Original Moments

The Concert Band had an amazing concert last night. There were a couple of avant guarde (spelling?) pieces as well as things that were a little bit more familiar, but it was all great. My brother came into town for a scholarship audition and they happened to play two of his favorite orchestrated pieces, which was perfect as well--An American Elegy (written in response to Columbine, beautiful) and music from The Empire Strikes Back. The Star Wars piece was last and particularly glorious as the director entered the stage with a Darth Vader helmet on. Apparently no one in the band knew he was going to do it, so they were all cracking up as well. He actually wore it while conducting the entire piece, and then left the stage to take it off before presenting the band for final recognition. It made my week!

Otherwise, the weather is beautiful--I have no complaints about "winter" in San Diego--my family is in town for half the day, and the roommates are going out to community dinner tonight. Life is beautiful, and I'm lucky to be a part of it.