Euphonium.com

Well, Peru LBF was once again a fantastic week for me. Traveling internationally always gives me a new perspective on so many different aspects of life: food, music, travel, culture...it is always great.

This is the second time I have been in Peru and this was an improved visit for sure. While we had few euphonium and tuba students than in the years past, it was still great to work with motivated students. The staff as always was amazing and I got to hear once again Jorgen van Rijen and Brandt Attema from Holland. Both incredible trombonists as well as Maestro Branimir Slokar. Andy Hunter taught and played popular music and we soloed together with the PUCP Big Band...it is fun to do a little jazz on the euphonium and a little improvisation. Hearing Andy and Sergio Carolino play with the big band has gotten me inspired for sure!! I think euphonium can do many great things; so a little jazz will be a good avenue for many players.

I also got to play some fun chamber music with my friend from Brazil, Wilson Dias. On a recital for a number of the international ambassador's, we played one of the Telemann Canonic Sonatas. Great chamber music always brings a smile to my face for sure.

As far as interesting food and music, Peru is famous for the Pasco Sour, sort of like a Margarita, but with Pasco instead of tequila. The other difference is that is it made with whipped egg whites on the top of the drink...it is very delicious. We also had loads of crevice that is a great fresh food that cools you down on a hot day. I think the seafood is top notch and really hits the spot.

Other interesting music for me was just all the talented students. We heard the Venezuelan Trombone Ensemble...they guys and gals are amazing (13 young professionals/students from Caracas)!! They had great playing skills, but also a level of awareness with skillful arrangements and programming. I look forward to hearing them again in the future.

My final thank you should be the Carlos Quiroz for his organization. He works VERY hard to make this happen and it is an inspirational experience for students from all over Central and South America. So it is a great thing and I appreciate his dedication to the event.

Well a few relaxing days now with lots of work on publishing new compositions and arrangements just in time for ITEC and IEI!!

More later,