MRTEC @ WMU

[Robert N. Calkins]

I hope this is a new topic, because it (the event) just ended. I returned a few hours ago from the MRTEC (Midwest Tuba and Euphonium Conference), hosted at Western Michigan University by their tuba instructor, Deanna Swboda (I hope the spelling's ok) and Professor Mark Cox of Central Michigan Univerity (my alma mater!). I had a great time and heard some exceptional playing: Rex Martin exhibited incredible playing at his session and demonstrated, to the point, how air flow makes it all happen. His interaction with the audience gave us the chance to come up with the answers regarding the specifics that give life to a phrase. I also had an opportunity to meet some old friends and talk with them at length (Richard Watson and Robert Whaley (and I finally met Carole Nowicke, a great lady, veritable font of information and dedicated to keeping the history of brass instruments alive for our younger generation- I'm old...hitting the birth year between 50 and 70 with a zero in 2 years). I'd like to thank Deanna and Mark Cox for spending a huge amount of time to prepare this successful event together. The university students did a great job, especially the "tuba room " staff, where instruments were kept safely from harm while you went to sessions, etc. I hadn't been to a conference since 1976/77 at Wright State University in Ohio and this was fantastic. Thanks again to Deanna, Mark and their great staff!

[Robert N. Calkins]

Pardon me to death!!!! It is the Midwest Tuba and Euphonium Conference..oops!

[AndyL]

Kudos to Deanna and Mark for hosting those inspirational conference days.....much appreciated!