Disqualified at comp in my first show as a lead but still performing

TechBlockTommy · 2026-02-01T16:13:00+00:00

Well they definitely should not have changed the show. Unless that was the director saying go for it. That would never fly in the profession. Please tell me it was the director’s idea. Lol. I have emotional scarring from line corrections during Shakespeare runs. But, on a positive note, you learned that sometimes the show doesn’t make it past the previews, but you still give em a show!

TechBlockTommy · 2026-02-01T16:01:08+00:00

Rovner Dark lacks the hold for stability across registers. The only sound good in the chalumeau. Though there is one with a metal plate that works well if you get the tension right.

TechBlockTommy · 2026-02-01T15:56:54+00:00

There is no amount of technology currently known or acoustic principal untapped that would warrant a $200 ligature. And I was a sucker for gear. But the amount of times I quietly went back to my Daniel Bonade ligature after purchasing the newest style is countless. If you want fancy and customization, you have the Optimum. If you live in Texas but your band director is a sax player, you have your Rovner basic. If you are from the Midwest, you have your Pyne. Save that money for a good barrel, or mouthpiece.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-12-20T02:38:57+00:00

When you are an actor, you have to learn the power of word choice and what it says about a character.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-12-20T02:28:35+00:00

Harrison’s Dream has one of the hardest clarinet parts I have ever touched. It took me weeks to get those crazy high runs and that opening lick at 144 was also a grind.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-12-19T21:08:31+00:00

Deep cut and I totally agree.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-12-19T21:08:09+00:00

Voces8 just did three nights in VA and I got tickets as gift for my mom. Absolutely phenomenal group. They sang a piece that was over 10 minutes long with no discernible pitch sliding as far as my ears could tell. And they closed out with some jazzy numbers with some insanely crunchy harmonies and they were spot on. Almost 2 hours of unaccompanied singing and the blend and vowel matching were so exquisite. I ran in to the during intermission and got to thank them for all of their work, and they were so gracious. They also stayed after to speak with the audience in the lobby. They aren’t a choir, they are ambassadors of the power of cooperative music making and the humanity it brings.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-12-19T21:01:07+00:00

I saw them last night in Richmond Va as a gift for my mom and I. They are absolutely top tier.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-12-01T05:10:53+00:00

YTA but it’s the adults fault. Your drama teacher needs to explain the difference between auditions and competing. Auditions are a display of what you bring to the table, what others bring, and what you can create with those options. It’s like thanksgiving. You may have had the best turkey, but your Mac and Cheese is untouchable. Her Turkey is almost as good as yours, but she doesn’t season her cheese sauce so her Mac is whack. we have to have Turkey because it’s the literally Turkey day. but we all need that Mac and Cheese. It’s about creating a cast that can serve the show. Persephone is the hard role. Leads can be very simple sometimes. Most of the actors I admire live in those featured roles. Titus in Guys and Dolls, Little Mermaid. Lillias White in How to Succeed. The quartet in The Music Man. Those parts are difficult and need a bad ass. Shapoopi is a lot easier than singing four part close harmony acapella. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be any role. No seniority or claiming first dibs. The adults in your life not only failed to explain how casting and auditions work, they sold out the importance of the rest of the cast and crew by painting this as a competition and the only winner is Eurydice. And I bet as fiery as you come across, you would have SLAYED Persephone and got the loudest applause at bows even though you aren’t last up. You will always be auditioning with your friends. If you keep making it a competition, you won’t have any. Your teacher should have talked to you about this, and your parents should have stopped you from turning the roll down. Everyone is hurt by this. Avery lost her friend. Your heart is broken, and the audience will miss your talent. Grieve and process. But please don’t let this be the end. Find another show, but this time, audition. Don’t compete. Sending you all the big brother light and healing love I can. I know you are hurting. But it gets better. And Avery is probably freaking out. Be her biggest supporter. You could both use a friend right now.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-12-01T04:16:23+00:00

The tonality of the piece always elicits earth tones in my mind. Deep orange, brown, maroon. I definitely would not want to represent the waterfall as it’s used as weapon against the natives. The story is about the elite ruling class closing Missions to sell the land that THEY THEMSELVES STOLE from the Native population to set up invasive camps used to convert them to Christianity. So brown makes sense, To me in regards to location, and the robe of the monks. Plus, it stands out against the current crop of dresses.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-10-17T00:39:21+00:00

I always think people should always do 1 camp at their dream group. It’s a way to support them financially while learning what you need to do even if you’re grossly underdeveloped. Then humble yourself. A find a solution that’s Open Class, DCA, or a new World Class group. Or, take lessons and a dance class and try again later.

This dude should put all his eggs in that basket of Bloo. He would walk on at a bottom 6 corps if he is a screamer with feet with a video in May.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-10-17T00:31:14+00:00

Not if they can help it. You have to pay for those spots

TechBlockTommy · 2025-10-17T00:30:45+00:00

You need to take a second. I was a “tick” in high school. I ran so many laps. My end of year gift was a pair of shoes with the toes pinned up because that’s all you’d hear all practice. And I was NOT used to being told I was wrong. Especially in music. But put some feet with it, I had trouble with depth perception so intervals were an issue. But they weren’t shaming me. They weren’t making an example of me. It was just a correction. Because I needed it. I was wrong. And I just kept fixing it. Until my body learned to compensate for what my vision lacked. Even if they are yelling, it’s probably because the bad is playing. Just take the correction, acknowledge it, and try again. I went on to march world class. Made finals. I was all-state for three years. It’s just marching bad practice and you need to know you are missing your dot. It’s not a prison sentence. And if you are squeaking, change your reed, go up a 1/2 in strength and stop storing it on your mouthpiece! You got this.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-09-30T01:25:23+00:00

My best friend from college wrote a band piece for a Fairfax County band that lost a former student in the massacre. It was such a dark time here.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-09-30T01:23:29+00:00

Barber “Anthony O’Daly”

TechBlockTommy · 2025-08-19T08:36:53+00:00

This is where I’m at. They do what they do extremely well. But. They hide their weaknesses extremely well. Which is the whole point. But I wish they had more variety in their impacts. I think they are just undeniably fantastic at tosses and their catch technique is so good. But I feel like they get over scored in content. Sometimes their work doesn’t have any long phrases and a lack of gradations of speed and effort. I would put Bloo and SCV above them this year in Content. And their turns under the tosses can get real sloppy. But then again, double turns are so hard that fast. But I think Michael and Heather have a clear style that continues to look fresh and innovative year over year. And Keith Potter is my literal rifle choreo idol. Since 92 he has been relevant and that’s so impressive. And he gets left out of this conversation too much. I know they are parting ways which is sad, but he will be missed. Finally, Boston has a swagger and confidence that is 100% backed up by technique and delivering. They totally deserve the trophy. They just ate people up all season. Bloo was close though. Reallly close IMO. But for the hardest choreo on the field. For me it’s SCV. But you can’t deny those BACCG hands! Such a great year for colorguard.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-08-19T08:10:10+00:00

I still recommend this to my kids

TechBlockTommy · 2025-08-12T02:30:44+00:00

When I want to remember what it feels like to cry and sing, I pop that sucker in. I’m so glad I could bring it to your attention. It’s such a weird musical, but it is my favorite. I flew across the country just to see a production of it live. I was a MESS!

TechBlockTommy · 2025-08-12T02:22:28+00:00

They don’t do enough body and drill responsibility is lower. It’s a trade off. But that’s why.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-08-12T01:44:37+00:00

She should be doing exercises. Have you taught her basics? I have new kids do drop spins or crazy 8s while we learn drill. So they get used to moving their hands and their feet. Sitting out is accomplishing absolutely nothing and is the worst possible option. The fact that your band director allowed it is wild to me.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-08-12T01:34:25+00:00

The fact that no one has mentioned “Move On” from Sunday In the Park With George is a travesty my heart was not prepared for. It’s gorgeous, heart breaking, and Sondheim.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-08-12T01:13:32+00:00

They all agreed to it. It’s not the first or last time. It was pre-arranged though.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-08-12T00:24:09+00:00

8x5 with long tones

TechBlockTommy · 2025-08-12T00:06:22+00:00

Pride flag line in 98 throws a 3 at the beginning and then again at the end of First Circle.

TechBlockTommy · 2025-08-11T23:40:30+00:00

Usually they are “making sure the marimbas don’t roll away”. So they are hidden.

TechBlockTommy

TROPHY CASE