is this a dream?

Well I am adjusting to this new phase of training pretty well.
I am actually having a great time. I still can not believe that I am getting paid to practice my saxophone, attend music classes, and rehearse with various ensembles.

At this point I am required to practice sixteen hours per week. I am trying to put in at least two hours a day, but a lot of days I squeeze in three hours. Right now my progress is slow, but I am improving a little each day.

The music classes are basically a review of what I studied in college. At this early stage most of it I have been teaching for the past twelve years so I am doing good. I am having to learn some new terms, but it is not that hard. I've been studying or teaching music since I was in the sixth grade so it should not be a problem.

The ensembles that I have been in so far are a saxophone quartet, jazz band, concert band, and of course the ever so popular drill band. The drill band is basically a marching band. This has been the most challenging for me, because I lack the coordination to execute most of the maneuvers we are learning. As a band director I have been teaching kids to march and play for twelve years. It is entirely different to actually do this my self. I have felt like the kid who was always struggling to learn to march; the kid who the band director calls out at every rehearsal. I am improving and I guess that's what is most important. If my former students could see me now they would definitely get a good laugh.

Despite my lack of coordination, I am having a great time. I still have to remind myself daily that I am not dreaming. God has given me this awesome opportunity to follow my dream of playing music and I am so thankful.

I am also very thankful for a loving wife who has been my biggest fan during this crazy time. It has been hard being separated for so long, but I know God is going to bless us when the training is complete.