Archive for the ‘Music’ Category

A video from a performance with Province 35 of Phi Mu Alpha this past weekend, enjoy!

Check out Blind Eye Designs’ new website here!

I have a few performances coming up, here is the rundown:

• October 17th – UA Wind Ensemble;  Copland/Ives Festival, Crowder Hall, 7:30PM
• October 22nd – UA Wind Ensemble;  Chamber Music Concert, Crowder Hall, 7:30PM
• Octuba 26th – Solo Performance;  Octubafest, Holsclaw Hall, 7PM
• Octuba 28th – Tuba Quartet/Tuba Ensemble Performances;  Octubafest, Holsclaw Hall, 7PM
• November 3rd – UA Concert Jazz Band, Crowder Hall, 7:30PM
• December 3rd – UA Wind Ensemble;  George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” Crowder Hall, 7:30PM

Check em out!

Design by Blind Eye Designs

Maybe when you have a real job and a career that isn’t based around the educational system New Year’s Day becomes a little more meaningful. But when you’re stuck in the confines of the education system (and plan to be for a looooooooooooooooong time) the new year feels like it occurs at the beginning of the fall semester. I’ve got lots to look forward to this year, Lessons with THE Kelly Thomas, Tuba Quartet, Prepping and Recording tapes for Falcone and ITEC, and just trying to throw down every day on the tuba. Toiling away for hours on end in practice rooms and ensemble rehearsals can be daunting and wear on you, but it is usually then I’m reminded of Gene Pokorny’s quote; “For those who regard music as something very special, there is an emotional reverence that goes beyond the notes. Moving quickly on holy ground is pointless, where the main thing is the journey itself”

Here’s to a Happy New Year and an exciting journey.

Tomorrow I’ll be heading north for some Rn’R at the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp. I am anxiously awaiting the beginning of the season. And boy am I glad the team is really out there pushing hard and making every effort to recapture last year’s glory!

Back to Tucson on Monday to get ready for my first Wildcat semester!

From today though Tuesday I will in in Scottsdale, AZ at the Arizona Biltmore performing with the National Intercollegiate Band. Its sure to be a fun time as I will be working with the conductor emeritus of The Presidents Own, Colonel John R. Bourgeois, as well as renowned composer Mark Camphouse. It is put on in conjunction with the KKY/TBS National Convention and is the oldest running commissioning project to date. Sounds like a rousing good time with a lot of REHEARSAL.

Lately I have been fortunate enough to work with Prof. David Vining and his new brainchild, Mountain Peak Music. Mountain Peak Music is a DIY publishing company which is, “dedicated to providing innovative teaching tools designed to preserve the health and wellness and good technique of all musicians.” David Vining has enlisted himself and many other renowned music educators and performers to help spread this message. He has enlisted me to help design and maintain the logo and identity of the company, including creating advertisements as well as creating the book covers for his products. Be sure to check it out.

Coming Soon!  An exciting year of schooling at the University of Arizona with Dr. Kelly Thomas.  I cannot wait!

Fnugg Life from Will on Vimeo.

Premiere of “Fnugg Life” by Will Houchin. “Fnugg Life” is an adaptation of Oystein Baadsvik’s “Fnugg” set to CD accompaniment created by Will Houchin. The performance took place April 11th, 2009 at Northern Arizona University’s Ashurst Auditorium.

Note from the performer . . . “My voice completely gave out at the end! And boy was it hard to see through those glasses!”