Higher, Louder, Faster

In high school I admired trumpet players like Cat Anderson, Roy Eldridge, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Al Hirt, Doc Severinsen, Harry James, and of course, Maynard Ferguson. Many young trumpeters tried to play like these gentlemen, especially up high. In college, I managed to play a few of Maynard’s arrangements, sometimes even sounding a little … Continue reading Higher, Louder, Faster →

Dualities

“Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.” “If you criticize Israel, that means you are antisemitic.” “If you question the president, you must hate your country.” There are many examples. These statements represent the “either-or” fallacy. Of course, a person might not agree with everything their country (or their president) does … Continue reading Dualities →

An Opus

I’ve always been troubled by the ending of the film, Mr. Holland’s Opus. (Warning: Spoilers ahead.) The story is about a would-be composer who became a high school band director. Mr. Holland’s time and energy were so consumed by his calling as a teacher that he put his dreams on hold. Early on, his school … Continue reading An Opus →

A Music Lesson

Before I played the Tomasi Concerto with the IU Orchestra, Keith Brown, the conductor, gave me some advice. He said words to this effect: “Keep in mind, a large orchestra can’t turn on a dime like a pianist can. Think of the orchestra like a tractor trailer, and a pianist like sports car.” Good advice. … Continue reading A Music Lesson →

Friendship

Fifty years ago, give-or-take, our family car was rear-ended by a Pontiac. Three of my classmates were with me, on our way to play in church on a Sunday morning. I was driving the nearly new station wagon, which had “cruise control,” a new option at the time. I had it set on 55 mph. … Continue reading Friendship →

A Remembrance

Recently, an old friend died. For my first fifteen years, he led our department as chair and dean. Dale Bengtson was a wise man, offering good advice and a listening ear. He valued collegiality, the idea that the music faculty ought to work as a team. He once asked, “Would all those who work with … Continue reading A Remembrance →

Pull Together

Recently we watched “The Boys in the Boat,” a film about the 1936 Olympic rowing crew from the University of Washington. While there were many timeless lessons in the story, it seems to me the best was the idea that to win, the team had to learn to row as one. “Every man for himself” … Continue reading Pull Together →