February 8 2024 - AMAZING

John Williams celebrated his 92nd birthday today!  I was out of town for work and was made aware of a state music educators convention being held in the same city.  I sent a message to one of my friends asking if there were any good concerts I could attend.  I was hoping to see an all-state high school band or something.  As it turns out my friend replies and says the Dallas winds are performing with Boston Brass and he has an extra ticket if I wanted to attend.  The concert was also a world premiere of John Corigliano's saxophone concerto "Triathlon!" featuring Timothy McAllister.  The program also featured 3 pieces by John Williams - selections from Hook, Princess Leia's theme from Star Wars and Adventures on Earth from ET.  There were a two selections featuring Boston Brass and a selection by Geronimo Gimenez.  

All I can say is this was one of the best concerts I've ever attended.  First, the Dallas Winds playing John Williams music on his birthday and I'm celebrating my favorite composer on his 92nd birthday was amazing.  Second, Timothy McAllister on the sax was a treat.  I've never heard a saxophone played with such finesse, athleticism and artistry in one piece.  The concerto was interesting because McAllister played the soprano, alto and baritone saxophones throughout the piece.  Dazzling.  Then Boston Brass take the stage and I'm blown away with their artistry and virtuosity as individuals and a performing ensemble with the winds.  The performance was expressive, controlled, intense, precise, flawless.  

And to top it all off, the legends of the band world were in the audience or on stage.  Jerry Junkin on the podium.  Frank Troyka, Jeff Jones, Richard Floyd, Robert Floyd, Kyle Glaser, composer Omar Thomas.  Greatness was everywhere.  And here I was fortunate to be sharing this experience with all of them.  Little ol' me.  Just an amazing evening.  I was with my people - I socialized with band directors, all-state musicians and friends - just a joyful evening where I was with my tribe.  

During the intermission I ran up to Frank Troyka and reintroduced myself to him and thanked him for bailing me and BOA out of a jam when our host group wasn't able to help run the show.  I called Frank and he had his band produce the show with a two week notice.  I didn't get a chance to thank him in person after the show - he took the kids back to their school and we tore down and packed everything up, flying out the following morning.  It was so great to say thank you in person - even after 22 years.  

I got home on the 9th and before my youngest got home from school.  He comes running in the door and is like "Dad - guess what?!?!" What?  Yesterday was John William's birthday!  He then tells me he did a presentation for one of his classes about John Williams, talking about his music and what it means to him and the rest of the world.  He's 13, about to be 14...  I asked to see his presentation and I'm just thrilled see what he did.  So...  I went to this amazing concert, celebrating John Williams and my son did his presentation all on John Williams' 92nd birthday.  The planets must be completely aligned.

Another funny thing...  after the concert, I return to my room, checking my email and Intrada records has re-released the limited edition Jaws soundtrack.  It's been out of print for years...  I thought about buying one second hand but it's too expensive.  I was pleased to see the email and placed an order late last night.  I get home from work today and it is already sold out.  Bam!  A total trifecta of awesome in less than 24 hours.

Sometimes it's easy to second guess life decisions.  Sometimes I question the decision's I've made that have brought me where I am today.  And I'm terrified of failing wondering if the decisions I've made will ultimately lead to the destruction of my career...  I left a state I loved.  I left a community I loved.  I stopped playing music.  I question whether I am a good husband/father/leader/person.  Full of self-doubt.  Then something crazy happens and realize my life is pretty amazing.  

For the concert, two band directors were seated to my left.  One of them retired from Indiana and one from the state of Texas.  The guy from Indiana was the Texas' guy band director when he was a kid.  They got to share the experience as student, teacher, musician, friend, mentor and peer.  There I was visiting with them and hearing their stories.  The retired band director is now employed by music travel consultants.  You should apply - business is great.  My old boss works there, too.  Weird.  It's a small, small world.