I’ve frequently noticed how popular tubas are as the subject of photography. Their eye-catching size seems to be a magnet for artists as well. I occasionally trawl the internet for tuba-related art and found some of the more interesting works below. Okay, some of them are officially sousaphones, but they all caught my eye.
The Ladder of Fire I (L’Échelle du Feu) 1934 by Magritte
Found at the blog about books Seven Impossible Things, this illustration is by Dave McKean from the illustrated book The Wolves in the Walls written by Neil Gaiman.
“The biggest, fattest wolf of all was playing an old wolf melody on Lucy’s father’s second-best tuba”
Tuba Player by Mia Wolff from her blog Wolff Brain
Gato Loco featuries Joe Exley on tuba
Dave Werden has to have one of the most valuable, and possibly underrated online resources on the internet for tuba and euphonium. Among his many pages, links, resources and discussions, I found this page called Euphonium Audition Primer. If you are an aspiring euphonium player, hoping to get into a military band, I encourage you to check this site out. It includes a survey (ask the experts) and strategies and insights on the most requested audition excerpts. Above is a sample what the strategies page looks like for Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever (i.e. “Notice these are not eighths!”, “Soft, but clear and with energy”). Thanks again to Dave Werden and his invaluable website.
Our “OkTUBAfest 2009″ celebration is going really well. Thursday, we had a visit from Carol Jantsch, the principal tuba with the Philadelphia Orchestra. She gave a masterclass in the afternoon and an AMAZING recital that night with Alan Huckleberry. Today we presented our annual “Spooky Tubas” concert at the Coralville Public Library for a great audience of kids and parents. There were so many great photos, I thought I would post them here.
Ben, Ben, and Blaine with Carol at her masterclass
Yesterday, our studio enjoyed a creative and inspiring workshop presented by Brian Wolff. Formerly of Drums and Tuba fame, and currently touring with Buckethead, Brian took time out of his busy schedule to share his music and thoughts with students. From my notes, here are a few things he said that I really liked:
“Your instrument is just a means of expressing yourself”
“I’ve travelled around the world playing weird electronic tuba music”
“Audiences are more open-minded [to experimental music] than the music industry gives them credit for”
“This is my third tour with him (Buckethead), and I still haven’t met the guy”
“Carve out your niche”
Brian also mentioned some of his influences and information about his inspiration and equipment. Here are a few related links:
Spaceheads – The band he heard in Lafayette, LA that inspired him to do what he does
Fugazi – The punk band from Washington D.C. who do business and music on their own terms (Their Dischord Records Site)
Ian McKaye – Member of Fugazi and owner of Dischord Records
Marcus Rojas – The New York tuba performer and teacher Brian mentioned. Marcus is my hero; plays everything from orchestral and chamber music, to commercial and free improvisation.
The Ramones – One of the greatest bands ever and pioneers of the punk movement.
The Picador – I don’t know much about this Iowa City club, but if they are open-minded enough to book Buckethead and Wolff, I’ll keep an eye on their schedule
Buckethead – The eccentric and mysterious guitar player
My friend and colleague, Jeffrey Agrell, has started keeping his own blog called Horn Insights. In addition to being a wonderful teacher and player, he is a very talented writer, as many horn players know from his years of contributing to the Horn Call journal. Although his theme is horn-centered, a lot of what he discusses and uncovers can be very helpful to all musicians. One of his posts, “Quotations for Musicians” is simply a list of great tidbits of advice from people like Arnold Jacobs, Martin Luther, and Wynton Marsalis. Here’s an excerpt:
•The arts, inspiring — indeed requiring — self-discipline, may be more “basic” to our national survival than traditional credit courses. Presently we are spending 29 times more on science than on the arts and the result so far is worldwide intellectual embarrassment. -Paul Harvey
•I always loved music; whoso has skill in this art is of good temperament, fitted for all things. We must teach music in schools; a schoolmaster ought to have skill in music; or I would not regard him. -Martin Luther
•When taking a shower, take a shower. When playing horn, play horn. -Zen Saying
•Mastery comes from practice; practice comes from playful, compulsive experimentation. – Stephen Nachmanovitch
•Sitting under a tree is good for your playing too. -Arnold Jacobs
•What is best in music is not to be found in the notes. –Gustav Mahler
•Fine horn playing is the result of a vast complex of physical motions and nerve reactions… [practice] is a process of eliminating those physical movements which do not produce the desired result, eventually reducing it to the one set of movements that does produce that result. – Gunther Schuller
Each semester, our studio completes a final project. Intended as a semester-long endeavor, the final project varies each semester, but is intended to help you learn beyond applied lessons and ensemble experience. This semester, I have chosen to focus on literature on music and the brain. I have selected a number of highly recommended books on the subject and compiled an Amazon wish list here.
I got the idea while shopping at the Boston University bookstore this summer, when I purchased The Mastery of Music: Ten Pathways to True Artistry by Barry Green. Kind of like a book club, I wanted the studio to spend a semester reading, discussing, and applying the concepts within the best literature regarding the relationship between intellect and musicianship.
Here are the complete details of the assignment:
University of Iowa Tuba-Euphonium Studio
Final Project – Fall 2009
Read book at your own pace, but complete it by October 29th.
Write down useful quotations and concepts
Use quotations and concepts in Seminar class
Apply concepts in your own practice, performing, lessons
Prepare a five-minute oral book report to present at the final Seminar meeting; which should include a summary, observations and review.
Peruse all of the texts and by next week, be ready to express your choices in order of preference. The order of the random drawn lots was:
Steve
Michael
Blaine
Tucker
Devin
Pat
Justin
Dana
Kristina
Ben A.
Ben R.
Karina
• At the beginning of Seminar next week (Thursday, September 3rd), book selections will be made in the order above. I would suggest ranking your books, and rank as many as your lot number. [If you drew number 12, be sure to rank your top 12 books since you will choose last)
• Everyone must acquire (purchase, borrow, or sign out) their books by the next by September 10th.
• Blaine and I will inform you of which books are available through the University of Iowa Library, the Iowa City Public Library, or the Coralville Public Library.
• You must complete the book by October 29th (7 weeks), and make weekly notes and quotations to use when making your comments in seminar.
• The complete list of books maybe be found at the following link: http://amzn.com/w/Y1ES1P62F0DH
Today the Iowa Brass Quintet played for a welcome convocation for the thousands of incoming freshman at the University of Iowa.We only played a short processional and stayed long enough to snap a few photos. One of the messages at this renewed tradition was that of the “Iowa Challenge”. The Iowa Challenge, “expresses important principles that help students succeed in the classroom and beyond. It establishes what The University of Iowa expects from its students, and what students should expect from themselves and each other. In essence, it’s a mission statement for UI students.” The challenge lists five key goals: excel, stretch, engage, choose, and serve.
Excel. Academic excellence means setting and meeting high standards for yourself as a student. Faculty, staff and other students will ask you to work hard and push yourself intellectually. We expect a lot of you; you should expect only the best from yourself and the University.
Stretch. At Iowa, you will find diversity of people, ideas, opportunities, and experiences. That diversity is one of the benefits of being an Iowa student. Step away from the familiar, try new ideas, experience new cultures, and learn from people different from yourself.
Engage. You will be a more successful student and enjoy yourself more if you spend your time and energy on activities that matter. The University of Iowa offers almost limitless opportunities and the resources to help you become a leader in and out of the classroom. Take advantage of them.
Choose. Every day you make decisions that affect your education and your future. Take your choices seriously and use your freedom wisely. Your Iowa education is what you make it. Make it something you and your university can be proud of.
Serve. As an Iowa student, you are a member of many communities, on and off the campus. You have the opportunity and responsibility to be a good neighbor and citizen and to serve the community. Make your community a great place to live.
Abe Tochinsky, former principal tuba with Philadelphia Orchestra and the NBC Symphony, passed away this morning at the age of 89. Mr. Torchinsky was a giant in the world of the tuba, and he has had unmeasurable influence on generations of tuba players. He will be missed. This biography is from WindSong press:
Abe Torchinsky, a native of Philadelphia began playing tuba in a Boy Scout band. In 1935 he began taking lessons with a young student at the Curtis Institute named Arnold Jacobs. By the time he was in high school, he was performing professionally on tuba and bass, even playing with Isham Jones Orchestra. He enrolled at Curtis in 1940 and studied with Philip Donatelli, the tubist of the Philadelphia Orchestra until the wind department at the Institute was shut down at the beginning of World War II. Mr. Torchinsky played in the Southern Symphony Orchestra and with the National Symphony Orchestra for one season (1942-1943). He then moved to New York City for concentrated study with William J. Bell. He performed in the original cast productions of Billy Rose’s Seven Lively Arts, and Rogers and Hammerstein’s Carousel and Allegro, and was in the cast of the movie Carnegie Hall. He performed with the Cities Service Band of America under Paul LaSalle, and the NBC Symphony with Arturo Toscanini (1946-1949). Torchinsky joined the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1949, and served as principal tuba until 1972. Mr. Torchinsky and trombonist Henry Charles Smith hosted a radio program about the orchestra. After retiring from the Philadelphia Orchestra, Torchinsky became a member of the faculty of the University of Michigan (1972-1989). A Philadelphia Brass Ensemble recording, The Glorious Soundof Brass earned a Grammy in 1967. The Philadelphia Brass Ensemble’s recording of the Antiphonal Music of Gabrieli with the Chicago and Cleveland Brass Ensembles won a Grammy in 1969. The Philadelphia Brass Ensemble as soloists were also nominated in 1976 for a two album set of Hindemith’s sonatas for brass instruments with pianist Glenn Gould. A less-familiar, early recording called Catch the Brass Ring by the Philadelphia Brass Ensemble, masquerading as the “Torchy Jones Quintet” had the distinction of being pulled from distribution by Columbia after Eugene Ormandy objected to orchestra members making a “jazz” recording. His scholarly efforts in publishing full parts to orchestral works were an innovation and a vast improvement for students over previously available excerpt books.
Our last Holiday Tubas concert made the top of the December news in the “Year In Review” portion of the University of Iowa Annual report. Also worth viewing are the slideshows at One Year After, which feature the voices and images of University of Iowa students, faculty and staff speaking about how they dealt with the devastating flood of June 2008.
Carol Jantsch, principal tubist with the Philidelphia Orchestra, is featured in a rap called “Buy Carol’s CD” on Steve TV. To view it, go to the Peterson Project and click on “Buy Carol’s CD”, which is a hilarious rap parody to promote her new recording Cascades. Be sure to check out Carol’s website here.
Here is a profile and slide show from Indy Week on the Tuba Exchange. Located in Durham, North Carolina and run by Vince Simonetti and his wife. The Tuba Exchange website features new and used instruments, including a historic collection, and advice on choosing an instrument.
From the “Tuba Lady“, at Interact Jacksonville.com comes this post on her blog about a tuba poem she wrote when she was young. Her self-criticism is in parentheses:
My tuba, my tuba, I really love my tuba (gosh, that’s such an original way to start)
It came with me from Florida, I’d take it to Aruba (well, I guess I didn’t want to go to Cuba)
It’s big and shiny and really, kinda heavy (true, albeit a stupid line)
I think they musta made it out of a ‘57 Chevy! (not even close to clever)
I’ve had it since I was a girl of just eleven (I might have been 13, but I needed 11 for the next line’s rhyme)
Do you think God will let me bring it all the way to heaven? (I did mention it was a church talent show)
Mom and Dad found it in a little music store (true)
They paid $300, but I would have paid much more (not true, I didn’t have any money then)
It had dents and scratches, but played a tune just fine (it was me that was bad, not the equipment)
From the minute that I saw it, I knew it would be mine (I don’t think I saw it until they bought it and it was no return, no exchange, so we had to keep it)
I’ve played it in churches, I’ve played it in bars (luckily not at the same time)
I’m sure my neighbors wish, I’d only play it on Mars (this is so sad)
I’ve played it for money and I’ve played it for free (you can guess which one happens more often)
I’ve played it for others, but mostly just for me (obviously)
I’ve played concerts and solos, in and out of doors (noise ordinances be darned)
I’ve played it in competitions and received the judge’s scores (sympathy more like)
It’s made from silver and some other nickel ore (it could be lead, that would explain the brain damage that occurred before I wrote this)
I’d give more detailed info, but I don’t know any more (heard of the internet?)
It just plays oompah, oompah to the really untrained ear (is that how you spell oompah and shouldn’t I know?)
But to me it plays beautiful sounds that I really love to hear (I can’t hear anything when I play, it’s too loud)
I’ve played the clarinet, the flute and saxophone, (none of these are any better)
I’ve played bagpipes and cello, and the slide trombone (you haven’t heard anything yet)
None can compare to the joy, that I often receive (solitary joy, everybody else leaves the room)
from all my tuba playing, a gift from God I believe (give thanks, always – that I don’t live in your neighborhood)
I had two gigs with the Java Jews this weekend; one at Beaverdale Park – as part of Jazz in July (free music every night in July) sponsored by the Metro Arts Alliance - and one at the Des Moines Arts Center, as part of their multicultural event Art Inside Out. The weather was absolutely perfect, surprisingly cool for July, and the performances were fun and laid-back. I met a new friend, Bongo Barry (a.k.a. Barry Bernstein, who is a music therapist), and enjoyed some great art, and fantastic Thai food at King and I Thai Cuisine.
At the Arts Center, I enjoyed viewing an exhibition by Tara Donovan, who is a master at creating beautiful art out of everyday things like styrofoam cups, toothpicks and hot glue. She is featured here in the New York times slideshow and article “The Genius of Little Things.”
Audrey McCombes, a lucky fan at a Paul McCartney concert was invited onstage after she held up a sign that read “Sign my arm so I can get it tattooed”. From Times and Transcript of Canada, here is the complete article, “Live and Let Dye” (great title) and an excerpt:
“After the first verse, he looked at it and he got this really puzzled look on his face. I’ll never forget it. And then he kept smiling at me throughout the song.”
Ms. McCombs considered taking a different sign to the concert. She’s a tuba player and thought about taking a poster offering to play tuba for Mr. McCartney.
The Beatle fan is a music education major at a California university and hopes to attend Liverpool Hope University in the England next. It offers a master’s degree in the Beatles, popular music and society.
Music isn’t the only way Mr. McCartney has influenced the fan. Ms. McCombs is also a vegetarian.
After walking off the stage Saturday night, Ms. McCombs was so worked up she had to visit the medical tent before returning to watch the rest of the show.
Ms. McCombs left to return home at about 3 a.m. Sunday morning. She didn’t shower and got one of her friends to arrange an appointment for the tattoo.”
I just saw a great feature on CBS Sunday Morning about a wonderful public art/music program in London, “Play Me I’m Yours.” It is an installation that is touring the world created by Luke Jerram, involving placing thirty pianos outside in public areas, currently in and around London. Jerram has a unique approach, calling it “Live Art”, including some amazing projects like First Light, Sky Orchestra and Dream Concert.
In these tough economic times (I know, that phrased is overused) it’s good to be reminded that, as one woman on the CBS clip said, “Good things in life a free.” I just wonder what people would think of a public art installation of thrity tubas around the city
I stumbled upon this great video and just had to share it. It is an excellent example of Sam Pilafian’s talent for inspiring and educating through his articulate and expert speaking. He speaks of something that is probably true to most music teachers, a pride of his students who took the skills and discipline needed for music and applied them laterally to another discipline. I enjoy listening to Sam speak as much as I enjoy listening to his amazing tuba playing. It turns out, on jobing.com, there are NINE short videos of Sam speaking, teaching, and even playing accordian.
We just recently returned from a five-day vacation to Walt Disney World. Despite frequent rain, and warm weather, we had a great time. Here are some tips and resources I found helpful in planning and enjoying our time there:
Tour Guide Mike – For $20 this site generates a customized tour plan for you. Full of great tips and advice.
Do take advantage of Extra Magic Hours if you are staying in the parks, but get out of that park by noon. People tend to stay all day. Get a Park Hopper pass and after a lunch break and nap back at the hotel, enjoy a different park.
Bring a small backpack with water, with a hand towel, sunscreen, snacks, a rain poncho and anything else you might need.
If you stay in a Disney Resort hotel, purchase the refillable mug for $12, you’ll use it. Although you can only refill it at your hotel, it is worth it for morning coffee, afternoon soda, evening hot chocolate.
Get up EARLY and get to the parks before they open. Return to your hotel for a nap or a swim during midday if you can.
Read signs! We could have saved ourselves a lot of walking and time by reading signs more carefully, especially to buses.
Take advantage of the FastPass options, but get them as soon as you enter the park.
I am happy to announce that my first solo CD, “Four Corners: Tuba Music from around the World” has been released on Summit Records. UPDATE: The website Just For Brass, has Four Corners as a featured product for July and August.
It is also available at Amazon, hbdirect, and CD Universe. There are also free bonus tracks available for download here and at napster of my own composition “Dark”, which is an electronic/acoustic backdrop to be improvised over, like I did on the CD.
Here is the complete program:
Retratos by Vinicio Meza
Fantasy on a Lakota Theme by Kenton Bales Tuba Concerto by Barry McKimm Guzheng Suite transcribed by Chi Sun Chan Silhouette by John Harmon Dark by John Manning
Thanks to the University of Iowa for funding this project. Also a special thanks to: Shari Rhoades, piano; Shin-Yi Yang, guzheng; Chi-Sun Chan, arranger of Guzheng Suite; Jeff Funderburk, Producer; my teachers Sam Pilafian and Scott Mendoker and my family.
Edutopia, the website for the George Lucas Educational Foundation has a remarkable and inspirational videoof Lukas Bratcher who plays euphonium with assistive technology. I hope we continue to help people follow their dreams regardless of any physical limitations. Please take the time to go to their site and search Lukas Bratcher and check out the site. You can also view it through VodPod here. Thanks to Josh Calkin (Yellow Tuba, White Noise) for the tip.
Last week, my students and I attended the Great Plains Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference (GPRTEC) at Kansas State University in Manhatten, Kansas. Collegium Tubum presented a concert of arrangements – some by our own students – and played better than ever. I was very proud of all of my students, but especially of those who entered the competitions. As it turned out, they all received awards, which is fantastic. They included:
Blaine Cunningham – 1st place in the over 21 tuba solo competition
Karina Ferrera – 1st place in the under 21 euphonium competition
Chris Dickey – Honorable Mention in the over 21 euphonium competition
The “Corntet” (Karina Ferrera, Melissa Reiff, Kristina Gavin, Pat Bigsby) – 3rd place in the quartet competition
Chet Aliga – won the “Tuba Toss”
Many thanks and kudos to Steve Maxwell, who hosted the event, and our colleagues in all of the studios throughout the Great Plains who participated. Also thanks to Barbara York, my pianist for my recital and composer of many beautiful works for tuba.
You Tube announced today the winners of their Symphony Orchestra audition. (Click on Winners, then on the instrument/sections to view the videos of the winners) Congratulations to Andy Chester, who studies with Floyd Cooley at DePaul University in Chicago. We were all rooting for our buddy Jim Lyons, who sounded great on his audition video, but Andy’s win is well-deserved. Below are a few news items about the announcement:
I recently heard the sad news of the passing Boston tuba busker, Paul “the Tubanator” Dosier. With his band, Made In the Shade, he was a mainstay on the streets of Boston and Cambridge. Please watch the videos below to learn more about this talented, gentle man who died long before his time.
The first, a two-part documentary about Paul, is really well-edited, with surprisingly excellent sound. Listen to Paul’s solid bass lines, and a confident and tasteful solos. Also be sure to check out the promotional video of Made in the Shade’s school show, Jazz: America’s Music.
Thanks to Phil Johnson, and my condolences to Dan Fox and the rest of Paul’s friends.
I just returned from a very enjoyable visit to Boston, despite all of the expected weather-related delays. I got to hear my niece and nephew perform a piano recital, visited with family and friends, and best of all, stayed at the Bertram Inn bed and breakfast. It is a beautiful Victorian house in Brookline, with a very cozy atmosphere, fantastic breakfast and coffee all day long.
As expected, we encountered numerous weather-related delays, both comic and ironic. Here’s a short list:
Leaving Moline, IL our flight was delayed due to the fact that that de-icing equipment was frozen
We arrived late to Chicago, but luckily our departing flight to Boston was delayed as well
Unfortunately, we had an eighty-minute hold on the runway due to a traffic problem
Upon arrival at Logan airport in Boston, our jet, which successfully landed in a blizzard, was temporarily stuck in the snow
We waited for two hours for our luggage because the luggage compartment doors were frozen shut
When I checked in for my return flight home, the ticket agent asked for my passport. I said I was just flying to Moline. She replied, “You aren’t flying to Shang Hai?”, “No, not that I know of”, I replied. Oh, I see, your flight from Chicago to Moline has been cancelled – you’ll will have to fly tomorrow. I opted to be diverted to Cedar Rapids, an airport closer to home, even though my car is in Moline.
Holiday Tubas 2008 went very well, despite the cold. We had a healthy addition of tuba and euphonium players join us, and the crowd was very enthusiastic. I am especially proud of the fact that we filled two boxes of toys this year for Toys for Tots. Thanks to the Old Capitol folks for hot cider and cookies, and thank you to all my students for a great job during this challenging semester.
Here are links to some of the press about the performance:
I just completed a week-long residency in the Quad Cities (Davenport, IA; Bettendorf, IA; Moline, IL; and Rock Island, IL) with the Atlantic Brass. It was our third time back as Quad Cities Arts Visiting Artists, which included performing three concerts a day in schools and other venues through out the week. We also gave a full recital Tuesday night at the John Deere Administrative Center, and were soloists with the Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops concert. Held at the iWireless Center, the Holiday Pops center was an extravaganza of epic proportions. It included a children’s choir, an adult choir, a drumline from Moline High School, lights, and about a dozen costumed ice skaters.
Here is an excerpt from the review:
The Quad City Arts’ visiting artist was the Atlantic Brass Quintet, and they provided a warm, solid sound to some beloved holiday favorites. Mr. Smith introduced them in a “dueling” piece with the QCSO brass quintet (“In Dulci Jubilo”), but decided that term sounded too harsh for the season and said they simply were “communicating” back and forth.
The local brass more than held their own, trading buoyant phrases with the guests. The ABQ returned a few other times, including a delightful medley in the second half. The quintet’s gorgeous renditions were precise and radiant.
Read the full article here by Jonathan Turner and here for a multimedia display by Paul Colletti.
Although it was tiring, it was a rewarding and enjoyable week, and I got a chance to explore the area a bit more. There were a lot of things going on, including the Festival of Trees, for which we played a few events, including the lighting of their Remembrance Tree. (Special Thanks to Dave Hamburg of the Quad Cities Brass Quintet for loaning us some Christmas music for the ceremony)
We enjoyed our great accomodations at the Stoney Creek Inn, and checked out some of the local spots like Dead Poets Espresso, Lagomarcino’s, Bent River Brewery and Restaurant, and Bier Stube, the local German restaurant. Dead Poets had a great vibe and excellent coffee, Bent River had an outstaning American Wheat, Lagomarcino’s is an amazing soda fountain style shop with fabulous homemade chocolates, ice cream, fountain drinks, and sandwiches. I would recommend them all if you are ever in the area.
Click to watch my interview with Julian Dixon, Professor of tuba and euphonium at Sacramento State University and the organizer of the 2008 “Down In the Valley” festival. Julian and I are old friends going back to our days at Boston University in Sam Pilafian’s studio. We were able to find a few minutes to shoot this interview at ITEC Cincinnati following a concert present by he and his students. Special thanks to David Kinkennon, a University of Iowa tuba and film student for the videography, editing and posting to YouTube.
The “Tuba Man” of Seattle, Edward McMichael has been brutally murdered. Read “Violence takes iconic tuba man” by By Robert L. Jamieson Jr. This is an absolute, tragic and senseless act of violence. Read more about Mr. McMichael here, here, and here. Rest in peace Edward, and thank you for your contribution.
UPADATE: Here is an article in the New York Times, including an audio slideshow.
Happy Halloween from Collegium Tubum, the University of Iowa Tuba Euphonium Ensemble. Today’s “Spooky Tubas” concert was held at Lemme Elementary School in Iowa City.
I am pleased to announce the following job description advertising our current search for a new Professor of Trumpet. My friend and colleague, and gem of a guy, David Greenhoe is retiring after years of dedicated service. I am a member of the search committee and would like to help get the word out. Filling David’s shoes will be a daunting task, but we look forward to reviewing the submissions of all qualified candidates.
Here is the advertisement:
The University of Iowa
School of Music
Notice of Faculty Position
Assistant Professor of Trumpet
Appointment begins: August 2009
Rank: Assistant Professor, Tenure-track
Salary: Commensurate
Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities for the position include private teaching, mentoring and advising undergraduate and graduate trumpet students, and recruiting trumpet students. Additional duties will include performing with the Iowa Brass Quintet, coaching chamber ensembles, teaching courses in the brass curriculum, serving on recital, thesis and graduate exam committees, and participating in School of Music and university committees. It is also expected that the candidate be an outstanding performer and maintain an active performance schedule both on and off campus. Preference will be given to applicants who have already established a national and international reputation as a performer and teacher.
Qualifications:
Basic: Master’s degree required. Evidence of outstanding performance ability as a trumpet player, and record of significant professional performing experience and successful studio teaching are required.
Desirable: Doctorate or equivalent professional experience and college/university level teaching preferred.
Application: You must submit your application online. To apply for this position go to http://jobs.uiowa.edu and refer to requisition #56242.
Additional materials requested. Send a CD recording that includes some unedited, live performances. Applicants are encouraged to include on their recording not only selected examples of their core solo repertoire, but also (if desired) representative examples of other areas of musical expertise or interest, including, for example, jazz, early music, or new music. CD Recording should be sent to: Trumpet Search Committee, 107A Lindquist Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
Deadline: Review of materials received will begin December 1, 2008 and continue until position is filled.
The University of Iowa has a historic commitment to the arts. The School of Music enrolls approximately 500 majors and has a full-time faculty of 50. Voxman Music Building which normally houses the School of Music, was built in 1970 and contains a 200-seat recital hall, a 700-seat recital hall, a 2600-seat auditorium, and the Rita Benton Music Library. However, due to the 500 year flood of June 2008, music facilities are temporarily relocated. The Iowa City/Coralville area includes a population of about 75,000. Cultural demands are high and the atmosphere is cosmopolitan. Public schools, libraries, and health care facilities are rated as outstanding.
The Department and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are strongly committed to gender and ethnic diversity; the strategic plans of the University, College and Department reflect this commitment. Women and members of underrepresented minorities are especially encouraged to apply. The University of Iowa is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
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Each semester, our studio completes a final project. Intended as a semester-long endeavor, the final project varies each semester, but is intended to help you learn beyond applied lessons and ensemble experience. This semester, I have chosen to focus on literature on music and the brain. I have selected a number of highly recommended books on the subject and compiled an Amazon wish list 
Abe Tochinsky, former principal tuba with Philadelphia Orchestra and the NBC Symphony, passed away this morning at the age of 89. Mr. Torchinsky was a giant in the world of the tuba, and he has had unmeasurable influence on generations of tuba players. He will be missed. This biography is from WindSong press:
Our last Holiday Tubas concert made the top of the December news in the “
Carol Jantsch, principal tubist with the Philidelphia Orchestra, is featured in a rap called “Buy Carol’s CD” on Steve TV. To view it, go to the 
I had two gigs with the 
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Although it was tiring, it was a rewarding and enjoyable week, and I got a chance to explore the area a bit more. There were a lot of things going on, including the 
