American+Band+College,+Summer+2009

From June 21-July 8 of every year, I participate in the operation of the American Band College at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. ABC is a Masters degree program specifically designed for secondary band directors to become master teachers. The summer consists of 40+ hours of pedogogy clinics from many top-name professionals on each instrument. Over 200 band directors form the ABC Directors Band which rehearses 3 hours each day and performs in 2 concerts during the session.

The highlights of the first concert were playing under the direction of Colonel Lowell Graham (retired, US Air Force, currently at University of Texas, El Paso) and Anthony Maiello (Honorary Conductor of The United States Navy Band, currently at George Mason University) and with the guest ensemble US Army Herald Trumpets (official fanfare ensemble for the President of the United States, celebrating their 50th year of Heraldry.) American Band College with the US Army Herald Trumpets: Festive Overture, Dmitri Shostakovich

The highlights of the second concert were playing the music of Jan van der Roost (Belgium) with the composer conducting and guest artist Jim Walker (University of Southern California, flute). Mr. Walker has performed on well over 600 motion picture soundracks during his career. (If you hear a flute in a motion picture, there is a good chance it is Jim Walker playing.)

The ABC 2009 Session ended with a 3 day conducting symposium by Ed Lisk, author of "The Creative Director Series" and a frequent contributor to the acclaimed "Teaching Music Through Performance" series.