Day 59: Pau, France

So, today was my last day of the Fall break--despite what any misleading Facebook posts may have led you to believe. I woke up at around 9h and it was raining, which is always nice here in the Attic, so I just slept for another hour, and then took my time getting up.  I started playing at about 11h 30, and had a pretty good first hour.  I took a break for a while, and kinda acted like I was working on my literature midterm, and relaxed.  At aroun 13h, I had a nice lunch with my family.  I told them about my break, and attempted, for probably the third time, to explain drum corps to them, and again, did not have much success.  After lunch, I did nothing for about an hour, and then I did a two hour practice session.  It is going ok.  I just have to keep reminding myself this is a process...

I left for opera at around 18h 20, so I could eat before rehearsal.  Because it was All Saints Day (AKA: Great reason to not work), not a lot was open.  I ended up at Quick Burger, right near the theater.  Decidedly NOT quick, as I have mentioned previously.  Liars.  I do like that their fries come without any salt, and if you want it, you have to add it yourself.  They are also basically without grease. 


I got to the theater a little early, and tried to take a few pictures.  The theater is Le Theatre St. Louis, and it was built in 1862.  It is not very big, only seating a little over 400, but it is really cool.  I really struggled to get some good pictures, but these were the best I could do.  It's not so big, so it is hard to get far enough away from any part of it to get it all in frame.  

This picture is from the conductors podium in the pit, so there is a floor full of seats about level with the camera.  There is seating in all three balconies.

Here is a look up at the chandelier and ceiling over the audience.

The ring at the top features the names of various French composers.

Lots of cool details in the ornamentation.  I sit down and to the right of where I was standing when I took this photo.

 All of the blue stuff on the walls that looks like that fancy carpet they put on concert hall seats and bannisters is actually blue carpet, so I'm sure the acoustics in the hall are just fantastic.

Here's a closer view of the decorations on the balconies.

Here is my view from the pit.  We aren't really playing.  Bernard saw me taking a photo, so he acted like he was conducting.

Rehearsal today went really, really well.  We made it through the first two acts and only stopped once, very briefly.  Things seem to be going much better, than they have been.  I think this will end up being pretty good.  I was also really happy with how I played, despite being so tired.  I only fracked a couple of notes in the entire rehearsal.  Granted, I was still far from perfect, but I am glad I am eliminating some playing errors.