Decision for Grad School (and Summer plans)

Hello All,
Just wanted to update real quick for where I am going to graduate school. After much prayer, I have decided to attend Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. The trombone teachers there are Peter Sullivan, Rebecca Cherian, and Murray Crewe, all members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. CMU is a world-class university in a great city.
I am very excited about this new part of my life unfolding. Through much prayer, support, and patience, I believe the future is going to be very bright. God has had his hand through all of this, and honestly, it is very VERY evident that He is in control of what is happening.

For the summer, I have an exciting opportunity to travel with Tim Zimmerman and the King's Brass. The Christian professional group travels all over the country performing music ranging from Sacred to Big Band to Patriotic to Christmas music. It is an exciting yet humbling opportunity for me this summer as well as in the winter. For a tour schedule, go to their website to see if we will be in your area. The schedule is not set completely as churches and other venues are still being added.

Great times are ahead (including graduation!!) :)

From
J-man (Isaiah 40:28-31)

recap on Northwestern audition (a month later)

Hello All,
My third audition (back in February) was at the Northwestern University. And to be honest, I felt good leading up to it. Felt prepared. What helped too was my girlfriend traveled with me this time. Felt like I was able to be a little more relaxed since she came. (she's that kind of girl) :) It was a long day, particularly because they were behind schedule. When I arrived at the registration table, I found out they were an hour behind. So I went to warm-up play a little, and came back a while later to find out they were now an hour and 20 minutes behind. (this is what happens when EVERY trombonist wants to go to Northwestern). So I waited and waited. Listened to the pieces via mp3. And waited some more.
My time finally came to play and it went well. I'll be honest out of the three auditions I had, this one was the second best. I gave it all I got. You always hope for some things to be better. Many things came out the way I had hoped for them to be. In the end, I left it all in the room :) I was pleased with how I did and knew the rest would be up to God's doing.
Once I was done, I ran into a former doctoral student at the school who talked with me for a good 30-45 minutes about the school, the trombone teachers, and just how I need to study with them if possible (Michael Mulcahy and Peter Ellefson).

All in all it was a great day :) and a good audition. Be looking for a post VERY soon about my decision!!

From
J-man (Psalm 40:28-31)

recap on second grad school audition (Carnegie Mellon)

Hello All,
I apologize for not getting this post out sooner. My second grad school audition was a complete success!! I arrived in Pittsburgh the night before the audition, went to the music building, and was able to run into a friend of mine from the Masterworks Festival. We were able to talk for a good while about the school, classes, and the performing ensembles. Later that night, I was able to lay in my bed at my friend's house and relax, and gather my thoughts for the next day. I listened to one of my recorded lessons with Mr. Sullivan that I had last April. This really helped me with listening to his comments on excerpts that I would be playing the next day.

It really is a mind thing when playing. Having a different focus at CMU helped me immensely. Once I entered I felt at complete ease when playing. I was very calm while playing but yet bold and confident. Mr. Sullivan and Ms. Cherian were very complimentary on my playing. The campus, once again, was very very nice and small somewhat (compared to Maryland). It is practically right downtown, and is in a nice neighborhood right next to the University of Pittsburgh.

As I left CMU, I felt a great confidence boost in my playing in getting ready for my last audition at Northwestern. However, I did have to wait almost an entire month for Northwestern. I will post my recap about Northwestern on my blog tomorrow.

Thanks for your prayers....and keep praying!!!!

From
J-man (Isaiah 40: 28-31)

My Response to the future of the Grace School of Music

A few days ago, as I received word about the future of the Grace College School of Music and its being shut down, I began to think about the effect it would have on me and my fellow musicians. And as I met with some fellow student representatives, I began to think in my mind, "God help us...help us all." I also began to think, "We can get through this." So often, the easy thing to do would be to give up when tough obstacles come our way. And as tough obstacles come we try to avoid them or get around them. But as reality comes into view, we must face those obstacles. During the past few days, I am reminded of the fact that Jesus never gave up on me. This concept first came to my mind from a song written by the worship team at Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. Jesus has never given up on me, and He will never let me go. So, I've realized, more and more that it is my obligation and duty, in the love relationship with Jesus, to never give up on Him...to never give up on the fact that He is guiding and orchestrating my life in some way.

As I look back on my time here at Grace, it is evident that this is where God had me to be at this time in my life. I would not have been here had it been for my trombone teacher, a strong man of God. I would not have made so many great friends, and met the strongest Christian girl I know whom I am fortunate to call my girlfriend had not God place me here. And yes, it is like a family. But as I began to think, so often we have to leave our family for various reasons. But wherever we go, that family of ours is always with us. We learned from each other during our time together, and God has called us into a different season, things we've learned during the time with our family, we are able to take elsewhere and share that love of God and music.

And I can't help but think that this is what God has for us to do. To share. At certain places whether it is Grace College or Masterwork--brings us together, teaches us, and then spreads us to do His will. And we know--we KNOW--that through all of this, God will never let go of us. He has never given up on me, you, or anybody else, and he wants us to do the same, to never give up on the power that He gives us and the trust He wants from us. He wants us to believe that He CAN work through all of this for us. And as we face the present obstacle, I can't help but think that for each and every one of us, God is preparing a GREAT opportunity for us. We may not see it now. We may never see the whole picture. But he wants us to trust in him, and that He CAN get us through these difficult situations. We must trust. We must NOT give up on Him. And we MUST be open to wherever He may lead us to share with others the love of music and ultimately, His love for each and every one of us.

On opposite sides of my desk I have these two passages of Scripture that have been great encouragement to me over the years:

1) Proverbs 19:21--"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails

2) Psalm 31:14-16--"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love."

From
J-man

Recap on first grad school audition (Maryland)

Hello all,
This past weekend I went to my first audition for graduate school at U of Maryland at College Park. I drove onto the campus friday night to look around and to soak it all in. As everyone knows the school is very large. What really caught my attention first was how laid out the campus is. The performing arts complex contains three performance halls, practice rooms (obviously), and its music library is connected to the building. Beautiful facilities all around. The best part is the football stadium is directly across the street from the music complex. (yes, this will affect my decision if accepted).
I was fortunate to stay with a friend who attends Washington Bible College which is about 10 minutes from Maryland's campus. On Saturday, I had my audition at 11:00, and it went well. I was pleased with how I did (though, you always can do better). But the biggest thing was, I felt a peace with how I did because it is all in God's hands.
I had a "talk" with my Father up above the night before, and committed my playing and even the pieces all over to him. And I was reminded of one of my favorite movies, Chariots of Fire, here are some statements from it that really struck me and helped me. Here they are below:

1. You came to see a race today. To see someone win. It happened to be me. But I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it. I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe you're dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say, "Believe, have faith," in the face of life's realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, "Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me." If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.
2. I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.

I am reminded of Isaiah 40:31 which says those that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they will be lifted up with wings as Eagles... (paraphrase). This encouragement gave me confidence to know that however well I do, God knows what will be best. So, in a sense, I have nothing to worry about. I just need to do my personal best.

All in all, it was a great time at Maryland. I really really liked the school and the area. BUT there are two more auditions to go. It's gonna be hard to wait to know if I am accepted or not. But that allows time for prayer and for God's will to work in my life :)

Next stop?!? An audition this Saturday (1/23) at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Can't wait for that one either!!

From
J-man (Hebrews 13:21)

Now on Twitter

Hello All,
just letting everybody know I have twitter now. Here is my link.

Enjoy following!

From
J-man (Heb.13:21)

All in God's Hand now...and the Admissions Committees

Hello All,
Just wanted to let everyone know that I have completed and sent off my applications and supplemental materials to my chosen graduate schools--Northwestern University, University of Maryland, and Carnegie Mellon University. It is a big load off my shoulders! Now I just have to prepare for auditions which will be in January (and get ready for final exams and projects)
Everything is in God's hands now (it always has been), and I'll have to realize that for the next few months as I musically prepare and just be patient.
I would ask for your prayers these next few months as I get ready for auditions...and WAIT! pray for patience! These are exciting times!! :)

From
J-Man (Hebrews 13:21)