Just Like College
I finally feel like I’m getting settled in here at NOI.
My clothes are unpacked. I bought enough healthy groceries to get me through the first week. I have a normal (ish) sleeping and eating schedule. I bought my month-long gym membership. I found the nearest Starbucks. I know how much music I have to learn and I’ve prioritized the really big pieces (like Brahms Symphony #4). And I’ve met some friends!
However, the first few days have been socially exhausting. It reminds me of being 18 and feels like I’m going through the awkward college orientation all over again!
The first few days consisted of countless conversations that I have named the “questioning meet-and-greet.” You know what I’m talking about…. Every situation has different questions, but the questions remain the same for the entire situation.
At college orientation:
- What’s your name?
- Where are you from?
- What’s your major?
- What dorm are you in?
asked X 245,395,938 until orientation is over….
At National Orchestral Institute:
- What’s your name?
- What’s your instrument?
- Where are you from? *note: this question is more complicated than it seems because it includes home town, undergrad, masters, and city where you now live
- Who did you study with?
- Oh, cool. So you probably know insert name who I met at a certain music festival and studies with a certain teacher at your college/conservatory …. (The music world is soooo small! Everyone know at least one person in common!)
- What are you doing now?
I have seriously asked and answered that series of questions about 40-50 times in the past few days! But it’s paying off and I’ve met a bunch of really cool people.
My back hurts from playing too much. I have to start doing yoga or something.
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