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.
WASBE 2019
Here is a quick recap of my trip to Valencia for the International Premiere of Peña Amaya at the 2019 World Association of Symphonic Bands & Ensembles (WASBE) Conference.
Check out the UNF Wind Symphony with Drs. Erin Bodnar and Clarence Hines in Buñol, España. They are practicing Dr. Hines...
Posted by UNF School of Music on Thursday, July 11, 2019
The University of North Florida Wind Symphony (USA) with their conductor Erin Bodnar performing live at the WASBE World...
Posted by WASBE-World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles on Thursday, July 11, 2019
Santander to Valencia
I’m looking forward to rehearsing and performing with the UNF Wind Symphony at the World Association of Symphonic Bands & Ensembles (WASBE) Conference in Buñol (Valencia), Spain. Peña Amaya, my original composition for wind ensemble, comes full circle after having originated here in Spain a few years ago and now it will be performed (premiered internationally) at the WASBE Conference tomorrow.
Back At Work
After returning from a wonderful retreat full of outstanding performances and presentations in the field of jazz arranging and composing, I'm back at work, finishing up my arrangement for the Strings Music Festival Brass & Percussion Ensemble before taking off for Spain in a few days. I have some great inspiration for new music as I head into the summer.
International Premiere
My composition “Peña Amaya” for wind ensemble will be performed at the upcoming World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) Conference in Valencia, Spain.
This piece evokes memories of an afternoon hike along the mountain trails of Peña Amaya, which is located in the province of Burgos in northern Spain. After learning of the historical significance of this landmark, with all of its ancient and medieval ruins, and after hearing a work from the Codex Las Huelgas, a medieval manuscript of Gregorian chants with origins in the region, I was inspired to compose this piece.
Dr. Erin Bodnar will conduct the University of North Florida Wind Symphony in its performance at the conference in July.