Pat Stuckemeyer - Musician... Teacher... Soloist...

Half-Marathon and a severe week!

2008-11-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

This week at Arizona State was our annual OcTUBAfest, which usually lasts the week before Halloween. There were several recitals during the week, where my students played exceptionally well - great job everyone!

The final show was OcTUBAween, which for those who have seen it, know the debauchery that is included in the show - - - it was definitely more professional and tame than in the past. Thank you for that as well.

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Mary and I went down to Tucson on Saturday for some R&R with a few of our friends. I ran the Tucson Half-Marathon and finished. Well, I finished last in my age group - but there was one person who didn't finish in my age group - - - so, we can count them last, right?!?

Overall my running partner and I finished 248 and 249 out of the field of 304. We were over an hour behind the leader - but I saw this guy - I swear he only weighed 90 lbs. We had about 200 lbs. on him between the two of us. LOL!

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Thanks for all of the well wishes on my recent marriage - it was the most beautiful day of my life, and I am sure that I'll cherish it forever! Check out the slideshow from the photographer - http://www.emephotography.com/extra/Mary_Pat/

No Longer SIngle... Ladies...

2008-10-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

I'M MARRIED! Mary and I were married on October 11 in Tempe, AZ - and she said yes! Just kidding about that last part - I knew she would say yes!

It was great getting all of our family together. Mom and Dad were down from Evansville, and although Dad was moving a little slower than usual he was hanging in there!

More pictures to come from the event soon - I promise. I know that I haven't updated in a while, so my promises don't mean much right now.

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Mary and I had a small honeymoon in Sedona, which was awesome. We went back to the Enchantment Resort, which is off the main strip and tucked away in the mountains. Anyone who has ever been to Sedona knows how easy it would be to move there PERMANENTLY!

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On the professional side, things are looking great. I'm about to get done with Brent Phillips new disc, Stepping Stones for Trombone, which will be available soon from Just For Brass. Also, the new Concerto for Euphonium and Wind Ensemble from James Barnes written for me has just been completed. I just hope that now I can play it - that's what I get for asking, I guess....

Western Spaghetti by PES

2008-07-23T18:05:00.001-07:00

Stop animation by PES - pretty cool (albeit twisted) stuff...

Updates and more!

2008-07-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

I'm back in Phoenix once again - finally! It's been a crazy summer, but things are starting to get a little more normal. I do my best to divide my life into three categories: business, professional, and personal - so I think I'll divide this post into those categories as well. I feel like a musicologist right now: they LOVE separating things into categories.

BUSINESS

The ITEC was a huge success for Just For Brass. We had the best display and spread of music at the conference and the overall buzz was out about us. It was definitely worth the trip, and we were able to liquefy some of our stock. Potenza Music is getting off the ground thanks to several young composers who were willing to take a chance on a young publisher. I find that offering a slightly higher pay royalty than my direct competitors makes good business sense at this point in the game. I'd rather sell more copies and make less-per-item than not have the business at all. Potenza Music is getting a NEW website in the coming months. It's been a long time waiting for this, but it's going to be VERY nice when it's done. Now I just have to sell enough sheet music and CD's to pay for it! Hmm...

PROFESSIONAL

The Arizona Academy has been out on tour and going strong so far. While they haven't hit their peak yet, they are improving - watch for them this year in the finals! It was my pleasure to work with both the baritone/euphonium line and the entire drum corp this season - a fine group of young musicians!

I'm going into the second year at ASU teaching and learning. Also - the second year for Sonic Boom, my high school level ensemble, which was a HUGE success last year in the inception year. Salt River Brass is adding concerts this coming season - now we just need to get them to add a paycheck! Just kidding, it's a GREAT band - with MANY awesome opportunities!

This coming year, I plan on 2 recitals at ASU, as well as others in AZ as well as a tour through several Colorado schools. Like usual - check the website for all of that stuff.

PERSONAL

Wedding plans are going strong here in Tempe. We've just picked out our menus for the reception, things are pretty much in place. I enjoyed tasting the menus - it was a high point for the wedding planning. Mary liked picking the flowers - I liked picking the food. Strange how that works, huh?

Well, that's about it for now. I thought that I would leave you with a little political humor - which never hurt anyone, right?

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I'm not going to bother apologizing...

2008-06-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

I'm back in Evansville for a bit after a whirlwind summer. The tuba/euphonium community recently had it's international conference, which I was in attendance at with my company - Just For Brass. We have these conferences every two years, the last one being in Denver, CO. I remember performing so much at that conference that I said I wasn't going to do that to myself again - - - well, I didn't! I stood in a trade stand booth for 10 hours/day, which might have been even harder than playing all day long!

On Wednesday Dad and I leave for our annual trip to Canada fishing. It's a great time, and usually when I come up with all of my bright ideas (CD recordings, grad schools, asking Mary to marry me) - so no telling what I'll have to tell you all by next week.

Katie (sister) graduated from Loyola Law School in May. Congrats to her on that one. I have to admit that I was a little miffed that they gave her a doctorate without a master's degree, but oh well. Just kidding Katie.

Carrie (other sister) graduated from Emory University in Atlanta as well. She is working at the CDC doing something that I don't understand. I'm a music geek, that's about it.

I'm a pretty busy guy right now. School starts in 7 weeks, the Arizona Academy Drum Corp is in the middle of their summer tour (doing well, hopefully - more on that later), I've got to drive back to Arizona next week with my best-bud Craig, and I have a load of planning to do with my companies! Too much to do! And - - - I'm getting married in a little over 100 days! AHHH!

Anyway, at least I'm busy - - - right? ;)

All for now.

- Pat

Bypass Music School

2008-04-08T22:14:00.001-07:00

So, this is the future! We need an electronic euphonium now!

Back in the saddle - so to speak

2008-04-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

I know that one of my resolutions for 2008 was to update my blog more, so I will just say that I am beginning this resolution NOW. I'll spare you the apologies and ranting about how busy I am - and just get to typing!

It's been a great semester so far here in PHX. I find after living in the UK, and traveling so much - I begin to use airport codes for everything. Like, I'm going to visit my parents in EVV, or flying back to MCI for a gig or my favorite - going on spring break to OGG. I never got that airport abbreviation. OGG, hmm... well, OGG was great. Mary and I met up with my parents, and my aunt and uncle in Maui for spring break - it was pretty much Mary and I's first vacation away from this place together since we moved out here.

It was great getting to see my mom and dad, and aunt/uncle for a week - and get to relax in the sun as well! I did have to bring along my euphonium for some warming up each day because I had to play my first DMA recital at Arizona State this past week. And - how did it go you ask??!? I think it went pretty well. I think that performing definitely gets easier the more that you do it - just like anything (except typing in your blog... I know... I know...) and this was the case here. I was pretty happy with my degree recital at the RNCM last year, but this felt more natural. Sometimes people ask me what England did for me as a player. I think it gave me a year to mature - put simply. I went over a euphonium player, and came back a musician. I was able to dive into facets of my playing that I didn't know existed. I got to spend close 1-on-1 time with the 'godfather of the instrument', and I guess some of it stuck - even in someone as thick as me.

Right now it's April Fools Day - and I'm going to go ahead and sign off. There is much more I could write, but this will give me more inspiration to write to you all later this week. Have a great day! And for all of you in the midwest with hail, rain, tornadoes and all of that bad stuff - it's 80 degrees and sunny here. Yeah, I'd hate me too.

I remember why I moved to the Southwest...

2008-02-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

Right now I'm in Washington DC for the annual U.S. Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Conference. I had to do some things for Just For Brass, and also got to spend some time with old friends - and make some new ones. Definitely a great time, although the weather COULD be better. I really appreciate the weather in Phoenix right now, because it's about 30 degrees and raining right now in DC.

Last week Mary and I ventured into North Scottsdale and took a tour of Taliesin West which was the winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright, and the head of the design school where he supervised young architects. It was really cool seeing the design of the various wings of the buildings, and how he incorporated the surroundings into all aspects of the design.

If you are ever in the Phoenix-area, I highly suggest going to take a tour.

Next week is the first week for my new tuba-euphonium ensemble. It's under the Sonic Arts umbrella, which is an established youth-oriented ensemble (one brass band, and one wind band) and it'll be called Sonic Boom. We're looking to really change the way younger people approach the tuba and euphonium and hopefully to get them on the right track (mentally and physically) before they develop too many bad habits.

It's been a great couple of weeks. I performed the Jan Bach 'Concert Variations' for the Accompanying Department at ASU annual recital where they pair student instrumentalist soloists with student accompanists. The pianist did a great job - and the performance was one of my finer of that piece.

I return to Phoenix tomorrow, and then it's back to the grindstone. Hope everyone has had a great month, and I'll update more soon!

new semester... new things...

2008-01-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

Our new semester at ASU begins in a little over 10 hours... geez... seems like yesterday I was sitting in juries - now we get to do it all over again. Oh well, nothing like more school. It's been a great break though.

Mary and I headed out to Missouri to visit her family for Christmas, then we went over to Indiana to visit my family for the new year. It was really nice seeing everyone over the holiday spending some time away from the euphonium... yes, everyone needs a break now-and-then.

We got back to Tempe a week ago and caught up on everything that we needed to. This semester is going to be great, there is a lot happening. First, Mary and I are planning a new addition to our family... no, not a child - better. We're getting a puppy. We thought we'd start small before we decide to bring any children into the mix. I'm kind of a "softy" as Mary puts it, so she'll have to put the iron fist to the dog because I'll just cave when it comes to discipline. Mary says that I'll have to keep my wits about me when it comes time to "say no" to the dog, because she doesn't want to be the one that the dog "hates" all the time.

Something interesting the other day. I was browsing a few Apple-geek websites, and I saw an add for Just For Fun on it from Amazon. I know that your cookies determine the adds that you see, but I had to take a picture of it. Here's a screen shot:

I know it's dorky, but that disc is like a child. I talked with Steven Mead the other day, and he speaks of his discs in the same manner. If people knew how much work those take, they would definitely think twice about doing it before they began... ;)

On the CD front Potenza Music is about to release the Droste remastered disc, which has been in the works for WAY too long. I've had the thing forever it seems like - and the artwork has been done as well. With getting Just For Brass off the ground in late-07, it kinda took the back burner as well. You can preorder or check out the content on the disc by clicking here.

Stepping Stones for Tuba, vol.1 from Scott Watson will be arriving in probably late-Feb if I had to put my finger on it. We're rolling on the artwork, but it's still a little early to set a release date. I just received the pre-edit from Brent Philips who is doing Stepping Stones for Trombone, vol.1 and it's incredible! It has about 8 standard trombone solos plus a live recording of him playing Blue Bells with "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band. Pretty cool - - - the Marine Band on a Potenza Music recording...

Anyway, I hope that everyone had a great holiday, and I am doing my best to update my blog more regularly. I know that people read it, and I'm sorry for those that think I need to "get on the stick" about the blog. I'm a bit busy, but I'm trying... have a great day everyone!

Happy New Year

2008-01-05T13:58:00.001-08:00

So, since I'm getting married this year, I thought I'd post this montage of 'geek' weddings - fit for a euphonium player, I know. I hope that everyone has a Happy New Year!

- Pat

T-minus 5 SEMESTERS...

2007-12-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

It's been a crazy first semester out here in Tempe. First, I must say that I don't think I have improved on my instrument enough, but the REAL LIFE application of everything is really worth not improving that much. I have learned so much this semester about teaching and actually running a studio - mainly because sometimes I have to! ;)

We just finished first semester juries here at ASU. As a doctoral TA, I have to sit in on brass juries, and even grade undergraduate juries. I'm not afraid to say that the first time I gave someone a C- I felt a little awkward - like I was somehow crushing them... you know?!? I guess I'll have to get over it. Oh well...

Just For Brass occupied so much of my life for almost the entire month of November. We have been online for 6 week, we've had 108,000 visitors - and things are going great. I'm glad that it isn't taking up too much of my life right now, things are good.

I am almost done with all of the commissions for the new Wind Band disc - now, I'm running into problems finding an accompanying ensemble. Maybe I'm being too picky... Nah - I want this to sound AWESOME, and I need a good band. If I have to wait 10 years - - - that's ok, I'm fine with that... No need to half-ass anything, right?!?

I have finally set my program for my first doctoral recital, and it's shaping up quite well. Here it is:

Auld Lang Syne - Mantia/arr. Meechan
Concert Variations - Jan Bach
Slavische Fantasie - Hohne
Concerto for Euphonium - James Woodward (ASU composer premiere)
Diversive Elements - David Gillingham (with Patrick Sheridan, tuba)

Should be a good show, but I think I might want to add one more piece... anyway, more on that later - I guess...

Well, I hate to make this brief, but I have to get going. I'm here in Tempe until December 21, then Mary and I fly back to the midwest for the holidays. A brief 2 weeks there and then we're back to PHX.

Hope everyone has a great holiday, and an even happier new year! BTW - Just For Brass is running a sale now through January 1 - 5% off orders over $100 (or the foreign currency equivalent) - use coupon code: EUPHONIUM

Happy Holidays!

- Pat

Time to catch up!

2007-11-13T08:29:00.000-08:00

It's Tuesday here in Phoenix, and although some of you might be getting darn-right-cold by now, it is a sunny 70 degrees. Today is one of my work days, but I am taking a break to talk with all of you. I am trying to fulfill my promise to update my blog more than once a month. Sometimes, you just run out of things to say, you know?!?

The store, Just For Brass, is taking a lot of my time right now. We are almost done getting all of the products into the online store. I think about 95% of them are in there right now - definitely all of the 'big sellers'. Business is good. We are shipping everyday to the far reaches of the globe. Although I am getting a bit tired of telling people that I can't guarantee their packages arriving unless they paid for guaranteed service! Geez! You pay for 1st class mail, and that's what you get! ;)

Anyway, ASU had their OcTUBAfest a few weeks ago, which went well. We had 5 recitals over the course of a week, and I played an entire second-half to myself. It went pretty well, I think. Later that week I was in the finals for the Concerto competition at school. I played the 3rd mvt. of Martin Ellerby's Euphonium Concerto, which for those that have played it is one of the toughest slow-movements to play well. It is extremely taxing and long, but definitely worth the work. They chose one person in my category, and I finished second to him. Didn't win, but came close - I applaud the person who won though, he played a great piece - and nailed it to the wall. It was his day, definitely. But, I think I'm gonna steal the piece he played....see something good did come out of this!

I found some new music the other day that I think will work well on the euphonium. In 1730, Handel was in Mexico and wrote a series of Recorder Sonatas. These are great pieces - full of life and energy, and I think they would work EXCEEDINGLY well on my instrument... Now, just have to find a copy.

Salt River Brass had their 2nd concert of the season on Sunday - Veteran's Day celebration-type Patriotic Concert. Had a GREAT crowd, and we played pretty well. These concerts are great. This one wasn't too taxing on me, unlike the Circus Concert that we did before this one, but the concert was a lot of LOUD playing, which is difficult in itself.

So, I'm painting my house right now, and I have had my first run-in with the HOA. For those that don't live under an HOA (Home Owners Association) - consider yourself lucky. You would not believe how hard it was for me to get permission to paint MY house. First, I had to submit paint colors... fine, no problem - here you go. Oh, wait - you mean that I don't have enough colors? My house was 3 colors, and it has to stay 3 colors. Ok, so I just have to submit the extra one, right? What do you mean I have to resubmit everything and wait another 2 weeks. But my painter is coming in 5 days! UGH! Well, finally everything did work out, but not after I got EXTREMELY frustrated with the nice lady on the end of the phone. These people will probably come hang a scarlet letter on my mailbox to warn people about the 'jerk from the midwest' who lives there... ;)

Mary has a recital with her quintet this week, so I've been hearing a lot of bassoon chamber music exiting her studio recently. It's nice to hear other instruments other than my own. Hmm. Oh well.

Plans for the wedding are coming along. It really seems like a lot of work. My vote is for Vegas. Definitely Vegas, save $ - less work. Right... my parents would be pissed. ;)

Back to work. Have a great day!

Ok - I know it has been WAY too long!!!

2007-10-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

So, this it has been over a month since my last post, and I am soooo sorry. A lot has happened, though. First the big new:

Just for Brass is now online and shipping. We opened our (doors?) on Monday morning, and the orders began rolling in. Things are going quite well. We have had orders pretty steady all week, and today was no different. Take a second to check us out: http://www.justforbrass.com - you might find something you like!

My parents were out for their first visit since Mary and I moved to Tempe in July recently. It was great to see them, and Mary's sister came out for a bit as well.

I played my first recital (sort of a half-recital) at ASU this past week. Things went very well, and I got some great feedback from Sam and Pat (my mentors) on a few things that I should work on for my future development. Definitely a great day.

So, I have begun to teach my class at ASU, and I really like it. I have 8 students in the class, and they are all education majors. The class is low brass methods, so it is something fundamental that they all have to take. I am trying to do my best, and not make it over-the-top. I realize that it's one (1) credit, and it's 3 days a week. That's a drag - it should be three credits. But, things are going well. The students seem to be responding well to my brand of teaching, so I guess I'm doing something right.

In the next few weeks, I hope to get this business/website thing a little more routine - meaning that it doesn't complicate my life too much. It will always be something that I do - but, hopefully it won't take over my life - or Mary's. She is so great to be helping me with this...

Well, that's about it for now. Back to work - I promise that the next update won't be after Thanksgiving!

new store, new sponsorship, just plan new things...

2007-09-20T09:59:00.001-07:00

I am doing my best to update this blog regularly - so everyone give me a round of applause - - - wherever you are... I've earned it... Just kidding.

Anyway, new things are happening here in Tempe. We have our first concert with the Wind Symphony here this evening. Mary is playing in the Chamber Winds, which is the 'top' group at ASU, I am in the Wind Symphony. For my ego I must tell you that there aren't any euphonium's in the Chamber Winds, so that is why I'm not in it. Sorry for that - but my ego was bruised.

I have a new sponsorship! YEAH! I have always said that I would never pursue a sponsorship like so many other people that I know. I enjoy playing my euphonium, and I don't really want to play another companies instrument just because they are supporting me financially. I guess I'm just stubborn... ANYWAY - it was great when the Buffet Crampon company approached me to be a Besson artist.

Buffet Crampon is one of the most respected names in the woodwind realm, and they acquired Besson, who is the most respected name in brass - - - anywhere, last year. For those that have been following my blog over the last year know that the new Besson euphonium's have been totally overhauled and are AWESOME! They play better than their predecessors, and will be around for a very long time. I was happy to join the team at Besson-USA, and Buffet Crampon for what I hope will be a very long relationship. A big thank you to Tim Ornato and the entire Besson-USA team. Also, thanks to Steven Mead - without you, none of this would be possible!

You can check out my profile at the besson.com website by clicking here.

Another new project is Just for Brass. This is a new store which will be opening in October. Right now we are still in the formative stages, but are planning on going ONLINE soon! This will be the one stop shopping that people crave, and will be based out of patstuckemeyer.com, euphonium.net (Steven Mead), and maybe even a few others!

The site-place holder should be up soon at our website, and it will hopefully be functional by October 1. More on that later!

New things happening outside of Tempe, but still very exciting! Thanks for all of the nice comments on the engagement, and I'll tell you all about our on-going wedding plans in the next update!

Great news - - - sorry it took me so long.

2007-09-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

Ok,

So - it's been a whirlwind starting out here at ASU. Before I get into that - I wanted to let you all know that I finally asked the love of my life, Mary Somerville, to marry me last weekend. We went up to Sedona for the weekend, and she said yes! I couldn't believe it - after a great weekend, and lots of tears, we are engaged! YEAH!

Back to ASU. It's been a long uphill road over the past 3 weeks. I feel like I am finally settling into things here, but am still getting my bearings. I did win a playing job out here in the Salt River Brass Band, which both of my teachers are involved in. I got the Solo Euphonium spot, which will be a nice continuation from Besses from last year.

I have 4 students at ASU that are studying with me. Sam, my teacher, always says that everyone should have at least one student - that way you have to be able to explain yourself to someone. It is essential to teaching. Everything is going quite nicely, and I am really enjoying getting back into teaching. I really think I could do this...

My new online store is opening up in 3 weeks, so it will probably be after that opens that you'll hear about my life. The new store is called, Just for Brass, it is a joint effort between myself and Steven Mead, my teacher from last year, and a few other people as well. I realized with all of this stock that I am selling that I am moving into a whole new level of records-keeping, which I don't think I'm prepared for at all. I guess I'll just have to wing it and hope that the IRS is kept-at-bay.

Anyway, that is it for me right now. I am enjoying being a student, being engaged, and simply enjoying life! Thanks for everyone who has sent good wishes! I love you all!

trying to get above water...

2007-08-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

School starts tomorrow, and boy am I excited... Actually, I am excited - because it is going to be a great, albeit different, year.

I took my diagnostic tests in Music History on Friday. I was extremely unhappy about having to take these again. They were the little-unhappy-thought in the back of my mind all throughout my masters degree. Because - - - at Kansas, you HAD to pass them before they handed you the degree. Yes, you could have played the crap out of your recital, but if you couldn't notate an isorhythmic motet - - - - they really didn't care how well you can play. Oh well. That's what I get for going to an academic school for my masters.

I was extremely pleased to find out that these diagnostic tests were merely for "your information" at ASU. That is my kind of school. Now, don't get me wrong, I am all for the 'total-student' thing, and after last year (RNCM), I understand the value of classes on students. But, it was a definite load off my shoulders to know that I wasn't going to have to go back and retake a bunch of classes.

So, what do you think of the album cover for the new release on the Potenza Music label of Paul Droste's 2 LP's from 1975 and 1984? They were remastered earlier this year, and I finally got around to getting the artwork done for them. My web designer and graphic artist, Trent, gets better with every album. I like it - - - and, it gets another disc out into the public. Good stuff.

I am desperately trying to get things accomplished with my online business - well, my new one - Just For Brass. This is a new venture with a few other people that will be spear-headed by myself and Mary out here in Tempe. Hopefully, it will be big, but not HUGE. I am not ready to be shipping out 50 packages a day. If it does get that big, I'll have to hire some help, and I'm ready for that - - - but, I hope it's more of the 50 packages a week size. Something manageable. Here we go again...

So I am teaching students again here in Tempe. I am starting a private studio soon, but I need to be selective since I will have many obligations at ASU. I'll be teaching undergraduate lessons to the 1st and 2nd year students, as well as teaching brass methods. Good thing I still have my brass methods binder from Capital - oh yeah, Dr. Swinehart - thank you!

Anyway, that is about it. Getting back on my feet has been a lot of work, but it seems that every time we get bogged down, getting back becomes a little bit easier. Tomorrow is the start of the last college I'll ever attend, and hopefully the last degree that I'll ever need. Wish me luck!

new city, new things...

2007-08-05T18:51:00.001-07:00

I have been in Tempe for about 2 days now, and I am starting to adjust to the heat, although it's not as bad as it was in June! Mary and I arrived here on the 3rd after driving her car out from Missouri. We had a few nice days of visiting with her folks and then started our trek out along highway 40.

We split up the drive over 3 days. I know that you could do it in 2 if you wanted - - - but, I really hate being in a car, so for MY sake we did it in 3. We saw the scenery change, which was fascinating, and saw a part of the country that we probably wouldn't have seen otherwise.

This summer has been a whirlwind. It seems like yesterday I was playing my graduation recital at the RNCM and now here I am about to start school in the fall. It almost seems surreal at times. This blog has served as a sounding board for all of my "goings-on" and will continue to. I don't think my life is that interesting - - - but, you are reading this, so you must. Anyway, thanks!

A few things that are in the work professionally speaking. I will have 2 new discs coming out before the 1st of the year on Potenza Music. First, Scott Watson has a release of Stepping Stones for Tuba, Vol.1 - which sounds AWESOME! Also, I have finished the re-master of Paul Droste's 2 LP's which will be available soon - hopefully.

All the best!

- Pat (from Tempe, finally........)

back online ~!!~

2007-07-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

I do apologize for my laziness... It has been almost a month since I posted to my blog - but, I do have a very good excuse. I feel like elementary school, forgetting to turn in my homework.

First, let me go back to before I left the UK. The day before my recital, my parents came over for their first (and only) visit. My mom has never been out of the US (does Canada count?), so this was an extra special trip for her. They came over to hear my final recital, which went really well, although I still don't know what grade I got (does it really matter?!?). Anyway, after that we got to visit and sight-see around Manchester a bit until Mary arrived a few days later.

We planned to go up to Scotland, and take a train-trip through the Highlands and some of the more scenic country-side. It was incredible. We got to see some of the most beautiful landscapes that I have ever seen. The train was beautiful, the food was amazing, it was great relaxing with my family, and just enjoying some well-needed time away from the horn.

After we got back from Scotland, my parents took off for the US, because they had been there for almost 10 days and needed to get home. Mary stayed with me for another couple of days, and we went down to Paris for a meeting with Buffet-Crampon and Besson about me becoming a Besson Artist. The meeting went well, and I am an artist, but can't post anything officially yet, because I still have to sign paperwork once it arrives from France.

I took along a good friend from the RNCM, Phillip Schwartz, who had been to Paris before and spoke fluent French. Neither myself nor Mary could even count to 10 in French, so we thought that we should bring someone along who could help us - and more company to visit a great city.

We saw all of the major sights, and decided that we needed to come back to Paris for more than 2 days to see even more of it!
The next day, I left the UK for good - at least until I venture back for a visit. It was a great home for a year. I felt like I learned things over there that I couldn't have learned in the US. I developed as a musician, and as a person, and now I'm ready to take over the world. I will have a retrospective for the year on my next post - hopefully that won't be a month from now! ;)

After I returned home, I basically crashed for awhile. I was so tired, I could barely do anything. During my little break from reality, my cousin Colleen got married, which was awesome, also I took my annual fishing trip to Canada with my Dad where I managed to catch 4 trophy Lake Trout! I have never caught a Lake Trout, but this time I managed to catch 4. Geez! And, after I got back from Canada I moved to Phoenix. Right now I am sitting in my new place typing this message, and it feels great. I am not living in a tiny dorm room (I love you UK), I am not living out of a suitcase - - - I am home. Good stuff. More info later, and enjoy the pictures! Thanks to everyone who made my year in the UK great, but it is definitely good to be back in the US!

HOME!!!

2007-06-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post really quick that I did make it home from the UK. The trip to Scotland was amazing, and my trip with Mary and Phil to Paris was incredible - the chance of a lifetime.

I am still catching up on a mountain of mail and jet-lag, but wanted to let everyone know that I am home and enjoying it.

I have pictures to post from Scotland and Paris, and I will do that later this week. The family is going down to Phoenix tomorrow to start sorting out the house and everything, but I will post soon!

Thanks to everyone who supported me throughout my international studies!

pretty much the last week as a student in the UK

2007-05-27T14:45:00.001-07:00

I have been in the UK since September 11 of last year, and the end is coming soon. I am about 5 days away from my recital, and things are going great. First of all I thought I would say a big "Welcome to the UK" to the Fountain City Brass Band. My teacher, Scott Watson, and the entire FCBB are over in the UK for a 10-day tour, which started with their performance at the Master's Championship. They performed extremely well, exciting the UK audience with their US-taylor-made-sound, and created a window for future bands to come over and compete in "their" competition.

I am very excited that my family is coming over for my recital. My parents are getting here on Thursday - big trip for my Mom, it's her first time outside of North America - at least there isn't a language barrier on this trip. Nothing like being inside of a Slovenian deli trying to mime, "please cut the bread" so I can have a sandwich. That was fun...

My recital at the RNCM is this Friday at 2:20p for anyone who wants to come. I know I pool a generally US-based audience with this blog, so I am sure that you will be with me in spirit. Anyway, my program for this recital is:

Arrows of Time, mvt. i - Richard Peaslee
Arioso & Allegro - Fiocco/arr. Childs
Euphonium Concerto - Martin Ellerby
Relentless Grooves II, Armenia - Sam Pilafian

I think it is one of my most ambitious recitals, given that I can not take an intermission. For those that have played this stuff - it is a lot of physical material, so we'll hope for the best.

Aaron Tindall and I said goodbye to the Besses o' Th' Barn brass band last week. We had a great time playing with them over the course of the school year, and it was awesome that they threw us a party to send us back to the US.

This week will be filled with practice, practice, and more practice. I have a few "trouble-spots" that I would like to iron-out the wrinkles in before Friday. I will leave you with a few "action shots" from last weekend's excitement at Blackpool.

Blackpool, Vol. 2

2007-05-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

It was a great weekend. Besses o' th' Barn had their second contest of the year, and we played great - once again. Now, the judges (we won't name names here... just kidding...) thought that there were some bands than played better than us, so we didn't get the first place nod - actually we didn't get ANY place nod. But - that is ok. At least we had fun while we did it.

I remember when I was still a student at Capital University, and I was student teaching. I tried to instill in my students that if you aren't having fun doing this - - - you need to do something else. This is WAY too hard to do if you don't absolutely love it. Sometimes I feel myself slipping as well, but then you take a little time off - and you always come back to it.

Anyway... We left Manchester on Saturday at about 8am for our short little ride to Blackpool, which is apparently a "vacation" spot in the UK. I don't know about that. There seems to be an excess of bars and adult-novelty stores, but maybe I just don't get out much. What does it look like? Well, maybe Gatlinburg, TN. Just replace the outlet malls with strip clubs. BUT - they do have a very large concert hall/venue for us to monopolize, and we did take over the entire building with all three bars bulging with people.

There were 18 bands in our section, which was the Senior Cup. There are 3 sections: the Grand Shield (the good guys), the Senior Cup (the middle guys), and the Senior Trophy (the lower guys). So, each bands plays the test piece. After listening to a few Grand Shield bands playing their test piece I was very thankful that we didn't have to play that piece. I believe it was "A Time to Sing" or something like that - by Bramwell Tovey. Very cool piece - but with coolness, there is usually difficulty attached - and there was in aces. Very neat piece, and a big round of applause to all of the bands that had to tackle that piece.

So, we drew number 10, which was a decent draw. Although, we were placed between two better bands, so that kinda sucked - but it didn't phase us - we played the best we could. Afterwards I, Aaron Tindall and Ray Kao (see the above picture to see these guys) walked around Blackpool and had some dinner.

It was a great experience. I am glad to say that I was a member of the band, and that I got to compete in 2 truly English Brass Band Championship competitions while I was in the UK. I don't think I'm special to have done this, but am definitely glad that I got into banding so early in my visit over here. Thanks to everyone at Besses, and especially to my section: Aaron, James and Ray - you guys are great! Thanks for a great concert and an even better time making music together!

A few scenic shots from around Blackpool... A big THANK YOU to my good friend Ray Kao, who never forgets his camera. Thank you RAY!

If I was in the US...

2007-05-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

If I was back in the US, I would have either graduated from college - or would be in my last week of finals. Instead of that, I am in the UK and still have a month of school. I thought going to school later in September was pretty cool... in September. I am paying for it now. Oh well.

Last week I got to see my good friend Tormod Flaten. He was in town playing at Chetham's School of Music for their spotlight on Norway concert series. The entire concert was focused on Norwegian music, and Tormod for being one of the best Norwegian-euphonium soloists out there. If anyone is looking for some great music, check out Tormod's website and buy his disc. His first CD, Flight, is available online for purchase from iTunes. Check it out - you won't be disappointed.

I am getting ready for my recital over the next 3 weeks. It seems like a ways off, but I know it'll be May 31 before I know it - and my recital will be 24 hrs. away. Things are in pretty good shape, but I need to get one of the pieces in a little bit better shape before I subject the public to it. I must say that I have missed performing this year a lot. Over my master's degree at Kansas, I had a lot of opportunities to perform on a regular basis - and other than Besses' I haven't really gotten that opportunity this year. I have gotten many other opportunities this year, so not too much to complain about.

I apologize for the lack of pictures over the last few posts, but every time I go somewhere I seem to forget my camera. Before I leave this island I am traveling to Scotland and France - so more pictures, I PROMISE!

Also for those that know her - Mary is graduating from the University of Kansas with her undergraduate in bassoon performance on Sunday. She is finishing up her final exams this week, and will get her degree this weekend. I couldn't be more proud of her and all of her accomplishments and hard work. I love you!

I hope that everyone is enjoying the warm weather that you all are having in the US. Once again, it's raining here... big surprise. After awhile, you just get used to not being dry. More to come later!

2007 European Championships!

2007-05-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure to take in the European Brass Band Championships. This competition is totally different than anything that I've seen so far. It is actually a week-long festival that is host to a solo competition as well. One member of our studio at the RNCM, Phillippe Schwartz, made it to the semi-final round. Way to go Phil - he was up against the best from all over Europe. Sadly enough, the Americans weren't allowed to compete.

Anyway, my buddy Aaron and I went down to Birmingham (like Alabama but said ) on the train which took about 90 minutes. I know that I've said this before - but, I think if the US had a better public transportation system we might not have so many cars on the road. I mean, this train system in Europe is great!

The festival started about 10am and lasted all day. We got to see some great bands and meet some new people. I got to meet some of the big-wigs at Buffet Crampon (owner of Besson musical instruments) and some other people throughout the industry. I must tell you about this one guy. There is a man from Austria who makes the best, I repeat - the best, mutes for low brass. I met him last year at the International Tuba/Euphonium Conference in Denver that I went to. Anyway, he makes the best mutes which you can check out here. So, I decide that I'm going to get a cup mute from him since he had a "show special" going on. He, the owner, is there with his wife - and between the two of them they speak about 10 words of English. Now, here I am with this mute trying to translate that I would pay for it now and pick it up later. Couple that with the fact that they were leaving early from the conference that day, it made for some really interesting hand gestures. Anyway, funny situation - American/German definite language barrier. Good mutes, though.

I was going to post some pictures for you all to look at, but I forgot my camera. I did, however, find a great write-up of the Championships, which you can see here. Also, there were some great pictures of the bands and the hall, here. I figured instead of stealing 4barsrest's pictures, that I would simply link you to them. So, check out the write-up and the pictures.

It was great hearing bands from all over Europe. The English bands were darker, the Austria/Swiss bands were let from the euphonium/baritone sound (which is the way it should be, right?), and every band had it's own color (or is that colour) to the sound that they produced. It was truly remarkable to get to hear all of those different bands in one place.

Anyway, that was my weekend. This week I am in preparation for 2 of my assessments by the head of the brass department. I have to be graded on my external competition SPS and also on our euphonium quartet, which hasn't met for a while. Oh well... at least we have another week!

Back in the UK

2007-04-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

Remember what I said about sleeping on the plane? Well... it didn't happen for me... I think I might have dozed for an hour or so, but as soon as I started to nod off - I would get this horrible pain in my neck/back/arm/leg anywhere that would wake me up. Also, that damn little airline pillow is the work of the same person who invented the tuxedo - - - I swear!

Anyway, I am back. And, I have so much to do. Not as much as one of the other euphonium players here - as he keeps reminding me - but enough to keep me busy, mind you. I am in the process of completing my SPS requirements. At the beginning of the school year I signed up for 3 SPS requirements (you have to sign up for 3). These being: (1) Preparation for External Competition (2) Directed Ensemble (3) Chamber Music. Now, in the next 2 weeks I am being examined on number 1 and 3. No big deal, although I still have to learn one piece on the External Competition list, and the quartet needs to rehearse - BIG TIME! Couple that with the piece that I have to learn for the Senior Cup (next brass band competition) and you have one stressed-out-Pat!

But, the weekend is almost here... and the weather is actually tolerable today. The sun has come out twice this week (a new record, I think), and until the sun goes down you can actually wear shorts and survive - - - not quite sandal weather, but we're getting there. I am sure that once I get to Phoenix in July I will be cursing the sun and praying for snow - but for now I'm looking forward to it!

I finally have all of my plans for the summer laid out and it is going to be a BUSY summer. I have to go back home to the US after my parents/Mary come over here to the UK, then move to Phoenix, come back to visit friends/family, meetings for TA at ASU, and somewhere in there - find time to practice... right... ;)

Anyway, that's about it for now. I have my first lesson with Steve since I came back, and I wanted to polish up a few things before it - so more info later!

last trip across the pond! - - - bye bye USA

2007-04-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

I seem to find myself with a lot of time on my hands when it comes to airports. At least I can update my blog and work on things that matter other than the euphonium. I had a great trip home for 3 whole weeks, and it was really hard to step on that plane in Evansville earlier this afternoon - - - but, now I'm in Atlanta and the humidity would be horrible if I just stayed here, so I guess I'll go back to Manchester.

Anyway, when I get back I have so much to do. First, Besses has a concert on Friday (or is it Saturday?) that myself and Aaron Tindall are soloing (actually, duetting - Brilliante!) and we haven't really (well, actually I haven't really) learned the solo part, yet. But - - - there is plenty of time, right?

I hope that I can get a little bit of sleep on this flight. If you ever fly to Europe from the US. Here is the trick: you need to sleep on the plane a little bit. If you do, it just seems like you had a horrible nights sleep and you are semi-ok for the next day. If you don't sleep, then you get to your destination and then sleep. Only problem is that your schedule is totally screwed for the next 4 or 5 days. So - - - lesson learned, sleep on the plane!

Right now I'm hanging out in the airport and there are some Army service men next to me. They don't seem to be very happy about going wherever it is that they are going - which makes me feel not-so-horrible about going back to the UK. At least I can call my loved ones whenever I want (or at least unless the +6 hour time change would wake them up). Oh well...

Anyway, thanks for all of the words of encouragement about the (-) review on amazon. I had my little tirade (spelling?) and now it is over. So, that is it for now. I have a nice comfy 8 hour flight ahead of me starting at 8:20p this evening. If you are really bored you can look up Delta flight 64 from Atlanta to Mancester and follow me across the pond... just like my mother does... love you too Mom and Dad.

Hope you all have a great day, and I'll let you know what is up with my life once I get back to it in Manchester!

All the best!