Good week, but way too busy...

This week has been great. I have been super busy, not too much free time - but very enjoyable. This weekend, there is a brass band contest called Brass in Concert, which is in Gateshead. It is up north, and should be a lot of fun. My teacher, Steven Mead, is conducting the Grimethorpe Brass Band, who are the favorites to win. Oh, sorry... favoUrites to win... Anyway, he had me do some computer work on the scores for him, and that was taking up most of my time throughout the first part of the week.

I did, however, manage to get over to a Grimethorpe rehearsal on Wednesday night, and it was impressive to say the least. The band played beautifully, and when they played soft it was simply - magical. They have a great program, and it will be interesting to see how they (and Steve) do. More info on the Brass in Concert contest here.

The review from the Besses concert last week was pretty good. No large mentions of the 'almost-train-wreck' that we had, so that was nice. Here's the link.

I am headed up to the contest on Sunday with some friends from the studio. Once again, no one from the UK - but I think we can manage. The contest is different than the last one that we went to in London. This one is purely entertainment driven. There is no test piece, just one rule - you have 23 minutes. Now, ENTERTAIN us. And they do, apparently. They do have awards for best new arrangement, best soloist, etc. The view from New Castle should be nice. We are taking an early train up on Sunday, and a very late train the same day (actually, morning by the time it's here). I promise pictures for everyone!

Good news. MY NEW CD IS AVAILABLE! Stepping Stones For Euphonium, Vol. 1 was released on Tuesday, and you can get more information about it here. It is purely educational in nature, although it is full of great pieces that you can simply listen to for enjoyment. Another plug for the website, I have updated my online store with new arrangements by the Norwegian-euphoniumist, Tormod Flaten. They are stellar, and available now.

Enough about the euphonium world. I get to see my Mary next week. She is traversing the ocean to come see me. She gets here bright and early on Thursday morning, and she is staying until Tuesday. Should be a great time. I think that we are going to take a day-trip somewhere. Not exactly sure where, yet - but am working on that. I am sure whatever we do, there will be posts and pictures.

I am glad that so many of you liked the YouTube posting earlier this week. You can't imagine how funny that is until you see it happen right in front of you. Makes you really not want to drive behind buses, right? Well, that is about it for now. I must practice a bit. More pictures next week, and a post after we get back from Gateshead!