new store, new sponsorship, just plan new things...

I am doing my best to update this blog regularly - so everyone give me a round of applause - - - wherever you are... I've earned it... Just kidding.

Anyway, new things are happening here in Tempe. We have our first concert with the Wind Symphony here this evening. Mary is playing in the Chamber Winds, which is the 'top' group at ASU, I am in the Wind Symphony. For my ego I must tell you that there aren't any euphonium's in the Chamber Winds, so that is why I'm not in it. Sorry for that - but my ego was bruised.

I have a new sponsorship! YEAH! I have always said that I would never pursue a sponsorship like so many other people that I know. I enjoy playing my euphonium, and I don't really want to play another companies instrument just because they are supporting me financially. I guess I'm just stubborn... ANYWAY - it was great when the Buffet Crampon company approached me to be a Besson artist.

Buffet Crampon is one of the most respected names in the woodwind realm, and they acquired Besson, who is the most respected name in brass - - - anywhere, last year. For those that have been following my blog over the last year know that the new Besson euphonium's have been totally overhauled and are AWESOME! They play better than their predecessors, and will be around for a very long time. I was happy to join the team at Besson-USA, and Buffet Crampon for what I hope will be a very long relationship. A big thank you to Tim Ornato and the entire Besson-USA team. Also, thanks to Steven Mead - without you, none of this would be possible!

You can check out my profile at the besson.com website by clicking here.

Another new project is Just for Brass. This is a new store which will be opening in October. Right now we are still in the formative stages, but are planning on going ONLINE soon! This will be the one stop shopping that people crave, and will be based out of patstuckemeyer.com, euphonium.net (Steven Mead), and maybe even a few others!

The site-place holder should be up soon at our website, and it will hopefully be functional by October 1. More on that later!

New things happening outside of Tempe, but still very exciting! Thanks for all of the nice comments on the engagement, and I'll tell you all about our on-going wedding plans in the next update!

Great news - - - sorry it took me so long.

Ok,

So - it's been a whirlwind starting out here at ASU. Before I get into that - I wanted to let you all know that I finally asked the love of my life, Mary Somerville, to marry me last weekend. We went up to Sedona for the weekend, and she said yes! I couldn't believe it - after a great weekend, and lots of tears, we are engaged! YEAH!

Back to ASU. It's been a long uphill road over the past 3 weeks. I feel like I am finally settling into things here, but am still getting my bearings. I did win a playing job out here in the Salt River Brass Band, which both of my teachers are involved in. I got the Solo Euphonium spot, which will be a nice continuation from Besses from last year.

I have 4 students at ASU that are studying with me. Sam, my teacher, always says that everyone should have at least one student - that way you have to be able to explain yourself to someone. It is essential to teaching. Everything is going quite nicely, and I am really enjoying getting back into teaching. I really think I could do this...

My new online store is opening up in 3 weeks, so it will probably be after that opens that you'll hear about my life. The new store is called, Just for Brass, it is a joint effort between myself and Steven Mead, my teacher from last year, and a few other people as well. I realized with all of this stock that I am selling that I am moving into a whole new level of records-keeping, which I don't think I'm prepared for at all. I guess I'll just have to wing it and hope that the IRS is kept-at-bay.

Anyway, that is it for me right now. I am enjoying being a student, being engaged, and simply enjoying life! Thanks for everyone who has sent good wishes! I love you all!