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.”
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.
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.