My week playing for The Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute for Women Conductors is finished. I’m kind of relieved (that it went well) and kind of sad (that it’s over!).

It’s hard for me to feel like I can express how awesome this has been, and how much I LOVE playing in the orchestra without feeling like I am boasting about it. The thing is, I don’t feel like I got to play with the orchestra because I am something very special. Except that I’ve worked harder for it than most people, and kept at it longer.

I feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity, and let me tell you- it is not something I take for granted. I got my initial opportunity to play with this orchestra through a connection with Helen, but once my toe was in the door, I jammed my whole body in there, haha!

What I mean is, I prepared very thoroughly for rehearsals so that there would be no question of my competency. I come prepared to perform- I know how the entire music goes before the first rehearsal, I have confidence with my entrances, and have studied the score.

I’ve accepted every time they ask me to sub, even at the last minute (once for rehearsal, once for a performance). I’m there early, I’ve made friends (allies :)) in the group. Last week, I watched all the rehearsals of the pieces I wasn’t playing on, and I played opera excerpts for Helen during the week (my own duet arrangements, of course!). I guess you could say I am not lacking enthusiasm for this music!

It struck me this morning that even though I auditioned so many times for all levels of orchestras, the first one I’ve had the opportunity to play in is actually one of the very best in this area. I never played in any regional orchestras- I didn’t get in! I did play for a few months in a community orchestra (Flower Mound) last year, and enjoyed that, but this is on a totally different level.

It’s SO COOL how everyone is so good in this orchestra. They get music, they REALLY get it! They get why the details are important, and they care about it. I am so happy to have had this experience. Thrilled. Elated. It’s literally the best thing ever. Okay, I think you get the point 🙂