Garry Cutt was back with B&R for rehearsal tonight.  Man that guy is good!!  And so professional. Now here is the + Hannah's best friend from the states is here for the week.  They are both trilled.  Today we took all three girls to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It was amazing.  We spent 3 hours … Continue reading Banding + Art

The boys are back in town, hope springs eternal, the national pastime starts today, and once again all is right with the world.  GO TIGERS!!!! Cheers, B- P.S.  OK all isn't really right with the world, but at least with baseball's Opening Day, once again, we can hope all WILL be right with the world … Continue reading Opening Day 2010

So seeing this photo (and the 2nd one) you might wonder what I did to deserve these beautiful and smart women in my life.  I just don't have an answer.  It probably isn't that I play the trumpet/cornet. 🙂  These photos are from our trip to the wedding of Sarah's cousin Victoria. While we will … Continue reading The Family

I write today with the biggest news to date!  For the past 3 or 4 weeks I have been in negotiations with both the University of Huddersfield and University of Sheffield (just south of here), and I have been offered positions teaching and conducting at both institutions.  The combined position is full-time and pays nearly … Continue reading BIGGEST NEWS YET!!!!!!!!!

"I'm off to The Wappy with Poggie from Diggle". How's that for a sentence? I said this to Sarah when I called her after conducting The Lindley Brass Band concert on Saturday. Translation: "I'm going to The Wappy Spring Inn for beers with former Black Dyke cornet David Pogson, who now plays for The Diggle … Continue reading Best sentence I have ever used…..

The US has made an attempt to catch up to the rest of the developed world and guarantee healthcare to every American. Of course the way we did it was different and involves almost no government provided healthcare except what we already have (Medicaid for the poor and Medicare for the elderly) but now all … Continue reading A Historic Day in the US

Back to work this week with B&R. Last nights rehearsal with the outstanding conductor Garry Cutt was a total wake-up call. After the 30-second exchange of "congratulations" from Garry to the band (for the Yorkshire Area win) and the band to Gary (for the Foden's Northwest Area win which Garry conducted), it was right to … Continue reading No time to enjoy it!

We all had a great weekend in THE SOUTH.  We were able to spend some very good time Friday evening with Avonbank listening to their final rehearsal before they secured 3rd place at their regional.  CONGRATS!!   MD Nick Smith and his family were great hosts and their house was a wonderful place to stay … Continue reading Avonbank gets 3rd!

Off to The South tomorrow. About a year ago Glassboro, Rowan, Evesham, NJ, and The Atlantic Brass Band played host to The Avonbank Brass Band from Evesham, UK. One of my personal highlights of 2008 was the party the two bands had at our house in Glassboro, NJ. 80+ people had a grand time talking … Continue reading Away for the weekend

A terrific day (evening) at Bradford yesterday. Brighouse was drawn 5th and though it was not nearly their best performance (quite a few uncharacteristic splits in big spots) they won!!!! As I scored the 13 bands, I was sure B&R had played the most musical and best sounding rendition. I just thought the splits would … Continue reading Brighouse WINS!!!!!!!