So maybe the reason I haven’t had time to blog is that I’ve been in command of an Army band,which (guess what?) is a full-time job. But maybe I just might have three minutes to write about the few pieces I’ve been able to eek (eke? eak?) out during this busy time. The most significant …
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 …
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 …
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! …
This past week Anne and I traveled to Dallas, Texas for the Dallas Wind Symphony concert and the North American premiere of my Fanfare for Enduring Freedom. There was confusion leading up to the performance in that I heard the DWS staff had asked an associate conductor of the US Army Field Band to conduct the piece, and the associate …