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Duolingo Music Course Review
1 year ago
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Some time off....
This is actually the 2nd blog I keep. I also author Lynn's MSIT, also found on blogspot.
After some time away, to digest this whole trip, I have made the decision to keep this blog going. The original intent was to document my musical journey working out problems in my playing, and the road to an international jazz festival. I hope to keep it going as an evolution of "me".
I am taking a break now... now so much from playing, but from the stress of all of it. Dealing with other musicians, band leaders, and such. It is time to find my own voice, and learn how to be confident in that!
As I look back at the pictures, I realize what a great experience going overseas was! I hope to do this again with my family.
Until then, this will continue to be the journey of me... as a teacher going down a different path, as a musician, trying to find peace with the art, and as a human, on a continual quest for growth.
LL
After some time away, to digest this whole trip, I have made the decision to keep this blog going. The original intent was to document my musical journey working out problems in my playing, and the road to an international jazz festival. I hope to keep it going as an evolution of "me".
I am taking a break now... now so much from playing, but from the stress of all of it. Dealing with other musicians, band leaders, and such. It is time to find my own voice, and learn how to be confident in that!
As I look back at the pictures, I realize what a great experience going overseas was! I hope to do this again with my family.
Until then, this will continue to be the journey of me... as a teacher going down a different path, as a musician, trying to find peace with the art, and as a human, on a continual quest for growth.
LL
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Montreux
The highlight of our trip, the Montreux Jazz Festival. Very cool experience. Lots of money, fine real estate, Lake Geneva is like non other, even our own Wood Lake.
Our first concert was no so good. We played technically OK, but the ban is learning how to groove, and what it feels like when we don't. We came off the stage unhappy with ourselves. Some technical glitches did not help. But, all that stuff aside, it is still up to the musician.
The second concert was probably the best the band has ever played. Everything clicked, everyone was high energy, despite being tired. It was the musical experience of a lifetime.
Montreux is not the "jazz" festival it once was. As I walked around the festival grounds, there was more food and beverage than music stages. Main acts were from all genres. July 5th the main act was Missy Elliott. July 6th brought a blast from the past - Billy Idol. The line up for the stage we played on included mostly big bands from around Europe, as well as a few world music groups. All were good, and excited to be participating in the the festival.
LL
Our first concert was no so good. We played technically OK, but the ban is learning how to groove, and what it feels like when we don't. We came off the stage unhappy with ourselves. Some technical glitches did not help. But, all that stuff aside, it is still up to the musician.
The second concert was probably the best the band has ever played. Everything clicked, everyone was high energy, despite being tired. It was the musical experience of a lifetime.
Montreux is not the "jazz" festival it once was. As I walked around the festival grounds, there was more food and beverage than music stages. Main acts were from all genres. July 5th the main act was Missy Elliott. July 6th brought a blast from the past - Billy Idol. The line up for the stage we played on included mostly big bands from around Europe, as well as a few world music groups. All were good, and excited to be participating in the the festival.
LL
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Luxeuil le Bans, France
Luxeuil le Bans is a small, typically French town in the Northeast. We had a great time playing the concert, in a Basilica. The band sounded great, and played well, about the best of the tour so far.
The families we stayed with were very generous, fed us well, helped us in any way possible. We even got laundry done!
In a tour that was arranged for us, we saw a Kirsh/Absynthe distillery, an American Military Cemetary, and a small festival, much like our street festivals at home. A huge dinner of Paella was served - everyone found it interesting that the shrimp were served whole, little eyes and all. There was a band to play a dance, and they did a great arrangement of our Star Spangled Banner, in honor of our July 4th Independence Day.
One thing about the french - they serve wine at EVERY meal. Any time cheese is put out, there is a bottle of red with it. Even at breakfast. I may need rehab after this trip!
Concert in the basilica!
LL
The families we stayed with were very generous, fed us well, helped us in any way possible. We even got laundry done!
In a tour that was arranged for us, we saw a Kirsh/Absynthe distillery, an American Military Cemetary, and a small festival, much like our street festivals at home. A huge dinner of Paella was served - everyone found it interesting that the shrimp were served whole, little eyes and all. There was a band to play a dance, and they did a great arrangement of our Star Spangled Banner, in honor of our July 4th Independence Day.
One thing about the french - they serve wine at EVERY meal. Any time cheese is put out, there is a bottle of red with it. Even at breakfast. I may need rehab after this trip!
Concert in the basilica!
LL
Paris
After London, we had a 6 hour drive to Paris. The english countryside is very pretty, with old stone walls sectioning off parcels of land. I can't imagine building them without the use of machinery today. But the flagstones are still standing, and still solid.
We took the ferry over. Originally, we were to take the chunnel. As it turns out, the ferry was faster, as the bus driver could count the ferry time as his mandatory break.
We had about 10 hours to tour Paris, so a few of us hopped on an open air tour bus, and took in the sight and sounds. I was amazed at the traffic, and how the scooter manuver around the cars, regardless of lane placement!
It was a blast, lots of history, and I would go back again. Just plan on spending 3-4 days to see the great museums and take in the architecture.
More pics posted when I get to Minneapolis airport!
LL
We took the ferry over. Originally, we were to take the chunnel. As it turns out, the ferry was faster, as the bus driver could count the ferry time as his mandatory break.
We had about 10 hours to tour Paris, so a few of us hopped on an open air tour bus, and took in the sight and sounds. I was amazed at the traffic, and how the scooter manuver around the cars, regardless of lane placement!
It was a blast, lots of history, and I would go back again. Just plan on spending 3-4 days to see the great museums and take in the architecture.
More pics posted when I get to Minneapolis airport!
LL
London
Great city, very multi cultural. We only got to spend about 8 hours seeing the sights, so I chose to subway/ walk around and take in the sights. I hopped on the tube about 2 blocks from where I was staying for the night. I got to my destination, went up the stairs, and there was Big Ben! It was a great start to a tour. They Eye of London were also fun; you can see for miles around. After that, walking down the street where all of the government buildings are to Trafalgar Square was fascinating.
I was told that the 2nd best place in the world to get Indian food is London. So I did….. Butter Chicken with vegetables, rice and Naan. Yum!
The next morning was a run in Kensington Gardens. Not a long run, but just enough to keep my head on my shoulders. As I was running, I noticed a large house with some constructions. It then dawned on me where I was… Kensington Palace was the home last occupied by the late Princess Diana. It is being renovated into an interactive museum, both inside and out. I recognized the gates and entry way to the palace from the news.
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