On March 6 and 7 the Norwegian Navy Band, Bergen arranged auditions for the available euphonium position in the band. Tormod Flaten came out as the winner from a strong field of players. There are only five professional military bands in Norway and one euphonium job in each band. Tormod had this to say about the audition: "I am pleased to announce that I won the audition for the highly sought-after euphonium position within the Norwegian Navy Band, Bergen. In my home town of Bergen this particular position hasn't in fact been open since before I was born. So when it finally became available I was happy to be able to perform to my very best and win it.” The Norwegian army bands are widely respected for their quality and are being directed by leading orchestral and band conductors. The duties include large classical concert programs with internal and external soloists, lighter repertoire, CD productions, tours, outdoor concerts in the city as well as military ceremonies and march parades. Tormod also teaches euphonium at the Grieg Academy, University of Bergen and performs worldwide as a euphonium soloist. He is a Besson artist.
Friday, June 27, 2014
New Hire: Tormod Flaten
On March 6 and 7 the Norwegian Navy Band, Bergen arranged auditions for the available euphonium position in the band. Tormod Flaten came out as the winner from a strong field of players. There are only five professional military bands in Norway and one euphonium job in each band. Tormod had this to say about the audition: "I am pleased to announce that I won the audition for the highly sought-after euphonium position within the Norwegian Navy Band, Bergen. In my home town of Bergen this particular position hasn't in fact been open since before I was born. So when it finally became available I was happy to be able to perform to my very best and win it.” The Norwegian army bands are widely respected for their quality and are being directed by leading orchestral and band conductors. The duties include large classical concert programs with internal and external soloists, lighter repertoire, CD productions, tours, outdoor concerts in the city as well as military ceremonies and march parades. Tormod also teaches euphonium at the Grieg Academy, University of Bergen and performs worldwide as a euphonium soloist. He is a Besson artist.
UW-Eau Claire University Orchestra Performs Bruckner 7 with Euphoniums
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When the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire University Orchestra performed Bruckner’s 7th Symphony on April 13, 2014, there was a new section in the orchestra. As any student of Bruckner knows, the 7th Symphony requires the use of Wagner Tuben in the second and fourth movements. Most colleges and universities don’t own a set of Wagner Tuben, but most do have great euphonium players. Maestro Nobuyoshi Yasuda requested that the euphonium class perform the Wagner Tuben parts, which they did with great success. ITEA members Nathan Rakow, Lauren Little, Matthew Strom, Timothy Caturia, and Andrew Nicholson joined tubist Zachary Tessling in the back row for a great reading of Bruckner. Euphoniumists – if your university orchestra wants to do Wagner or Bruckner works involving Wagner Tuben and you either have no Tuben or not enough hornists to play them if you do, volunteer to fill in the gap. Everyone wins!Pictured, L-R: Nobuyoshi Yasuda, Tim Caturia, Nathan Rakow, Lauren Little, Matthew Strom, Andrew Nicholson, Jerry Young
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Upcoming Event: Mid-West Trombone Euphonium Conference
Dr. Jemmie Robertson is organizing the first annual Mid-West Trombone Euphonium Conference (MTEC) to take place October 31st – November 2nd, 2014 on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. MTEC is conceived to promote pedagogy, research, entrepreneurship, composition and performance for our instruments. Featured artists are Brian Bowman (Euphonium), Alex Iles (Trombone), Chris Davis (Bass Trombone), and Yoko Yamada-Selvaggio (Piano) plus we will be joined by many artist colleagues from around the Midwest. Please contact Dr. Robertson at jrobertson@eiu.edu if you and/or your students are interested in performing or presenting at this new conference.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
UW-Eau Claire Residency: Dr. Gail Robertson
From March 27-30, 2014, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire hosted Dr. Gail Robertson as part of a special program the College of Arts and Sciences sponsored called "A Year of Inclusivity." This program was part of a year-long project in the Department of Music and Theatre Arts which highlighted the contributions of underrepresented composers and other musicians in the programming and curriculum of the department. The term “underrepresented” has been selected because of its inclusive nature which is open to interpretation, raising such issues as gender, racial or cultural background, and sexual orientation. Exclusionary historic traditions surrounding many types of music are still highly valued today creating a culture in which many individuals are marginalized. The world of Classical music, for example, by its very nature is defined by historic traditions in which the contributions of men have predominated and have been held up as models, and as a result, only a handful of compositions by women have appeared annually on departmental programs among hundreds of compositions by men. A central goal of this project was to increase the number of compositions involving underrepresented composers and musicians in the programming for the Music and Theatre Arts Department 2013-14 Season, and in so doing, raise consciousness of this phenomenon and its ramifications and have a positive impact on future programming. The project involved performances and presentations by faculty, students, and guests.During Dr. Robertson's residency, she presented sessions on entrepreneurship and arranging, a master class for the low brass students at UW-Eau Claire, and a recital with Dr. Barbara Young (piano) and a rhythm section from the university's award-winning jazz program. Dr. Robertson was very busy throughout her residency, working with students from across the music department and from schools in the Eau Claire area.
Event Review: Eupher's Away
Review by Jonathan Calhoun, B.M.Ed. in Euphonium candidate, Morehead State University
Dr. Robertson and Dr. Louder
The Central Kentucky Concert Band presented a unique concert on May 4th, 2014, titled “Euphers Away,” celebrating the life and times of Dr. Earle Louder at the historic Lexington Opera House in Lexington, Kentucky. The concert featured exciting and stirring musical performances by euphonium soloists Dr. Earle Louder and Dr. Gail Robertson, performing with the Central Kentucky Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Peter LaRue. This extraordinary event was Dr. LaRue’s final concert as music director for the CKCB, which he has directed for the past twenty years.
The development, design, and implementation of “Euphers Away” was a two-year journey that began after a 2012 Central Kentucky Concert Band performance featuring SymbiosisDuo: Dr. Stacy Baker and Dr. Gail Robertson. The esteemed Dr. Louder was in attendance at this concert, and at some point the comment was made “wouldn’t it be great to design a concert dedicated to and honoring Dr. Louder.” Euphonium players are often referred to as “euphers.” Dr. LaRue made a logical connection from Dr. Louder’s service in the United States Navy Band by transforming “Anchors Aweigh” to coin the title “Euphers Away.” In Dr. Louder's words, "A special thanks is due to Dr. LaRue along with Dr. Gail Robertson, my very dear friend and euphonium side-partner with the New Sousa Band, who arranged for this all to happen.'' It truly was such a wonderful evening of entertainment honoring Dr. Louder.
Dr. Earle Louder, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Euphonium and Tuba, Morehead State University, was the featured Soloist of The United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C. for twelve seasons and was the featured Principal and Premiere Soloist with Leonard B. Smith’s Detroit Concert Band for twenty-two years. Dr. Louder’s professional career in The United States Navy Band provided a central theme for the concert’s selections: Philip Sparkes’s Salute to a Hero, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Sea Songs, Herbert L. Clarke’s From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific with soloist Dr. Robertson, Richard Rodgers’ Victory at Sea, and Claude T. Smith’s Eternal Father, Strong to Save, which included a beautiful and highly moving arrangement of the maritime hymn by Dr. Robertson for euphonium quartet performed off-stage by Dr. Earle Louder, Dr. Gail Robertson, P. Eric Bottorff, and Colin Guimond. In Dr. Louder's words, "I felt honored that two of Dr. Robertson’s euphonium students at Eastern Michigan University came all the way down to Kentucky for our concert, and I was so pleased that they were able to join Dr. Robertson and me for the playing of the quartet in the Navy Hymn. What a pleasure that was for me personally."
What a privilege it was to hear such outstanding soloists as Earle Louder and Gail Robertson, knowing this concert was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Each selection that Dr. Louder and Dr. Robertson performed charged the concert with energy and allowed the audience to hear truly amazing euphonium performance. Dr. Louder’s performance of Herman Bellstedt’s Carmen Fantasy stole the show as he brought the music to life with his virtuosity and world-class musicianship. The world premiere of a special duet version by Dr. Gail Robertson of Boccalari’s Fantasia di Concerto performed by Dr. Louder and Dr. Robertson was the climax of the concert for the audience and the many members of Dr. Louder’s family in attendance. Dr. Robertson’s clever and skilled combination of the two euphoniums in this arrangement made this selection a true highlight!
Dr. Louder and Dr. Robertson have performed together in Keith Brion’s New Sousa Band for over nineteen years, and as a result the two euphonium sounds blended together beautifully. The music flowed miraculously, as Dr. Louder and Dr. Robertson expressed the different moods and levels of difficulty that make Fantasia di Concerto famous. The concert concluded with Karl King’s lively march The Melody Shop, as a perfect finale for “Euphers Away.”
“Euphers Away” is a concert that will never be forgotten by those who shared the performance in the intimate setting of the ornately decorated Lexington Opera House built in 1886. What a fitting tribute to Dr. Earle Louder and how special it was to celebrate with so many Morehead State University alumni and so many of Dr. Louder’s family members. As a current student at Morehead State University, Dr. Louder’s legacy is a source of inspiration to me. Knowing Morehead State University was home for a world-class musician like Dr. Louder encourages those that follow to strive to leave their mark as excellent musicians. Dr. Stacy Baker continues Dr. Louder’s tradition at Morehead State University by featuring guest euphonium players like Dr. Gail Robertson and Dr. Neal Corwell.
In Dr. Louder's own words again, "I had so much fun rehearsing the Boccalari Fantasia Di Concerto duet with Gail before we finally met to rehearse with the CKCB. Gail so wonderfully arranged the duet form of this euphonium solo especially for us to perform together. Gail has developed into such a complete all around musician, which was not only evidenced by her composing/arranging skills but also in her performance of the solo From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific as well as the duet. We really did have so much fun performing together."
It was fitting to celebrate the life of Dr. Earle Louder through music, as it has been his life-long devotion. Beyond his musical capabilities his greatest legacy is certainly in the thousands of lives he has touched and inspired around the world with his love and passion for playing and teaching music.
Dr. Robertson and Dr. Louder
The Central Kentucky Concert Band presented a unique concert on May 4th, 2014, titled “Euphers Away,” celebrating the life and times of Dr. Earle Louder at the historic Lexington Opera House in Lexington, Kentucky. The concert featured exciting and stirring musical performances by euphonium soloists Dr. Earle Louder and Dr. Gail Robertson, performing with the Central Kentucky Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Peter LaRue. This extraordinary event was Dr. LaRue’s final concert as music director for the CKCB, which he has directed for the past twenty years.
The development, design, and implementation of “Euphers Away” was a two-year journey that began after a 2012 Central Kentucky Concert Band performance featuring SymbiosisDuo: Dr. Stacy Baker and Dr. Gail Robertson. The esteemed Dr. Louder was in attendance at this concert, and at some point the comment was made “wouldn’t it be great to design a concert dedicated to and honoring Dr. Louder.” Euphonium players are often referred to as “euphers.” Dr. LaRue made a logical connection from Dr. Louder’s service in the United States Navy Band by transforming “Anchors Aweigh” to coin the title “Euphers Away.” In Dr. Louder's words, "A special thanks is due to Dr. LaRue along with Dr. Gail Robertson, my very dear friend and euphonium side-partner with the New Sousa Band, who arranged for this all to happen.'' It truly was such a wonderful evening of entertainment honoring Dr. Louder.
Dr. Earle Louder, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Euphonium and Tuba, Morehead State University, was the featured Soloist of The United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C. for twelve seasons and was the featured Principal and Premiere Soloist with Leonard B. Smith’s Detroit Concert Band for twenty-two years. Dr. Louder’s professional career in The United States Navy Band provided a central theme for the concert’s selections: Philip Sparkes’s Salute to a Hero, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Sea Songs, Herbert L. Clarke’s From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific with soloist Dr. Robertson, Richard Rodgers’ Victory at Sea, and Claude T. Smith’s Eternal Father, Strong to Save, which included a beautiful and highly moving arrangement of the maritime hymn by Dr. Robertson for euphonium quartet performed off-stage by Dr. Earle Louder, Dr. Gail Robertson, P. Eric Bottorff, and Colin Guimond. In Dr. Louder's words, "I felt honored that two of Dr. Robertson’s euphonium students at Eastern Michigan University came all the way down to Kentucky for our concert, and I was so pleased that they were able to join Dr. Robertson and me for the playing of the quartet in the Navy Hymn. What a pleasure that was for me personally."
What a privilege it was to hear such outstanding soloists as Earle Louder and Gail Robertson, knowing this concert was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Each selection that Dr. Louder and Dr. Robertson performed charged the concert with energy and allowed the audience to hear truly amazing euphonium performance. Dr. Louder’s performance of Herman Bellstedt’s Carmen Fantasy stole the show as he brought the music to life with his virtuosity and world-class musicianship. The world premiere of a special duet version by Dr. Gail Robertson of Boccalari’s Fantasia di Concerto performed by Dr. Louder and Dr. Robertson was the climax of the concert for the audience and the many members of Dr. Louder’s family in attendance. Dr. Robertson’s clever and skilled combination of the two euphoniums in this arrangement made this selection a true highlight!
Dr. Louder and Dr. Robertson have performed together in Keith Brion’s New Sousa Band for over nineteen years, and as a result the two euphonium sounds blended together beautifully. The music flowed miraculously, as Dr. Louder and Dr. Robertson expressed the different moods and levels of difficulty that make Fantasia di Concerto famous. The concert concluded with Karl King’s lively march The Melody Shop, as a perfect finale for “Euphers Away.”
“Euphers Away” is a concert that will never be forgotten by those who shared the performance in the intimate setting of the ornately decorated Lexington Opera House built in 1886. What a fitting tribute to Dr. Earle Louder and how special it was to celebrate with so many Morehead State University alumni and so many of Dr. Louder’s family members. As a current student at Morehead State University, Dr. Louder’s legacy is a source of inspiration to me. Knowing Morehead State University was home for a world-class musician like Dr. Louder encourages those that follow to strive to leave their mark as excellent musicians. Dr. Stacy Baker continues Dr. Louder’s tradition at Morehead State University by featuring guest euphonium players like Dr. Gail Robertson and Dr. Neal Corwell.
In Dr. Louder's own words again, "I had so much fun rehearsing the Boccalari Fantasia Di Concerto duet with Gail before we finally met to rehearse with the CKCB. Gail so wonderfully arranged the duet form of this euphonium solo especially for us to perform together. Gail has developed into such a complete all around musician, which was not only evidenced by her composing/arranging skills but also in her performance of the solo From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific as well as the duet. We really did have so much fun performing together."
It was fitting to celebrate the life of Dr. Earle Louder through music, as it has been his life-long devotion. Beyond his musical capabilities his greatest legacy is certainly in the thousands of lives he has touched and inspired around the world with his love and passion for playing and teaching music.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
International Women's Brass Conference: Competition Results
The 8th International Women's Brass Conference (IWBC) was held at Northern Kentucky University from June 4-8. Co-hosted by NKU professors Karen Koner and Raquel Rodriguez, the conference featured an inspiring lineup of brass artists and composers who performed and gave lectures throughout the week. Although IWBC focuses on women brass players, the conference welcomes all brass players to be part of this special event. Plans are already being made for the next IWBC - be sure to stay tuned to the website (myiwbc.org) for updates.
An important part of each IWBC is the Susan Slaughter Solo Brass Competition and the Orchestra and Service Band Mock Auditions. The Solo Competition is open to brass performers of any gender and all ages. Soloists may compete in three categories: I (age 18 & under, pre-college); II (age 28 and under); III (age 29 and over). Three prizes are offered in each age category for each instrument at the conclusion of the preliminary round. The first prize winner in each category on each instrument advances to the Grand Prize Final Round. The Mock Auditions are open to all student, amateur, and professional women and men. Participants of any age may compete in the Orchestra and Service Band Mock Auditions. All contestants perform in the Preliminary Round. The judges then determine the number of participants who advance to the Final Round. In an effort to maintain high standards, for both the Solo Competition and Mock Auditions, the judges have the option to not award all of the prizes if they feel the level of performance did not meet their expectations. The tuba and euphonium results of these competitions are listed below.
Susan Slaughter Solo Brass Competition
Preliminary Round
Category II: Euphonium
No 1st or 2nd place awarded
3 David McLemore
Honorable Mention: Blake Birmingham, Alison Miserendino
Category II: Tuba
1 David McLemore
2 Michael Frasier
3 Gretchen Renshaw
Category III: Euphonium
1 Daniel Stull
Grand Prize Final Round
Category II
1 David McLemore (tuba)
2 Catherine Turner (horn)
Category III
No 1st place awarded
2 Daniel Stull (euphonium)
Orchestra and Service Band Mock Auditions
Mock Service Band Winners
No 1st place awarded
2 Robbie Elliot (trumpet)
2 Alison Miserendino (euphonium)
Mock Orchestra Winners
1 Lauren Ewing (trumpet)
2 Michael Frasier (tuba)
No 3rd place awarded
Honorable Mention: Andrew Jones (tuba)
An important part of each IWBC is the Susan Slaughter Solo Brass Competition and the Orchestra and Service Band Mock Auditions. The Solo Competition is open to brass performers of any gender and all ages. Soloists may compete in three categories: I (age 18 & under, pre-college); II (age 28 and under); III (age 29 and over). Three prizes are offered in each age category for each instrument at the conclusion of the preliminary round. The first prize winner in each category on each instrument advances to the Grand Prize Final Round. The Mock Auditions are open to all student, amateur, and professional women and men. Participants of any age may compete in the Orchestra and Service Band Mock Auditions. All contestants perform in the Preliminary Round. The judges then determine the number of participants who advance to the Final Round. In an effort to maintain high standards, for both the Solo Competition and Mock Auditions, the judges have the option to not award all of the prizes if they feel the level of performance did not meet their expectations. The tuba and euphonium results of these competitions are listed below.
Susan Slaughter Solo Brass Competition
Preliminary Round
Category II: Euphonium
No 1st or 2nd place awarded
3 David McLemore
Honorable Mention: Blake Birmingham, Alison Miserendino
Category II: Tuba
1 David McLemore
2 Michael Frasier
3 Gretchen Renshaw
Category III: Euphonium
1 Daniel Stull
Grand Prize Final Round
Category II
1 David McLemore (tuba)
2 Catherine Turner (horn)
Category III
No 1st place awarded
2 Daniel Stull (euphonium)
Orchestra and Service Band Mock Auditions
Mock Service Band Winners
No 1st place awarded
2 Robbie Elliot (trumpet)
2 Alison Miserendino (euphonium)
Mock Orchestra Winners
1 Lauren Ewing (trumpet)
2 Michael Frasier (tuba)
No 3rd place awarded
Honorable Mention: Andrew Jones (tuba)
Sunday, June 15, 2014
New Hire: Bill Waterman
Bill Waterman will begin a new position at the University of Tennessee at Martin this Fall where he will serve as Director of Athletic Bands and applied tuba/euphonium. In addition to leading the marching and basketball bands he will also conduct the second concert band, teach tuba and euphonium lessons, and perform with the faculty brass quintet. Prior to his appointment at UT-Martin, Bill served on the faculties of the University of Michigan at Flint, the Flint School of Performing Arts, Jackson College, and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. He also served as principal tuba with the Topeka Symphony for nine seasons. He received a bachelors of music degree from the University of Kansas and a masters of music degree from Texas Tech University, and is currently in the final stages of completing his doctorate of musical arts degree from Michigan State University. His primary teachers include: Phil Sinder, Kevin Wass, Scott Watson, and Tom Stein.
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