From the Editor ~Jason Roland Smith

Putting this publication together is an amazing experience, and it’s more gratifying than imagined. Every issue provides the opportunity to touch base with colleagues while also being introduced to new members. Both the journal staff and numerous authors comprise dedicated musicians who diligently compile materials for the benefit of the membership, and enough appreciation cannot be expressed for their efforts. Frequently other members are called upon whose names don’t appear but serve as “onthefly” sources of information, and my sincere appreciation goes out to these people as well.

Their drive is the same that drives everyone in this organization. If you are an ITEA member, then you must also have this drive. You love the instrument, love to hear it played by others (and hopefully by you as well), love to share knowledge of it with others, and you love and appreciate efforts to research and document its continued development for those of the present and future.

All members have a role in our organization–– to make it stronger. We all benefit from each other’s membership. Unlike a subscription to a commercial magazine (e.g. Time, People, or Oprah), you have subscribed your experience for the benefit of the international tuba and euphonium community. While at the same time, you also benefit from the experience of others.

Coming into contact with more of our membership has proven that all have something to offer as personal schedules allow. It is important to realize that ITEA and its publications are strongest when involvement is as numerous and diverse as the membership. Everyone can be involved in our publication. It is a members only club, and you are a member. The method for taking advantage of this membership is through providing your experiences, which will only help in serving the diversity of our membership. As examples, the News Column, Programs Column, or the newly instated Chamber Music Corner are strongest when each represents our diversity. Take advantage of these opportunities. It’s not selfpropaganda–– it’s communication. There are plenty of platforms for communicating events, developments, accomplishments, and research or articles, all of which are integral to the continued development of our instruments.

ITEA does not “hire” writers for fulfilling article ideas that come up. Articles are composed by members who are driven by their dedication and interest. Likewise, columns are compiled and edited by members because this is something they want to contribute. The journal staff welcomes suggestions for possible topics, which is an excellent contribution in itself. However, in suggesting a topic, first consider consulting with an author that you believe would be interested and ideal for fulfilling the project. In addition, there might be reason to consider yourself as a potential author.

Students, who should see themselves as equal components, should consider their own work. Every euphonium/tuba professor in the country undoubtedly administers independent studies for their students. Consult with your professor(s) and perhaps your study may be ideal for publication. In addition, I enjoy reading the Programs Column and knowing what else is being performed. I also enjoy knowing when a euphonium or tuba student wins a university concerto competition. This is great material.

Our journal will continue to be an evolving work. If you thumb through our roster, you will recognize the diversity. One of the goals is to produce a journal that appeals to everyone. Our membership includes, among others, numerous performers, educators, students, amateurs, and conductors. Ideally, every bit of information will offer something to every member of ITEA. The purpose for this editorial is not to cure a quantity or quality deficiency. It is rather a reminder that our diversity and each member’s role in helping to represent this diversity is what organizations such as ours rely on. We can learn from each other’s interests and experiences. In closing, encourage and appreciate the work of others, and, without apprehension, actively contribute to the ITEA membership.

President's Corner ~Dr. Mary Ann Craig
"Creating International Professional Relationships"

Musicians, who have had the opportunity to become acquainted with musicians from other countries, have benefited in many ways. These relationships enhance our growth, both personally and professionally, as well as provide us with a broader awareness of musical concepts. Through such international relationships we increase our knowledge of musical literature, which we may not have been aware of previously. Thus, this enriches the body of literature for study and performance. In October, I invited Dr. Gary Bird, Professor of Tuba at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, to join me in a trip to Russia, where he performed as a guest soloist with the Volga Band of Saratov, which I guest conducted. We first visited Moscow Conservatory and the studio of Yuri Laren, Professor of Tuba. During the lessons Laren was teaching, we heard tuba works that were not previously known to us. Professor Laren presented Gary with this music, which he will program in upcoming performances and use in his teaching studio at IUP. On previous visits to Russia, I have been presented with band literature unknown at least in America and have subsequently programmed these works.

Other benefits of having international relationships include becoming aware of varying concepts of musical interpretation, which may represent a specific national style. Years ago at an international conference, I observed a low brass section from a prominent orchestra as they performed various orchestral excerpts. Later, in discussion with a group of musicians from a different country, one of the people, a highly respected orchestral musician, voiced that the low brass section’s interpretation would be “laughed at” in his country. This simply is one example of differing interpretations, and it increases our awareness that other interpretations are acceptable and “correct.”

Being immersed in the culture of another country and seeing the general public’s attitude about the arts is an enlightening experience. Seeing a queue of people standing two hours prior to concert time to get tickets for the performance of concert band music, which they have not previously heard, is an indication of their attitude toward the arts. Entire audiences staying until the final applause has ended, is an indication of their appreciation of the musicians and the performances. Seeing university and conservatory students, as well as professional and amateur musicians, be hungry for everything a guest artist has to say, is an indication of their desire to learn.

In short, the benefits of meeting and sharing with musicians from other countries are innumerable. When we do this, we become much more aware of the artistic world around us and we have a broader spectrum of experiences from which to draw. From July 20–25 in Budapest at ITEC 2004, there will be performers, pedagogues, amateurs, students, and enthusiasts from many countries. Not only will there be concerts, recitals, and clinics, but there will also be cafes and parks near the Franz Liszt Academy where the conference will be held. What a great opportunity to meet musicians from other countries, to hear new literature, to increase our awareness, and to raise a glass with new friends from other countries!

Conference Corner ~János Mazura, Conference Host
"ITEC 2004 is on the way"

The idea behind a conference is always about sharing information, showing our extraordinary knowledge to the public, and learning from others. It doesn’t matter what kind of conference we are talking about, whether it’s about music or dental researches, we want something new, fresh, and interesting. At the ITEC 2004 in Budapest we are planning to return to this approach. I have encouraged all the guest artists to bring something new. Even the most recognized euphonium and tuba players will show their undiscovered abilities in presenting innovative programs including European and world premieres as well as exploring new territories for our beloved instruments.
Who will be our guest artists for ITEC 2004? My goal is to allot space for as many artists as possible with the aim of organizing a sparkling and colorful event that will appeal to everyone. My guest list is far from being completed, and I receive new and exciting proposals daily. But I can mention the people I have invited and whose appearances are quite sure.

First of all you can meet previous conference hosts that include Dennis Askew (USA), John Griffith (Canada), Harri Lidsle (Finland), and Roger Bobo of course, who will lead the “All Star TubaEuphonium Ensemble.” Their assistance and advice continues to be indispensable

Euphonium guest artists will include Steven Mead (Great Britain), Eran Levi (Israel), Roger Behrend (United States), Shoichiro Hokazono, and Jason Ham (United States), winner of the euphonium competition at ITEC 2001 in Lahti, Finland. Rikki McDonnell (New Zealand) will premiere a new concerto, and Tormod Flaten (Norway) will perform Jukka Linkola’s euphonium concerto with orchestra. In addition, Sebastian Stein, a great French player with a unique sound that you must hear, and euphonium and tuba player Ben Pierce (United States) will both be appearing. Manfred Heidler, German military musician, will perform on baritone horn, the traditional German type instrument with rotary valves, in solo and with the German Army Tuba quartet. In Budapest we also, finally, focus on the French saxhorn virtuosi, a magnificent but unknown instrument. Philippe Fritsch, professor of saxhorn at the Paris Conservatory, will present a lecture about the tradition and literature of saxhorn and perform with the saxhorn quartet of the French Guard of the Republic. The excellent young saxhorn player David Maillot (France) will also present some exciting music. This assortment of guest artists will provide us the opportunity to compare the euphonium, baritone horn, and saxhorn at ITEC 2004.

We are planning to have a wide selection of tuba players as well. James Gourlay (Great Britain) has a great piece for solo tuba and his own sampled tuba sound. David Wilson (United States) will dedicate a concert to the compositions of Ionel Dumitru, Rumanian tuba player and composer. Gary Bird will perform a new concerto for tuba and band by American composer Gregory Fritze, and Kent Eshelman will premiere the new piece of Anthony Plog, the Nocturne. Other tuba artists will include Markus Theinert (Germany), Tim Buzbee from the Singapore Symphony, Velvet Brown (United States) performing music for tuba and percussion, Jozsef Bazsinka (Hungary), who will play a duet with his son, Jeff Funderburk (United States), Steve Sykes (Great Britain), Alessandro Fossi (Italy), Markus Hötzel (Germany), Heiko Triebner (Germany), and of course Patrick Sheridan (United States). Alan Baer, who recently won both the National Symphony (in Washington D.C.) and New York Philharmonic auditions, will also attend the talk about audition preparation!

We are going to present fantastic groups that include Sotto Voce (United States), the Melton Tubaquartet (Germany), Tubalaté (Great Britain), the Indiana University TubaEuphonium Ensemble, and the ensemble formed by the tuba and euphonium students of the Royal Northern College of Music called “Manchester, England, England….”

Beyond the borders of classical and contemporary music we would like to feature many aspects of tuba and euphonium playing from around the world. Øysten Baadsvik (Norway) will bring some great stuff for jazz piano and string quartet. Marc Dickman (United States) and myself will be the soloists on the concert with the best Big Band in Hungary, the Budapest Jazz Orchestra. I will be performing my original compositions for tuba and big band. Francois Thuillier (France) is one of the most exciting European tuba players with his experimental jazz music. Jon Sass (United States), who has been living in Vienna for more than 15 years, has just finished his new CD and will bring his group to Budapest. Hank Feldman and Sly Slipetsky have formed an “ethnic jazz” group. They both play piano and tuba as well! Béla Szalóky is the best mainstream jazz euphonium soloist in Hungary, and Robert Bachner (Austria) on euphonium, who is one of the key persons in the Vienna jazz life, will also be invited. You can see the youngest and greatest Hungarian traditional jazz ensemble, the Little Jazz Band, and the new band of Roland Szentpáli formed with the best Hungarian sax players, called “Gruppen Sax.” Hmm, excited?
The tuba and euphonium also has a remarkable role in traditional European folk music. To represent this we will invite the David Klezmer Band (Hungary) and a real “dirty” gypsy village brass band from Romania called “The Fanfares of Bacoi.” You have never heard anything like this before! In comparison we will see Kenny Carr and the Tigers from North Carolina, an authentic AfricanAmerican “shout band.” Finally Igor Krivokapic from Slovenia will give a presentation on traditional Central European brass perfor mance and instruments with musical examples played by his students.

And now comes the dessert, those lucky ones who saw the Celluloid Tubas in Greensboro know that this is the most funny project that has ever been performed on our instruments. Adventures of Tom and Jerry accompanied live by tubaeuphonium ensemble and percussion, do I have to explain why everyone should see this? The toughest tuba player in the world, Scott L. RimmHewitt (United States) will also be our guest. His presentation is called “Tuba Trilogy,” and it’s about his three adventures with his tuba. He ran 26.2 miles in the Boston Marathon with his tuba strapped to his back. He hiked the entire 2,169 miles of the Appalachian Trail with his tuba on his back, and he then biked across the entire United States from West Coast to East Coast totaling 4,169 miles (Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine) with his tuba in a bike trailer. That’s something isn’t it? You can listen to his story and see his pictures in Budapest!

As always we announce competitions in several categories. You can find the rules and regulations as well as the special requirements for each category on the website at www.itec2004.com. We have the traditional tuba and euphonium competitions for artists and young artists (below the age of 18). The material for the Arnold Jacobs Orchestral Tuba Competition contains pieces by famous Hungarian composers like Bartók and Liszt. The required excerpts are currently published on the website in PDF format for easy download. The tuba quartet competition is now opened for any combination of tubas and euphoniums. The final piece of Laszlo Dubrovay, one of the most original Hungarian composers, is a real challenge and fun. The original recording of the piece was done by four tubas. The publisher is an Austrian company and will be available thru the ITEC website. The jazz competition will require more creativity and less knowledge of jazz standards. It is open to all kinds of jazz players who can create their own music, not only for mainstream improvisers (who are of course also warmly welcome). See the web for more details. And if you can not fit into any categories, or just to entertain people, try the Street Music category, minimum rules maximum fun!

The programs will start at 9 a.m. each day. The concerts and lectures will take place in different locations within the Franz Liszt Music Academy. The competitions will be held in the “Old Building” just a few minutes walk from the main building. The evening concerts will be in the wonderful Great Hall. On the first day the wind band of Nyíregyháza will play with soloists led by Roland Szentpáli. The next day is devoted to the tuba, euphonium, and strings. On Thursday the Budapest Jazz Orchestra will appear and on Friday the Hungarian Army Band with ITEA President Mary Ann Craig as conductor. On the last evening the Budapest Symphony Orchestra will accompany the virtuosi of tuba and euphonium.

Have you ever been to Hungary? Probably not. But don’t worry because we’ll take care of you!
You can choose from a wide selection of hotels. I have an agreement established with the Accor hotels in Hungary providing discounts for ITEC participants. Just a few hundred meters from the Music Academy you can find four of these hotels. The wonderful building of the former Palace Hotel has just been renovated and opened last year as the Novotel Centrum. It has 225 rooms and will be the hotel for guest artists and exhibitors. Prices are 96 euros per night for a double and 86 for a single room. The Budapest Mercure Metropol is located on the opposite side of the street with prices of 86/77 euros. The Hotel Ibis Emke has just opened with the prices of 79/71 euros. All prices include breakfast and taxes. These hotels are brand new and excellent. I have checked them personally and strongly recommend them!

There are also other possibilities. I have found some reasonable priced hotels from 55 euros per night, and the Academy hostel is also at our disposal for a very friendly price that is affordable for students. If you want to receive the special discounted ITEC rates, please send your reservations to the following email: hotel@itec2004.com or by fax to +3623530223. If you contact the Hotels directly, we cannot guarantee these prices.

Budapest is very easy to access from any point in the world. From the airport you can take the airport minibus service which works as a shuttle but takes you directly to your destination anywhere in Budapest for approximately 15 dollars. The taxis have a fixed price from the airport that is around 20 dollars. The Music Academy is situated only one kilometer from both of the main railway stations.
Food is another important reason that you must visit Budapest (besides ITEC of course). Within the conference site vicinity, you can find dozens of restaurants. Some are very cheap (often visited by students) but excellent. There are Turkish, Chinese, and Czech restaurants within a five minute walk just as there are various kinds of fast food (Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, and McDonalds). There are also excellent Hungarian places of course with all the tasty (and heavy) traditional Hungarian dishes.

This ITEC is not only for colleagues but also for their families! With the assistance of Hungarian travel agencies we are arranging various programs in Budapest and in other areas of Hungary, which will include sightseeing, boat trips on the River Danube to the old King’s Castle in Vise grad (at the most beautiful part of the river), or travel directly to Vienna, the Austrian capital. You can visit the Tokaj area which is famous for the wine or the biggest lake in Central Europe, the Balaton. There are lots of possibilities. Please check the website regularly for new information. So! Don’t hesitate and begin preparing for the trip!

The website is constantly being updated. I will try to publish all the latest news and information as soon as possible. Please visit it from time to time at www.itec2004. com and feel free to ask if you have any further questions!

See you in Budapest!

János Mazura host
mazura@tuba.hu
Tel: +36303761615
Fax: +3623530223
Kinizsi u. 12
Biatorbágy 2051
Hungary

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