i have six jobs. am i crazy?

Late last night I was chatting with a good friend, and looking towards this next semester. Yes, technically it has already started, but the add/drop deadline has now passed, so to me, that is the official beginning.

Winter semester is great, because you have MLK, Jr. Day to recuperate from the first two weeks.

In this conversation I related my jobs to my friend. She asked innocently enough, "Are you still at the Law School?"

The answer was yes, but... and I proceeded to name off the others.

There was a pause from the other end, ending with an "Oh, hermana...." (Former companion)

I believe she thinks I am crazy.

But, I love all the things that I do, and don't know what I could give up.


1) Law School
I have had this job the longest: I started the end of my senior year in high school (Mar 2001), and minus a reprieve during my mission, I have been working there since then. I freely admit that the job itself is the least favorite of my jobs, but my boss and coworkers, plus the fact that I have been there so long make up the difference.

2) Oboe 160R
I teach non-music majors the oboe. Fabulous job. This semester there are eight (up from four last semester) and have met them all, and know this will be enjoyable. I do have to mention that one of them is a plant biology major - we chatted about arundo donax, and our Living With Plants classes. A kindred spirit, I must say.

Another student is related to a Senior Couple from Florida.

And there are two beginners - one having one semester of study, and the other just beginning, just for fun!?

The rest played oboe all through high school, and have a desire to regain their skills before they graduate.

All of them want to be there, learn, and have fun - this is their fun class. Much different teaching this group than those who have to be there.

And all who have previously played oboe before are interested in improving their reedmaking skills. Hoo-RAH!


3) Reed Class
I have four scheduled hours of reed class a week. This class is not taken for credit, but is a resource for oboists to come and receive advice on their reeds. I love making reeds, what can I say. And I (usually) seem to be able to make other's reeds better than my own, so it's a great combination.

4) SightSinging
I am probably least qualified to teach this class. I volunteered because my SightSinging teacher, Dr. Jessop, really helped me through, and I wanted to repay the favor, and perhaps have a similar impact. (Very idealistic, I know.)

It always takes a week or two before I again feel comfortable in front of the group. Before this happens I have to readmit that most of the students can sightsing better than I, and I need to focus on the musical aspects of the class in which I do have credibility.

5) Chamber Coach
This is my newest BYU job. I was asked to coach a WoodWind Quintet. I'm excited for the experience, and because my friends are in it. And, admittedly nervous. I hope they're not disappointed that they don't get a faculty member. And, I haven't played the pieces they want to play.

But, as the professor who asked if I would help out said, in response to the above concern, "Music is music" I feel/hope that I will have valid input in their rehearsals when I meet with them weekly. And I know they are wanting to work hard, and give a recital in April. It's a new and marvelous experience being at a performance on the teaching end.

6) Snow College Adjunct
I was afraid, because of the above responsibilities, I would need to let this job go. However, last Friday, I talked with the woodwind person and we worked out a solution. Hooray. There's one student down there, and I dearly wanted to continue to teach her, and now I can.

Part of the deal is teaching four hours of pedagogy to the music education majors.


Class wise I have a recital, lessons and my scholarly paper to write.

No 75 pages. Twenty for me. Though others would gladly do the seventy-five in return for not doing the recital. I wouldn't mind doing the 75 (before those who have done this say anything: this is only because I am naive) I love giving recitals, and so won't miss the extra 50 or so pages. Maybe it's the researching I don't mind. Come to remember, I do very much dislike putting my findings together in an "I don't sound like an idiot" way. I finalized the direction my paper will go: to talk about the zamr/zurna/mizmar - an oboe relative from the Middle East area. I really don't much at all about the instrument, other than it's a double reed.

My recital is coming together now that I have it programmed, and the people asked. The main difficulty is the coordinating of people's schedules to rehearse.

For lessons, I just need to practice. And show up.

Non class commitments include orchestra (no breaks for the English Horn player this semester) and Honors WoodWind Quintet. And three weekends of auditions, when sometimes I don't know if I want to go to more school. Well, I do. I just doubt I'll be accepted most days. But tickets are bought, cars are rented, hotels are secured. I'magoin.

Okay, I'm done 'oh woe is me-ing'. It's a holiday, all my syllabi are out, and my life is scheduled for the semester.

I know I'll be busy, and there will be moments of extreme stress, but there really isn't anything that I could drop.

I do have a request from you, though... please be a bit understanding. March looks to be a marvelous end to many things. And I'll try to not implode like poor Mr. Krook.

[ooh, poor Guppy.]