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I'm a huge fan of the annual USABTEC and have the greatest respect for its organizers. Over the years I've enjoyed seeing just about every major (and minor) artist in the tuba/euph world at these events. The musical experiences have been unforgetable - every year there were multiple "must see" performances. It's been a wonderful ride, but looking at the tentative 2007 lineup, I see big changes.

Let me make clear that there is still a fine lineup of top-notch U.S. players that will make for a great conference. I'll be there and look forward to many events (the Kaenzig/Sinder recital will be special!).

However, elements are missing that we've been used to from past conferences:
no jazz night, no big name jazz artist, no appearance by the Army Blues jazz band, (therefore no Harry Waters
no European or Asian guest artists
no non-military professional ensembles
no appearance by the Army Orchestra

http://www.usarmyband.com/events/tubaeu ... rence.html

It looks to me like they're trying to streamline things, with the budget cutbacks and everything else going on....

Tom Eshelman wrote:I'm a huge fan of the annual USABTEC and have the greatest respect for its organizers. Over the years I've enjoyed seeing just about every major (and minor) artist in the tuba/euph world at these events. The musical experiences have been unforgetable - every year there were multiple "must see" performances. It's been a wonderful ride, but looking at the tentative 2007 lineup, I see big changes.

Let me make clear that there is still a fine lineup of top-notch U.S. players that will make for a great conference. I'll be there and look forward to many events (the Kaenzig/Sinder recital will be special!).

However, elements are missing that we've been used to from past conferences:
no jazz night, no big name jazz artist, no appearance by the Army Blues jazz band, (therefore no Harry Waters
no European or Asian guest artists
no non-military professional ensembles
no appearance by the Army Orchestra

http://www.usarmyband.com/events/tubaeu ... rence.html

The orchestra is still playing on Friday night. It is listed right after AFTEE - you probably just missed it.

As far as the European guest artists, Andrew Porter is a fantastic euphonium player from the UK. He is playing with the aforementioned orchestra.
http://www.readingspringgardensband.org.uk/md/

There really haven't been very many non-military "professional" ensembles in the past. I would note that the Tennessee Tech Alumni Ensemble, while not a "professional" ensemble (that's not how they make their living), is an ensemble made up of professional tuba & euphonium players.

Yes, the jazz night has been replaced. Unfortunately, the Brass Ensemble night - previously Wednesday - was difficult for many people to attend, especially the "non-locals", since most people roll into town on Thursday. So now more people will have a chance to hear the brass ensembles. So I guess "jazz night" is now the Saturday night party!

If you really need your Harry fix (that just sounds wrong), try this...

http://www.midwestclinic.com/performanc ... usical.ram

Thanks for your support!

Tom Bratten
TUSAB Tuba-Euphonium Conference "grunt"

I was wrong about the Army Orchestra, thanks for the correction. Guess I'm not familiar with Mr. Porter either.

Last year's "non-military pro ensemble" would have been hard to top this year - Red Lehr. Last I checked his USABTEC performance was still available on the Army Band website. Great stuff.

They may not be a full-time-professional-making-a-living-touring quintet, but if the rest of the LSU quintet plays as well as Skillen, they definitely won't suck.

I can't tell if that's last year's schedule they have posted, or this year's schedule with last year's dates. Anyone know?