Instrumental Workshop

Studio,
The official sheet that tells of the times and locations of ALL events for Instrumental Workshop is now hanging on the board outside of my office. If you would like either an electronic or paper copy of the schedule, please let me know.  I need you for the 9:15 am and 1:00 pm sessions. If you have class during these times, then you must go to class (unless the teacher excuses you). If you do not have class, then:

• Dress Professionally
• Be at the workshop
    - 9:15 with mouthpieces
    - 1:00 with instruments
• Help set up and break down rooms
• Introduce yourself to the students
• Be available for questions
• BE PROFESSIONAL

Through email, please let me know which sessions you can attend.

Many thanks,
Dr. Cox

Tuba/Euph dress rehearsal

Studio,
A reminder that the dress rehearsal for the T/E Ensemble concert is tonight in Staples. The downbeat is 7:00 pm. Do NOT come walking in at or after this time. BE PROFESSIONAL. When someone says that call is 7:00 pm, be there early! And, as asked by one of the new students, one does not need to dress up for this rehearsal. We will be running the entire concert twice, with touch-ups after the two run-throughs. See you in a few short hours.
Dr. Cox

Tuesday, Oct. 22

Studio.
Just an FYI. I will not be in today until 1:00 pm. Liam is running a 101 fever, so I will be staying home with him until then. Yes, lessons will be on today as usual. I have already listened to the Monday people play their T/E ensemble music, so make sure the rest of you bring your music to your lesson. It has been taking the entire 50 minutes to spot-check the music (aka - recital hearing style of checking).

As for T/E ensemble rehearsal, it is Joey Woolcox and Jimmy Tyner's time at the podium. Please treat them with respect, keeping quiet and giving it your all.

Noah, you are needed at the 4:00 Chamber Winds rehearsal. And yes, I found the music mixed in with a bunch of solos. Stop by sometime after 1:00 pm to pick it up.

Thanks, Dr. Cox

Studio Class - Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Good morning, everyone!

As to studio today, yes, we will have it. No, you do not need instruments. We have another masterclass to attend. This time by the principal and bass trombonists of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. We will meet in Staples (again) at 11:00 am. The principal trombonist, Ken Thompkins, will hold his masterclass from 11:00am-12:00 pm. Then, Randy Hawes, bass trombonist (and CMU alum) will hold his masterclass from 12:00- 1:00 pm. You are REQUIRED to be at the 11-12 (Ken Thompkins) masterclass, and STRONGLY SUGGESTED to be at the 12-1 masterclass with Randy.

Also, don't forget that the concert at 8:00 pm tonight is also MANDATORY! It also counts as one of your Master Artist series concerts that we are requiring all students to attend.

On a side note, this morning, Sarah and I start off the day being interviewed (at 7:30 am!) by WCMU (a pre-recorded interview for broadcast on another day) about my ArtPrize entry. I'll let you know when they are going to air it.

One final note. Brett Bulka and Greg Lubbers, I need to move your lessons. Dr. Maurtua asked me late last week if I could coach the orchestral winds today (he has to be out of town). Let's talk this morning at the master class. I will also need to talk Keera, Jimmy and Josh about make-up lessons as well.

Thanks and see you all at 11:00 am in Staples.

Dr. Cox

Studio Class cancellation (9/12/13)

Studio,
Due to a faculty meeting at 11:00 am, with the president of the university attending it, I can't get away for our tuba/euph studio class/ensemble rehearsal. So, NO studio today - enjoy. BUT, don't forget about the 1:30 Al Vizutti masterclass tomorrow (Friday) - MANDATORY!

Thanks,
Dr. Cox

New Central Foundation Personnel

Congratulations to all of you who auditioned tonight for the open tuba and euphonium spots in Central Foundation. As to the two new probationary members of the group:
    - Euphonium: Greg Lubbers
    - Tuba: Josh Wilson

Everybody made me very proud tonight. All the auditioners stepped up and made the decisions very difficult!

Thanks,
Dr. Cox

CF Auditions and ITEC info

Good morning, everyone.

A couple of quick items:

1. CF auditions.
     I have not heard from anyone that tonight would be impossible for the CF auditions. We will start the auditions at 7:20 pm in room 231. I have assigned times for auditions (see below). If you do NOT want to audition (changed your mind), please let me know. If I have FORGOTTEN anyone, again, please let me know. And, if you have a time that you can't make, please switch with someone else. Here are the audition times:
     - 7:20: Sam Howell
     - 7:30: Keera Allen
     - 7:40 Katie Wiley
     - 7:50 Greg Lubbers
     - 8:00 Aurther Kimmons
     - 8:10 Joey Woolcox
     - 8:20 Mike Woodman

     - 8:30: Final discussion and decision making

Here is what you will need:
   - YOUR audition music
   - a 2 minute lecture on the history of your instrument
   - be ready for some sight-reading

And, as a reminder of protocol, CF members DO have the option NOT to fill a seat. IF this happens, then I rejoin the group as the fourth member. Do I want to do this, NO. Though, that is how CF originally started - 3 students and myself back in 1995.

2. ITEC 2014
  This year's ITEC is being held at Indiana University - a WHOLE lot closer than the last time - Austria. The music audition lists for this even are out and on the ITEA website. I have also printed the lists and put them on my bulletin board. There are a number of pieces that are identical to the Falcone list,. So, if you are going to audition for one, you should audition for the other as well.

3. Correct lesson sign-up times
 There are several of you who are signed up for the incorrect lesson time (amount).  Here is how it works:
   - If you want a 1/2 lesson, you sign up for the "A" category. Ex. 177A
   - If you want an hour lesson, or are a performance major and need the 4 credit (still one hour) lesson, then you need to sign up for the "B" or "C" category. Ex: 378B or 378C

There are three of you (at least) that are signed up for "A" lessons - 1/2 hour, and are signed up for an hour on my list. If this is not corrected with a bump card by the end of the week, I will be forced to switch your lesson time to a 1/2 hour. Here are the ones that have been brought to my attention so far:
    - Josh Razminas - signed up for 177A when it should be 177B
    - Brett Bulka - signed up for 178A when it should be 178B
    - Joey Woolcox - signed up for 378A when it should be 378B

Not signed up for lessons (yet):
    - Josh Wilson (it should be 378B if you want 1 hour lessons)

If you don't want one hour lessons, then just let me know and I will make the switch on the schedule. If you do want the hour lesson, then get a bump card going - TODAY. The university is really putting the pressure on us to get these things straightened out.

Also, if you need a credit to help you to stay full time, don't forget that you can sign up for MUS281, other know as chamber ensemble. This includes: Tuba and Euphonium ensemble, Central Foundation. quintets, quartets, small chamber ensembles, etc, are coached or conducted by a CMU professor.

4. Al Vizutti masterclass. As a gentle reminder, Al Vizutti will be giving a masterclass that is MANDATORY to attend. The info (time and date) are on the masterclass sheet that I handed out to you two weeks ago. If there is a class conflict, please set it up with the teacher that you need to miss the class. If I need to write the teacher, please let me know ASAP. A number of teachers do not mind students missing their class if another teacher writes an 'excuse' email.

Thanks,
Dr. Cox

CF Auditions et. al.

Good morning, studio.
I hope you had a restful Labor Day. The next break we will get is Thanksgiving. So, buckle up, heads down, and full steam ahead!

First of all, congrats to the Marching Band for a wonderful performance at the U of M game. And THANK YOU ALL for acting so professional throughout the day. That made me proudest of all. Even when the game was going, well, not so well, you all were at your best. And from the moment I got to the music building in the morning until I left when we got back at almost midnight, there wasn't a moment that I wasn't proud of being a Chippewa because of how you handled yourselves. CONGRATS!

Second, Central Foundation auditions. I WAS going to hold the auditions this week. After taking a little time to think about it, I want to have the auditions NEXT week. The euphoniums have band auditions today, so they will not have had as much quality time on the music as the tubas have had (yes, you've all had the same amount of time, but euphs have had to spend time on their audition music for Williamson). Once I talk with the current CF members about a date, I will get back to the rest of you. Here is the FINAL items needed for your audition (in this order):
     - All Major Scales (2 octaves)
     - Prepared CF music - to be performed with CF
     - 2 minute lecture on the history of your instrument
     - Sightreading with CF

Third, we ARE having Tuba/Euph ensemble rehearsal today at 11:00 am. BRING YOUR INSTRUMENT and be ready to play.

See you in a couple of hours.

Dr. Cox

Missing BBb tuba found!

After digging through a number of school tuba cases, I found the missing BBb Mirafone tuba. It was in the wrong case! All is good. Thanks for keeping a lookout for it.

Dr. Cox

1st Week of 2013

Hello all and WELCOME BACK!
This will be the first of many announcements for the 2013-2014 year. I'd like to first welcome our new colleagues:

     Freshmen Euphonium: Josh Razminas and Zoey Johnson
     Freshmen Tuba: Ciarra Birman and Brett Bulka
     Graduate Tuba: Aurther Kimmons

- 2nd order of business. For the first time in 18+ years, we will not be having lessons the first week of school. Instead, I will be scheduling a TON of meetings with all of you, getting the semester and year organized. Here are a few things I need to get organized:
 - Seniors conducting T/E ensemble
 - CF auditions - who wants to audition, which seats are open, when do we have the auditions, etc.
 - New student meeting
 - Who has which CMU instrument
 - Who is signed up for incorrect lessons through the school (ex. 178A for a 2 credit tuba lesson. It should be 178B for those lessons).
 - etc.

As to who is playing which instrument, I appear to be missing a BBb Mirafone tuba. I have the case in the tuba room, but no instrument. Who is playing a 4valve BBb (not the 5 valve CC) MIRAFONE CMU tuba? To answer this, please send me a PRIVATE email, do NOT respond to this announcement.

We WILL have a studio party sometime in the next couple of weeks at my house. That is one of the questions I need to get answered at the meetings.

Here is how I the first couple of days are going to go:
 - Monday (8/26/13) - I will not be in the office (a commitment off campus for the day)
 - Tuesday (8/27/13) - Studio class WILL meet, but without the freshmen. Freshmen, you have a meeting in Chamichian Hall at that time (11:00 am) .
 - Wed-Fri - meetings, meetings, meetings.

Freshmen, please drop off a copy of your weekly schedule to me by Tuesday morning. I will use these to schedule your meetings. If I am not there, just pin it to the bulletin board next to my door.

If you need me, I will be home tonight AFTER the marching band show at the stadium. I will be there taking pictures for Dr. Batcheller (I'll probably get home sometime after 7:00 pm). If you need something, please give me a call. My phone number is: 989.828.6481.

I REALLY am looking forward to seeing everyone. I hope you got some rest over the summer. It is going to get busy, fast!

Dr. Cox

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Studio Recital

Studio,
Just a quick reminder about the studio recital. There has been some confusion as to the time and day, so here are the specs:

- 5:00 pm
- Saturday, 27 April 2013
- First Presbyterian Church (1250 Watson Rd.)


I will be there probably around 4:15. That should give those who have never played in the sanctuary a few minutes to get the feel for it.

This is a MANDATORY recital.

See you there.
Dr. Cox

EMERGENCY

Studio,
I need John Steven's "Triumph of the Demon Gods" back ASAP. I will be playing this at my father's memorial service on Monday and need a couple of days to get it ready. If you have it, please put it by tomorrow NOON on my bulletin board. I will be in tomorrow morning judging Youth Arts Solo festival. Many thanks.

Dr. Cox

Scale Day is HERE!

Good morning, everyone!
     Don't forget, today is scale day. NO ONE is excused from today! This includes me. I have a faculty meeting that I am supposed to attend, but will not. And remember, to get off the "hot seat," at the end, you must play any scale: 2 octaves, correct tempo, perfectly! Choose wisely.

See you soon,
Dr. Cox

Studio Class Presenters

Just a reminder,
I hope you all had a restful and not very productive Today's concerto presenters are: Michael Woodman, Katie Wiley and Neslon Cast. We are in room 231 and need to start promptly at 11:00 am. I will hopefully have the complete presentation list for the rest of the semester typed out and ready to hand to all of you at this studio class. See you soon.


Dr. Cox

No studio due to bad weather

Hello all.
Due to bad weather, it looks like I can't get in to school today. So, once again, no studio today. I'm really sorry about this. Hopefully Wednesday's class will come off.

Dr. Cox

Studio,

Due to a number of minor issues, we will not be having studio today - Wednesday, 23 January 2013.

Thank you,

Dr. Cox

Hello, all.

Tomorrow we will NOT have studio (again). I have an Area meeting and need to be at it. I guess that means our first studio class will be this Wednesday (1/16). I need THREE (3) people to play for the class. Email me at my cox1ms@cmich account if you want to play (don't respond to this email). And as far as me being in tomorrow, the rest of the day I will be home working on a project that is due this Tuesday. If you need something, please give me a call at home.

Have a great day,

Dr. Cox

Start of Spring 2013

Good morning everyone!

I hope your winter break went well and that you are ready to go for a full semester of performing, teaching, learning and hopefully having a good time through all (or at least most) of the time. OK, now down to business.

1. No studio class this week. Yes, you have Monday and Wednesday this week off. I am trying to get the concerto project in place and need to figure out when and where everybody will need to present their topic. Once that is in place, then I will ask for people to sign up for the remaining weeks to perform for studio class.

2. Honor Brass Quintets. OK, this is where I show that I am human and made a mistake. At the end of last semester, the brass faculty decided to put together an Honors Brass Quintet. Yes, any of you can audition for it - tuba or euphonium. If a euphonium player wins, they will be reading the tuba parts (only). We will work on octave displacements, low range tuning, etc. It slipped my mind to send out an email because a number of you were talking about it after Dr. Lindahl sent out the "official" announcement. The BAD news. The audition is next Wednesday evening (Jan. 16).  Here is the official announcement that was sent out (in case you missed it):

"CMU School of Music Brass Area Announces Auditions

Beginning in the Spring of 2013 the Brass Faculty will formulate and coach two Honors Brass Quintets.  One quintet will be made up of freshmen and the other will be open to any level music major.

Auditions will be held Wednesday evening January 16 beginning at 7 PM.

The audition will consist of one prepared quintet piece, and some sight-reading. Students will audition in a group setting, not individually. Faculty will mix and match the group during the audition, providing all interested students with the opportunity to play some or all of the prepared piece, plus sight-read with the group.

            Instrumentation for each group will consist of: 2 trumpets, 1 horn, 1 trombone, and either euphonium or tuba.

            Audition music and a sign-up will be available during the first week of classes in January.  Please inform your teacher if you wish to do this.

            The two quintets will be expected to rehearse twice a week, and each quintet will receive coachings from the Brass Faculty. There will be an end of semester performance for each group."

__________

If you are interested, please stop by the office and let me know.

3. Don't forget, the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids starts on Jan 17th. If you have not gone to the conference, it is well worth your money and time to attend.

4. Required recitals. I will have my bi-annual list of required concerts to you by the end of the week. Until then, if a concert FEATURES a BRASS player, just assume that it is required.

I believe that is it for now. I will be in and out of my office all day today, so if you need something, please stop by.

Thanks,

Dr. Cox