Hi guys,

Just in a hotel room here in Sandusky, Ohio. Melody and I are actually watching a Project Runway marathon. You know, that show about designer hopefuls.....anyway, we're just kind of chillin', putting off going to bed. We have a concert here tomorrow night.

So many sweet messages on the message board! You guys are so supportive, and send such good will, that I actually feel stronger after reading your words of encouragement. Thanks so much.

Brooke, you wrote that you're looking toward preparing a Juilliard audition, and asked what some of us played at our auditions. I played, let's see, the Chopin Ballade No. 1, a Kabalevsky Rondo Op.59, Beethoven Sonata Op.2, No.3, and at this moment the exact Bach Prelude and Fugue that I played escapes me, but I remember just listening to all of them and picking my favorite. Now, you said you were feeling some pain in your hands when you practice. One of the best things you can do to prevent pain is to take a 10 minute break for every 30 minutes of practice. That's what I do, and it makes so much difference. See if that helps

I know this is a long blog, but I wanted to tell Jon Mason congrats on starting a 5-piano group! It sounds like your goals for the group will keep you guys having a good time.....chamber music is supposed to be fun, loving the music and each other's company.....sometimes the 5 of us have so much fun laughing and talking in rehearsals that we forget we're there to practice. My only suggestions would be to learn your parts separately really well before your first rehearsal, and then, when you get together, to play through the piece slowly at first. It'll help you understand where your part falls in relation to everyone else, and help you aurally learn the other parts. Other than that, just relish the 3 dimensional, layering sound of multiple pianos.

OK, OK...I've gone on too long. Thanks so much again for the messages. Talk to you soon......

Desi