As I was driving home from playing a gig tonight, I thought about how glad I was that I am still a “gigging” musician.  I remember before I started teaching so many people said, “You’ll never have time to play anymore”, etc. I always thought that if I really wanted to, I would make sure [...]

As I type, I am listening to a CD recording made of our concert by Bryan Helsel of Helsel Music. He does excellent work, and has very quick turn-around. My concert was only last Thursday, and I received my CD today, less than a week later. He also does a very nice job printing the [...]

Last evening was our annual spring band concert. The middle school concert band, senior high concert band, and jazz ensemble performed. The kids did a pretty good job, and I am so proud of them. As I was driving home last night, and reflecting again today, here are my thoughts: 1. Why is it that [...]

During my senior high band rehearsal today, I decided to ask the winds to get up and move their seats next to an instrument that is not the same as theirs. I could not believe the difference in the sound of the group. It was almost immediate. The group sounded more balanced, more in tune, [...]

As I am a young director in a program that is rebuilding, I have not yet had many students in my group that were influential on the other students musically.  And by influential, I mean in a good way.  I have had plenty of students who were not a good influence.  But I digress…that is [...]