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November 18, 2005 at 5:39 AM

Note: if you have to do something which you've been putting off because you'll feel guilty, do it when you're sick and you'll be too miserable to care.

I hadn't yet told my orchestra director that I was going to quit for a semester, because I know how desperate he is for first violinist, and he's such a sweet man and really tries to make it a good experience for everyone. But it's a time sink I just can't afford right now, particularly because I don't think it's making me a better violinist.

Anyway, so yesterday I had an awful cold but went to rehearsal anyway, and after 2.5 hours of playing I was ready to drop to the floor and pass out. I gave him the news, and he was crushed, but I was too out of it to feel really bad. He did beg me to come back for the second spring concert, and I said I'd think about it (it's fun music). I hate not being able to do everything I want to do, but at this time in my life I've got to make the tough choices.

Oh, and it's pretty funny when a brass player (which the director is) inadvertently makes a viola joke:

Director, turning to the violin section: "Ok, start again, same place."

Violist: "Do you want violas too?"

Director, absentmindedly: "No, just strings."

My stand partner and I had a good giggle over that. :)

HA ha ha! That is a GOOD one!
I have that problem to: not having time to do all I want. Ultimately, you need to do what you think is right, which is what you did. Good job!