So yeah, June is done, and I'm kind of relieved. Don't get me wrong, it was a lot of fun. But it was a lot of work. As you read in my last blog on June 22nd, last weekend was quite active. I performed my solo horn recital, entitled, "Like Father, Like Son: Music of Franz & Richard Strauss" twice last weekend, and it was really well received. I had small audiences not even reaching 15 each day (better than nothing) and they were very generous, both financially and emotionally. I did play well, although I just felt like I should be at a slightly better level for my age. But anyways, that was fun and I'm glad to have done it. I'll have a solo recital every year!
Also performing last weekend was my horn ensemble and their second-ever full concert. That was a really great performance; I'm so proud of that group. We have made drastic improvements as an ensemble in the last year, and it really showed at this concert. Our music was challenging, too! And the group really stepped up, had a great time, raised a little bit of money for our cause, and put on a show for our audience. I recorded the concert, and once I get time I will post it up here and on the WIHC website (www.whidbeyislandhornclub.weebly.com.
Aside from those two things, it's just kind of nice for my wife to be done with school for the year. Being a stay-at-home dad is awesome, but very difficult. With a little more help with the kids, I can relax my mind a little more and start thinking more about composition. I have a horn concerto to write in a month and a half, and I need all the help I can get to get my brain working correctly.
But alas, as I celebrate the end of a busy June, I grudgingly but excitedly welcome in July. There's a ton of stuff going on, and on top of that, we need to start being on baby watch, as my wife is due in mid-August to have our 3rd son.
The Whidbey Island Horn Club alone is quite active, set up to perform 5 times at 5 separate events in the month of July. I'll keep you up to date on those as they come here, as well as on the WIHC website (listed above). I'm so happy this group is getting so many opportunities!
Also, on July 17th, I begin the first-ever Whidbey Island Brass Camp, which I've been currently organizing diligently and planning for. I really have to deliver good stuff at this camp; I have to bring my A-game and make it one hell of an experience for the students. I've got a lot planned, mostly revolving around just playing their instruments. It's just going to be great. I'll get more detailed in a future blog once I get details ironed out.
And I've started the high school version of the Harbor Brass, known as the Penn Cove Brass Ensemble. We've had two rehearsals, and I must say, it is really awesome. I've got a very nice little ensemble of students, most of which study with me already, and they're really quite skilled. There's a lot of potential with this group.
I'm teaching a lot, too. But with students going on vacation now and then, I get to have a little bit of extra free time. The weather here on Whidbey Island is getting quite good, and just like last summer, my family and I are going to get out and really enjoy it.
So yeah, I am expecting a busy July, but as you can probably guess, it's going to be a whole lot of fun. Have I mentioned how much I love being a free-lance musician living on Whidbey Island? Yeah, maybe I have...once or twice.
Take care and value music.