TUSABTEC highlights/reviews/thoughts

[JCradler]

Well, here we are, the morning after. Once again the Army Band crowd has outdone themselves. Another successful conference. Thanks to the committee whose extremely hard( and often thankless) work made this event possible.
One constant throughout all the years I've attended this event has been Jack Tilbury's presence. Jack, you'll be greatly missed.
Highlights me, for what they're worth; Mr. Baadsvik's recital(FNUG will blow your mind!) the JMU tuba ensemble's performance of Meditation from T. Ritter George's "Tubasonatina", simply gorgeous. AFTEE playing John Steven's "Benediction", that one sold out of all copies at the exhibits the next day. Kansas Brass Quintet playing "META Suite" by Guinera, I hope this one gets published soon. And finally the Army Brass Quintet playing along with the silent movie, "A Trip to the Moon". Hilarious! There's more, but this is what stuck in my feeble memory.
Thanks again to all who contributed to this event.

[armytuba]

Did you happen to catch the after concert party? As if Baadsvik's previous performances weren't enough, he gets invited onstage by Marty Erickson for a jam session and redifines the Eb tuba on jazz! Tom Holtz, John Stevens and Marty all provided for a great listening experience, too. In addition to your highlights, I'd have to say that's the first time I ever marched onto the stage playing Them Basses . My third conference and undoubtedly the best. Thanks, Pershing's Own.

[JayW]

Well all I can say is Thank You to all the people who work so hard to organize and run this event every year. Once again it was so enjoyable to hear some great music, meet nice people and just have a grand old time.
All of the performers did a wondeful job. The main concerts each night were filled with some amazing sounds. Thanks again US Army and all those who do the work.

[Leland]

At the Legion hall after Saturday's festivities --

Sean: "Hey Leland, I'd like you to meet Rick.."
Me: "Is it that Rick?"
Sean: "Yup, it's that Rick!"

Rick (not again) Denney just shook his head...

[Ivan Giddings]

Whew!!!

I wanted to reply to this thread earlier, but things have been busy. First I must thank all the other vendors for being so kind to a newbie. Two in particular Steve Dillon, and Andy Smith (of Lee Stofers music), when I packed I forgot to bring my mouthpiece disinfectant, and when I discovered this Steve kindly handed me a bottle mouthpiece spray. Later after I ran out of spray I got a refuel from Andy Smith. A small thing but I do appreciate the help.

Thank you to the tubeneters that stopped and said hello I appreciate putting a face with a name. Ray grim, and Rick Denney, two in particular that I really wanted to meet after reading numerous funny, interesting, and informative threads from each. I had a good deal of fun talking mouthpieces with everybody there, and based on common threads of likes and dislikes we have more innovative mouthpieces on the way soon.

My highlights of the conference are slightly different from those who actually had a chance to hear and see all of the presentations. For me the number one highlight was Sean Chisham's Baby buzzing on the Mondo tuba mouthpiece we had on display. I laughed for a good long time. A baby playing a mouthpiece that large, really changes the perspective to beyond comical. And after Baby Chisham buzzed the mouthpiece there was a smile of pure joy (something everybody should get after buzzing a tuba mouthpiece) that was from ear to ear and beaming with delight.

My second highlight of the show was at the party after the show where Marty, Tom, and others entertained the masses with some of the most tasty jazz you will every hear.

Again thank you to all the folks who put this together every year this is an outstanding show.

Ivan

[Leland]

For me the number one highlight was Sean Chisham's Baby buzzing on the Mondo tuba mouthpiece we had on display. I laughed for a good long time. A baby playing a mouthpiece that large, really changes the perspective to beyond comical.

Got any pictures (either of that episode or of the mouthpiece alone)?

[WoodSheddin]

highlight was Sean Chisham's Baby buzzing on the Mondo tuba mouthpiece we had on display. I laughed for a good long time. A baby playing a mouthpiece that large, really changes the perspective to beyond comical. And after Baby Chisham buzzed the mouthpiece there was a smile of pure joy (something everybody should get after buzzing a tuba mouthpiece) that was from ear to ear and beaming with delight.

We get home and the little guy insists that I get the Mondo in titanium.

What is the going rate for a kidney these days?

[Rick Denney]

At the Legion hall after Saturday's festivities --

Sean: "Hey Leland, I'd like you to meet Rick.."
Me: "Is it that Rick?"
Sean: "Yup, it's that Rick!"

Rick (not again) Denney just shook his head...

Hey, by that time my clock was wound down, man. Sorry if I seemed unconscious.

The highlight for me was seeing Mike Sanders walk on stage carrying a sousaphone and playing Them Basses. I was definitely not expecting that!

Rick "who would, for once, like to go into the Army Conference truly rested up" Denney

[Tom Holtz]

The highlight for me was seeing Mike Sanders walk on stage carrying a sousaphone and playing Them Basses. I was definitely not expecting that!

Mike was a good sport. That was very cool to have him out there with us. The last bigshot guest artist to come out wearing a trash can was Harvey Phillips. That was a sight.

[WoodSheddin]

Its unfortunate that Jack is retiring this year. One of the fixtures of the USAB that made it such a joy to listen to.

We don't want him to retire either. He is very popular in the band. Unfortunatelly he has reached that magic age of 55 years old when the Army thinks you are no longer useful.