Category Archives: Music

Selmer Reference 54 Limited Edition Hummingbird

Posted on May 8, 2018 by

From a recent for sale ad: A rare alto from 2005, … this limited edition saxophone commemorates the 50th anniversary of the passing of Charlie “Bird” Parker and features an iconic hummingbird engraving on the bell. The Reference 54 series … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Leave a comment

I found one of my fav band teachers, Mr. Robert Lake

Posted on March 30, 2018 by

Originally posted on The Bis Key Chronicles:
There are at least two of my favorite stories to tell about growing up in the mid-west and being a sax player. One is when the Urbandale, IA middle school teacher picked a jazzy…

Posted in Music | Leave a comment

Frank Ticheli ~ An American Elegy

Posted on February 19, 2018 by

From Frank’s FB page: When I composed An American Elegy in response to the Columbine Shooting tragedy, I thought it would be a singular episode, or at least a rare one, in our nation’s history. Sadly, I am constantly reminded … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Music, Politics | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Project Band ~ People Turnover

Posted on January 27, 2018 by

Jazz is about being in the moment. ~ Herbie Hancock Every year my band has turnover. People move, get new, harder jobs, get divorced, … you name it there are so many good reasons for leaving a good band. Some … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Leave a comment

Makin’ Music: This year’s MJJO Recordings

Posted on October 19, 2017 by

“Making music together is the best way for two people to become friends.” ~ Hermann Hesse This year I decided to take my band to a recording studio, TopOfTheHill Music Studio. This is the second time I’ve done this. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Band Management, Big Band, Guides, Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra, Music | Tagged | Leave a comment

Rico ~ A Long Family Tradition

Posted on September 8, 2017 by

Today virtually every clarinet or saxophone performer has at one time or another performed with a Rico reed—and it all began in France with Joseph Rico in 1928. Rico, a talented musician born in Italy in 1876, ran away from … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, FAQ, Music | Tagged | Leave a comment

Tom “Bones Malone” – Sweet Home Chicago (Bari)

Posted on September 4, 2017 by

Originally posted on SDartSax:
For my first post back after surgery, I decided to go with an old favorite. As a kid growing up in Chicago in the 70s and 80s, few movies had a bigger impact on me than…

Posted in Music | Leave a comment