ASYLUM @ Michigan State

Back to back ASYLUM rehearsals today, first at Okemos HS and then at Michigan State with the Symphony Band and their new director Dr. David Thornton. My dear friend and mentor John Madden had programmed the work prior to his retirement, and I'm so pleased that David liked the piece and invited me to come work with the group today in preparation for the October 24 performance at Wharton. The musicianship of the players in this ensemble is unreal, hyper-nuanced phrasing, very expressive interpretation. It was an absolute honor to have my music performed so well, and especially emotional for me having played in the Symphony Band at MSU 20 years ago. (yikes) It was magic to be back in 120, where I spent so many hours learning from John Madden, Dave Catron and John Whitwell, alongside so many of my good friends and fellow music students. I was overwhelmed with the entire day, and being back on campus where so much of who I am as a musician was encouraged and developed. I even got to grab a coffee with a few of my former Fenton Band students who are currently in the Spartan Marching Band, and I'm so happy that they are having the positively life-changing experience that I had at MSU. If you're in the area on October 24, come out and hear ASYLUM played with incredible passion and beauty.