Sesame Street fun on YouTube

I was supposed to be reading about Stravinsky, but the reading wasn't especially interesting and alas, I got distracted by a YouTube clip someone posted on facebook. I remember seeing this particular sketch (is that the right word?) on Sesame Street as a kid, and I thought it was funny, but I didn't totally get it. It wasn't until much later that I connected this bit with the actual The Sound of Music and fully appreciated its humor. I just watched it and was literally laughing out loud (and also recognized the Masterpiece (Monsterpiece) Theatre reference). YouTube has all my old Sesame Street favorites, including "Splish splash I was taking a bath," with the elephants; the one with the little shark singing "Mack the Knife" (only in Dutch); and of course, Rubber Ducky. I also found Placido Flamingo--it took me a long while to figure that one out, too. And I didn't realize that those sketches were so clearly parodies of Metropolitan Opera (Nestropolitan Opera) broadcasts until I watched just now. Hmmm, the set for "Placido Flamingo Loves His Telephone" looks suspiciously like La Boheme. Actually, I enjoyed that one so much that I'm afraid I'll have to post it, too.

Sesame Street - Monsterpiece Theater: The Sound of Music

Classic Sesame Street - Placido Flamingo loves his telephone

CSO tour

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra left for their tour today. My former teacher is bringing his parents on tour with him. His mom beat cancer earlier this year, and this will be her first time to Europe. They'll be stopping in Rome, Paris, London, Munich, Essen, Verona, and Torino. Although the musicians might not have a lot of time to enjoy these fabulous places, I'm sure she will!

question for anyone who cares to answer

So I have an audition coming up with a ginormous list, including several excerpts that are exceedingly long as well as some pieces where the whole part might be fair game. I need to come up with a better plan to practice these excerpts, and I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for practice strategies. How do you prepare for auditions with these intimidating lists?

come on, Brahms

why didn't Brahms write for English horn? it's really been bothering me lately.

musician cards

OMG I love this. (you can hear about it, too.) I totally want my HS musicians trading cards already!