Neal
Corwell, euphonium
October 14, 2005
Dr. Neal Corwell, having previously served as featured soloist with one of the premier service band in Washington, DC from 1981 to 1989, recently rejoined the military and is now once again playing euphonium as a member of the armed services. During the intervening years in the civilian world, He earned his doctorate in music from the University of Maryland (1997) and made his living as a freelance musician, appearing overseas and all across the United States as guest euphonium solo artist and composer at numerous events each year. Dr. Corwell also was an adjunct faculty member at both Frostburg State University and Shepherd College for several years, teaching low brass and electronic music.
Today, Neal continues presenting recitals and master classes across the globe, and also remains active as a composer and recording artist. Additionally, he is a featured artist in the Maryland "Artist-in-Education" program, which entails traveling across the state to perform in Maryland's public schools. Dr. Corwell is a former executive committee member of the International Tuba Euphonium Association, a former board member of the International Women's Brass Conference, a current editorial advisor for the International Tuba Euphonium Association Journal, and a founding (and current) member of "Symphonia", a professional ensemble chosen from among the nation's leading low brass performers. His solo CDs include "Distant Images" (1994), "Heart of a Wolf" (2000), and "Out Sitting in his Field" (2004) (All available from Nicolai Music at nicolaimusic@erols.com).
As a composer, Dr. Corwell has had nearly fifty original works published, ranging in instrumentation from unaccompanied solos to mutli-movement orchestral works. He was the composer-in-residence for the Symphony at Deep Creek (McHenry, Maryland) from 1994 to 1999, was chosen as one of the featured composers for the 1997 Bowling Green (Ohio) International Music and Arts Festival. Recent honors include Maryland State Arts Council awards for excellence in both classical music composition and solo instrumental performance. Neal also won 2nd prize in the 2003 American Music in the United States Armed Forces Composition Competition, an event sponsored by the National Federation of Music Clubs. Several of his compositions have been included on recent recordings released by the following labels: Mark Records, Crystal Records, RJR Digital, TRYFAN, HRS, and Nicolai Music.
Howard
Johnson, tuba
February 4, 2006
After a term with U.S. Navy,
Howard stayed in Boston with a family, whose son was drummer Tony Williams. In
1962, he moved to New York City on the advice of Eric Dolphy, where he met
Pharoah Sanders, another recent arrival. The day he bought his first tuba, he
went to a jam session and played with the likes of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Joe
Albany and Carla Bley,
who was so impressed that she included tuba in every one of her bands until the
late 1980’s.
In 1964, Howard went to watch Charles Mingus at the live spot and finally got his big break. Mingus was upset because his favourite tuba player, Red Callender, couldn’t make the next week’s gig at Birdland. Guess who was in the audience and ready with his tuba! After being pointed out to Mingus by Jaki Byard, whom he met in Boston, and after a story-book match of wit and skill between Howard and Mingus, Johnson had a gig that lasted for more than a year a half and took him across the continent.
During this time ho got to know literally every player on the New York scene, including John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and Cannonball Adderley. On one occasion, Gil Evans sat in front of him at a gig, remaining completely expressionless throughout the performance. Four days later, Evans called to invite Howard to join him in Monterey. Soon fìnding out that his tuba playing had inspired Gil to put together another band. That relationship lasted until Gil Evans passing in 1988.
Over the years,
Howard has worked with Hank Crawford, Archie Shepp, Buddy Rich, Freddie Hubbard,
McCoy Tyner,
Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis,
Quincy Jones, The Band, Taj Mahal…..
Throughout the '80s and '90s, he toured the world with George Gruntz, Dizzy Gillespie, Abdullah Ibrahim, Ekaya and more. He can also be heard on the soundtracks of Spike Lee’s School Daze, Mo’ Better Blues, Malcom X and Clockers. After his four year association with the NDR Big Band in Hamburg, Germany, Howard has returned to New York City with his first solo recording. ARRIVAL on Verve Motor, under his belt. In 1995, he recorded with John Scofield on GROOVE ELATION for Blue Note.
Velvet
Brown, tuba
Velvet Brown enjoys a professional career as an international soloist and chamber ensemble performer, recording artist, conductor, and orchestral player. She has made regular appearances throughout Europe, Russia, Japan, Canada, and the United States. Brown has served as principal tubist with the New Hampshire Music Festival Orchestra and as substitute or additional tubist with the Detroit Symphony, Saint Louis Symphony, San Francisco Women's Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. She has garnered high praise as a member of the Monarch Brass Quintet and Brass Ensemble, the Junction Tuba Quartet, and the Garda Duo.
Brown was appointed to Penn State as professor of tuba and euphonium in fall 2003. Previously, she taught at Bowling Green State University and Ball State University, and served as an associate director of University Bands at Boston University. She has had many successful students who have been prize winners at various regional, national, and international competitions. Currently, she serves as secretary of the executive committee for the International Tuba and Euphonium Association (ITEA). She is also a board member of the International Women's Brass Conference. Brown is noted for receiving the 1999-2000 William Fulbright Fellowship Vinciguerra Award.
She has released two solo CDs: Velvet and Music for Velvet (Crystal Records). In addition, she has recorded music by the award-winning composer Neal Corwell for the Nicolai Music Label. Her interpretation of John William's Tuba Concerto can be heard on the Bowling Green Philharmonia's Composer's Voice -- Volume IV recording, which is forthcoming.
Past guest artists: Thomas Bough, Neal Corwell, Jason Ham, Lee Harrelson, Howard Johnson, Steve Maxwell, Steven Mead, Ben Pierce, Pat Sheridan, Jason Roland Smith, Helen Tyler, Kevin Wass, Scott Watson, Louis Young.