"Chango Loco"

It's almost November and I'm definitely ready for some break time. This week at work is going to be a busy one. At work, we have a football game with the high school band. Then, on Saturday we have middle school band solo and ensemble contest.

On the home front, my son has high school tennis regionals in Corpus Christi, and of course my daughter cannot wait to go trick or treating on Friday evening. Even though this keeps both parents busy, we enjoy it.

On composing, "Chango Loco" was just published by TRN Music Publishing. This should be a fun tune for young middle school students. "G Force" is close to being released; just time for midwest. I have several other selections still being either considered or published in the near future. I really need to start writing more and submitting again to Barnhouse Publishing. I just feel a negative vibe with them at this point in time. After being rejected last year, I'm not sure if I will be submitting works again to them for a while. It has been difficult to get myself writing again lately. I want to write more concert works, as well as put more selections together for D&E Music Arrangements (marching shows).

chao,

Dennis

It's finally here

"Fanfare for a New Generation" is finally available. I am very happy about this work! It is published by Grand Mesa Music Publishers. Thanks Walter for taking a chance on this work. This work is dedicated to the West Texas A&M University Symphonic Band conducted by Donald Lefevre. I hope this work will be a big hit!!

Coming soon at Midwest will be several new selections with TRN Music. I'm very excited about these works, especially "Chango Loco" for young bands and "G Force", which is dedicated to my son Willie.

In closing, school has started here in Laredo and everybody at the Eveland house has been quite busy. Willie is playing tennis for Alexander High School. He made the varsity team and so far is undefeated. Tammy started band this year at United Middle School and also is very involved with her ballet classes. Felisa is busy with her job and also being a great Mother to our children. She is so dedicated to their academics! They are very blessed to have her for their Mother. I'm very excited about my bands at Los Obispos. My concert band, jazz band, and mariachi look to have a great year!

Time to get back to dinner.

Dennis

Summer is Over

Another summer has come and gone. Today is my last day home before heading back to work tomorrow. It's been a great summer. Everybody has been healthy and I have been able to get things done around here, went on 2 short trips, and enjoyed time with family.

Willie starts high school this year at J.B. Alexander High School. He will be playing on the varsity tennis team, as well as be in their health and science magnet program. Tammy will be starting school at United Middle School. She will be starting in the band program. In fact, she already started taking flute lessons this summer. She will also continue her ballet and jazz dance classes.

We have 2 birthdays to celebrate this coming week. Tammy will be having her birthday party on Saturday and we will celebrate Willie's the following week.

I just finished another new work entitled "Legend of the Dragonfly" which I hope gets published.
Until then,

Chao

Finished another show

Well I finally finished another marching show. I just finished Zapata (Tx.) High School's music. I've done several shows this summer and might be having at least one more to write. Next, I need to work on concert band music and more compositions for D&E Music Arrangements.

This has been a very enjoyable summer, so far. Its been great spending time with my family. Also, I've been working very hard to get in shape. I go to the gym at least 3 or more times a week, ride my bike, and play tennis. My goal is to put on muscle and get as lean as possible. At 48 years young, it doesn't get any easier.

Next week, another short family trip. Now we're are going to Houston. My kids love skating there at the Galleria.

Today, I am cooking brisket for a family meal with my Mother in law. Also, I need to clean a bit and I'm trying to watch DCI Southwest on the DCI fan network.

Only 3 more weeks and then back to our band rehearsals. So, I better enjoy as much summertime as possible.

Dennis

South Padre Island

Last weekend, my family and I went to South Padre Island. It was a great time for all of us. We stayed right on the beach and spent a lot of time in the ocean. Other highlights included: taking a bay fishing trip, going on a historic trolley ride thru Port Isabel, and more. My daughter, Tammy, caught her first ever fish. It was a catfish. Willie caught a stingray, which had to be put back into the ocean. I caught 2 catfish. All of the catfish were too small, so they were returned to the ocean.

Now, we are looking forward to celebrating the 4th of July. We'll spend it at the Laredo Country Club where they will have live music, food, fireworks, and swimming. It's always a great time!!

Happy 4th of July to all of you!

Dennis

News

Things are a bit hectic right now, even though it has been summer. Both Tammy and Willie are attending camps at Texas A&M International University in Laredo. Tammy does half days and Willie is there all day for the Tex Prep program. I am still doing summer band for another 5 days. Felisa just finished yesterday and now gets several weeks of vacation.

On the composing site, Eric Rath and I have finished another music package (The works of Camille Saint Saens). I hope band directors will like it and of course, purchase it. We have many other works in the future. I am waiting for several new works to come out hopefully this summer and in the fall.

We are hoping to go on a nice vacation next month. We are now looking at St. Louis, Washington D.C. or ????. Next weekend, we are going to South Padre Island. It should be fun.

Must go for now, lunch is ready.

Dennis

Happy Father's Day to All

Well it's here again. Its time to celebrate Father's Day. Happy Father's Day to all of you.

Its been another busy week. We took Willie to the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch last Sunday. He stayed until Wednesday evening, so he could get back to Tex Prep at Texas A&M International University. Tammy has been very busy with her camp at TAMIU, as well. She enjoys going to drama class, math enrichment, and spanish.

Both Felisa and I are still working. Felisa is finished next week and I will be done after the 29th of this month.

I am writing music for two high school bands (Valley H.S. Alabama, and Zapata H.S., Texas), so that is keeping me busy. Several new compositions are being printed and several submitted. I am really hoping to get my music published with Alfred. I'll just keep waiting and see what happens.

Dennis

Happy Mother's Day to All

Mother's Day is a very special day that we celebrate every year here at the Eveland household. Today we took my wife and Mother in Law to the Laredo Country Club for a beautiful lunch. Then, we came home where we needed to light the candle on my wife's birthday cake. Last Friday was Felisa's birthday, but we didn't get to light the candle and cut the cake. Today we just that.

I never really knew my Mother. She passed away when I was 6 months old. I honestly believe that she has always been watching me from heaven. One day, when it is my turn to go, I hope to finally get to know her. I've always been told by my friends that I had a guardian angel. I've always believed that my Mother is that angel.

Only 13 more days of school left for our children. Willie starts high school next year at Alexander High School. He seems to be excited already about it. He has a really great band director at the high school to look forward to. He, however, is leaving some really good directors at United Middle. My daughter will be starting at United Middle next year and that means she will also be in band. I look forward to being a band parent at both schools.

And finally, my creative juices are starting to flow again. I've been writing several new works for marching and concert band. It is great to work collaborately with Eric Rath. Several new possibilities have come our way. I look forward to sharing them with everybody in the near future.

Until then,

Dennis

Busy Times

This week is a very busy week. First of all, we did 4 performances with our mariachi today for teacher's appreciation week. Tomorrow, we have a concert in the evening and then another on Thursday night. On Friday, we will be taking our mariachi to perform at 4 different places. Whew!

Felisa's birthday is this Friday, so we need to celebrate and then on Sunday we have Mother's Day too. I might be busy, but I'm glad that I have the health to do these things.

Tammy is getting ready for her upcoming dance recital. It is alway fun to watch her recitals in both jazz and ballet. She has become a very good dancer. We are very proud of her.

Only 17 more days and then Willie will become a high school student and Tammy will become a middle school student. They are growing up too fast.

Many new works for bands in the making. Check out my website for more information.

Until next time,

Dennis

Busy times

What a busy weekend this had been. A great time tho.

Friday evening, Felisa and I went to a casino night sponsored by L.I.F.E. That was a great time with gambling (no money won, just prices and a silent auction), food, and drinks.

Saturday was even busier. Willie competed all day at the UISD Middle School tennis tournament. He finished 3rd, losing only to Salim Aboud. Congratulations Salim! Tammy had a first communion to attend for a friend of hers. Then, she had dance recital practice in the afternoon. Finally, she went to her school's carnival that night. On top of that Felisa took her Mother to Zapata for a dedication of a new school for a cousin of hers.

Sunday included church, tennis clinic, fertilizing the yard, and more. I forgot to mention that I had to finish the CCC sightreading for 2009. That will be in the mail tomorrow.

As a I mentioned earlier, it was a very busy weekend. No complaints. I am just happy that we have the health and financial means to make all of this happen.

Until next week,

Dennis

Career choices

As many of you had previously read, I am considering a change in career. I've been a Band Director for 23 years and really need a change. Last week, I interviewed for an Assistant Principal position at J.B. Alexander High School in Laredo. It looks like I didn't get that one. I've been trying for the past 4 years to get an administrative position with no luck.

Now, I am waiting for my second interview for a position with the Pfizer pharmaceutical company. Yes, this would be a big departure for me. However, I am looking for something different that can allow me to be closer to my children. Currently, I am teaching in South Laredo with some wonderful students, faculty, and administration. But, I really need to be closer to my children and home in the north. We'll put this decision in God's hands. I know he will show me the way.

And yes, I will keep composing with both jobs. I really enjoy writing for bands, and orchestras. I intend on doing more during 2008.

On the family side of things, Willie only has about 8 weeks of middle school left. He starts high school next year. He is growing up so fast. He is a wonderful son that I'm blessed to have in my life. Tammy starts middle school next year. She is a wonderful daughter and I am very proud to be her Father. Children grow up so very fast and we need to share as much time with them as possible. One day, they grow up and leave.

Until next time,

Dennis

End of spring break

Well it is time to go back to work tomorrow. We had another wonderful spring break. The best part of it was time being spent with my family. We did alot. We spent time in Austin, got things done around the house, and just had a relaxing time.

Today we spent our easter holiday between church and going to the country club. We had a great time.

Now it will be time to finish up the school year and contemplate my future. I am still waiting for my 2nd interview for a new career. I am really hoping that this interview comes soon. My hope is to start training this summer for my new career. I'm a little nervous about doing this, but the benefits are really good. I would still compose and arrange music.

Time to get going.

Until next time,

Dennis

Spring is here.

Well, another school is almost over for most of us in the teaching field. One significant sign of this is our annual spring break. With about 2 1/2 months left of the school year, much is going through my mind. For one, I am contemplating a change of career. Depending on what happens the next few months, I could be doing something different with my career. Why? I have been running on fumes the last several years and really need a change. I still enjoy the students and my co-workers. However, many other factors are making this decision for me. Enough about that for now. Who knows, I'll probably still be in the classroom for several more years.

This spring break is marking some milestones in the lives of both Willie and Tammy. Willie is finishing up his middle school years, while Tammy is finishing up her elementary years. I just hope and pray that they continue having the same amount of success.

Regarding composing, I've slowed down quite a bit lately. I have spent more time writing marching band stuff, as well as spending time with my family. Before you know it, they will be grown up and moved away. So, now is the time to spend as much time with them as possible.

Until next time,

Dennis

WBCA is over again and LIFE is here

Well, another Washington Birthday Celebration has just finished. Two weeks of a large carnival, fireworks, jalapeno festival, parades, and much more. I enjoyed taking Willie, Andy, and AJ to the carnival while Felisa took Tammy and her school friends. Willie and Tammy are a blessing and I am very blessed that Felisa and I can do these type of things for them.

Our band at Los Obispos marched in the WBCA Youth Parade. I am extremely proud of our young musicians and their accomplishments. They did much better than last year's band. Percussion especially did a much improved performance.

Last Saturday, I helped out with the WBCA Grand Parade. My main task was helping to get the floats, cars, bands, etc. in their correct places. I never realized how much work it is. However, I really enjoyed meeting new faces and socializing with fellow WBCA volunteers. I plan on doing it again next year.

Then, last Sunday, Felisa and I took Willie, Tammy and their cousins (Andy, and AJ) to the fireworks. 25 minutes of pure beauty filled the skies on a very clear night. It was a sight to behold.

Today, we are going to LIFE Downs for the annual Laredo Livestock show. Felisa and Tammy help out with the steak-o-rama sponsored by the Texican Cattlewomen. Great steaks, rice, beans, drinks, and I can't forget the desserts. Yum yum.

Composing slowed down recently due to my regular work job. I have much to do with both concert and marching band arranging/compositions. That is a whole different story.

One one final note, I am very proud of both my mariachi and jazz bands for earning first divisions at the UIL Solo Ensemble contest. This is the first year for both of these groups. Also, my mariachi performed at the all city student of the month ceremony. Awesome job! These two bands have some of the best students I've ever taught in them. I am very blessed to have these students in my program.

Well, I need to get going to the steak o rama to eat some lunch. I'll definitely need to get to the gym this weekend.

Until then,

Dennis

Post TMEA

Another great TMEA! Congratulations to those who do all the hard work to present this outstanding endeavor.

For me, I enjoyed being there, seeing great concerts, workshops, the exhibits, and visiting with people. Next year, I won't attend unless my family goes too. I realized that I really missed them and didn't enjoy San Antonio as well without them. For me, TBA is better due to the fact that I can take my family.

It was great getting home yesterday and seeing my family. Willie and I went to Emperor Garden last night. They serve very good chinese food. During that time, Felisa and Tammy went to the Princess Pochahontas celebration. This is part of the Washingtons Birthday Celebration, which is going on in Laredo. Today, I took both Willie and Tammy to the air show. Beautiful clear skies provided sights to behold.

On the music scene, many projects are in the making. I need to finish marching band music for D&E music arrangements, finish the last tune for the Presidents, and compose new stuff too.

I must go for now.

Chao,

Dennis

TMEA

Well, tomorrow afternoon I will leave for our TMEA convention in San Antonio. I haven't gone in about 6 years, so I am really excited about it.

Things have been busy around here. I just sent the UIL Sightreading Level III music to Austin last Friday. I hope this composition will be very fair those competing. In my opinion, this work is very fair and playable.

Things are taking shape with D & E Music Arrangements. Eric is finishing the last movement of percussion for the "Generations" show. Next on tap, is a show of music composed by Camille Saint-Saens. I finished one piece "Bacchanale" and I am working on "The Swan". The opener will be "Symphony No. 3 (The Organ Symphony). They should be finished by April. Both Eric and I are hoping that these shows and more to come will do well.

I hope everybody likes my music and website. I am really trying to become a better composer with music that both students, teachers, and audiences will like.

Until later,

Dennis

New happenings

Things are very well around here. This past weekend, my son , Willie, performed trumpet with the All region concert band. His band performed two of my compositions ("Ft. McIntosh March", and "Calypso Carnival"). I was very proud to have my son perform in a region band and do two of my tunes. I look forward to having my daughter, Tammy, start band soon. We already purchased her a new flute.

The first marching package entitled "Generations" is taking shape. I received the percussion arrangements combined with the wind parts on an mp3. I look forward to posting the opener very soon on my website. Eric Rath is working on the 2nd/3rd selections for the show. I am currently working on music by Saint Saens. Songs will include: "The Swan", "The Organ Symphony", and "Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah".

Also, I arranged much of the music for the Presidents Drum and Bugle Corps (Tn.). I am really hoping they finally take the field in competition. The opener is "Exodus" and really will be very exciting. Jeremy Kirk is arranging the percussion and doing a great job with it. I'll post this music on my website when it is finished.

Well I must go for now. It is Wednesday and I'm already looking towards a great upcoming weekend.!!

Until then,

Dennis

Busy weekends

This past weekend was definitely a busy one. Events ranged from taking 1 child to compete for his school's academic team to another going catholic ccd classes. While my wife, Felisa, was busy doing presentations for the Laredo Independent School District, I tried to clean house, go to Gold's Gym, clean house, and write music.

By the way, I am extremely proud of my children. Willie made the 2008 junior high all region band on trumpet and recently placed 2nd in the UIL Dictionary skills in academics (also 6th in math). Tammy has been doing great work on both her ballet and hip hop dancing. She is also is showing a lot of talent in theatre. I think she could be the next Katherine Hepburn.

I am very excited about my newest project. I am collaborating with percussion arranger/composer Eric Rath. We are putting together several marching band music packages. The first one is entitled "Generations" and includes some really exciting stuff. The second one is a show of music by Camille Saint Saens. All I can say is keep checking my website for updates.

Eric is an exceptionally gifted writer and I feel that we are going to create some great arrangements and original works. I believe we are going to use the name of D&E Musical Arrangements, or something similar.

Also, I have been arranging for an all age drum and bugle corps called the Presidents. This corps has been trying to get on the field for the last 3 or 4 years. I feel we are going to finally make it. The percussion arranger is Jeremy Kirk. He is another talented arranger whom I am excited to collaborate with. He already sent me the battery parts for the opener I arranged.

I sent several new works to TRN, as well as recordings. Another great thing is Grand Mesa is closer to releasing "Fanfare for a New Generation". I am very excited about this work and I cannot wait to finally see it in print.

Away from home and composing, my students at Los Obispos are great to teach. I am extremely proud of each and everyone of them. We've been able to start a jazz band and mariachi. My concert band students are improving everyday.

I'll write more at a later day. Until then, adios.

A beautiful Sunday

Today, it is a beautiful day here in Laredo, Texas. I have decided to start a blog for those who would like to know what is going on. Actually, even though it is a Sunday, much is happening. Between doing laundry, house cleaning, running errands, and hopefully getting a bit of writing done, it is just a normal day. LOL. Oh yes, we have mass to go to later.

It is such a beautiful day that Willie, my 14 year old son, and I went to play tennis this morning. Then, our family (Felisa, Willie and Tammy) went to lunch with my Mother in law. Today is a day to celebrate Willie making the junior high all region band. So, we all went to Olive Garden. This was Willie's choice.

One of my main goals today, besides the above mentioned, is to get my newest recordings and scores ready to submit for publication. I will be sending several recordings done by some outstanding college bands. Both Bradley University and West Texas A&M University have been gracious in recording many of my works for the past few years. Before that I was blessed to have Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and Delta State record for me. Also helping me this year is University of Texas-Brownsville. I am really thankful to their fine directors: Dr. David Vroman (Bradley), Don Lefevre (West Texas), Allan Clark (UT Brownsville), and Bryan Herring (formerly at TAMUK and Delta State; presently at Alice High School in Texas).

If time allows, I need to start composing music for the Texas UIL Sightreading Project.

Well until next time.

Dennis