School started a couple weeks back, both for my students and for me. We're hard at work at SMNW, well, I'm hard at work trying to get them to practice after a long summer hiatus from their instruments, and I'm hard at work on my PhD studies at Kansas State University.
Commissions are going well, too. I am finishing up commissions for Shawnee Mission West's Symphony Orchestra, a new powerhouse work entitled "Aethelinda" (Welsh for "dragon") as well as a string orchestra work commissioned by the Gold Orchestra/40th Annual String Fling at K-State. And, oddly enough, I may be adding a work for solo tuba to the mix. I'm excited about that one, as I've not done much chamber music and really would like to explore the virtuosic aspects of the instrument (confession: yes, I play the tuba and I like it).
But mostly, I am happy in my personal life, surrounded by loving friends and family who keep me honest and on an even keel. They are my real reward in this crazy world.
Perspective, folks. Keep it real.
Peace,
Jeffrey
