I had the pleasure of spending a week in Fort Wayne, Indiana where I first worked with the Fort Wayne Area Community Band on the premiere performance of 'The Crossroads' which they had commissioned for their 40th anniversary concert. I also had time to do a segment with the local CBS affiliate new broadcast, in which we talked about my career and the premiere of 'The Crossroads'. The next day was spent working with the Homestead High School Wind Ensemble as well as a day spent at nearby Manchester University. While at Manchester University I engaged with composition student in a seminar, sharing works and discussing the composition process. Following the seminar I had the opportunity to lead the Symphonic Band in a rehearsal of my work 'Fanfare to the Hammer'. The day concluded with an open lecture to the entire music department where we discussed broadly musical topics as well as a Q&A portion.
A tremendous 'thank you' to Dr. Scott Humphries who conducts the FWACB as well as the bands at Manchester, also Sue Jehl who works with the community band and organized the entire week, and to Bryen Warfield at Homestead High School for welcoming me into his classroom. Great people and lots of wonderful music making as well as truly inspiring educators doing the daily job of improving their community and enriching the lives of all, young to old -- I kid you not, the community band had an age range of 20 to 90! |