APPLAUSE
Charlotte Craff; Manager of Artistic Operations, Utah Symphony
Pasquale Laurino; Artistic Director/Conductor, Racine Symphony
Larry Rachleff; Rhode Island Philharmonic Music Director
Gail Williams; former Chicago Symphony hornist; Professor of French Horn, Northwestern University
Alexander Kerr; Concertmaster, The Dallas Symphony Orchestra
As a collaborator, he was open, accessible and inspiring. The parts were immaculate, received AHEAD of schedule and were extremely clear in terms of musical expression.
Best of all, his Fantasie for Violin and Orchestra is a fantastic piece of music! It evokes so many emotional reactions and one hears it’s distinct voice from the very first bars. The audience loved it, and rightfully so. It is the best of what 21st century music can be: music that inspires and entertains while in no way pandering for any sort of easy listening audience reaction. It is, simply put, great music.”
Holly Mulcahy; Concertmaster, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera
But more importantly, Jim was a pleasure to introduce to the audiences and board as he’s well spoken and delightful to all. During rehearsals he brought a sense of calm stability as he helped with balance and support. And during the activities surrounding the performance he brought a sense of humor and a comfortable persona which I find to be a rare gem among composers.
Janice Crews; Manager of School and Family programs, Atlanta Symphony
Jeffrey Work; principal trumpet, Oregon Symphony
Samantha Teter; Executive Director, Chattanooga Symphony
Jon Kalbfleisch; Music Director, Lawton Philharmonic
Gerry Pagano; Bass trombone, St. Louis Symphony
Rex Richardson; International trumpet artist
Douglas Nimmo; Director of wind ensemble (retired), Gustavus Adolphus college
Paul Merkelo; solo trumpet, Montreal Symphony
Stephen Burns; international trumpet soloist, and founder/director of Fulcrum Point, Chicago
Jeffrey Work; principal trumpet, Oregon Symphony
Bill Larsen; principal flute, Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra
Kathy Allison; Operations Manager, Chattanooga Symphony
Charlie Schlueter; former principal trumpet, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Matthew T. Guilford; Bass Trombone, National Symphony Orchestra
I play this work now as one wears a custom-fitted suit.
Road Not Taken was completed before the due date and was on my music stand ready to be shedded well in advance of the premiere. It is now considered a major addition to the solo bass trombone repertoire as well as trombone choir repertoire.