October 13, 2002 ~ 11:11 p.m.
Feeling:
Ah! I changed my imood and I haven't done an entry about why! Friday, Mr. Washburn invited Ensembles classes to come around 4th or 5th period to come and listen to some professional musicians who were making a visit to the band room. I was interested since Wednesday, when Mr. Washburn first said that the guy who composed the song for the "Peanuts" or more known by the cartoon "Charlie Brown," was going to come!
So I had to skip out on my 4th period class and I stayed after 3rd period. A group of men came in right before 4th period and Mr. Washburn helped them set up their instruments. After they had everything set, they played a 12 bar blues form for us. And Mr. Washburn noted beforehand that none of those men ever played music with each other or together as a group. Not until today. It was a wonderful treat.
They're really good, after all, they are professionals. At first I didn't know who the guy who did the Charlie Brown theme was, until I noticed (that duh) he was the guy playing the piano. His name is David Benoit, (pronounced Ben-wah or something like that) and there was a professional drummer by the name of Paul.....something I forgot his last name. And there was a guy by the name of Luther (so I have a bad time remembering names, who doesn't?) who played this huge instrument that looked like a fiddle/violin (and of course I figured out it's a CELLO *hint hint Kainess* n.n) and he played really well. He mostly did a baseline.
Then there was another old guy who played this interesting kind of guitar (I don't really know what it was called) and of course the famous Red Holloway, who played the sax. He had two, and he interchanged and played them with ease. It's not easy to play a sax then have to change the key sound and then pick up another sax.
David Benoit was truly a pro, his fingers flew across that very beautiful keyboard he had. It was an electric keyboard, to change the sounds, but of course he only had that classic piano sound. They grooved, they jived, they kept amazing rhythm and they each shared a great solo that outlined the reputation of the musician.
I would have wanted to listen to them all day, to get to talk to them. Of course, classes don't last very long. Luckily it was lunch right after. I managed to get the autographs of both Red Holloway and David Benoit! They were my two favorites of the group. Well that drummer wasn't so bad either, but after getting the signatures of Red and David, I was a little ashamed to go and ask for his autograph.
Before the end of class Mr. Washburn requested that David play the Charlie Brown theme song and he did, and had the rest of the crew play his backup and they were great. That was what I came for, and I was so excited when I got Red and David's autographs. I was beaming with happiness after I left class. Red gave me a comment, I told him I played the piano but later when I read his note it said "Keep playing and singing." And I didn't even tell him I sang! Haha. Anyway, even with David, (even though I was very shy to ask, but other people were asking for their autographs too) he spelled my name wrong but I didn't care I was so happy.
Getting their autographs was like getting one from a movie star. For me, anyway. The reason they did come though wasn't only because to visit our Ensembles class, but because they were going to play for the Hamakua Music Fesitval which happens annually in Honoka'a town (where I go to school). I wish I could have gotten the chance to see them play again.
But of course, Bridget and I plan to go and watch the classical pianist concert during the festival. As quoted by Mr. Washburn, "It's like having Hollywood right at your door." And it seems true, because they're all professional musicians and singers from the U.S. states.
Though something about the Hamakua Music Fesitval was commented by this girl in the class, that there was never a 'local' group that would play. If one did, it would be more interesting and more people would probably come. But I guess it's for the music fanatics.
I'm still happy though..hehe....
"An autograph ain't worth nothin' if it ain't got a date!" ~Red Holloway
Can't take this crap anymore...
Torn
Staying Strong
Heavenly Music
A Filipino Drunkard's Party
Living life »»†«« in solitude...
