news
April 22, 2008
Happy Earth Day; make a phone call.
April 16, 2008
A little follow up to some recent posts... Earth Hour was enlightening; perhaps I'll make it a weekly habit.
Additionally, I must mention that Michael Straus, who will premiere my most recent work next week, was recently awarded the J. William Fulbright Grant! He will be living in Amsterdam as of this fall, studying with Ties Mellema. While I am thrilled for Straus, it is with great concern that I mention Mellema's recent accident, hoping we can all offer our best thoughts and prayers.
March 29, 2008
Lights out tonight.
March 24, 2008
In the midst of teaching, I've been on the road for various performances. Sapphire Brass toured and recorded an older work of mine; George Lam and the Duke New Music Ensemble shed new light on Degradations IV-b; and human beatboxer Shodekeh joined Jeremiah Baker and myself for an [im]possible evening. (Kudos to my computery colleagues for making things happen!) Recordings on the way and remixes in the works.
I'm quite fortunate to have had the 'beatboxer trio' performed; as this was the evening my faithful laptop gave its two weeks notice. It is likely that I will have to go on an acoustic stint, at least until I find funds for a new computer. (This could take awhile).
Fortunately, I have squeezed one final piece out of the laptop and completed a new work saxophonist Michael Straus. He is one of the hardest working saxophonists out there and certainly will bring like-minded spirit to the piece. Several west coast dates are lined up for THE STATE OF THE inSIGNIFICANT, including the premiere at Stanford on April 26.
January 12, 2008
It is rare that I post something of the non-musical sort, but some events take precedence over all. I'm extremely pleased to announce that I am officially engaged to Jessica Finch, the love of my life.
December 19, 2007
It was time for a change! Apparently websites with white backgrounds use more energy. Though I doubt a handful of black backgrounds will take dramatic toll on the state of our environment, it seems only appropriate to reflect my intentions in any way possible. Regardless, the new website format will suffice until I learn flash.
December 7, 2007
In the midst of his book tour (and just after passing through my old town,) New Yorker's Alex Ross has linked Tosherish in a recent blog. This "side project" came after the interesting and discussion-worthy events on The Howard Stern Show. (I've always been a bigger fan of attempting to "throat sing" on The Don and Mike Show).
November 6, 2007
News from Maryland: act now!
November 5, 2007
The picture below looks a bit different from the mountain scenes I've been capturing recently.
Unfortunately this is a familiar sight to some (and isn't too far from my new home). The controversial topic that is mountaintop removal came to my attention through Black Diamonds, a film by upcoming collaborator Catherine Pancake (see below). The film truly exposes the endless elements of environmental and cultural impact produced by this form of coal mining, along with the typically clever way our administration has displayed their usual ignorance (or greed).
This topic is one that hits the heartland of one of the most important and diverse ecological systems in our country, yet is rarely found on the nightly news. All owe it to themselves to see this award-winning film, investigate further, and act accordingly. My Mount Vernon friends can catch it at the Charles on November 27th.
Ten days prior (on November 17th) will be the premiere of my latest work, L!st3N. The piece not only hints at topics like those found above, but also features the aforementioned Catherine Pancake (metals/dry ice), who is a prominent voice in the free improvisation scene found in Baltimore. A quite diverse and talented ensemble for the piece will join her, rounding off the second concert in the After Now Series.
September 16, 2007
As with apples and oranges, I certainly cannot compare my new home in Virginia with Baltimore. That said, next weekend I will definitely be missing out! The 9th edition of the International High Zero Festival will run from September 27-30, proving once again to be a mind blowing, do-not-miss experience. The free improvisation scene continues to become an important part of my life as a composer and saxophonist. Old instruments with a new approach as well as new instruments with unexpected power prove inspirational. The natural, Scelsi-like forms, quite often found in this music, allow for energy that most composers can only envy. This year's event includes a few of my past collaborators and other amazing Baltimore musicians, as well as an eclectic mix of highly skilled improvisors from as close as New York to as far as Europe. Those in Maryland (or a with a car) would truly be unwise to miss such an event. For now I will have to rely on past experiences and future collaboration for inspiration.
September 11, 2007
September 4, 2007
Aside from other recent, exciting releases from Innova, I am particularly enthusiastic about the upcoming recording of Reich's Music for 18 Musicians, performed by Bill Ryan and the GVSU New Music Ensemble. Grand Valley is where I began my formal training and thus, is a place for which I hold many fond memories. This recording exemplifies the constant growth and excellence found at that institution. A nice preview of the anticipated CD can be found here or on youtube. For my NYC friends, don't miss the monkey.
September 1, 2007
As many already know, I recently moved to southwestern Virginia. The bittersweet decision (made after a difficult summer) brings plans similar to many of my other friends, while preparing for future schooling (and some much anticipated reading). Baltimore was an incredible experience that began with the conservatory training that truly shaped my musical aspirations. I continued writing and enjoying the neighborhood, when not out of town with MTT and company. I am saddened to no longer be teaching the numerous students I had at various institutions. (Keep in touch everyone). Best of luck to my students and colleagues at Morgan. I will miss this experience and am happy to have been a part of your musical community. I am confident that everything will be in good hands with Brian. Aside from focusing on my writing, some new saxophone ideas, and enjoying the quiet of mountain life (that provides plenty of new scenes for my new hobby), I will be teaching at Bluefield and also finding a new musical niche as a contributing writer for NRV. As always, I have a few projects on the rise and will be in balTimore after now.
June 7, 2007
The evening of May 30, 2007, a great educator was lost. Deborah Kasprzyk was quiet and short, slow and steady, but also powerful, brilliant, and an extremely memorable human of profound proportions. She touched the lives of not only the countless youth she educated formally, but also all who came in contact with her.
It is impossible to summarize her teachings and accomplishments. What stands out is that she was an underdog who stood up for other underdogs; she believed our only disability is a lack of ambition. She taught us to love all the people of this world, unconditionally.
Special thanks to the people of Allegan (and beyond), who exemplify the essence of community. My family truly appreciates the many ways you have reached out during the past eight months.
To the unforgettable teacher of many.
(Mom, 1954-2007)
May 23, 2007
Final Illusory Correlations Concert last night. Details and pictures here.
May 20, 2007
Apologies to my frequent visitors who have recently had trouble accessing the site. I was experiencing some server issues but anticipate most problems resolved in the near future. Thank you for your patience.
May 4, 2007
Illusory Correlations is back!
We will have a performance at Saint Peter's in NYC on May 22, 8pm. Further details here!
April 21, 2007
Special thanks to saxophonist James McCain and pianist Daniel Spiegel for visiting
Morgan yesterday. They presented a
stellar recital, exhibiting complete command over their instruments. McCain
also shared his wisdom with some of my students, shedding light on his superior
altissimo and other saxophone techniques. As always, thanks to Dr. Eric Conway, Mr. Melvin Miles, and the Morgan
State Music Department for their support.
March 12, 2007
I'm back from another great performance with New World.
Back to work (with
a few events coming up).
March 3, 2007
I'm briefly in Baltimore before heading to Miami Beach again for an additional
performance with New World.
It was a pleasure joining the group for many performances, including two at
Carnegie that were
"played with incisive attack, exuberance and cool technical command" (New York Times).
MTT,
Yo Yo, and the group were all supportive and excellent to work with; truly an excellent group of amazing caliber.
Looking forward to future collaboration. Special thanks to Mike Straus
for the use of his tenor saxophone.
January 26, 2007
In the midst of fulfilling many commissions, I will be joining many others around the world celebrating the 150th aniversary of the Peabody Conservatory with a few performances. In February alone, I will be performing concerts for a number of audiences in Baltimore with the Creative Access, having a performance of my piece Degradations III-b at the Spark Festival, as well as joining the New World Symphony Orchestra for several performances in Miami and New York, marking my debut performance at Carnegie Hall.
December 17, 2006
At the conclusion of many performances, it's great to close out '06 and look to the many events in store for '07. I am grateful to have had such opportunities as a performance with New World, my residency at GVSU, work with Intrada, a recital at CCRMA, many new pieces premiered, and much more. I look forward to continued work at Morgan and my other teaching posts, as well as many commissions to fulfill. Stay tuned for this and of course the continuation of Illusory Correlations!
November 10, 2006
Article on the upcoming collaboration.
November 9, 2006
Several performances are lined up for my new project with Samuel Burt, Illusory Correlations. Vist the website for more details. Don't miss opening night on December 2!
Additionally, I have several commissions/performances lined up. These include myself as
composer/performer for the film Little Fish (Wiggle Pictures/Ghetto Film School
Productions), a marimba duo
for the Coalescence Percussion Duo,
and a saxophone concerto for Jennifer Grantham,
commissioned by the School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Details forthcoming.
October 28, 2006
Back from Michigan and ready for Florida. It was excellent to return home not only to GVSU but also Cornerstone and my old high school. I enjoyed working with those who started my musical education and their support is tremendously appreciated. I encountered many inquisitive students at all venues and was happy to see the great work that continues there. I also had the chance to catch up with a slew of friends and collaborators.
Highlights included a masterclass at GVSU (thanks to one of my old teacher Laurie Sears, who has truly shaped the abilities of some great young saxophonists), a pre-concert lecture, and some private lessons with composition students of Bill Ryan.
I was extremely pleased to work with the Intrada Winds,
an excellent group of musicians, each destined for success. I will post
audio samples of their performance(s) soon
and look forward to future concerts and collaborations.
October 9, 2006
On November 3rd, I will perform with the The New World Symphony Orchestra. Details forthcoming.
August 15, 2006
I will be in residence at Grand Valley State University
this October for a few events, including some masterclasses and the world premiere of a new work for the award-winning Intrada Winds.
The piece is partially funded by an Encore Grant from the American Composers Forum
and will be featured on two upcoming Intrada tours.
Additionally, my work Immersion (for electronics) has been selected for the Midwest Minutes Mix of the 60x60 Project.
I am also finalizing plans for a chamber music recital of works by myself and fellow composer Samuel Burt, to be performed throughout the East Coast. Lots of events and the fall semester is on the horizon. Further details pending.
May 27, 2006
I have added a new page to the site to easily view various photos from my travels. Click here to view.
May 8, 2006
My catalog has been updated with the following new scores:
Degradations III-b, prerecorded sounds; Immersion, prerecorded sounds;
and the power or means to decide, string quartet.
If you are interested in one of the works please contact me.
Many new pieces on the way....
April 10, 2006
New audio samples available on the saxophone and composition audio pages.
More news tba.
March 14, 2006
Saxophonist Brian Sacawa came to Morgan today to coach members of my saxophone studio.
The event was a great success and proved to be a positive experience for all.
Special thanks to Eric Conway and Melvin Miles for their
support in this project, and of course to Sacawa for offering his
words of wisdom. Pictures from the event can be found at this link.
February 26, 2006
I recently gave my west coast debut as featured soloist on the CCRMA Concert Series of Stanford University; a series that has featured the likes of Mark Applebaum,
Morton Subotnick, Stefano Scodanibbio and many other prominent figures.
Special thanks to Robert Hamilton and Artistic Director Chryssie Nanou for their help, technical support, and gracious hospitality.
Audio samples will be posted here as they become available.
January 5, 2006
Several of the pieces I commissioned this past year are receiving more performances. Robert Hamilton's is the same...is not the same has already been performed in Denmark (by Henrik Frisk) and has now been chosen for performance at the Primavera in Habana festival in Cuba. Also, Samuel Burt's Fountain Resonances will be performed by Brian Sacawa at the 2006 Spark Festival in Minneapolis, MN. Congratulations guys and best of luck.
December 17, 2005
Two degrees, four jobs, and about 40 concerts...2005 is nearing an end. Lots of things in store for '06....
November 23, 2005
New publicity photos are now available for download on the press materials page. Like what you see? Feel free to contact photographer John Armato to set up an appointment.
October 15, 2005
I participated in a 5K walk to support autism research. Donatations can still be made at the Walk Now website.
August 16, 2005
I have been appointed to the faculty at Morgan State University. I will also join the faculty at The Maryland Conservatory and anticipate other job offers in the coming weeks.
May 26, 2005
Commencement! I received two Master's degrees (saxophone and composition) from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University.
February, 2005
The world premiere of Robert Hamilton's is the same...is not the same for alto saxophone and computer was a huge success. The performance was at the Spark Festival, February 18 (Lloyd Ultan Recital Hall, University of Minnesota). Audio samples are available on the saxophone page. More information at http://spark.cla.umn.edu/
February, 2005
24hc went off without a hitch, premiering 7 new works by Peabody composers and rasing $127.34 for UNICEF/tsunami relief. This is in addition to the $566.68 raised during the Jessica Finch and my Penny & Loose change drive. Special thanks to our numerous volunteers and the Peabody Community for helping make a difference! More information at http://24hc.org. Audio samples available on the composition page.
December, 2004
My saxophone quartet arrangment continues to be performed at multiple venues via the Creative Access. Click here to hear the Studio 311 Saxophone Quartet perform the piece.