The Brass Junkies, hosted by former Boston Brass tuba player Andrew Hitz and a rotating cast of characters, features interviews with the best and brightest brass players in the world. Subject matter includes everything from the serious to the ridiculous, just like the music business.
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Andrew is joined by seven brass players who share thoughts about a musician they were thankful for in 2023. Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/ Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com
Guests Giving Thanks:
Sasha Romero (Principal Trombone of the Metropolitan Opera) is thankful for Claudio Sanchez (8:10)
Rodney Marsalis (Lead Trumpet + Founder of The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass) is thankful for Terry Everson (19:04)
Dr. Danielle VanTuinen (Professor of Tuba + Euphonium at The University of Florida) is thankful for Deanna Swoboda (27:51)
Jeffrey Scott (Professor of Horn at Oberlin Conservatory and Former Horn Player and Founder of Imani Winds) is thankful for Carolyn Clark (36:34)
Dr. Steph Frye-Clark (Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at East Tennessee State and Tuba Player of Mirari Brass Quintet) is thankful for Sarah Paradis (46:08)
Ryan Little (Principal Horn of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra) is thankful for Gail Williams (52:05)
Hakeem Bilal (Professor of Trombone at West Virginia University and Bass Trombonist for C Street Brass) is thankful for Omar Lateef (58:13)
The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media
https://www.brassjunkies.com/
TBJ220: Myles Blakemore of The United States Navy Band
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 • Duration 01:08:14
Andrew and guest co-host Dr. Michael W. Nickens are joined by trombonist Myles Blakemore of The United States Navy Band Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/ Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com
The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media
https://www.brassjunkies.com/
TBJ211: Zenas Kim-Banther
Thursday, March 16, 2023 • Duration 01:12:23
Phenomenal trombonist Zenas Kim-Banther joins Andrew and special guest co-host Jim Nova to talk about trombone and horses. Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/ Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com
The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media
https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/
Brass Junkies Extra: Tubist Aubrey Foard of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on the state of the lockout
Monday, September 9, 2019 • Duration 59:18
Brass Junkies Extra: Tubist Aubrey Foard of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on the state of the lockout
In this special episode of The Brass Junkies, Aubrey Foard catches us up on where things stand with the BSO lockout.
From his bio:
Aubrey Foard is the principal tubist of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 2018. He also serves as Lecturer of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and as Artist Faculty at the Brevard Music Center. Mr. Foard was most recently principal tubist of the Charlotte Symphony, where he had performed since 2012. He has previously held principal tuba positions in the Santa Barbara, West Virginia, Canton, Youngstown, and Albany Symphonies as well as with the Britt Festival Orchestra. He has performed as a guest musician with several other orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Cleveland Orchestra, the North Carolina Symphony, the Louisville Orchestra, Arizona MusicFest, and as Acting Principal Tubist with the San Diego Symphony.
Aubrey gives us an inside look at how the lockout has impacted the musicians over these last few months.
We discuss:
Expiration of their contract
Summer bargaining sessions
His first act as a member of the BSO
Management's offers vs. the players'
Cancellation of the summer season and the start of the lockout
Lack of progress in negotiations
Aubrey taking 47 auditions before landing the BSO gig
Taiwan Tubamania
Finding Baltimore Symphony recordings in Taipei
Individual overscale negotiations
Leaving the Charlotte Symphony
The impact of previous management decisions on today's situation
The difference between a 40-week and a 52-week orchestra
Playing with the San Diego Symphony in the summers
How uncertainty of the future of the orchestra has impacted him personally
Having to hit the road to make it work
The impact on his family
15-20 other cities have already reached out to have Baltimore Symphony players sub with their orchestras
TBJ119: Clarke Rigsby of Tempest Recording on Paul McCartney, Steve Gadd and his Most Improved Player Trophy
Tuesday, September 3, 2019 • Duration 01:09:12
TBJ119: Clarke Rigsby of Tempest Recording on Paul McCartney, Steve Gadd and his Most Improved Player trophy
Clarke Rigsby of Tempest Recording has acquired a reputation amongst his peers for being “musically militant.” Nuff said.
From his site:
Clarke Rigsby of Tempest Recording has acquired a reputation amongst his peers for being “musically militant.” Today, technology often overshadows or masks (or invents…) true musical talent, and although Clarke has the tools to “fix it in the mix,” he’d rather let music come from the musician and not the machine. Clarke combines his technical savvy and musical talent with his engineering and production experience giving his clients the appropriate combination for producing a first-rate project.
Since 1980, Clarke’s recording history would be called diverse. Clarke has worked with such artists as Paul McCartney, Joey DeFrancesco, Glen Campbell, Ike Turner, Deepak Chopra, Dr. Billy Taylor, Hal Blaine, David Grisman, Jimmy Smith, The Phoenix Boys Choir, The Four Tops, Bobby Hutcherson, Don Edwards, James Moody, Rex Allen, Waylon Jennings, Frank Gambale, Alice Cooper, James Galway, Boston Brass, Brownie McGee, Tower of Power, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, Joe Alessi, Phil Smith (New York Philharmonic), Mark O’Connor, Peter Erskine, El Chicano, Honey Boy Edwards, UNM Wind Ensemble, Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, Eric Burdon, Snuff Garrett, Lee Hazlewood, R. L. Burnside, Little Milton, Bo Diddley, Harvey Mason, Warren Jones, The Ahn Trio, The Arizona State University Marching Band, Bill Conte, River City Brass. With old pals Tim & Willy (KMLE Radio..) he’s done projects with a “who’s who” list of country music stars including Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, Steve Wariner, Trisha Yearwood, Sugarland, Billy Dean, Wynonna Judd, Dierks Bentley, Blake Sheldon, Colin Raye, Clint Black, Phil Vasser, Little Big Town, Travis Tritt, Trick Pony, Lee Ann Womack, Terri Clark, along comedians Frank Caliendo and Tim Hawkins, among many others.
In this fun and lively discussion, we cover:
Andrew's birthday!
Clarke's start in the music business
From L.A. to Phoenix
Deciding to stay in Phoenix due to the L.A. scene in the early 80's
TBJ118: Trumpet player and builder Trent Austin on Clark Terry, making sacrifices for your dreams and an augmented trumpet
Tuesday, August 20, 2019 • Duration 01:10:00
TBJ118: Trumpet player and builder Trent Austin on Clark Terry, making sacrifices for your dreams and an augmented trumpet
Trumpeting Renaissance Man Trent Austin lives up to the title: entrepreneur, player, designer, and raconteur.
Celebrated trumpet artist, educator/clinician and entrepreneur, Trent Austin is a trumpeting Renaissance Man. His brilliant performances and recordings in both the jazz and classical music worlds, as well as packed-house Master Classes have garnered him rave reviews, awards and International acclaim.
A prodigy, in high school Austin performed at the opening of Euro-Disney and also was a featured performer at the 1992 Montreux Jazz Festival. He was selected first trumpet of the Maine All-State Music Festival and was awarded a full music scholarship to the University of New Hampshire to study classical trumpet. Austin’s other early career awards include being named to the prestigious Berklee Grammy® High School Jazz Band in 1993 and designated lead trumpet of the 1995 Disney All-American Show Band. He was also a featured soloist at the 1996 Harmony Ridge Brass Festival and at the 1997 Lake Placid Institute of the Arts Seminar.
As an in-demand pro, Trent has performed with a lengthy list of music’s Who’s Who: Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Joe Williams, Clark Terry, Jack Jones, Bob Brookmeyer, Maria Schneider, Peter Erskine, Arturo Sandoval, Hal Galper, Dick Oatts, Marvin Stamm, Red Holloway, Jesse Davis, Dick Johnson, Kenny Werner, and Bob Wilber. For eleven years, Austin was a featured trumpet soloist with the famed Artie Shaw Orchestra. He is currently a first-call performer in the Kansas City Metro
Austin has recorded 4 CDs. Trumpet 101 (2001), Two-Toned (2006), Meditations for Solo Trumpet (2009), and Trumpet 102 (2012). Each of these efforts demonstrates Austin’s impeccable command of his instrument and marvelous artistic approach.
Trent has studied jazz improvisation privately with greats Jerry Bergonzi, Kenny Werner, Chuck Findley and engaged in extensive studies with Hal Crook and Charlie Banacos. His primary classical instructors include studies with Robert Stibler of the University of New Hampshire, Benjamin Wright of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and with Edward Carroll, formerly musical director of the New York Trumpet Ensemble.
TBJ117: Mike Nickens, Director of "The Green Machine" pep band at George Mason University, on being unapologetic about who he is and leading by example (while carrying a scepter).
Tuesday, August 6, 2019 • Duration 01:05:03
TBJ117: Mike Nickens, Director of "The Green Machine" pep band at George Mason University, on being unapologetic about who he is and leading by example (while carrying a scepter). He has built a gig for himself which allows him to be fully him while enabling his students to do the same. From his bio: Serving as Director of Campus Life Ensembles and Collaborative Arts, and as an Associate Professor of Music, Dr. Michael W. Nickens (a.k.a. Doc Nix) is most recognized as the leader of the “Green Machine”, which in 2015 was named the #1 pep band in college basketball by the NCAA and commended by the Senate and House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, Dr. Nickens launched Mason’s fife and drum corps and WGI world-champion drumline, and oversees Mason’s winterguard. This collection of performing units, known as the “Green Machine Ensembles”, are internationally known for their thrilling, high-energy performances at Mason ceremonies and basketball games, professional sports games and events (Capitals, Nationals, Wizards, and Redskins), community events (Celebrate Fairfax, and the Nike Womens’ Half Marathon), and marching competitions, as well as their popular internet videos that have over 100 million views collectively.
Dr. Nickens was named the 2016 Faculty Member of the Year by the George Mason University Alumni Association. He served as a Faculty Representative to the Board of Visitors, Chair of the Faculty of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, Chair of the CVPA Diversity Committee, and as a member of the School of Music’s Graduate Committee. Having joined the faculty of Mason’s School of Music in fall 2006, he has taught courses in sight-singing/ear training, popular music in America, improvisatory music, brass methods, applied tuba, composition, chamber music, and jazz improvisation, as well as collaborations with Mason’s School of Dance. In addition, he was a co-founder and co-conductor of the Colonial Athletic Association’s “Breakfast with the Bands” intercollegiate pep band showcase.
During summers, he has taught tuba and euphonium, conducting, jazz performance, composition, improvisation, chamber music, large ensemble performance, and theory at the Performing Arts Institute at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, Pennsylvania, the Music, Art, and Theatre (MAT) Camp in Evanston, Wyoming, and the Northern Arizona University Music Camp in Flagstaff, Arizona, and at Mason’s Potomac Arts Academy. He has also coached a professional marching ensemble, “Mix It Up”, at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. Dr. Nickens was born in Washington DC and grew up in the Fairfax County Public Schools in Alexandria, Virginia. He completed his academic degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, Yale University, and the University of Michigan.
TBJ116: Listener's Choice - Making an album
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 • Duration 01:03:21
We're back with another Listener's Choice episode! This time, Walter asks about the recording process. Andrew & Lance unpack the process of making an album and preview their upcoming Cones and Tones project.
In this fun & lively episode, we cover:
Lance as a home remodeler
Andrew Phish shows
Thank you, Ticketmaster
Marty Erickson, Craig Knox, and the sousaphone pusher
Help us pay the bills (and get regular bonus episodes!) by becoming a Patreon patron.
Show some love to our sponsors: The brass program at The Mary Pappert School of Music at and (including the Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke models.)
TBJ115: Hiram Diaz, euphonium player in "The President's Own" Marine Band, on the High Bridge Brass Quintet, audition prep and being a terrible shot
Tuesday, July 9, 2019 • Duration 01:00:08
TBJ115: Hiram Diaz, euphonium player in "The President's Own" Marine Band, on the High Bridge Brass Quintet, audition prep and being a terrible shot.
From his Marine Band bio page:
Euphonium player Staff Sergeant Hiram Diaz joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in January 2012. Staff Sgt. Diaz began his musical instruction at age 12. He graduated in 2003 from the New World School of the Arts in Miami and continued his education at the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music (CCM) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance in 2007. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree from the University of North Texas in Denton, where he studies with euphonium professor Brian Bowman. His instructors also included Timothy Northcut of CCM and Jay Bertolet, former principal tuba with the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra.
Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” Staff Sgt. Diaz was a member of the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence Band (283d Army Band) in Ft. Benning, Ga.
In 2016, he performed Tom Davoren’s Ascension with trumpet/cornet player Gunnery Sgt. Amy McCabe as featured soloists on the national concert tour.
Watch Staff Sgt. Diaz's interview in Spanish about the 2013 Inauguration.
Eating at Hooters five times (not at all like the South Florida Hooters)
Greensboro ITEC, "The Captain's Log"
TBJ114: Trumpeter John Abbracciamento on dealing with pain, overcoming doubt and his 27 years in "The President's Own" Marine Band
Tuesday, June 25, 2019 • Duration 01:02:28
From John's Marine Band bio:
Trumpeter/cornetist Master Gunnery Sergeant John Abbracciamento joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in November 1992. Master Gunnery Sgt. Abbracciamento began his musical instruction at age 8. After graduating from Valley Stream South High School in 1978, he attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He completed his bachelor’s degree in music at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1983 and also earned a master’s degree from Mannes College of Music in New York in 1985. He studied trumpet with Armando Ghitalla of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and John Ware and Vincent Penzarella of the New York Philharmonic.
Prior to joining “The President’s Own,” Master Gunnery Sgt. Abbracciamento was a substitute with the New York Philharmonic and toured Europe with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.
In this fun and lively discussion, we cover:
John retiring from "The President's Own" United States Marine Band after 27 years
Be prepared and know that the system is in place to support you
The importance of realizing that you are joining a section
The diversity of demands in The Marine Band
Us math am smart like
What John will miss most
Why he decided to retire now
Change is hard
Going back to school to becomes a physical therapist
The impact of standing at attention for long periods of time
Helping musicians deal with pain
John's retirement remarks
Hiram Diaz
Tom Hooten
Studying with Armando Ghitalla
Distinctive players and styles
What happens at a Marine Band retirement ceremony
The Italian Store chicken parmesan on a hard roll
Baseball rule changes
Freelancing, listening and adapting to a variety of situations
Learning to blend
Overcoming doubt
Rich Kelley Central Park story
Putting other players at ease within a section
Trial and error and the importance of experience as a teacher
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Help us pay the bills (and get regular bonus episodes!) by becoming a Patreon patron.
Show some love to our sponsors: The brass program at The Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University and Parker Mouthpieces (including the Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke models.)
Expertly produced by Will Houchin with love, care, and enthusiasm.
Fiercely dedicated to the cause and development of music and jazz education, Trent was a trumpet professor at the University of Southern Maine for 9 years and regularly provides clinics and Master Classes nationwide at various trumpet and brass conferences, including at the International Trumpet Guild Conference and other trumpet/brass conferences. Austin also maintains an active teaching studio in Kansas City, MO and worldwide online via Skype, providing trumpet and jazz improvisation lessons.
In this fun and lively discussion, we cover:
Trumpeting Renaissance Man
Moving to Kansas City from Boston
Impossible Tuna
Impossible Tuba
Bribery will get you everywhere
Trumpet placebo
Machining and Geekery
Designing horns for Adams
Bonding with his dad
Computedated
Mouthpiece as a gateway drug
Common tweaks
Fraggle Rock
Clark Terry buttermilk story
A good horn cleaning regimen
Stanford TRB TB story
Nick the Bio Writer
Adventures in Unnecessary Trumpet Modification
Dents in critical areas
Heavy valve caps
Everything affects everything
The King of Trumpet Geeks
Augmented trumpet
The fate of brick and mortar stores
Specialty stores will have an easier time surviving
Help us pay the bills (and get regular bonus episodes!) by becoming a Patreon patron.
Show some love to our sponsors: The brass program at The Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University and Parker Mouthpieces (including the Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke models.)
Help us pay the bills (and get regular bonus episodes!) by becoming a Patreon patron.
Show some love to our sponsors: The brass program at The Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University and Parker Mouthpieces (including the Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke models.)
Tell your friends!
Expertly produced by Will Houchin with love, care, and enthusiasm.
Help us pay the bills (and get regular bonus episodes!) by becoming a Patreon patron.
Show some love to our sponsors: The brass program at The Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University and Parker Mouthpieces (including the Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke models.)
Tell your friends!
Expertly produced by Will Houchin with love, care, and enthusiasm.
Help us pay the bills (and get regular bonus episodes!) by becoming a Patreon patron.
Show some love to our sponsors: The brass program at The Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University and Parker Mouthpieces (including the Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke models.)
Tell your friends!
Expertly produced by Will Houchin with love, care, and enthusiasm.
