Whangarei and summer

I've been back in auckland going on two weeks, the first week blew by teaching at the APO summer school. I really enjoyed my time working with and teaching the three horn participants in the orchestra I was assigned to. At first I was nervous to be teaching players old enough they could be my parents. But they all had great spirit and were happy to work with me. I'm hoping to do more teaching this year - it's really good for me. Here's a sneak shot from the summer school orchestra horn section.
I had the pleasure of hosting my mother and brother for a day in auckland as they were passing through on their way up to Whangarei for Todd's sailing competition. Visiting me in auckland:





Between the end of the summer school and a recording session I had to get back for (a bass clarinet album of new music by new zealand composers) , I manged to squeeze in a trip up to Whangarei on the Naked Bus. Here's some pictures from Whangarei:


The water was so warm I really wished I had some togs (swimsuit). I've added a new year resolution inspired by this day of beaches: go to the beach in auckland and swim! I can bike to a half dozen beaches in 30 minutes from my house in the city.
Wednesday morning I woke up extra early at 6AM to watch obama give his speech, then back to auckland - where I've reached the final stages of renting my own flat for the first time in 1.5 years since Ive been in auckland. I just need to find a flatmate, I'm signing on the flat tomorrow. Pictures to come.

-carl