The Reality of Life as a Composer
I used to have this dream that being a full time composer meant me sitting at my piano or my computer for hours of uninterrupted...
- Sep 22, 2020
- 2 min
A Favor, Habitat for Humanity, & Free Music
I recently wrote a piece of music for a friend who wanted something that his students could practice to improve such techniques as lip...
- Feb 20, 2020
- 5 min
The Small School Band Stigma
As a young director, which I am not any longer, I had grand ideas of being the head director of a program where I had a fully stacked...
- Oct 30, 2019
- 2 min
But the Music Doesn’t Care
So I was searching for repertoire for my middle school and high school bands and as I was looking on a popular distribution website, I...
- Dec 20, 2018
- 5 min
Directions, a Mentor, and Addiction
Directions. I can give them, but I can't seem to follow them. I'm always taking a wrong turn when I'm following someone's directions,...
- Mar 17, 2018
- 1 min
The Dichotomy of an Artist
This! Ah, this is comfort, solace, and trepidation all in one. The empty hall prior to setup and performance. This and nature are my...
- Mar 10, 2018
- 2 min
The Establishment of Contest
This is the audience we wish for. This is the audience we perform best for. So why do so many band directors gauge their own success or...
- Mar 2, 2018
- 3 min
A Mosh Pit is More Fun
I have been thrust into a mosh pit before and had to shin kick my way out. In case you were born before 1975, the easiest way to explain...
- Feb 17, 2018
- 3 min
Advice for the New Band Director
As a new band director, I wish others would have told me a few things. I am no legendary conductor, I did not study with legendary...
- Feb 9, 2018
- 2 min
Let Go, Make a Change, and Trust
I say it all the time to my 6-year-old and even my high school band students, "Let it go, Elsa. Just Let it go." I recently sat in a...
- Jan 25, 2018
- 3 min
6th Graders and My Need for Therapy
I could honestly end at the title. It says it all. But... This picture really sums up my experience thus far. Through my 12 years as an...
- Dec 26, 2017
- 1 min
White Noise
When I was a kid I could turn on the television late at night around maybe one or two in the morning and see static on the screen. This...
- Dec 23, 2017
- 1 min
Firestarter
Surreal is the word. The only word that seems to sum up my experience with this wonderful group of composers. Though John Mackey invited...
- Dec 16, 2017
- 2 min
Final Preparations & Cruelty to Horns
Ok, so they aren't THOSE final preparations, I'm making my final preparations to attend Midwest. Since last time, I finished extracting...
- Nov 18, 2017
- 2 min
Composer, Performer, & Conductor
There is a new trend on Facebook where you take and post one black and white photo each day for seven days, then you tag someone who is...
- Nov 4, 2017
- 1 min
The Spark & Connecting
I see and feel inspiration surrounding me more and more each day. This inspiration is a creative spark that has ignited a new and...
- Oct 21, 2017
- 1 min
Wonder & The One
Driving across Twin Bridges on my way to school one early morning this past week, I once again saw the beauty and mystery of our world. ...
- Oct 7, 2017
- 1 min
The Fog is Lifting
There is a path laid out in front of me. I am beginning to see the fog lift as the morning dew evaporates from the untouched blades of...
- Oct 4, 2017
- 2 min
Familiar Places
I often experience Dejavu, as most people do. However, it seems that my recent experiences with this phenomenon are evolving into a...
- Aug 11, 2017
- 2 min
Perspective & Purpose
Perspective. It's all a matter of perspective. Imagine two rocks that lie at the bottom of these trees looking up. One rock looks up at...
- Aug 6, 2017
- 1 min
Solitude, Burden, & Complacency
In the musical world I feel so alone. I take refuge in this realm. This is where I can truly feel the presence and solitude of my God. I...
- Jun 4, 2017
- 2 min
Judgement, Intangibles, & Cliff Diving
At some point we all have moments, whether extended or brief, that our emotions seem to resemble this mangled and contorted tree. In...
- Apr 28, 2017
- 1 min
Learning, Living, and Loving
As I look at this photo, I cannot help but see the wisdom, experience, and passion in those hands. They have spent years learning the...
- Apr 23, 2017
- 4 min
Under Construction
The path I wanted was not the path I thought was available to me. Over the past 11 years as an educator, I have discussed the future with...