The end of an era...

Tomorrow is it. My last concert after 11 years of concerts. 50 total (not including marching band and random jazz things).

Back in August, I was counting down to this. I would have paid someone to take my spot in Wind Ensemble and dreaded walking into 111 every day. But now, I am actually really pretty sad about it.

The last few months I feel like I have really found a niche. I finally accepted that I am 22 and not 30 and that I have some pretty incredible people around me. Hope, Malik, Bobby and I started hanging out more which of course in turn made Wind Ensemble more bearable since Bobby sits right behind me. I think it is safe to say that I have started looking forward to rehearsals since it is built in time with them.

I have had so many opportunities while playing in the Wind Ensemble, and the great thing is that none of it depended on what chair I was. I played at NCMEA, went on a tour across the south eastern US (9 concerts, 7 cities), recorded on two different cds, and am even up for a Grammy nomination for the first cd (ok, so the whole ensemble is, but still). I have played under some incredible conductors, premiered huge works, and met some incredible composers. I have even played for sold out concerts, dressed in a Sousa uniform in Aycock Auditorium. My only regret? That I never got to play a solo in Aycock (my only Wind Ensemble solo was in Dana Auditorium at Guilford College).

So, tomorrow is it. I'm not playing any huge parts or any solos, I am actually doubled on everything. I will be sitting at the end of the section. BUT, I will be completing 3 years of playing with the UNCG Wind Ensemble, a group that I used to only dream of playing with, and I will be closing out 11 years of concerts.

Next stop, student teaching!