From June 10 - 16 Georgia's Emory University hosted the 4th International Euphonium Institute. IEI is the brain child of American euphonium virtuoso Adam Frey; it is effectively a specialist summer school with an emphasis on education, performance and enjoyment. The course is designed to motivate and inspire euphonium players of varying ages and ability from all over the world - this is made possible with a talented and dedicated staff and support from a variety of sponsors. This year David Childs joined some of America's finest euphonium players on the staff of IEI giving solo performances and masterclasses courtesy of Schreiber Keilwerth, the company responsible for making David's euphonium of choice; the new 'York Eminence'.

Below you will find some photos from IEI 2007 together with some commentary from David.


Adam Frey (IEI Artistic Director) & David Childs

"I had the privilege of giving the opening concert of IEI 2007 which took place on Sunday 10th. Accompanied by the very talented pianist Caryl Conger, we gave a short recital featuring original works from Britain and a few classical transcriptions. Our programme included Gordon Jacob's Fantasia, the beautiful Lento from Joseph Horowitz's Concerto, the American premiere of Rodney Newton's Sonata Brevis, Alven's Valflickansdans, Hummel's Fantasy, Mendelssohn's Hear My Prayer, Parry's Myfanwy, and Arban's Carnival of Venice. Maybe it wasn't so short after all! It was however great fun to perform in Emory's wonderful auditorium, and a standing ovation from the educated audience made the experience extra special for me."


Martin Cochran, Jamie Lipton, David Childs & Adam Frey

"The IEI schedule was action packed all week, but each morning started with a massed 'warm-up' session led by one of the guest artists. I led the 45 minute sessions on Monday & Tuesday morning taking the course delegates through false pedal tones, lip flexibilities, breath control, finger dexterity, agility, and tonguing/production exercises. The warm-up sessions were a good way to start the day, but it was the evening concerts I looked forward to. Monday's concert featured 'Adam Frey & Friends' and was a real highlight for me."


Martin Cochran, Jamie Lipton, Caryl Conger, David Childs, Adam Frey & Kevin Wass

"Tubist Kevin Wass started the concert with a performance of Bach's Adagio & Allegro from his Sonata in G. In addition to being a superb Tuba player Kevin Wass is Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Texas Tech University, he holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan, a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, and a Master of Music degree and Performer's Certificate from Indiana University."


Magdelena Shumanova, Caryl Conger, David Childs & Adam Frey

"Monday's concert also featured two world premiere performances given by Adam: James Stephenson's Sonata for Euphonium and Richard Prior's Diversions. These are wonderful additions to the euphonium repertoire and through his performances Adam showed why he is recognised as one of the leading euphonium talents in the world today. I had the pleasure of joining Jamie Lipton, Martin Cochran and Adam for a quartet performance of Thomas Stevens' 'New Carnival of Venice' and I also joined Adam for a duet rendition of Edward Elgar's Salut D'Amour arranged by my father and uncle."


Adam Frey and Markus Theinert

"Tuesday's Concert featured my fellow International Guest Artist - Markus Theinert, a renowned German tubist and conductor. His performances of Marcello's Sonata in G and Mendelsohn's On the Wings of Song were superb, as was his duet item with Adam; they played Canonic Sonata in F Major by Teleman. For this piece both Markus & Adam used their Miraphone German baritones producing a unique and memorable sound. Jamie Lipton and Martin Cochran also performed as soloists in this concert."

"Jamie Lipton currently studies with Dr. Brian Bowman at the University of North Texas where she is pursuing a doctoral degree in euphonium performance. Jamie has won many of the major euphonium competitions, including the 2006 Leonard Falcone Competition, the 2006 International Tuba and Euphonium Conference (ITEC) Competition, and the 2005 Potomac Festival Competition. She demonstrated why she has been so successful in recent years with a very musical performance of the Moderato from the Horowitz Concerto. Dr. Martin Cochran is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and is currently Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education and Low Brass at the University of Montevallo. His virtuosic performance of Picchi's Fantasie Original found favour with everyone in the audience - a wonderful piece played extremely well."


Everyone! - IEI 2007 Staff & Participants at Alpharetta.

"Wednesday's Concert was off campus - it took place at the Alpharetta First United Methodist Church. Here the audience were treated to performances from the IEI ensembles, Markus Theinert, Adam Frey, Brian Bowman and myself. the highlight for me was a performance of Amazing Grace which featured Dr. Brian Bowman in the opening verse before being joined by the massed euphonium ensemble conducted by Adam."


Caryl Conger, David & Adam

"One of the features of the Alpharetta concert was our compere for the evening: comedy genius Adam Frey! He had the audience rolling in the aisle at times. Having asked German International Artist Markus Theinert to teach the audience a few words in his native language, above he is asking me to do the same - very funny, but I suppose you had to be there!"


David performs 'Carnival' in Alpharetta

"Back at Emory University Thursday's highlight was the eagerly awaited Artist Recital featuring David Werden & Brian Bowman. Two players I had previously read a lot about, but never heard. I was not disappointed in any way, shape or form. David Werden is a graduate of The University of Iowa, and was the euphonium soloist with The United States Coast Guard Band for more than 20 years. Today he is a 'Sterling' artist and treated the audience to a programme which included Tchaikovsky's Neapolitan Dance and Rafael Mendez's Jota."


Dr. Brian Bowman posing as a Bus Driver!

"Dr. Brian Bowman's superb musicianship and dedication to fine brass playing have made him one of the foremost euphonium soloists in the world today.He is a Wilson artist and enjoys a distinguished career as a soloist, clinician, recording artist, educator and administrator. Dr. Bowman performed three pieces demonstrating flawless technique whilst also displaying a natural ability to turn a phrase with beautiful lyricism. His performances of Klengal's Concertino & Boccalari's Fantasia di Concerto will live in my memory for many years to come - simply superb!"

"The 2nd half of Thursday's concert featured special guests - The amazing Piedmont Trombone Society. Their programme provided real contrast and showcased two great players and IEI staff members; Tom Gibson and Wes Funderburk - both of whom gave masterclasses earlier in the week."


The Army Ground Forces Band - The Concert Band

"During Friday and Saturday the staff of IEI had the pleasure of listening to three participant recitals giving every member of IEI 2007 the opportunity to perform with a great accompanist in a superb auditorium to an appreciative and supportive audience before the final Concert of IEI 2007 took place on Saturday evening. The Gala concert featured the IEI Ensemble and also The Army Ground Forces Band conducted by Major Daniel Steiger. Their programme included Baba-Yaga & The Great Gate of Kiev from Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exibition and also Finale from Mendelssohn's Concerto Op.64 featuring Antonio Bortone and Cory Belvin. Adam joined the band for a beautiful performance of the Flower Song from Carmen and Dr. Bowman gave a great rendition of Edwin Franko Goldman's cornet solo 'Schezo'. I was the last soloist up and performed Brillante by Peter Graham. It was great fun playing with the band and the audience seemed to enjoy it too."

"To complete the concert Brian Bowman, Adam Frey and myself joined the band for their encore item, Melody Shop - it was a great way to finish off a very enjoyable week."


David, Adam & Brian Bowman play the solo in Melody Shop!

To see a video podcast featuring David's performance of Brillante with the US Ground Force Band, followed by an interview hosted by Tom Gibson copy the following into your address bar:

http://tbonegib.podbean.com/

The above address will direct you to 'Episode 40: Meet David Childs' at www.trombonelessons.com Podcasts. Below are a few more photos taken after the final concert.


Sam LoBue, David Childs, Brian Bowman, Robert Leal & Adam Frey


Tim Jansa, Tom Gibson, Adam Frey, Brian Bowman & David Childs


Sam LoBue, David Childs, Brian Bowman, Irving Ray & Adam Frey


David with a fellow Brit: 'Lancashire Lad' & friend Jeff Binns


Members of the IEI 2007 Social Team!