I very sincerely believe that all great decisions and opinions take some time.  Sure, there are moments when you know in a flash, or react spontaneously in some circumstance.  But I try to live my life in a way that I take time to consider things, look at things from different sides or perspectives, and [...]
This past year, in addition to my regular work composing & arranging music, and creating shows for many bands around the country, I was part of the team that started the Marching Roundtable podcast.  If you're not familiar, visit www.marchingroundtable.com, or click on the shako to the left of this page. We were incredibly appreciative [...]
I want to remind you that if you have gone to the trouble to hire good people who you trust to do good work for you, then please TRUST them to do that work!
Sitting through a day of BOA shows is a mixed bag.  I love the excellence brought to the field, and seeing all the great band students working so hard at something I love. The downside of a day at BOA is that many of the shows tend to look alike.  This seems to stem from [...]
On the Marching Roundtable Podcast, we have been talking a lot about competition--both the good and the bad.  Recently George Hopkins talked about his philosophy of competition, which was indeed very interesting and thought-provoking.  We also have a new podcast with Dave Webber, a director who changed his program from competitive to non-competitive (for some [...]
It's tempting to play it safe.  If we dream big, we might fail miserably or fall really hard.  But as you live your life you learn that there are much worse things than trying and failing.  Like NOT trying at all and living with the regret. Take a look at this incredible set of pictures. [...]
As you all know, I am greatly involved in the Marching Roundtable podcast.  There is a link to the podcast website on the left hand side of this page.  Just click on the green and purple shako in the left hand column to go to the website and listen to podcasts about all kinds of [...]
Well my Drum Corps Review will be different this year in two important ways. First off, it's a good year for drum corps, and Michael Cesario and Dan Acheson, along with a host of other hard working folk, were able to convince the creative staffs to actually consider the audience and try to be (God [...]
As I am writing this, the last week of July, I am literally at the most difficult time of my entire work year. Band Camp rehearsals are starting all over and shows must be completed. I've been writing music since November and drills since early June and, quite frankly, I am exhausted! I'm worn out, [...]