Euphonium.com

Lima Peru has been so wonderful this week. We had incredibly sunny weather...sunny, blue skies, wonderful people and GREAT music. Since last time, the Peru Low Brass Festival has had many great concerts with the incredible staff. We heard an amazing Salsa Band...they use 4 trombones and have a really wonderful style. I also got to hear a very rare jazz euphonium player, Ramon Benitez. He is from Columbia and now lives in Miami playing jazz euphonium and trombone. His style and music certainly have a really hot Latin flavor.

We also had a low brass ensemble of the teachers and this group was a dream to play with during the week. The level and intensity was great and getting to hear all the teachers play and letting their energy build mine was awesome. We also played a "duet" version of Pantomime arranged for euphonium and 6 trombones. Wilson Diaz from Brazil and I made a version where we traded phrases and played some parts together. It is so much fun and a spontaneous musical adventure.

On the last day, the student ensembles played two concerts in the Plaza Major (the large public square) and also at the National Museum. They did so well and the audience enjoyed it. At the evening concert, after a big photo with everyone some tuba players started to play a Latin bass line and the entire group of about 100 players started to have a jam session. I improvised (which I normally do not play so often) and it was so much fun. I improvise more. It really makes one think more creatively.

Well a long flight home tonight and then off to Houston this week!!