Texas French Horn All-State Material 2012-13

Here it is:

And here they are:

Etude 1: #21 - the accuracy one

Etude 2: #46 - the slow and lyrical one

Etude 3: #38 - the fast and technical one

At the top of this post you'll find recommendations for tempos. Some of you out there may have the Kopprasch book or will get legit copies of this from your high schools. But for those who want them now... here they are. Just right click (or ctrl click) and save to your computer. Print 'em out and practice them up! 

If you want lessons, send me an email, message on facebook, text, or call. Check out my Lessons page to see what days I'm teaching in your area. Or you can always come to me in Dallas!

In awhile I might stick up recorded portions and suggestions on how to approach the etudes. So stay tuned.

All State Audition Material...

All State etudes for high school will be posted July 19th, just over a week away!

Go here for specific information. Right now you can find out what books selections will be made from.

And straight from the horse's mouth...

All the All State material is from the Kopprasch book this year! 

We're in for super technical-focused year.

4th!

Happy Fourth of July! 2012! Woo!

Currently I'm sitting in an airport awaiting to travel with my family. I had forgotten today is our Independence Day - so much rushing around lately. 

I feel tempted to do a long sappy post about how much I love my country. Battery depletion and lack of time prevents me, but I will give a quick thought: 

I've always admired people who are their own bosses. There are a few people I look at regularly for inspiration, and to keep this short I'll name a couple. 

My Dad... he started his business Omega about 20 years ago in our living room. This year he's opened up a fully refurbished building. He is successful, has many clients, and is still going strong. From so little he began. He has traveled a long way. 

Dad and his faithful crew!

Sherri and Max Bemis (of bands Eisley and Say Anything)... they don't exactly have a business together (unless you count being married). But each of them have begun small side businesses profiting on their personal strengths. Sherri is a brilliant artist and she runs her site when she's not touring - selling prints of her work. (www.sherrisink.com/) Her husband Max does the same, but sells personalized songs for people who are fans of his work. (www.merchdirect.com/songshop/) They might be smaller enterprises, but I'm certain they bring in a nice income from things they love to do in their free time. 

Jeremy and Elsie Larson. Jeremy and Elsie are fantastic entrepreneurs. Elsie runs her successful vintage shop Red Velvet, and Jeremy has his studio situated right above. The perfect setup, I think. They work hard and support each other in their careers. I know they are doing what they love, but there is a fantastic bonus in that what they do gives great gifts to people out in the world. 

My point in all of this is that America is the place you can do this stuff. We are free to pursue what we want - the work we want, the education we want, the faith and lifestyles we want. Here in America, life can be the way you dream it to be. 

I love it. Happy Independence Day America. God bless this country. I'm thankful to be an American. 

A star (Paul) and stripes! Get it?