I can't believe the last summer I spent doing NYOC was two years ago, because all of the memories are still so fresh. I swear that my excitement from that first year hasn't worn off yet!

This year's training session is taking place at the breathtaking campus of the University of Western Ontario. That's really saying something, considering I spend my school year with cedars and redwoods towering over my head and adorable rabbits scattered across the grass. The residence we stay at, Delaware, is wonderful. Some people are hesitant to do NYOC because you don't get paid for it; if the experience can't convince you to come, then the food sure will!

Before arriving, there were a few things I was getting very excited for. The first was obviously the opportunity to play in this orchestra again. The second was for the faculty. Not only are they top performers in orchestras across Canada, but they're also excellent pedagogues and very approachable people.

The third thing I'm excited about is the lecture series. We haven't had any yet, but I hope we do soon! They feature faculty, guests, and the one I can't wait for, Tom Allen. If you don't know who that is, just imagine you're a university student and not a morning person, but you wake up at 6am just to hear him on CBC radio every weekday. That's a pretty powerful gift, and he'll be teaching us the history behind our repertoire this summer.

Another thing I'm very excited about is the conductor, Alain Trudel. He doesn't know this, but my friends and I openly worship him as a conductor and trombone player. A friend of mine was working at the Banff Centre and had the privilege to clean his room after he checked out. She found his parking pass and mailed it to me. Yes, I still have it. To Mr. Trudel, if you're reading this, you also forgot a pair of shorts but the staff threw them out.

Tension was definitely in the air today as the bassoonists were auditioning for the impossible solo at the beginning of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. I was genuinely worried for them when I found out they were all just hoping to physically survive it! I ran into bassoonist Matt Nickel after the auditions, and he said that all the bassoonists have been accounted for and there are no missing bodies. Congrats and good luck to Marc De Geus, who will be playing the famous solo for this year's tour!

There is so much more I want to write about but it's only day two so I should get back to practicing!