Crazy thoughts? We all have them from time to time. But this weekend, I had a doozy. Sitting in rehearsal with The Symphony of the Mountains for our side-by-side concert of Movie Music with area high schoolers, I was playing along when—like all brass players must—I needed to empty my slides. (“spittious-accumulatious” for the uninitiated.) I looked down at the fresh pattern on the floor left by my most recent…ejection…and a thought struck me. (Naturally, I had to share it with the second … [Read more...]
Snow-pocalypse… and Cold
January 19, 2025 – 9:45 AMDiary of a Snowbound Visionary, Volume II: The Cold Strikes Back Dear readers of frostbitten chronicles, The week since Snow-pocalypse 2025: January Edition has been one of reflection and stubborn snow. Despite temperatures attempting a feeble rebellion midweek (a balmy 50 degrees on Thursday, practically tropical), stubborn patches of icy defiance clung to shaded corners, taunting anyone who dared dream of dry pavement. A little rain on Saturday tried to help. It … [Read more...]
A few pics from the Road
My last gig with the Symphony of The Mountains was a doosie! We were quite busy! Three outdoor Concerts, in three days, in three states! Although it required quite a bit of driving, it was still pretty fun. The concert was long and made more difficult by the fact that each outdoor venue was majorly different. It was worth it none the less. I was able to get some work done for my day job. You remember, slaving away for the man?! But, I was also able to get some time to take a few … [Read more...]
The Show
A year or so ago, I was playing a recording session and the engineer hired a Quintet of us to record an extra piece. At the time, he said it was for a singer's new album. This past summer, I was playing a session with the same recording engineer and he gave me and my comrades each a copy of the DVD and then showed us the video. I thought it was pretty cool and have since found it on the "YouTubes". So, check it out and see what you think. You'll have to listen hard for me, I'm the Horn in … [Read more...]
Brahms – Bier und Bratwurst
Here's a little incentive for all you Symphony and Beer lovers out there. I'll be there but, that's because I'll be in the Orchestra. But, if I weren't playing, I would definitely make the trip! I mean, what's better than Brahms, Beer and Brats? ... Right, bacon. But these are really pretty good also! :-) For Immediate Release March 4, 2011 Contact: Anna Leaño (423) 392-8426 Symphony of the Mountains to host post-concert “Brahms, Bier and Bratwurst” party at The Bus Pit, in … [Read more...]
Symphony Season Begins!
The Symphony of the Mountains is kicking off their 2010 - 2011 Season on August 28th, 2010 @ 8:00pm. The concert will be held in the Toy F. Reid Employee Center - Eastman - Kingsport, TN. Dress up as your favorite movie character and win a great prize! Here is the current press release for the opening concert... Symphony of the Mountains “A Night at the Movies” August 28, 2010, 8pm Toy F. Reid Employee Center, Eastman, Kingsport Hollywood is coming to Kingsport on Saturday … [Read more...]
Knoxville Wind Symphony Concert
Just a note to all you music lovers in the Knoxville area. The Knoxville Wind Symphony will be holding a concert this Sunday, March 7, at 4:00 at the Historic Tennessee Theatre. Here's the News announcement from the KWS website: Wind Symphony and Youth Wind Ensemble will Blow You Away! Batten Down the Hatches: March will begin with quite a bit of WIND in the Tennessee Theatre. At 4 pm on Sunday, March 7 the Knoxville Wind Symphony and East Tennessee Youth Wind Ensemble will perform … [Read more...]