Happy memories, new beginnings

Life already feels different to me now. The last day of high school has come and gone. Graduation day — my salutatorian address, being handed my diploma, turning the tassel, celebrating with family, an amazing party — is a memory now. Many of my close friends have moved on past the familiarity of high school life, while a few stragglers already miss the comfort of our common classrooms. For me, these next couple months will be bittersweet. I’m so thrilled to be moving on to big city life to follow my dream. My excitement is truly beyond words. But I’m also leaving behind friends, family, and familiarity that I will miss with all my heart. I know, however, that this is the start of a great thing for me, and being college bound is exactly what I want to be.

Nice to be wanted!

In case you were wondering, I was indeed accepted to both Berklee College of Music and Columbia University. Juilliard offered me a spot on their waiting list, which obviously I declined (though I admit it would have been interesting to see whether they would have eventually accepted me). I’m currently investigating a new program at Manhattan School of Music that would allow me to take classes at Columbia’s Barnard College to supplement my MSM music degree. Sounds exciting! I may get the best of both worlds after all!

The right school for me!

I’m so excited about my decision to attend Manhattan School of Music! As my Aug. 22 move-in date quickly approaches, it is becoming more and more of a reality. Initially, it may have sounded like the money (albeit ridiculously appealing) was the sole driving factor behind my decision. But I was completely lured by the impressively diverse faculty, solid curriculum and amazing performance opportunities that would (and will) be presented to me at MSM. I’ll be able to maintain my studies of the electric bass as well as the acoustic bass, and I’ll be allowed to spread my wings and perform in different genres of music. It really is the place for me. I’m completely convinced. Have you all made your decisions yet?

New York's My New Home

The big decision has been made! Yours truly will be a member of the (drum roll please) Manhattan School of Music class of 2010! I accepted an early offer that was just too good to pass up — a scholarship covering 100 percent of my tuition. I knew that the Grammy band would get me far, but I had NO idea that it would win me that much money. I’m awed by their generosity! I still have to come up with the cash for room and board (which is no small fee in NYC), but it’s doable. So, as for now, the weight is off my shoulders, and my sights are set on that day in August when I pack up and head off to start living my dream in the Big Apple. Wow!!!

Doing my jury duty

Tuesday was jury duty day. It actually wasn’t that bad. Granted, I don’t really understand why they drag you in there at 8:15 in the morning when absolutely nothing happens until at least 10. I was one of (by my count) three 18-year-olds, all of whom were just as surprised and annoyed to be there early in the morning during spring break. I was in the first group of 20 or so that was summoned up to a courtroom to be questioned. About 10 minutes passed (during which a group of ladies and one guy asked me if I was “the movie guy,” sparking an amusing conversation) and they finally sent us all home, saying we weren’t needed. Woohoo! Too bad for the ones who had to stay until 5 p.m.

Selecting a college gets tougher

I have so much to update you on, but I’ll spare you the drawn out details. So here goes ...

I had an interview with a local Columbia alumnus a few weeks ago that went remarkably well! He really seemed to appreciate my diverse personal interests, and thought that Columbia would be a truly good fit for me. Cool! Fingers are crossed.

Two weeks ago, I braved single-digit wind chills and snow flurries in the Big Apple. I had my big audition at Juilliard! Talk about nerve-wracking -- I played in front of essentially the ENTIRE Juilliard jazz faculty. I performed as well as I possibly could have hoped for, so things are out of my hands at this point. April 1 couldn’t possibly be approaching any slower than it seems to be.

I was just notified of my invitation to audition live for the Dave Brubeck Institute in Stockton, CA. This is a late addition to my school possibilities -- I’m auditioning for a two-year, all-expenses-paid fellowship that would definitely help me get my foot in the door in the professional music world. The audition is April 10 in Oakland, CA, at the famed Yoshi’s Jazz House. Let’s hear it for another free trip to the other coast! Let’s hear it for more missed school days!

My financial aid apps are done — thanks to my dad, who really helped set me straight with my tax returns and such. A note to those of you who have yet to begin paying taxes — you’ll soon realize why EVERYONE dreads April 15th.

I think that’s it for now, but I’m sure there will be more to update you on soon!

Just breathe!

So much has been going on lately! The pressure of my senior year is really falling on my shoulders lately and the stress is hitting hard. Luckily, I have less than 40 days left … BREATHE! Is anyone else feeling the effects of senioritis in a BIG WAY?

Jazz, jazz, jazz!

Here's more on my Grammy trip. On Feb. 3, the Recording Academy's third annual Salute to Jazz, honored Barry Harris, Hank Jones and Oscar Peterson. I had the privilege of performing two tunes with Jones … what an honor! Legendary pianist Peterson played an unplanned, yet awe-inspiring duet with Grammy band pianist Christian Sands. Peterson had a stroke years ago and could only play with his right hand, but the music resonating from those two pianos was nothing short of magical. On the way out of that incredible gig, Elijah Wood (Frodo from The Lord of the Rings trilogy) offered up some big kudos for my bass playing that evening … cool! On Feb. 4, we were at the Recording Academy's New Orleans Preservation Event. Following the longest sound check ever (nearly 5 hours), the gig was a smash. We performed with Ivan Neville, Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint and ended the night with a knock-out version of When the Saints Go Marching In with saxophonist Kirk Whalum and rapper Coolio (who was wearing
something that resembled black and white checkered pajamas). Afterwards, the iconic Quincy Jones appeared out of the crowd to offer words of encouragement and share some jazz anecdotes. The next morning, we were shuttled off to Spaghettini's Italian Grill for a smooth jazz brunch. The gig was fun, but the food was INCREDIBLE. Once we returned to the hotel, we were granted some well-deserved free time to roam around Santa Monica. I headed down to the famous Santa Monica Pier to check out the scene. There, I happened upon an incredible art exhibit called ""Ashes and Snow.'' Talk about powerful stuff. It was an incredibly relaxing and
rejuvenating experience that set me up for the extreme frenzy of the rest of the week.