In addition to great food, family and friends, Thanksgiving is always a wonderful time to reflect on the many things we have to be grateful for. While my gratitude list grows longer everyday, two recent events were absolutely sublime. In September, I had the honor of being a guest artist at the 19th Annual Brazilian Trombone Festival. The spirit of the people of Brazil is second to none, and when you combine that with a hundred or so wildly passionate trombone players, it’s a match made in heaven. A week of exquisite music making and energizing trombone playing was highlighted by the final concert where all the festival attendees marched through the Vitoria town park playing Brazilian folks songs. Two months later, it still gives me goosebumps. A special shout out to my new trombone brothers, Rafael and Pedro, who made the week one of the best of the year.
19th Annual Brazilian Trombone Festival — Sept. 2013 — Vitoria, Brazil
Two weeks ago, I had the equally wonderful privilege of spending six days at the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus, Denmark. I cannot express in words what a pleasure it is to work with an inspired professor and vibrant group of students like those in Aarhus. It gives me a renewed sense of energy and passion for music that I am beyond grateful for. In addition to working with the brilliant trombone professor Niels-Ole Bo Johansen and his exceptional students, I also had the pleasure of performing with the Prince of Denmark Band, as well as the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra trombone section. Kudos and adulation go out to all these wonderful musicians of Aarhus. The spirit of the Danish people rivals that of the Brazilians and their optimism is always at the forefront when they answer questions and statements with a boisterous SUPER! Super Aarhus!!
With the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra trombone section — Aarhus, Denmark — 11.15.13
Happy Thanksgiving and tons of gratitude to all.