I'm posting an overview of some of the more eventful activities from the past few weeks. The Field Band is about to leave on our Spring tour very soon and I plan on blogging every day from the road, if possible. I'm very excited to see how my second run at tour goes!
January 31st was a busy day for me. During the week leading up to that Saturday, the Concert Band had the incredible privilege to work under the baton of Mr. Stephen Pratt, Director of Bands at Indiana University.
Our performance was on the 31st and the experience was amazing. I am so grateful to be a part of making music at such a high level. Here I am posing for a picture with Professor Pratt. I hope I get to play under his baton again!
Earlier that day I had one of the biggest, most exciting, and nerve-wracking musical moments to date! I was invited to solo with the James Madison University Brass Band in concert at the US Army Band Tuba Euphonium Conference.
The conference is one of the most important annual professional events in my field and being asked to perform was a very exciting dream-come-true for me!
I performed Philip Sparke's "Harlequin" with the band. It was very well received and I enjoyed the performance, thought it goes by quickly when you are up there under pressure! I think the best part of it, for me, was that I got to see Dr. Brian Bowman, my long-time professor, and euphonium "Dad." I studied with Dr. Bowman for six years at North Texas and he is one of my heros. I hadn't seen him since I shipped to Basic Training in June, so being able to stand on stage in uniform and play for him was very special to me This second picture was taken at our dress rehearsal.
In other news, I've been enjoying the time at home with friends and family before this tour. My mom and brother have been able to visit twice this month! I am so proud of my brother- he has been accepted to the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) school. He will be in training for almost another year learning how to be an officer in one of the most important fields in the Army. He leaves in about a week for Alabama to begin his training, hooah!
This picture is from Valentine's Day at the George Mason basketball homecoming. My boyfriend and I did some early-morning tailgating before we did the dinner & a movie thing. :) Check out my awesome Texas flag chair! I know how to represent.
We leave for New Jersey on Thursday to begin our tour so look for updates coming soon!
Happy Mardi Gras! Thought I'd do a quick post with a few pictures from my first attempt at celebrating Fat Tuesday away from the South. I had quite an adventure trying to find a King Cake up here. This was the best I could manage, and it only resembled the real deal because I had the bakery lady at Giant doctor it up for me and insert the plastic baby. *sigh*
I had a few friends over and made my two favorite cajun dishes. On the left is coubion, a tomato based fish & shrimp stew. On the right is your classic chicken and sausage gumbo. I even made the roux myself, which is quite a challenge. I made a huge mess but I think it turned out alright. 
