The Devil’s Robot

Yay trumpet

So this evening I drove down to ASU for the first rehearsal of the Emerson Wind Ensemble (abbreviated EWE, pronounced eew). This is the group that my friend Corey is conducting for a recital for one of his Music Education courses. He was kind enough to invite me to play 4th trumpet, even though I’m badly out of practice, and don’t even have a decent horn anymore.

Had a blast. I was playing on my semi-antique cornet, which will be a passable instrument once I get the valve springs replaced. Happily, one of the other trumpet players is bringing in an old horn of his to use, and possibly buy; I want to get my lip back, and I’m not going to be happy playing on my crappy beater trumpet.

It’s a short program, only three pieces, but they’re all good, including one by the great Eric Whitacre, composer of the legendary Godzilla Eats Las Vegas! (which I’ve rehearsed but never actually performed, due to a broken wrist that left me unable to play properly at the time). Particularly cool about this group is that I’m being challenged by playing alongside better musicians. The only chance I get to play here is in the local community college ensemble, where even as an out-of-practice hack, I’ve generally been the most solid player, so there’s no incentive to stretch. Also, it’s nice to play harmony parts, which one rarely gets when playing first chair. :)

It’s a bit of a pain driving 90 minutes each way, but at least that’s only once a week, and well worth it to have the chance to play in a real ensemble again. Thanks, Corey!