HSU Trumpets

This is my first time ever to blog.  Dr Buckner has tried to get me to start writing and today, after having coffee with him this morning at Jeff Coventry's home, I said I would begin.

I've just finished up a busy weekend of rehearsals and performances.  I'm not dead, so I must be stronger.  Friday evening was the beginning of a 2 day marathon of rehearsal time with the Natural State Brass Band which culminated in a Sunday afternoon concert featuring Douglas Yeo, bass trombonist with Boston Symphony.  Mr Yeo is also the NSBB's associate conductor.  The concert fare was entirely composed of music to be performed by the band on the upcoming UK tour.  Mr Yeo was featured on Stella by Starlight and In the Hall of the Mountain King.  These accompaniments were arranged by Bill Geldard in the big band style.  David Herring, an HSU music alum, prepared a very special original piece in the "theme and variations" style for Mr Yeo to perform titled Variations on Arkansas Traveler.  Mr Yeo thinks this will be a great addition to the bass trombone solo repertoire.  I'm sure this will be recorded commercially in the near future.  Other HSU alums performing with the Natural State Brass Band are Tina Hall-principal euphonium, Robert Herring-tenor horn, Chris LaCerra-cornet and Steve Cross-soprano cornet.

I rehearsed with the NSBB on Friday evening and Saturday morning then headed for Hot Springs Village where I had a rehearsal and sound check with Colt and the Old 45's.  This group covers 50's, 60's and some 70's music.  The concert started at 7:30pm and lasted about 2&1/2 hrs with an intermission.  Sunday afternoon the NSBB performed and then we returned Monday evening for another rehearsal for the UK tour.  Today is a chop repair day and more to come this week.