Everyone has to start somewhere...

I think that it is important, before going on such a journey, that one evaluates where they are at the start. My wife and I had a serious discussion concerning some of the issues that I will face, the hurdles if you will that I must overcome. I've seen a few issues to date, such as my lack of self discipline. This issue has plagued me for years in many arenas. For my wife, this is the most serious concern right now. Do I have the self discipline to practice every day? Can I create an organised practice schedule? I also have a problem of feeling as if I do not have the right equipment for the task ahead. As I mentioned in my first post, I have an OLD trombone. This comes from my days of being a NASCAR fan. I want the best equipment possible. Is being a professional in any arena half talent and half equipment? I'm heading to North Carolina (Home) for the weekend for my brother's wedding. There will be plenty of time to think and reflect then. I hope to return ready to take off on this journey. Until then, take care all!

Each Journey of 1000 miles begins with one step

Hello to anyone reading! This Thunderbone's Notes, my new blog. This blog is intended to chronicle my attempts to becoming a professional trombone player. Thunderbone is the name I have always given my trombones. It came from T-Bones, being the nickname of the trombone section at Dillard Jr. High. Since the Ford Thunderbird was also shortened T-Bird, I combined the two, and created a name that reflects my passion for both classic cars and music. I currently play Thunderbone II, Tigershark. It is a King Cleveland 605 with Nickel plating and F Attachment. It was built sometime between 1975 and 1980 according to the King Winds serial number registry,which means that the horn is older than I am! I have had it since 1996, when I became a trombone player in the Bartlett Yancey High School marching band. I played in the wind ensemble, the marching band, and the jazz band in High School, earning the John Philip Sousa award my senior year. I also played in the last Elon College Wind Ensemble, The Elon Pep Bands, and was a Charter Member of the Fire of the Carolinas, the Elon University Marching Band. However, after my fall 2001 semester, I put my trombone down after eight years of playing. After some soul searching, I have come to the conclusion that I want to pursue a career as a trombonist. So, after six years of on again off again playing in the privacy of my own home, I am trying a comeback. Time is of the essence in this quest, however. I have a seven year window of opportunity to land my "dream job." This is, however, one challenge I am willing to accept, one journey I do not wish to postpone, and one journey that I hope will bring me closer to wholeness in a choice of career. Won't you come along?