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 … Continue reading International Trumpet-Making Workshop
Category: Musings
Interesting Trumpet Videos Online
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 … Continue reading Interesting Trumpet Videos Online
Trying not to lose my mind
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, … Continue reading Trying not to lose my mind
Season Opener
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 … Continue reading Season Opener
And the band played on …
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 … Continue reading And the band played on …
Reflections on the Festival
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 … Continue reading Reflections on the Festival
Battle of the Bands
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, … Continue reading Battle of the Bands
