The Mount Band!

As if spending a week in Wellfleet wasn't enough to feed my soul, Michael and I just got back from Cincinnati and the 14th biennial WASBE conference. The World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles is truly a unique organization. I jokingly referred to this event as the band world's answer to Pentecost, and it was just that. If you stood in the lobby of the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati (pretty much a palace), you could hear American English, UK English (they really are different), Hebrew, German, Japanese, Chinese, Norwegian, Spanish, Brazilian and after that I lost count. It didn't matter what your mother tongue was. You spoke and were understood. I also had the opportunity to be a contributing writer, covering a number of the concerts and sessions with narratives and photos, so that kept me pretty busy. Yes, we also had Skyline Chili and Graeter's ice cream, and dinner with the Rosenfelds...so, it wasn't all work and no play.

The people attending were, for the most part, conductors and composers. I think that the success of the week was based in providing all of us with an opportunity to share thoughts, experiences and even minor skirmishes with people who speak OUR language. Music. The performing groups were all very talented and unique. Great programming, too. The New Sousa Band proved that you could honor the tradition of concerts "in the traditon of Sousa" and play works other than marches. The Royal Northern College of Music provided solid evidence as to why they are a superior ensemble on so many levels. The President's Own Marine Corps Band...well...it was just thrilling to stand and sing our National Anthem while they played. Yes, it brought tears to my eyes.

Emerging composers and composers of great notoriety were there. Adam Gorb (UK), Fergal Carroll (Ireland), Johann DeMeij (Netherlands), Jennifer Higdon (US...Brooklyn, NY, even!) were only the tip of the compositional iceburg. Go to www.wasbe.org to see more about what we did and who was there. Pre-concert discussions were on the schedule each day, and we were treated to words from conductors as well as composers about what was on the upcoming concert programs. Jennifer Higdon's Percussion Concerto was on the Marine Band's 5pm program. Originally scored for percussion soloist and orchestra, she was commissioned to transcribe it for wind band by the Marine Band. It was everything that she described and more. MSgt Christopher Rose was the soloist. The piece was just breathtaking. What an experience to hear and see.

Icons...in our world. Yes, we do have them. The International Youth Wind Orchestra, an ensemble consisting of older high schoolers and college-aged instrumentalists, was conducted by The Three Icons (as was billed by WASBE). Frank Battisti, Donald Hunsberger and H. Robert Reynolds conducted this amazing ensemble in performances of Holst Suites 1 & 2, Lincolnshire Posy and the Hindemith. We had the chance to listen to these three men during several sessions as they spoke about their thoughts on the development of the wind band, where it came from and where its going. The Icons didn't end there. Tim Reynish conducted two works performed by the RNCM ensemble. Besides the fact that he will probably always remain one of my very very favorite teachers, his embodiment of all of the qualities that I aspire to as a conductor/educator is just a joy to experience. I love him dearly, and I am so grateful to him for being the nurturing (and insanely funny) person that he is.

More icons? Karel Husa joined us yesterday. Mr. Husa is preparing to celebrate his 88th birthday. Suffice it to say that, when he entered Corbett Auditorium in the afternoon, it was as if a rock star was among us. He was such a gracious man...so patient with everyone coming over to greet him, shake his hand, take pictures with him. The Marine Band was performing his "Music for Prague" on their program, so it was especially wonderful to have him there. Mr. Husa was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by WASBE. He was clearly moved by receiving it. He joined us at the banquet later on in the evening. Even though he uses a cane to get around, he wanted to greet everyone. He literally came over to our table to greet us...each one of us, shaking our hands. His smile was just so touching. I asked him if he had enjoyed the performance of his piece...he was just beaming, "oh yes...oh yes...it was wonderful!" Michael got a picture of the two of us (I don't usually do that...except for Tim, because he's Tim  )

What did I come away with? An even deeper pride in the artistry of the wind band, and an appreciation for the opportunity to work within it. New ideas are always great, as is the confirmation that tried and true things are still being used, regardless of the geographic location. I heard discussions about the need for more GOOD music for wind bands, especially for younger, developing musicians. I heard a few disparaging words uttered about music education majors around the country (still a sore spot). I found more than a few great pieces for my wind ensemble but, being the frugal (ahem) person that I am, I prioritized and only brought back three. Payday is the 15th, so I already have a short list of additional good stuff to order from Shattinger's.

The 2011 WASBE Conference is being held in Chiayi City in Taiwan. I can't imagine not being there.