The Blog
Stampede recording session - UNT Wind Symphony
Sat in on the UNT Wind Symphony recording session this morning for my piece, Stampede. These players are flat-out phenomenal, and it's been truly satisfying to hear them (and the Symphonic Band last Fall) play this piece. Gene Corporon and the whole crew (Dennis Fisher, Jack Stamp, Nick Williams, and the host of unsung heroes known as Teaching Fellows/grad. assistants) were great to work with - many thanks! The sessions for the UNT discs have a reputation for being intense, but we finished Stampede early - the band knew it cold, and we ripped right through it. I prefer it that way - keeps the piece alive and fresh. I can honestly say I'd prefer a not-quite-perfect take that's dripping with enthusiasm and energy, than something perfect, cold, and lifeless. Anyway, I'm really happy with the way the session turned out this morning - should be a smokin' disc. I don't know the proposed title, but it's supposed to be out by December - I imagine I'll be pushing it on everyone that comes near our booth at Midwest this year...
Here's the group photo just after we finished:
(l-r: Nick WIlliams, Gene Corporon, me, Dennis Fisher, Jack Stamp)