Podcast appearances and mentions of brian balmages

Liz and Steph talk with the charismatic and poignant Brian Balmages, conductor, composer and passionate music educator. Brian is well-known for his catalogue of widely accessible compositions for student band and orchestra, but is also highly in-demand as a clinician and guest conductor. Steph has known Brian since their undergrad days, and can attest to his flair for performing and...talking. Liz and Steph get Brian's perspective on the creative process and how everyone, even a world-renowned composer, has bad, not-so-creative days. If you're looking for a little bit of inspiration and thinly-veiled pep talk, this episode is sure to lift your spirits and leave you smiling.Mentioned in this episode:Brian's website: www.brianbalmages.comBig Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/big-magic/Joy Loves Company!We know...that's not how the saying usually goes, but let's start a revolution!We need a little accountability, so starting November 9, each Tuesday at 1PM US Eastern we'll be getting together with YOU to do the Practizma Practice Journal. Use code ‘VIOLACENTRIC' for 10% off and we'll send you an exclusive link to join our hang. All instruments are welcome and celebrated!Support the show (https://paypal.me/violacentric)

Welcome back to Noted! In this episode, we discuss Brian Balmages's, “Rippling Watercolors,” and note all of the details that make it one of the most important pieces in wind ensemble repertoire. Follow us on social media at:Twitter: @notedthepodcastInstagram: @notedthepodcastFacebook: Noted the Podcast

Episode #: HFL124 Guest: Brian Balmages Interview Date: 7/17/2020 Release Date: 5/23/2021 Guest Website: https://www.brianbalmages.com/ Would you like to hear Brian talk about what it's like to write for different levels of performers? You can find out by becoming a Patreon patron. A portion of each interview is excerpted and reserved exclusively for my Patreon patrons. If you would like to access that benefit and others, you should become a member of the studioHFL community! Your patronage thru Patreon will help support this program and its many expenses. There are four tiers of support starting as low as just $3/month! Find out more at www.patreon.com/studiohfl Get weekly updates on guests, upcoming events, merchandise, and more by visiting www.studiohfl.com Sign up for the newsletter & shop cool studioHFL merch! Become better acquainted with the studioHFL show sponsors by visiting them in person or on their websites. Austin Custom Brass - www.austincustombrass.biz ChopSaver - www.chopsaver.com Eastman Winds - www.eastmanwinds.com Hammond Design - www.karlhammonddesign.com Messina Covers - www.messinacovers.net Pickett/Blackburn - www.pickettblackburn.com S.E. Shires - www.seshires.com studioHFL is a production of Powell Music LLC. All Rights Reserved. These materials may not be duplicated without express permission from Powell Music LLC. Larry Powell is your host and producer for studioHFL and is a Eastman WInds, & S.E. Shires Performing Artist. Find out more about the equipment he uses at www.eastmanwinds.com, and www.seshires.com

In this episode we talk to Brian Balmages about his new piece (our Midwest commission) “Unknown”. The post AS 522 : Unknown appeared first on after sectionals.

TBJ136: Boston Brass joins Andrew & Lance sharing stories both new and old. The five current members of Boston Brass catch us up with how the quintet is dealing with quarantine, swaps stories, and future plans.  From their website: For 31 years, Boston Brass has set out to establish a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Performing exciting classical arrangements to burning jazz standards, Boston Brass treats audiences to a unique brand of entertainment captivating all ages. The ensemble’s lively repartee, touched with humor and personality, attempts to bridge the ocean of classical formality to delight audiences in an evening of great music and boisterous fun. The philosophy of Boston Brass is to provide audiences with a wide selection of musical styles in unique arrangements, provided in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Through over 100 performances each year, the members of Boston Brass play to audiences at concerts, educational venues, and jazz festivals. In addition to solo performances, Boston Brass regularly performs with orchestras, wind ensemble, brass bands, marching bands, and a variety of other ensembles. They have performed in 49 states and 30 countries and have conducted master classes around the world including sessions and residencies at the Eastman School of Music, The Julliard School, Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, Peabody Conservatory of Music, University of North Texas, Royal Academy of Music in London, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory at the National University of Singapore, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts and Mahidol University in Bangkok.  Boston Brass is a Yamaha Performing Group and has been featured educators and performers at the Mid West Band and Orchestra Clinic, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, Japan Band Clinic, Music Educators National Conferences, American Bandmaster Association Conference, The American Band College, Western International Band Clinic and Texas Bandmasters Association Convention. Boston Brass has been featured on The CBS Early Show, National Public Radio’s Performance Today, The Great American Brass Band Festival and has recorded many diverse albums. Their latest recording “Concerto Grosso” is a collaboration with Eric Rombach-Kendall and University of New Mexico Wind Ensemble, “Reminiscing” is a tribute to Rolf Smedvig of the Empire Brass, “Rewired” features new arrangements by the members of Boston Brass, Latin Nights, features a collection of some of the greatest classical and jazz works by Latin composers and performers and features the legendary drummer Steve Gadd, the beautiful voice of Talita Real, percussion and guitar. Other albums include Ya Gotta Try, featuring music from Horace Silver, Chick Corea and Dizzy Gillespie, produced by legendary jazz recording genius Rudy van Gelder and Within Earshot, featuring classical works by Shostakovich, Ginastera, Dvorak, Liszt, and others.  Boston Brass has two holiday recordings, Christmas Bells are Swingin’, and The Stan Kenton Christmas Carols, featuring the Boston Brass All-Stars Big Band playing the truly phenomenal charts made popular by the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Boston Brass tours a vibrant holiday show each year featuring many of the charts from these two albums, combined with a variety of solo and combo selections and some fun surprises, which has quickly established the show as a perennial audience favorite.  2011 marked the 25th Anniversary of Boston Brass and was celebrated with the “25 Fanfares Project,” wherein 25 fanfares were premiered by composers from all over the country.  Boston Brass also premiered a new major commission by noted wind ensemble composer Brian Balmages and new arrangements by the legendary Sam Pilafian. Additionally, Boston Brass was very excited to have the opportunity to collaborate in the 2010/2011 season with the fabulous Imani Winds in a program entitled “Sketches of Spain,” featuring the music of Miles Davis and Gil Evans. In the 2012/2013 season, the quintet began touring their “Notes from the Balcony” program with the Enso String Quartet. The program features music based on “Romeo and Juliet”. In this fun and lively discussion, we cover: Taps Boston Brass intros How they’re staying busy Planning for the future Videos by Jose, Chris, and Domingo Where they were when it all blew up Chris on a plane Will in Chicago Will leads a double life Jose’s teaching schedule Chris at Walmart in the cereal aisle Domingo taking advantage of the downtime Domingo reconnecting with his roots in Latin America Domingo working with Sam on a solo project just before he passed “Then fire me.” Sam’s impact in Boston Brass William replacing Sam in the group Chris Bill is sitting in Lance’s lap Brass Recording Project The Pickle Test New projects Jeff sigh “Blues for Sam” for the new Boston Brass album Busting Jeff’s chops for fun and profit Bose Wave radio Pray for Jens apron The Facebook Jeff ate a bug in Brazil Wichita leave-behind Random Christopher Bill LINKS: Boston Brass site Yamaha Artist Page Pray for Jens merch!!! Want to help the show? Here are some ways: Unlock bonus episodes galore by becoming a Patreon patron. Help others find the show by leaving a rating and review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. Show us some love on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Show some love to our sponsors: The brass program at The Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University and Parker Mouthpieces (including the Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke models.) Buy Pray for Jens and The Brass Junkies merch at The Brass Junkies online store! Tell your friends! Expertly produced by Will Houchin with love, care, and enthusiasm.

This episode features Dr. Stephen Gage from Youngstown State University. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on a wide array of subjects ranging from imagination to repertoire selection.    Topics include: (04:33) Dr. Gage talks about his life and professional background (07:30) Dr. Gage talks about his ensembles at YSU (10:08)  Working with the legendary coach, Jim Tressel, as the YSU President (14:45) Repertoire Selection (27:24) Symphonic Repertoire (36:12) Ways conductors can improve their craft (46:03)  Budgeting time with a busy career  (55:27)Building and maintaining relationships (01:10:38) Favorite rehearsal tactics (01:13:53) Why do we teach music?  (01:20:57) Dr. Gage discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (01:27:02) Advice for music educators   Links:  Gage’s YSU Site https://ysu.edu/directory/people/stephen-l-gage Performances by Gage conducting:  Up by Anthony O’Toole - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaOvtK26DT8 Symphony No. 4 by David Maslanka - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e48XTWBxP   Bio:  Stephen L. Gage has served as Professor of Conducting and Director of Bands & Orchestra at Youngstown State University's Dana School of Music since 1993. In fall 2014, Dr. Gage was appointed as the conductor of the YSU Dana Symphony Orchestra and he conducts the music school’s annual opera production orchestra in addition to his work with the YSU Wind Ensemble, the Dana Chamber Winds & Strings. Professor Gage leads the MM in Instrumental Conducting program and he has been the YSU Dana School Recruitment Coordinator for his entire residency on the faculty. Stephen holds degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester), and the State University of New York at Fredonia where he also earned the Performers Certificate and was a concerto winner. Stephen studied conducting with Harry John Brown, Donald Hunsberger, David Effron, Roy Ernst, James Keene, Isaiah Jackson, H. Robert Reynolds, Randall Craig Fleischer, and Paul Vermel. In September 2012, Dr. Gage was appointed as the Conductor/Music Director of the W. D. Packard Concert Band in Warren. Stephen is in his 26th season as the Edward Zacharias Memorial Chair/Conductor of the Youngstown Symphony Youth Orchestra. Previous teaching positions include serving as Director of Bands & Orchestra at Emporia State University (KS) and as Director of Bands at Auburn High School (NY) from 1980-1989.   Professor Gage has written numerous published articles on conducting, rehearsal techniques, and wind band literature, and he is an active wind band and orchestral guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator of international repute. Stephen has guest conducted and cliniced high school regional and all state honor bands and orchestras as well as a number of university wind bands and orchestras throughout the United States. In April 2017, Stephen Gage was the guest conductor for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State HS Symphony Orchestra in Erie, PA and he has had the privilege of guest conducting the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) All State HS Symphony Orchestra, the Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) HS Symphonic Band, the West Virginia Music Educators Association (WVMEA) All-State HS Symphony Orchestra (three times), and the PMEA All-State HS Concert Band. His list of guest conducting appearances includes the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Air Force Band & Singing Sergeants, the U.S. Army Band: “Pershing’s Own”, and the U.S. Army Field Band & Chorus among others. The list of guest conducting and clinics includes experiences in Canada, Ireland, and in 35 states. Dr. Gage has received critical acclaim from a number of distinguished composers, including a number of Pulitzer prize winners: Joseph Schwanter, Carter Pann, John Mackey, Samuel Adler, Karel Husa, Frank Ticheli, John Mackey, Michael Colgrass, Donald Grantham, D.J. Sparr, Jerry Ascione, Joel Puckett, Brian Balmages, Anthony O’Toole, and David Gillingham for his interpretation and recordings of their music. Stephen’s professional affiliations include memberships in the CBDNA, NBA, OMEA/MENC, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Beta Mu, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Phi Kappa Phi. Dr. Gage has been inducted into the prestigious American Bandmasters and was named as both Distinguished Professor and Faculty Mentor of the Year at YSU; he has served on the NBA Foundation Board of Directors and is currently on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. In 2012, Gage was awarded the Marty Manning Faculty Mentor Award at the University and in 2014 he gave a Last Lecture at YSU. In January 2018, Dr. Gage was honored in the first Auburn High School (NY) Music Hall of Fame. Stephen and the YSU Wind Ensemble made their historic NYC Carnegie Hall debut in 2005 and the band gave an encore performance in this venue in November 2015. The wind ensemble has released seven CD recordings and the sixth CD in this series, Urban Requiem, was released on the NAXOS International Recording Label in June 2009 and the seventh, Old Wine in New Bottles was released by NAXOS in August 2013. Both of these NAXOS recordings have earned critical praise from numerous critical reviewers and represented composers for their artistically convincing performances and musical and technical quality. YSU Wind Ensemble CD, Spin Cycle, won Downbeat Magazine’s University Symphonic Recording of the Year. There are two new YSU Wind Ensemble CD recordings that will be released during the 2018-2019 academic year. Former YSU Dana School of Music alumni and students currently hold conducting positions in 13 university music schools across the country, and YSU Dana School of Music (DSOM) band and orchestra alumni have attended virtually all of America’s finest graduate music schools and conservatories. In addition, a number of former DSOM students are members of the premiere and regional U.S. military bands, are members of numerous professional symphony orchestras and chamber music ensembles, and hold elementary, middle, and high school music teaching positions across the country. Stephen lives in Poland, Ohio with his wife, Stephanie, who has taught at the Dana School for thirteen years, and one of his three children, Brendan, a French horn and piano performance major at the Dana School and a YSU University Scholar. Daughter, Claudia, a YSU alum and former University Scholar, works as a resident-actress and lives in Connecticut; and Gage’s oldest son, Matthew, is in the coffee business, is a commercial guitar player,  and his 5-year old daughter, Zoey, live in Austin, TX.  

Arris Golden is the assistant director of bands and associate director of the Spartan Marching Band at Michigan State University. Topics: Arris’ background and thoughts about having the same band director for 6 years. How during her 18 years teaching middle school, Arris was able to bring meaningful experiences to her students through commissions and collaborations. Building a network of colleagues and surrounding ourselves with mentors and peers who can help us grow and improve as teachers. The transition from teaching middle school to earning her doctorate and teaching at Michigan State University. Links: Arris Golden LaPlante: Praire Songs Dahl: Sinfonietta Biography: Beginning July 2018, Arris Golden is the assistant director of bands and associate director of the Spartan Marching Band at Michigan State University. Before joining the faculty at Michigan State University, Golden was a member of the conducting faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and served as the assistant director of University Bands. In this position, she was the music director of the 265-member Marching Tar Heels, director of the Women’s Basketball Pep Band, conductor of the Symphony Band, and guest conductor with the Wind Ensemble. She also taught courses in music education. Prior to her appointment at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Golden was director of athletic bands at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina (2008-2009). While at Campbell, she oversaw the entire athletic band program, including the inaugural year of the “Sounds of the Sandhills” Football Pep Band and the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Pep Bands. In addition, Golden served eight years as the director of bands at Gravelly Hill Middle School in Efland, North Carolina. During her tenure, Golden conducted an internationally recognized middle school concert band that participated in featured performances at the North Carolina Music Educators Association annual conference, in Winston Salem, North Carolina (2010) and at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, in Chicago, Illinois (2012). The bands at Gravelly Hill also worked with numerous clinicians, including the premier of four commissioned works for band: “Kitsune: The Fox Spirits,” by Brian Balmages (2009), “The Machine Awakes” for young band and electronics by Steven Bryant (2012), “Freight Train,” by Pierre LaPlante (2013), and “The Cave Your Fear” by Michael Markowski (2014). Golden holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She recently completed the doctor of musical arts in wind conducting from Michigan State University as a 2014 recipient of a Michigan State University Distinguished Fellowship.

Composer and conductor Brian Balmages is the Director of Instrumental Publications for The FJH Music Company and a passionate advocate for music education. Topics: Brian’s background growing up as the son of a band director and the influence his father had on his early musical career. Brian’s move from performer to composer and conductor and his approach to writing music for young band and orchestra. The role of the conductor in an ensemble and the importance of programming music that inspires you and your students. What it looks like to commission a work from Brian and his role at FJH Publications. Links: Brian Balmages FJH Music Company, Inc. Mahler: Symphony no. 2 "Resurrection" Balmages: Grace Biography: Brian Balmages (b. 1975) is an award-winning composer, conductor, producer, and performer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from James Madison University and a master’s degree from the University of Miami in Florida. His compositions have been performed worldwide at the state, national and international level. His active schedule of commissions and premieres has incorporated groups ranging from elementary schools to professional ensembles, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Miami Symphony Orchestra, University of Miami Wind Ensemble, Boston Brass, and the Dominion Brass Ensemble. In 2012, Mr. Balmages received the prestigious Albert Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association. He is also a 2010 winner of the Harvey G. Phillips Award for Compositional Excellence, presented by the International Tuba-Euphonium Association. As a conductor, Mr. Balmages enjoys engagements with numerous all-state and regional honor bands and orchestras along with university and professional groups. Notable guest conducting appearances have included the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, National Association for Music Educators, American School Band Directors Association, CBDNA, the Kennedy Center, and Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. He has also served as an adjunct professor of instrumental conducting and Acting Symphonic Band Director at Towson University in Maryland. Currently, Mr. Balmages is the Director of Instrumental Publications for The FJH Music Company Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He resides in Baltimore with his wife Lisa and their two sons.

Arris Golden shares her career path, speaks on middle school and college recruitment, and goes into detail on the process for commissioning works for school programs. Arris brings forth a wide variety of music education experience and stories. I had a blast sitting down with her, and hope to speak with her again soon!FULL BIOArris Golden is the assistant director of bands and associate director of the Spartan Marching Band at Michigan State University.Before joining the faculty at Michigan State University, Golden was a member of the conducting faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and served as the assistant director of University Bands. In this position, she was the music director of the 265-member Marching Tar Heels, director of the Women's Basketball Pep Band, conductor of the Symphony Band, and guest conductor with the Wind Ensemble. She also taught courses in music education.Prior to her appointment at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Golden was director of athletic bands at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina (2008-2009). While at Campbell, she oversaw the entire athletic band program, including the inaugural year of the “Sounds of the Sandhills” Football Pep Band and the Men's and Women's Basketball Pep Bands.In addition, Golden served eight years as the director of bands at Gravelly Hill Middle School in Efland, North Carolina. During her tenure, Golden conducted an internationally recognized middle school concert band that participated in featured performances at the North Carolina Music Educators Association annual conference, in Winston Salem, North Carolina (2010) and at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, in Chicago, Illinois (2012). The bands at Gravelly Hill also worked with numerous clinicians, including the premier of four commissioned works for band: “Kitsune: The Fox Spirits,” by Brian Balmages (2009), “The Machine Awakes” for young band and electronics by Steven Bryant (2012), “Freight Train,” by Pierre LaPlante (2013), and “The Cave Your Fear” by Michael Markowski (2014).Golden holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She recently completed the doctor of musical arts in wind conducting from Michigan State University as a 2014 recipient of a Michigan State University Distinguished Fellowship.

TOPICS • More exciting moving minutiae! • Limbo, and the neatly ordered D&D afterlife • Life with the in-laws (spoiler: it's nice) • FM synth sounds • Howard Jones, Jupiter-8 maven • Personal connection to a tragedy • Music share: Brian Balmages, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Punch Brothers  LINKS • A bunch about planes of existence in D 'n' D: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Plane • Brian Balmages - "Arabian Dances" https://open.spotify.com/track/4hT6wR3GLqMsd6ODodleN1?si=n2SHpco3ThCoLwkHxSAzPA • Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - "Future Choice" https://open.spotify.com/track/51dEuOWi7oP68iKMBkpvYA?si=C3rT9YyLTumrpBOVxORpUA • Punch Brothers - "The Angel of Doubt" https://open.spotify.com/track/0N4SbPXyqsfnLEJuSvc1gC?si=uMVQGcmOQwWIHCcdCKnVVg  We welcome messages. You can contact us at bros@itsjustcalledtwobrothers.com, or on Twitter at @ijc2b, and on Facebook at https://facebook.com/ijc2b/ Marcus's daily blog about creating stuff (mostly) is at https://marcusharwell.com/ Archived episodes are at https://itsjustcalledtwobrothers.com/ Our theme is by Matt Mahaffey & sElf 

Composer Tyler S. Grant has enjoyed a meteoric rise to success and is one of the most exciting and interesting young composers for band today. In this  interview Tyler tells his story and provides insight into his background and career. Topics: Tyler’s musical background and the story of how he ended up writing music at a very early age and his early relationship with Brian Balmages at FJH Publications. His early experiences working as a conductor with students that are very close to his age and the growth he’s seen as a music education student at the University of Alabama. The thought process behind Tyler’s decision to have his young band works commercially published while self-publishing his works for more advanced ensembles. His experience with honor bands, his compositional process, and his thoughts about commissioning and consortiums. Links: Tyler S. Grant FJH Music Company University of Alabama Tyler S. Grant: “Solace in Equinox” Adam Schoeberg: “Symphony no. 2” Frank Ticheli “Rest” Biography: Tyler S. Grant (b. June 23, 1995) has written numerous award-winning works for concert bands, marching bands and chamber groups; many of which have been performed around the world and by musicians of all levels. His works for wind band have been found on Editor’s Choice lists from various international music distributors in addition to being performed by many region and state-wide honor bands. His work Panoramic Fanfare was named a winner in the 2014 “Call for Fanfares” Competition hosted by the Dallas Wind Symphony. The fanfare has since been performed by collegiate and professional ensembles in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. Since 2010, he has regularly accepted commissions for new works and produced new publications for bands and chamber groups each year. While he has never formally studied composition, he credits his mentors Brian Balmages and Randall Coleman as being pivotal to his success as a composer and a conductor. Notable performance venues of his work include The Midwest Clinic, Carnegie Hall, Meyerson Symphony Center (Dallas), The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and numerous state-wide, national, and international music conventions. Upcoming commissions and appearances include performances by: The Georgia Wind Symphony, Redstone Brass, Kennesaw State University Wind Ensemble, University of Alabama Concert Bands, Ohio State University Concert Bands,  United States Naval Academy's Midshipmen Drum & Bugle Corps, trombonist Jon Whitaker, and many other middle-school and high-school ensembles in the United States and Canada.  In addition to his writing, Tyler enjoys conducting and clinic engagements with ensembles throughout the United States. His rehearsal style has been described as “engaging and energetic, sprinkled with humor and the occasional life lesson”. Tyler was recently a contributing author in Alfred Music Publishing Company’s Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development series and has contributed interviews to numerous podcasts and articles including School Band & Orchestra Magazine and The Instrumentalist. Currently, Tyler is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Music at the University of Alabama while maintaining his active composing and conducting schedule. His more than 20 published works are available through The FJH Music Company, Inc. and Tyler S. Grant Music Works.        

I interview Brian Balmages where we talk about everything from his time management techniques to the pronunciation of his last name.

Just 23 years old, the enormously talented Jay Coles has already published several works for band through Carl Fischer, C.L. Barnhouse, and C. Alan Publications and is the author of a new novel inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement titled Tyler Jones was Here and scheduled to be released in 2018 by Little Brown, Children's. Topics: Jay's musical background and his young career Using social media to create opportunity Jay's first big break with the Kirankai High School Wind Ensemble in Wakayamashi, Japan Diversity in the wind literature and thoughts about how to lift up the marginalized in the band community Finding publishers as a composer His forthcoming young adult novel and the differences between music publishing and book publishing His process for writing a piece of music​ Links: Ball State University Music Orchesis: Legends of Thailand Galactic Episode Michael Markowski: Saturn Returns Michael Daugherty: Raise the Roof Biography: Jay Coles (b. 1995) is a composer, conductor, and clinician residing in the wonderful and beautiful state of Indiana. He attends Ball State University, where he studies Music, Education and English, though he currently holds an A.S. Degree in Liberal Arts. Jay has come to be known as an emerging and distinguished young composer and is rapidly making his debut on many programs across the globe. Jay’s first composition for wind ensemble, a self-published grade 5 piece entitled “Orchesis: Legends of Thailand,” was premiered in Wakayama-Shi, Japan. The piece was performed by the Kinrinkai Junior and Senior High School Wind Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Masago Hirokazu. ​ Jay’s performance background is very eclectic. He’s performed in numerous jazz ensembles, wind ensembles and pep bands, and currently, Jay plays bassoon and euphonium professionally. He is also the lead pianist and residential composer for his church, where he has arranged and composed many works for small choirs and chamber orchestras. He maintains a tight and busy schedule of composing and arranging, performing, and traveling. Additionally, Jay has composed numerous works for wind band for just about every level. Jay’s music is published by Carl Fischer Music and Birch Island Co. as well as works that are self-published which can be found on his website. Jay accredits composers and mentors Brian Balmages, Larry Clark, Ryan Main, and Michael Markowski for their guidance and many lessons that continue to shape his music—all those lessons that motivate him to thrive as a composer.

In this episode we interview world renown composer and conductor Brian Balmages.   If you would like to contribute to Brian’s GoFundMe “A Solitary Wish” campaign, you may do so by following this link. The post AS 117 : Interview with Brian Balmages appeared first on after sectionals.

Composer, conductor and recovering trumpet player Brian Balmages sits down with Andrew and Lance despite his better judgment. Bran started on the piano, goes on to explain how he writes and orchestrates his pieces and talks about the disconnect which sometimes occurs between what he thinks will be popular and what ends up being so. He talks about why he likes working with groups and we learned that he has no ability to make International Date Line jokes.  Links: WebsiteFJH MusicSoundcloud You can help offset the costs of producing the show by making a small donation at https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies. Your support is greatly appreciated! Produced by Austin Boyer of FredBrass