Central York Epilogue and 2014 PMEA State Conference

It was a wonderful two days with the Central York Bands. Jim Martini, Rick Worley, and John Moyer were gracious and fantastic hosts. Their students were wonderful and he concert last Tuesday was awesome! I was proud to share that stage with those great students, and special thanks to the CYSH Symphonic Band for giving “Shine!” new life on the stage. You can check out the new recording of “Shine!” (taken from our Tuesday rehearsal) over on Soundcloud.

I am eagerly looking forward to the 2014 PMEA state conference to held in Hershey this Thursday through Saturday. Thursday begins with the Phi Beta Mu – Nu Chapter Annual Luncheon Meeting. Of all things that I have been involved with professionally, I hold PBM in high regard and dear to my heart. It is wonderful group of directors and educators from across the state, who continually challenge me to expect and give more of myself. Our motto – “Life, love, music.” That about sums it up.

In addition to catching a few of the performing ensembles, I will be participating in several clinics in addition to leading a break-out session on Friday morning. “Concerts that Connect” will explore the idea of using interdisciplinary units as a way to enrich and expand music rehearsals for the large instrumental ensemble (Friday at 8:30 a.m.). In addition to appearing in Stacy Paparone’s round table discussion & the PMEA young composer’s awards ceremony following my clinic, I am excited to conduct “Blue Elegy” with the Montgomery County Concert Band at 3:30 p.m. The piece is dedicated to the group’s founding director Steve Frederick, who passed away in 2013. I am honored that Chuck Neidhardt, the current director, asked me to write this tribute piece and extended an invitation to me to conduct them at the concert.

I am looking forward to renewing friendships with colleagues from across the state. Kudos to friends and colleagues, including Bob Matchett & the Seneca Valley Jazz Ensemble, John Seybert, Richard Victor, Jason Kush and the Slippery Rock Saxophone Ensemble, all of whom are presenting, and to Andy Boysen who was invited to conduct the All-State Concert Band. Andy is one of the guys I look up toin the band world, and it is awesome he is getting this opportunity on such a big stage.

For those colleagues at the conference, please hit me up on Twitter – there is notoriously good coffee to catch up over. Safe travels and see you in Hershey!