Recalling IWBC 2010
The 2010 International Women’s Brass Conference was one of my year’s highlights.
It was a privilege and honor to be invited as one of the official accompanist for the 2010 IWBC held in Toronto, Canada by the gracious hosts at Humber College.
The International Women’s Brass Conference (founded in 1990 by former principal trumpet, Susan Slaughter) aims to educate, develop, support & inspire all women brass musicians and organized its 6th conference this year.
William Hess (and friend): Grand Prize Winner
The conference featured many talented and internationally renowned solo brass artists, ensembles and bands. Solo brass competitors also gathered to compete for the prestigious Susan Slaughter Solo Brass Competition. I had the best of time learning up the competition pieces to collaborate and accompany some of the competitors, including William Hess (euphonium) of the Fountain City Brass. William executed his competition pieces with flair and mature musicianship – and grabbed the Grand Prize for his category!
It was a pleasure to work with the organizers and volunteers at the IWBC and Humber College. It was obvious that every individual was giving their best to make the Conference a success.
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Members of the Bella Tromba with Julie Angelis (percussionist) on my left
One of the highlights of being involved in conferences like these is the opportunity to collaborate and perform with excellent musicians. SymbiosisDuo (for which I am accompanist) performed two brief programs at the IWBC. I was also invited to collaborate with the youthful and talented Bella Tromba from across the pond in Britain. We performed the Khaldis by Hovhaness, the Op.91 Concerto for Piano, 4 Trumpets and Percussion in one of the evening concerts at the conference – a true treat to tackle!
Premiering new works is always fun. We have a chance to introduce a new musical masterpiece to excited listeners. Together with Lin Foulk and Deanna Swoboda (hosts of the 2012 IWBC in Michigan), we premiered Canadian composer Elizabeth Raum‘s new work, Color Code. The 3-movement work for horn, tuba and piano depicts colors: Clash of Gold and Silver, Shifting and Shimmering Shades of Violet and Grey, and Champagne and Chocolate. VERY accessible for the collaborative pianist and certainly fun to perform!
With composer Elizabeth Raum, together with Lin Foulk and Deanna Swoboda
The 2012 International Women’s Brass Conference will be held at the Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I can’t wait to be a part of this gig again!
View more photos of the 2010 IWBC here