First Gigs

This weekend was very exciting. I had my first two performances with the Field Band, and they were both really great. The first was in Saratoga Springs, New York.  I have never been to NY, apart from driving through on the Turnpike, so it was nice to see a different part of the country. Saratoga Springs reminded me a lot of Crested Butte, Colorado. Very vacation-esque, lots of shops, and overall just quaint. The concert was in a huge bandshell with an enormous and enthusiastic crowd. It was my first taste of a typical "Field Band" concert. We did this fantastic piece by Philip Sparke that was written for the band called "Weekend in New York." There were several other nice works on the program, and we did lots of things with the Soldier's Chorus. They are awesome, by the way. It is hard to count rests when you really want to listen to them! By the second half of the concert it was really cold! I'm not used to it being cold so early in the year, I had to buy a jacked just to cope! Our second half had lots of patriotic pieces. I have dreamed of being in a military band for so long- when I finally got to play the Armed Forces Salute for the first time as a member of the military it was such a cool moment. 

The next day we had a once in a lifetime performance opportunity. 

We were honored to play at the final game held at Yankee Stadium in New York City. You cannot imagine the crowd. So much history, so many enthusiastic fans. It was great energy and an awesome experience. These two pictures of the band marching were taken by Rob McIver, vocalist and photographer extraordinaire. 

Of course, I have a long history with military marching bands... as you can see :) 

Exploring New York City was an experience. 

Here is one of the many fascinating individuals who adds character to the city. 

Here I am in front of the empty stadium. Every seat was filled by the time we took the field! 

Other than enjoying having the best job on the planet, I have been getting settled nicely in my new place in Baltimore. Here is a cool little table I got from a guy in the band, set up against my cute brick accent wall.

This is the front of my townhouse apartment. It's very Cosby Show, haha. 

I've been taking long walks around the city in the afternoons trying to get to know the area. I never know what I will find. One day I ran into McGruff the crime dog...