Who's busy?

OK. So I've been a little "overscheduled" lately. That's a new word that I am writing into my dictionary because I couldn't find it there. I looked. I have no doubt that I've been "overscheduled" but my dictionary doesn't think so. My trust relationship with my dictionary is has taken a turn for the worst. I mean, how can you trust a dictionary that doesn't have the word, "gooder" in it? I thought my dictionary was gooder than that.

So my wife asked me when I was going to fix that table leg. This caused me to think about all the extra time I have. Except for school, my lesson schedule, jazz camp auditions, and my book schedule, I am totally bored with all the extra time. Arrrgggh....why am I blogging?

Bookworm - July 27

For all you Tri-Cities peeps....I will be signing books at the Bookworm in Richland on July 27, starting at 10AM.  And because you can't have a book with the strong theme of music without the real deal....my trio, ThreeJazz, will be performing at Bookwalters Winery that same evening. Many of you know the talented Debi Eng and Frank Eng, who make the other two-thirds of ThreeJazz. Let's parrrtyyy!

Reviews!

For those who might make it to one of this summer's book signings: I will be posting the schedule as soon as more dates are locked in. Expect to see me at the Bookworm in Kennewick, "andBooks, too!" in Clarkston, then Ellensburg, Spokane, Wenatchee, Bellingham and some others.

Also, the distributor is mentioning that there are not many reviews on my Amazon release. He says that having a lot of reviews is a good thing for getting the right people to carry it. I guess I am noting this to y'all because I am hoping to get more people to add a review to the Amazon page. I am not one to typically write reviews, but now I see the necessity of having reviews, especially if this book has a chance of going national.

So if you have a moment, don't click on FaceBook, yet. Instead, click here and post a quick review. Thank you from your local tonal manager.

Summer Tour

As of now I will be performing at the Bookwalter Winery in Tri-Cities on July 27, Ellensburg's Jazz-In-The-Valley on July 28 & 29, then head to Clarkston for August 2. These performances will coincide with author presentations and book signings. As I know more I will let you know. If I get somewhere near you I hope you will come out to one of the events and say "hi." - Greg

More stores to come....

Lake Forest Park and Clarkston, Washington are being added to the cities who will participate in the grand opening. Things are starting to move. Now if I could just get my cat to move...off of my favorite easy chair! Anybody else have an animal as demanding as ours?

Village Books

I am excited about the official release of "Help! I'm In The Band!" in July. An author presentation is being looked at for Village Books (Fairhaven) in Bellingham during July. Hoping to make it one big party!

New Ideas

I have been coming up with many new scenarios for book two. It just amazes me how many ideas just pop up from everyday life....at least in the life of a teacher. Even though education is of paramount importance in my classroom, the space I teach in sometimes becomes the laboratory for the growth of new ideas. There is no better place to find new concepts and unimagined experiences than in the middle school classroom...especially the "band" room.

For example, my intermediate band was learning a style of music called the tango. Of course, I had to demonstrate the tango while they were playing the piece. Instantly, one of my clarinet players pops out of his chair and wants to tango, too. That made think of ways to keep kids in their seats. I came up with
velcro
contact cement
super glue
bungie cords
and
duct tape.

Instant material for a chapter!

Maybe I missed a better way of securing said student? If you think of one, feel free to comment. Please leave out any dangerous ones :).