For Amber Waves...

The brushed aluminum sculptures on the bridge over the Arkansas River (here pronounced ArKANSAS!) suggest curved, swaying stalks of wheat.  This was the view each morning from my room in the Wichita Hyatt while there for the Kansas Choral Directors Association All-State Middle Level Choir.  It was a whirlwind single day of rehearsal with 160 7th, 8th and 9th graders who sang a strong and confident concert at the end of the afternoon.  Brava to Deb Hill, who was the coordinator of the event and all involved in its success.

My SUN MOON STARS RAIN and SPIRITUAL MUSICK were part of the program that included Aaron Copland, Dan Davison, Patricia Runkle and Rollo Dillworth.  The Treble Honor Choir also performed ALL THY GIFTS OF LOVE as part of their beautifully sung program, conducted by Heather Potter.

It was great to reconnect with Gretchen Harrison, National ACDA R&S chair for Jr. High/Middle School, old friend Diane Lewis of Northwestern days, and Charlie and Jodie Forsyth from the years I was tour director and conductor of the Florida Ambassadors of Music.