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.
ISJAC Symposium
I’m currently attending the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers (ISJAC) Symposium in Greeley, Colorado where I will present an original compositions tomorrow. This is my first time attending the symposium and I’m excited to see friends, colleagues, and meet new people in the field.
Music for Brass and Percussion
The Strings Music Festival Brass & Percussion Ensemble will premiere an arrangement of African-American spirituals written to feature James Jenkins, principal tubist with the Jacksonville Symphony. I wrote a somewhat different arrangement of the same songs, “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” and “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho,” a couple of years ago for James’ Germany tour with the Ukrainian Chamber Orchestra.
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.
This Week in Review
View highlights from this past week of Koger/Matteson Jazz Festival that featured Reggie Thomas and Dennis Mackrel, and the Great American Jazz Series that also featured the two amazing musicians and educators.
View the highlight on Instagram.