Sitting in the living room at Auntie Flori's - we're all here for the funeral which is tomorrow. There's an occasional air of sadness but generally things are okay. Think tomorrow will help give everyone closure and let us move on. Heading straight back home on tues on so it will be straight back to normality.
Trying to keep work and stuff going but struggling. Feeling totally out of the swing of things, and there's still so much to do. Not letting myself stress about it though. I'll do what I need to do, maybe not much more than that but with any luck I'll get through. Missing out on double bass pedal practise which isn't good - been keeping up consistent practice in the hope I can get up to speed for my performance in a couple months. I'll keep up some hand practice on my pad though and spend some time learning the songs. That'll have to do. Also trying to keep up my diet and work outs but that's proving quite hard with everything going on and not being sure of food times. We're only here a couple days though, so I'll just take measures to make sure when we come back over Easter I'll be better prepared to keep everything going.
Had a gig on Friday at the ICE band night which was good fun. Had a few people there to see me - Dan and Linzi (Linzi was singing with Kerry and Gemma Mac too), Chris, Craig, Kiwi, Marc, Scorgie and Gemma and Trolley boy Mark (text if I was out, let him know what was happening ha - why not?). Ske didn't want to attend anything ICE or Kerry related. Fair enough really. I had a good night anyway, and a decent gig. Did a cover of Many of Horror by Biffy and forgot my words at one point which wasn't cool. Wasn't the words I had trouble with really, wasn't confident with the chords, and was focusing too much on remembering them.
Watched beat Swansea 2-0 away yesterday. Good game for us. It's been an awful season though. Still a few points behind Chelsea and Spurs in 3rd and 4th, need them to slip up. Went out the Champs League to Bayern, losing 3-1 at home then winning 2-0 away and going out on away goals. Frustrating. Just not playing consistently up to our potential.
Mentioned the other day that I'd had a brief stint on Champ Man, turned out to be a bit more than that. Continued with my Rangers game, won the Champs League and stuff which was cool. Got a quality team. Then started a new game with Arsenal which was probably a mistake. Don't know if I'll keep playing it or not, there's a part of me wanting to but I really should be getting on with work.
About to go and get started on my project written piece. Still not entirely sure of what I should be doing for it but gonna go with the stuff Laurie's talked to me about to do with sight reading on tuned percussion. Also took some videos of me playing grade 3 pieces, in the process of uploading them. Will be glad when this is all over. (I know I've said that a million times...)
Sunday, 17 March 2013
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
12/3/13 - 10.45am
So I can feel this blog slowly dying. It's a shame, I think it's a great idea, I just don't find myself coming on much to post. This seems to be the only time I do - after drum lessons on Tues morning I come into the Library and fire up Facebook, Hotmail (which has just changed to Outlook. Weird.), Lumosity (which I go on every day pretty much. Not sure if it really helps my brain at all but I think it's good fun. Mostly. I still scream at it from time to time like I do most games...) and Blogger. Not sure why, it's just become a habit cos I've been posting for college stuff as well.
Drum lesson was alright today. Talked about the snare piece we're working on, a reel called 'Pretty Marion'. It's another Duthart piece (we're also doing his fanfare in drum corps). It's a nice piece, I'm taking time getting to grips with it. I can play everything just about, it's just the phrasing, I need to learn to understand the feel better. We talked a bit about this, then he asked me to play and I made an arse of it cos I was too self-conscious but I talked about this afterward. We talked about my performance programme too. We performed our sample last week - Sound of Muzak and half of Schism - and I think it went alright. Rich told me he'd like to see more of me in the music, which I get. This is what got me talking about being self-conscious. I need to put my stamp on things more and not be afraid to. I think doing the Higher Diploma down south kinda beat that out of me a bit, but this is my programme, so it has to be my performance, not a copy of everyone else's.
Right now I've got an Ari Hoenig video on in the background. Rich sent me it, said there's a bit about doing your own thing. It's always interesting to hear other people's experiences in music, everyone does things so differently and learns in their own way. This is why I know there's nothing wrong with doing things my way. The hard part is doing things my way when there are other musician's there. Like when I've been at jam nights. As a drummer I've got to be able to lead dynamically and believe what I play is good. How you getting on with that?
He's talking now about how he chose not to get a degree. Studied for 3 and a half years, but only did it to learn. Didn't see a degree as any sort of accomplishment. That's refreshing, and also very true. I've said enough time that being at College is a bit of a waste of time, but I'm doing it for mum and dad really, which funnily is what he's saying now. They have the attitude like 'I'm sending you to college, I want to see a degree'. I get that, to an extent. But the way I see it they sent me to college so I can get a career, and if I do that they shouldn't be worried about getting a degree. But then if a degree is perceived to be an accomplishment maybe that gives it validation.
Just been messaging Kerry, she's invited me to play at the second ICE band night on Friday at Images. Really looking forward to that. Probably be the biggest crowd I've played to! Gonna do at least 3 of my own - 'Show What Love Is', '24 Hour Drive Thru' and 'The First Step'. Probably leave it at that. Think I'm gonna 'The A Team' cos it should go down well. Also considering doing One Direction haha. Not sure how that would go down. I'll see what the vibes are on the night and go with it. Should be good.
Last couple days saw me rekindle an obsession with Champ Man - took Rangers to the Champs League semis in my third season, won back to back domestic trebles - then lose it again, all in one weekend ha. Not sure how I feel about that. Undoubtedly lost some time to my brief stint on it, but then it's good to have had some fun with it that didn't last too long. Last time I playing I thought that was forever. But I reckon I'll always be playing that game, or at least some game. Maybe one day I'll eventually get a new Football Manager haha.
Anyway, I could talk shite all day, but I need to get out of here and god eat something. Weight gain diet still in full effect! Not seeing huge results yet but it's gonna be a long slog. Wonder if you're still doing it? Maybe it became part of your life? Or maybe you gave up haha. I made pasta last night, was quite proud of myself for that. With mum being away all week I've been doing a lot more cooking. Got the burns to prove it ha! Still, it's good experience for me.
Anyway, aye, going. What I really ought to do is come on more often and say less. But I probably won't...
Drum lesson was alright today. Talked about the snare piece we're working on, a reel called 'Pretty Marion'. It's another Duthart piece (we're also doing his fanfare in drum corps). It's a nice piece, I'm taking time getting to grips with it. I can play everything just about, it's just the phrasing, I need to learn to understand the feel better. We talked a bit about this, then he asked me to play and I made an arse of it cos I was too self-conscious but I talked about this afterward. We talked about my performance programme too. We performed our sample last week - Sound of Muzak and half of Schism - and I think it went alright. Rich told me he'd like to see more of me in the music, which I get. This is what got me talking about being self-conscious. I need to put my stamp on things more and not be afraid to. I think doing the Higher Diploma down south kinda beat that out of me a bit, but this is my programme, so it has to be my performance, not a copy of everyone else's.
Right now I've got an Ari Hoenig video on in the background. Rich sent me it, said there's a bit about doing your own thing. It's always interesting to hear other people's experiences in music, everyone does things so differently and learns in their own way. This is why I know there's nothing wrong with doing things my way. The hard part is doing things my way when there are other musician's there. Like when I've been at jam nights. As a drummer I've got to be able to lead dynamically and believe what I play is good. How you getting on with that?
He's talking now about how he chose not to get a degree. Studied for 3 and a half years, but only did it to learn. Didn't see a degree as any sort of accomplishment. That's refreshing, and also very true. I've said enough time that being at College is a bit of a waste of time, but I'm doing it for mum and dad really, which funnily is what he's saying now. They have the attitude like 'I'm sending you to college, I want to see a degree'. I get that, to an extent. But the way I see it they sent me to college so I can get a career, and if I do that they shouldn't be worried about getting a degree. But then if a degree is perceived to be an accomplishment maybe that gives it validation.
Just been messaging Kerry, she's invited me to play at the second ICE band night on Friday at Images. Really looking forward to that. Probably be the biggest crowd I've played to! Gonna do at least 3 of my own - 'Show What Love Is', '24 Hour Drive Thru' and 'The First Step'. Probably leave it at that. Think I'm gonna 'The A Team' cos it should go down well. Also considering doing One Direction haha. Not sure how that would go down. I'll see what the vibes are on the night and go with it. Should be good.
Last couple days saw me rekindle an obsession with Champ Man - took Rangers to the Champs League semis in my third season, won back to back domestic trebles - then lose it again, all in one weekend ha. Not sure how I feel about that. Undoubtedly lost some time to my brief stint on it, but then it's good to have had some fun with it that didn't last too long. Last time I playing I thought that was forever. But I reckon I'll always be playing that game, or at least some game. Maybe one day I'll eventually get a new Football Manager haha.
Anyway, I could talk shite all day, but I need to get out of here and god eat something. Weight gain diet still in full effect! Not seeing huge results yet but it's gonna be a long slog. Wonder if you're still doing it? Maybe it became part of your life? Or maybe you gave up haha. I made pasta last night, was quite proud of myself for that. With mum being away all week I've been doing a lot more cooking. Got the burns to prove it ha! Still, it's good experience for me.
Anyway, aye, going. What I really ought to do is come on more often and say less. But I probably won't...
Monday, 4 March 2013
4/3/13 - 12.30pm
I've been kinda dreading doing a post like this - we got some very sad news through on Friday night there that Bappou had passed away in hospital. It's been tough. I'm not sure how to feel. I get waves of sadness, and am struggling to understand how a life can end when everything else keeps moving... But keep moving it does. Still got college work and lessons to get on with, so I'm staying busy which is probably for the best. I don't mind that. There's a part of me that feels like the best thing I can do to honour Bappou's memory is to get on my life, and keep striving to do the best I can. There's a lot I want from life, a lot I'm capable of and if I can achieve that I know he would've been proud. He was proud of us all anyway. :) The funeral will probably be sometime next week, Mum's down there now being with everyone and helping make plans. I think in part it won't really hit me til I get to London. When I do it'll be even harder, but I'm determined to celebrate Bappou's life when we're there. He was the sort of man who made and impression on everyone he met, and he lived a life worth celebrating.
In other matters, and in the name of keeping busy I've been working on the Weckl piece I'm gonna do for my degree performance - Island Magic. I really quite love this tune, it's got a great mix of Latin and 80s feel about it, and the melodies are great. It's also got some really cool grooves, and what I can play of it so far I really enjoy. I've been working pretty intensely on it - it feels good to really knuckle down and try to achieve something. On the hand I don't think I'm gonna get it down in time for the programme sample which is in 2 days, which means I'll be relying on the band which is nowhere near prepared. We've currently only got one rehearsal before then tomorrow, which really isn't enough. The whole thing could be a disaster but I don't care. It's not graded, and as long as I pass in the end that's what matters.
I did take a break from practicing on Saturday - Louise and Andy had got Dan, Chris and me tickets to see Sunderland v Fulham (so Louise could see Berba ha) and we decided we should go in spite of everything - there's no point putting life on hold in the end of the day. We had a good day, the match was actually pretty good - finished 2-2 each, was plenty action - and we had a nice dinner at Shearer's bar in Newcastle (it was good to get to finally see it ha). The only downside was it was pretty cramped in the back of the car with Dan and Chris (we've all grown up a bit from when we used to do that!), but I made up for it by drinking haha. Cherry B ftw! Still got a bottle in the fridge, but I'm gonna have to get more of that stuff haha. Dan went home after but the rest of us went out in Lanark - Andy and Lou as well, which was really nice. Just about everyone was out really, Ryan, Marc, Scorge, Ally Bash, Grant and his burd and Lou and Andy. Was good to have everyone there for a change. Now Grant's working 9-5 again we're seeing a lot more of him which is good. The other guys may not forgive him for disappearing for a couple of years but I missed him, and I'm happy we're getting to see him again. Saying that I might not be making it out so much over the next couple of months. Got one big final push to get to the end of this degree then life really starts I think. :)
Anyway I'm gonna wrap that up there. Need to get home and eat (still got the weight-gain diet going!), and also gotta plan lessons. Got the Braidwood kids tonight, with Nadia wanting to start with drum lessons, and also got a new student learning drums - a 13 year old girl from Forth, so that should be interesting!
I'm gonna end by saying, on record: Bappou, I love you, and I miss you, and I'll never, ever forget you. I hope you're at peace now.
In other matters, and in the name of keeping busy I've been working on the Weckl piece I'm gonna do for my degree performance - Island Magic. I really quite love this tune, it's got a great mix of Latin and 80s feel about it, and the melodies are great. It's also got some really cool grooves, and what I can play of it so far I really enjoy. I've been working pretty intensely on it - it feels good to really knuckle down and try to achieve something. On the hand I don't think I'm gonna get it down in time for the programme sample which is in 2 days, which means I'll be relying on the band which is nowhere near prepared. We've currently only got one rehearsal before then tomorrow, which really isn't enough. The whole thing could be a disaster but I don't care. It's not graded, and as long as I pass in the end that's what matters.
I did take a break from practicing on Saturday - Louise and Andy had got Dan, Chris and me tickets to see Sunderland v Fulham (so Louise could see Berba ha) and we decided we should go in spite of everything - there's no point putting life on hold in the end of the day. We had a good day, the match was actually pretty good - finished 2-2 each, was plenty action - and we had a nice dinner at Shearer's bar in Newcastle (it was good to get to finally see it ha). The only downside was it was pretty cramped in the back of the car with Dan and Chris (we've all grown up a bit from when we used to do that!), but I made up for it by drinking haha. Cherry B ftw! Still got a bottle in the fridge, but I'm gonna have to get more of that stuff haha. Dan went home after but the rest of us went out in Lanark - Andy and Lou as well, which was really nice. Just about everyone was out really, Ryan, Marc, Scorge, Ally Bash, Grant and his burd and Lou and Andy. Was good to have everyone there for a change. Now Grant's working 9-5 again we're seeing a lot more of him which is good. The other guys may not forgive him for disappearing for a couple of years but I missed him, and I'm happy we're getting to see him again. Saying that I might not be making it out so much over the next couple of months. Got one big final push to get to the end of this degree then life really starts I think. :)
Anyway I'm gonna wrap that up there. Need to get home and eat (still got the weight-gain diet going!), and also gotta plan lessons. Got the Braidwood kids tonight, with Nadia wanting to start with drum lessons, and also got a new student learning drums - a 13 year old girl from Forth, so that should be interesting!
I'm gonna end by saying, on record: Bappou, I love you, and I miss you, and I'll never, ever forget you. I hope you're at peace now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)