Remember a few weeks ago, when I mentioned the interview I did with a writer from the Beaumont Enterprise — the newspaper in Beaumont — about my new piece, “Sasparilla”? The story is now on the paper’s website, and it appears that although I certainly said a lot of dumb stuff, the writer, Mary Vandeventer, avoided printing any of it. (Thanks, Mary!)
Here’s the story.

I’m having a really nice time at the University of Kansas. I think tonight’s performance will be great. John Lynch has added some things to the piece — like “double-stops” in the soprano sax cadenza — that will definitely make it into future revisions.

I’m excited for Monday. My new “toys” will be arriving. I bought a new computer monitor and a VESA mount (so I can move it around the desk and even pivot it 90 degrees, making it “portrait” view — better for viewing score pages). I should also receive a CD of Lamar’s most recent rehearsal of Sasparilla, and I can’t wait to hear it!

I’m off to the KU wind ensemble’s “touch-up” rehearsal, followed by dinner, and what is sure to be a great concert.

I’m here in Lawrence, Kansas, working for the next few days at the University of Kansas. Gave a few composition lessons this afternoon, had a great rehearsal tonight, and am now heading to bed. I’m beat.
Tomorrow, it’s a composers’ forum, followed by a seminar with the graduate conducting students, followed by lunch, another rehearsal, and the concert.
Oh, and then back to bed!

H. Robert Reynolds and the USC Wind Ensemble just played the hell out of Redline Tango. I can’t think of a better performance of the piece. Everybody nailed it. As I said to the audience when I introduced the piece before the performance, Mr. Reynolds and the USC players give the kind of performances that make me happy to be a composer.
AEJ and I are heading out for our last LA dinner. I’ve kind of pressured her into a second visit to In-N-Out Burger. I can’t help myself…

Tomorrow will be spent on a plane, and Tuesday will largely be spent going to pick up Loki from AEJ’s sister’s house, where he’s been staying (and playing) for the past several days. I’ll try to write an entry on Wednesday… Thursday, I’m off to the University of Kansas, where John Lynch is performing — and making the first session recording! — of Redline Tango.

Gotta run — In-N-Out beckons!