Steven Witser dies at 48; L.A. Philharmonic’s principal trombonist – Los Angeles Times The loss of a stellar player, teacher, and human: Steven Witser. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Witser personally, but I do have several close friends and colleagues who were students and friends of his–through which, I have learned [...]

You have no problems. I have no problems. It’s too easy to get overwhelmed, overloaded, pessimistic, and want to just “check out.” Don’t know what I’m talking about? (Must be nice to be an alien) For the rest of us, it’s the daily journey, challenge, and effort to keep on “keepin on” and make progress– [...]

I finally get it. One of the best things about playing in the YouTube Symphony was the chance to collaborate and be coached by Mr. Ian Bousfield, solo trombonist with the Vienna Philharmonic. His constant urging for more precision in articulation and rhythmic accuracy not only helped me with some issues I’ve had in my [...]

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Upload, Upload, Upload Eep. Ok, I admit it, I WAS SKEPTICAL. C’mon, Google + YouTube and a “global” symphony picked by pros and regular Joe’s? It turned out to be one of the best groups I’ve played with, and I learned much more than I could have possibly [...]

Made it to NYC, quick 4-5 hr nap and it’s go time! I really should have taken a photo- it’s a neat feeling (even when you’re flying coach) to approach the baggage carousel and see “that guy” with the sign is actually waiting for YOU. OK, it’s probably petty, but it’s the little things that [...]

Bonehead Heads to Carnegie Hall – Thank you for your support!

In a never-ending quest to “suck less” I find myself at times drifting, dealing with projects that “aren’t critical or important” but nonetheless have merit–but don’t seek to fulfill my purpose, or bring me closer to my destiny. Without getting mushy & metaphysical, I think we all face an internal battle–doing that which is truly [...]

I played tenor and bass trombones on the Gears of War 2 soundtrack for the XBox 360.  Working with the incredibly talented musicians up at George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch is always an INCREDIBLE experience. I had the pleasure to work with San Francisco Opera’s Mr. David Ridge (bass trombone and contra-bass Trombone), and freelance trombonist [...]

Interesting interview with Mr. Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of of the Boston Symphony on the Serpent. Mr. Yeo is a thoughtful player, educator, and musician.   The Serpent is an ancestor of the tuba, and is rarely performed today, Mr. Yeo, is one of the few who keep the tradition going.

Rarely do you get to hear a brass ensemble with this quality playing in your backyard, for $FREE$.  The caliber of student at the San Francisco Conservatory rivals top students at any institution in the country, and they are under the leadership of Mr. Paul Welcomer, a world class performer and coach.  If you have [...]