We are loving life. True, things are super busy these days around our house. Our family calendar is full of concerts, recitals, lessons, rehearsals and all the other things that make a life. But, we still take time to check … Continue reading
We have cleared the hurdles of September! Jeff jumped into the 2012-13 school year at Fort Hays State University. Lessons are scheduled. Classes are in full swing (including the grading). Marching band season is rolling. And, Jeff’s fanfare “Overdrive” was premiered. … Continue reading
“Overdrive” a brass and percussion fanfare will be premiered by The University of Texas–Arlington brass under the direction of Dr. Douglas Stotter on September 18, 2012 at the season opening of the Dallas Wind Symphony. This piece was composed by Dr. … Continue reading
Jeff and JoAnn are both reading a lot this year. Here are some posts that may provide you some ideas for materials to read: In What should I read? Jeff comments on Milt Allen’s new book: Music, Artistry and Education: A … Continue reading
Should pieces for band and/or orchestra be significantly altered to make them accessible for young players? I have just returned from the state convention where this topic was raised again. For the record, I am not referring to transcriptions in which … Continue reading
Taking a cue from my wife, here are some suggestions for holiday listening in no particular order: John Williams: Liberty Fanfare–quintessential JW Charles Ives: Country Band March–if you don’t laugh at this . . . Morton Gould: Yankee Doodle–fun, imaginative … Continue reading
As we close out another school year, music educators are faced with keeping students interested who may have already “checked out” for the summer. In some cases, this seems to mean programming music of questionable quality, but justifying it with … Continue reading