We made it to Porto! It was quite the drive from Lisbon...we managed it without a sweat, except the flu we all managed to get on the way there.

From December 16th-19th, the Portuguese Clarinet Association organized their International Clarinet Festival hosted by the Conservatorio de Musica in Porto. On December 19th, we had the greatest opportunity to perform a homage program featuring Eric´s music.

It was a very busy time for us! We had to cram rehearsal time, meet at odd times during the day, practice like crazy people, and at the end of the day...we did it! As much as I admire Eric´s music, it can be a big challege at times to make sure all the metric changes, multiphonics, and the small musical nuances come out just right!

This program also featured Portuguese clarinetists, Nuno Pinto, Hugo Quieros, and Marcio Pereira! They were excellent contributions to this concert and it was such an honor to perform with them.

We made a lot of new friends, sang a lot of songs, and overall had a very good time. It was very humbling to hear and see young clarinetists performing for these international aritsts at the event. It was truly a privelage to see the different concerts to feel inspired to continue to make the best music we all can...no matter where you are in your life.

Just came back from the Canary Islands! I was helping support the II Festival Internacional de Clarinete Villa de Agaete 2016! One of my great friends and clarinet pedagogue extraordinaire, Bob Spring from Arizona State University, taught a series of masterclasses and performed as a soloist with the wind ensemble. It was a very big honor to have him here!

There were exhibitions by Backun, D'addario, Buffet, and Selmer! Bob also presented a special masterclass to the students about his famous warm-up! It was also a great reminder to how much the fundamentals play such an important role in our continuing musical development.

I had the opportunity to play clarinet quartets with the faculty there.  It was amazing to perform with Bob, Javier, and Radovan. It was such a humbling and rewarding experience for me.

There were also concerts by ClariKids, led by Laura Sanchez. It was a pleasure to see her work with all the young students! Highly recommend this festival for all levels!

One of my biggest dreams was to visit Peru and Machupicchu! I never thought in my life that it would have been possible, until I was invited by one of the most gentle souls in the world, Hospina Moises, to serve as an international jury member for the V Concurso de Bandas Escolares at the Colegio de Alfonso Ugarte and to guest conduct at different schools. In addition, I was the guest conductor for the I Festival Academico de Bandas Cusco - 2016. My residency was from November 10-24, 2016.

During my residency, I taught at fifteen schools in Lima and Cusco. I also had the opportunity to guest conduct the military and police bands. With each band, I focused on their weaknesses and building upon their strengths. This balance allows students to build confidence in themselves, but also as people. Music is one of the most valuable gifts that you can give to someone. I told the band directors at the different schools how much respect and admiration I have for the work they do because it is the hardest. The compassion these teachers have for their students is addictive.

PeruBandas arranged it so that I would have a day at Machupicchu. There are no words to describe how magnificient this place is. One of the tour guides mentioned that Machupicchu will be closed off to the public in fifty years. Go while you have a chance! You will definitely not regret it.

It was one of the most valuable and unforgetable experiences I've had in my life. I have never seen such desire for knowledge and information. My genuine hope is that they learned as much from me as I learned from them.
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