The Second Degree

I was able to focus on being a full-time student while pursuing my first Masters Degree in Russian Language and Literature at Saint Petersburg State University. But when I decided to return to the university life in pursuit of my Masters Degree in Music Education, I had to go back in a part-time capacity and find full-time employment that would pay my college fees, rent, meals, etc, but give me the flexibility to attend the University. This photograph represents that period of time in my life - working as a paging company operator, circa 2001. I think that my experience as an operator would make for a great libretto for a one-act opera. The Operator Opera!

But in the meantime, it is time to gear up for the start of a new college semester at Lassen Community College; order new music for the Voices From Within Mens Choirs at the local prison; and start putting together the schedule and music for the Susanville Choral Society's spring concert. This in addition to my own performance preparation work with Mendelssohn's Elijah, along with pieces by Bizet, Mascagni, and Offenbach - all to be performed at a series of concerts in February. Thinking now of the simpler life and times as a paging company operator.