So I arrived safely in Sydney after 24 hours of travel. This trip is definitely not for the claustrophobic or travel-timid, but I am very excited to be here. Never in my life did I expect to see a photo like this! John Lynch has me lined up to conduct clinics at Newington College and St. Aloysius College, plus another clinic with the Sydney Youth Orchestra Wind Symphony. In one of the clinics, I’m conducting Bernstein and Grainger — the best of both the United States and Australia (how did that happen?). I’ll also be co-teaching his Basic Conducting class on Friday. So there’s a lot to look forward to!

Don’t forget that we are having sectionals this week at Irvington Presbyterian Church; be sure to bring a music stand. Matt Kowalski and Rich Guillen are running this rehearsal. I’ll be looking forward to hearing about your successes with them.

I’ll be posting more photos and play-by-play on my personal blog — jce.ebernet.biz — so follow that site if you’d like to follow my tour of Sydney. Have a great rehearsal and a great week!