I bought a condo!

MarcusH · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:33 am Post subject: I bought a condo!

Hi everyone!

It's been a bit of time since I written on the BE forum but I've been keeping up with the posts.

I've been having a ball lately because I finally bought a condo where I can practice! Keeping trumpet in mind, I looked for over a year for a place (in my price range and near work) where I could play freely. It's a good thing my Realtor was laid back and patient! We had a lot of fun doing "sound tests" in various units we visited. He hadn't heard many wind instruments before and was surprised at the trumpet volume capabilities. I wasn't even playing anything very spectacular, just a couple of RI 1s and RI 2s.

It's been soooo nice to be able to actually practice at home! It's amazing what you take for granted sometimes. The unit has no common walls with any neighbor and my neighbor is separated by storage rooms which is perfect. The floor is surprisingly thin and I can actually hear the people below me. But I met my neighbor below me and he is totally cool with the trumpet! Crazy...

I am so excited because I actually pulled out some of my old Aebersold's and starting playing jazz again. I still get pretty down on myself but when I put everything in perspective, it's quite amazing that I can actually play a little jazz after only a year and a half of starting up fresh with BE. I'm listening more and more to new music and I'm more excited and in love with music now than I never have been!

It's amazing how my entire perspective on music has changed since I have a completely new concept of my own instrument. I don't have any screaming powerful range yet but I do have hope. Getting tired now sure feels different than it used to. Now that I have space and friends who are local music educators, I can't want to get into teaching.

I could write a novel here but I'll spare you all for now! Keep up the good work.

Marcus

mcamilleri · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 12:12 pm Post subject:

In my experience there is nothing worse then trying to practice in a restrained way. It really messes you up. As much as I hate practice mutes, they are much better than worrying about waking your neighbour or getting complaints.

Fortunately for me I have a separate garage far enough from anyone that it is not a serious nusiance for regular playing. And at work I have commandered various out of the way spaces where no-one is disturbed by max volume and horrible sounds. Sheep don't care about noise...

Michael
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MarcusH · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:40 pm Post subject:

Sheep!?!?!? hahaha nice. Are you a shephed for your day gig?

I completely agree Michael. Trying to hold back or trying to play with a worried feeling is worse than not playing at all.

Marcus

progmac · Veteran Member Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 194

mcamilleri · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 1:07 am Post subject:

Yes, sheep. One outbuilding I used to use was in a paddock where sheep grazed. They are unperturbed by BE exercises. Now I use an empty office in a little used building. It is great as I can really let rip on the BE exercises
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Bruce Lee · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 4:28 pm Post subject:

Congrats, Marcus!

I'm sure that you'll enjoy life a little more fully now. Holding back on the trumpet, as Michael said, is just not healthy!

Let the RIPS rip!!

Ciao,
Bruce
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MarcusH · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 5:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks so much Bruce! I've missed our great conversations. I'll get on Skype more often and look you up from time to time.

progmac - I'll send you a message with the little bit of information that I know about the Denver housing market.

Marcus

Ed Kennedy · Veteran Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 477

Is this Marcus Hampton who moved from Tampa?

MarcusH · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 6:39 pm Post subject:

Nope you got the wrong guy!

Marcus Hilgers

fraserhutch · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:52 am Post subject:

I suppose you have a shepherd's crook cornet...

veery715 · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:56 pm Post subject:

I know this is the BE forum (and I have the book), but a response to the OP:

I live on 10 acres in the country. After I separated from my first wife there was no one to complain about my practicing - day or night.

There is wonderful freedom in being able to play when I feel like it. The owls have become more common (or just more vocal) as well as the coyotes. But I do not take their comments to heart, and they ignore mine.

Yes, the cats often leave the room. But they don't seem angry. As a courtesy I try not to point the horn right at them.

Then I married again, someone who wants me to play, to practice, even at night when she is sleeping. If I don't get to practicing and bedtime looms, she will say: "Vida (Honey), you didn't practice yet."

Life is beautiful.

veery