A little over a week ago, I was in Austin, Texas for what was sort of the “unofficial official concert premiere” of Turkey in the Straw by the Austin Symphonic Band. Before last month, the piece had not yet had a premiere performance (although Arizona State did a mad recording session for me a year ago). The ASB, directed by Richard Floyd, gave a great performance and everyone in Austin was real friendly-like.  If you didn’t know, the band is a community band, a majority of whom are not music professionals but still just love to play. After a long day in the chemistry lab, what’s more relaxing than working on Grantham’s Southern Harmony?

I had a little spare time during my short stay, so Kevin Jedele — Manhattan Beach Music Booth Exhibiter and mad-skilled ASB Trumper player (and my ride and roof) — showed me around the UT campus. A little voice in the back of my head is telling me I should try to transfer and finish my degree. But Mom is always saying that.

After a couple of concerts and an amazing breakfast taco at Juan in a Million, it was time to head back home. I’ll be back soon, though. Somehow, I was convinced I should attend this year’s CBDNA conference which is being held at UT. I’ve never been, but I hear there are some amazing concerts and some amazing new pieces that are amazingly hard, loud, and fast.