Over the weekend I was fortunate enough to get a lift from Lewisville saxophone expert Mark Smith to go see the Lotus Saxophone Quartet perform in San Antonio. They were awarded the Fischoff Gold Medal in the senior winds division and completing a community outreach and educational masterclass tour. The soprano player, GianCarlo Devanii Lay, […]
The next part of my immersion was visiting where the band journey starts for students in Grade 6 to 8. These middle schools have strong ties to the high schools with directors often visiting and instrumental staff being shared. There are a lot of similarities in fundamental concepts being taught and important mentoring and supporting […]
It was wonderful to start my visit to Dallas with a free concert by the Plano Community Band in the Robinson Fine Arts Center under the direction of Dr Thomas Keck, featuring Italian trombonist Peter Steiner as a guest artist. The program has a well-considered mix of the old and the new with a very […]
Across Australia, the beginner instrumental instruction method has been based on the American Band system since the 1960s yet only a few local music educators have spent time in the original environment we attempt to emulate. I’m excited to undertake a two-week immersion in Texas with opportunities to observe classes and have discussions with some […]
Delight in the development of the saxophone quartet from the earliest composition in America to the lively streets of Paris and mysterious nightclubs of Buenos Aires. Niels Bijl – soprano saxophoneMichael Lichnovsky – alto saxophoneShannon Ebeling – tenor saxophoneSara Beale – baritone saxophone Florio – Quartette: Allegro de ConcertFranck – Prélude, Fugue et Variations, op. […]