THE HARVEY PHILLIPS NORTHWEST “BIG BRASS” BASH XVII

The weekend of July 12th and 13th, 2003, marked another successful Harvey Phillips Northwest “Big Brass” Bash. It was hosted by the University of Puget Sound School of Music in Tacoma, Washington, Keith Ward, Director, for the third time in the 17 year history of the Bash. Ron Munson and Sam Blumenthal shared in the organizational duties. Featured guests this year were Deanna Swoboda, Gail Robertson, and of course Harvey Phillips for whom the event is named. Harvey continues to give much in spirit and support to this event and continues to offer new ideas for expanding the effect of BBb in the greater northwest.

The format for the event remains the same and is heavily centered on participation by all attendees. Three massed tuba ensemble rehearsals took place over the two day festival in which the youngest and least experienced to the most seasoned professionals sat side by side making music together. A nucleus of 50 regular attendees continue to strengthen the ensemble and it sounds better every year. The Sunday outdoor concert in the park was rained out for the first time in the history of BBb. Normally by the second week in July, the Greater Seattle Area experiences beautiful clear weather that lasts well into October. This did not stop the final concert from happening, however, as it took place in Schneebeck Concert Hall in the School of Music at The University of Puget Sound. Because decisions were made quickly, it was possible to set the hall for the 111 performing tuba and euphonium players in attendance. A volunteer crew of participants made the stage set up a smooth and quick event. The audience was fairly large as many parents and friends of participants got the word quickly and others saw the signs about the relocation of the concert at the park early enough to be able to get back to the university. Conductors for the event were Sam Blumenthal, Gary Gillett, Keating Johnson, and Torrey Lawrence. Announcers were John Huenink and Gary Gillett. Their continual funny and creative comments were entertaining for all. Two regular groups, The Oregon Tuba Ensemble conducted by Jeff Turay, and the Astoria Tuba Quartet were also featured on this program.

The Keating Johnson Young Artists Recital features future stars and amateurs. twelve year old tubist Chase Hovland from Fife, Washington made his debut solo appearance. The second half of this recital was opened by twelve year old Emma Day, euphonium, of Puyallup, Washington. This was her second solo appearance in as many years. High school sophomores to be, tubists Connor Day, and AJ Warr from Puyallup, were joined by other fine high school soloists Alison Boguski, euphonium, of Bellevue, Washington, tubist Nathan Lee of the Seattle Youth Symphony, Evan Lewis, euphonium, of Puyallup, and Kyle Gillett, tuba of Missoula, Montana. College performers included tubist Cheryl Budisch of The University of Puget Sound and the Boise State University Tuba/Euphonium Quartet. Members of the quartet were: Mike Gerritsen and Mary Baker, euphoniums, and Josh Calkin and Doug Whitten, tubas. Adult tubists Golden Lund and Mark Wiseman both of Sammamish, Washington rounded out the recital.

The evening John F. Baker Founder’s Recital features the guest artists and the top professional players in attendance. This recital was as strong as we have ever had. The two guest artists, Gail Robertson, euphonium, and Deanna Swoboda, tuba, each gave exceptional performances that delighted the participants and audience. They were joined by HPNWBBb board members Michael Fischer, tuba, Boise State University, Jason Gilliam, euphonium, The Tacoma Concert Band, Michael Grose, tuba, University of Oregon, and Keating Johnson, tuba, Washington State University. The final piece on the program was presented by an octet of players. Gail Robertson, Jason Gilliam, Terry Paananen, Gary Gillett, euphoniums, Deanna Swoboda, Michael Grose, Keating Johnson and Torrey Lawrence, tubas. This ensemble piece is an arrangement by Gail Robertson of many pieces that are a part of the life of Harvey Phillips specially written for the thirtieth birthday of I.T.E.A. and for the celebration of Harvey Phillips at IU on May 31st. The evening recital was followed by the traditional ice cream party for all participants.

Special mention again goes for Kim Russ, our Piano Artist in Residence for the Bash. Her day on Saturday consists of rehearsals with each performer from both recitals which takes up most of the time prior to the two recitals in the late afternoon and evening. Her performances continue to be brilliant and her ability to work with the youngest participants as well as the seasoned professional is most outstanding.

Clinics presented by Deanna Swoboda on Saturday and Gail Robertson on Sunday, rounded out the two day event. Deanna led the group in several relaxation exercises stressing breathing and breath control. She also discussed the importance of being involved as an active member of local music communities and how it makes a difference. She performed two movements from “Effie” with Robin Blumenthal, marimba and a segment of her “Brass Rap” show which is a must for all public school teachers.

Gail Robertson presented a workshop on arranging for tuba ensemble. She was assisted by Jason Gilliam, euphonium, Deanna Swoboda and Torrey Lawrence, tubas. By the looks on the faces of her assistants, they were enjoying their chance to play together and perform Gail’s arrangements. Both of these presentations were very well done and received enthusiastically by the participants.