Up and Coming

Hello to everyone out there in internet land! I haven't posted on this blog in a little while, not entirely for a lack of things to write about, but mostly just due to a busy schedule and not feeling like I had anything particularly witty to say at the moment. So rather than try to force out some wit and witicisms (is that a word?), I'll give you an overview of what's in store for me musically over the next few months, as many of you reading this don't typically see me much anymore and might be wondering what I'm up to.

VMEA PERFORMANCE
In just under two weeks, the Jefferson Forest High School Wind Symphony will be performing an excerpt of my Requiem Symphony for concert band at this year's VMEA (Virginia Music Educator's Association) Conference in Norfolk, VA. As a proud alumni of this group, I can tell you that they're a pretty phenomenal group of young musicians, and for those of you who are going to the convention, I would strongly recommend that you come out and see the performance. Specific information can be found on the "Events Calendar" section of this website.

LENT/EASTER ROCK OPERETTA
I'm currently in talks about writing a short rock opera (or as I've dubbed it, a "rock operetta") to be premiered this upcoming Lent/Easter season. Since it's just getting into the formative stages, I can't really talk about it much because there's not much of anything to talk about yet, but I can at least assure you that it will be awesome. And it will involve a pipe organ. And pipe organs are awesome.

MAGICAL MYSTERY PROJECT
I have one additional upcoming project that I may or may not be at liberty to talk about at the moment, but let me just say this - it's gonna be big. Really big. Enticed? Then stay tuned, fair reader. Ye shall learn more of this epicness soon enough.

I should also mention that this weekend, I will be performing with the Valley Collegium of Harrisonburg in their annual fall concert. This year's program is entitled "Fortuna Desperata: Variations on a Renaissance Lament", and features the music of Josquin. The performance is going to be at 8pm this Saturday at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church in Harrisonburg, so those of you who are in town should definitely come out and hear us.

That's about all for now, I'll be sure to update when there's more to discuss. I apologize if you didn't find this post particularly witty, but if you're in need of a good laugh, please click on the following link to watch a video of an uncooperative cat:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR_LHlFwlhk&p=B2515E47C121F26F

You're welcome.

~James B