Fall 2025 Recap

Kennesaw State University Faculty Brass (L to R): Stephen M. Wadsack, Mackenzie Newell, Paul Dickinson, Mike DeSousa, Ryan Moser

Finally getting around to sharing some moments from the past several months. We're learning that, in her new role, September through November tends to be a more active travel season for Casey. It's awesome to see her being flown around the country to present, coach, and mentor Boys & Girls Clubs staff, and I am super proud of the work that she is doing!

September and October marked two "firsts" in my time at Kennesaw State–a joint solo recital with my friend Ryan Moser, along with the University's inaugural Faculty Brass Quintet recital. It was a joy to present these two challenging programs, only about a month apart from one another, while also continuing to expand my work in the city as a freelancer. Year 2 at KSU is passing much faster than Year 1, as expected. I love the collaborative environment we are building in the Trumpet Studio, and am looking forward to some exciting opportunities for my students as we approach the spring semester! This fall has not been without exciting moments, too; we've hosted some awesome guests and enjoyed some fabulous student concerts! I've included a handful of photos from those events below. 

I also had the great privilege to headline the 2025 Atlanta Trumpet Festival alongside some fantastic guests, my friends Michael Brown and Jen Oliverio. It was a treat to perform Concertpiece again, this time with the terrific students in the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, led by my new friend Scott Stewart. I am grateful to Kay Fairchild for the opportunity to be part of the ATF, which I'm sure will become one of my favorite events each year! 

Another new adventure of mine this fall has been starting in a part-time capacity as General Manager of the Historic Brass Society. Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in the HBS's "Arban & Kosleck at 200" Conference, hosted at the Conservatory of Music and Dance in Lyon, France. While events like this are always a great time, I especially enjoyed getting to meet HBS members and leadership from across the globe: Brazil, Germany, Belgium, the UK, and of course, France. Casey was able to join me for this adventure, and we had an AWESOME time reconnecting with some great friends as well–looking at you, Ryan and T.J.! After the conference, Casey and I stayed an extra week to explore parts of Lyon and Geneva in nearby Switzerland; it was the perfect way to reconnect and spend some quality time together, after a brutal month of work travel for Casey in early November.

Looking ahead to December, I'm excited for both some downtime and a string of exciting performances throughout the Midwest. Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, and joyous holiday season!