Remember my post about making my debut as a conductor? Well, I would consider tonight as the real entrance of my conducting career. Few weeks ago, I decided to ask Mrs. Lee if I could conduct one of the songs for the concert. I had my heart set to conduct “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” a medley consisting of “Hello Beastie,” “Jack Sparrow,” “The Kraken,” “Davy Jones,” and “I’ve Got My Eye on You.”
At first she was hesitant about me conducting it due to it being a challenging piece with major tempo and time changes throughout the song. Even I was hesitant once I found out that other students from other classes were going to be included with Intermediate Band. But then we decided to go for it. Therefore, I would say that I rehearsed this song with the WHOLE group only twice? Luckily, though, I knew the song very well by the time I decided to conduct it. Hence the reason why I had my heart on this song.
Boy talk about nervous! It was so nerve-wracking! I actually acted vain about my appearance for this concert! I didn’t know what to wear, and I was pissed at the darn pimple on my nose! Normally, I don’t care what I look like, but I was fussing over what to wear! How… GIRLY of me. That just makes me cringe.
Anyway, tonight was the big gig. Not only was I conducting Intermediate Band’s last song, but I was also playing the tuba music on the keyboard for Beginning and Intermediate Band, so I was not an audience member for half of the concert. Despite my nerves being challenged, I pulled through. The group pulled through. Thank goodness, they knew this piece. Then again, it’s their favourite, so I bet they practised that more than the other two songs they had! The whole concert was lovely, though. Of course, the grand finale of Concert Band (Advanced Band) playing “Chronicles of Narnia” with the selections of “The Blitz, 1940,” “Evacuating London,” and “The Battle.” That was a great piece. Such a thrilling and emotional music.
After the whole thing was over, I was surprised to see so many people complimenting me. It was quite surprising to hear that none of my nervousness was visible. And it was even more surprising to hear that I conducted with such emotion. Er… I never would have assumed that about myself since I have no clue how I look conducting from audience’s point of view. But I’m glad it went well. I’m glad I didn’t have a panic attack that would have surely led me to fall off the stage. I’m equally pleased that I didn’t have to conduct with a baton. I envisioned the baton flying out of my hand and hitting someone… X_X;;
But it’s over… and this marks yet another milestone in my life. It’s strange how even when I was graduating from high school, my final spring concert is what marked the ending to that chapter. Same thing with this concert. It is time to move on to another job, another adventure… even if I am RATHER RELUCTANT of leaving my current position of being Mrs. Lee’s assistant. I don’t mind ending my substituting days, but being a helper to the most wonderful teacher in the world is not something I am willing to give up. I can’t believe it’s almost TEN years since I’ve been associated with the band room. It’s amazing how time flew. I just realised that today. I seriously do not want to leave the band room. How can I ever give up my second home? But all good things must come to an end.
