Meanwhile, back at the Ranch

The Composition Ranch, that is.

I've been busy with a new commission.  It's for the Hays Symphony (Hays, KS).  They wanted a piece to celebrate their 100th Anniversary and asked me to write a work that will be premiered next September at their opening concert.  Wow.  One hundred years as a symphony orchestra in a town in Western Kansas.  It's pretty amazing really, but not if you know the people there.

I had the opportunity to play some sketches for the conductor and concert master when they were on tour here last week (they play as a violin/cello duet as part of Fort Hays State University's Department of Music).  I'm very happy to report that they loved the sketches and "Hays, America!" is born!  Apparently there was this really funny, homegrown series of commercials for a car dealership back in the 1960s where the owner would yell, "Right here, in Hays, America!" at the end of every commercial.  The music is sweet, almost nostalgic, but also has a bit of hectic, neurotic flair.  I think we're capturing the spirit of not only the Hays Symphony but of the city as well.

I'll continue working on the sketches and orchestrations as time permits this quarter, but right now my meagre attention turns from composing, right past teaching, and headlong in my PhD studies.  "EDLEA 838: Qualitative Research Methods " was scaring the bejeebers out of me prior to our first class meeting yesterday.  Now that I've met the teacher (awesome), gone over the syllabus (doable), and learned how the grading system will work (four major papers - yikes!), I feel like I've got a good handle on it.  I know it may sound absurd, but I am a little, nay a tiny bit, right-brained.  *Gasp*  I know, I know, but don't worry, I'll wrap my head around this research stuff and get it all figured out.  Besides, by the end of the semester I should have the first chapter of my dissertation completed (or sketched out pretty darn well).  And that'll be downright alright with me.

I hope you're doing well out there!

Peace,

Jeffrey

In Light of Recent Circumstances

The more I think about the tragedy in Connecticut and about "why" it happened, I can't help but come back to a simple conclusion. Yes, gun control in this country is an issue. Yes, mental health issues are often ignored or, worse yet, made to be a sign of weakness or shame. But I think it's a much simpler reason and a much, much more pervasive problem that we're facing: we have lost our sense of connection.

We live in a world where it is too easy to argue on the internet, to insult someone for how they think; we can send a nasty text instead of owning up to our feelings eye-to-eye; in short, we don't have to SEE someone with whom we disagree. We can avoid them and yet still insult or hurt them. We have lost our civility, our humanity, and until we are able to come together, to look each other in the eye, and say "I disagree" without hatred or malice, but with understanding and cooperation, there's not much hope.

I teach children, young adults really. I don't teach orchestra nor do I teach music. I teach human beings. I love and live with human beings. And I hope to teach them that through music, and all the arts, we can share love, passion, and connectivity. Please, don't just "share" on Facebook. Get out in your community, your schools, your world and share real connections. I truly believe it will make the greatest difference in our world.

I wish you peace this holiday season,

Jeffrey

Giving Thanks...

Wow, is it November 20th already?  Where has the time gone?  Oh, yeah.  It's gone into an amazing year spent with some of the most incredible people.  I've had another great semester at SMNW, working with some of the most talented young musicians.  I've nearly completed my second semester of PhD coursework at Kansas State University.  And, I've published my second novel on Kindle and saw my first novel come out in paperback.

Not too bad, really.  But what is more important, I have had the most amazing period of personal growth as a person and as a composer.  My creativity has been off the charts - several commissions already completed and an amazing new one on the horizon.  So what's my secret?

Family.

I have an amazing partner who inspires me.  She is the most amazing woman I've ever known and every day I give thanks for her presence in my life.  And then there's her kids, two of the most amazing young people I've ever known.  They have accepted me into their lives and I am so thankful for that.  And then there's my biggest fans: my folks.  Every year, every day, they never give up on me.

So, as we pause this weekend to give thanks for all that we have, I want all y'all to know how much I appreciate the love and support I have in my life.  And if you're a former student, colleague, friend, or family member, or a newfound fan of Bartemus or my music, I want you to know how much I am thankful for YOU.

Peace,

Jeffrey

Trailer One for "Bartemus Ammblin in the Old Forest."  It is available on Amazon Kindle now and will be released in paperback in October.  Check it out!

Please share with friends and family (especially those who like to read)! Thanks!

Peace, Love, and Bunny Rabbits,

Jeffrey

When I'm not teaching or composing (or working on my PhD - geez, I think I may be a little busy), I'm writing.  I've written a lot of poetry and some professional journal and book articles, but my heart lies in a lovely little project I call "The Prairie Adventures."  It's about a group of friends who lived on the Prairie before humans showed up.  Bartemus, a Rabbit, Timblelew, a Badger, and Willoughby, a very hungry Wolverine, make up the core group of Critters who solve mysteries, play music, and get into a lot of trouble together.

The first book in the series, Bartemus Ammblin in the Old Forest (Prairie Adventures Volume One), was released in October of 2011.  The second book, Bartemus Ammblin on the Back of the Giants (Prairie Adventures Volume Two) was released this week.

I'm very blessed to work with an amazing graphic design firm, J.Steadman Creative and Marketing Services, for all my covers.  Check them out here.  And, please check out Bartemus and Friends, here, and let me know what you think.

Until then, may all your creative dreams come true!

Peace,

Jeffrey

New School Year, New Possibilities

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

Always enjoy seeing a package from UPS on the ol' doorstep and today I had a nice surprise from one of my publishers:

"Erebus" is my newest work for string orchestra available from Kjos Music Co.  You can listen to it over at my YouTube Channel as well.  And now that I've gotten the last paper of my summer semester finished, I can concentrate on getting back to writing more music!  I love the fact that my "other job" is such a joy!

I hope you're staying cool out there!

Peace,

Jeffrey