Blog

Questions About “Afrodditty”

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I recently received an email from a student working on a DMA project.  The email contained questions about “Afrodditty,” a piece that exists in two related versions – 1) a timpani solo in “Six Concert Pieces for Solo Timpani” (Meredith/Hal Leonard Pub.), and 2) a snare drum solo in “NEXUS Suite” (HoneyRock Pub). The two… Read more »

Bah-ston Days – April 18 to 20, 2011

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It’s back home again after a week of vacation in Massachusetts – Stockbridge (Red Lion Inn), the Old Deerfield Inn, Sandwich Village on Cape Cod (Daniel Webster Inn), and three days in Boston, where Ruth and I heard absolutely no live music (but plenty of Kenny G’s saxophone in almost every restaurant, cafe, and elevator;… Read more »

Klezmer Xylophone

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Recently I received an inquiry from Jon Singer, a percussionist in Brooklyn, NY.  He had a copy of my 284-page discography, “The Xylophone in Acoustic Recordings. ”  Jon had just met with Arnie Lang who was a student of Billy Gladstone.  Arnie remembered Gladstone playing a ’78-rpm record in a lesson.  The music consisted of… Read more »

Southern Illinois University Percussion Institute 2011

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Click HERE for a PDF file with details! I am happy to announce the Southern Illinois University Percussion Institute to be held in Edwardsville from June 13 – 16.  I will be joining Daniel R. Smithiger (SIUE Faculty, Percussion), Miles Vandiver (SIUE Jazz Faculty, Drumset), Jason Long (Coordinator of Percussion, Webb City High School) and… Read more »

“A Sonic Feast” in Austin TX

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Luke Quinton gave NEXUS and the Austin Symphony under Peter Bay’s direction a wonderful review today, at Austin360.com Here’s what he wrote: “Toronto’s Nexus percussion ensemble brought some mysticism to the Austin Symphony’s performance on Friday night. With two sets of chimes hanging from the upper balcony, Nexus seemed to expand the size of the… Read more »

From me flows what I call reflections on Austin

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As I write this, NEXUS is in Austin Texas to perform with the Austin Symphony conducted by the orchestra’s music director, Peter Bay, who has been with the orchestra for 15-years.  Prior to Peter’s coming to Austin, I had the pleasure of performing in many concerts under his baton at the Rochester Philharmonic, where he… Read more »

OK, CA, SC, NY, GA, IA…et AL, OH my!

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It must be Spring because there is a SURGE of energy! NEXUS is arriving in  Austin Texas as I write this and in a few minutes will be meeting with  Maestro Bay.  Winchester, Virginia is gearing up for their arrival next week. The Ottawa Chamber Music Festival this summer has just been firmed up and… Read more »

On The Road Again

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Craig and Joel have been busy today loading the truck. NEXUS is heading to the symphony in Austin, Texas and coming home via Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia.

Saturday night’s ride

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Thanks to all of you who enjoyed Saturday night’s concert with us! It was wonderful to see such a great audience, and we have been getting some amazing feedback.

Welcome News from Japan

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NEXUS has been waiting with great concern to hear from our many friends in Japan. It was with great relief that Bob Becker heard from Yurika Kimura. She sends her best greetings and says that all is OK in her area near the concert hall in Hyogo where NEXUS performed last September. She also sent… Read more »

NEXUS’ Night Ride, March 12, Toronto

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NEXUS marks its 40th Anniversary season with another ground-breaking performance featuring special guest Toronto Symphony Orchestra timpanist David Kent in music by Cahn, Carter, Ichiyanagi, Philidor and Vivier.

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