I got THE gig!!!

[manutabora]

Hey Guys and Gals,
I just want to share my excitement with you because today I got offered the gig that I've been wanting for a long time. Except that now that I got it, I think I REALLY got my plate full. So full that every once in a while some stuff might fall off, but oh well...
As I've stated in my profile, I am a violin performance major in college, but I also play bass guitar, I would say I am equally passionate about both instruments. I've been playing in bass in Jazz band now for two years. I also play for the pep band. Anyways, the jazz program at my university consists of a concert Jazz band (in which me and another guy shared the bass role), a second jazz band (starters' i guess), a top jazz combo (the other guy from our jazz band played in that one) and two other combos that are kind of like training combos.
I tried out for the top combo last year but didn't get it. The other guy has more experience than myself. But what happened now was that the other guy is leaving to go play in a cruise ship. I figured we would just have auditions again to see who would be in the combo, but it turns out that I got a call today from the director of jazz to offer me the gig That made me feel flattered because I guess he is confident enough in what I can do, maybe I can actually do it!!
So my ensembles this semester are going to be:
-Orchestra
-String Orchestra
-Topeka Symphony Orchestra
-Honors String Quartet
-Jazz Band (with increased responsibility since I'll be the only bassist), and
-Jazz Combo
To that add my two jobs, music theory III, music history I, orchestration, violin lessons.... AHHHHH!!! I don't know if I'll survive, but it sure will be fun
Ok, sorry for the megapost, that was more than you wanted to read, but I can't help it, I am really happy and looking forward to new performing opportunities.

[BullHorn]

Try not to get sick of all the music.

[ryco]

All that music! You one fortunate guy!! Good on you!
Now give 'em hell!

Take some theory and composition, too!

[mrokern]

Holy cow, that beats the schedule I had my freshman and sophomore years of college (what I remember of them, anyways...)!

Good luck, and try to keep your mind fresh. It's easy to burn out (hence why I didn't finish my trumpet performance degree and changed majors) if you don't spend some "me" time on the instrument.

And major congrats on getting the long-wanted gig!!!!

-Mark

[manutabora]

Yeah, I know it can burn you out, as a matter of fact by the end of last semester I got pretty depressed and told my violin teacher that I wanted to change my major To which she replied, "Sometimes when you are tired, your vision is distorted." I later saw that she was completely right since last year was overall a very successful year for me (most outstanding sophomore ). I know it's not going to be easy, but it's going to be fun

[TheDarkReaver]

Wow, that's a lot of stuff.

Does anyone ever play Jazz Violin? The thought just occured to me.

[BillMason]

Originally Posted by TheDarkReaver

Wow, that's a lot of stuff.

Does anyone ever play Jazz Violin? The thought just occured to me.

Yes, Stephane Grapelli - wonderful music!!

[rappa29]

Kick ass bro!

Break a leg!

As stated, try not to burn out. Do something 'non musical' to clear your head out every now and then and keep it fresh!

[jbo]

cool man!! what university do you go to?

[manutabora]

I go to Washburn University. I've been at Wichita State before, for competitions and stuff. Are you going to school somewhere?
As far as doing something non-musical, me and my girlfriend are taking a ballroom dancing class Wait, I guess that's still music... jeez...

[jbo]

Yeah man, I go to Wichita State...and was going to try out for jazz band....so you had me a little worried there!! It's a strange coincidence that the previous bassist from WSU is leaving to play on a cruise ship as well! I know it's far off, but will you be at the WSU Jazz Fest?

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by TheDarkReaver

Wow, that's a lot of stuff.

Does anyone ever play Jazz Violin? The thought just occured to me.

Jean-Luc Ponty

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Luc_Ponty

He has played with Frank Zappa, Stanley Clarke, Bela Fleck, George Duke, John MacLaughlin, and many other heavyweights.

[manutabora]

Actually I didn't know that WSU has a Jazz festival, but I would surely be interested in at least going to check bands out. When is it? And sorry to get you worried like that, it would definitely suck to find out about something like that through TB
Oh, and I talked to the jazz director today and I found out that I'm not going to be alone in the big band, there's some new girl who plays upright apparently, he says she's really good
This is definitely going to be an exciting year. I can't wait!

[jbo]

The jazz fest is usually the second or third week in April and they usually bring in some pretty good bands. They also have combos that play throughout the day, talk to your director and see if you can enter yours in it. Anywho man, congrats once again and hopefully i will get to hear you play!

[SelenaBassGirl]

that's great! congratulations!!

[manutabora]

Thanks guys, you are too kind And I'll definitely mention the WSU jazz fest to my director, I'm sure he will like the idea. Maybe we can jam together man I'm sure you won't mind teaching me some licks

[jbo]

definitely man...I'm always up for jamming! we could work out some crazy bass duets!

[AK Rev]

Congrats. Interesting that you're from Topeka. I went to Washburn Rural High and during my junior year, I was playing 4 hours a day for a grade (trumpet). That was a great school with a great music program (good athletics too).