SCIB National Honor Band

Last week, Lucy and I traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan to play with the Small College Intercollegiate Band, under the direction of the well-known composer, Dr. Frank Ticheli. Members were chosen back in November after sending applications listing past accomplishments and repertoire. We were very excited when we got the e-mail saying we had made it. Unlike the Louisiana Intercollegiate band, I was chosen to play piano for this one. We received a packet with the music we’d be playing up in Michigan – most of it composed by Ticheli himself. The music was very difficult, and required some practicing. The trip would have cost us quite a bit of money (with plane tickets, hotel, and food), but thanks to a generous donor, our costs were considerably reduced. We might not have been able to go otherwise.

Our first flight was to the DFW airport, and it was rather interesting. The airport was the smallest I’ve ever seen, as was the plane. The baggage claim was maybe a few feet long, and the plane only sat 36 people. It was the first time we had ridden in a propeller plane. It was very loud, bumpy and hot. Luckily, it was only a thirty minute flight.

Because I played piano, I didn’t have to audition for chair placements, but almost everyone else did. So while everyone else auditioned that morning, the percussion had a sectional rehearsal (piano is also a percussion instrument). After a lunch break, the band had its first rehearsal with Ticheli. Despite the difficulty of the music, the ensemble played the pieces pretty well, and it got better with each rehearsal. We had a pretty busy rehearsal schedule —pretty much 9-5 with a lunch break. On our breaks, we got to walk around campus to find places to eat. Unfortunately, I was not prepared for the cold weather, and I didn’t bring a jacket. Who knew it would be cold in Michigan?

Playing under Ticheli was a great experience, and the concert went really well (except for when someone dropped a mute, creating a loud crashing noise, during a soft part). Besides that, I’m really looking forward to the recording. The whole event was amazing, and I hope I get to do this again.

~Ruben

Here's Ticheli conducting during a rehearsal.

A picture with Frank Ticheli, H. Robert Reynolds (the person for whom one of the pieces was commissioned), and me.

Here's the auditorium we played in. Picture was taken during the dress rehearsal.