Are you listening?

I had the privilege of taking a real vacation last week, spending a couple days on the central coast of California at friend's wedding, followed by five days on the Gulf coast of Florida. I say real vacation because I've taken a few short "mini-vacations" in the last 5 years––a day or two here and there––but I'm talking about a real, week-long, sit-by-the-beach/pool-and-do-nothing vacation. Away from practicing, away from teaching, with no real agenda (other than finding a place to live in Lakeland while we were in Florida, which we did).

One afternoon, after my pale skin had taken all the beating it could handle from the Florida sun, I decided to put on some headphones and listen to music. As soon as I pressed play on a playlist of mostly piano and marimba music*, I found myself searching for something else to do while I listened to my iPod. 

"I should check Twitter or Facebook. I have a few games on my phone I could play. Maybe I'll read a bit. Oh, I can catch up on how Brad Stevens became the new Celtics coach! I could flip on the TV and just mute it. I should at least get a snack so I'm doing something."

Moving On (Part 2 of 2)

(If you missed Part 1, click here.)

Despite leaving many wonderful experiences and people in Indiana, what I am walking into at Southeastern University is a fantastic opportunity. Since finishing a masters degree in 2010, I have been freelancing in Indianapolis, but ultimately with a goal in mind of teaching college percussionists. Not only do I get this opportunity, but in a full-time position, with benefits (health insurance for musicians is NOT a given), surrounded by super helpful and welcoming people, in a state I don't mind moving to (it could be a lot worse...). I thought I would share a little more about what I'm stepping into, and the process by which this job has become a reality for me, with the hope that it may prove helpful for those interested in teaching college, and at least somewhat interesting to others.

Doctorate or Not?

Moving On (Part 1 of 2)

By now, most of you know that I have accepted a position as Instructor of Percussion at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. This is a very exciting time for my wife and me, and I feel incredibly blessed and undeserving of such an opportunity. However, as we step into the new and exciting, we leave behind family, friends, and jobs that mean a great deal to us. In particular, my job and experiences at Center Grove High School will be missed dearly. 

Fresh out of grad school in 2010, I moved to Greenwood, Indiana, with nothing more than a part-time job as a "pit tech" at Center Grove H.S. to count on (other than a couple writing gigs elsewhere). But by God's grace, and in his awesome plan, my three years at Center Grove turns out to be far more than I ever expected, and shaped me and prepared me for what's ahead more than I ever could have imagined. Here are a few highlights and reasons why my time at CG will hold a very special place in my memory for many years to come.

Midwest Clinic 2010

Let It Snow!

'Tis the season to be jolly! Sure it's not Christmas yet, but I'm jolly indeed, because I'm recording and releasing a Christmas album this November! It will be all new arrangements for marimba solo and marimba/vibraphone duet (Colin Hill will be joining me for the duets).

I have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help raise the funds necessary to make this album, and it's already off to a great start! You can watch the video below and check out the Kickstarter page here.

Since the first few days have been so successful, I have (unofficially) increased my funding goals. You can read more about that here.

Please spread the word and share with your friends and family if you wish. I am working hard to make the best album of interesting and beautiful music that I can. I hope you'll consider joining me while we Let It Snow!

The Love of Money

We all know that money is the root of all evil, right? That's how the saying goes, isn't it?

Not quite.

"Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." – 1 Timothy 6: 9-10

Money itself is neither good nor bad. It is simply a tool or a resource, like a brick, for example. A brick can be thrown through someone's window or it can be used in the construction of a building. The way we view money is where things go awry, and I have seen and believed a range of viewpoints when it comes to money.