2 Guys 1 Bassoon (and a piano)

Music has played a vital role in my development.  It is to me what high school football was to so many other "normal" people.  And though I didn't have a music program in high school, I did have the passion to learn. So, when I entered college I taught myself the basics of theory and how to read.  As you probably know, some of my favorite music is that of video games, including, but not limited to, the music of the Final Fantasy series.  I was lucky enough to have a "jam session" with bassoonist Garrett McQueen, who happened to be in town during the holiday.  We did a few Final Fantasy pieces together.  Enjoy :D

Final Fantasy VII Main Theme


Fisherman's Horizon (FFVIII)


Tifa's Theme (FFVII)

Smithsonian: The Art of Video Games

Mass Effect 2 is among the list of games 

to be featured because of its stunning visuals

It's good to see that the video gaming industry is gaining more and more of the respect that it deserves.  This year alone saw an epic stride with the Supreme Court's ruling that video games deserve the same first amendment protections as television, movies, and other forms of art.  Now, the Smithsonian Museum of Art is presenting "The Art of Video Games" Exhibition which features some of the most influential artists and designers during five eras of game technology, from early pioneers to contemporary designers . It also will explore the many influences on game designers, and the pervasive presence video games have in the broader popular culture, with new relationships to video art, film and television, educational practices, and professional skill training.

Eighty games will be featured in this exhibition that will show the evolution of the industry and the artwork therein.  But seriously, do we need four Mario games and five Zelda games on the list?  Perhaps, and hopefully, they will revise their decision and include some other visually striking games that caught the attention of gamers this year like El Shaddai Rise of the Metatron, or Skyrim.

The exhibition runs from March 16 to September 30, 2012
To read more about this event, click here.

Movie Trailers Galore!

What a month this has been for movies, eh?  I definitely can't wait to see all three of these little gems for 2012

Prometheus 




The Dark Knight Rises



And, of course, The Hobbit!