years, and agreed to take me on as an apprentice over the summer. I feel very fortunate to have studied with him. I feel as I have learned so much in the process. He was a genuine person, and one of the nicest people I have ever met.

Ten days ago we went out for margaritas after working on a saxophone all afternoon, during which we talked about ways of expanding the business in Tallahassee. Now the business is closing it's doors... I wish I could help keep it alive, but I'm just not experienced enough to even attempt that sort of pursuit.

I have no idea how he died. I hope he went peacefully in his sleep. I'm not certain, but I think he was only 59 years old. It's such a sad time. Rest in peace, my friend.

I really wish I was up in Connecticut for the holidays. I haven't seen snow in years!

I Am Legend probably isn't the best movie to watch when you're alone and haven't seen anyone you know in a week. At least I still have my cats to keep me company.

My life has been a roller coaster lately. I've passed through all of it unscathed so far. Thank god. Just a few more twists and turns until I can get off this ride... No more roller coasters for me, that's for sure.

I've been waiting for an important e-mail at my computer all afternoon, often refreshing the Inbox several times an hour. I should probably go out and buy a Blackberry (aka: Crack-berry) later this month. Maybe it'll break this addiction I've had for my laptop lately.