I always struggle with change. Perhaps because my sight changes and never brings anything good, the prospect of change makes me nervous, worrying it will turn out bad or wrong. Recently, I had to buy a new pair of headphones, as the sound from my usual pair had gone. But the company didn’t make that… Continue reading Changes
Category: Music
Happy Things
Today is the International day of happiness. So instead of talking about sight loss or insomnia, today I will talk about the things that make me happy. 1. Writing. Writing always makes me happy, and improves my mental health with every word. I’m never filled with more joy and delight and wonder as when my… Continue reading Happy Things
A New Way to Play
I’ve been playing my clarinet for a long time. Its something I love, and always will. But in the past few years, I’ve begun losing my sight. And it makes reading sheet music a challenge, that only gets worse. For my eyes can’t make out details, and minims in particular are a nightmare, too thin… Continue reading A New Way to Play
The Jazz Course
I’ve been playing the clarinet for a long time. And during that time, I’ve played a lot of music. I have a few favourite genres I like playing. Movie soundtracks, or pop songs are always fun. Or a good musical, when those appear at wind band. Classical is a mixed bag – some I love,… Continue reading The Jazz Course
Faith
This time of year, I’m thinking about religion, and faith. I’ve struggled with it for years. But I think I’ve finally found an answer. When I started losing my sight, I lost my faith. I used to be Christian, and sung in a church choir for years. When my sight started fading, I looked to… Continue reading Faith
A Brilliant Birthday Week
I had a brilliant birthday week, possibly one of the best. I always try to make it special somehow, and my other half usually takes me out for the day (apart from during Covid years of course) This year, I started by attending the wonderful WHQ Weekender, in Brighton. I had lots of fun writing… Continue reading A Brilliant Birthday Week
The Wind Band Tour Wrap Up
I had been looking forward to our wind band tour for ages. It was supposed to be in 2020, to celebrate our 25th anniversary (it always freaks me out that the band is older than me). But it got cancelled, obviously. We were thinking of doing it in 2021. But that year we had like… Continue reading The Wind Band Tour Wrap Up
A New Approach
I’m not very good with decorators. I could write for hours about the sensory overload they cause me with extra sounds and smells. But this time has been different, and better, because I’ve recently come across a new approach, which I will try today. I love Norse music. And Norse mythology. I found a playlist… Continue reading A New Approach
Hans Zimmer
Last night, I went to see Hans Zimmer Live at the 02 Arena, and it was beyond incredible. I’m glad I booked it, and glad I went, even if I am a little tired today. I love Hans Zimmers music. There’s something about it, that just makes my whole soul smile. It just has that… Continue reading Hans Zimmer
A Plan to Attend More Concerts
I do love a good concert. I love music. But most of the time, I’m performing the music, instead of listening to it. And it’s different. As a performer, you are working to create this world of wonder and joy and beauty, to tell the story behind the notes. But as a listener, you can… Continue reading A Plan to Attend More Concerts