TBJ127: Patrick Sheridan on choosing projects, the Big Bottom Band and the difference between play and work

TBJ127: Patrick Sheridan on choosing projects, the Big Bottom Band and the difference between play and work

Author: Pedal Note Media December 24, 2019 Duration: 1:18:21

A "distilled and refined" Patrick Sheridan returns to the show to share his thoughts on passion projects and reflects on the loss of Sam Pilafian.

In this fun and lively discussion, we cover:

  • Shiverfest
  • Wide in the hips
  • Harry Watters
  • Susan Rider
  • Marine Band
  • Scratch and Sniff
  • How he picks projects
  • Playing, teaching, conducting and publishing
  • Distilled and refined
  • Seeing Pat in action at American Band College
  • How the project vetting has changed
  • I'm on your porch
  • Rainman of the tuba
  • Four Star Brass commission
  • 9-digit zip code
  • Big Bottom Band "RooDoo VooDoo"
  • Space Viking Mambo
  • G-Nasty: Private Eye
  • ABA Convention in Miami
  • Conducting the USAF Band at Midwest
  • Turtle dickies
  • Jacobs Quotes
  • Plate in Pat's head
  • Saying no to things
  • The gig mix and how it changes from year to year
  • Breathing Gym next steps project ideas
  • Passion projects
  • Dos Amigos
  • Brian McWhorter's "slactice"
  • Play vs. Work
  • Bassoons and thumbs
  • Madlibs
  • Icons
  • Abby Lannnan needs to return Lance's trombone
  • Reflections on the loss of Sam
  • Fasting for 100 days
  • Creed vs. Nickleback
  • Show notes
  • Skinny Jeans and Bad Shirts
  • Sorrow Soup

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Expertly produced by Will Houchin with love, care, and enthusiasm.


Hosted by Andrew Hitz, who spent years on the road as the tuba player for Boston Brass, The Brass Junkies dives into the lives and minds of world-class brass musicians. This isn't a formal lecture series; it's a conversation among friends, often with a rotating group of co-hosts joining in, that captures the unique spirit of the music community. You'll hear celebrated performers talk about the gritty realities of practice, the thrill of performance, and the bizarre, funny stories that happen offstage. The discussions roam freely from deeply technical advice and career insights to outright hilarious anecdotes, mirroring the full spectrum of experiences in the music business itself. Produced by Pedal Note Media, each episode of this podcast feels like pulling up a chair in the green room, offering an authentic and unvarnished look at what it really means to be a professional musician. For anyone fascinated by the art and the life behind the brass, from the trumpet to the tuba, this series provides a consistently engaging and human perspective.
Author: Language: Afar Episodes: 100

The Brass Junkies
Podcast Episodes
TBJ222: A Tribute to Lance LaDuke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:09
The Brass Junkies is coming back! Andrew announces Season 3 (launching spring 2026) with a new format, then reads a heartfelt tribute to Lance LaDuke covering his legendary work ethic, courage, teaching philosophy, impac…
TBJ221: TBJ Gives Thanks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:36
Andrew is joined by seven brass players who share thoughts about a musician they were thankful for in 2023. Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/ Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com Guests Givin…
TBJ220: Myles Blakemore of The United States Navy Band [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:14
Andrew and guest co-host Dr. Michael W. Nickens are joined by trombonist Myles Blakemore of The United States Navy Band Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/ Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com…
TBJ219: Jen Oliverio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:54
Andrew and guest co-host Buddy Deshler are joined by trumpeter, coronetist, and flugelhornist Jen Oliverio Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/ Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com Facebook ► ht…
TBJ218: Ryan McGeorge of "The President's Own" Marine Band [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:14
Andrew is joined by Ryan McGeorge, euphonium player for "The President's Own" Marine Band Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/ Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com Facebook ► https://www.faceboo…
TBJ217: Marcus Grant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:58
Andrew and guest co-host Michael Nickens are joined by trumpeter and composer Marcus Grant. Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/ Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com Facebook ► https://www.faceb…
TBJ216: Listener's Choice - All Things Sam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:23
This Listener's Choice is all questions about the late, great Sam Pilafian. Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/ Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/pray4jen…
TBJ215: Luke Spence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:43
Andrew is joined by trumpet player Dr. Luke Spence, fresh off playing in a dream team trumpet section for the first ever performances of the International Pride Orchestra.Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebras…
TBJ214: Jamie Lipton, John Caputo + Betsy Jones on All Things NABBA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:28
Andrew is joined by three phenomenal euphonium players, Jamie Lipton, John Caputo and Betsy Hones, to talk all NABBA and the British-style brass band scene in the US. Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjun…
TBJ213: Jeff Conner from the Brass Career Intensive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:40
Trumpet player Jeff Conner of Boston Brass joined Andrew for a session on building a world-class chamber ensemble at the Brass Career Intensive. Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/ Show Notes ► htt…