Thursday, November 19, 2009

Spring 2010 Lessons

FYI - for those of you that didn't remember, the Spring 2010 lesson schedule sign up sheet is posted. These people have not signed up for a lesson yet:

Daniel Wilhelm
William Thompson
Corey Jahlas
Chris Fenner
Mark Richards

Please sign up soon. Times are going fast.

Dr. Cox

Monday, November 16, 2009

Nov 16, 2009 Events

OK, you asked for it. Here is the list of performance and rehearsals for the week of Nov. 16th:

Nov. 16th (Mon) - Central Foundation Dress Rehearsal for the Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble Concert:
- 6-8 pm, Staples

Nov. 17th (Tues) - Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble Concert
- Call is 6:45 pm. Concert dress - all black
- 8:00 pm concert

Nov. 18th (Wed) - Harvest Dinner - CF is performing
- Meal starts at 6:00 pm
- CF starts playing at 5:30ish

Nov. 19th (Thurs) - 2nd Brass Area Recital
- 11:00 am - Nathan James performing Drie Bagatelles by Hummel

Nov. 20th (Fri) - Instrumental Workshop
- 10:30- 11:45 am Breathing/MP discussion (not required if you have a class or work, otherwise, please be there - dressed professionally.
- 1:00-2:15 pm - Large ensemble (CF performs a work or two).(not required if you have a class or work, otherwise, please be there - dressed professionally.

Past the week of Nov. 16th

Nov. 24th - LAST STUDIO CLASS FOR THE SEMESTER - PARTY! Bring food if you want. I will supply drinks, chips, napkins, utencils, etc.

Dec. 1st - Honors Recital
- 11:00 am - Staples

Dec. 3rd - Honors Recital
- 11:00 am Staples

Dec. 4th - Dickens Downtown Festival - Christmas Quartet
- 5:00-7:00 pm - Art Reach Gallery (Broadway - near Max and Emily's)

Dec. 5th - Dickens Downtown Festival - Central Foundation
- 5:00-7:00 pm - Art Reach Gallery (Broadway - near Max and Emily's)

Dec. 6th - FINALS WEEK!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Trombone Ensemble Concert

Studio,
There has been some confusion as to the when the trombone concert is taking place. It is Thursday (29 October), not tonight. The concert is required. Just thought I would help clear up the confusion.

Dr. Cox

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Studio Recital No. 2

Studio,
Don't forget, Studio Recital No. 2 is tonight (Sunday - 25 October, 2009) at 5:00 pm in Chamichian. This is a REQUIRED recital. Also, great job to all who performed at the Friday night's recital (Recital No. 1). Wonderful performances! Very musical, solid and entertaining (in a GOOD way). See you all in a few hours.

Dr. Cox

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Dr. Lindahl's Recital

Studio,
As a reminder, Dr. Lindahl's recital is tonight at 8:00 pm in Staples. This is a REQUIRED concert. Also, Jessica Parij's recital is tomorrow (10/16/09) at 7:00 pm in Chamichian. This is also REQUIRED.

Thank you,
Dr. Cox

Friday, October 9, 2009

Sunday All-Gillingham Concert

Hello all.
This Sunday at 4:00 pm is an "All-Gillingham" concert as part of TubaBach in Big Rapids, Michigan. Some of the works being performed are:

Vintage
Blue Lake Fantasies
Diversive Elements for Tuba, Euphonium and Piano
Divertimento for Tuba, Horn and Piano
2008 (New euphonium concerto)
FF Fanfare
and several other works.

Performers:
featuring - Dr. Ed Mallett - tuba and euphonium
Dr. Mark Cox - tuba
Dr. Bruce Bonnell - horn
Dr. Mary Jo Cox - piano
An Allstar band for the new concerto

The concert will be held at the Big Rapids High School Auditorium (use MapQuest or a GPS to find it).

This is NOT a required concert, but it would be GREAT to have some of you there. Big Rapids is 1 hour due west. Follow M20 (High Street) to Big Rapids. Hope to see some of you there -

Dr. Cox

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Studio Class for 10/8


(a picture of me after yesterday was finished)

Studio Class - 8 October 2009

Room - 156

Holst - mvts 2, 3 and 4

Robertson - P. D.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Tuba/Euph Ensemble Rehearsal

6 October 2009 rehearsal -

- Room 218

- New work - Francis
- Amporita Roca
- Holst - mvts 2, 3 and 4

Attached is a photo that might help for future rehearsals.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Studio Class - Mouthpieces only

Studio class - Room 230 - mouthpieces and breathing exercises only.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Tuba/Euph Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday's rehearsal (10 September 2009) for Night on Bald Mountain and Suite in F is in room 156 at 11:00 am. Please be ready to PLAY at 11:00.

Thanks,

Dr. Cox

Friday, August 28, 2009

Central Foundation audition results

Congrats to the two newest members of CF:
Jessica Parij on euphonium
and
Dan Wilhelm on tuba

Also, thanks to all who auditioned, it was a tough decision tonight.

Dr Cox, Zach VanderGraaff and Dan Turchyn

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

ITEC 2010 & CF Audition

OK, everyone. I sent Kelly Thomas, host of ITEC 2010, that we want to perform at the conference. He just sent me an email that we have a spot being held for us. So, we are on! I have my first grant due (Student Performing Fund) this Friday by 5:00 pm!!! OUCH, but hey, that's the way it goes. Buckle up.

Also, CF auditions WILL be this Friday at 7:00 pm. Room - TBA. Please send me an email by Thursday if you are interested in auditioning.

Thanks,

Dr. Cox

Friday, August 21, 2009

Concert Band Auditions

Studio,
Please remember to sign up for concert band auditions. The sign up sheets are across from the faculty mailboxes. Mr. Williamson likes to contrasting styles, either from the same work, multiple movements, or two separate works. Sign up ASAP, for the good times are going fast.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Web Page Updates

I made a bunch of web page updates (no, I did not get to the student or CF pages) today. The important one is the Concert Schedule page for Fall 2009. On it you will find all the concerts that you are required to attend this semester. Please refer to it often. And yes, there will be updates. As these come along, I will notify you about them. Notice that the Studio Recitals are a LOT EARLIER this year (October), so we need to get music decisions made in the next couple of weeks. Here is the link to the concert page:

http://mctuba.com/studio/main/concert.php

Thanks,

Dr. Cox

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

2009-2010 Year About to Begin!

Hello all.

I hope you had a productive and restful summer. I just got back from the Falcone Festival this morning and trying to get ahead of the game. It was a fun-filled, productive summer for me. My family and I took a 3 week vacation through northeast Canada, Maine, New Hampshire and New York in june putting 4,000 plus miles on the car (and a got a few good photos). I then taught for 2 weeks at Interlochen's Allstate Program. Upon returning from their I taught a 5-hour-a-day graduate brass tech course for 9 days, and then went to adjudicate, perform and help run the 24th annual Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival. Whew! Now for the "new year."
Here are some details for you to know:
1. Lesson sign up sheet is on my board - please use PENCIL to sign up!!!
1a. Lessons - double check the message board in front of my office if you are not sure what lesson number (177 or 178) or how much time (1/2 hour vs. 1 hour) you are supposed to be sign up for.
2. I have received a few key requests from the tuba players. You will need to go to Scott Burgess to get the request started. Euphonium players, you do NOT need to do the key request, just get a large locker.
3. STUDIO PARTY - Thursday, 27 August at my house. We will start around 5:00 pm. If you have marching band, just come out when it is done. Don't look for the barn when you get out there, it is GONE. Only dirt and grass where it used to be. Also, no alcohol (!) - just a reminder.
4. Band audition. You need to sign up for band auditions on the bulletin board across from the faculty mailboxes. Please do it soon. And pick music you can play well. Usually 2 contrasting works, or a work with 2 contrasting sections.
5. CF Auditions,
- Auditions will be on 28 August (Friday) with a couple of audition times (more on the way about that).
- Music for the audition will be Wabash Cannonball, Salvation is Created, and Power (of course).
- New twist: you will have to give a 3-5 minute presentation on the history of their instrument. Gear the discussion to 8th
graders.
- Auditions are open to ALL studio members SOPHOMORE and above.
- There are two spots available - 1 euphonium and 1 tuba
- For the audition, I will be playing the opposite part (if you audition on tuba, I will be playing euphonium)
- If I deem that there is no one capable of playing one of the parts, then I will take it over for the semester.
6. Studio Class - we will meet (without the freshmen) on 25 August in room 218. NO INSTRUMENTS.
7. Freshmen - you have a meeting on 25th August at 11:00 am and will not be at the first studio class.


I think that is it for now. I will be in and out of the office for the rest of the week. If you need something, please stop and knock. See all of you soon,

Dr. Cox

PS - If you are looking for my car, the Audi is no longer with us. Thank you "Cash for Clunkers." I now own, and sometimes drive, a new 2010, black Honda Insight (hybred). From smog to smug in one signature.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Yamaha 842S Euphonium for sale

Hello all from Sudbury, Ontario. First day of vacation is finished - rain the entire day! Today we will be camping in Algonquin Provincial Park. The reason for this announcement is an email I got this morning from Dr. Kroesche about a euphonium for sale. Here is the email:

"Hello Mark,

I hope you are well. I know that you are a Yamaha Performing Artist and thought you might want to know about a great deal on Yamaha euphonium for your students. Below is the information on a horn that one of my students is trying to sell. I think this would be a great buy for a student or anyone for that matter. I can attest to the fact that she has kept this horn in great shape.

All the best,

Ken

Kenneth Kroesche, D.M.A.
Professor of Trombone, Euphonium & Tuba

Oakland University
Department of Music, Theatre & Dance
329 Varner Hall
Rochester, MI 48309

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Domonique Barnes
Date: Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 9:07 PM
Subject: Euphonium For Sale
To: Kenneth Kroesche


I am selling my Yamaha Professional YEP-842S Euphonium. I bought this instrument new in December 2008 and it has great instrument for me. The only reason I am selling it is because I found a great deal on an instrument I like a little better. Since I have owned the horn for a little over a year-it is in pristine condition. There are are two very tiny dings on the bell of the horn which I showed in the picture (caused by a quick mute change). If you would like to see additional pictures just ask.

The sound that you get from this horn is HUGE-it was really taken my playing to the next level. Dillon Music and the Woodwind & Brasswind currently list this instrument for $5,984.00 new.

I am asking for $4,900 but may be willing to negotiate.

Please contact Niki
dabarnes@oakland.edu "

Contact the above person directly if any of you are interested. Have a great (and dry) day -

Dr. Cox

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Summer update






Hello all.

Hope your summer is going well. How are chops? Do your valves move?

My summer has been crazy (I know, nothing new). It was supposed to be a quite few weeks from the end of school to mid-June. WRONG. The next studio party we will have, you will not recognize the place. The barn is gone! Shepherd Fire Department came out and did a practice burn on it (see attached photo). The flames were about 4 stories tall and could be seen for miles around. The next day, nothing left. We are trying to find a contractor to bury what little foundation is left. We are going to take that section and just put grass there with a big fire pit. Should be fun in the fall.
We are also finding a contractor to redo the roof on the house. With the interest rates so low, we refinanced the house and have some "extra" money to put a Hunter Green steel roof on it (and maybe garage). We have had everyone contractor out from major companies to the Amish. And if there is money left over, we are going to put out a LARGE play center for the kids (the old one is gone). We currently have a 10 yard dumpster in front of the garage to get rid of all the junk that was in the barn. Eric D. came out and helped me to organize after the fire. We have a 20x10x10 foot wall of scrap metal (next to the propane tank) that is going away as well.

So as you can see, it has been pretty wild around here. And, as of June 8th, I will be away from the place until about July 1st. The family and I are taking a 3 week vacation to: Algonquin Provincial Park; Ottawa, Quebec City, Boothbay Harbor (Maine) and eventually end up at the inlaws in NH. Once back in town, I leave again for Interlochen on July 5th. So a very limited time to catch me in town. If you need me, please send me an email. With the iPhone, I have been a lot better at keeping up on the emails.

That is it for now. Be safe and I will see you soon.

Dr. Cox

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Central Foundation Audition Results

After some discussion and a unanimous agreement, there has only been one vacant seat awarded. That seat is euphonium to:
Dan Turchyn

The other two seats were not filled and auditions will be in the fall during the first week or two of class. Since these seats are still vacant, we have (as a group) decided to open the auditions to anyone who is a permanent studio member. After the second round of auditions, if a seat is still vacant, I will assume the roll as 4th performer (either euphonium or tuba). The positions available are:

Tuba - High Part
Euphonium - combination part

Congratulations to Dan Turchyn. He will be on probation (as does everybody) through the first semester. CF and I have also agreed to assign Zach VanderGraaff as a permanent member of the group. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me (at home) or email me.

Thank you,

Dr. Cox

Monday, May 4, 2009

CF Auditions

CF auditions will be held in room 155 starting at 5:00 pm.

Best of luck to those auditioning,

Dr. Cox

Friday, April 24, 2009

Recital updates

AN update on recitals for the next week (April 25-29):

Saturday, 25 April 2009:

Ben Dotson's recital (cancelled/postponed - time and date - TBA)
3:00 Brass Band - Eric Dluzniewski and Seth Tompkins - soloists - REQUIRED
6:00 Chris Fenner - Presbyterian Church - REQUIRED

Sunday, 26 April 2009:

3:00 E2T2 recital - Prebyterian Church - REQUIRED
5:00 Seth Tompkin's senior recital, Chamichian - REQUIRED

Wednesday, 29 Apil 2009:

7:00 Jim Kowalski, Bullock Creek High School - ATTENDANCE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
8:00 CMU Student Composition Recital - Euphonium solo composed by Corey Jahlas, played by Eric Dluzniewski
(this piece is 2nd to last on the recital. We should be able to hear Jim's recital - about 20 minutes away, and
then make it back for Corey's work) - ATTENDANCE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

SCALES DAY!!!

Scale day - TODAY - room 230.

No absences, no excuses, no wrong notes.

See you then,

Dr. Cox

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Self-prepared work for juries is available

200 and 300 level self-prepared work is now hanging on my bulletin board. Please stop by and take one.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Jury Sheets Are Now Up

Freshmen and Sophomores,
The jury sign-up sheets are now on Dr. Lindahl's door:

Mon (5/4/09) -Tue (5/5/09)
Room 155
10-12 and 1-3

Please sign up SOOOOON! The times go fast. Make sure to check your final's schedule so you don't sign up for a time that is already committed to another class.

Dr. Cox

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Recitals for the remainder of the semester

Here are the studio member's recitals for the remainder of the semester:

April 14th
- 11:00 am - Katheren Rollins - Brass Area (Staples)
April 19th
- 3:00 pm - Ashley Biermann (Chamichian)

April 25th
- 12:00 pm - Ben Dotson (Presbyterian Church - 1250 Watson Dr, Mt. Pleasant)
- 6:00 pm - Chris Fenner (Presbyterian Church)

April 26th
- 3:00 pm - E2T2 (Presbyterian Church - 1250 Watson Dr, Mt. Pleasant)
- 5:00 pm - Seth Tompkins (Chamichian)


April 29th
- 7:00 pm - Jim Kowalski (Bullock Creek High School - 1420 S. Badour Rd, Midland)

Monday, April 6, 2009

Reminder - No lessons today

No lessons for Monday, 6 April 2009. Those who have lessons will be taught on Friday, 10 April.

AND, since I am not teaching today, it would be a GOOD time for people to stop by just about any time today and browse for summer music options. The only thing I ask is not to hang around and chat. I really need to be focused on the Falcone stuff.

Thanks,
Dr. Cox

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Studio Recital TODAY

Studio,
Several things to announce -

1) Studio recital today - Chamichian- 7:00 pm - MANDATORY.
2) Trombone Ensemble Concert - Today - 3:00 pm (please help support the trombone studio).
3) Monday Lessons - due to the amount of Falcone CDs I have to work with over the next few days, I will need to move ALL Monday lessons to Friday, 10th April - same time as the Monday lessons.
4) Jury Scale Requirements are now on the studio web page. Here is the link:
http://mctuba.com/studio/jury/juryinfo.php

See you tonight,

Dr. Cox

Monday, March 30, 2009

Studio Class - 3.31.09

Studio for 31 March 2009 is in room 231. The performers will be:
Dan Turchyn
Ben Dotsen

Tuba players - FYI - The BIG Denis Wick tuba mute has arrived!!! I will etch "CMU" on it and get it down to the tuba room tomorrow (Tuesday). Also, the Balu mute came in. This mute will stay in my office. If you would like to try it, come by and sign it out for the day. But for now, I want it returned before I leave for the day. It is a very fragile mute (compared to the metal ones).

Also - THANKS FOR THE ALL THE HELP YESTERDAY!!! It is so nice to finally have the barn walls off my neighbor's property. And, it was fun working with all of you. Danielle - did you take the field mouse home with you for a pet???

Dr. Cox

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Barn Razing II

Though it has turned cold and wet, it still looks like we can take care of the barn today - 3:00. IF it takes a major turn for the worse, I will post an email by 2:00 pm. If it looks like it is still "doable," then NO email.

Thanks everyone and dress warm.

ALSO - come hungry, we will have food (still trying to decide between pizza or lasagna).

Dr. Cox

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Barn Razing

Studio -
Those that would like to help (and get paid) move the sections of the barn back onto my property, here is the info:

3:00 pm
Sunday, 29 March 2009
About an hour
8-10 people
$20 per person

Please let me know if you are interested. We will do it rain or shine (unless really cold, snow or lightning). If I need to cancel it, I will send out an email through the blog. Dress appropriately. You might want to wear boots if you have them. I have work gloves.

Thanks in advance,

Dr. Cox

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Central Foundation and E2T2 Recital - Tonight

Studio,
Just a reminder that the Central Foundation and E2T2 concert is tonight (Sunday, 22 March 2009) in Staples Family Recital Hall at 8:00 pm. Attendance is MANDATORY. See you there,

Dr. Cox

Monday, March 16, 2009

Studio Class - 17 March 2009

Studio class will be in the conference room, yes, the conference room for Tuesday. No instrument or mouthpiece. Two lectures, one from me on recital hearings at CMU and one from Eric and Seth - auditioning for graduate schools. The conference room is next to the mailboxes and elevator. Please enter from the hallway, not the main office.

Thanks,

Dr. Cox

Monday, March 2, 2009

Studio Class 3.3.09

Studio,
Please bring your instruments to studio tomorrow (Tuesday). We will be in room 230.

Thanks,

Dr. Cox

Friday, February 27, 2009

Jessica Parij's Recital

Don't forget that Jessica's recital is this weekend.

Date: 28 February 2009
Time: 1:oo pm
Location: Chamichian

REQUIRED!

See you there.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Roger Bobo Solo Mouthpiece

Studio,
Since the studio's Roger Bobo Solo tuba mouthpiece went missing a while ago (somebody borrowed it, never signed it out, and subsequently never returned it), I took some of the studio budget and purchased a new one. It is now available for your use.

Dr. Cox

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Studio 19 February 2009

Studio is in room 230 on 19 February 2009. We will be watching "The Breathing Gym."

Thank you,

Dr. Cox

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Lessons for Monday, 16 February

Due to the lovely bug that has been going around, Dr. Cox will not be in tomorrow. Lessons will hopefully be made up on Friday, 20 February. Sorry, and for those that are also sick, please get to a doctor. It doesn't seem to want to leave on its own accord.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Studio for 12 February 2009

Studio class will be in Room 230 for 12 February 2009.

Dr. Cox

Monday, February 9, 2009

Studio Class Change

Studio Class for 10 February has been changed. We will be in Room 231 - WITHOUT - instruments. Those that were to play tomorrow will now play on Thursday. We will be watching Dr. White (Kennen) do a SmartMusic demonstration that I found to be fascinating. Again, no instruments - but paper and pencil for notes would be appropriate.

Dr. Cox

Monday, February 2, 2009

Studio Recital

Studio Recital date for Spring 2009 is now set:

Sunday, April 5th at 7:00 pm in Chamichian.

Mark it in your calendars.

Thanks,

Dr. Cox

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Studio Class - 27 January 2009

Announcements are up and running again.

Studio class is in Room 156 on Tuesday, 27 Jan. 2009.

Performers are:
Chelsea Gelisse
Jim Kowalski
Corey Jahlas


Thanks,


Dr. Cox