February 16, 2007
PEDAGOGY
Jennifer Mitchell is a woman who spends her life completely immersed in music. She is a trombonist, a deejay, and a composer.
Known in some circles as “Lil’ Jen”, she has been voted Atlanta’s best club DJ for a number of consecutive years by Creative Loafing Magazine.
As she mentions in this interview, 3 of her compositions have been selected to represent the Georgia State University’s Chapter of Student Composers on an upcoming CD. I have had the extreme pleasure of performing Jen’s spell-binding trombone quartet “In Memory of Jerry” and other works by her.
Jen plays second trombone in the Cobb Symphony Orchestra and the Georgia Brass Band.
She’s an inspiration and has the ability to light up a room.
This is the first in a 4-part series of interviews with Miss Mitchell. I have commissioned her to write a piece for the GYSO Brass Band, which I conduct at the Dozier Centre for the Performing Arts in Kennesaw, GA. These 4 interviews will track her from start to finish, with the 4th part being entirely dedicated to the performance, which will occur on April 29, 2007 at the Dozier Centre. Also on the bill that day is our friend Chris Martin, Principal Trumpet of the Chicago Symphony. Chris and I will premiere yet another piece that day- a duet written especially for the occasion by Mr. Eric Alexander (he’ll be a visitor here soon, too).
So, if you’re anywhere close to Atlanta that weekend, do plan on visiting us:-)
Please enjoy Part 1 of 4: Meet Jennifer Mitchell
Comments Off
|
February 14, 2007
Filed under:
pedagogy — tom gibson @ 9:58 pm
PEDAGOGY
Footage from a recent master class presented for some High School Honor Band participants.
We talked about caring for your trombone. These are well-crafted instruments we use and they deserve our respect and care, right?
Here are some tips on cleaning, lubricating, and other stuff.
A clean trombone is a happy trombone:-)
Comments Off
|
February 11, 2007
Performance/Pedagogy
We finally found the time to sit down with George Curran, the newest member of the Atlanta Symphony low brass. Now a bass ‘bonist of the highest order, George is a reformed euphonium player, as it turns out.
Please welcome him as we talk through the excerpt from Bruckner’s 8th Symphony.
Comments Off
|
February 8, 2007
A pedagogical episode for y’all. I have a few things I like to do to get my imagination rolling before making music. Here are some of my musings on the subject.
Comments Off
|
February 3, 2007
Meet Wes Funderburk, the creative force behind Blog Songs.
His Blog Songs are taking the Internet by storm (they’re listed at iTunes and directly from his web site: www.funderbone.com)
The songs are spontaneous, fresh, humorous, creative, amusing, short……..much like Wes himself! (Well, he’s not short.)
In this episode, Wes and I put together a Blog Song and he shares a lot of great tips for home recording (users of GarageBand, especially, will find this episode very informative).
As a performer and a writer, Wes’ energy is contagious and brings a smile to everyone in the vicinity. We hope you enjoy meeting him!
Comments Off
|
February 2, 2007
Performance
This is footage of the world premiere of “Air, Metal, and Roll” by Nick Demos.
The premiere took place on January 27, 2007 at the US Army Band’s 24th Annual Tuba-Euphonium Conference at Ft. Myer.
The inimitable Demondrae Thurman displays his inspiring virtuosity and rich musicality on euphonium.
The Army Band, under the baton of 1st Lt. David Paroby, shows why they enjoy the reputation of being one of the world’s finest wind ensembles.
Working and collaborating with all of these exceptional artists was a fantastic experience! We were thrilled that the piece was so well received. Demondrae and I look forward to more performances; and perhaps recording this exciting new music. Nick has written a few other pieces for brass. He’s a good friend with a great feel for BRASS! He can be contacted through the web site for Georgia State University: www.music.gsu.edu
We hope you enjoy “Air, Metal, and Roll”
Comments Off
|
Email it
