I get by with a little help from my friends

Julie Ciurleo is a forever friend and colleague who is game for anything. When she reviewed the music to the Strayhorn piece along with a recording, she simply remarked "OK this is weird."   Then she dug into it.  A perfect balance to this tune is the one she plays later in the program, "Remembrances."

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My beloved spouse of many decades, Dave Schmalenberger, is playing percussion.  Our 4-bedroom house has no kids and only one room with horn stuff. That leaves plenty of room for drum gear, including the basement Drum Lair.  In it we found all sorts of things to contribute to "Soundings."   Dave contributed creative and moral support throughout the creation of this recital. 

 

Melissa Stoudt joined the Swing Sisterhood Jazz Big Band on sax. Then she brought her flute to a rehearsal and wowwww. She made Mary Lou Williams' Music For Peace really swing! Whenever I've hosted sessions to make music out of "stuff" Melissa shows up - and with her own stuff made into instruments! 

 

I heard tell about a cellist in Northfield, Martha Larson, who used guitar pedals. Plus she was an engineer with a focus on Sustainability. Naturally, I had to track her down and beg to be her pal.  We have encouraged each other to buy more gear ever since! Check out her Hot Spot Music space or the BadMama group!

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Maybe you have heard Stephanie Wieseler live around town, but she has also toured with Bon Iver and played at Coachella, Montreaux Jazz, and more. Check out her sound with the group The Society of Chemists. Only recently did I discover her piano and composing chops, and I barely explained the Sadie Carr piece before she said "I'm in"

 

Samantha Hogan' s imagination knows no bounds. She is a composer by trade and also a trombonist. On this recital, she is playing quartz crystal "singing bowls" on the new piece by Sadie Carr.  I consulted her about the piece and I also solicited her input on "Soundings" because  collaborative composition on this level is both exciting and terrifying. I'm so glad Sam is on board!

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Gregg Ciurleo is a percussionist and bassist, and a lucky fella to be married to Julie (just ask her!). When he's not gigging at church or the Duluth Playhouse, he produces hit radio shows for Rocko Aspaerosol, singer-songwriter and soothsayer to the stars.

 

Gina Goettl is a horn goddess. She can play anything.  And she does, as an active freelance musician in the Cities. Gina is a founding member of the Pavia Winds, a professional wind quintet whose ambitious programming sets a standard of excellence.  Gina and I have great fun on gigs because we sound awesome together. Plus it's nice to work with a kindred spirit in the biz

 

Another fabulous horn player, Kim Allmann, specializes on low horn.  Where I try to pass playing low notes, Kim is the real thing! Her camaraderie is boosts my confidence, and we always enjoy making light of the "biz games" going on around us at jobs. Kim is a terrific horn teacher too, and I just might work up the courage to ask her for a lesson on low notes.

 

Emily Helland is a powerhouse of a person whose tenacity to pursue her goals turns obstacles into opportunities. So naturally, she's a horn player. She's also a senior data engineer at CHS agribusiness, and a faculty in data science at St. Thomas. 

 

 Alex Henton is the professor of horn at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and Gustavus Adolphus University. His magnificent sound, amazing range, and incredible technical expertise are matched by his equally wonderful personality. And he's a dog person.  Yay!

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Not that I'm biased, but my horn students here at St. Thomas are the best. Three who are joining the horn ensemble today are Karli Sletteland, Nathan, Hazen, and Nicholas Mancl.