I went to Colorado on Thursday. I miss it! It's so freaking cool -- I got to chill with Lauren all week! Let's see...
It all started because of Troopers. She flew me out to see them in Cheyenne before the big Drums Along the Rockies show in Denver. It really was great to be around drum corps again -- just to be around that energy, that excitement... it was really amazing! I mean, I did that. I have been there, and it's really remarkable to look back where you were, and see how far you've come.
It was kind of weird to see a lot of people I knew, though! At the show in Denver, I saw folks from JSU, previous marching involvements... awkward stuff! he he...
Anyway, let me say that I am SOOOOOO proud of the Troopers! Their performance was REMARKABLE -- it was absolutely inspiring! Amazing. The score was total bullshit, though. It infuriates me to see how far the drum corps has come, how much that administration, those alumni, and countless supporters have given and sacrificed JUST to keep them going. They have come so far, and defied the entire DCI universe. The Troopers, one of DCI's founding corps, was supposed to be dead. They survived, and came back with gusto.
And after all that, they still get shit scores. Just because they're the Troopers. In an age where a successful show is full of gimmicks and poly-tonal musical shit, it's refreshing to actually have an musical, approachable show that anyone can get into. It was artistic, beautiful, entertaining, and full of energy -- the same could not be said about MOST of the other shows. And yet, they scored much lower than they should. It's outrageous. But on the up side, if they can over-turn DCI's decision for their existence, then they can also turn over the YEA bullshit that is permeating the activity. It'll happen -- they just need support.
Wow, that was unexpected...
So then I went into Boulder. I LOVE Boulder! I got to explore the campus and check out their music department. My intention was to check into the Graduate College for Music. That proved to be unfruitful -- until...
...I checked out the Atlas program. It's an interdisciplinary program with an emphasis in technology. Since its inception a few years ago, they have been combining technology with such programs as social studies, law, education, art, theater, dance, and yes... music. It's pretty sweet! They have all kinds of performance spaces, technological resources, and research opportunities.
On top of all that, because its such a new program, they're allowing their new students to bypass the Masters Degree and jump straight to Ph. D. work. That's right -- with my B.A. in music, I can earn a Ph. D. in about four years. Tell me THAT'S not kick ass!
That pretty much has me stoked! The idea that I can be a "doctor" before I'm thirty... that I could get a job as a professor or a multi-aesthetic technical coordinator... sounds pretty cool! That, and it could be mostly (if not completely) funded by fellowships, AND get a T.A. or R.A. position!
So that's my plan, that's my goal -- I will be in Colorado by this time next year working on my Ph. D.
I can do that.
3 comments:
Sounds like a cool opportunity! Boulder is a fun town...
A PLAN... how awesome! Congrats! And good luck on setting that into motion...you can do it!
A PLAN... that means your ahead of like 85% of the population. Most of us are just wandering around in the muck and mire. I'm 41 and still not sure what I want to be when I grow up.
Colorado... never been there, but I'd love to go someday!
Speaking of drum corps, you totally should come to North Hills mall and watch the DCI showing with me and my friends in August. :-D If you need any help with you plan, holla! Catch you soon.
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