friday the 13th again

Friday the 13th. Nothing exceptionally unlucky happened today, haha. Actually I quite enjoyed today.

In band, we're starting to have batch practice, i.e. the whole batch (Sec 1/2/3/4) will go somewhere around the school to practice together some pieces to play for Investiture.

Our songs:

1) Centuria (Batch Song)
2) Fate of the Gods
3) Utopia (unconfirmed)

This time, I am determined to get all my notes/articulation etc. correct, and try to match up to the Sec 3s last year (Sec 4s this year). Our batch has always been pretty... unenthusiastic when it comes to batch practice, so this year that has got to change. It already is, in some people.

Downside: I was the only clarinet today, and that might happen frequently from now on. And everybody says I play too soft...

1) Centuria (3rd clar) - It's the hardest batch piece out of the 3 (others are Crystal City Overture and Circle of Life). I think we sound ok for the fast parts, but the slow bits are empty (only like 10 Sec 3s came today). And I might switch to 1st.

2) Fate of the Gods (1st clar) - Listening to the recording, I must say that its very nice. It portrays a battle between good and evil (cliche!) and only revolves around one theme, so it shouldn't be too hard once I master the fingering. BUT, solo 1st clarinet = plenty of solo melody bits, and duets with the flute.



3) Utopia (haven't got the score yet)

Well, its still 1 month + to Investiture.

On another topic, I went to watch Harry Potter 5 yesterday. My father got some complementary tickets for the opening night, so why not? Also met some RI boys there, I know one by name, the others two by face. I didn't know they knew me.

It was... actually GOOD, unlike HP 4. People who haven't read the book may be a bit lost, but the plot is much clearer than HP 4. The good/evil distinction is plainly evident; white smoke = Order of the Pheonix, black smoke = Death Eater; green = Voldemort (Adeva Kedava), red = Dumbledore (Expelliamus?); fire spells = Voldemort, water spells = Dumbledore.


5 stars for the effects too. The final battle made me shiver.

On the other hand, sometimes the need for simple understanding by stereotyping was carried away in Dolores Umbridge. She is supposed to act the simpering assistant of the Minister, but the stereotype went too far. She was portrayed:

1) dressed in bright pink
2) high pitched voice
3) short, fat, old lady
4) smile stuck on her face

but

5) general bad guy
6) patronizing
7) cruel
8) control freak
9) unfeeling

That's a bit too much.

Anyway, goodnight.