Brian and Teriann

Can you believe it has been 2 1/2 years since Brian began the Master of Jazz Studies program at the University of Utah? This past November 3, 2008 he had his last recital. It was his composition recital, meaning he either composed or arranged all the music performed that evening.
Brian is not one to just get by. His recital had over 100 musicians on stage performing that evening. He had just over 80 string performers from the Utah Youth Symphony, under the direction of Barb Scowcroft (our good friend who is a violinist in the Utah Symphony), and then he enlisted his good friends that he performs with to fill out an 18-piece jazz band. He also had arranged 3 vocal charts, so he had 3 different vocalists come and sing. Another grad student who still has his recital to perform told Brian that he will not be able to complete the degree. He will never be able to have a composition recital that can match Brian's!

Besides orchestrating the music, Brian also played in the band. Kevin Stout, Brian's partner, made the trip from Las Vegas to perform for him. We were very sorry when later that evening, around midnight, Kevin received a phone call telling him his father had passed away. His father lives in Salt Lake and fortunately Kevin had been to see him earlier that day.

All of the children have been a great support. Amy has been a wonderful salesperson who sells Jazzed5's CD's at almost every performance they have, and that night was no exception. Anne, Jace, Aliyah, and Xander were up because Jace's grandfather had passed away a few days previously. They stayed the extra few hours to be able to come and hear the concert. Anne is a photo shop guru and made the great posters for Brian to put up at the "U" to let people know about his concert. Natalie called to let her dad know she wished she could be there, but school and work got in the way.

Even Aliyah was very interested when Grandpa was playing. She payed attention quite often during the different musical pieces. Unfortunately, Xander did not appreciate Grandpa's talent quite as much. Jace was out in the hall with him for most of the concert.

It took a lot of planning and there were a few headaches along the way, but the evening was a great success. Not only was the music wonderful, but the number of friends and family who came to support Brian was fantastic. In fact, the stage manager for the concert hall said this was the largest audience they have had for a recital. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this a wonderful evening for us.