Working Backwords (and finally....photos!)

I figured this would be a good way to capture some of the craziness from my life recently:

Recently, with some time on our hands, Catherine and I went to the Imperial War Museum North. Quite a sobering trip, really, but I wanted to see the performance space I'll be in next Friday.

The building was designed by Daniel Liebeskind, and if you know my penchant for James Kunstler, then you may know my hesitancy to enjoy it. However, I found it to be a remarkable building. Liebeskind's philosophy was built on conflict ripping the world apart. The building is broken into three "shards": the earth shard, (the main section), the water shard (the closest part in the photo), and the air shard (obviously the bit jutting out on top)


Once inside the main exhibition, you were greeted by an account of Britain (and the Commonwealth's) history of battles and such throughout the past 100 years. You were treated to many personal stories, and outlooks into the effects, reporting, and causes of war. Walls were irregular, reinforcing a deconstructivit's view of war.

This last aspect was used in the most powerful way. Every hour, a video was shone regarding children's role in and life affected by war, the instruments of war and their development , or why war may arise in the first place. During the talks, photos from the Imperial War Museum's photo collection were projected onto the walls, immersing yourself in the brutal conflict.

I was extremely impressed. Going in, I wasn't sure what to expect; we all know how war is terrible (expect, perhaps, certain economists), but neither did I foresee a hippie "we all need to love each other" approach (and for said reason, why my own war museum would probably not be objective). I found a well-balanced, sobering look into military conflict.

Getting Through June

June is almost over, much to my surprise. I find out my recital score in a couple days (after a month of wait, I've actually forgotten I gave it). I move out of my flat on Saturday, saying goodbye to my Coronation Street, and finding work and a place for September.

Expect more regular updates. Even thought my recital was so long ago, I've still had performances (yesterday's was the Brass Band with Nick Childs, next week it's a mixed ensemble at the Imperial War Museum), examinations (a half hour talk on the distinctions between wind ensembles, wind bands, and brass bands), and of course my lackadaisical approach to updating my blog.

As I have a tendency to give large descriptions of how this site will change, I will actually change on not mention it. Look out for something new (like actual posts).

With brass band over, I took the day to take a walk (this is also because it's the first sunny day in a week, and Manchester isn't underwater [yet]). Stopped by the Central Library, John Rylands Library (which I've linked to before, so you'll have to hunt for them yourselves if you're that interested) and the People's History Museum. The Walk back was typical, taking me down Quay, Peter, and Oxford Street/Road (all the same street, mind you), which contain some wonderful Victorian buildings (I really ought to get some pictures on this site, hadn't I?)

Recital Results

It went well. I don't have the "official" results, but the audience seemed pleased anyway.

and Life goes on.