And it begins again...

After a much needed vacation, the semester has begun in full force. We are lucky to be experiencing rather moderate weather, so the desire to wake up and get to the campus isn't dampened by the -20 degree weather outside (-5 is much more manageable). Having said that, a week in 88 degree temperatures and many cervezas on the beach in Mexico may have freed my mind (and thawed my spirit).

Up until our trip to Akumal, I've always felt guilty on vacations. When not feeling guilty, I've wanted to accomplish something pertinent- like study a new technique, learn something culturally significant on my agenda, or read the "history of"" this or that. I was recently expressing this sentiment to a friend when she responded, "you were doing something- healing." While this statement may sound a bit existential, I have come to believe she's right. A clear mind and relaxed body is needed to prepare for the onslaught of recitals, concerts, recruiting, festivals, and classes that is the collegiate spring semester. The semester began with the least amount of stress I've ever felt, and in addition to accomplishing some recordings, practicing, taking in pre-inaguration coverage (and a limited amount of football), I feel ready to give 110% to my students and colleagues from day one.

And if not, Cancun's not that far away.

Winter Break!

Happy Holidays!

What a relief to be on break! After a rather hectic semester teaching, I can finally look forward to some decompression time. We are heading to the Mayan Riviera for part of the break, and if I'm sneaky, I'll toss a riq or tar in my luggage to practice on the beach. I have a tough time sitting on the beach doing nothing. We'll see what happens.

My previous blog may have mentioned it, but I managed to total my Brendan White bodhran in an unfortunate accident. I really don't want to talk about it, but I'm looking forward to breaking in my new drum courtesy of Brendan and his goats. If I can work out getting over to Ireland this summer, I want to win this.

Tonight, Christmas Eve, we are having dinner with the ever-talented Eric Shiveley and hope to do some playing. If we can throw a few tunes together, we may just go and play at the local homeless shelter for Christmas.

As for playing- I've recently done just a bit- a Medano Creek Jazz Trio stuff, some bar playing, and then a performance with Tracy at ASC's winter commencement. Otherwise, it looks a bit sparse for the next few weeks, with the exception of playing for a soundtrack for a documentary on Martinique.

February 22 is the Day of Percussion at Adams State College. In addition to hosting the always fantastic Valerie Naranjo, we'll also feature my ensembles, as well as the great folks over at Ft. Lewis College. Contact me for more info!

By the way, the best sound maracas EVER can be purchased from Trey at California Percussion. His joropo maracas are amazing. Why buy really good maracas? Why not?

Merry Christmas!!

J-

Another day to reflect... Thanksgiving.

Greetings,

It's been a long while since I last updated but it is clearly not the result of a lack of things to talk about. Since my last post, the jazz ensembles gave two great performances, the steel drum bands performed three great performances, and the percussion ensemble has been doing great things each and every performance.

On my end, it seems I've been playing a lot and definitely looking forward to more chamber music experiences. Tracy and I have played in just about every imaginable situation- from pre-school to high school to Bongo Billy's in Salida to recital halls. We are playing for commencement ceremonies in a couple of weeks which means a large, restless audience. Makes for a weird performance experience for sure!

PASIC was inspiring, and in addition to being elected to the Colorado PAS chapter board, I've been asked to be a member of the PAS Drum Set Committee, as well as the Interactive Drumming Committee. It's always great to catch up with old friends, mentors, teachers, and make new connections. I had coffee with John Parks from FSU after having seen his symphonic lab. That guy can take over a room with his energy. Wow.

Locally, I've given up the Executive Director position with ALMA and am happily situated on their board. I've gotten the community steel drum band off and running, and look forward to the high school honor group going as well. I still make my usual trek to Texas where I am trying to book the rock band a fun trip for the summer, as well as make the "Latin" ensemble sound good.

I've also found myself doing a lot of recording for various artists, including a popular group in Colorado, The Mitguards. They are a sweet couple with a really great bass player. I'm looking forward to hearing the final product. Of course, it's always great to work with Don Richmond. I learn a lot from him with each session- he's really dialed into the Americana/Southwest sound and I'm grateful for his musicianship and ability to create a wonderful environment for creativity.

On the subject of directing ensembles, it's great to see the students growing leaps and bounds and knowing I am preparing them to be successful after college. In the jazz ensemble, the students are learning to play with correct style, articulation, and most importantly, learning how to improvise well. For many teachers, in the rush to put on programs, teaching tends to be less geared towards growing the individual and instead, making sure the program doesn't fold. It was my goal to spend every day teaching and ensuring the students become better musicians for their sake. There have been growing pains for students with this different philosophy, but I firmly believe perseverance will pay off.

The percussion students are growing dramatically too. I have a very creative group of musicians in my studio, as well as the 30 students in the steel drum band. How grateful I am to have so many smart, dedicated students who are really into playing music. It's such a joy to see their faces when the crowd goes ballistic over their performances. It's great to see the students make the connection between the hard work and the pay off of a great performance. Ahh... this is why I teach.

So with this little break for Turkey Day, I'm able to get caught up on paperwork, but also plan ahead. My donor for the steel drum band continues to support me so I want to work on a large event for him in the spring. I'll be participating in the North American Frame Drum Association in March, so I'm back to digging into frame drumming. The local immigrant resource center purchased a Guatemalan marimba and is housing it with us. I am now researching a bit more of this so we can add it to our repertoire. Our valley has a tight-knit Guatemalan community and different departments from the college spend a lot of time in Guatemala. I'd love to take the next trip and interact in the schools in Guatemala. I see this as a serious possibility in the not so distant future.

Additionally, I'm teaching a cross-discipline course with a group of dedicated professors on Pakistan in the spring so I'm looking forward to hitting the books and research something new. And since Tracy and I will be doing some kayaking and relaxing on the Mayan Riviera in a few weeks, I'll have something to do while laying on the beach! I wonder if she'll let me bring my bendir? Moroccan music on the beaches of Mexico?

Happy Holidays!!