Catch up's

Since I've been back from Israel it's been very busy which is opposite of what I wanted for this season and yet very grateful for it all. God provides! Brief explanations on some of these. 

One of the things that was hard for me while working at MSU was to take my own gigs. Summertime was much easier to do that because it became more of an 8-5 job for me. My playing took a big hit despite having a lot of inspiration around me. So I've had a very busy couple of weeks. 

I'm able to  work again with my Byron Center and West Ottawa families which I'm so grateful for and so proud of both of the work they are doing. Covid has done a number on band programs all around this country so very thankful to be able to still be a part of their programs! 

I got to play my first BWK gig with Brother Keith in KZoo on a terrible weather night!

My walks and nature are so important for me because it takes me away from everything man made and lets me focus on God! 

I was able to go see Chris Glassman's group. The band was killin' and so proud of all of them and thankful for all the relationships in that group! 

I'll probably do a separate post for Mia but God has given me a good companion for this time and even though she wouldn't admit it, was an excellent companion for Talia too! :) 

My friend Ed Spier asked me to fill in with his group the Westside Soul Surfaces and had a good time playing with them!

I'm getting a new horn!!!! it's been well over 25 years. I'm not a big gear head, but had fun going to the Chicago Suburbs to Schilke and trying out options with the new Faddis Horn and got 2 mouthpieces which have been awesome too! Thanks to Bennett Heinz for all your help! Gonna take 10 months to get the horn! 

I had fun celebrating my 2 nieces birthdays. It's unreal how fast time flies!

I had a good time taking out my Sisters to see Harry Connick Jr. It was good to also see Jimmy Greene play and to say hey to my friend Neal Caine who plays bass with Harry. I was blessed to record one of Neal's tunes with Neal on my last CD!

I said I'd never go another one of my nieces and nephews sporting events after the last one I went to. I was close to having to really make a scene because the other teams coach pretty much had every kid crying and the ref. However, swimming was pretty harmless. LOL So it was fun to see Ess swim in Spring Lake. (not the actual lake)

Then I got to relive the fun I had many moons ago, when I got to sub in TIJO. My new mouthpiece made it even more fun. That is a hard book but I made it through. The band is special because this is where I pretty much cut my teeth learning to play lead trumpet. So many friends in the band, had fun playing with a former student who brought me chocolate :) and of course one of my main influences who I owe so much to, Mr. Tim Froncek. 

​My family goes well beyond blood. My brother Alvin's family is all doing great things but one is more exposed as of late because he has been landing tv show appearances. I had fun babysitting a couple of his kids a few times but then I got to hold Kaden as an actual baby. So it was fun to see him make an appearance on Abbott Elementary! 

I think I'm going to write a separate blog on my drum family because it's such a special group and I was so happy to be able to spend a little time with him this past week. He is simply known as Hammer! He was most gracious with his time for me and I was so glad to be able to fellowship with him. Did the heart good! It was also good to see Ellen Rowe again and hear the groups! 

I had to rush back to play a tune with the Lowell HS Orchestra and my friend Joe Oprea. Joe has been a constant support to me! It was also good to see my good friend from HS Tim Haan who has been there for 32 years. They are blessed to have both of them! 

Speaking of drum brothers, Always good to share a meal with the one and only Uncle G who again was and is so supportive through everything!

I love playing with Pat Cronley. He is awesome and hires me on trumpet and drums. He is a treasure to the state but such a blessing for the Flint area! Always a pleasure. 

​And finally played with the Blue Water Kings on a last min hit. It was a great band and thankful for the friendships, source of income, and professionalism of all involved.