T-minus 5 SEMESTERS...

It's been a crazy first semester out here in Tempe. First, I must say that I don't think I have improved on my instrument enough, but the REAL LIFE application of everything is really worth not improving that much. I have learned so much this semester about teaching and actually running a studio - mainly because sometimes I have to! ;)

We just finished first semester juries here at ASU. As a doctoral TA, I have to sit in on brass juries, and even grade undergraduate juries. I'm not afraid to say that the first time I gave someone a C- I felt a little awkward - like I was somehow crushing them... you know?!? I guess I'll have to get over it. Oh well...

Just For Brass occupied so much of my life for almost the entire month of November. We have been online for 6 week, we've had 108,000 visitors - and things are going great. I'm glad that it isn't taking up too much of my life right now, things are good.

I am almost done with all of the commissions for the new Wind Band disc - now, I'm running into problems finding an accompanying ensemble. Maybe I'm being too picky... Nah - I want this to sound AWESOME, and I need a good band. If I have to wait 10 years - - - that's ok, I'm fine with that... No need to half-ass anything, right?!?

I have finally set my program for my first doctoral recital, and it's shaping up quite well. Here it is:

Auld Lang Syne - Mantia/arr. Meechan
Concert Variations - Jan Bach
Slavische Fantasie - Hohne
Concerto for Euphonium - James Woodward (ASU composer premiere)
Diversive Elements - David Gillingham (with Patrick Sheridan, tuba)

Should be a good show, but I think I might want to add one more piece... anyway, more on that later - I guess...

Well, I hate to make this brief, but I have to get going. I'm here in Tempe until December 21, then Mary and I fly back to the midwest for the holidays. A brief 2 weeks there and then we're back to PHX.

Hope everyone has a great holiday, and an even happier new year! BTW - Just For Brass is running a sale now through January 1 - 5% off orders over $100 (or the foreign currency equivalent) - use coupon code: EUPHONIUM

Happy Holidays!

- Pat