Yes, I am still bitter.

After reading the very lengthy article that dru had posted, which I had interpreted as implying the demise of appreciation for classical music unless you yourself play an instrument. (while it was also saying that Americans just like to keep to themselves, and not bother with things not them, except when in their cars.. where they will slow down just to stare at a stalled car) But the basis of this rant is about the unappreciation of orchestral music... and my still being bitter about a significant event that occurred back in the summer of 1999. And in that event, which I was a part of, was a talent competition. In which, I performed Meditation from Thais by Jules Massenet, the beautiful piece meant for a solo violin, transcribed for viola. Sure it was slow piece, but undeniably moving and emotional. And c'mon it was a violin piece I played on the viola. On my freakin' lovely larger than a violin, viola. Do I have an E string?? No, I had to go all up on my instrument to hit those high notes. No easy feat. I remember it oh so well, I didn't fret on stage. Or so it appeared. No shaky start despite the pianissimo, eyes closed, slight swaying with the music, long white dress. although I do recall a slight flat note near the end and you could see it in the expression of my face (the video camera chose to close up on my face at this exact moment) as i quickly fixed it. In the end I lost to a girl who did a cheerleader dance (in her cheer leading outfit no less) to what I recall being a remix of 2unlimited's Get Ready for This. Insert "..." here.