LISTED BELOW ARE SOME OF DR. NEAL CORWELL’S RECENT SOLO APPEARANCES
(upcoming confirmed appearances and more recent items are listed first)
CLICK HERE FOR REVIEWS OF PAST APPEARANCES
Since retiring from “Pershing’s Own” (The US Army Band in Washington D.C.) during the Spring of 2016, Dr. Corwell has performed in 6 countries and 21 US states, presenting several dozen solo recitals and an equivalent number of master classes. During the same time period, he has also been a soloist with several concert bands from various universities, and professional brass bands to include The River City Brass Band, The Brass Band of Central Illinois, The Brass Band of Columbus, and The Mississippi River Brass Band. He was also a featured soloist during the Grand Finale Concert of the 2016 International Tuba Euphonium Conference, held in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Dr. Corwell is currently making plans for Spring 2020 and beyond, so if you think you may be interested in having Neal come to you, please contact him now!
(via the email link which may be found at the bottom of every website page)
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:
Currently: in addition to local gigs, Dr. Corwell is working on several composition, arranging and archival projects.
Spring 2020 Regional Tuba Euphonium Conferences: There are five regional conferences being held this Spring in locations scattered across the US. There are events in Oklahoma, Nebraska, Georgia, New York, and Kentucky. The good news is that Dr. Corwell was invited as a featured artist to all five events. The bad news is that Getzen has reduced its financial support for Willson artists, like Neal, so it is not financially feasible for him to attend all five conferences. As a result, Dr. Corwell has chosen to be a featured artist at only the closest event, the Midwest Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, hosted by Matt Hightower. During his allotted time-slot Neal will be performing some of his own compositions (mostly works with CD and/or electronics), presenting a clinic covering topics of electronic music and military auditions, hosting a brief Q & A session, and helping to judge a military style mock audition. If you would like more information on this Mid-May 2020 event, a good starting point is the MWRTEC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Musician-Band/Mwrtec-2020-354886538434035/
ONLINE PERFORMANCES: (scroll down further for “past performances”)
Performing Carnival of Venice: A live performance of Clarke’s beloved Carnival of Venice can be found at the link that follows. Neal is performing his own arrangement, for brass band accompaniment, of the popular solo. Dr. Corwell created this arrangement especially for performance for a Summer 2017 European Tour with the Mississippi River Brass Band, with Jack Stamp conducting. The band performed in Minnesota and Wisconsin before in Minnesota and Wisconsin traveling to Europe to present seven concerts in four countries: Austria, Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Note the 1- finger rendition of the final variation!
https://www.clipfail.com/watch/s4557494m4o3q2w4s4d4o4.html
European Dance of the Tumblers: Dr. Corwell also created a brass band version of Dance of the Tumblers by Rimsky-Korsakov for the Mississippi River Brass Band 2017 tour of Europe. (see above for more info). Neal’s version features a euphonium duo fronting the band. Neal, and his longtime friend (and former comrade at Pershing’s Own) Lee Dummer are playing the euphonium duo in this live performance.
https://www.clipfail.com/watch/q4w5m4r2u3x2j3b4v4p4k4.html
Teaching Video Posted Online: While performing as a guest artist at the University of Western Michigan, Neal was asked to present a short impromptu on-camera lesson on a selected topic of brass performance. That short video, which addresses the topic of developing, improving, and/or maintaining good finger technique, is currently posted on the ITEA website.
Odyssey performed by Dr. Brian Bowman: Also included on the same webpage listed above is a link to a video of Dr. Brian L. Bowman, Dr. Corwell’s mentor from “back in the day”, performing Neal’s composition, Odyssey. The link for the video lesson is as follows:
http://www.iteaonline.org/members/pedagogy/power_lessons/corwell/corwell.php
PAST PERFORMANCES:
November 30, 2019: The Hagerstown Municipal Band, under the direction of Lynn Lerew presented an “Almost Christmas” concert at the Capital Theater in Chambersburg, PA. Dr. Corwell was the featured instrumental soloist, performing Nutcracker Sweets, his own arrangement of highlights from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.
September 21, 2019: During a concert with the Capital Band in Plains, Virginia, Dr. Corwell had the opportunity of stepping forward as a featured soloist. For the occasion he chose to perform his own arrangement of Endearing Young Charms by Simone Mantia.
July 21, 2019: Dr. Corwell had the honor of being chosen to perform the euphonium solo part for a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 7 with the 50th Anniversary Shippensburg Festival Orchestra. The orchestra, under the direction of Robert Trevino, presented a marvelous rendition of the challenging masterwork, and Neal was proud to be a part of the performance.
July 7, 2019: Dr. Corwell was featured soloist with the Hagerstown Municipal Band, performing in City Park, Hagerstown, Maryland, with Lynn Lerew conducting. He began with a classic: Herbert Clarke’s variations on Carnival of Venice. Dr. Corwell’s encore was St. Louis Blues by W.C Handy. Neal’s version of the tune, his own arrangement, was for solo with bass line and percussion. The bass line was performed to perfection by Chris Stockslager, tubist with the band. The percussion part was played by Neal, through the use of his Farmer Foot Drum Kit, as he also belted out the solo part on his euphonium. It was a warm night at the City Park Bandshell, but all had a good time!
July 5, 2019: Dr. Corwell, accompanied by his wife Kathryn, presented a recital as part of a Chautaugua-like Music/Arts/Learning event in beautiful Mountain Lake Park, Maryland. Neal chose music for the concert that could have been performed at the event 100 years ago.
June 11 School Concert: Accompanied by his wife Kathryn, Neal presented a recital at North Hagerstown High School on the last full day of the school year. The event was hosted by band director Jessica Manor. The program featured works from the Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras. In addition to playing euphonium, Dr. Corwell also played ophicliede, double-belled euphonium, trombone, and a plethora of percussion instruments. Hopefully the performance inspired the musicians to keep practicing over the Summer!
June 9, 2019: Dr. Corwell, accompanied by his wife Kathryn, presented a recital in preparation for his July appearance at the Chautaugua-like Music/Arts/Learning event in beautiful Mountain Lake Park, Maryland. Several tunes incorporated String Bass, and local bassist Dan Murphy aptly covered this part for the event.
West Virginia visit 2018: on the 14th of November Dr. Corwell presented a recital and also attended a student recital at Glenville State College, in Glenville, West Virginia. The host for the event was Dr. Lloyd E. Bone, low brass teacher and current chair of the music department. All went well, and all enjoyed themselves. Especially fun was the pre-recital meal Neal had with his host and students of the low brass studio!
Veteran’s Day Concert: On November 11, 2018, Dr. Corwell a featured soloist with the Capital Band for a Veteran’s Day Concert at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke, Virginia. Neal created three brand new arrangements for premiere at this event. Two of these new works are arrangements for solo euphonium with brass quintet accompaniment: Andante & Rondo by Capuzzi, and Endearing Young Charms by Simone Mantia. The third work, an arrangement of the Scherzo from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, is designed for a brass sextet comprised of euphonium plus brass quintet. This challenging ensemble piece features the equal distribution of musical material among all six members of the group. It keeps everyone on their toes!
October return to North Carolina: Dr. Corwell was scheduled to perform at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, hosted by Dr. Justin Worley, on Monday September 17. However, hurricane Florence had other ideas! The appearance was postponed because classes were cancelled that day as the area began its recovery from the storm. No fear though. Four weeks later, Monday September 15th, Neal once again headed down to North Carolina, this time to finally presented a master class and recital at UNCG.
September 2018 Northeast and Southeast recital tour: During the final two weeks of September, Dr. Corwell presented recitals and master classes at eight universities spread across six US states. He appeared at the following: Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, hosted by Dr. Douglas Black, Western Carolina University, hosted by Dr. Michael G. Schallock, Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, hosted by Bethany Wiese, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, hosted by Dr. Ross Walter, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, hosted by Dr. Nathan Rinnert, Ithica College, New York, hosted by Dr. David Earll, State University of New York in Potsdam, hosted by Dr.Charles V. Guy, and The University of Vermont, hosted by Dr. Yutaka Kono.
Summer Solo at Hagerstown, Maryland: On Sunday, July 1, 2018, Dr. Corwell wars featured soloist with the Hagerstown Municipal Band, under the direction of Lynn Lerew. His first feature work for this “July 4th Celebration Concert” was his own variations on the patriotic tune, Yankee Doodle. This solo with band, originally published in 2001, is titled Dandy Noodles. For his encore, Neal premiered a new arrangement featuring euphonium accompanied by a battery of foot-controlled percussion which featured 23 different instruments! This new humorous concert-piece, which is a mini patriotic concert in itself, is called “Americana Medley”.
Recital Appearance: On April 22, Neal concluded a local recital by performing Goedicke’s Concert Etude, and a selection from Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. For the latter, Dr. Corwell performed on ophicleide. He was accompanied by his wife Kathryn.
Mid-Winter Recital: In an effort to battle cabin fever, for both performers and audience, Neal and his wife Kathryn Sincell-Corwell hosted a recital on February 22, 2018. Neal premiered some new arrangements to include Bach’s Cello Suite No. 6, In the Bleak Midwinter, and a movement from Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite (performed on Ophicleide!). After also performing works by Capuzzi, Goedicke, and Saint-Saens, Neal picked up his trombone and put on his “drum shoes” to play a rousing rendition of St Louis Blues for trombone and foot percussion.
School Concert: Accompanied by his wife Kathryn, Neal presented a recital at Clear Spring High School, his alma mater, on June 6, 2018. The event was hosted by band director Cara Price, and the supervisor of Music for Washington County Maryland Schools, Dr. Stephen Miles. The program featured works from the Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras. In addition to playing euphonium, Dr. Corwell also played ophicliede, double-belled euphonium, trombone, and a plethora of percussion instruments. Hopefully the performance inspired the musicians to keep practicing over the Summer!
European Tour: For much of the month of July, 2017, Dr. Corwell will performed as part of a goodwill tour with the Mississippi River Brass Band, a professional organization based in Minnesota and led by renowned conductor and composer Dr. Jack Stamp. The concert tour began with concerts in Minnesota and Wisconsin over the July 4th holiday. The group then traveled to Europe and presented seven concerts in four countries: Austria, Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. In addition to performing as part of the ensemble, Neal was a featured soloist during all the concerts, performing his personal version of Herbert Clarke’s Carnival of Venice. Dr. Corwell also performed his new arrangement for duo with brass band, Dance of the Tumblers by Rimsky-Korsakov. For this euphonium duo, he was joined by Lee Dummer, a longtime friend and colleague from Neal’s early days with “Pershing’s Own.”
Summer Solo at Hagerstown, Maryland: On Sunday, June 25, 2017, Dr. Corwell once again performed as soloist with the Hagerstown Municipal Band, under the direction of Lynn Lerew. His first feature work was the ever-popular Blue Bells of Scotland by Arthur Pryor. Neal’s encore was his newest arrangement, his personal take on the traditional fiddle tune, Red-Haired Boy.
Mississippi-Bound: Dr. Corwell appeared at Delta State University in Mississippi during April 2017. The university hosted a “tuba-euphonium” day, and Neal was one of two visiting guest artists for the event. The other guest artist was Neal’s old friend from undergraduate days, tubist Velvet Brown! In addition to master classes and a warm-up session, Dr. Corwell presented a full recital which featured innovative electric music, plus humorous works, some of which featured the soloist playing percussion and euphonium simultaneously. The music was a big hit and fun was had by all!
Tennessee visits: In March and April, Dr. Corwell traveled to four Tennessee universities. He appeared at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville hosted by R. Winston Morris, Vanderbilt University in Nashville hosted by Gilbert Long, and Middle Tennessee University in Murfreesboro hosted by Chris Combest and David Loucky, and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga hosted by Kenyon Wilson. While at these schools, Neal will presented a mix of recitals and master classes and also taught many private lessons.
Illinois and Ohio appearances with Brass and Concert Bands: In early December of 2016, Dr. Corwell was in Normal Illinois to appear as featured soloist with The Brass Band of Central Illinois, under the direction of Dr. Sharon Huff. During the holiday-themed concert he performed his Nutcracker Sweets (the premiere of the brass band version of the work) and also Herbert L. Clarke’s variations on Carnival of Venice (also the premier performance of the brass band version). In addition, he performed a solo version of Oh Holy Night. While in the region he was also featured as soloist with a concert band from Illinois State University, under the direction of Dan Dietrich, where he also performed his Nutcracker Sweets (the band-accompanied version). On the return trip back to Maryland Dr. Corwell stopped off for a quick rehearsal followed by a performance with the Brass Band of Columbus (Ohio), under the direction of Brian Stevens. During his stay in Normal, Illinois, Neal also made a side trip to Metamora Township High School, where he presented a recital for a very attentive and enthusiastic group of music students. Many thanks to the students, and their band director Chris Render, for making Dr. Corwell feel very welcome!
Return to Arkansas! In mid-November, 2016, Dr. Corwell traveled back to Arkansas, just a couple of months after his last appearance there, to perform at a low brass weekend hosted by Dr. Gail Robertson for students of all ages. Neal performed two half-recitals for the event, and also presented a masterclass and performed with the mass ensemble. It was a GREAT event and a lot of fun for all concerned.
Premiere performance in Texas: On November 11th, 2016, Veterans Day, a new composition by Dr. Corwell was premiered. “Song for a New Day” is the title of the new composition. It was commissioned by Edward Romine, a euphoniumist from Fort Worth, Texas, and he gave the work its first public performance on his Veteran’s Day recital. “Song for a New Day” is a lyrical piece, neo-romantic in flavor, for euphonium solo with piano accompaniment. It is currently available for the price of $15, although the website entry for the piece has not yet been created.
Penn State: Near the end of October, 2016 Dr. Corwell presented a recital and master class at Penn State, in State college, Pennsylvania, hosted by colleague Velvet Brown. The program included Neal’s Ritual, a tuba-euphonium duo, assisted by Ms. Brown.
Michigan Trip: During the month of October, Dr. Corwell will traveled to several universities in Michigan to present solo recitals and give master-classes. He appeared at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor (with host Fritz Kaenzig), Michigan State University in East Lansing (hosted by Phil Sinder), and Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo (hosted by Dr. Jacob Cameron), and Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.
Southern Trip: During September of 2016 Dr. Corwell traveled to Texas and Arkansas, presenting recitals and giving master-classes at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nagodoches, TX, hosted by Daniel Chapa & Dr. J.D. Salas, Sam Houston University in Huntsville, TX, with host Robert Daniel, University of North Texas in Denton, TX, hosted by Dr. Brian Bowman, and University of Arkansas in Fayettville, Arkansas, hosted by Ben Pierce.
2016 Leonard Falcone Competition: This Summer Dr. Corwell traveled to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan to serve as an adjudicator for the well-known international solo contest, the Leonard Falcone Competition, for tuba and euphonium soloists. In addition to serving as a judge, he also performed a solo (Asturias) during a recital, and lead some master classes. The other judges serving alongside Neal for the artist division were euphoniumists Earle Louder and Jamie Lipton.
Summer Solo at Hagerstown, Maryland: On Sunday, July 24, 2016, Neal once again performed as soloist with the Hagerstown Municipal Band, under the direction of Lynn Lerew. He performed all light and fun stuff: Ruslan and Ludmilla’s Romp Across Russia, and Hey, Wait a Minute Waltz. For the second piece, a parody of Chopin’s Minute Waltz, he playing foot percussion (plus euphonium) and was accompanied by his wife Kathryn!
Featured soloist at 2016 ITEC: June 2016, Dr. Corwell appeared at yet another International Tuba Euphonium Conference, this time in Knoxville, Tennessee. Neal was chosen as one of the soloists featured during the Saturday evening grand finale concert which concludes the week of low brass festivities. He premiered a new version of his original composition “Come to the Edge”, a work that was originally written for euphonium solo with orchestra. A piano reduction of Come to the Edge is also available, as is a version accompanied by concert band, but this new version is for soloist with brass band. The accompanying ensemble was the River City Brass Band, under the direction of James Gourlay.
Washington County Schools in Maryland were the venue for several recital/clinics during the last days of the 2015-2016 school year. Dr. Corwell played a variety of low brass instruments (euphonium, baritone, tenor trombone, tuba, double-bell euphonium) in a variety of styles and with different types of accompaniment. The goal of his performances was to educate students about how brass instruments function and to show them the capabilities of these instruments. The hope is that it was enough motivation to keep them practicing over the break, instead of throwing their horns in the case for the Summer! Many thanks to Dr. Stephen Miles, Washington County supervisor of music, for organizing the concerts and to the teachers that hosted: Susan Mott @ Hancock Jr-Sr High School, Cara Price @ Clear Spring High, Staci Calder @ Smithsburg High School, Mark Valco @ Clear Spring Middle School, Lauren Bond @ Williamsport High, and Jessica Manor @ North Hagerstown High.
Alumni Concert: On Monday, May 13, 2016 the Clear Spring High School Band presented an evening concert at the school auditorium under the direction of Cara Price. To celebrate the 100th year of the band’s existence, Cara invited band alumni to play along with current band members for several pieces. Also featured were guest conductors Noel Kunkle (Neal’s High School band director and private music teacher), Stephen Miles (a band-mate of Neal’s from “back in the day”), and John Eckstine (also a former class-mate and band-mate). In addition to augmenting the euphonium section during the concert, Dr. Corwell also stepped forward to play a solo with piano, Venetian Carnival Animals, accompanied by his wife Kathryn Sincell-Corwell.
Piano/Voice/Euphonium Recital: On Sunday May 15, 2016, the piano and vocal students of Kathryn Sincell-Corwell presented a recital in the Nicolai Music recital space in Clear Spring, Maryland. To bring the program to a close, Neal played Come to the Edge accompanied by his wife Kathryn.
Rhode Island visit: During mid-April, Dr. Corwell appeared at the University of Rhode Island, hosted by Thomas Gregory. After his solo recital, Dr. Corwell was treated to an excellent performance of the college’s low brass ensemble. A good time was had by all!
“Slide Show” appearance: Neal played bass trombone with the trombone quartet “slide show” on Saturday, April 9th, at a concert to benefit the Capital Theater in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
Wisconsin Tour: Near the end of March, Neal presented a series of recitals and masterclasses at Wisconsin universities. He appeared at the universities of Wisconsin at Whitewater with host John Tuinstra, at Madison with Tom Curry, and Eau Clair with Jerry Young. During his recital at Eau Claire, he was assisted by Jerry Young on tuba, and Barbara Young on piano.
Soloing In Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, and Ohio: During March, 2016 Dr. Corwell was featured soloist with the symphonic band at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. The ensemble was under the direction of Tony Falcone as Neal Premiered the band-accompanied version of his new piece Come to the Edge. While at Lincoln, Neal also presented a recital and master class on the afternoon of the 8th. During his travels to and from Nebraska, he also be appeared at Ohio University, hosted by Jason Smith, at Ball State in Muncie, Indiana, hosted by Matt Lyon, and at University of Iowa, hosted by John Manning.
Featured solo recital plus soloist with band on Finale Concert for 2016 Annual Army Band Tuba Euphonium Workshop: Dr. Corwell’s final appearance in uniform as an active duty military musician took place during the Annual Army Band conference. On the final day of the conference, Saturday, February 6, he performed a full solo recital in the Major Studio of Brucker Hall, and then later that same evening, at the same venue, he was one of four featured soloists performing with the band during the Grand Finale Concert that brought the conference to a close.
It was 35 years ago that Neal began his career as a professional musician, therefore his program was billed as “a celebration of 35 years”. All the works on the program were either written or arranged by Dr. Corwell, during various stages of his career. The recital featured works accompanied by piano (Kathryn Sincell-Corwell), recorded and live electronics, percussion (Robert McEwen), and euphonium quartet (Toby Furr, Jeremy BcBride, Dan Ord, and Chris Buckley). In addition to playing euphonium, Neal also be played percussion and manipulated some live electronics during the performance.
The program for the recital was as follows:
Asturias and Ebben, for euphonium with piano, followed by Aboriginal Voices and Dusk, both with electronics. The combination of euphonium with piano and marimba was then featured during a performance of Dr. Corwell’s composition Adagio & Finale. A bit of humor was injected into the program at this point, as Neal played percussion and euphonium at the same time for his arrangement titled Hey, Wait a Minute Waltz. The program was closed with the fun, humorous, and challenging Ruslan and Ludmilla’s Romp Across Russia in a special version for piano with euphonium quartet and percussion.
For the evening solo with the band, Dr. Corwell performed his own version of the old favorite Fantasie Originale.
The premiere of two new arrangements, adapted for euphonium solo with piano by Dr. Corwell, took place Christmas Eve, 2015 as Neal, accompanied by his wife Kathryn, performed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Oakland, Maryland. The two new pieces, both originally composed by J.S. Bach, are Sheep May Safely Graze and the opening Allegro from Violin Concerto No. 2.
Solo in the park with the Hagerstown Municipal Band: On Sunday, July 26, 2015, Neal was featured soloist with the Hagerstown Municipal Band as part of their Summer Concert Series in the Hagerstown City Park. He performed his arrangement of Fantasie Originale, followed by Tchaikovsky’s Dance Napolitaine (featuring double-bell euphonium!)
Euphonium/Piano Recital: On Saturday July 18, 2015, Neal, along with his wife Kathryn Sincell-Corwell, presented a recital in the Nicolai Music recital space in Clear Spring, Maryland. The program included the following: Fantasie Originale, Ruslan and Ludmilla’s Romp Across Russia, Come to the Edge, the premiere of Neal’s new arrangement of a beautiful aria by Catalani titled “Ebben”, and also the premiere of another new arrangement (also by Neal) of a humorous piece title “Hey, Wait a Minute” Waltz, which is based on Chopin’s famous Minute Waltz. In addition to these works for euphonium with piano, Kathryn also performed the Brahms Rhapsody No. 2 in g minor for solo piano.
The 2015 Annual Army Band Tuba Euphonium Workshop featured the premiere of Dr. Corwell’s most recent composition, “Come to the Edge,” for euphonium solo with orchestra. This brand new work, written for Jeremy McBride, a talented euphoniumist from Pershing’s Own, was premiered (by Jeremy) during the evening orchestral feature concert on Friday, January 30. As an added plus, the conductor of the orchestra for the premiere was 1st LT. Joel DuBois, himself an accomplished euphonium soloist. Please note that both the orchestral and piano reduction versions of the new piece, Come to the Edge, are already available for sale!
In addition to the premiere of “Come to the Edge, two of Dr. Corwell’s arrangements (Finale from Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, and Asturias) were performed during the conference by the American Tuba Quartet during the Wednesday Evening “Brass Night” concert.
Neal also performed with the Inter-Service Euphonium Choir, directed by Dr. Brian Bowman.
Solo in the park with the Hagerstown Municipal Band: On Sunday, July 21, 2014, Neal was the featured soloist with the Hagerstown Municipal Band as part of their Summer Concert Series in the Hagerstown City Park. This season marks the 100th anniversary of the band! He performed a special version of his Venetian Carnival Animals, followed by the premiere of his arrangement of the Dance of the Tumblers by Rimsky-Korsakov.
New arrangement premiered by The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets with the Hagerstown Municipal Band: On Sunday, July 14, 2014, a special concert was held to celebrate the 100th season of the Hagerstown Municipal Band. The US Army Herald Trumpets, from “Pershing’s Own” were featured, with Neal paying bass trumpet with the Army ensemble. The concert was opened with the premiere performance of Dr. Corwell’s arrangement for band of the United States National Anthem. This exciting new arrangement was enthusiastically received!
ITEC 2014: Dr. Corwell was again featured on an International Tuba Euphonium Conference. The event was held in Bloomington, Indiana, on the campus of Indiana University. Dr. Corwell performed solos on euphonium, tuba, and double-belled euphonium, accompanied on piano by his wife, Kathryn Sincell-Corwell. The program featured the following of his arrangements: Asturias, Ruslan and Ludmilla’s Romp Across Russia, Away, I’m bound Away, and Venetian Carnival Animals.
Temple University appearance: Dr. Corwell will presented a recital followed by a master-class, at Temple University, Philadelphia, on March 19, 2014. His host for the evening was the highly esteemed Jay Krush, tubist, composer, and educator.
Metamorphoses: New and Improved! On Feb. 18, 2014, Neal presented a full recital of his own original music and arrangements as part of the Brucker Hall Concert Series. The evening was billed as an evening of classics and new music performed by diverse instrumental combinations involving brass (euphonium, trombone, tuba), percussion (Marimba and other assorted percussion instruments), piano, clarinet, electronics, and more. All the music included on the program has been transformed in a variety of fresh and innovative ways by Dr. Corwell. Featured works are: Andante from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 (for brass trio with piano), Adagio and Finale from Sinfonietta (for euphonium, marimba, and piano), Scherzo from Sinfonietta (for euphonium quartet), Quiet Mountain (for trombone, clarinet, and CD), Ruslan and Ludmilla’s Romp across Russia (for euphonium, piano, and percussion), Venetian Carnival Animals (for double-belled euphonium and piano).
2014 U.S. Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Workshop: During this year’s event, Dr. Corwell performed euphonium, double-belled euphonium, and sousaphone as part of the Military Soloists recital, accompanied by his wife Kathryn, on the morning of Friday January 31. The video of this performance may be viewed by going to the following link on the band’s website (theusarmyband.com), and scrolling one hour into the 11 hours of video for January 31. He also performed a tuba solo, his Away, I’m Bound Away, on Saturday, February 1, as part of a tribute to Ross Morgan, a former CSM of Pershing’s Own, who passed in September 2013. Video of this performance may be found on the band’s youtube library for February 1, about two hours into the day’s performances.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sirWh8wtl-4&list=UUR6fLOl9_N1UXVDh4lXjYAw&feature=c4-overview
West Virginia University Recital: Dr. Corwell presented a recital at WVU on Jan. 14, 2014. During the course of the evening, Dr. Corwell performed solos on euphonium, tuba, and trombone, and also made use of some electronic instruments. The concert was a family affair because, in addition to being accompanied by his wife Kathryn, Neal was also joined by his nephew, Robert McEwen, a current percussion major at WVU, for the premiere of Dr. Corwell’s “Adagio and Finale” from his “Sinfonietta” adapted for euphonium, marimba, and piano. McEwan, along with two more WVU Percussion majors, James Conkle and J.C. White, then joined Corwell to perform a light-hearted medley of famous Russian themes titled “Ruslan and Ludmilla’s Romp Across Russia”. The program also featured flutist Emily Watkins, yet another WVU music major. She joined him for the premiere of an adaptation of Dr. Corwell’s “Quiet Mountain” for trombone, flute, and CD accompaniment.
It was Christmas and Nutcracker Season! So...Neal performed his arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, title Nutcracker Sweets, at a couple of holiday events, concluding with a Christmas Eve performance, accompanied by his wife Kathryn, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Oakland, Maryland.
Octubafest in Arlington: Neal and his wife Kathryn Sincell-Corwell performed his new tuba solos (yes, on TUBA!) Away, I’m Bound Away and March of the Marionette during an informal impromptu Octubafest concert on October 1, 2013. The scheduled formal concert, which involved several other performers, was ordered cancelled by the commanding General because of the government shutdown which began on that day. Despite the brevity of the program (or maybe because of it), fun was had by all!
September performances: During the month of September, 2013, Neal and his wife Kathryn Sincell-Corwell presented four recitals at three colleges during some time-off Neal had taken from his work duties. They appeared at: at Indiana University of Pennsylvania hosted by Zach Collins, Clarion University in Pennsylvania hosted by Stephen Johnson, and Glenville State University in West Virginia hosted by Lloyd Bone. For these performances Neal performed solos on tuba, double-bell-euphonium, baritone horn, and trombone, in addition of course to his trusty euphonium.
Music at Penn Alps: On Saturday, July 13, 2013, Neal and his wife Kathryn Sincell-Corwell (a native of Garrett County, MD) were featured on the popular Penn Alps Summer Concert series in Grantsville, Maryland. Neal performed on euphonium, trombone, double-bell euphonium, baritone horn, and tuba, and Kathryn played piano. For more Information on that concert series, go to: MusicAtPennAlps.Org The program was as follows: Quella Fiamma by Conti, Asturias by Albeniz/Corwell, 2AM by Corwell (solo with guitar), Dusk by Corwell (with live electronics), Gypsy Airs by Sarasate/Corwell, House of the Rising Sun arr by Corwell, Away, I’m Bound Away arr. Corwell (a tuba solo written for Dave McFadden Jr. This is the premiere performance.), Prelude No. 2 by Gershwin/Corwell, and Venetian Carnival Animals by Corwell.
Solo in the park with the Hagerstown Municipal Band: On Sunday, July 21, 2013, Neal once again was the featured soloist with the Hagerstown Municipal Band as part of their Summer Concert Series in the Hagerstown City Park. He performed his new arrangement of Asturias, followed by the premiere of a new work, titled “Away, I’m Bound Away”, dedicated to the memory of Dave McFadden, a long-time tuba player with the Hagerstown Band who passed away in 2012.
Brass in the Grass: On April 28, 2013 Dr. Corwell participated in the 15th annual “Brass in the Grass” festival in Philippi West Virginia hosted by the Alderson-Broaddus College’s brass faculty members Dr. Timothy Dewitt and Logan Lindsey. Neal was one of the featured soloists for event, performing Clarke’s Carnival of Venice (premiering a new adaptation for brass ensemble accompaniment by Neal). In addition to the solo, Neal was joined by others to perform his four-part arrangement for tuba-euphonium ensemble of the Finale from Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. Other members of the quartet were Logan Lindsey and Davin Vance on tuba, and Cameron Berry on euphonium. In addition to an excellent rendition of “Stardust” by Dr. Dewitt and Logan Lindsey, the program also featured an excellent trumpet student from A.B. College, Sean Burdette, performing La Virgin de la Macarena. A good time was had by all at this informal event which featured a massed brass ensemble of 90+ players.
Back to School: Neal presented several public school concerts in Montgomery County, Maryland during February of 2013.
2013 U.S. Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Workshop: Dr. Corwell was featured soloist on the Grand Finale Concert concert of the popular annual US Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Workshop, the crowning final event of the four-day conference. The program featured the Pershing’s Own Concert Band accompanying a four soloists to include Neal Corwell. It is appropriate he was featured because this was the 30th anniversary of the conference, and Dr. Corwell is the only current active duty tuba or euphonium player that was featured as soloist at the first conference in 1983. He premiered his new arrangement of Asturias, followed by his original compositions, Lullabye, dedicated to the memory of Stephanie Ann Roper.
Brucker Hall Recital: On Tuesday December 4, 2012, Neal was again be featured, along with several of his comrades from Pershing’s Own, as part of the Brucker Hall Concert Series on Fort Myer, in Brucker Hall, in Arlington, VA. Neal’s wife Kathryn Sincell-Corwell accompanied him on piano for Fantasia Originale. This is a new arrangement of the euphonium showpiece originally created by the famous euphonium virtuoso of yesteryear: Simone Mantia.
US Midwest Tour: During the Fall Semester of 2012, Dr. Corwell visited several universities in the Midwest to present master-classes and recitals. The schools included in this tour were: Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois hosted by Dr. Sharie Huff, Illinois Wesleyan University in Normal, hosted by Ed Risinger, University of Missouri-Kansas City hosted by Tom Stein, University of Nebraska-Lincoln hosted by Craig Fuller, University of Iowa hosted by John Manning, University of Northern Iowa hosted by Dr. Jeff Funderburk, Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa hosted by Todd Schendel, Ohio University hosted by Dr. Jason Smith, and Morehead State University in Kentucky, hosted by Dr. Stacy Baker. For the recitals, Neal will played both trombone and euphonium, and performed a mix of his own original works and arrangements, some accompanied by piano, and others with pre-recorded electronics. One work, Dusk, featured live electronics to include a foot-controlled sound processor (stomp box) and a synthesizer that he controlled with his left hand while playing his horn with his right. He will also premiered two brand-new arrangements for euphonium with piano for this tour: Asturias and Fantasia Originale. His recital programs were chosen from the following: Distant Images, Odyssey, Heart of a Wolf, Endearing Young Charms, Gypsy Melodies, Quella Fiamma, Lullabye and Venetian Carnival Animals. His wife Kathryn Sincell-Corwell was his pianist for the recitals. Dr. Corwell also presented many clinics and masterclasses during his travels. In addition to brass performance topics, clinics covered topics such as performance careers, composing and arranging, electronic music, and recording.
Octubafest Concert: On Tuesday, October 2, 2012, Neal joined several other members of the Pershing’s Own tuba and euphonium sections for an “Octubafest” recital at Brucker Hall, on Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia. The light program, enjoyed by all those that attended, was comprised of fun music for the lowest and most conical members of the brass family.
Solo in the park with the Hagerstown Municipal Band: On Sunday, July 22, 2012, Neal was the featured soloist with the Hagerstown Municipal Band as part of their Summer Concert Series in the Hagerstown City Park. He premiered two new arrangements, both now available from Nicolai Music. The first solo was a new edition of Fantasie Originale by Picchi/Mantia. The encore was Neal’s own composition Lullabye for solo euphonium with band.
Garrett County Maryland concert: On Saturday, May 5, 2012, Dr. Corwell performed with the Garrett Community Band from the beautiful and scenic western-most county in the state of Maryland. Neal played not one, but three solos with the band! First up is was his version of the famous Endearing Young Charms by Mantia, followed by the beautiful Hawley Ades arrangement of the traditional tune “Danny Boy”. Later in the program Dr. Corwell performed the ever-popular Carnival of Venice variations by Herbert L. Clarke. Neal’s rendition of the popular showpiece featured a double-bell euphonium, his trademark “one-finger” finale, plus an original extended cadenza. It was great fun for one and all, to include the soloist!
As part of the 2012 U.S. Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Workshop, during the last week of January, Neal prepared a program of literature featuring The US Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Quartet (tubas: Charles Giannelli, Tim Royster & euphoniums: Dean Miller, Neal Corwell). The recital featured two of Dr. Corwell’s original compositions, and three of his arrangements. Because of an illness, Charles Giannelli could not participate, but three professional tubists already in town for the conference (Jon Voth, Stacy Baker, and Tom Stein) graciously volunteered to step in at the last minute and fill the empty chair WITHOUT ANY REHEARSAL! The program began with Neal’s arrangement for quartet of Bach’s Finale from Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. Next was a tuba solo with 4-part accompaniment titled The Wasteland, featuring guest soloist Tom Stein from The University of Missouri-Kansas City. After a performance of Albeniz’s Asturias, the quartet accompanied another soloist, flutist Andrea Artley of “Pershing’s Own”. She performed Dr. Corwell’s Threnody. The program was brought to a rousing close with Neal’s Ruslan & Ludmilla’s Romp Across Russia, an arrangement that combines several 19th century Russian orchestral masterpieces. This tongue-in-cheek presentation of the work of Glinka, Borodin, Tchaikovsky, and Rimsky-Korsakov is scored for saxophone quartet, tuba-euphonium quartet, and percussion. The very fine conductor, Chris Branagan, a member of “Pershing’s Own” served as director for this final work, and also for the two solos that were included in the program. In addition to this feature recital, Neal also performed during the 2012 workshop with the Inter-Service Euphonium Ensemble, as directed by the renowned euphonium soloist and teacher, Dr. Brian L. Bowman. Neal’s composition, The Furies, was also performed at the conference, as the concluding work for a program presented by an Inter-Service All-Star Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, directed by David Kirven.
Christmas Concerts: In December 2011, Neal made two appearances as soloist with the Hagerstown Municipal Band: first in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and then in Clear Spring, Maryland. At the request of Lynn Lerew, the band’s director, Dr. Corwell presented encore performances of the holiday-oriented piece he premiered last year, “Nutcracker Sweets”. The work is a creative compilation of five movements from Tchaikovsky’s famous Nutcracker Ballet Suite, arranged for solo euphonium with band (there is now a version with piano accompaniment available also).
Brucker Hall Concert: On November 15, 2011, Neal took part in yet another Brucker Hall Concert Series program. For this performance, the Tuba-Euphonium Quartet and Saxophone Quartet were combined, along with some added percussion, to premiere Neal’s new arrangement of “Ruslan & Ludmilla’s Romp Across Russia”. This work, originally for euphonium soloist with band accompaniment, features famous themes by several popular Russian orchestral composers.
Euphonium Solo: On October 18, 2011, Neal appeared as soloist on a Brucker Hall recital, performing his unaccompanied euphonium work titled “In the Quiet of the Desert”. The piece, premiered in 2010, requires the soloist to play a few percussion instruments while also playing the euphonium.
Solos with The US Army Band: On August 4 & 5, 2011, Neal was featured as soloist with The U.S. Army Band, Pershing’s Own, as part of their Summer Concert Series. The first performance was at Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, VA and the second performance was on the West steps of our Nation’s Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. For his solo, Dr. Corwell performed his new piece titled “Ruslan & Ludmilla’s Romp Across Russia”, a work that features music from popular orchestral works by Tchaikovsky, Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Glinka. Themes from Glinka’s “Ruslan and Ludmilla” overture are the glue that hold the piece together, hence the title. Neal’s encore was his adaptation of the popular old-time “Warhorse” solo, Endearing Young Charms.
Solo & Quartet with Hagerstown Municipal Band: Sunday, July 24, 2011, Neal was featured as soloist with the Hagerstown Municipal Band as part of their Summer Concert Series. The concert was at the bandshell in City Park, Hagerstown, Maryland. For his solo, Dr. Corwell premiered a new piece titled “Ruslan & Ludmilla’s Romp Across Russia”, a work that features music from popular orchestral works by Tchaikovsky, Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Glinka. Themes from Glinka’s “Ruslan and Ludmilla” overture are the glue that hold the piece together, hence the title. Neal was then joined by the The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, Pershing’s Own, Tuba-Euphonium quartet for an encore: Albeniz’s “Asturias”, arranged for quartet by Dr. Corwell. Later in the program, the quartet performed Neal’s original composition “Falls the Shadow”, for tuba-euphonium quartet with band. In addition to Neal, members of the quartet were Dean Miller on euphonium, plus Charles Giannelli and Tim Royster on tuba.
Brucker Hall Recital: On February 15, 2011, Neal was again featured, along with several of his comrades from The US Army Ceremonial Band, as part of the Brucker Hall Concert Series on Fort Myer, in Arlington, VA. Neal’s wife Kathryn accompanied him on piano for two pieces: “Ziguernerweisen” (Gypsy Airs, or Gypsy Melodies), a violin showpiece by Sarasate arranged for euphonium by Neal, and “Lullabye”, one of Dr. Corwell’s original compositions.
Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Conference 2011: After being featured prominently as soloist and featured composer in last year’s conference, Dr. Corwell took it easy this year! Although he was not featured as a soloist, he did perform with both the Armed Forces Tuba Euphonium Ensemble (otherwise known as AFTEE) and the Inter-Service Euphonium Ensemble, a group conducted by Dr. Brian Bowman which featured many of our nation’s top military euphonium players. In addition, Dr. Corwell’s composition for the unusual instrumentation of euphonium, flute, and piano, titled “Twilight Dream” was performed by a German ensemble during one of the Conference’s afternoon programs. A personal highlight of the four-day event was conclusion of the final concert when all the military tubists joined the concert band for a spirited rendition of “Them Basses”. Neal put down his euphonium and instead picked up (with some effort) a 1916 Conn “Raincatcher” Sousaphone he recently acquired and restored. Although the full history of the instrument is undocumented, it is known that the care-takers of the instrument for the last 50 or 60 years were two renowned low brass performers and teachers associated with West Virginia University: Matty Shiner, and David McCollum (one of Neal’s former teachers).
Christmas Concert: On December 22, 2010, Dr. Corwell was featured as soloist with the Hagerstown Municipal Band on their Christmas Concert. The concert was held in the high school auditorium of Neal’s hometown: Clear Spring, Maryland. He presented the premiere performance of his “Nutcracker Sweets”, a creative compilation of five movements from Tchaikovsky’s famous Nutcracker Ballet Suite, arranged for solo euphonium with band. The movements included are Overture, Waltz of the Flowers, March, Arabian Dance, and Trepak. It is hoped a version with piano accompaniment will be available soon.
United Kingdom Recital Tour: During the month of November, 2010, Dr. Corwell presented three solo recitals in England. The first was on November 4 at the prestiguous Kneller Hall, headquarters for The Royal Military School of Music. Neal presented a full recital for the entire student body, faculty, and other high-level British band officers. The following week he gave two more recitals: one at “Danny House” in the West Sussex town of Hurstpierpoint, and the other, at the Hooe town hall in East Sussex. The former was a benefit recital with all proceeds going to “Help the Heroes” and for the latter all proceeds went to the St. Michael’s Hospice. The program Neal selected for these concerts featured his wife Kathryn as piano accompanist for three pieces, with pre-recorded audio tracks providing solo support for the remaining portion of the program.
Recital in DC Area: On October 12, 2010, Neal performed “Heart of a Wolf” as part of a recital at Brucker Hall, the US Army Band’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.
Michigan Mini Tour: During September 2010, while on tour with Pershing’s Own with the “Spirit of America” show, Dr. Corwell utilized his few days off by performing at three Michigan Universities. Neal gave recitals and master classes at Michigan State in East Lansing hosted by Phil Sinder, at Western Michigan in Kalamazoo hosted by Deanna Swoboda, and at Central Michigan in Mount Pleasant hosted by Mark Cox. He enjoyed performing for and working with all three studios and hopes it isn’t too long until he returns to the state!
2010 International Tuba-Euphonium Conference: In May 2010 Dr. Corwell was one of the featured artists at the Prestigious International Tuba-Euphonium Conference in Tucson, Arizona. He was chosen as one of a select group of renowned soloists (which included the likes of Brian Bowman, Steven Mead, and David Werden!) to premiere the new piece titled “Summit” by Ethan Wickman. Neal also gave a solo recital featuring his own compositions: “In the Quiet of the Desert”, “Midnight Shakes the Memory” and “Falls the Shadow”. For the last of the pieces, written for tuba-euphonium quartet with 4-handed piano accompaniment, Dr. Corwell was assisted by Brian Bowman, Joe Skillen, Dave Zerkel, Caryl Conger, and Barbara and Jerry Young.
Recital in DC Area: On March 9, 2010, Neal performed the Preludio from Bach’s Cello Suite No. 5, followed by an another work, for euphonium solo with CD, based on another Bach work for cello: “Improvisations on a Bach Sarabande”. This performance was part of a chamber music recital at Brucker Hall, the US Army Band’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.
Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Conference 2010: Dr. Corwell was featured prominently at a pair of concerts during this annual music conference. He premiered his “FTR!” for tuba-euphonium quartet during the Friday night feature concert, with assistance from the Armed Forces Tuba Euphonium Ensemble. For this work, Corwell played both bass trombone and euphonium, leading the group and interacting with the audience during a wild improvised solo leading to the composition’s climax. Dr. Corwell was also featured the next day as soloist during the inaugural performance of the Inter-Service Euphonium Ensemble, performing his original composition titled “In the Cathedral”.
*If you are near the above universities, and have an interest in attending the event, please contact Dr. Corwell. He will be glad to give you specific information about this appearances with regard to day, time and location.