Good news ( non political) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MS Fowler · #1 01-12-2007, 10:15 PM

I want to share some good news with my friends at Mercedes Shop. My younger son who got his Doctorate in Musical Arts ( DMA) from Rutgers in May, has landed his first regular job. he will be past time or adjunct faculty at West Chester University, teaching Low Brass. Right now its a one day a week position, but it may expand with time. He starts Tuesday--nothing like waiting until the last minute.
Combined with his gigs and private students, it should provide a decent start for him. He won't get rich, but he gets to do what he loves. He wants to buy a new car--the 1996 geo Metro I gave him is about worn out. At least now he has a regular employer, and that is something the car dealers like to see.
He is thinking of a Nissan Versa. They look small to me, but there is enough room for his tubas. Anyone with any experience with the Versa?

Botnst · #2 01-12-2007, 10:21 PM

My #2 played oboe through grade school. When she entered college I was scared to death that she'd want to major in music. She chose business, which relieved the hell out of me. There's always somebody who will hire a business major. (Though I still hope she marries well...).

Congratulations to your son. Music is a tough, tough field of employment, as are all of the arts. I'm glad he was able to hold onto his dream and get it at least partially realized. That's better than most people on Earth can look forward to in their whole lives.

Bot

Kuan · #3 01-12-2007, 10:24 PM

Hey congratulations! Don't know much about Versas except that it probably has more valves than his instrument, so can't help you there.

Botnst · #4 01-12-2007, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

Hey congratulations! Don't know much about Versas except that it probably has more valves than his instrument, so can't help you there.

Sounds like my lower digestive tract.

Matt SD300 · #5 01-12-2007, 10:48 PM

I think thats great

...cant help on the car..

sailor15015 · #6 01-12-2007, 10:53 PM

Congratulations. Its good that he's following his dream like that. My step-dad is very passionate about music and managed to make a life out of it. He was in the band all through high school and college and majored in music education and spent most of his professional career teaching music. Going for the $$$ was never big on his list, obviously since he choose to be a teacher in Oklahoma, and as a result he's one of the most genuinely happy people I've ever met in my life. Best of luck to him.

dynalow · #7 01-13-2007, 11:38 AM

MS,

My youngest daughter is in her 4th year at William Patterson Univ. in Wayne NJ. She is in the Music Management Program. Her instrument is vocal (soprano). She's has interned twice in Manhattan with Sony/Motown (I think), but that company dissolved or something. She's interning again this semester (her last) with a different record label.

I have wondered lo these 4 years how she will find opportunity in the industry. I wonder if as a parent, you ever had the same thoughts? Your son has obvoiusly made a great personal and financial investment to pursue his goals.

I know how proud you must be. Congratulations.

A264172 · #8 01-13-2007, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS Fowler

Anyone with any experience with the Versa?

I looked into them while comparing economicel compacts a little and it was the largest cargo space of the little guys along with the VW hatchbacks (excluding new beatle).
The final figures weren't in when I was looking at them though...

Glad to hear your boy has started the race and is on course.

kerry · #9 01-13-2007, 12:50 PM

Congratulations. I recently had a tenant just recently out of college who had won a position at the Denver Philharmonic. It felt good to me that people were willing to make that kind of committment to music at a young age and be successful.
Looks like your son's only flaw is not considering a 123 diesel. A TD should accomodate instruments nicely.

Hatterasguy · #10 01-13-2007, 12:58 PM

Good for him! Its nice to know that there are some normal people at Rutgers!

What about a Toyta Matrix/Vibe? Those are nice little wagons.

cmac2012 · #11 01-14-2007, 05:19 AM

I too was thinking that it's fortunate that he could get a position in that field as it's not always easy. I beat my head against a wall for years thinking I could make some serious cash with music. I got a few accolades on small stages but translating that into regular cash is another matter.

Now, can we get back to the political bickering?

Ara T. · #12 01-14-2007, 06:19 AM

Out of those little hatchback cars, the Honda Fit is by far the best one. Good luck finding one though. At least one that isn't marked up by 5K.

aklim · #13 01-14-2007, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS Fowler

My younger son who got his Doctorate in Musical Arts ( DMA) from Rutgers in May,

You are going to admit that after Kamil got into all that trouble talking about his kollege which happens to be Rutgers?

Carleton Hughes · #14 01-14-2007, 08:52 AM

Congratulations! that's just great! I loooove music,in fact a close friend of mine is a Tuba professional who learned from the best and is responsible for several film scores,Finding Forrester,The Aviator,Ghost World,ETC,and regularly appears on A Prairie Home Companion with his band,be glad to P.M. his phone # to you.

What's your son's weapon of choice?Eb,BB,or F-?3-4 or 5 valve?

MS Fowler · #15 01-14-2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carleton Hughes

Congratulations! that's just great! I loooove music,in fact a close friend of mine is a Tuba professional who learned from the best and is responsible for several film scores,Finding Forrester,The Aviator,Ghost World,ETC,and regularly appears on A Prairie Home Companion with his band,be glad to P.M. his phone # to you.

What's your son's weapon of choice?Eb,BB,or F-?3-4 or 5 valve?

I've lost track of his instruments. He had a CC Hirschbrunner, but traded it and his Eflat for two new instruments. I can fill in some details, later.

Thats all, Yes I STILL worry about him supporting himself as a musician. He subbed for the Philly Orchestra, and is still on the sub list, but hasn't been called for a few years-- I don't know why, and he won't pursue it. He is really good at networking and gets gigs in NY and thruought the NJ/philly area. What surprises me is that when I listen to him talk with his friends, he REALLY knows something about music. In fact he knows quite a lot.
His passion is still to play, and he has another audition this month ( US Navy Band). You have to be able to take rejection to try to win an audition.

As for Kamil.... Jon told me he had to fail an ROTC student who was in his senior year at Rutgers. The guy needed to pass to stay in ROTC. but he did not even make an attemp to master the subject material. I think he had a "20" average, or so. After discussing it with his supervisor, Jon gave him the grade he had earned. As a result, the student had to pay back the money ROTC had given him for his education. I keep fantasizing that the student was Kamil, even though I know it wasn't.