funeral

So... there was no running yesterday. In fact, there was nothing. After work, I stopped at Byerly's, and Mrs. Byerly cooked me dinner (read, "I got take out"). I then went home and cleaned out my desk and did some laundry until I had to go to church. I am going to tackle my closet tonight, and then the bookshelves this weekend. I bet I have a whole shelf of books that I will donate, or bring to half priced books. How long do you keep reference books from college (conducting, Jazz Studies, etc...)?

As we speak, I am listening to the funeral of the police officer that was killed in Maplewood last weekend. The Cantor, Nick, has a beautiful voice, but it really sounds like he went to a Lutheran College, (he did, I know him). I wish I had and hour with him to play around with his voice- supporting from the bottom up, and covering. Not covering in a bad baritone/hook sort of way, but covering in a round warm sort of way. It could add years to his singing. Not that I think that I know that much about singing, or that I am better than anyone else, I just know what I want to hear, and I can hear potential in others, and it excites me.

Long time no speak

I turn 29 tomorrow. For some reason, I find that horribly depressing, yet hey- I made it this far, time to move on.

Yesterday, I was in a funk, and took myself out for a sandwich at the Holy Land Deli- I highly recommend the Falafel Combination Sandwich. It is Falafel, lettuce, cucumbers, and deep-fried mixed vegetables in a pita with your choice of sauce. I picked the hot sauce. This sandwich is so large, that it could serve two as a meal, yet, being my Birthday week, I ate the whole thing- by myself. It was worth it.

Music Recap-
My Bach Passion went pretty well. I made a couple of flubs, but the story came accross, and that was the goal. Also, I made it through another Holy Week at "The Little French Church". Good Friday, I had to do the Intercessions with one of the priests, and Saturday, for the Vigil, I had to sing the Exultet (Easter Proclamation). What a beautiful Piece of Music, and Liturgy. Currently,
I am planning a couple of concerts- Airs de cours with Tom Walker, French Baroque Contemplative Music (Charpentier, Campra, Couperin) perhaps, at the "Little French Church" for next Spring. I also just found some Dufay, and Machaut (Macho, Macho Man), that I am itching to do, but I need to find another smart, clear-voiced, high tenor to sing it with.

I am working on some Bach for a concert in June, and I am having issues getting it in to my voice, but it will get there. It is very strange, as it is an aria, and a motet. I sing arias all the time, but I have spent so much of the last few months on Recitative, that an aria seems like it is a foreign musical language to me. Time to jump back on the cantabile band wagon.

I have been out a few times on my bike this season, and finally measured. It is four miles to the public library, 5.5, or 7 to get to the coop (Hampden Park, or Mississippi Market), and 11.8 to get to work. I really hope that I can reduce my driving once the singing season slows down.

Lots of Randomness, Hopefully I will have more to say in the coming months.

OOH- I am going to Little Szechuan for my Birthday with my Twin Brother tomorrow. It is possibly my favorite restaurant in the world. Not a bad way to spend a Birthday.

Awesome rehearsal.

I had the most awesome Bach rehearsal today. I just thought I would share.

Actually, I felt rather dejected after my last rehearsal and completely unprepared; this rehearsal was a bit of vindication. I think it put my mind to ease, and definitely Jere's mind at ease. Come Palm Sunday, I am going to be the best Evangelist that downtown Minneapolis has ever seen.

I want some Poutine. I am willing to bring a flask of gravy in to a bar to create it.

The feeling of being overwhelmed.

First of all, let me just say that not all young adults are ready to go to college when they graduate highschool. Furthermore, College is not appropriate for everyone, which is where apprenticing and trade school comes in. This came to mind once again during a meeting this morning. Perhaps I can trade in my student loans and become a cabinet maker.

Peanut Butter Krispie Treats are the bane of my existence. How can they be so delicious. How.

I got my ass handed to me in a Hatha Yoga class today.

So much Singing!!!! yeah?
This weekend I have Prairie Home Companion with VocalEssence, and Witness with VocalEssence, plus Church. Next week, I have Witness on Tues and Wed., a St John Passion rehearsal Tues., Ash Wednesday on Wed., and a MN Chorale project/concert Thursday night, Sat. Morning, and Sat. Evening. Church on Sunday. Lots of money for me, but not much "wellness" time.

I am really struggling with the Bach Passion, that is learning the Evangelist role...I fear that I am not ready to take on such a role. oh well, no turning back now.