My resolution (aka looking for friends in ATX)

[Mark]

So...anyone near Austin, TX wanna play some duets or start some sort of small ensemble in 2005?

Cheryl,

There is a guy who plays the guitar and sings at the Hole in the Wall every Friday night this month from 8:00 - 9:30. You really need to go to see him, because he is Sumner Erickson. Yes, that Sumner Erickson, former principal tubist with the Pittsburg Symphony.

I had lunch with him a couple of weeks ago when he was in Seattle. He is a really nice guy and, obviously, a fantastic tuba player.

Here is the web site for the Hole in the Wall: http://www.holeinthewallaustin.com/

Please tell Sumner I said hi!

[davet]

Hey I can't help with forming an ensemble from up here in Hoosier land, but if nobody responds I have a suggestion:

Drive down to the Salt Lick and hang a sign around your neck: "Will Play Tuba For Brisket." Your depression days will be over for sure!

Be sure to brush and floss before you play an encore!

[tubatooter1940]

Dear Cheryl,
It is normal for anyone to forgo practicing in a situation like yours where
there are no opportunities to perform.I know there is a lively music scene there in Austin.There must be places in town where musicians meet to jam.I could be an after hours club where musicians meet to jam after the normal gigs are over or a laid-back Sunday afternoon somewhere the pros meet to play together.Take your horn down just in case there is a situation where you would like to play.A tuba is very able to play with an all-string group and,being a horn,can play solos to the delight of folks who don't normally get to hear a tuba played like that.Sometimes one has to stick ones neck out to play with strangers but the payoff is big fun.
Tubatooter1940

[TubaRay]

Check out the Austing Symphonic Band. Website is www.asband.org. They are a good quality ensemble, led by Richard Floy, whom I understand to be a very fine conductor. I have not had the pleasure of playing under his baton, myhself.