NEWS
Blue Lake International Northern Winds European Tour (2014)
Over the summer of 2014, I had the very fortunate opportunity to take part as a staff member and soloist with the Blue Lake International Northern Wind's European tour. The group traveled to Germany, Denmark and Poland, providing everyone with a wealth of eye-opening and exciting experiences. On the tour, I performed with the ensemble Arthur Pryor's solo for trombone, Fantastic Polka.
Four Rivers of Paradise for Wind Ensemble (2014)
During the spring of 2014, I completed my first composition for wind ensemble. The piece will be played by the Indiana University Symphonic Band, conducted by Associate Director of Bands Jeffrey Gershman, on April 3, 2014. In addition, I will be presenting a joint masterclass with Professor Gershman at Indiana University on April 2, 2014, describing the piece, as well as disucssing topics on composing music and commissioning new works. The piece is 9 minutes long, and is at a grade 5-6 difficulty. Recording available soon.
Orange Grove Middle School- Commission for Original Work (2014)
I have recently received a commission to compose an original work for symphonic band for the Orange Grove Middle School Band, located in Tucson, Arizona. The piece will be in celebration of the school's 40th anniversary. The work will be premiered on May 3, 2014.
Conducting Masterclass- Stephen Pratt (2013)
During the fall of 2013, I had the outstanding opportunity to take part in a conducting masterclass led by Director of Bands at Indiana University, Stephen Pratt, in accordination with Indiana University's chapter of the National Band Association. Thanks to all of the student musicians for participating!
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp- Trombone Sectional Instructor and Camp Bernstein Cabin Counselor (2013)
During the summer of 2013, I had the fortune of being employed by Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp as a counselor and the trombone sectional teacher for Camp Bernstein. My responsibilities included playing trombone in several staff ensembles, including the faculty festival band and staff jazz ensemble, teaching middle school trombone sectionals in Camp Bernstein, and living with eleven middle school students of the fine arts. I had a tremendous experience, and I found Blue Lake to be one of the best-operated fine arts camps in the nation. I gained an invaluable amount of experience working with middle school students, and was a proud member of the very talented set of staff members that Blue Lake employed during the summer.
Streets of Vienna, Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra (2013)
Early during the summer of 2013, I finished my largest composition project to date, Streets of Vienna. Streets of Vienna is a three movement concerto for tenor trombone, and can be played with either piano accompaniment or orchestral accompaniment. The piece depicts three particular places in Vienna, based on my study abroad experience in Vienna, Austria in 2011. To listen to the piece, click here. The score and parts are available upon request for performance.
National Association for Music Education Student Composition Competition, Winner (2013)
During the summer of 2013, I learned that I was selected as a winner of the 2013 National Association for Music Education's (NAfME) Student Composition Competition for my piece,
Krakowian Dances. Krakowian Dances is a piece for Oboe, Violin, Cello and Piano, separated into three movements. Each movement depicts a different type of traditional Polish dance. In addition to receiving a cash prize, my piece will be performed at the National Association for Music Education's National In-Service Conference in Nashville, TN in October. To hear the piece, click here.
Student Teaching, Carmel High School (2013)
During the Spring of 2013, I had the very fortunate opportunity to student teach at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana. Carmel's music program is nationally renown, and during the semester that I was there, both the concert band and orchestra were the 2013 ISSMA State Champions. I worked under the guidance of crtically-acclaimed music educator and composer, Richard Saucedo. While at Carmel, I rehearsed all six concert bands, the fourth jazz band, the pep band, and low brass orchestra sectionals. I had the fantastic opportunity of leading the fourth jazz band's performance at the Ball State Jazz Festival, as well as conducting two of the concert bands at the ISSMA festival. The amount of pedagogical and practical knowledge I gained from my student teaching experience is vast, and I am confident that I can bring any music program that I work for to new heights.
Stephansdom Published by Cherry Classics (2013)
During the Spring of 2013, my piece Stephansdom, for Solo Bass Trombone and Trombone Choir, was published by acclaimed music publishing company, Cherry Classics. The piece is available for purchase at this link.
Senior Trombone Recital, Indiana University, Ford Hall (2012)
In December of 2012, I gave my senior trombone recital in Ford Hall at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. The recital featured two of my original compositions,
Stephansdom and the premiere of Streets of Vienna. You can view my recital program, as well as hear selections from my recital here.
2012 Eastern Trombone Workshop Composition Competition, Winner (2012)
During the Spring of 2012, my piece, Stephansdom, was selected as the winning composition of the Eastern Trombone Workshop National Composition Competition. My piece was performed at the Eastern Trombone Workshop in Ft. Meyer, VA, by members of the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band.
Semester Abroad- Vienna, Austria (2011)
During the Fall of 2011, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Vienna, Austria. I experienced incredible music on a daily basis, and learned an enormous amount about European culture. I discovered a love for traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing new things.
S.E. Shires National Trombone Solo Competition/Southeast Trombone Symposium (2010)
During the summer of 2010, I took part in the S.E. Shires National Trombone Solo Competition at Columbus State University as a part of the Southeat Trombone Symposium. At the symposium, I enjoyed coachings and masterclass performances with trombonists Colin Williams, George Curran, Bradley Palmer, and Bill Thomas. I received second place in the national trombone solo competition, and as a result received a free Shires trombone case, mouthpiece, and trombone stand, courtesy of S.E. Shires.
