Out of pitch

Hi What a week it has been. Tuesday for me is band night as I play base trombone for a local band. Now Tuesday was not my night and we were near the end of our 2 hour session and the conductor chose to play A Whiter Shade of Pale. This piece of music I love and the base trombone is rather prominent in the opening bars. I sounded dreadful, I just could not hit the pitch for the opening C which was held for four beats and then change to F for continuing four beats. I was off both and I could just not hit it. We put it down to my lips being tired, which they most likely were. The fact that I had missed quite a few practices and two engagements wouldn’t have helped. But I really felt bad about that. However I resolved to be at next band practice and hope he might choose that tune again. I have been playing for quite a few years so I like to think, well I was not the only one that night. Talk to you soon Alan

Car Keys

Car Keys Several days ago as I left a meeting at a hotel; I desperately gave myself a personal TSA pat down. I was looking for my keys. They were not in my pockets. A quick search in the meeting room revealed nothing. Suddenly I realized I must have left them in the car. Frantically, I headed for the parking lot. My wife has scolded me many times for leaving the keys in the ignition. My theory is the ignition is the best place not to lose them. Her theory is that the car will be stolen. As I burst through the door, I came to a terrifying conclusion. Her theory was right. The parking lot was empty. I immediately called the police. I gave them my location, confessed that I had left my keys in the car, and that it had been stolen. Then I made the most difficult call of all, "Honey," I stammered; I always call her "honey" in times like these. "I left my keys in the car, and it has been stolen." There was a period of silence. I thought the call had been dropped, but then I heard her voice. " You idiot", she barked, "I dropped you off!" Now it was my time to be silent. Embarrassed, I said, "Well, come and get me." She retorted, "I will, as soon as I convince this policeman I have not stolen your car." Yep it's the golden years. LOL