The Blog
Ohio Wesleyan University -- small band, BIG SOUND. Guest conductor Milton Allen led the band through a musically diverse program, ranging from Sam Hazo's popular "Novo Lenio" to John Paulson's challenging "Epinicion". The middle of the concert featured Dr. Nancy Gamso on clarinet, and the band and I finished with a fierce interpretation of "Chaos Theory". The whole program was a huge success; at the end of the concert, a large, attentive audience gave the ensemble a standing ovation (evidently, an unprecedented occurance at an OWU band concert!). It was a positive experience for all the musicians involved, and thanks go to Maestro Allen and Dr. Gamso for making this opportunity possible.
Today I'm headed to Ohio Wesleyan University, where the wind orchestra will be performing Chaos Theory and Reflections in a Tidal Pool this Sunday, March 28th. Milton Allen will be conducting, and I will be the guitar soloist for CT. That same day (at about the same time), Chaos Theory will be having it's premiere in the United Kingdom, when it's performed at the BASBWE/RNCM International Wind Festival at the Royal College of Music in Manchester, England. I'll let you know how it goes!
In Kansas City for the premiere of "1861" with Amy Knopps's Center High School Concert Band . . . just got out of a fun rehearsal, and I think the piece works pretty well. Also met up with the folks at Wingert-Jones, who will be publishing my "Moon by Night", as the winning piece for this year's NBA/Merrill Jones Composition Award -- we're organizing to get the piece ready so it's available to all this summer. "1861" concert tonight!