Firstly, an apology for not keeping the news page more up to date, but things have been so busy of late, especially once I arrived in the USA for the inaugural BootCamp. This was a tremendous success and already plans are being made for the next , and possibly two separate weeks in 2011.  It was non stop for a week and now I'm at Tuscon forthe ITEC (International Tuba Euphonium Conference). This week too promises to be packed full of great performances by the leading performers in the world.

My performances will be tuesday evening, with the Salt River Brass Band (conductor Pat Sheridan) in which I'll be performing the Variations on a Rococo Theme by Tchaikovsky (Arr.Ruedi), and the Allegro vivace section of Harlequin. On wednesday afternoon I'll be giving the first performance of a great new piece, entitled 'Summit' for five euphoniums and piano by Ethan Wickman. My co-performers will be Brian Bowman, Dave Werden, John Mueller and Neal Corwell. Immediately following that I'm giving a recital of some classic pieces that used to be in the repertoire of the legendary Simone Mantia, in a lecture recital with a presentation from Gretchen Renshaw who has recently worked to catalogue and edit much of Mantia's music.

Then on saturday morning I'll be conducting an RNCM alumni ensemble. The members of this ensemble are: Matthew van Emmerik, Adam Frey, M.Kao (Ray), Danny Helseth, Matt Krening, Lewis Musson, Aaron Rivkin, Pat Stuckemeyer, Aaron Tindall, David Thornton, Helen Tyler,and Matthew White,  Jack Adler-McKean, James Gourlay, Janine Mallett, Aaron Tindall, Kate Wohlman.

I've chosen a very demanding programme for tihs ensemble, which will include The Ride of the Valkyries (Wagner) and Glyder Landscape (Pete Smalley).

I will give a full report with pictures for both the Boot Camp and ITEC very soon !!