Throwback Thursday
Today, when briefly checking my social media accounts, I was reminded of a post on this day in 2011. On April 9th, 2011, I was hanging out with Bunky Green for a good while following a rehearsal/sound check for the premiere of “The Quest,” my original composition for wind ensemble and alto saxophone soloist. The University of North Florida Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. Gordon Brock, premiered the composition at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The performance featured Bunky Green, now Professor and Director of Jazz Studies Emeritus at the University of North Florida.
Brass and Percussion Concert
I'm happy to announce that the Jacksonville Symphony will perform my work, Spiritual Medley, on its upcoming Brass, Organ, Winds, and Percussion concert that takes place on November 3rd. Spiritual Medley features James Jenkins, principal tuba in the Jacksonville Symphony and it was premiered by Jenkins with the Strings Music Festival Brass and Percussion Ensemble in Colorado this past summer.
Birch Creek in Review
Here's a very quick recap of my recent experience at Birch Creek Music Performance Center's Jazz Session II.
Rejuvenation
I’m looking forward to the next two weeks of teaching talented students from the Midwest area and performing with the Birch Creek Jazz Orchestra at the Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. I have been fortunate to be among the faculty at Birch Creek since 2007, first as the director of the Ambassadors (advanced student combo) for a couple of years, and then as a regular member of the faculty ensemble comprised of world-class musicians.
This experience is truly a highlight of each year, as I get to teach and learn from all of the talented students and incredible musicians every day over the next couple of weeks. I’m also lucky to have the opportunity to play in an incredibly swinging big band full of all-stars, giving me so much inspiration and rejuvenation to take home as I begin the new academic year at UNF.
2018 Jazz Session II Trombone faculty and students pose for a photo during the final masterclass.
The Birch Creek Jazz Orchestra performs Thad Jones’ “Tiptoe.”