I had the opportunity to make a quick trip through Colorado for a few performances and clinics in the middle of March after completing my doctoral comprehensive exams. I first performed a solo recital at Fort Lewis College, followed by a masterclass with some of the students in the percussion studio. It was great to visit Durango and work with the students at Fort Lewis. I also enjoyed visiting old friends and getting a day of skiing in!
After a couple of days in Durango, I went to Alamosa to present a clinic and a solo recital at Adams State University. In my clinic, I discussed sight reading and practicing techniques with the members of the percussion studio, including some hands-on exercises. After the recital that night, I quickly turned around the next day and drove to Denver to perform a solo recital at Denver University’s Lamont School of Music. I was able to then spend a day in Denver with my sister, brother in-law, and niece before making the trip back to Phoenix. It was a very quick trip but it was great to visit with the students at each of schools and with Jim Doyle and John Kinzie.
A week later, I was able to help contribute to the Arizona Percussive Arts Society’s Spring Day of Percussion, hosted at Arizona State University, by adjudicating their keyboard solo room with my former teacher She-e Wu. It was great to listen to middle and high school students perform and offer them feedback alongside She-e. I have enjoyed continuing to help the state chapter ever since I was the President in 2012 and 2013.