My Better Half
I have been accused of not updating on what the Maestro is up to, and how he is liking it here, since he is the reason we are here in the first place. I apologize profusely, and offer the following information:
1. He teaches two MWF classes at the University. Music Theory 1 and Music Appreciation. He really enjoys teaching the Music Appreciation class, as he is a Music History guy, and only tolerates teaching theory.
2. He directs the Symphony Orchestra, which rehearses every Tuesday night from 7-10. (What is it with Joel and Tuesday nights? He has always been teaching some class or conducting some orchestra on Tuesdays. Weird.)
3. Compared to his crazy schedule in Cedar City, this has been a dream! Even if it is his first year and he is still doing course development, at least he has plenty of time to do it!
4. He does not yet have a calling in the branch. Some may think this is odd, but I do think it is a bit of a tender mercy right now, because he really has been working hard to get settled into the University. He couldn't have handled something right away, but he's looking forward to hopefully receiving a calling sometime soon.
5. He had his very first Symphony concert this past Saturday night and it was a smashing success. They played Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody #2 (think Loony Toons, they used this piece a lot), some Stravinsky pieces, and selections from Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dream, including the well known Overture and the better known Wedding March. It was a full house, which apparently hasn't happened for the orchestra in a really long time, and the audience clearly loved it. Except maybe the Stravinsky stuff, but who loves Stravinsky?
6. He loves it here. Everything about it. I haven't seen him this happy in a long time. And if he's happy, I'm happy. It's a win-win situation for all of us.
28 comments:
It's so very important to enjoy your work. I know it doesn't always happen, but I really think it makes home life so much happier when the bread winner enjoys what he does to win the bread! I'm glad you guys are settling so nicely. :)
I love Stravinsky! But then, I'm a violist and I also love HIndemith, Bloch, and Shostakovich -- you learn to love the composers that actually wrote for your instrument, and in the case of the viola, that means you don't have much to choose from that doesn't require pretty advanced listening skills.
I have always thought that if I were to pursue a PhD in music, it would be more along the lines of musicology and music history rather than performance. Glad you're husband is settling in so well.
I'm sure he will get a music calling in no time!
How great to see him so happy!
Ooh-wish I could've been there for the Hungarian Rhapsody. But yeah-I could happily skip the Stravinsky.
Laughing my head off ... my very favorite piece of ALL TIME is Stravinsky's Petrushka ... so, I ♥ Stravinsky!!! that's too funny - sounds like you all have lots going on - but it all sounds pretty fun!
A happy husband is soooooo important. I am so happy for both of you. Congratulations on jumping in and having it work out!
Ummm...I love Stravinsky, too!
I'm so glad he's settling in well. You guys seem to be doing so well.
I believe the saying goes...
if mamma ain't happy... :)
Yay for Joel though, I know this has been a long time coming!
I can see Bugs Bunny at the piano, playing that Hungarian Rhapsody! I've used that cartoon in so many music classes! Priceless!
I'm with InkMom. Give me some Stravinsky and Shostakovich - in moderate doses - and my ears and brain will thank you.
And I wish Joel enjoyed teaching Theory more! I love theory! (Yes, I know that makes me Geek Numero Uno in the music world.)
And I agree: Much of my happiness is determined by my husband's happiness. I think that's the way it's supposed to be.
It's always nice when the hubby is happy!
This move seems to be a Godsend for your family. Everyone seems to be settling in well. I'm so glad for you. A move can be so hard and it's nice to be given a little slice of heaven now and then.
I never knew your husband was a Maestro (showing my newness here) but that's enchanting. Your whole family is just loaded with talent!
So glad to get an update on Joel. And I am very happy to hear how much he enjoys teaching at the University there. I agree, when your husband is happy, things just seem to go oh so much better. Happy for all of you. What a blessing this move must be for you.
How wonderful for you and him! I have to admit, I am slightly jealous that your husband is so entrenched in music. I bet you get to hear all the lovely music all the time. How wonderful everything is going so well for the both of you! And now I want to go listen to classical music.
It makes all the difference in the world when they love their jobs. At least it did for Joe. He's been so happy here at SUU and that makes me happy. Glad Joel is loving it. Sounds like he's got a great schedule!
That Hungarian Rapsody was to die for everyone! I was there, I heard it, I was so thrilled! Joel had a ball doing it! He IS a maestro, no doubt about it! Miss you guys already!
Having a happy hubby is very important! Im so glad everything is going well!
p.s. Sorry I can't come up there and cut your hair but please don't go to the same place Joel went to! It is very evident that they don't follow directions very well! :)
I must say, he certainly did sound so happy the other day, which makes me happy. And you too of course.
But, you are still sorely, sorely missed over here.
I got up this morning and for some reason I thought about you. I pictured you surrounded by georgeous scenery and well developed musical talent and thought...I bet Lara is really happy. I am glad that it is not just you, but also all of your family.
"if he's happy, i'm happy" ... just a truism that I wish could describe our life right now. I still feel like we're adjusting to this dang move! (sorry, just having a self-absorbed moment.)
I am so thrilled for you! I'm glad that Joel loves his job, and that your are all doing so well. It's so great when you feel like things are just as they should be.
Excellent. We miss your smiling faces, but I'm so glad that every one of you is so happy there. Such a blessing to all be happy together.
Happy is sooooo good. And I love Stravinsky, too! :)
I'm still sad he couldn't have conducted at William and Mary. Granted, there was nothing desirable about the orchestra...still, would have been fun :)
Great update. I'm glad things are going so well for him.
Have to say, though, that every time you call him the Maestro I think of Seinfeld.
I am so glad he is liking it there. And I'm glad he doesn't have a calling yet, for your sake!
Congratulations to you both! I'm so happy to hear Joel is settling in well, and that he's happy with the choices you all made.
And now I have Liszt in my head...and I'm picturing Bugs Bunny trying to smash a mouse with a piano. Did you know that there was a Tom & Jerry cartoon from the same year, about the very same subject matter and the same Liszt piece? Apparently one of the animators left one studio, stole the idea, and went to work for the other (nobody is sure which studio did the stealing)! The Tom & Jerry cartoon ended up winning an Oscar.
There's your useless info dose for the day...
Stravinsky is weird. I don't like it. My brother was way into Stravinsky. I'm glad to hear Joel is so happy. I'm hoping to find that kind of happiness soon!
I love that Joel is happy, and of course that you are happy! It's so great to hear about friends living out their dreams. (Does that sound corny?)
Post a Comment