I just found out this morning that Bob Reynolds is performing “Turbine” with the USC Thornton Wind Ensemble. This, of course, is fantastic news, as they, in my opinion, are the best wind ensemble in the country. The low brass can’t be beat, and they’re going to play the hell out of “Turbine.”

The bummer with this is that I already have an engagement on that same date. I’ll be traveling to the University of Kansas for a performance of “Turbine” on that very same night. In fact, with the time difference, the performances will only be two hours apart. (It’s a shame I can’t fly quickly enough to attend both.)

Now that I live in LA, and USC is 10 minutes away, at least I’ll be able to attend rehearsals prior to the concert. And it’s not like the Kansas performance won’t be great, too. (Just check out their Naxos recording of “Redline Tango.”) But wow — of all the performances to have to miss, this one kills me.

I’m sending AEJ to USC in my place, and am considering having a rubber mask made of my face. That way she could bow for me. Newman suggested that AEJ just bow while holding up a portrait of me. I’m not sure which way I’ll go yet. Probably the best option is for her to bow without any picture or mask of me at all, since she’s a lot prettier than I am.