(scroll down and read pt.I & II first)
Today's the big day -- first order of business -- AP Theory class. I present the theory behind Chaos Theory again -- this time, a little slower and more in-depth, and Pete is cool enough to create transparencies of the score, so I can point out things that are happening more clearly (pardon the pun). The class seems very interested and asks some excellent questions, and while the guitar does come off the strap at one point, I manage to hold onto the neck and head-off it's nose-dive.
Next is an enrichment rehearsal -- translation: everybody comes in during their lunch hour to rehearse. We work quickly and fix some important spots, and then the students rush off to use the remaining minutes to eat something before their next class (thanks again guys!).
The next class is Jazz Ensemble I -- the more experienced jazz students. I go over the theory of Chaos Theory quickly, and then Shilo takes over in a very cool way -- he applies these contemporary classical techniques to jazz improvisation, so the students can see how they can apply them to their own playing and writing. (This also gives me a chance to eat some lunch)
The students then gear up for a jam session, and I'm invited to sit in. I'm more than happy (however modestly) to take part. I mostly comp (play chords) to back up the soloists, and me and the drummer (Kyle) have a good time laying down the groove together. When they ask me if I want to solo, I decide I should participate and proceed to play a simple (but hopefully soulful) solo (I'm not much to listen to as a jazz improviser). The students are very kind and encouraging of each other and of me -- it's a very positive vibe in this class.
The rest of the afternoon is spent waiting for the concert -- talking to students, checking email, goofing off with stomp boxes, staying loose. Pete and I dash off for dinner, and then we're back for the start of the concert.
The band played Holsinger's "Symphonia Voce" before Chaos Theory, and it is SMOKING. They sound fantastic! Finally we're at the last piece on the program, Chaos Theory. And from the first note we play, it is a blast. Quite literally, in fact. Y'see, I'd checked the gear when I was offstage earlier that evening, but didn't get a chance once we were onstage. Someone else has decided to tweak the settings and the volume has been jacked up from "2" to "5"! Now I am really, really, REALLY LOUD. I try to compensate by ear but I don't know what the amp settings are supposed to be so AND I've got both hands full with my part, so there's only so much I can do... but at the same time, the band seems to be rising to the occasion and they're blowing their brains out!!! It's very exciting, and the audience is really getting into it. Near the end the last movement, they're yelling and cheering like it's a rock concert! We finish and everyone goes nuts! The crowd is on their feet, and the low brass section is giving me the heavy metal salute -- I figure that's a very good sign.
After the concert, I hang out onstage, signing autographs and taking pictures with the band members. The principal comes up and shakes my hand -- he's very excited about the performance. A bunch of band members want the guitar part so they can learn it. One little boy ask me if I am in the next Harry Potter movie (when I tell Nicki this, she says I should've lied and said "yes"). One of the high school students from the audience swears he isn't leaving until I play it again. I tell him I'm not going to be back for two more years. He says he'll still be sitting there (I think he WAS still sitting there when I packed up and left -- now that's dedication!). One of the band members gives me a hat she'd knit specially for me!
And Pete says it was one of the best times he'd ever had on the podium. That's very cool. The whole trip was a peak experience, and this Rocky Mountain high will stay with me for quite some time.
Thanks so much to King Chek, Zeb (up the Irons!), John, Spencer, Kyle, the "Everything" twins, Scott, Sean, Jonathan, Pete (thanks for lunch!), Talon, Sara, the trumpet-playing-dancer, Caitlin, Jessica, the clarinetist who held onto my guitar at the first rehearsal, Corey, Stealth (cool duds!), Josh, Laura, Chris, and all the other students whose names did not deserve the ill fate of my pea-sized memory... and a special thanks to Corey (KILLER amp dude!), Shilo (great low notes!), Shanna (good luck with the bambinos!), and especially to Maestro Peter Toews, for making this concert possible for me and for the students. ROCK ON MOUNTAIN VIEW!
