February 04, 2006

Symphony #13 for 100 Guitars

I am performing in Glenn Branca's symphony for 100 guitars Saturday night at Montclair University. I found out about the opening for more guitarists only a week and a half ago and originally felt that taking two days off of work would certainly keep me from participating. I couldn't stop thinking about it however, and the more I thought about it the more I knew I had to do it. Or at least give it my best shot.

I put in a request and got the two days off. As soon as that was settled I wrote to Reg Bloor, who was coordinating the players, and confirmed my place. Within two days I got an email with the sheet music.

This piece has been performed a few times before, most notably at the World Trade Center in June of 2001 where it was premiered. There was also a recording session in Astoria, Queens. It has been reworked quite a bit since then and all of the veteran players I have spoken to say that it a very interesting version. It's a bit more difficult also. We have been rehearsing for two days and will rehearse most of the day tomorrow before the performance at 7:30. It is going well though and although it is difficult to get a good perspective from the stage, I get the feeling that it sounds very impressive.

I am still wired from the rehearsal today (I didn't get home until 11:00) but I am going to try and get to bed soon. We start a little later tomorrow so I can sleep late if I need to. I will probably get up early to work through the music a few times before I leave, though. Nervous energy, you know.

Oh, and I turned comments back on and already I'm getting spam. Sweet.