Practice Makes Perfect

Last night for rehearsal we hauled taiko to the new space, which at this point is just that--a space with framework around it. Lots of construction and exposed beams and wires here and there and giant nails scattered on the ground and piles of bricks. But exciting too because you can see enough outlines to tell that things are coming together. Bean and Carolyn were there too and we worked on Mokuyobi for the October 1st gig. Janet said I need to hold back on how loud I play basic so that the soloists can come through. So true. I know I play loud sometimes. I thought I needed to play louder so the solist could hear the basic, especially when it starts to fall apart, but I know I need to work on finding the balance while playing with others. It was just a little comment, but one of those things that people say to you that really sticks--couldn't stop thinking about that all day. I was also trying to work on projecting the energy of my solo, but found some places where the patterns I'm playing take away from the energy, so I'm hoping to do some honing and polishing. That's not a bad problem to have, eh? Especially since just a week and a half ago I hated my solo altogether.

Oh, and I get to show C how to tie an obi. I was joking that it only takes a few hours to learn to tie it, but even making that joke makes me realize how anal I am. Either that or I have OCD. Or maybe it's because I'm a perfectionist. Oh whatever. I admit it, I'm a perfectionist. I practice. I obsess. I'm a freakazoid. That's my idea of fun anyway. You know you do it too.

I think one of those children at the school show coughed on me and gave me their cooties because I've been feeling cruddy all week. And I've been working overtime by coming in early and leaving late so that I can earn enough money to buy that beautiful, beautiful minidisc recorder, but this schedule is just draining me. I was a little relieved last night when I asked if we had rehearsal on thursday but turns out we don't, so maybe I can sit at home and watch premiere week and sip tea.