I had the pleasure of conducting the premiere of my first beginning band piece The Kings March this afternoon. The piece was written for the Kings Glen Elementary School band and was played by the combined fifth- and sixth-graders; over 200 kids! I have always loved writing music for younger players, but this was the first time …
This morning the Army Chorus performed in the Capitol Rotunda for the unveiling of a new statue of Ronald Reagan. Many political heavy-hitters (particularly republicans, of course) were in attendance, including John McCain and Michael Steele. Nancy Pelosi was the host, as is customary for a Congressional event. Performing for the Nation’s leaders is a …
This was my Facebook status for a short time: “Memorial Day is a day we reflect on the sacrifices American men and women have made to secure the freedoms we all enjoy. It is also a day to have our pictures taken with superstars.” And superstars there were at the national Memorial Day concert given …
A few weeks ago I attended my first American Choral Directors Association convention in Oklahoma City. It was a terrific experience allowing me, the accidental chorus conductor the opportunity to network and learn from those in the choral music world. As I ventured from workshops to concerts, I kept thinking to myself the Army Chorus should …
The official picture from my first trip to the White House: A couple of nights after this picture was taken, we went to sing at the Chairman of the Joint Chief’s quarters for a holiday party. Here’s me and the Chorus with Admiral Mullen and his wife: And although I don’t have a picture of …
It has been a big weekend. Hardly anyone I talked to could believe it, but it was the truth: I had never before been to New York City. I hear that if I can make it there, I can make it anywhere. And what a heckuva way to see New York for the first time…conducting …
Music and the military sounds like a bizarre marriage, and it is. It often surprises me, however, that when it’s done well, music serves the military. It keeps soldiers in step, makes them march a little taller, makes them feel good and proud about what they do, and picks them up when they’re feeling down. Music …
I haven’t written anything for a while in this forum, but there’s a very good reason for that–there’s not a whole lot to report. I’m in the purgatory of Army schooling, and it’s not a music-rich environment to say the least. But after a few very slow months, an eventful day today… Two days ago I received …
I originally planned on using this blog to post only things related to my own composing and arranging efforts. But I thought it would also be alright to comment on events that are a result of my role as a military musician. By virtue of my position, I get to do some pretty cool things! …
Anne and I went to see the Berlin Philharmonic this past weekend. When I saw that they were performing ‘Petrushka’ and Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 (two pieces I studied in college), the search for other anniversary destinations was over as far as I was concerned. Thankfully, Anne agreed. 🙂 Of course, the orchestra played fantastic, …