Eight years ago Jim Martini and Rick Worley invited me to the Central York School District to work with their band program and conduct in their March concert. Never did I realize that my path would turn, and I would end up teaching in higher education at a school nearby and work with one of their colleagues – Jon Moyer. […]
Lost in the early stages of the pandemic, I wrote a piece for Dennis Emert’s Elementary Band from Fox Chapel for their performance at the 2020 PMEA Conference. Although we were disappointed that the debut was canceled, it was a pleasure visiting with he and his students virtually last spring. “Lonely Travelers” is a setting of the folk songs 900 […]
Delighted to be joined by Len Lavelle, Paul Leskowicz, and Bob Matchett to discuss teaching band, the future of instrumental music education, and music to give people hope in this Episode of the Two Minute Clinic. The great conversation spilled out well past two minutes, but it was too good not to sure from three great musicians, educators and leaders!
Episode 2 of the TMC is now up. In this episode I will be discussing “Their Most Important Job: Make a Beautiful Sound”. I hope you find the discussion insightful and reaffirming in your role as an educator and director.
As far as core repertoire goes, most directors would agree that First Suite in Eb and Second Suite in F by Holst, Lincolnshire Posy by Grainger, and Folk Song Suite by Vaughan Williams make the list. Beyond that, the debate to me does get interesting. Everyone has their personal favorite among the significant pieces for the wind ensemble and concert […]
