Wind Ensemble in China

Well it is officially my last day in Guangzhou (guan-joe) and I have mixed feelings. I loved it here...everything was so beautiful and the people were so welcoming. All the concerts were like nothing I've ever, or will ever experiance again, and I can honestly say that I will never complain about our stage lights making me hot while I play ever again. The culture is beyond incredible and their history here is like no other.

So the past few days we've been working with some young bands in the area and I honestly have to say it's been one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life. Today we worked with small groups of students playing our instrument and I've never seen kids (and peers) so eager and willing to learn! They asked questions and paid close attention to everything I said, even though I don't think they could understand too much, and it was so exciting when they started to understand and improve with the lesson being taught. I just wish the language barrier wasn't so hindering!

John Roderick MacDonald"John Roderick MacDonald has appeared worldwide as a trumpet soloist. His concert career as soloist began after Kurt Masur, then Music Director of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, appointed him Principal Trumpet of that orchestra in 1989...."

Dr. Paula Holcomb, DirectorDr. Paula Holcomb became Director of Bands at the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1999 after being Director of Bands for 20 years at Central College in Pella, Iowa. Under her direction at Central College, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Band toured internationally to Canada, Europe, and Mexico and performed at Alice Tully Hall of New York City's Lincoln Center. At SUNY Fredonia, Dr. Holcomb oversees an extensive band program consisting of four concert bands while she conducts the Wind Ensemble and musicals. In addition, she initiated the Master of Music in Conducting degree program and teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting.

SUNY Fredonia Wind EnsembleUnder the direction of Dr. Paula Holcomb, the Fredonia Wind Ensemble consists of the most outstanding wind and percussion players at the university. Dedicated to presenting the finest repertoire from all musical periods to its audiences, it draws from contemporary and historical wind works, orchestral transcriptions, as well as standard band literature.

Today we had our second adventure in the amazing city of Guangzhou. Our tour guide was gratious enough to let us sleep in and not have to leave until 10:30 which was a definate bonus. Even when we did have to leave, it was for a short tour of the city and an instrument shop until 2:30 pm. Although I enjoyed Beijing I definately like Guangzhou better. The city is very beautiful, but there are a lot of area's that seem like total slums. We stopped at a lovely park/mall type of place.

Click the photos for a larger view.
Great Wall 1Great Wall 2John Roderick MacDonald, left, with Fredonia Trumpet Studio members on the Great Wall of China