1 Down, Several to Go...

Well, my first semester of my DMA has come and gone. Wow! What a ride it has been. Moving to a new city, starting another degree, and teaching all while living during a global pandemic. I can honestly say that I am impressed with myself. I made it through with only a few minor bumps and bruises and I am excited for what Spring 2021 has to bring!

Now, what did I learn during my first semester? Aside from the obvious (trombone), I learned a lot about myself as an educator. This semester I had the unique pleasure to teach two different sections of undergraduate high brass methods. For those that don't know, that means I taught future music educators the basics of teaching and playing the trumpet and the horn. Both of which I am not overly familiar with. This was one of the more challenging teaching scenarios I have ever been put through. That said, I absolutely loved it! This semester really reinforced my desire to be a college educator. I have always had a love and passion for teaching, but the college student age group resonates with me and I enjoy it more than anything. What a rush!

Now, aside from my teaching, I was also fortunate enough to play in some pretty fun ensembles. I auditioned into the UNT Trombone Consortium, a group of musicians (primarily graduate students) designed to give students the opportunity to play in a homogenious chamber ensemble at a ridiculously high level. The group was filled with some of the best and brightest trombonists UNT has to offer. Doctoral students with successful careers, doctoral and masters students just starting their career, and undergraduates with incredibly promising careers ahead of them. What an absolute inspiration it was to perform alongside these INCREDIBLE musicians this fall. I cannot wait to see what Spring 2021 has in store for this group.

This semester also saw the start of a brand new trombone quartet that I have the pleasure of performing in, The Bayfield Trombone Quartet. This group of talented gents saw some incredible ensemble improvement and development over the course of the semester. Working with our coach, Tony Baker, we were able to develop and grow at a surprising rate. The guys in the group grew from mostly strangers to great friends over the course of 14-weeks. We were able to accomplish a lot in the span of one single semester. I am very excited about the projects we have in store for Spring 2021! Be on the look out for those here in the near future! Exciting times!

Fall 2020 was an abusive semester for a lot of people. It certainly was for me. I am trying to focus on the great things that happened this semester. We all should try and spend a bit more time reflecting on the positives around us in our daily life. It is so easy to dwell on all of the negative, especially now. Do yourself a favor and think about your own greatness. We see what we choose to see in ourselves. Spend time seeking out the positives and you'll really be amazed at all that you discover about yourself. You may not be as bad as you keep telling yourself if you give yourself some grace and truly reflect.

If you made it this far, thank you so much! I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you all in this blog! Check back for updates! All the best and be well,

Dominick