The Downfall Of A Brilliant Idea

A few months back, A friend of mine was talking to me about creating an online radio station. I was weary of this because there are lots of online radio stations and not much money to be made from it. However, two-hundred thousand cups of coffee later and much hair pulling and yelling, I came up with the idea to make a Digg-like user-driven online radio.

The concept was simple. Music artists and podcasters could upload their stuff. People would listen to it and if they liked it they would vote for it to be played on the air, or tubes. Sadly, this idea never went further than four photoshop layers. I forgot completely about the idea until about twelve minutes and fourteen seconds ago. There was a story that hit the homepage of Digg. Now, the idea isn’t exactly what I wanted to do, but close enough to get me angry that I didn’t follow through.

Will I ever pursue this? Probably not. I have a lot of projects in the works as it is. The last thing I need is another to take up my already busy schedule.

Moral of the story: If you act now, we will throw in an extra “Magic Onion Cutter” abosolutely free! No really, if you have an idea that’s not out there yet, go with it. It may fail, but it may also be the thing that makes your life so much better (as money does buy happiness, at least in my world).

The Wagner Deal

As of tomorrow, it will be my last day in first period band. And am I happy. However, this goes with a sad song. I will have to leave second period Video Productions to make room for second period band. Wasn’t my first choice. I was forced into the decision.

This shows that you can stand up to the third reich. I was able to tell him what I was going to do, rather than what he wanted me to do. Maybe next time he will show me some respect. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read back a few posts.

So, don’t freak out when you see me in band Wednesday.

Wagner’s Plead – He Really, Really Wants Me

In the past post, Wagner’s Plead, I asked whether I should give into his demands, and transfer into Wind Ensemble or say no. I decided to go with no, and not two day into the semester was I fed up with his new regime. His plan was to make the small class even smaller. We were to be separated into sections and practice on our own, leaving him to do whatever he does.

I made an appointment with my counselor to discuss dropping band altogether as it is fairly useless for me to take anyways. Besides, I have more fun in video productions making fun of Tom and his movie Time Walker. So there I am, sitting alone in that damn cold office. I get called to talk to the counselor and she greatly rejects the idea of me dropping. Why? I have no idea, she wouldn’t tell me. So I do my thing and pull out the handy voice recorder and press record, making sure she saw it.

Me: Listen, I am not going to first period anymore.
Her: Yes you are.
Me: Uhm, no. You can change my schedule and do it the way I want, or I will solve the problem myself by not going.
Her: Well, why is it that you hate band?
Me: I don’t hate it, I just don’t agree with the teaching of Wagner. In addition, I find it silly to switch instruments half way through the year.
Her: Well, I see your point. How about this: I will email Mr. Wagner and tell him your disposition. I will instruct him that you will be talking to him today.
Me: Fine.

I leave and continue my day. Just as it happens, I pass Wagner on my way to lunch and he says in the tone no one wants to hear “I need to speak to you in my office.”

To his office I went after eating my food, and taking my time. I told him why I was there. But you could see that he already knew. In fact, he looked as if he was about to cry. Here is how it went down.

Me: Hey, my counselor told me to talk to you concerning me dropping band.
Wagz: Tell me why you want out? (Editorial: Sounds like it’s a camp I was forced into.)
Me: I feel it is a waste of time in first period as I learn nothing new.
Wagz: Why didn’t you accept my offer to join second Wind Ensemble?
Me: I don’t want to play another instrument half way through the year!
Wagz: I really don’t want to lose you. That would be bad. Very bad. It wouldn’t look good leaving the department half way through your senior year.
Me: I really don’t care…
Wagz: How about you come to Wind Ensemble?
Me: I’m not learning a new instrument.
Wagz: Ok, would you consider it if you played the trumpet?
Me: I don’t know, maybe.
Wagz: Well, talk to your counselor to see if that can happen.
Me: Sure thing *wispers* Hitler

Now, what was bad about that whole ordeal was trying not to laugh. Not only was a half scared to death that he was going to kill me, but the look and sound of him desperately trying to keep me in the department was one hard to keep to ones self. So now I am in a pickle. I can accept his offer or simple say no.

What I find funny mostly about this whole thing is I suspect many people don’t tell him no. This gives him great shock when someone stands up to him. I’m leaning to the side of rejecting his second offer to prove my point. If it wasn’t for him trying to undermine me, I may consider his offer, but as of now, I really have no incentive to even play for him. Don’t get me wrong though, he is a great music teacher. He just needs to refine his teaching a little more. That last stunt of him separating the band was a complete failure and you can see now how he is trying to undo it.

Wagner’s Plead – He Really Wants Me

So, I got the main today, and nothing out of the ordinary really. Bills, bills, more bills, aol cd, bills, lost children, renew your domain name now!, bill, to the parents of: Troy, bills.

Ok, you get my point, nothing special. I was expecting a letter from Wagner to move me into the place I belong, but I wasn’t expecting it to be a plead. So, why make you wonder what the letter says!

TO: Parent(s) of Troy … (Edited because I don’t like having my full name here :p )
FROM: Bill Wagner

RE: Moving up to Wind Ensemble – 2nd period

Due to the improvements (if you want to call sitting waiting for the other players to match the talent of Scott  and I) that Troy has shown during Concert Band and his level of commitment (I hope he knows marching band is over…), I would like to offer (bribe) him the opportunity to move up to the Wind Ensemble 2nd period (Save me from the hells of Friedman’s class). Because of the nature of the Wind Ensemble (Because I don’t practice), I would need Troy to play the school-owned euphonium (Because no one else will? I thought I already told you no!). The parts are exactly like playing trumpet (except not), just an octave lower (I knew there was a catch). I know he would do well (would? does he already know what my answer will be?) and I hope he welcomes this new challenge (if it’s like playing a trumpet, then where’s the challenge?).

This change would greatly benefit his playing (You mean your band) and also require a change of class challenge (no, not really. Video Productions is first period). This can only be done through the counseling office. I have sent them a copy of this letter (and they probably just filed it away…).

So, congratulations (thanks?) and I hope you will contact your counselor right away (I would, but I hear they bite) to schedule an appointment (during break?) to work Wind Ensemble into Troy’s schedule for second semester.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

(Scribble of signature)
Bill Wagner
Music Director (Dictator)

cc: NHS Counseling Department

So, what do you think? Should I take him up on this offer?

Last Marching Band Performance Ever

Well, I’m in bundles of gear bending joy. Today marks the last day I will be part of any marching band. I have been waiting four years for this day to come, and it has passed. I did however leave the competition early. For starters I was feeling ill, and second I have a banquet to attend in about fifteen minutes. I would post pictures of the show, but I don’t have any sadly. Hopefully a fellow band member has some and is willing to share.

As part of tradition, I have to say my goodbyes too all the underclassmen who will, in no doubt, not miss me.

Later tonight, I will post some pictures of the Peperdine game and other random things. There may also be a Marching Band! game update Depends if I feel good.

Note: If you are in band, I would like someone to tell me what we scored. If you could call my cell, that would be awesome. I will be home really late tonight.

Seeking Aspiring Musicians

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To say it simple: We need music to test the service with. We are looking for people who are willing to let us use their music royalty free, in exchange you will be heard by many, and be advertised on the site. If you are interested please call 1(805)633-1051 and leave a message. You can also email me at troy at ojaisoft dot com.