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
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
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
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
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