The past few months have been eventful. Allow me to start at the end.
This is my last post on this blog. The Flute Project is over, and it's been a success. Last Sunday, I won the Flute Society of Washington's Adult Amateur Competition. The required piece was the Faure Fantasie, which went as well as could be expected. My personally selected piece was the Martin Ballade. I wasn't as happy with my performance of this work as there were some ensemble issues in the middle of the performance. My pianist and I had only about 1 1/2 hours of rehearsal time prior to the competition, which apparently wasn't enough to solidify ourselves as a group. After accepting my award and leaving the competition venue, I said to my friend, "I just wish the Martin had gone better". He said to me, "It was good enough to win first place!" Touché.
I am very satisfied with my progress on the flute over the year. I've met all the goals stated in the initial post of the Project. My personal life has changed along the way as well. My relationship of almost a decade ended over the holidays. Since I would never have moved to DC had it not been for my SO's job, I decided to go back to the Midwest. I have accepted a position in Indianapolis and will be moving there at the beginning of May.
I nearly stopped practicing the flute while dealing with the aftermath of the break-up. When I'd found out I made finals in the competition, I almost dropped out of it. I credit my teacher, Aaron Goldman, for encouraging me to press forward. I'm glad he did. My original pianist couldn't make the performance because of a previous obligation, so I had to scramble for an accompanist at the last minute. But all's well that ends well, yes?
At the Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention, where the competition took place, I spent a lot of time with a Brannen-Cooper sales rep, Sarah. She introduced me to the pleasure of playing such a fine instrument, and I'm considering getting one in the near future. I loved the 14K gold with a 14K gold Lafin headjoint. Holy mother, that thing played itself!
A few weeks ago, I imagined myself writing this post. I imagined I would proclaim that I am giving up the flute for good. I imagined selling my flute and never thinking about music again. But, after playing those Brannens and winning that contest, I imagine myself sticking with it. Maybe I'll start another blog. Who knows?
The break-up hasn't been all bad for me. I'm excited about my new job and I'm looking forward to moving to a place where I get paid more and everything costs less. I already own a home there! I hired a personal trainer, and I've lost over 20 lbs. I've met someone else. Hughes is an attorney with the SEC. He's a really sweet man and meeting him made it difficult for me to accept the new job in Indy. We decided to try the long distance thing and see how it all plays out.
And with that, dear reader, I bid you adieu.
