As everyone who attended Midwest 2022 knows, it was one for the books! All the events on the final day of the conference (Thursday 12/22) were moved to Wednesday, as a winter storm was heading for Chicago and was arriving on Thursday. So, the Spring ISD Alumni Band’s performance, which was originally scheduled for Thursday morning at 8:30am, was moved to Wednesday evening at 7pm (well, first it was moved to 8pm, and then moved up at the last minute to 7pm!)

Even with these last minute changes, the Spring ISD Alumni band performed a remarkable concert to a very appreciative audience at Midwest. I was blown away to learn that this band was founded just over a year ago, and here they were performing at Midwest, arguably the most prestigious performance opportunity for a “community band.” Amazing. And their performance of “Lamentation for Euphonium and Wind Ensemble,” led by conductor Trent Cooper, was truly beautiful and moving. Irving Ray was able to be there to perform the solo part with the ensemble, and he gave an incredible performance. It was an honor to listen to Irving and the ensemble perform this piece.

In the rehearsal just hours before the performance, they played through the piece from start to finish and I got a little choked up when talking to the group. I was not prepared for the beauty and the sensitive musicianship that they brought to the piece, and after not hearing the piece live since early 2020, it really affected me.

It was also a special performance because Irving’s wife Annie was there to play harp on the piece. If that wasn’t enough, Brian Gibbs and Matthew McInturf from Sam Houston State University (who commissioned the piece) were there, and had been working with Trent and the ensemble on the piece. It really felt like a family and I’m so honored to be part of it.

It was also wonderful to see many friends and colleagues at the conference, having not seen many of them in several years! Our community is a special one, and I’m grateful to be part of it. Onward to 2023, and best wishes for a great year ahead!