A Blackbird's Inescapable Lucidity (or Lack Thereof)
	Matthew Albert		NOVEMBER 5, 1998--Since our formation at Oberlin two and a half years ago, eighth blackbird has expanded its commitments far beyond finding regular times to rehearse and perform together. Rehearsing will always be an integral part of our development, but there are many other aspects of building a career that factor in as well: business meetings, dinner parties, letter-writing sessions, receptions, equipment moves, and the occasional late-night mailing spree. All these requirements keep us excited, interested, sometimes confused, and always busy. No matter how hard we try to forget or ignore them, they never go away. When we were awarded first prize at the Concert Artists Guild Competition in February, we thought it might be a year or more before a New York recital materialized. Eventually, we were able to schedule it for this November, so we set it up and moved on. When we wrapped up taping for a CBS Sunday Morning interview in late September (seven months after we were informed of that show's interest in the group), we knew there was a strong possibility our segment might sit on a shelf for months before its time came. So we all bent to the various tasks we had assigned for ourselves. Then, this past week, we found out that the CBS segment would air November 8, ten days before our scheduled New York debut. The amazing thing is not the incredible fortune that allowed for this serendipitous concurrence of events, but that my mind is as much on finding a composer for a theatrical production we will be playing for in April as it is on what is happening this month. And I am not the only blackbird so occupied. For better or for worse, we have dozens of projects in development all at once. Though it is wonderful to reflect on the fact that these two fell into place in such a complementary fashion, the only way to ensure that such juxtapositions will present themselves again is to continue rehearsing, meeting, dining, writing, moving, and mailing. We hope that, when we look back on it, this November will have proven to be an important landmark in our career. The benefit of landing both the airing of the CBS segment and the New York concert together within two weeks is something I do sincerely appreciate. And yet, what I appreciate more is the fate that brought me together with five other musicians who share a passion, a drive, and a commitment to create these kinds of opportunities. I appreciate a school that provided a springboard for a career, and I appreciate dozens of mentors who contributed time and energy to our cause. Even as I worry about the five pounds heavier I am sure to look on camera this Sunday, I can remember the work that put me and five of my friends in front of that camera. When I remember it like that, luck and fate seem to be such less powerful forces. They seem malleable, subject to even greater forces, like the combined efforts of six young people trying to create a fulfilling, enjoyable, meaningful career together. I do not feel lucky to be on CBS, or to be playing in New York: I feel lucky to be in eighth blackbird. --Matt Albert, violinist for eighth blackbird