Lauren Veronie : Loud Life

Merry Veronie Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I've had a great week in Texas, and will be returning home to DC tomorrow. I thought I'd share a few pictures from our Veronie Christmas Celebration, which happened a week ago in Crystal Beach, TX. 

We have a big family. My Dad has six kids, five of which have spouses, (I'm the single one). From that group he has nine grandchildren, three with spouses, and six great-grandkids. So you can understand all the presents!

Call me crazy, but I'll take an Ocean-side Christmas over a White Christmas, hands down. I've been soaking up the warm weather while I can, because it's back to the frozen North soon.

Here are my older brothers, goofing around and showing off the Vibram Five-fingers that Tommy (on left) got for them. When Tom came down to breakfast wearing them, he was teased relentlessly...until he handed them their very own pair. I'm not sure of the final verdict on the new shoes, but it was fun watching the bros get used to the idea.

We had lots of games to play, including "Secret Stocking," "Guess the Number of Candy," and the annual "1-2-Tree Gift Exchange." There are so many people; if everyone bought gifts for everyone, it would get out of control and be a bit financially draining. We compromise with the gift game.  

I love this picture of Lauren, my sister-in-law, and Emma, my neice, walking the beach. It's not too crowded this time of year, so we found lots of great shells. 

Most families have some kind of food tradition around the holidays. It should come as no surprise that my cajun family has their own special version of Christmas dinner. Here you see my Dad adding some key ingredients to his seafood gumbo. 

I can't describe how delicious this is. I keep trying to get my version close to Dad's. Maybe some day...

Dad is proud of those crab legs. They add the best flavor to the gumbo. Mmm. He has a chicken & sausage gumbo off to the side for those few family members who poo-poo the seafood. Interesting fact: many of our family gumbos are now being made without flour roux, as my sister is gluten-intolerant. I'm not sure if he used almond flour, rice flour, or some other substitute, but personally, I can't tell a difference at all.

It's great to see Dad with his great-grandchildren. They love their Papaw!

I had to share this—jalapeños, stuffed with cream cheese, wrapped in a strip of venison, (shot by Emma), then wrapped in bacon. Then grilled to meaty perfection. Divine.

Here's a good shot of the little ones painting ornaments. They are so much fun, and keep everybody on their toes. 

Dad got a gum ball machine from my sister and her husband. He had a good time helping the kids get their jelly beans. 

My talented sister-in-law Leatha made this lovely raspberry-filled chocolate cake. The festive "pine" is actually sugared rosemary. Genius!

The great thing about Christmas in Texas is, if you do happen to stuff yourself on all the decadent food, at least you can get out of the house and stretch your legs a bit. Walking along the beach does wonders for that food-coma. 

I was trying to work on taking pictures in natural light, so I made Emma pose for me. I think I like this shot the best. She's very photogenic. 

We stumbled across two washed-up Portuguese Man O' Wars. I'd seen one in person before. After doing a bit of research online, I'm fairly certain that is what this is. Mean little guys! Did you know that it isn't actually a jellyfish, but a collective of minute, individual organisms that function together as a whole? Kind of like a Jelly-Borg. Resistance is futile. 

I'm so grateful for my awesome family, and thankful we were able to spend this time together, in a place that is very special to all of us. Hope your holidays are wonderful. Best wishes!

Harvey Phillips

December 2, 1929 - October 20, 2010 

Just over two months ago, I received word of Mr. Phillips' passing while driving through rural Georgia on tour with the Field Band. I've been waiting to make this post in order to gather my thoughts and find some of the great pictures I have of this legendary man. 

Harvey Phillips was an inspiration to generations of musicians. I won't try to recount his legacy here. I suggest you visit Indiana University's remembrance site to understand just some of what he has done for low-brass.

I never studied with Mr. Phillips, and he probably would have had a hard time recalling who I was. Nonetheless, he touched my life, and I thought it would be appropriate to share that story on this blog. 

The first time I met Harvey Phillips was at a tribute concert held by the Houston Symphonic Band. He was in attendance, along with his wife, Carol, and son Tom. I was 16 at the time, and was an enthusiastic member of the Houston Symphonic Band, a community band in Houston. This concert was probably my first introduction to the low-brass community, and opened my eyes to music being made outside my small-town world.

This celebration of Mr. Phillips featured several guest artists. Dr. Brian L. Bowman, who would eventually become my teacher, was there performing Carnival of Venice. Because of Harvey Phillips, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Bowman for the first time. I was inspired by Dr. Bowman's performance. He was so gracious and signed my Arban's book backstage after the show. This encounter was the first step that set me on the path I follow today.

Another guest artist at the same concert, Dr. Grady Hallman, became a very special mentor for me. Dr. Hallman is a world-famous heart surgeon, who also holds a serious passion for the euphonium. He performed The Volunteer on that concert. When I met Dr. Hallman as an enthusiastic teenager, he was so encouraging to me. He kept in touch, gave me my first solo euphonium CD, and sent me a brand-new $75 Arban's book in the mail. I still use that book. Small gestures like this meant so much to me as I was growing up and finding my way in music.

It is easy to understand why so many great musicians would jump at the chance to honor Mr. Phillips. It was my good luck to be around at the right time for these connections to change my life for the better.

When I was a sophomore at the University of North Texas, Harvey Phillips was a guest at the 2003 Regional ITEC at Texas Christian University. Mr. Phillips hosted a session at the conference. It was inspiring to hear him speak on his vast experience and offer advice to us developing musicians. I was always struck by how much time and care he took to speak with young people.

My roommate Meredith Healy and I had a good time posing for pictures with him. He had a lot of jokes, and we were just a tiny bit starstruck. :)

The last time I saw Mr. Phillips was at the 2008 Washington DC Tuba Christmas. I was still getting settled in my new job with the US Army Field Band; I had only been in the band four months. It was a treat to see Mr. Phillips out at Tuba Christmas, as his health had not been great in recent years. He was so kind to me, and reminded me that he spent two years with the Field Band. I love that my band was a part of his journey. Here he is with Scott Cameron, one of his former students, and my colleague. I love this photo, and treasure the memory of that day.

When Harvey Phillips died, it was a huge loss to all those who loved and knew him. I was such a tiny part of that, but I feel fortunate to have met him, and extremely grateful that he influenced my path in some small way. He passed during the second week of our 2010 Fall Tour, and it was fitting that MSG Dan Sherlock was on the solo rotation performing The Carioca, one of Mr. Phillips' classic show pieces. As we played Harvey's piece all over the Southeast, it felt like the Field Band's way of paying tribute. Photo by MSG Rob McIver

Thank you, Harvey Phillips! Rest in peace. 

2010 Houston Tuba Christmas

After the Field Band concert on Friday night, I was up early (3:20am) to catch a flight to Houston. Thankfully, I have the convenient ability to fall asleep anywhere, including airplanes. Mom picked me up at the airport and we drove to The Woodlands, a suburb on the north side. I made it just in time for the morning rehearsal of the Houston Tuba Christmas. I've been a guest conductor at this event for the past three years, and it has become something I very much look forward to. Not only is it a lot of fun, but it's a great excuse to meet up with friends from my hometown music community.

Here's a short video montage of clips taken by my dear friend and esteemed videographer, Leslie. Her father, Bob Daniel, is one of the coordinators of Houston Tuba Christmas, along with the first organizer, Dr. Henry "Skip" Howey. Both teach low-brass at Sam Houston State University. 

 

This event is held at the Market Street shopping area. Many audience members come out specifically to hear Tuba Christmas, but others are treated to the unexpected aural sensation as they tend to their holiday shopping. Every year our audience grows!

This picture is from our morning rehearsal, held at The Woodlands Christian Church. 

In keeping with time-honored tradition, prizes were presented for the best horn decorations. Below are the entries for best euphonium. 

...and the tuba hopefuls. Yes, that man has a Christmas tree attached to his tuba. We low-brass are nothing if not an enthusiastic bunch. 

I was so happy to visit with two of my early mentors and supporters, Rex Sagle, and the previously mentioned Bob Daniel. Love you guys!

Market Street is a great venue because of that famously mild Texas winter weather, and the gorgeous 70-foot Christmas tree that is the backdrop for the performance.

I've come to the conclusion that people who organize Tuba Christmas events must enjoy flirting with danger, as these precarious ladder contraptions seem to be the podium of choice.

Leslie and I went to Willis High School together, and have been close friends ever since. She drove down from Dallas to help her Dad with registration and selling merchandise. She's so cute, you just want to open your wallet and buy up tuba scarves!

It's wonderful to be back in TX, and I'm proud to have both those flags waving behind me.

Since it is one of the most breath-taking things I've witnessed in a long time, I had to give my readers one last shot of "O Tubenbaum." Glorious.

My sister-in-law Leatha and niece Emma came out to shop and hear the concert. They sat with Mom and tried to digest the copious of amounts of low-brass. Thanks for your support!

Houston Tuba Christmas has become the true start to my holiday season, and something I'm proud to be a part of.

 

Sound the Bells

Soundoff!, Fort Meade's weekly newspaper, ran a great article about the US Army Field Band holiday concert series. Click here to view. Last night (Friday) was our final concert.

Photo by MSG Rob McIver. 

I'm on leave now, and flew to Houston, TX this morning to be a part of the Houston Tuba Christmas. I'll post more on that later. At this very moment I'm driving with my family through Bolivar Peninsula on the way to our beach house. This entire area, including the house, was destroyed in 2008 by hurricane Ike. Below is a picture taken after the waters receded. See the house still standing? Our house was the slab that is one row up and over to the left.

The entire Veronie clan helped build the original house, and it was a community retreat for my siblings and their families. I helped paint the exterior when I was in high school. Veronie blood, sweat and tears went into the original house, and now the family has come together to rebuild. 

Because I live so far away now, I haven't been a part of the reconstruction project. My brother, Donny, keeps me informed on the progress, and I'm about to drive up to the house for the first time since it was destroyed. I'm so excited to spend part of the holidays here. I wish Meghan could have been here to see this, but I know she will be a part of the new memories we make in this beautiful place.

And now, if you will excuse me, I'm going to go breathe in some salt air.

Masterclass at University of Texas-Pan American

During my recent trip to the Valley, I was invited to do a masterclass at The University of Texas-Pan American. My Host for the entire weekend was Dr. Scott Roeder, Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at UTPA, and his wife, Sonia. They were so kind to invite me in to their lovely home, and I really enjoyed getting to know Dr. Roeder's students during their studio party on Saturday night. They were all up early on Sunday morning to help set up for the McAllen Tuba Christmas, and they also stayed after to help tear down. Thanks for all your hard work! Here I am posing with them. They look nice and normal here—you can't tell how goofy they are! :) We had a lot of laughs.

I headed over to UTPA on Monday to work with the students before my afternoon flight left for Baltimore. Dr. Roeder was kind enough to take a few pictures during the masterclass. Here I am listening to Abel, a senior who is getting ready to make a tape for Falcone. Nice job, A! 

My very strange facial expression is absolutely not a reflection of this student's performance. Ha! 

N.J. is also making a tape for the Falcone competition. All the students I heard from UTPA sounded great. I appreciate them putting themselves out there, particularly since they just finished with juries and are in the middle of finals week. 

I'm either making a sage point regarding the music, or doing the Saturday Night Fever Dance with a stand in the way. 

Thanks again to all who participated, and to the many students who came out to observe the class. I enjoyed talking with you about music, and about Army Bands. 

I hope we do a Field Band tour of this area in the near future. The band programs out here are thriving and the university students are working hard. This visit to UTPA was the perfect way to top off an excellent trip. 

McAllen Tuba Christmas

The first Tuba Christmas was held in New York City on December 22nd, 1974. The event was organized as a tribute to William Bell, born on Christmas Day in 1902, and one of our profession's most influential teachers and performers. Today, Tuba Christmas gatherings are held all over the nation, and in a few other countries as well. 

The McAllen Tuba Christmas is special. Not only is it one of the largest, with participation close to 400 each year, but it makes a concerted effort to bring in students from the entire Rio Grande Valley region of Texas. This was the 22nd year of Tuba Christmas in McAllen. Each year, the sponsors bring in a guest artist. I was honored to be the guest for 2010. 

Participants are encouraged to dress themselves and their instruments in festive gear. They even host a contest for the best decorated horn, with the Melhart Music Center in McAllen offering gift cards as prizes. 

Coordinator of the McAllen Tuba Christmas, Jim Egger, and his assistant, Daniel Fernandez, are both band directors at McAllen HS. They are responsible for making this great event happen. I was treated so graciously during my stay and I really appreciate all the work they do to create a top-notch experience for all participants. 

As I mingled among the crowd, I couldn't resist taking pictures of some of the more memorable decorative jobs. I thought this guy was impressive enough, but he made me re-take my initial picture so that he could turn all of his lights on!

I love the simple lines and feeling of graceful ease that is accomplished with the concept below. Not only was it ridiculously funny, but he could rest the horn on the ground upright with the padding supporting it. It's like the Navy Band euphonium diaper on steroids, or a very stylish euphonium stand. Either way, I like! 

The large auditorium stage couldn't possibly hold all those who showed up to play, so the overflow went down to the pit area and all along the sides of the hall, almost to the back. The first few rows of audience seats were also commandeered by excess low-brass. These students are happy to be here. Band directors like this one really went the extra mile to coordinate travel and logistics in order expose their students to this activity. It's a very positive and worthwhile thing. 

Okay, this guy gets a standing ovation from me. The detail is continued on all sides of the house. It really shows dedication to the art of low-brass exterior decorating. I don't know if those cookies are homemade, but if so, it would be extra impressive. Yes, he played with that thing on the entire time!

Check out those numbers! Jim Egger is leading the group during the morning rehearsal. It was impossible for me to get a good shot of the entire group, but this gives you a idea of how packed the stage and front area were. 

Another favorite was this guy, who actually has a tuba inside this cardboard monstrosity. I don't know if he could see the music at all, but he diligently performed the entire day with this set-up. I like the little santa at the top; it's a nice touch.

Here I am posing with the winners of the decorating contest. There were so many good entries. I'll post my complete photo album soon with more hilarious shots.

After morning rehearsals (and a superb lunch of botanas at a Casa Mesa for me), we reconvened in the afternoon for the performance. You can start to see the audience filling the place up here. It was a great crowd. Apparently, this concert is always packed. Impressively, the majority of this audience raised their hands to say this was their first Tuba Christmas! How great that they can bring in so many new listeners, year after year.

After the large group played several selections, I was introduced and invited on stage to play Away in a Manger. My friend Mando took a few videos on his phone. It's not the complete performance, but gives you a good idea of the sound. Some of my phrases sound pretty short; trying to project over that many tubas and euphoniums is an interesting exercise in blowing.

 

Here's a shot from backstage. It was funny to see the stage so full of people. I don't know how many rows deep it went, and I really don't know how they got in and out of their seats. 

Next, I took the podium to conduct Angels We Have Heard on High. I wasn't really sure how to make my gestures clear to that many people, who were spread out behind me and all down the sides of the hall. Seeing the video afterwards is kind of hilarious to me. I'm surprised I didn't flap away! Enjoy. 

  

After conducting, I took the mic to talk a little about US Army Bands. I was asked to perform a brief unaccompanied selection to give the audience an idea of what the euphonium could sound like, and also entertain the kids. I played selections from different parts of Philip Sparke's Harlequin, and then closed with a fun arrangement of Blackbird by Lars Holmgaard. After my solo portion, I went down to the front and joined the Director's Ensemble. This smaller group opened with a great arrangement by Director Robbie Hochstetler, and then I soloed on Greensleeves.

The crowd was a hoot and very enthusiastic. While taking pictures from the back of the hall, I captured this little girl in a proud moment. 

The day ended with a rousing rendition of We Wish You a Tuba Christmas. I had such a good time getting to know the people down here, and I can't wait to visit again. Of course, I had to pose for a farewell picture with the McHi Bulldog. 

This was a fabulous event, and I am very grateful to The US Army Field Band, US Army Bands, and McAllen Tuba Christmas, who all made it possible for me to participate. I also want to thank Dr. Scott Roeder and his wife, Sonia, for being such great hosts the entire weekend. Soon, I was on a plane back to chilly Baltimore, Just in time for local caroling with FBI and one last Sound the Bells Holiday Concert. If you live in the area, come on out to Edgewater, MD this Friday! 

The Monitor

I've just returned from a fantastic trip to the Rio Grande Valley for the twenty-second annual McAllen Tuba Christmas. I'll have a more extended post soon, but for now, I thought I'd share this article that ran on Monday in the local newspaper. Click on the pictures to read up-close. 

Of course The Monitor picked the picture where I was sporting the ridiculous hat. 

This was such a great event. I'll share more details and personal pictures in my next post.

Happy TUSAFB Holidays

Winter is here, and the holiday cheer is being spread around the Baltimore/Annapolis area by the US Army Field Band. We've done two Sound the Bells concerts so far, and the turnout has been great. Click here to find out about our remaining shows in Bel Air and Edgewater, MD. 

This little elf is our unofficial mascot. Her mom and dad are both in the Field Band. She just completed her first tour and is now checking out the digs at our holiday show. 

The Field Band's holiday show features a variety of music to celebrate the season. One of my favorite pieces on this year's program is MSG Vince Norman's new arrangement of God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman. Vince did a fantastic version with lots of time shifts and a groovy multi-meter feel. Check out more of Vince's music here.

The TUSAFB decorating detail did a great job getting the stage festooned for the season. Happy Holidays!

Headed to South Texas...

This weekend, I'll be traveling to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas to participate in the 22nd annual McAllen Tuba Christmas. I'm so excited to be a part of this event. I'll be representing US Army Bands as a guest artist, and will have the opportunity to work with low-brass students at the University of Texas Pan-American. The Valley Town Crier ran a nice article on McAllen Tuba Christmas this Tuesday. Read the online version here.

I've posted images of the program below; click to get more information.

Click here to read an article covering the 2008 Tuba Christmas—from McAllen's local newspaper, The Monitor. 

TUSAFB (featuring yours truly) on the Baltimore News

WBAL-TV, a local Baltimore station, ran a news story about Sound the Bells, the US Army Field Band's upcoming holiday concert series. I have a few seconds of dubious stardom, so make sure to check out the video link below: 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

If you live in the DC/Baltimore area, you should definitely come check out one of our our free holiday concerts. It's a lot of fun, and you will get to see Brendan rap. No, seriously, he raps. :) 

Lately, my life has been rehearsing for these shows and getting ready for an upcoming trip to McAllen, TX. I'll be posting more on that, soon. 'Tis the season....for lots of concerts!