Random

I am perhaps the world's worst blogger. I don't update nearly as much as was the original intent. I read about 15-20 blogs daily, some of these folks update daily - and it takes others weeks. I do find myself getting annoyed when the blogs I read are not updated. So, I guess I should update this more to practice what I preach.

Quick rant on cars...

can't live with them - can't live with out them. I've been fighting with the headlights for the last week. I got new "brighter" bulbs. How wonderful.. except no one can get them aimed at the correct angle. They're somewhat close now. I'm afraid to jinx fixing them again for fear they're go back to the wrong spot.
Happy New Year to me.. I go to my car on new year's day to find a crack in the windshield. From what? I do not know.
I had my car in to get rid of the incessant squeaking of my breaks. This was the third time I had the car in for this. Guess what - they still need another part!! So it will be a fourth trip. I can almost feel my ears bleading because the brakes squeak so loud!!

Some music industry news for you...
As you may have heard, Woodwind and Brasswind is filing for bankruptcy. Yesterday, I was on a conference call with the Conn-Selmer company who is planning on entering a bid to run the online and brick and mortar business. They presented a pretty compelling argument in favor of a band company running a retail outlet. It may end up being a good thing for the industry. The sale is January 24th I believe. Conn-Selmer is probably not going to be the only bidder, but that too is unknown. We shall see.

I leave for the NAMM show in the 16th. It is the music industry's largest gathering. I have the honor of presenting a session while I am there on marketing ideas for music businesses. It should prove to be a busy show as I have more meetings than I have ever had and the offerings as far as performances and educational sessions seem better than ever.

This past week, we at Progressive Music hosted George Hopkins from YEA!, The Cadets and the USSBA stoped by for the evening to talk. It was good to bring him in to chat. I got to drive him back to his hotel and it was interesting to chat with him. I read his blog quite often. He's 50 (or 51) and I see him facing lots of the same personal challenges I face at 26. Is that good? Not sure. Does that mean these challenges last forever? Or does it mean he's made it twice my life dealing with it? I don't know. Food for thought I guess. It was good to talk to him and hear how YEA is run and how such a small group of people do so many things.

I'm looking for some ideas on how Progressive Music can better support Music in Our Schools Month. That is coming up in March. Any one with ideas - e-mail me.