Walking In My Shoes

#AdultStatus I got an awesome and expensive new couch for my apartment because I have the best aunt in the world!!! It's so comfy! #Winning

So, this has been a tough weekend. Had to do a tough, yet fun obstacle course, among other physically demanding tasks to complete the high intensity drill weekend. But the highlight was passing my OPAT! It's a fitness test that determines if I get qualify for my job in the military. I failed the shuttle running potion pretty bad the first time I took it back in September. I was worried I would fail again today. However, all of the work I've been doing paid off!! I maxed the shuttle run! I really need to get more serious about my training but that's one less obstacle standing in my way. Maybe I can handle this solider thing. Also, I can't find a part of my body that isn't sore! Definitely becoming #ArmyStrong #RoadToBecomingASoldier #MilitaryMusician

Fridays are #FratFridays. Started the day with an 8am pep rally and have a 2 hour bus ride to the game tonight followed by my first drill with the 156th Army Band bright and early. #BandDirectorLife #IAmSinfonia #NationalGuard #PleaseFeedTheBandDirector

Soooo.... Today I took a huge step in my career. I'm proud to announce that, as of this afternoon, I am enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard. I will be assigned to the 156th Army Band in Bossier City, Louisiana. I am honored to have been offered this opportunity and I am excited about how this can help me grow as a musician and as an educator. Additionally, I am equally nervous about what this opportunity will present. A huge thank you to everyone that continues to support me in my adventures. I'm definitely not the man I envisioned myself to be when I purposefully bombed the asvab in high school. Lol

I survived week 1 of band camp as a Band Director!! This week alone has been an incredibly exhausting and enlightening experience!! I am already proud of how far the kids have come and I am excited to see how far we can go this year! #Winnfield #Tigers #BandDirector #RealAdultNow #WhatIsSleep #GettingReadyForWeek2

So..... I can finally announce that I have accepted the band director position at Winnfield Senior High School!!! I am beyond nervous and excited to see what this opportunity has offer!!

Heading for my first interview in Texas!! #Nervous #Texas #Interview3 #WhichFilterAddsHair

My Birthday is next Wednesday...

My manager is better than yours! #FreeFood!

Had the honor of performing once again with Dr. Kuroda in the British Brass Band of Louisiana! It was so much fun and a great challenge! Also, intimidating to perform next to someone who I've spent 5 years studying under and all of the other professionals in the ensemble. But, I held my own! #Baritone #AnActualBaritone #NotAEuphonium #YesThereIsADifference #MyFaceHurts #BritishBrassBandOfLouisiana #AllHail #HeIsABrotherToo #Hashtag #ItsOkIHaveAMusicDegree #AdvancingMusicInAmerica

So on the way to rehearsal this morning a bird fell victim to the hunter that is my Chevy Sonic! All bowel control was lost immediately upon contact. Poor animal never had a chance!

It's official!!!! #NSUGrad #Alumnus #Diploma #Finally #ForkEmDemons

I owe so much of my success to this amazing Euphonium Professor!!! I could not be the musician I am today without his constant support, encouragement, and challenging of me to be better. I already miss having lessons with him.

Back in 2011 I was on cloud nine because I had finally received my high school diploma and escaped the little country high school. But yesterday I proved to myself and others that I can achieve great things. I worked hard for five years, but I have finished my degree in K-12 Instrumental Music Education and it feels so amazing. Now I've raised my goals and I plan to do even more! "Hard work works hard when talent doesn't work."

So, after the Jr High Varsity rehearsal today one of the band student's parents gave me a cake they made. I had no idea how to appropriately respond to this! I am gonna miss these kids a lot! #StudentTeaching #TheseKidsRock #GonnaGetSoooooFat #TJHBandOfBraves

Cirque Du Soleil! (at Baton Rouge River Center)

THS Band slaying it at laser tag!! I definitely got my cardio in today! (at Laser Tag of Baton Rouge)