As I am up FAR too late tonight- I had the opportunity (read here: obligation) to write down my current “Educational Philosophy”. A couple of things come to mind: First: This is what I believe now. Today. Check in month, decade, eon, and things surely will have evolved. Second: Rather than write a narrative about [...]

Trombonanza 2010 WHAT: Trombonanza 2010! (Holiday Trombone fun!) WHEN:  Friday, 12/17/08 1-3PM WHERE: Papillon Coffee, 67 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, CA 94549 WHY: Festive Merriment Silly!, To feature the talents of top Bay Area Trombonists, to give young musicians an opportunity to hear some great players! Trombonanza Flyer 2010 – Please share this flyer with anyone who enjoys [...]

On Tuesday, July 6th, three outstanding trombonists came and played for the students at Summer Music to promote their upcoming recital at the Lafayette Public Library, July 18th, 7PM. Mr. Timothy Higgins (newly appointed principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony), Mr. Paul Welcomer (second trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony), and Mr. David Ridge [...]

Where did I go? Has the podcast died? ‘What Hoppened? Never fear true believers- we’re coming back strong later thus week. In a crazy period entitled “I wish I had another six hours a day and a tail” (heretofore referenced as- aJust became a new stay at home Dad, moved, and still maintained my studio, [...]

Interview with international opera star Rod Gilfry. Incredible Operatic baritone, professor of Music at the University of Southern California, and good human. Currently the lead role of Emile de Becque in the national tour of South Pacific. Direct download linkSubscribe in iTunes

One REALLY fun to play Vintage (antique) Holton 1908 Euphonium, Silver Plated. I’ve had the valve stems rebuilt, some minor patch work, and dent removal. This thing is a beast, but really easy to play in the mid register, and upper register. She’s got a sweet sound, and would be perfect for an elementary, middle [...]

Although I am tragically flawed, I think that Bushido, or the “principles of the Samurai” are perhaps one of the most inspiring things I have found, and try my best to live up to. What would the impact be on your life, music, and and on the planet, were we all to try and adopt [...]

Interview with drummer, craftsman, and thinker, Glenn Cronkhite. Glenn is a craftsman of the old world, and shares with us his life story, and how he ended up inventing the modern gig bag, and how he founded what became Reunion Blues. Episode 3 Direct Download Link Please subscribe in iTunes

Sigh. In an ongoing effort to fight the mythos of “uh, chicks can’t do that dude” there are two videos below that Mr. Alex Iles shared with the trombone list recently. In his post he referenced an interesting note, Amanda Stewart was recently appointed Associate Principal trombone with the New York Philharmonic. This is a [...]

Gotta love the YouTube! – I wish I’d had the opportunity to see this two decades ago! Great solo in the middle by Bob Brookmeyer. The intricate harmonies of the That & Mel band are something to behold. Playing them in the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra was a real education for me- the concepts of tonal [...]