blackb36’s blog

hey there, back again. sorry about the break.

a few weeks ago i got an amazing chance to go down to washington dc with Denis DiBlasio, the head of the jazz department, and the dean of fine and performing arts, John Robert Cart. we stayed at the hotel on the the coampus of the university of maryland, and that in itself was amazing. the reason we went down there, though, was to perform at the Strathmore Mansion, which is a historic building just outside dc. it was a supremely amazing place, and an honor to play in. Dean Cart sang beautifully, and afterward me, Den, and two other students played some jazz. we were there to support a fundraiser, and to meet people who have been great friends and who have also made great donations to Rowan University. If you’ve ever heard of the Edelman planetarium, then you know what i’m talking about. i was able to meet and schmooze a bit with the Edelmans, and a few other important figures.  it really was a great experience, and the place was amazing. the acoustics in the room were almost too good, at least for jazz. we actually didn’t have to worry about anything to sound good! perfect.

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So I’ve been gigging quite a bit lately, and it’s really great. The lab band just played the Swedesboro jazz festival on Saturday, and later that night I played that very same place with some of the jazz professors here at Rowan, including George Rabbai, Denis DiBlasio, Brian Betz, and former student Mark Przybylowski. It is really exciting to play with people on that level. They definitely push me to the limits of my playing, and although it feels like I’m hanging on for dear life, it’s a great time. If anyone is around on Oct. 26, please come check out that same band at the Pitman Presbyterian church from 5-6 pm. Last week I was also able to play on Brian Betz’s guitar recital, and tonight I’m getting ready to play on Denny’s sax recital, which should be crazy. I guess one of the defining characteristics in jazz is that it involves improvisation, and this recital requires exactly that. Four other percussionists, one being head of percussion Dean Witten, and I all get to just pick some stuff up and play it. Maybe that sounds normal, but in this situation we really get to play anything. Our instruments include I-beams, coil springs, djembes, log drums, coffee cans, wood blocks, and bongolitos, amongst other things. It should be a great time, and with Denny’s amazing playing, it will certainly not be disappointing.
So I’ve had anywhere from 2-4 gigs each weekend, and I feel good to finally be getting some calls. That’s just what you aim for when studying and playing jazz music. I guess it just amounts to being more inspiration to stay in this area after I graduate. hmm…

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Hello everyone,

   I am Brandon Blackburn and I am a music student here at Rowan University. To be more specific, by the time I graduate this May I’ll receive a BM in jazz studies, a BA in general music, and a minor in philosophy. As of right now I am in the orchestra, the jazz big band, the lab band, the percussion ensemble, two small jazz ensembles, an audio recording class, a business of music class, world philosophy. I also have a percussion lesson each week and 10 drumset lessons per semester in West Orange. In addition to this I work in the office of the music building, teach a few private students, and gig whenever I can. I hit the gym at least 5 days a week, and I am also on the ultimate frisbee team, M.O.B. (Moments Of Brilliance, not as intimidating as one would initially think).  It’s very busy, but all good things. I was born and raised in central Kansas, hence the title of this blog, and I am totally sick of Wizard of Oz references. I moved out here to study music with the people that I am now studying with, so it’s super enriching and fulfilling to be here. I’ll keep you posted regularly on the happenings of my life.

Take ‘er easy.

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