ITEA Journal Volume 49 Number 3 (Spring 2022)
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President's Corner:
By James Gourlay
I hope you and your families are doing very well. Personally, I've been getting back into the swing of giving concerts, both with the River City Brass Band and at Duquesne University, where I have the pleasure of being Director of Bands as well as being adjunct professor of tuba and euphonium. A couple of weeks ago Pittsburgh staged its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade downtown, and I was proud of our students who took part, marching a good couple of miles in freezing weather. The night before the parade, five inches of snow fell on the city and on the day itself the temperatures hovered around 12°F. It was so cold that the valves on our sousaphones froze in their casings and couldn't be moved. I was playing an E flat, and we had to be flats so at least we had enough to make an Oompa! It was a wonderful day out, ending in pizza, of course, and made all the more worthwhile when the newly formed Duquesne University Brass Band won the prize for the best overall musical group.
Josie Jones, Duquesne University
This week, I have had the immense pleasure to host the great Jim Self, both at the River City Brass Band and as a guest clinician at Duquesne University. Jim came to Pittsburgh to record two of his brass band pieces with the River City Brass Band, Tour de Force and Flying Circus. Both works are incredibly challenging, engaging, and sheer fun. As you would expect, Jim had our tuba and euphonium section really jumping, but they and the whole band did a fantastic job. When the recording is finally released, I'll be letting everybody know. After the recording sessions, Jim enjoyed a residency at Indiana University of Pennsylvania hosted by Zach Collins, then returned to Pittsburgh to work with students in the tuba, euphonium, and trombone departments. His class and his wisdom were truly inspiring to all who attended. Imagine, commented one student, we are able to play with someone who has played more than 1500 movie soundtracks! One of the highlights in a very special afternoon was the fact that I was able to play a duet with Jim, the first time we have ever played together despite knowing each other since the dinosaurs still roamed the earth!
On a much more serious note, I hope you will join me in praying for the good people of the Ukraine who are currently suffering untold misery at the hands of an aggressor. These are very troubling times, especially in Europe which is nearer the front line than we here in the United States. We musicians can play our part. Please give what you can to any of the nonprofits working in refugee relief or aid to the Ukraine.
With very best wishes,
James
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