Maybe we can add a little topic for fun...What are you guys working on these days? Do you guys have any goals to achieve? Anything exciting going on soon?

Right now, I am experimenting a lot with my embouchure to make my tone sweeter...It is kind of a long process, lots and lots of tone work + switching mental gears. I am also working on my technique in the 3rd register, and learning to get used to "foreign" fingerings...also stabilizing my embouchure on notes of the sky high 4th register. Lots of T + G work obviously...I am hoping to finish Concertino by Chaminade and bring the piece to Solo + Ensemble competition...I'm also planning on minoring in piano, so now I'm reviewing lots of pieces for audition/CD + working on evil Chopin Scherzo...

And I might visit the Burkart factory soon...hoping for buying a nice M2 Headjoint some time soon. I don't live too far away from the factory. I heard it's wicked awesome...

I believe that there are other factories in the same area. If you had the extra time, I would highly recommend visiting them also. I went to the Powell factory and it was a lot of fun. You must be very excited!

I am not working on anything right now as I have been taking a break. I don't know how long that break will last. I still pick it up, but I am just not that into it lately. I usually work on things in my Trevor Wye book and the Kohler studies from OP.33 Book two.

Dutilleux Sonatine
Prokofieff Sonata
Schubert Intro and Variations
Bozza Image

I had played all these pieces in recital while I was in high school and want to work them up to performance level again 35+ years later.

I also love playing the Borne Carmen Fantasy and the Mercadante Concerti (I have all 3 of them).

Then there is Rimsky-Korsakov Symphony #2 "Antar" and the Cimarosa Concerto in G for Two Flutes (I'm playing this with the 2nd flutist in our orchestra) for the next set.

And, am going to Patricia Harper's Flute Masterclass at Assilomar (in Monterey CA) next week ... taking it easy by performing the Bach Partita in a minor and the Mozart Concerto #1 in G.

Flutewise, I am patiently waiting for Brannen to finish my new 14K flute. Last I heard it is currently in the "body shop" where they are soldering tone holes to the body. Next step, is the "stringer" who will assemble the keys/pads. At that point, I'm sending them my current Williams 14K headjoint so that the barrel can be fit to my headjoint. That way I can use the same headjoint for both my Brannen and my Haynes.

I love the Burkart factory! Ask if they can show you the factory floor, it's really quite fascinating.

At the moment, I'm working on my T&G per usual. I've also taken to treating Melodious and Progressive No. 3 as a series of daily sightreading exercises. It's my way of putting off the Jean-Jean etudes for the summer. The other day I found the Gieseking Sonatine among my music and I have decided that I will learn it in the next couple of weeks.

Today I found out that I need to play picc in a community band concert next week, so I guess I have to work on my neglected piccolo embouchure. I feel bad for my neighbors...

Taking a break now and hoping my left hand recovers fully. In September I plan to continue with the BWV 1013 with the goal of playing part of it in December, at a friend's party. Or if not good enough, a duet by Telemann. Or just nothing, just the pleasure of practising could be enough for me.

It's my way of putting off the Jean-Jean etudes for the summer.

Ah yes, I remember those ... I hated them. Good luck !!!!

I was working on Scales (Moyse's half step scales progression) last year, then James Galway saw my scale videos, he wrote me not to practice on those, but to practice <<Moyse Daily Scale Exercises>>. It is very hard, I have been practicing it daily for the past 8 months(3 hours daily). I am on 'J' right now.

My teacher #1 also asked me to practice on Trevor Wye's exercises.

My teacher #2 asks me to work on Andersen etudes. I am on Op.21 no.6 and no.11, I am not even upto Andersen's tempo, so very hard!!!

I am only like tempo 152, and Andersen's requirement is tempo 194, crazy Andersen!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGEZViypU3U

Its weird you should ask i am working on learning indian ragas and playing with some amazing tabla and sitar players as well as playing in indian restaurant too for pay

Doug