Events

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Brant Piece is “Remarkable”

photo (4)Wednesday’s performance at the Roulette of Henry Brant’s Flight Over a Global Map was deemed “remarkable” by the NY Times.  It was certainly that and much more, as it is taking me days to recover!  All 52 trumpets showed up (and even a few extras) for quite a full house.  After about 40 minutes of Brant’s sonic landscapes flowing around the room, sometimes placidly, sometimes aggressively, the piece received a hearty standing ovation.  It was the final piece of three on the concert, all a part of the Festival of New Trumpet Music.  The first piece was the premiere of an energetic fanfare by John Zorn, and the second was a tribute to Butch Morris’s “conductions” (conducting improvisations), conducted by J.A. “Dino” Deane.  What a thrill to have conducted such an prolific piece at such an important and innovative concert!  I look forward to the next time I get to conduct 52 trumpets, whenever that may be…

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Conducting Premiere Arrangement of Brant Piece

I have recently been asked to co-conduct for a very unique and exciting opportunity:  On September 11th, I will join conductor Neely Bruce from Wesleyan University to conduct Henry Brant’s Flight Over a Global Map at the Festival of New Trumpet Music at the Roulette in Brooklyn.  Originally written for 100 trumpets, 3 percussionists, and piano, Brant mentioned before the end of his life that he wanted to create a version for 52 trumpets.  Between the materials Brant left and the expertise knowledge of Neely Bruce, we are putting this premiere arrangement together.  Look for me at the back of the hall!  I’ll be managing about 25 trumpets and a drumset, all spread out in a surround-sound formation, while Neely conducts the others from the front.  Check out the Roulette’s website for concert and ticket info.

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New Job Announcement

Last week I officially accepted a job offer to teach music at the Greater Harford Academy of Arts – an arts magnet high school in Hartford, CT.  The position is part time (and includes benefits), and will have me teaching M-F from 1-4pm.  I will direct their first ever mixed chorus (10th-12th graders), start an A Cappella Group, and teach beginning music theory and vocal techniques.  It will certainly be an adventure, so stay tuned.