I know this post is a bit overdue, but I am so psyched to be arranging for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps once again.   Thrilled to be teamed up with my old friends and collaborators Lee Beddis and Tim Fairbanks, as well as joining the entire design and instructional team for 2021.
Link to the press release is here - 
​https://www.crossmen.org/post/design-team-additions?fbclid=IwAR1lNMyfJt5BF7hPgRy5_pHJF0IJkLG3_E-yVcea0fnNLvjASuEx7Gdkmfo

Thanks to 1250+ registrants, 300+ submitted videos and the amazing work from the folks at River City Rhythm, here is the completed "Hymn for a New Day" for virtual concert band.  It is the first installment of the Distant Harmonies Project.  Enjoy the video!

I have composed a virtual concert band piece titled "A Hymn for a New Day".  It's a free download sponsored by River City Rhythm D&BC and their Distant Harmonies Project.  I think it's going to be great!  It is something to offer band kids and musicians of all levels and all ages.  Open and free to all.

This seems timely, in the wake of recent cancellations including the DCI cancellation, the recent WGI cancellation, and the increase in nationwide remote teaching and learning initiatives.  

I think a little positive buzz in our small, but cherished, community might help lift spirits.  It is also a way to engage in online/virtual learning for our school students, all who have gone to an online learning component.
 
Stay well friends!  Here's that link - 
https://www.rivercityrhythm.org/distant-harmonies

I'm happy to announce a new piece by yours truly for Intermediate Band: "The Big Band Boogie Woogie Brass Brigade (in B flat)" Grade 2. From the publisher, "Here's a blues swing composition for your band. It is syncopated with contrasting melodies and jazz harmonies...Only the 1st clarinet plays above the break. 1st trumpet's highest note is F."

Dedicated to the Brad Schoener Music Man Summer Camp - Jennifer Schoener, Director, the composition is published through Northeastern Music. The Northeastern site has the full audio and score sample for perusal. Here are the Northeastern, Presser and JWPepper links:

http://www.nemusicpub.com/store/product.aspx/productId/666/Big-Band-Boogie-Woogie-Brass-Brigade/N200188

https://www.presser.com/shop/the-big-band-boogie-woogie-brass-brigade.html

https://www.jwpepper.com/The-Big-Band-Boogie-Woogie-Brass-Bragade/11100602.item#/submit​

Major shout out and congrats to the amazing Cadets and their 2019 production "Behold".  So proud of the talented and dedicated members, as well as the staff and volunteers who make this thing happen.  Honored to be a part of the design team.  

Here's a pic of the final set, from the final performance at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on August 10th.  Nice one, folks!

Pumped for the final winter season camp for the Cadets this weekend in Horsham, PA.  Getting together with the percussion and guard for the first time since WGI.  Will be going into high gear with this exceptional group of students and educators.  Still kicking it with guys like Nate Holland @TheCadets.  Great pic @joshclementspic
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Join me, my colleagues from the Cadets, and Tim Hinton from Marching Arts Education on March 6th @ 9 pm for an informative webinar on virtual classrooms and their application in the marching arts.

CADETS in 2019. Much to report. Check out Youth Education in the Arts to get updates information on auditions, staff, and camps being held in NJ and TX!
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Follow the Cadets on Facebook to link to Brass Audition pages. Follow the Cadets Brass to stay updated on performance videos, practice tutorials, virtual lessons, webinars and all other things Cadets Brass.