an updated picture of me

It is a bit blurry, but it says "possible least of world"

Boston Tomorrow

Tomorrow I depart for Boston @ 5:30 in the morning. I'll post pics when I am back, my dad is letting me buy a cheap camera for the trip rather than using his expensive one. It should be fun- I get to see the Boston Symphony, Harvard, Berklee college of music, New England Conservatory, and much more. The plane ride will be a bitch though.

hawk part 2

I think it is a red-tailed hawk. Not too sure.

The Hawk

There's a beautiful hawk that shows up in my back yard every day now. He's a beautiful bird! That wooden thing on the ground fell over due to the high winds. More pictures later.

Wooooop-de-doop

The roger waters concert was AMAZING! The best concert I have been to. The Who will have to put on one hell of a show to out-perform that. What I liked most about the concert was that Roger did a piece about his trip to Beirut, Lebanon. It was really touching.

I have been practicing trombone non-stop lately because of jazz. I am constantly messing around with pixie mute/plunger solos. Its so fun. I have been neglecting my guitar, and I feel really bad about it. I'll pick it up tomorrow.

Notmuch else has been going on , I took the PSAT today, what a bummer. Had to wake up early today to go to it. The test was fairly easy- except the reading comprehension. I always choke on that on tests. Bah.

Halloween is just around the corner, and I have not gotten my costume yet. I want to be Alex from A Clockwork Orange, but I dobut that will happen. I don't care that I am 16, I'll trick-or-treat until I am 90.

I found out I am going to Boston for Choir, which should be loads of fun. We will tour Berklee while we are there, which is good since I an going to apply there next year or later this year.

That is about it. I wish somebody would comment.

-Kevin

An Update in the Life of Kevin

Things have been going rather dmoothly lately. Nothing too eventful. I still wake up at 5:30-6:00 five days a week for school. Choir and jazz are a lot of fun, and I am positive my career will involve something with music. And I have just started listening to new styles of music- Classical (Tchicovsky is my favorite at the moment, I love the 1812 overture), and some Spanish style music (mariachi, flamenco, etc.). I have also started to listen to Earth, Wind, and Fire. They played a few years ago around where I live and now I regret not going to see them. But don't be fooled, I am still listening to all the rock I used to listen to. Stevie Wonder is awesome, too. Sir Duke is my favorite song of his.

I am doing fine outside of school too, I guess. My dad and I have been arguing on and on lately, but I have been able to put up with it. I saw this documentary about John Lennon today, It was really cool. Except for the part when somebody (who is not to be named) shot him. I felt really sad when I was reminded of his brutal death.

But on a lighter note, the Borat Movie is coming out soon. It should be funny, Sascha Cohen (spelling?) , the guy who plays Ali G is a really funny guy. One of my favorites.

I am going to take photos of my trombones tomorrow, so I can show them to you. I hope.

Peace and love,
-Kevin

Roger Waters Concerto: Two Days!

I cannot wait to see him! This friday, ohh yeahhh. There is a rumor going about that Nick Mason will play drums for part of it. I hope its true.

hOOt

I was hitting golf balls at the driving range today with my dad. I hadin't it a golf ball for over 2 years before today, and I was hitting great. I almost cleared the back fence with my driver, I hit it well over 230 yards. On the last shot I hit, with he very last golf ball in the bucket, I broke my pitching wedge and the head went flying out into the range (I got it back). An omen? Coincidence? Perhaps. But for now, I will play golf more often. I can't just let something like that pass me by.

I have noticed I have been blogging for over a year. I can't believe it has been so long ago that I started this, thanks to Rachel Fuller and Pete Townshend. It has been a joy letting out anger, frustration, and happiness. Along with the occasional picture and comment.

I haven't been busy lately, I just have nothing to write about. I have started school, and now I am a junior. I am 16, but I have not started driving because I am lazy and I would have to get a job to help pay for gas and insurance. I'd rather take the bus, bum a ride, or walk.

I am taking choir, and I was a bit apprehensive about going in ther on the first day. It wasin't bad after all, and now I actually enjoy singing. I am not that great, but I am at least having fun. I am also in jazz, again. It is a lot of hard work, but it is fun. I might go to New York for both choir and jazz- for choir I might sing at carnegie hall, for jazz I might play at lincoln center. Should be fun (and rather expensive- but these performances should look good on my college application).

There has been talk in my house about our family going to europe next summer since we did not take a major vacation this summer. If I do, I will want to meet Mikey, Rene, Rachel, the whole lot. My brother wants to go to Germany, Switzerland or Austria, I want to go to England (duh) and Spain, and my parents want to go to Denmark to visit the people that visited us this summer. I don't think the plans have been laid out yet, though...

Brrrrump bum bum bum bum
-Kevin

pics

Mammoth Lakes and Rainbow Falls. One of my favorite places to be.

2

Oh man, summer school is almost over. Just 2 more weeks. I have to stick it out, Bio is hard for me. Also in 2 days people from Denmark are coming over. It will be fun despite having a house crammed full of people- 7 to be exact. My brother flew home without me knowing and it was a plesant surprise. Now someone can drive me home from the bus stop, whee. Its been really hot here- 106 the other day- and very humid. Humidity is normally non existant around here, and it is not welcome. The past week we have been doing a lot of housework. We got a patio cover and my parents got tile and a new shower door in their bathroom. I got a new bed, and it feels so nice compared to my old bunk. My feet used to hang off the end, it was sad really. I am recording a song called " the heart song" and it is nearly done. I call it the heart song just because of the beat. No lyrics yet. I won't post anything until I get a few songs under my belt though. Still haven't got my congas or anything yet, I need my money back from my dad so I can make some needed purchases. It dosen't sound complete with just guitar. Its hollow and dull. Like an unsalted peanut shell with nothing inside. That will change though.

The other day, a beautiful male california valley quail flew into our window and died. I was really sad, because I had seen him (and heard him) in out back yard for a few weeks with his numerous (2 or 3) females. Poor guy. But 2 other males cane and took his place. Soon I'll see the babies running about in the back yard.

What is it with 2's?

GMAS
-Kevin

Hello, there!

I'm back. Ive been busy (as always). I am taking Biology in summer school to get ahead. I have to wake up at 5 every day, but other than that my summer has been going well. I got back form Mammoth lakes on tuesday last week, I had a blast. I need to get my ass into gear with this blog, I have been slacking lately. More later.

-Kevin.

Post number 90

Thought I would post a favorite song of mine for my 90th post.

Nobody home by Pink Floyd
I've got a little black book with my poems in. Got a bag, got a toothbrush and a comb .When I'm a good dog, they sometimes throw me a bone in.
I got elastic bands keepin my shoes on.Got those swollen hand blues.Got thirteen channels of shit on the T.V. to choose from.I've got electric light.And I've got second sight.Got amazing powers of observation.And that is how I knowWhen I try to get through On the telephone to youThere'll be nobody home.
I've got the obligatory Hendrix perm.And the inevitable pinhole burnsAll down the front of my favorite satin shirt.I've got nicotine stains on my fingers.I've got a silver spoon on a chain.I've got a grand piano to prop up my mortal remains.
I've got wild staring eyes.And I've got a strong urge to fly.But I got nowhere to fly to. Ooooh, Babe when I pick up the phone
"Surprise, surprise, surprise..." (from Gomer Pyle show) There's still nobody home.
I've got a pair of Gohills bootsand I got fading roots.

Life looks better now... much better.

Wow, things have been going great lately.

First off, I had an audition for jazz. And the good thing is, I got into the most advanced jazz class at my school! I am so happy. I only played one song for the audition and my teacher said I was in on the spot without hesitation. I was (and am) so happy. And my teacher is hard to please. The band I am in only plays songs by Duke Ellington. Every year our school competes in a compition in NYC called the Essentially Ellington competition. This year we placed 4th, which is outstanding since schools around the word compete, including art and private schools. I go to a public school, so that is even more amazing. Wynton Marsalis (a word famous jazz trumpet player and judge at the competition) said we should have placed 2nd or 3rd... which is amazing. We would have played at a concert at Lincoln Center. Next year I will be flying to New York, I can't wait.

Another thing, I am going to start driving. Today was the last day of school, and I found out all of my grades, and I have a B average. So I will drive. I can't wait, I will finally be able to go to record outlet when I want to, haha. Perhaps I will get a job somewhere.

I talked with a man from the Berklee College of Music, and I asked him questions about the music production and engineering program they have there. it sounds like I will get in when I apply. He said Agoura High School was a very prestigeous school, and it is famous for its music nationwide. That would help me, he said. The fact that I have already started recording will help me on my application too. I am a skilled musician. I play multiple instruments. I have good grades. And that is what Berklee looks for. I am thinking of applying next year and skipping my senior year of highschool. I'll just get my GED (diploma based on a test). After Berklee, I want to go to London to go to a trade school, look in previous posts.

I have decided to become a mod. I like the fashon, the music, the life. I've already got 3 suit jackets, a few ties and polos. And many pairs of levi's. All I need is a lambretta, with lots of lights, chrome, badges, mirrors and horns. I need more money. I'm saving up, I have over $1,000. I want a 200 cc motor though, I am a big man.

I have world cup fever. There, I said it. I want England to win because USA is sucking hard (and I am about 1/4 english or more). We don't deserve to be there... whatever. During my spanish exam, we were actually watching spain play against ukrane because my teacher is from spain. He was going nuts, it was the happiest I had ever seen him. Spain won, 4-0. Too bad I won't see him until next year, he's a great guy. I am currently watching paraguay play Sweden.

I also got tickets to see Roger Waters in october. I can hardly wait, even though Water's voice is fucking shot.

The rickenbacker is great as ever, and my guitar chops are getting better. I love playing green onions by Booker T and the MG's. What a great song to jam to... It allows my jazz roots to show.

I appreciate all of you people wo take the time to read this and comment. Your support is priceless. Cheers.
GMaS!

-Kevin

Woah

I have just realised something. My life has started. Everything I do (in school and at home) is preparation for something in the future. All I have to say is one thing: the future better be fuckin' worth it. I'm bustin' my ass doing school work, and I hope it will have some sort of practical use in one form or another.

My God I hate preparation. May I start to live now? Oh, guess not. Not until I am 18.

Will post later.

-Kevin

I feel better now

My arms are almost back to normal.

I haven't been writing for a while. Its not just because of my arms, but I had nothing to write about.

I had a three day weekend, thanks to memorial day. On memorial day, my dad and I went out. We bought that new David Gilmore album, and it just happens to kick ass. I love it. Then we went to record outlet, where I bought "the wall" by pink Floyd, the best of the kinsmen, and A Quick One/the who sell out double album. All three of which are on vinyl, and I like em all. I saw some beatles stuff on vinyl selling for 35-50 dollars. Are they out of their fucking minds? That's basically rape (to one's wallet, of course). The thing that pisses me off about that store is that they charge soo much on beatles and Zappa stuff. And they are almost always out of Zappa stuff, which really sucks since I am starting to get into his music.

Speaking of music, I was talking to a big executive at JBL (that speaker company) at lunch. He is also a Latin bassist, and he has done a few tours with big Latin groups throughout north and south America. He said he would take me on a tour of the facility sometime soon, including the room where they test the 1,000 watt speakers at full blast. That is going to be awesome. The same guy got me tickets to NAMM, which is a huge exposition of musical equipment. That was a few years ago, and he said he would give me his pass again for the NAMM that is coming up next year. Hex a great guy, a real family man. If they have any internships, I will sign up immediately. That would make a nice summer job.

Better now,
-Kevin

Ouch

Last night, I was playing basketball with some friends and I slam dunked he ball. But I held onto the rim for too long and I pulled some muscles in my forearms. It hurts really bad, so I'll make a longer post after I put some ice on them (both of my arms.) Why the fuck do I always get hurt? I need to be less clumsy I guess.

-Kevin

Foggy saturday.

It has been very strange weather lately. It has been foggy in the morning and then it hits in the high 80's-low 90's in the afternoon. Its just too hot for me. I can't stand the heat, its so uncomfortable.

This week, out school had STAR testing. It really is a stupid test our government makes us take- to be honest, I don't really see how it directy affects me. I'm going out-of-country (I hope) for college, so I don't give a rat's ass. I'm still trying my best on it though. Normally we have half days during this testing, but since there were fires nearby student's houses in september, we have a few days off to make up for and we have normal classes afterwards. At least they're a little bit shorter than usual.

Today I have a trombone lesson. It should be fun, and I am getting the hang of what my teacher has been throwing at me lately. I have made great improvements since last year. Last year I was fourth chair, this year I am first.

As for guitar- I am getting better too. I am just learning as many chords as I can. 7ths, 9ths, diminished, minor, major, augmented etc. I'm not progressing as much as I am with my trombone because I don't get guitar lessons. My dad thinks guitar is sort of a lousy instrument to learn because so many people play it and because of that he thinks that I will never make any money playing guitar. Please- someone set him straight. He is the only person keeping me from being a great guitarist. I have the will and money, but he won't let me pay for it. I just don't get him. And as for the money-making, I don't plan to be a professional guitarist. I just want to do it on the side- a sound engineer and musician part-time.

Tomorrow is Mother's Day in the U.S. I hope the weather gets beter though, it is likely to be foggy again throughout the day.

Wow, that was a looooong post.
GMaS!

-Kevin

Mondeee

Lately I have been listening to a lot of The Who's album, "A Quick One". Its really good. And I know that many people don't quite appreciate their early works, to those people, have another listen. It's really good stuff. I canactually play "Heatwave", "Don't Look Away", and a few others that I am too lazy to name.

I've been listening to a lot of Pink Floyd as well. Obscured by Clouds and Atom Heart Mother in particular. I wish I could afford a synth so I could emulate their sound. It is a pity I can't.

I'm gonna go to bed, I have a splitting headache.

KOKO

-Kevin

Sunday sunday sunday!

This week has been good. On friday, I went to Allen's house and jammed. Allen and I on guitar, and Hunter on bass. It was a lot of fun, and we practiced a song together. We had origionally planned on buying a barbecue and cooking some steaks, but Allen diddin't have a barbecue and we diddin't have enough money to buy one. So he said we'd have one by next week. Hooray!
My mom went out of town to Minnesota for most of the week, and she bought me a really nice Who t-shirt from the mall of America. Perhaps I'll post a pic.
Yesterday I went over to my uncle's house to say hi to my grandma who just had a blood clot in her leg. Shes O.K. now. Said hi to my grandpa too, and he is still recovering from shingles. He is doing much better too. Then I helped my uncle move his new tv onto his entertainment center. It looks really nice. After that, my cousin and I played computer games for a while. After that, we had a very nice dinner of fajitas.

That'll be enough for now. Smell you later.

-Kevin