Indiana

The Field Band has been to some great stops in Indiana this tour. One of the more unique stages was at Madison Park Church of God in Anderson. It was the biggest church I've ever seen! A beautiful facility that hosted a great crowd.

Here is our pianist, Darren, practicing before a show.

On the road, our chamber groups continue their mission of educational outreach. My brass quintet, (known as "Brass Five + 1".... I am the "+1"), was tasked with performing for an assembly of several hundred elementary school children. It is always fun to interact with little kids. They are absolutely fascinated by the instruments and all the sounds they can make.

Carmen guides student volunteers through the fundamental makeup of all brass instruments- a long tube with a mouthpiece and a bell attached. We call these contraptions "Hose Horns."

John and Jeannie perform side by side during a quintet number.

Here is a shot of James with the pack of students in the background. This was a very fun gig!

Ohio

Spring Tour 2010 is in full swing! One of my favorite venues so far has been the Palace Theatre in Marion, OH. It is beautiful and the inside is a trip! Very unique statues and decor.

Here is one of our newest members, Patty, busting out some low grooves on the Contra-Bassoon. She is featured on a transcription of the Sorcerer's Apprentice.

Chris manages to show off a bit when he and the Colonel have an impromptu pushup contest during a pre-concert chat.

Here we are warming up onstage before the concert begins. It's been enjoyable getting to know Ohio. I never realized it was so rural- peaceful farm towns and small communities. I have yet to try Skyline Chili... maybe this Summer when we are headed back through the area.

Spring Tour 2010- Somerset, PA

The Field Band began a 33-day tour today with a concert in Somerset, Pennsylvania.

It was a great show to begin the tour because of the enthusiastic crowd. It was nice to finally perform the music we'd been rehearsing for the past few weeks.

My favorite audience member had to be the WWII vet that was wearing his old uniform to the concert! What an honor to play for veterans like him.

I didn't eat too much throughout the day, so after the concert, I was famished. There were several diners near the hotel. I went with some people to check one of them out. The waitress recommended the burgers- they have a local butcher grind the meat fresh each day. It was a great choice. Tasted very fresh and handmade, particularly when paired with sweet potato fries.

Apparently there is this stuff called Scrapple... a PA specialty where they scrape up all these leftover meat bits and char from the grill and make it into a meat-ish patty. I had to try a sample, just because it sounded so unique. I am pairing it with hot sauce in this picture. It definitely reminded me of dog food, but wasn't too bad.