I just had a very cool discussion about music with my relatively new boss. When I told him I play trumpet, he told me about a couple of his family members from earlier generations, one of whom performed with Louis Armstrong. My boss also played alto sax in his school jazz band, and his daughter […]
The Epic Story of the Airmail Brass
Since starting this blog, I’ve focused mostly on the larger groups when talking about community ensembles. For whatever reason, my love of small ensemble gigs has taken a backseat for months, but today I’m here to rectify such an egregious oversight! Now and then a small ensemble will be asked to perform for an unusual […]
“Mask-Bee”
For the sixth year in a row, my home state has seen a successful annual gathering of excellent concert band musicians. Over the weekend we endured the mental and physical challenge of approximately 12 hours of rehearsal, scarfed down at least three meals worth of great food, and enjoyed the camaraderie of 75 fellow musicians […]
Thoughts on Hero Worship: The Music Version
Who’s your musical hero? Gloria Estefan? Leonard Bernstein? Reba McEntire? B. B. King? Bill Watrous? Evelyn Glennie? John Philip Sousa? Mozart? Madonna? Pentatonix? Green Day? Some of us elevate our favorite actors, athletes, or other celebrities to a level of deity-like perfection beyond what is reasonable, and it’s no different in the music world. To […]
My Favorite Musical Pieces
Music is my religion. Whether I’m listening or performing, my favorite pieces provoke strong emotions and/or provide enjoyment or relaxation. I’m sure most of you are the same with your favorites. Recorded or live, slow or fast, with others or alone: The right chords, rhythms, and (sometimes) words can transcend this crude matter called a […]