I have much to catch you up on… so let’s get started!

On April 19 I flew to Orlando to spend a few nights with Craig and Amy Uppercue so I could participate in a recital by Dr. Ann Adams. The recital was held on Tuesday, April 21 in celebration of her 20 year anniversary of teaching at Stetson! I was thrilled to play a duet with her on the recital as one of several alumni. It was great to meet the current Stetson oboe studio and spend time coaching solos and discussing life as a professional musician.

Coaching a Stetson student

Playing “Trois Duos” by Gilles Silvestrini with Dr. Adams

I loved being able to spend some time with the Uppercues, especially the newest Uppercue Hannah!

My dad came to the recital at Stetson on Tuesday and drove me up to Jacksonville because I had double rehearsals for the National Tour of “Wicked.” It was an amazing experience being able to be associated with a production of that caliber – the orchestra, conductor, actors, and even the sets and lighting were fantastic. I met some new people and was able to set my own goals for the show. There were 22 performances, and I used 12 oboe reeds and 5 english horn reeds. There were several nights where I would play on a reed I finished in the pit before the performance… some sounded better than others, but it was a great way to force myself to weed through bad reeds quickly and make new ones fast. It was exhausting doing so much playing, but I loved every second of it

I had each Monday off from Wicked. The first Monday, April 27, I flew to Atlanta for an audition with the Atlanta Opera. It was the first time I have played an audition from the pit of the concert hall, which in a way made it more comfortable. There were some surprise things that didn’t go so well, but several things I was pleased with.

I was able to visit with some family and friends while in Jacksonville, although it was difficult because of my schedule.

My Uncle Mark and cousin Billy!

With Phillip!

I was also able to see Dana, Robert and Bryan on their way back from visiting Jennifer. Bryan is a year old now and is such a cute little boy!

Bryan playing with a fire hat from Firehouse subs

The second Monday, May 4, I drove up to Savannah for a day to see Jennifer. She had a beautiful baby boy, Adam William, on April 27 (when I was literally playing my audition!). I was so happy to visit with her, the cute newborn, and the proud new Grandma.

Adam William Gamenthaler

Jennifer and Adam

I read a couple of books during my trip, all borrowed from Jenn. “Life and Death in Shanghai” was the moving biography of a Chinese woman during the Communist takeover. “The Shack” made me cry on the plane back to LA – it was such a touching story of a man’s encounter with God in the wake of a tragedy. I highly recommend.

While I was in Jacksonville the new Star Trek movie came out, which I of course had to go see with my parents. Steven and I saw it today too. While very different from previous Star Trek TV shows and movies, I really enjoyed it. Not to sound too much like Paris Hilton, but it was hot.

“>Related news is the Star Trek experience in Las Vegas is reopening with stuff from the new movie!

I am really happy to be back home – I missed Steven a lot, and my puppy!

A picture of Apollo missing his mommy

Because I certainly wouldn’t want to get bored, I have an upcoming audition for principal oboe in San Diego in 2 weeks. Also, I am giving a recital in 3 weeks. Yikes!

I’m thrilled to announce an addition to my oboe family – a baroque oboe! I purchased a used baroque oboe which is a reproduction of a Denner oboe from the early 1700s. Not sure about a name yet….

Difference between the modern oboe and baroque oboe

Apollo and I posing with the new hautbois!