With the help of a generous summer research grant from Goucher College, I was finally able to attend the International Trumpet-making Workshop (ITW) in Bloomington, Indiana this summer (August 2017). I’ve wanted to attend ever since I starting playing the natural trumpet nearly twenty years ago and was thrilled to have the opportunity. What follows […]
International Trumpet-Making Workshop Read More »
It’s been over a year since my last blog post, so I thought it was high time that I wrote something new here. What have I been doing all of this time? Well, I’m currently on sabbatical leave during the fall semester to finish two book projects. The first one is Fanfares and Finesse: A
Interesting Trumpet Videos Online Read More »
Somehow I have fooled people into believing that I am organized. It’s all purely self-defense, I assure you. One of my favorite college professors told me that he was convinced that I was “a right brain person masquerading as a left brain person,” and he was right. Organization is a learned skill, not a natural trait,
Trying not to lose my mind Read More »
There’s something about the opening concert of the season that always puts me in a good mood, but this year it was extra special. As the Music Director of the Frederick Symphony Orchestra (FSO), there is always a lot of extra work the first two months of the season editing the season program booklet, coordinating
Although the Vintage Band Festival ended just over a week ago, I was happy to receive my new band coat when it finally arrived today (via FedEx). There was a misunderstanding with the tailor that caused the delay, apparently. It’s a shame, but at least I’ll look good for the next Newberry Band tour. While
And the band played on … Read More »
After performing at the first Vintage Band Festival (VBF) in 2006, it was a great thrill to return this summer to perform with the Newberry Band again at the second festival. VBF director Paul Niemisto deserves a hearty “huzzah!” (and so much more) for organizing and hosting such a terrific festival. Paul’s incredible army of
Reflections on the Festival Read More »
A large crowd gathered by the Cannon River in the center of Northfield, Minnesota to witness a popular attraction at the 2010 Vintage Band Festival (VBF): The Battle of the Bands. Staged at high noon on Saturday, August 7, 2010, the two participating bands, the 1st Brigade Band of Wisconsin and Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band,
Battle of the Bands Read More »
In the tradition of that old Willie Nelson song, I’m getting ready to “go on the road again” to “make music with my friends” in Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band at the 2010 Vintage Band Festival in Northfield, Minnesota. We had a great time at the first Vintage Band Festival in 2006 and we’ll be out
Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band Read More »
It happens every year, that symbolic ritual that seems to define academia: commencement. It’s that bittersweet time when we all dress up in medieval robes, endure long speeches and even longer degree-awarding ceremonies, and reflect on Big Things. Every year is different. Variables like the weather and the quality of the speeches create indelible
Although I perform concerts all year long, there’s always something special about those that take place in the spring. Teachers of all stripes know what I’m talking about. It’s the culmination of the academic year, a chance for outstanding students to shine, and a time to marvel at months (and sometimes years) of progress.
