Here are two of the highlights of the concert program that Newberry's Victorian Cornet Band is performing at the 2010 Vintage Band Festival in Northfield, Minnesota. Verdi's "Terzetto and Finale from Attila" arranged by J. B. Claus and a terrific piccolo solo featuring Christine Beard, "The Wren Polka" by Eugene Demare. Dr. Christine Beard is … Continue reading More Vintage Band Festival Videos
Vintage Band Festival
Everyone has been asking for video of the band so here are a few excerpts. First is our opening tune, "New Era Quickstep" and next is my solo, "Fantasia on Safe in the Arms of Jesus." These are "rough cuts" posted in a hurry. More to follow. Stay tuned ...
Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band
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 … Continue reading Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band
Fun with Flickr and iPhoto
After seemingly endless hours of image editing, uploading, and wrestling with technology, I am relieved to announce that the Flickr Photostream is finally operational. That means that all of the best images from my recent trip to Germany are now online. You can view the photos by clicking the blue "More Photos" link at the … Continue reading Fun with Flickr and iPhoto
Commencing
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 … Continue reading Commencing
Spring Concerts
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. … Continue reading Spring Concerts
Goucher College Orchestra
Here, at long last, are some video clips from the Goucher College Orchestra concert from this past November. The program featured several outstanding Goucher students as soloists. Violinists Michael Polonchak, Marielle Harris, Galen Guindon, and Emmet Sellars performed Vivaldi's Concerto for Four Violins in D Major, Op. 3, No. 1 and violist Susannah Edwards performed the … Continue reading Goucher College Orchestra
Maryland Early Brass Festival
In case anyone who reads this blog might be interested, I wanted to mention that I will be hosting the Maryland Early Brass Festival this Saturday (Feb. 27, 2010) at Goucher College. Through the generous sponsorship of the college's Laura Graham Cooper Lecture Fund, all events are free and open to the public. The … Continue reading Maryland Early Brass Festival
My Favorite Olympic Moment
Some people go crazy over the Super Bowl or the World Series, but for me it's Olympic Figure Skating. I'm not really sure why. Maybe it has something to do with the fusion of music, athleticism, grace ... and danger. Yes, danger. There's always a chance that something might "go wrong" or the judges will … Continue reading My Favorite Olympic Moment
English Translations of Concert Reviews
At long last here are English translations of the concert tour reviews courtesy of Jennifer Northup, a clarinetist in my orchestra, the Frederick Symphony, who is also a professional German translator (she's an amazing musician, too!). I would have posted them sooner, but the beginning of the spring semester and five feet of snow (a … Continue reading English Translations of Concert Reviews