Wednesday, August 11th First letter from the mission field

Well, I have finally made it to Rochester, NY! That flight trip was a lot longer than expected... :P However, everything has turned out for the better! :)

It has been quite an incredible couple of days. For starters, I met President Christianson. He's just like Uncle Craig; I love it!!! He :) He interviewed all 12 of us the night we got in. (P.S. Elder Hunt picked me up! He gave me a huge hug! :D) I was the last interview of the night - meaning I didn't get to sleep until around 11. In my interview, we talked about why I was here. I told him that I was here to do what the Lord would have me do in any situation and I would be happy with any place the Lord put me. Towards the end of the interview, we both got a little teary-eyed. I committed to him and the Lord that these next two years, I would not let them down. This time was for me to do the best I can in serving the Lord, and he told me that he was really touched by that. One thing he constantly told the group was that he loved us just like his kids. I feel the exact same way for him. Like I said, he is just like Uncle Craig and I don't think I could ever bring myself to let him down. :)

The next day, I recieved my new companion and trainer. His name is Elder Bryson. He's been in the field about 6 months and loves the fact that I want to work. One of the Elders from my MTC district (Elder Decker) is also in my new district. We have been assigned to serve in Bath, NY. Good luck finding it on a map... it's in southeast corner of the mission. It is a small, podunk town. When I first arrived, I was extremely nervous. I've met a lot of...interesting(?) people here. I'm sure you know how it is in small towns. However, I have a great story for you.

Side-note: So, I didn't move in to a very clean apartment (Elder Bryson's last companion also had to have an early transfer... ya, no good.) I understood the circumstances and we cleaned it up pretty quick. However, our next door neighbors are heavy smokers... and JW's. :P So the smell of their smoky atmosphere leaks into our apartment. YUCK! We went shopping today and I picked up a ton of air fresheners. Hopefully that works.

Our first teaching appointment was last night at 7:00pm. It was with one of Elder Bryson's golden investigators. Her name is Tina Cash. She's from Pennsylvania, had a rough past (used to be in prison under false charges) and is currently on probation. She has two daughters who are older, pregnant, and unmarried but in relationships. She met with the missionaries once before about 12 years ago, but that went south and decided recently that she was going to see us again. She already has a tentative baptismal date for 9/11. I say tentative because she is a smoker. She has committed to baptism, but she must be clean for 21 days before she can have her interview. She is very repentant and knows that she wants this, but she "will recieve no witness until after the trial of [her] faith." Elder Bryson said that was the biggest step they've made with her ever, and we aren't going to let up at all. I made a deal with her. If she stops smoking, I will stop biting my nails. I've done good, and so has she. We meet with her again tonight @ 7. We also meet with her friend, Amanda, who I also extended the committment of baptism, too! She has just started with us, and I know she can pull through if she, too, throws the addiction of smoking. She has a lot to learn, but I have full faith that she will do it. She is also committed for the 11th with Tina. Elder Bryson was so excited about what happened; his last companion left him out to dry a lot of the time. He's so relieved and grateful to have a companion who actually wants to work. I will continue to make sure I am that companion for him.

How's that for a first day? I figured I would just dive in and go straight to baptism. That's why I am here. As missionaries, we are the gatekeepers to baptism and we must "invite all to come unto Christ by helping them recieve the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement, Repentance, Baptism, Recieving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End." The MTC taught me well. More importantly, the Lord, through the Spirit, has taught me well. I continue to stay humble, yet bold and focused, yet happy in all things.

I love you all so much!! I hope everything is going well down in Provo. The mission is hard. I know that now because I have experienced it first-hand. However, I am strong. I know this is where I need to be, and I would have it no other way. At first, being in this little "village" gave me an unsettled feeling. I have since gotten over that and am now totally focused on why I am here. It has nothing to do with me. Remind Andrew and Catriel that they need to begin studying PMG if they haven't already. Don't focus on the lessons - those come in time and teaching. Focus on Ch. 4,5, and 6. Feel free to do so as well. Great insight on the subjects. :) Again, I love you all! My love goes out to all and letters will ship out monday! :)

Love always!

Your son,
Elder Sean Ryan Adair

Goblins! Rocks! Where's DOUG?!?!

What a FANTASTIC weekend! We had a little too much fun in Goblin Valley. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I figured I would show you a few. Mainly because that's a lot of words that I don't wanna write down...

Wandering aimlessly...



Just chillin' in a cave...



Garignak, Garignak, Garignak...



Yay! Scriptures!

Friends

It's comin down to it and I'm feeling it. Like I've said, I'm not nervous. It's a form of excitement I would like to call... anxiety. Yup. That's what it is.

Today, I gave my "farewell" address. So many people showed up, I was afraid of where the ward was going to sit. Overall, the talk went great. Seeing that my dad is a bishop, he had me speak in his ward last week, so I got a heads up practice talk for this sunday. I guess his kids can be guest speakers... I should've seen it coming - Taylor did it. Afterwards, everyone came to our open house. That was a great time. I got the opportunity to see many of the people I haven't seen in years. It was a very close, happy experience that really touched my heart. To think I said I didn't have many friends. When they fill a chapel... it makes you wonder...

The Lord has given me such a great talent of befriending everyone I meet. I love that I don't know a stranger. In the mission field, I hope this trait helps me through my teaching and meeting investigators. I love the Lord, his gospel and his teachings.

P.S. I enter Wednesday...

Happy Early Birthday to Me!

We celebrated my 19th birthday early this year, since the mission thing kinda takes precidence over the birthday. I don't mind. :) I got a lot of stuff for my mission, including a digital camera and a battery-powered alarm clock.

I only have 10 days left! It's getting pretty insane. On the outside, i'm not showing my excitement. It's not that i'm not excited, nor nervous, nor anxious. I'm just ready. I know this is what I am supposed to be doing and have realized that this is what I'm supposed to do. :) 10 Days...

I'm Tired.

Here's a short blog entry for ya:
I'm chillin over at Jon's house tonight. We spent a lot of hours on Garage Band... wrote a new song. :) It's awesome. But, for now, i'm going to sleep now. Nunight bye.

2 Weeks...

We've hit the 2 week mark. As I think about the time I've had to ponder these upcoming years of my life, I have found myself anxious. I'm not necessarily nervous or excited, but I am more than ready to go. I've almost gotten everything I need. Funny story - I went to Mr. Mac to pick up all my suits 'n' stuff. We also picked up 2 pairs of Florsheim shoes. Found out that after wearing a pair of them for a day, both shoes busted at the seams. How can I walk for two years in a pair of shoes that won't hold out for a day...? I'm assuming it's just that pair of shoes, so hopefully they will replace them for me. We'll see...

No Shirts, No Shoes... No Sweat!

This is so awesome! I just went and got my missionary clothes yesterday!!! Mr. Mac had this great deal where I could get two suit coats, four pairs of pants, 8 white shirts, 5 silk ties, and two pairs of Florsheime dress shoes all for $695.00+tax! I saved about $400! You wanna know the best part. I payed for it all!

For Father's Day, I recorded a CD for my dad. He loved it and I decided, to help pay for my mission, I would sell these CDs for $10 a piece to anyone who would like one. It has been a big success! * Note - Anyone who would like a CD, I direct you to my Facebook page for more information! *

On top of that, I have also been doing various yardwork jobs for family and friends. That has brought in a lot of money as well. In about 3 weeks, I have managed to make almost $1000! I am proud to say that I have help pay for my mission, and I still have 17 Days... whoa... 17 Days...

26 Days... :)

Wow. 26 Days until I am a Missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serving the people of Rochester, New York. Time is only speeding up... and it's taking too long! I can't wait to be Elder Adair!

To Dad, With Love

For Father's Day, I gave my dad my personal best of a gift. Collectively, it took about 30 hours of work. I recorded my very first CD! All but one song are covers of other songs by John Mayer, Lifehouse, Leonard Cohen/Jeff Buckley, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, and Beethoven. I really enjoyed the recording process and thank Bennett Jensen and BSL Studio Productions for putting all that time towards this CD for NO COST! I can't thank them enough.

My dad loved it. He thought it was really cool that I actually got a professional recording of ME. I think it's pretty cool, too. I have also decided, to help pay for the mission, that I am going to sell the CD @ $10 each. It's already been a big hit and I hope it keeps up! If I can get it to work, a song from my CD will be posted here on my blog. We'll see what happens.

Too Long

Wow. It sure has been a long time. Maybe I should keep up on my blog a little more. In my defense, I actually forgot how to sign in...

Let's see... The last time I posted was when I left for California..! Good Grief! I have a lot to go over. First things first!

California was a RIOT! I had so much fun enjoying the company of Mom, Jon, and the Riddle family! We went to prom, Six Flags and Coronado while Mom and Jon were there. Then I asked if I could stay an extra week. They gladly accepted and I got to spend a lot more time with my uncle and cousin David. We had so much fun! When Uncle Craig had to work, me and David did all kinds of stuff. When David had to work, Uncle Craig and I went Geocaching and hiked around 'n' stuff. When they both had to work, I... played Wii and tried my best to help out around the house. It was a very rewarding and enjoyable visit, and I won't get to see Karisa, Kayley, Joseph and Aaron again until after the mission. It was a little sad, but in a good way. Make sense? David is gonna come down a week and a half before I leave, and Uncle Craig and Aunt Karen are gonna make it in time for my farewell, amongst work and other things. They are so cool! They are always wanting and willing to come support me! I love them so much! To the Riddle Family - LOVE YOU. LOVE YOU. LOVE YOU MORE!

When I returned home, it was time to get back to preparing for the mission. I went through the Temple! What a great experience that was! I enjoyed it so much, and my first time through was very... surreal. It was so mind-boggling to catch everything, but what a blessing to know that I have a current Full-Use Reccommend! I can go whenever I want and do more than Baptisms! It's AWESOME! I went to a wedding on Thursday! Absolutely delightful! My testimony of the temple has greatly increased since I recieved my endowments! It puts a whole new perspective on life, and I love it!

As far as missions go, Jon La Follette recieved his! I had the opportunity to go to his letter opening and see where he was going. He has been called to the California Carlsbad Mission. You wanna know what is so crazy about that call? It's 10 minutes away from Vista - where the Riddles live! He has been back and forth from Utah to California for the past month just to find out he's living there for 2 years! It's awesome! We also have a couple Homecomings this week! Enoch Hunsaker, who has been serving in the California Anaheim mission returns on Tuesday! Douglas Kelly, serving in the Italy Rome mission returns Friday! It's incredible! I've missed both of them so much and hope to get much advice/experience from them, especially while it is still fresh on their minds! I can't help but be so excited for all these missionaries, like myself, both preparing and serving the Lord in this great dispensation of times. I know I'll have a great opportunity to serve in Rochester, New York.

That just about cover's what is happening in my neck of the woods. Peace, love and happiness to all my friends and family.

Good News... Bad News... Bittersweet News...

The Good News is...

I'M GOING TO CALIFORNIA!!! Tomorrow morning, I head on the 12-hour one way trip to Vista, CA where I will get to hang with my family. It is my mom, Jon La Follette and I. We are so stoked. We are happy to take Karisa to her prom, go to David's birthday bash, and hang with the rest of the family! Ultimately, it's the road trip Jon and I had planned, but with many additions - My Mom, Prom, etc. Overall, we are ecstatic to be going!

The Bad News is...

We aren't sure when we're leaving tomorrow. See, we never went and grabbed my tux and suit at the cleaners, so we can't go until they open tomorrow... ya. We're a little miffed. Plus, leaving for a road trip is stressful - at least, that has become the default feeling for our family. But it's all good. We'll have a great time.

The Bitterseet News is...

I won't see Nate Smith for another 2 years. He leaves on Friday for a service mission in Nauvoo, IL, playing his trombone. A little bummed, but, at the same time, very excited for each other to go serve in the Lord's work. He is extremely excited to go show his love of the Gospel through music. I wish I could have that opportunity. Maybe, one day, I will be able to do that as well.

Back to the Past

I went back to Timpview High School today to let everyone know of my mission call. I didn't make it in time for Symphonic Band, so I'll have to meet with them after California. However, I was able to catch the Timpview A Capella choir. Standing in front of 150 high school students, I announced that my "Public Address to my Denominational Congregation" or Farewell would be July 18, 2010. Much excitement was brought through the room, and many of the high school seniors got a wake up call - THEY'RE NEXT!!!

That's about all for today. Not a whole lot happened, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a fantastic day. Good Night.

Home Sweet Home

I've been home for about 3 days now. It's weird to think that I have already completed an entire semester of college. It is even weirder to think that I go on a mission in 2 and a half months! Everything seems new and different to me... I like it.

I'm back to living with my brother... which means sharing a room... and I immediately was reminded of what I was coming back to. You could tell, over the past school year, that he had claimed that room because his stuff was EVERY WHERE! I looked in the closet and was immediately overwhelmed at the mound of... stuff there was on the floor. Now, I'm not any where close to the cleanest person in the world, but that was astounding to me. How could one live in such a sty? My mom likes to remind me that I was that bad by myself, but I have a hard time believing her.

I have also found how easy it is to lose track of time through wasting it. As much as I love hanging with my friends, I have found that I play a lot of video games, particularly at home. Before the mission, I have found that this is not so much a good idea. I will try my hardest to keep my time prioritized and my mind focused on my mission and my calling as a servant of the Lord.

Overall, it is great to be back home. I get to see my family regularly again, as well as the neighborhood buddies and such. However, I will miss the many people I met at Snow. I'm not going to repeat myself, but I do wish you a fond farewell, and I hope we will meet again someday.

One Thing After Another

Mission Call after Mission Call! It's getting insane! Just try and follow:

Shad LeFevere - Got his call yesterday to Uganda, Africa
Mikey Morris - Got his call today to Asuncion, Paraguay
Abel Whatcott - Also got his call today to Eugene, Oregon
Andrew Mestas - Should get his call next week

And they just keep coming. With that, many of my friends are coming home:

Richard Wood - Returns in May from Lima, Peru
Douglas Kelly - Returns in June from Rome, Italy
Enoch Hunsaker - Returns in June from Anaheim, California
Steven Pond - Returns in August from San Jose, California

So, in a nutshell, My mind is absolutely boggled at the amount of mission calls there are. Never in my life has this been so prominent. Every mission I hear about makes me so excited; it's almost surreal to hear about where everyone is going. I LOVE IT!!!!

I'm sitting hear in Mary Nielson, all by myself. The school year is over, and many friends are gone. Some of these friends are gone forever, others only for a short while. Regardless, I look back over the past semester and have nothing but good things to say. It has been an incredibly uplifting semester, meeting new friends that care for me more than I ever thought they would. This love is what I truly find in a friend; someone who is willing to take time out of their busy lives (which is the description of any college student's life) to make sure I'm alright. I don't ask for their help, which astounds me. They just... do it. It's amazing. Thanks to all the friends I met here at Snow College. To those I will see again, good luck these next two years. God Speed and my love goes out to you. To those I won't see again, KEEP IN TOUCH!!! Our friendship did not end at Finals Week. Know that I will always want to hear from you. You are my brothers and sister of my college family. God be with you 'till we meet again.

The Snowball Effect

Who ever thought the excitement of a mission call could just, for lack of a better word, snowball into what today has turned into! After taking my chemistry final, I spent the majority of my day drooling over all the different things that are going to be going on in my mission! I also looked up detailed facts about the Palmyra New York Temple! IT IS GORGEOUS!!! I can't wait to spend 2 years there!

Shad received his mission call today. He's going to Uganda! He goes into the South Africa MTC on Sept. 9. So, he'll be here for my farewell! And I'll be here for his homecoming! I am so stoked for him. So far, he's speaking English, but we won't know until he is in the MTC. It is going to be such an incredible mission. I am so happy for him; he is going to be a fantastic missionary and I wish him the best of luck. God Speed, Elder.

I wish I could say more, but I tired. More info coming tomorrow!

Office of the First Presidency...

Dear Elder Adair:

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the New York Rochester Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.

You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, July 21, 2010. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English Language. Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!
This is so insane! I finally have my mission call! I have waited 19 years and I'm going to where the Restoration of the Gospel BEGAN! My mission covers Palmyra, Fayette, Buffalo, and even Niagara Falls! I am so excited! I go into the MTC 6 DAYS AFTER MY BIRTHDAY! AGH!

MTC Mailing Address:
Elder Sean Ryan Adair
New York Rochester Mission
Provo Missionary Training Center
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604

Mission Home Address:
Elder Sean Ryan Adair
New York Rochester Mission
100 Perinton Hills Office Prk Ste 120
Fairport, NY 14450-3603

Thanks again to all that were able to make it! I should find out when my farewell is soon. Thanks again!

What Some May Call "Hell Week"

I am happy to say that my Finals Week is fairly calm. With one final today, tomorrow and Friday, I have found ample amount of time to get all the things I need done taken care of. Today is my Music Theory Final which, in my opinion, is the most important. I feel pretty good about it and have done well in the class all semester. My chemistry class was painfully easy, so the Final shouldn't be so bad. My Public Speaking class wasn't too bad. What I don't like is that our Final is a Group Presentation, or in other words, my Final Grade is dependent on their preparation. I think my entire group is cool, but I would much rather have my final grade solely my responsibility. I guess we'll see what happens...

My Mission call should be coming in TODAY or TOMORROW! I am so stoked!!! This is your time for last minute guesses. If my call doesn't come this week, it will come next week. Let me tell why this is a "problem", if I can even call it that: I leave for California next Thursday. If I receive my call while in California, I won't be able to open it until the following Tuesday. THAT IS NO BUENO! So, let's just hope it comes today!

I found out yesterday that my Uncle Craig was in Ephraim at Noon. Of course, I don't hear about this until 3:30pm. I saw that I missed a call from him and was returning the call. He said him and his mom were in town, because he had to take his mom to the hospital in Gunnison and figured they would drive back through Manti and Ephraim and say hi. Well, I had been at the Music Building cleaning out my locker and turning in Music at the time, with my phone on the charger back at the dorm. I was a little miffed, seeing that my Uncle Craig and I are just as good of friends as family. It's ok, though. I'll see him next week when I head off to California! :)

A Spontaneous Weekend

Nothing quite like needing (wanting) Wendy's at 11:00 at night. Unfortunately, the closest one was in Nephi. That didn't stop me. :) Shad, Erin, Jess, Karen and I drove all the way to Nephi in hopes of getting a Baconator. Too bad Wendy's closes at 12:00 am, since that is when we arrived... :(

What a great weekend! Not a whole lot went on, but it was the last weekend I will be having in Ephraim for a long time. I had a great time with friends, finished off the "Life Sketches" concert, and managed to do some studying (SOME studying).

As for today, Sunday, we had a quasi-testimony meeting (minus the fasting 'n' such) to finish off the semester. There were many tears and many smiling faces. Toward the end of the meeting, I got up to bear my testimony, but I didn't really know what to say. So, scatter-brained and bewildered, I fumbled through a testimony that ended up having a adhesive ending. I was able to express my appreciation to all my friends I had met at Snow, as well as appreciate the opportunity the Lord has given me to be in such a wonderful ward. They have made me live the way I wanted to live and kept me on track for the next upcoming months.

Hopefully the call comes in 4 days!!! 4 DAYS?!?!

A Sigh of Relief

I really thought yesterday was going to be a joke. For the last couple days, I had been having a difficult time playing my instrument, as well as managing my time correctly without forgetting something. However, I felt the Lord's hand throughout the day as everything seemed to simply fall into place.

My biggest fear were my juries and recital. As i've stated, playing has been extremely difficult because of how much I have played. As the time of juries came closer, I didn't think I could perform to the caliber I had previously proven to myself and my instructor, Rusty McKinney. I then took the advice of my mom and prayed for help. As I walked into the jury room, I realized that playing was just as easy as before. Every note sounded clearly and I felt very good about my execution. Later on that day, I performed "Andante and Rondo" from the Concerto for Double Bass by Antonio Capuzzi, arranged by Philip Catelinet. My sound had never been so pure and rich. I was very glad to have performed so well. There were times where I could have done better, but overall, I was very pleased.

Later that day was the first night of the "Life Sketches" concert. Surprisingly, it was a lot better than I thought it would be. When we performed our numbers, both in the Wind Ensemble and the Chamber Choir, we sounded beautiful. When I wasn't performing, I spent my time being who everyone knows me to be: the clown. But I believe I have found the perfect level of allowance. In other words, I have been able to gauge how much is too much, and am successful at avoiding that threshold. I felt happy the entire time because I looked around and saw many people (girls especially) giggling and laughing at my genuine idiocy. I love it!

So yesterday, Nate and Jon showed up. It was so awesome to chill with those guys again. We went to the Institute Stomp after the Life Sketches concert. To my surprise, It was way fun. After all, I got to dance and enjoy myself with more girls than I have this entire semester. It more than proved that it isn't the dance that makes it fun, but the people you're with that makes it enjoyable. Besides, I love being able to hang with my brothers, especially since the time I have with them is short.

Just FYI: mission call should be here this THURSDAY! Fingers crossed...

Repercussions of a Great Lesson

I think I may have taken Gene Pokorny's lessons to a whole new level. When I went to play my tuba today (after have played 5 consecutive hours yesterday), I found that my "chops" were shot. I couldn't get good tone for the life of me all day. On top of that, this "Life Sketches" concert isn't helping, having me blow every pedal note I possibly could. My lungs and lip muscles have never been so... unresponsive. I'm actually very nervous about my recital tomorrow. For the last couple days, I have been having response issues and it isn't seeming to get any better. At least I'm working.

Regarding the mission: I'm still waiting for my papers. Every day makes me more and more anxious. My mission is going to be such a great experience. I actually woke up to a dream about my mission. It showed a classic mission scene: my companion and I walking down the street - tags on, BOM's in hand, and smiles on our faces. Previously, I have had dreams regarding where I may be called to, but nothing ever this vivid. It was trippy, but very refreshing. I'M GOING ON A MISSION!

I have received word from my roommate Chip Wiggin that Nate Smith and Jon La Follette are coming down tomorrow. That is going to be a ton of fun. Although i have a busy day tomorrow with my recital and concert, I believe it will turn out to be a good day. We may even go camping! :D

Well, it's late enough for me to feel the weight of my eyelids. I guess it's time for bed. G' Night.

Woof!

That's about all I can say after today. I have had one thing after another hit me like a ton of bricks. For starters, I had a P.E. Final this morning. I felt good about it, but I believe that is the drowsy feeling of waking up at 7:00 for the class. Following that, I had Music Theory. It wasn't too bad. Just learning about the same stuff... for the third time. Ugh. Then Chemistry came (pointless class). We critiqued a movie about the idea of Global Warming being a scam. I did my theory homework instead. Following that was Wind Ensemble, where I proceeded to follow the direction of Gene Pokorny and his workshop yesterday. Things just kept piling as the day went on. I practiced for my recital (with AND without my accompanist - Thanks Again, Allyn) and then sat in on a 3-hour rehearsal in the hot, sweaty pit underneath the stage. No bueno.

Now, imagine doing all this yourself... without any food inside your belly. I figured I would have some time to maybe get a bite. All I got was a little Mac & Cheese, which you all should know is not nearly enough for me. So, what's the best part. I get to do it all again tomorrow. Ya... Not too excited.

But my spirits are high! Why? Because another guy in my dorm (Sam Thomson) just received his mission call to Mexico! Every time I hear of a mission call, I get so excited. Mine is coming soon!!! I wait eagerly for my call to arrive. :) Well, I'm off to bed, seeing that it is already tomorrow... What does that even mean? I don't know, but Good Night! :D

An Exciting, Tuba Filled Day

My first blog! Hope you like it! I don't really know what I'm doing, but whatever. :P

Yesterday afternoon, my Mom called me to tell me that my Mission Papers have been sent in. In theory, I should recieve my mission call around the 29th of April. We do not know whether that will happen or not. Nevertheless, I have high and anxious hopes for the day I recieve the envelope. If you have guesses, feel free to post them on my Facebook group entitled "Sean Ryan "Teddy" Adair's Mission". I would love to hear from you. :D

As for the day today, I have a very unique opportunity to study under the direction of Gene Pokorny, Principle Tubist of the Chicago Symphony. In his master class, we learned a unique concept of warmup that has already helped my overall execution of Tuba playing, focused mainly on the aspect of breathing. Following that, Josh Jensen and I played for him and recieved pointers and tips unique for each of us. I believe Josh and all the others in attendance would agree that it was an extremely successful workshop. Following the workshop, he gave a spectacular performance; this included "Three Piano Preludes" by George Gershwin, "Jabba the Hutt" by John Williams, and "Wedding Day at Troldhaugen" by Edvard Grieg. His incredible execution of each number was astounding, particularly to me as a tuba player. Now that I know what a Tuba really sounds like, I have no reason to not improve my sound from here on out.

I believe that is all for today. Again, if you would like to guess on where I may go on my mission, feel free at the Facebook group to post them.