Graduation Week!

Hello friends!
Sorry for the late update. I've been asleep with the flu for the last two days, but I think I've turned the corner today--though our tunes might have an extra Tom Waits-ian rasp to them this week with me leading!

I'm going to forego the usual recap because, even though we learned some new songs this week, I know you're all eagerly anticipating the BIG GIG this week! You've all worked very, very hard this session, so please take a few minutes to reflect on that. In just two months, you've improved your playing significantly, built your confidence, and had some fun (I hope)! All of those are notable accomplishments in and of themselves, and taken together they are cause for celebration! And that's precisely what the graduation show is meant to be--a party. It's your chance to exhale, show-off, and bask in the adoration of a room full of your fellow students who know first-hand how hard you've been working. Enjoy every minute of it--and invite your family and friends! You've earned the accolades you shall surely receive.

So Guitar 3 has boldly decided to put all its eggs in one basket and tackle the greatest opus in glitter rock history--Ziggy Stardust! (*sniff* I'm SO proud!) Watch the transitions from the intro run into the versus and make sure we all lock into a nice relaxed tempo, and mind that Cadd9 chord at the end. Those are the two sticky spots I know of. Other than that, I'm 100% confident. Be sure to rock out hard on that bridge! Tell your guests that our show starts at 9pm in Szold Hall (that's in the new building on the 2nd floor)

Guitar 2 Rep is also prepping some potential showstoppers with Heart of Gold (hammer-ons! bass note pickin'! Shifting strumming patterns!), or September Gurls. There are pros and cons to each one, so practice them both hard and we'll make our final decision on Saturday. Your guests should be seated in Mauer--where we have Second Half--by 11:45am.

And finally, Guitar 1 Rep is feeling very Alternative Nation-y in its choices of either The One I Love, or She Don't Use Jelly. As for G2R, I think there are good reasons for and against each one, so practice both and we'll make the call on Sunday. Remember that in the Flaming Lips tune, we decided to write in another |DC| G section at the end of each chorus, right before the chords change back to the intro progression. (That makes the second and third sections look more like the first one, plus those intro chords) We also discussed saying the word "Magazines" 4 times total: once over each |DC|G (3x total) and then once more over the intro chords. In the final section, we'll say "Tangerine" 5 times total: once over each |DC|G (3x total) and then TWICE more over the intro chords, both times through. Make sense? Tell your fans to grab seats in Mauer (where Second Half takes place) by 12:45p.

It's been an honor and a pleasure to be your teacher this session, and I hope to see you all again next session after we bring the house down this week!