Posted 4 new photos. First two are from a concert we went to at a local band room called Slaithwaite Bandroom. A couple of years ago they hosted Mnozil. This year they hosted this other crazy Austrian group of 7 stunningly talented brass players. The lead trumpet is the solo of the Vienna State Radio … Continue reading 4 new photos

Greetings, Just found out tonight the players, MD Alan Morrison, The Committee, and Chairman (Dean Redfern) have agreed to let me to stay on with Brighouse and Rastrick through the end of our stay here in the UK. This a very big deal in many ways. I learn more every rehearsal and the players have … Continue reading NEWS!!!!

Hi Gang, Not really sabbatical related but the ABQ will be at Rowan University this weekend for a 2-day residency. Master Class:  Friday, 4 December 2009 3-5PM Rehearsal:  Friday, 4 December 6:30-9:30pm  Rowan Concert Choir, ABQ, and The Rowan University Faculty Brass Quintet (RUFBQ) Rehearsal:  Saturday, 5 December 9-noon Rowan Concert Choir, ABQ, and The … Continue reading American Brass Quintet at Rowan University

Just wanted to mention quickly that there are actually two guys in B&R who were in the Brassed Off movie. Michael Kennedy who I mentioned in my recent post about Brass in Concert and also Colin Brook. I'm on Rep this week for our joint concert with Boobs 'n Brass and have yet to figure … Continue reading A correction, more info, and “Hey look who’s on the big screen!”

Some of you will remember I'm in this trumpet ensemble Tromba Mundi. Here is our new website: http://www.trombamundi.com/Home.html Right now we are scheduled to record our 2nd CD in May. I'll fly through Philly but don't know if I'll have a chance to stop by Rowan to say hello to ABB. As the time gets … Continue reading Tromba Mundi Update

Just did a quick calculation with Sarah on how much gas is over here. When we rent a car, we are paying between 1.06 and 1.10 pounds per UK liter. If you do the conversion this comes out to $6.91/gallon (US). What are you guys paying back home now? Something like $2.70? Would your driving … Continue reading Cost of petrol (gas for the car)

If you ever get a chance to see the BBC show "Life" don't miss it. It is currently running on BBC TV here but we don't have a television. We just watched episode #6 "Insects" online via the BBC iPlayer. The most amazing nature video we have ever seen. Absolutely stunning. Hope you can figure … Continue reading Stunning nature show from the BBC

Hi All, Sorry about the long delay in posting.  Last week was incredibly busy with B&R, but I also had to keep a tight lip about our program and preparations for the Brass in Concert Championship at The Sage in Gateshead last Sunday. The preparations and planning for the Brass in Concert are different and … Continue reading Brass in Concert contest (long post)

Hi Tubas, Mike Norton (Bb Bass of B&R) told me that at the end of this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNF1FH-mkDg You can see how the tubas do their staggered breathing. He also said when they reenter they don't usually tongue and if they do, it is never an accent.