NERTEC 2005

Bill Troiano · Post by **Bill Troiano** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 11:55 am

I would also like to thank Jason Ham and his committee for hosting an outstanding conference. The setting, in itself, is enough to make you think you died and went to heaven. The landscape surrounding West Point is beautiful and the view from the ballroom, where most of the performances were held, is breathtaking. The performances, from collegiate to professional, were all outstanding. Of course, it's always great to see friends and colleagues whom you haven't seen in a while. Great event! Thanks, Jason!

Art Hovey · Post by **Art Hovey** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:15 pm

As Bill mentioned, the setting and facilities were outstanding and the performances were breathtaking. There was no registration fee, no parking fee, no hassle getting into the place, and there were free CDs (not one, not two, but FOUR!) of the academy band. Jason and his associates are to be commended for their fine work. Jason was able to take care of the millions of organizational details, perform in several ensembles, AND top it off by playing the Cosma euphonium concerto near the end of the final evening program!

Wes Krygsman · Post by **Wes Krygsman** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:42 pm

I would also like to thank Jason Ham for his organization and the band for having us tuba-euphers there. I thought it went very well. I performed in the morning(the MSU group), and only got to stay until about 3:30pm. I loved hearing everything that I heard, the morning recital, the masterclass, and Art, the jazz performance was especially inspiring for me.
I was one of the dressed up students by the food table in the hall while you were eating lunch(the one complimented you on the tuba logic site).
I feel that the improvisation and being able to play by ear just by knowing the key you're starting in is a skill that gets neglected by way too many young players. You have inspired me to start learning more about traditional jazz and hopefully I can learn some standards and help further this great tradition of music.
Also, I have to budget my money lately because not having a job, I've only got a certain amount that has to last til summer, so I didn't get to buy your CD there, but as soon as I get my first paycheck, I'll be contacting you about that. Thanks again for a great performance.

David Zerkel · Post by **David Zerkel** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 5:58 pm

Kudos to Hammy and the West Point gang for putting on a great event!

Mad props to Jason for running around like a wild man and then knocking out the Cosma at the end of the event. It was truly inspirational!

It was nice to meet many new faces. Jim Gourlay is a delightful guy and I learned a lot from being around him during the course of the week. The West Point Band played wonderfully!

I always leave these events revved up for continued improvement... it is very cool to hear all of this great playing!!

Thanks again to the West Point band for hosting a wonderful event!

Bill Troiano · Post by **Bill Troiano** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 6:20 pm

And holy!#@#%!! The band encore was The Melody Shop with all of the evening's soloists out in front of the band: James Gourlay, Ken Kroesche, Jason Ham, Barry Morrison, and David Zerkel. Their performance was awesome and made playing the piccolo solo from Stars and Stripes look easy. After the concert, a woman next to me asked me if those were trills. I told they were faster than trills! Time to practice!!