Lesson Times
Tuesday, August 29th, 2006Southeastern Students:
Download this file, shade in the cells where you have class or work, and save the file as firstname_lastname.xls. That’s your first and last name. Then email me the file.
Archive for August, 2006
Oh No. Here we go
Sunday, August 27th, 2006Tomorrow is the first day of classes, Autumn 2006, at the University of South Florida. Unfortunately, I do not have any classes tomorrow, only auditions. So, I need to get a bit more practicing in before they come and prepare myself for the worst.
I passed my theory placement exam, a minor miracle (Who am I kidding? There was nothing minor about it), and am waiting for the results of the history exam. God bless the child, right? I really cannot afford to pay for the undergrad review course, so I really want to have passed.
Southeastern students, keep checking back for information on classes. Several people have yet to sign up and several others are signed up for the wrong class. Fix this!!!
See you soon, guys.
the Sixth Sense
Thursday, August 24th, 2006
This excellent film explores the world of percussionist Evelyn Glennie. What will be impressed upon most viewers is the fact that Glennie is deaf. What impresses me the most is how sensitively she hears.
I had the pleasure of meeting Glennie several years ago while working for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. She was probably the most demanding, particular soloist we had, very sensitive to the acoustics of the hall and timbre of the instruments we provided her. Glennie has developed an amazing sensitivity to the way sound resonates in her hands, torso, face, allowing her to percieve music with the same precision as a “hearing” musician.
I have not met many people as inspiring as Glennie and this evocative film does a superb job of presenting her as a thoughtful, sensitive (there’s that word again) musician and, more importantly, human being.
I recommend all students of music and The Arts view this movie.
It fell from the sky
Thursday, August 24th, 2006
I’ve been infatuated with the work of Frank Gehry ever since the groundbreaking of the Peter B. Lewis building on the campus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. I was quite excited to see a three-night run of this film at the Polk Theatre this past weekend and eagerly anticipated viewing the film.
A hard-hitting, in-depth documentary, this is not. Sketches of Frank Gehry is a collection of Gehry’s coffee talk with director Sydney Pollack, a friend and admirer if Gehry and his work.
Ultimately, what made this film for me was the moment when Gehry confided that he could easily have been a pilot, if not for a few chance events and encouragers in his youth. It is striking, how fragile our futures are and Pollack reminds us of the uncertainties in our own lives.
If you are at all interested in the work of one of the most discussed architects in modern history (not to deny the greatness or relevance of F.L.Wright, I.M. Pei, et al), take a moment to enjoy this film. And do yourself the favor of visiting a Gehry building or two.
Budget Amplifiers
Sunday, August 20th, 2006Being the gear snob I am, I tend to play only the best gear I can afford (and often find amazing deals on), leaving me often in the dark concerning the typical music store fare. So, I decided to take a moment to peruse the holdings at my local Guitar Center and, after being impressed by some new dogs and confirming my feelings about some others, have decided to post my recommendations for affordable combos:
1. For fear of a libel suit, I will not mention this brand by name, but there is a certain music product manufacturer who is widely known to copy more prominent (or at least reputable) brands’ designs and use them as their own. This company provides extremely affordable gear and I have been tempted to buy some of it in the past. If you do not care about a company’s integrity and still choose to patronize this brand, please do not buy their amplification! This brand’s heads and cabs are poorly constructed, do not sound good, and do not last. They are affordable up front, but will cost you many times over in the long run. Stay away!
2. I was really impressed by Fender’s Rumble 100/210(two 10-inch speakers), which can be had at Musician’s Friend for $349.99. This budget 100 watt amp has an aux in, effects loop, headphone out, and line out and sounds amazing for the price. I was even impressed with the 115 (one 15-inch speaker)version of this amp. I know that the other Fender bass amps (i.e. the Bassman, et. al.) are excellent products as well, but the Rumble 210 is my pick for excellent value!
3. What really blew me away was the Line 6 LowDown 150 (150 watts in a 1×12 tilt-back), which can be had at Sweetwater for $399.99. This amp combines some of the most useful features of Line 6’s products into a compact combo. It has 5 amp models, 5 editable effects (Synth, Compressor, Envelope Filter, Octaver, and Chorus), a line out, and the capability of being controlled by the Line 6 footpedals. Though it may be more amp than most students need, it is probably the most bang for your buck at this level and even higher. I want one!
4. I can never say enough good about Gallien-Krueger. If you’ll be playing any double bass through your amp, I would go with GK over any of the previous mentions. They are extremely clean and versatile. While you pretty much can’t go wrong with a GK (IMHO), my recommendation is the Microbass combos. They’re a bit heavy, but they are very durable workhorse amps (no cloth to tear, no wood cabinets) and can be plenty loud for most situations.
***Please, if you are playing rock in large venues and cannot afford the Ampeg stack your band expects you to have (I believe these are extremely overrated and limiting), don’t go looking at the super budget 4×10s. Ask your venue for stage and house support and get a better sounding amp/cab or combo; with a good soundman, 100 watts can do you well. If you absolutely must have more support than a combo like these, but can’t afford that (ahem) holy grail, buy used so you can upgrade at little or no loss!
Syllabus
Saturday, August 19th, 2006I am working on the Southeastern University bass lesson syllabus presently. Please check back for forthcoming updates.
First gig of the new year
Thursday, August 17th, 2006Last night, I had my first gig with Dave from the Center. We played the Starbucks at Waters and Anderson in Tampa. It was nice to play in a drummerless trio (bass, guitar, ‘bone) and I had an excellent time. There are definitely unique challenges to playing without that stady boom-chick in your ear.
no decent pictures of the trio - so it’s just me:
Assistantship update
Monday, August 14th, 2006Things are going quite well at the Center for Jazz Comp. My first major project is a complete update of the website, which is nigh half-way done. We aren’t too happy with the design/layout, feeling it needs some kick, but there is a lot going on this year and not enough time for a complete re-design. We are finalising artists for the Jazz MasterWorks Series and cannot add that content (most, at least) until that is done.
I cannot emphasize how much I love doing this. I really feel like I belong here, unlike the way I felt teaching. Too bad I know it will only last two years.
Charles Barr
Saturday, August 12th, 2006The bass world lost a bright star yesterday with the passing of the Cleveland Orchestra’s Charles Barr. Charles was a friend of my teacher, Mike Hill, and was just really beginning to reach his stride, some say.
Barr was struck by a truck while riding his bicycle yesterday after rehearsal.
First day at the CJC
Monday, August 7th, 2006My first day at the CJC went rather quickly (well, it was only 4.5 hours). It involved proofing the CJC website for a list of updating needs, clearing out some parts that were left at the CJC and placing them with their scores in the music library, and some light cleaning/arranging of the facilities.
I don’t have to go every day this week, which is nice, but I really enjoy it. I can tell (I don’t know if I’m good at this sort of thing) that Dave and I will get along famously. I really enjoy the environment already and am looking forward to the tough stuff.
Even if I didn’t like it, it would be worth it because I’ll be heading with Dave and Chuck to the IAJE National Conference in NYC in January! Additionally, it looks like there’s a good chance of a European trip (my first) next summer.
To top it all off, I picked up Southeastern University’s double bass to continue practicing while Rumano performs surgery on mine.
The USF School of Music
The CJC
My bass is gone.
Sunday, August 6th, 2006Tomorrow starts my Assistantship and my first day without my bass. The bass is out being repaired all the way in MD. Rumano Solano is dealing with some cracks/structural issues, keeping it in excellent health. I will be working with Dave in the morning to get the CJC facilities in shape for the year. I’m more than a bit exhausted and missing my bass already.
Hopefully, there will be more tomorrow.
Todd Johnson
Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006Todd Johnson is definitely one of my heroes. Todd has done what I’ve always thought the electric bass should do: be able to walk, solo, and comp like piano and guitar. He was set to come to Lakeland for a masterclass, but the schedule just did not work out for this fall. I really hope to work with him.
He has two excellent DVDs and several CDs out.
To RB or not to RB
Tuesday, August 1st, 2006There is an excellent post here about the validity of the Real Book and its use for non-beginners. It turns a bit rought for a while (ah, the anonymity of the internet!), but is well worth the read for anyone who has ever been embarrassed holding the band up while you find “Misty” in the RB.
Additionally, I’m meeting with Chuck and Dave tomorrow over lunch to discuss the details of my Assistantship and really get this thing cracking.