Precious Lord, Take My Hand by Dwight Calvin Watson Jr

Precious Lord, Take My Hand by Dwight Calvin Watson Jr

Ok folks. This is a run through to see if I can record my own music and post it on my blog. Let me know if you're able to hear it. It's not my most polished work, just a test piece.

Introducing... THE MARCHING RAVENS!!!

So... I passed my audition, and now am a Trombone Player with Baltimore's Marching Ravens! I feel that this is a really great opportunity to play and have fun at the same time. My first rehearsal started as soon as the audition was over, and I had a great time. My first performance with the band will be Sunday, August 5th at the Howard County Fair in Maryland. My first football game at M&T Bank Stadium will be on Friday, August 17th as the Ravens take on the Detroit Lions. I can't wait to get this marching season going! Look for me on TV!

I also have to say that I think it's really neat that I will be able to march in a marching band in high school, college, and the NFL. I would have never thought that back when I first picked up my trombone in 1994. Of course, the Ravens were the Cleveland Browns in 1994, and I had not heard of the Baltimore Colts Band, the forerunner to today's Marching Ravens, so I had no way of knowing that this would one day be a reality. Learn about the Baltimore Colts Band and it's history by checking out the ESPN 30 for 30 series episode entitled "The Band That Wouldn't Die."I downloaded a copy from iTunes, and watching that documentary led me to want to be a part of this organization's history. The band also has an exhibit in the Baltimore Sports Legends at Camden Yards Museum, which includes all of the band's uniforms from the first bands to the current day.

I'll be sure to keep you up to date on all these wonderful adventures. Check back the week after each Raven's home game to see how things are going. And as always, thanks for checking in!

The Shark is BACK!

Wow! It's been a long time since I have blogged. My life has changed quite a bit, and my music has well... sort of died off. However, I have found my way back into my blog, and, back into music. So... here's the latest.

Tomorrow I will be auditioning for a Marching Band. That's right; 11 years after marching with the Fire of the Carolinas, I'm crazy enough to try it again. If I make it, I'll give you the full details!

Another note: I have finally been able to visit the music store where we purchased Thunderbone II at: Bill's Music! What a music store. Probably the largest I have ever seen... and with tons of used trombones and other wind instruments. The story here is that we ordered the instrument sight unseen from a store in Baltimore, Maryland in 1996 at the suggestion of my second cousin, Pam, who still lives in the Charm City. At any rate, I found the store the other week, and I have to say it was a little sweet to finally see that place.

However, TBII won't be coming with me on this audition. The band has a sponsorship which includes all brass and percussion instruments. I just need to bring my mouthpiece and my music stand. Like I said, I;ll give you all the details after the event occurs!