Marshall isn't really the kind of town I pictured myself living in just after graduating from college. There's no mall, there's no trendy coffee shop, there's not a young adult "scene" like there is in Columbia. Somewhat surprisingly, and very happily, there is both a city band and a city orchestra into which I have been welcomed with open arms.

It's been a bit of an adjustment from playing in a college wind ensemble, where the music seems to get increasingly more difficult with each new concert lineup and the focus is on preparing players to become professionals. But it's a bit of a nice adjustment as well. I can just play the oboe and/or the English horn, enjoy the sounds being made around me and remember why I started band in the first place, all without feeling too stressed or pressured.

Last Sunday, however, was a bit of a nervous day for all the Marshall Municipal Band members. We went to the Lake of the Ozarks and played a concert for the Missouri Bandmasters Association conference. This is an annual convention, and band instructors of all levels come from across the state to attend.

I saw a few former classmates, now band directors, in our audience, along with two of my former college instructors, which made me more than a little anxious. I was also nervous about the audience's judgment of our small-town ensemble with players of all ages and playing abilities.

Despite my worries, the band's performance was quite good, and the audience gave us a scattered standing ovation at the end of the concert. I felt good about my own playing as well, even though I'd missed several rehearsals because of work conflicts.

Although it was a long day, the trip was fun, another stop along the musical journey of my life. And, it's nice to know that when camaraderie and a shared love of music are emphasized, rather than the constant striving for perfection, a wonderful performance can still take place and be enjoyed by so many.