New Collaborations with Charles Lazarus, Trumpet Artist
John is once again collaborating with his good friend and trumpet artist Charles Lazarus in the creation of two new orchestra programs to be premiered with the Minnesota Orchestra. John will be creating several orchestrations and arrangements ranging from Jazz and Pop to American musical classics.
John writes new arrangement for Michael Krajewski and the Houston Symphony
John has recently completed a new arrangement for Conductor Michael Krajewski and the Houston Symphony to be premiered on the symphony's "Red Carpet Oscar Party" concert.
Hal Leonard to publish John's arrangement of "Groovin' High"
We're excited to announce that Hal Leonard will release John's arrangement of Dizzy Gillespie's classic "Groovin' High" in its Professional Jazz Ensemble Series this winter season. Originally written for the U. S. Air Force Airmen of Note, this challenging and exciting arrangement can now be enjoyed by bands everywhere! Stay tuned to the Hal Leonard website for further details.
John Helps Provide Ceremonial Music for Launch of SLANT45, New Education Initiative
On Monday, September 21, a press conference was held at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium to announce the launching of SLANT45, a new education initiative of the North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee and Big Thought. With music colleague Dave Alexander, John conducted a large Brass and Percussion ensemble and provided ceremonial music as dignitaries including President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, and celebrities Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Daryl Johnston, Emmitt Smith, and many others were in attendnce.Corporate Magic provided the massive technical production, and scores of media were on hand. A picutre gallery of the event can be found here.
More Collaborations with Edwin Holt, Rhythm & Blues Artist
John created two more arrangements for Blues Artist Edwin Holt for his appearance at the Texas Rose Festival on October 8, backed up by Vicho Vicencio's Moondance Orchestra.
Strata Big Band in "A Big Band Christmas" Concert at Christ Church Plano on December 4
The Strata Big Band will appear with the great singers at Christ Church Plano in "A BIg Band Christmas" Concert on Friday, December 4, 2009 at 7:30 pm. Admission is free of charge. The listing on the church's Music and Worship page can be found here. Several new arrangements written especially for the holiday season will be featured, along with special guests, the wonderful singers at Christ Church, and the great musicians in the band. Come on out and kick off your holiday music season with us!
Collaboration with Purdue's "All American Marching Band" continues in 18th season
In his 18th year as staff arranger for the Purdue All American Marching Band, John is again contributing arrangements to four new halftime shows. Look for the great Purdue Band on television in various games over the fall college football season!
New Commission Premiered at the Anglican Church in North America's Inaugural Assembly
John's new work, based upon "Praise My Soul the King of Heaven," was premiered at the Archbishop's Installation Ceremony for the Anglican Church in North America in Plano, Texas on the evening of Wednesday, June 24. The event (and the piece) were reviewed in an article on the Washington Times website. The work is scored for Choir, Organ, Piano and Keyboard with Brass Quintet, Guitars and Bass, and multiple African Percussion. News on the work's release for publication will be made public on this site.
John to Create Musical Score to New Video Project
John is scoring a new film project from Lamb & Lion Ministries in Texas, entitled "Jesus Came...What Next?" More details to follow.
John Wasson Contributes to Billy White Jr's Latest CD Project
John reunited with his old colleague Billy White, Jr., guitarist from the Dallas Cowboys Band in the late 1980's, to contribute a brass arrangement and record his brass section for Billy's new CD project, entitled "Just Another Guitar Player From Texas." The project is currently scheduled for a September release date.
John to Join Faculty of Two Summer Jazz Workshops in Texas
John will join the teaching faculty for two jazz workshops this summer. He will direct student bands as well as teach trombone lessons, master classes, and listening labs at the University of North Texas' Jazz Saxophone, Trumpet & Trombone Workshop, held July 5-11 on the UNT campus in Denton, Texas. Then during the week of July 19-25 John will teach arranging at the Texas All-Star Jazz Camp, held on the Collin County Community College's Spring Creek Campus in Plano, Texas.
The Strata Big Band's Appearance @ the Lakewood Bar & Grill
On Sunday, May 24th, John's Strata Big Band appeared at the Lakewood Bar & Grill at Dallas in a new Sunday afternoon Jazz Series. The audience was excited and vocal about the band's peformance! Thanks to all who came out. We'll be posting the band's schedule as it fills in this summer.
John Wasson at the Texas Tech Jazz Festival
John had the opportunity to judge the Texas Tech Jazz Festival in Lubbock, TX on April 3-4. He also got to spend some time with jazz great James Moody and his band, and legendary drummer Steve Houghton.
Strata Big Band in McKinney
John Wasson's Strata Big Band, with special guest Jackie Wasson, performed at the McKinney ISD Jazz Festival on March 6. The band closed an evening of big band jazz provided by the ensembles of the middle and high schools of McKinney.
Strata Big Band at Maple Point on February 22
John's Strata Big Band made its way back down to the Maple Point Jazz Club on Sunday, February 22, from 3-6 pm.
American Fanfare for Brass Quintet and Percussion now available!
Originally commissioned by and composed for the Dallas Brass for their very first recording "Debut", American Fanfare is now available in its original format of Brass Quintet with Percussion directly from John Wasson Music for $25.00 (free shipping). POs accepted, no Credit Cards yet. Please send an email to order.
Edwin Holt's Blues Review show a resounding success
Saturday, November 8 was the orchestra pops debut of acclaimed Blues and Soul artist Edwin Holt's "Rhythm & Blues Review" with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra. John supplied the orchestrations. Articles on the concert can be seen here and here, and Edwin can be seen in an interview on YouTube. For more information on Mr. Holt check out the artist's website.
A Carols' Story A Capella Christmas Carol arrangements now available!
We are now releasing the a capella choir arrangements of Christmas Carols from the Irving Bible Church/Evantell "Carol's Story" CD from 2006. You can download a zip file containing a sample music packet and an audio demo mp3 file here (15.5 MB). For pricing or to place an order, send an email.
John enjoys 18th Season as arranger for the Purdue Marching Band
John returned again this season as staff arranger for the Purdue Unversity All-American Marching Band. John has been writing for Purdue for the past 17 years, and his arrangements have been heard on network television and in stadiums across the country. John has also traveled to West Lafayette, Indiana to conduct "Band Day" celebrations on two occasions, and has also adjudicated for the Purdue Jazz Festival and taught master classes on writing and arranging.
John to create Orchestral Show for Blues artist Edwin Holt
John has been engaged to create a new show for acclaimed Blues and Soul artist Edwin Holt. The show will be called "Edwin Holt's Blues Review". Check the artist's website for more info, and look for the show to come to a venue near you!
Strata Big Band on YouTube
You can view two YouTube videos of John's Strata Big Band from the Wildflower Festival here and here. Enjoy!
Strata Big Band @ the McKinney Arts & Jazz Festival
John's Strata Big Band closed the festivities at the McKinney Arts & Jazz Festival on the downtown square on Sunday, June 8 at at 5 pm. Here are a few shots, courtesy of fan Bruce Hatherly.
Silver Celebration Overture premiered in honor of conductor George Jones
The Richardson Community Band honored conductor George Jones with the commissioning of John Wasson's Silver Celebration Overture at the Eisemann Center in Richardson Texas on May 11. John conducted the band in their premiere performance. Congratulations to Mr. Jones on his twenty five years of leadership with the band!
Another hit for the Loveland Jazz Ensemble
The Loveland (OH) Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Bruce Maegly, has recently premiered a new arrangement by John entitled, "Ellington: Beyond Category." This year's commission featured not only the Jazz Ensemble, but included additional percussion performers and a string section as well! John has created a new, unique arrangement for the ensemble each spring for the past several years.
New Commission by the Air Force Academy Band
John has been commissioned by the US Air Force Academy Band to create a new original work featuring Brass Quintet with Concert Band. Following the great success of his previous work "Tangents" (originally commissioned by the Dallas Brass and premiered at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago in 1989), this new endeavor will add to genre increasing in popularity as more chamber groups tour and record with large ensembles. We'll keep you informed about this new project.
Sea Song Fantasy Premiered by Symphonicity
John's latest orchestral work, Sea Song Fantasy, was premiered by Symphonicity (the Symphony Orchestra of Virginia Beach) at the grand opening of the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach, VA on November 18, 2007. For more info see the Symphonicity website.
Festival Fanfare for Christmas Premiered by River City Brass Band
John was commissioned to arrange his very popular Christmas orchestra work "Festival Fanfare for Christmas" by the River City Brass Band for their 2007 Christmas holiday season. This work will be made available for purchase at a later date, with a Concert Band version to follow. You can hear the original work as recorded by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra on their Dallas Christmas Gala CD.
Christmas Carol Choir arrangements are available!
As promised, John Wasson Music is releasing the a capella choir arrangements of Christmas Carols from the Irving Bible Church/Evantell "Carol's Story" CD from last year. For inquiries send us an email.
Brass Grooves is released
The Dallas Brass has just released a brand-new project entitled Brass Grooves. Featuring 12 original compositions by John Wasson and recorded by the Dallas Brass, this new product will be an exciting addition to the small ensemble repertoire. Go to the Brass Grooves website for details and ordering information.
Charles Lazarus "A Night in the Tropics" show a smash hit!
Charles Lazarus, along with his jazz quintet and the Minnesota Orchestra, debuted his new show entitled "A Night in the Tropics" on Saturday evening, July 21. The concert was a resounding success, with several standing ovations (including one at the end of the first half!) by a wildly enthusiastic audience. Check back here for links to reviews and further information in the weeks to come. Click here for more infor on Charles and the Tropics show.
The Strata Big Band tears it up at Maple Point
The Strata Big Band made their first public appearance in a while at the Maple Point jazz club in Dallas on Sunday afternoon, July 8. A good time was had by all! The band was in top form, and the crowd was appreciative. Click here to see the photos!
Dallas Brass "American Musical Journey" CD released
The Dallas Brass have released their latest recording. In addition to producing the CD, John contributed 7 new arrangements to the project. For more details and ordering information, see the Dallas Brass website.
"The Carols' Story" CD released!
The Carols' Story Christmas CD project has been released and is finding an enthusiastic audience. Recorded by the Vox Humana Choir of Irving Bible Church, the CD is available from the Evantell website. All the carol arrangements from this CD, written by John and his wife Gail Wasson, are available for purchase; stay tuned to the website for details, or email us for more information.
American Fanfare for Brass Quintet to be published
American Fanfare was the first piece written specifically for the debut CD release of the Dallas Brass back in 1987. It has been a staple of the group for nearly 20 years, as well as appearing in versions for Concert Band, Brass Band, and Marching Band. John Wasson Music is excited to announce the upcoming release of the quintet version in print publication. Stay tuned to this website or send an email for more info!
Chicago Symphony to perform a Wasson orchestra work
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will be opening its holiday concert with John's Hark the Herald Trumpets Sing in eight performances this December.
On the road again with the Dallas Brass
John will once again join the Dallas Brass for a 7-concert tour of Montana in the first two weeks of October. Check the Dallas Brass website for cities and dates.
New Euphonium Solo Work Premiered
On the evening of May 16 the Wind Ensemble of Evans Middle School in McKinney, Texas under the direction of Lisa Smith premiered John's "Sleuth" solo feature for Euphonium and Wind Ensemble; Karl Krause was the featured euphonium soloist. For more information on this work, send us an email (orange link above).
New Orchestral Work Premiered at Easter by Lake Pointe Church
Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall, Texas commissioned John to compose a new work for live orchestra with video media elements, and premiered it at 3 services over Easter weekend.
PraiseHymns Vol. 1 CD and Arrangements Released
John contributed orchestrations to the new PraiseHymns Vol. 1 CD, released in April. You can hear audio examples and see the scores and parts at the Praise Charts site.
Further collaboration with jazz artist Charles Lazarus
Following the successful release of his highly-acclaimed CD Solo Settings, Charles Lazarus has engaged John to assist him in the creation of a new orchestra show to be toured nationally.
Praise Carols promotion a success; Praise Hymns in production
The release of the Praise Carols Christmas CD and acompanying orchestrations was a great success. Praise Charts will now release a similar project, Praise Hymns, in time for Easter 2006. Working with Dan Galbraith, producer and chief arranger, John will again supply several orchestrations.
John to create orchestra arrangements for Big Texas Swing Band
Dave Alexander, leader of the Big Texas Swing Band, has invited John to create a live orchestra show for the group.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for Dallas Performing Arts Center a success
John took part as composer, arranger, and co-conductor of a large (38 piece) ceremonial brass ensemble to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Opera House and Theatre. Also on hand were Laura Miller, mayor of Dallas, and keynote speaker and renowned actor Tommy Lee Jones.
John joins the Dallas Brass for two tours in Fall 2005
John hit the road as Tuba performer with the Dallas Brass for a month-long tour that included Alaska as well as dates North Carolina and Tennessee. You can view a picture gallery from the Alaska portion of the trip. He also rejoined the group as a sub in early December for a brief tour in South Dakota and Iowa.
Wasson creates theme for His Nature television show
John has been engaged by Kids Equip Ministries to create a theme for their new children's nature show, His Nature. The program will be broadcast weekly on the Sky Angel Satellite Television network.
John joins forces with Praise Charts as arranger and orchestrator
John recently joined the online publishing house Praise Charts as an arranger and orchestrator. The company has experienced explosive growth in the past couple of years, and John has already created more than 20 arrangements for full orchestra to correspond with the CD releases of such prominent worship artists as Lincoln Brewster, Newsong, and Lakewood Church.
Fanfare Cinematique premiered for the grand unveiling of the architectural designs for the new Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Foundation Opera House and Theatre
The Dallas Opera Orchestra premiered John's Fanfare Cinematique, a new commission for a special evening in whichThe Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Foundation unveiled the designs for the new Opera House and Theater in Dallas. On hand for the festivities that evening were such luminaries as academy-award winning actor Sidney Poitier, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his wife Gene, and Dallas Mayor Laura Miller. The Foundation has engaged John to create music for a variety of events throughout the campaign.
Gary P. Nunn performs John's orchestrations with the Richardson Symphony
John had the opportunity to orchestrate several songs of Texas country music legend Gary P. Nunn for a concert performed by Gary and his band with members of the Richardson Symphony.
Artistic collaboration with Charles Lazarus, Canadian Brass trumpet artist
John got the opportunity to hook up with friend and former Dallas Brass colleague Charles Lazarus, who has recently joined the renowned Canadian Brass. John assisted Chuck with music preparation to coincide with the release of Chuck's new critically-acclaimed CD release, Solo Settings. John is currently working on some new music for Chuck's next CD release, already in the planning stages!
John Wasson writes string arrangement for the Gatlin Bros. between rehearsal and performance
When the Gatlin Bros. came to perform with the Richardson Symphony they lacked just one arrangement. They asked John to put together a string accompaniment for their song Walkin' the Floor Over You. John wrote the arrangment after the rehearsal, and brought it back that evening, where Gatlins and orchestra members read it together on the concert!
New original concert works created for Colorado Middle Schools
John was commissioned by middle schools in Monument, Colorado to compose both a new original jazz ensemble work and a new concert band feature for trombone section. More information on Cabo Rojo Blues and Departure is available at the Works link above.
"Symphony on the Range" concert features hot contemporary country artists with the McKinney Symphony Orchestra
John had the opportunity to create several orchestral arrangements for a concert of country artists that took place at Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Artists included: Bruce Robeson, Kelly Willis, Jack Ingram, Radney Foster, and Allison Moorer. The concert concluded with a stirring rendition of Amazing Grace which gathered all artists on the stage together for an uplifting climax to the evening.
Dallas Symphony records two Wasson works on Dallas Christmas Gala CD
Two of John's commissioned works will be included on the Dallas Symphony's Delos International CD release, Dallas Christmas Gala.Bellsong Fantasy and Festival Fanfare for Christmas, are available as rental works from John Wasson Music.