Sometimes things happen in my life...and I feel they should be recorded...

So, some events have happened in the past times that I feel need recounting, through doubtless anyone reading here has heard most of these.

The first week of classes was fine, and as earlier stated I like my teachers a lot. The first Tuesday was a day of fun and mystery, for it contained a Bela Fleck concert! Needless to say, although I'd heard recordings of Mr. Fleck and his alleged "Flecktones," I was extremely impressed. Highlights of the evening include:
1. Hanging on a blanket with other music grad students including Janine (who brought her husband), Jessica (who brought her husband), Danielle (who brought her fiancee) and Abigail (who left her husband in Toronto to fend for himself while she gets a degree). This is a highlight because I'm seeking to gain the status of "worldly unmarried social matron." Step 1: make friends with all married people to create contrast.
2. Bela Fleck, during his solo, fretted WITH HIS NOSE.
3. The saxophone player played two saxophones. AT ONCE.
4. Future Man, the percussionist, was dressed as a pirate. FOR IRONY.
5. Ran into Jim Roberts, who is quickly moving up the list of people I like.

Wednesday, had our "little recital for vocal professors by new students" that turned into "entrance juries with severe judging for everyone" through Mary's telephone-style emailing technique. Also had Opera Chorus auditions, although have not heard the results of auditions which is a problem because in order to get ensemble credit must have the independent study form signed by Friday. Am nervous about this.

Thursday, had auditions for piano lessons, and did gain 45-minute weekly lessons with Michael Salmirs, who comes by recommendation of Sar as a good teacher. I had my first lesson yesterday and he seems to be very nice. As a big piece this year, I shall learn a Schubert! Of course I don't know what it's called, piano pieces don't matter! (Disclaimer: I am not serious.)

Over the weekend, went back and visited Hamtech for a bit. I feel guilty about not having gone to the faculty concert, but it's one thing to visit selected friends and another thing entirely to show up in the department and hang about when I'm only in my first week of grad school. Visited a Hamilton party, which was okay although loud and a little...young for my taste. On Saturday, went to the Great New York State Fair with Evan and Julia, which was hugely good times. Highlights include:
1. The butter sculpture, of two kids sitting on a fence pensively regarding a cow and her calf.
2. The sand sculpture, of Merlin creating mischief while trying to cast his first spell.
3. Animal-watching, including chickens, ducks, geese, guinea pigs, rabbits, swans, cows, horses, pigs, goats, and sheep. Most amusing were signs on some chicken cages that said "Caution: Rabbits may bite!"
4. Food, including curly fries (with malt vinegar and ketchup), gyros, fried dough nuggets (with chocolate sauce), 25-cent chocolate milk, slushies, and fudge.
5. The ferris wheel
6. The make-you-feel-like-you're-flying swings

Returned to Binghamton on Sunday afternoon, and since that time have been diligently doing work and practicing, and watching the Star Wars movies too many times. Last night broke up the trend by watching the Royal Opera House's production of "Die Fledermaus," which had been translated into English and had some of the lines adapted to account for the fact that this was Joan Sutherland's last appearance at Covent Garden. She, Placido, and an older woman I didn't recognize came on in the middle of Act II for that real boring part that's supposed to be "party entertainment." Sorry Joan, but I fast forwarded through it. I don't need to hear an opera star who was at her prime in the 70s on a recording made in 1990. No thanks. The opera, however, touched me deeply, because it was about a man who plans an entire evening to humiliate one of his friends. This is something I aspire to do someday.

In any event, should be working on my program notes for Music History but have told myself that it'd be all right if I update first, seeing as how I've been meaning to for awhile. More updates to come as...things happen!