I have known for quite some time that the Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet was considering performing the work I wrote for them last spring during their upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall. In a recent conversation with one of the members of the quintet, it was confirmed that they are still planning to have it on the program that they will play on June 8th. Unless the program changes (and that is certainly possible), this will be my first New York performance. Unfortunately, I will be in Europe at the time and will miss the concert.

This is a great bit of news for my family and a talking point for my father, who like any father, loves to talk about his children’s accomplishements, but I am am a bit underwhelmed by the entire situation. I’m very flattered that they (SMBQ) enjoyed the piece enough to keep it in their books for this tour, especially since I have been away from Western for almost a year. I am also always pleased to see my music performed, but for some reason, and most likely because I will not be able to be in attendance, I am just having a hard time being enthusiastic about this opportunity. I just have this detached feeling about the performance, and that is a bit frustrating. Maybe if anyone is in New York at the time and makes it out to hear it (Jim?) then I can live vicariously through your account of the performance.

I think I’m going to call one of the guys from the quintet just to chat, that ought to get me fired up again!