UNT hires David Childs

[JasonDonnelly]

As many of you have probably heard by now, The University of North Texas has recently announced the hiring of David Childs as Professor of Euphonium beginning in the Fall 2018 semester.

He replaces Dr. Brian Bowman, a legendary, pioneering euphonium player who, among other things, led an extraordinary career as a US Armed Forces musician and soloist, and has made UNT a hotspot for euphonium playing for almost two decades.

Here is an article detailing the announcement: http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=33161

Congratulations to David Childs on his hiring, and to Dr. Bowman on his retirement!

[JTJ]

Great news for the American euphonium -- and quite surprising! Tenured full professor, no less. Good for David Childs, good for UNT.

[highpitch]

Let's just hope he gets used to driving on the right quickly....

Dennis

[JTJ]

And gets used to the Texas heat.

[highpitch]

Welcome to the USA!

DG

[RickF]

What a score for UNT and their students! Congrats to both David Childs and UNT.

[superted]

Wow! Aside from Steven Mead I don't think they can get a bigger name in the euphonium world to fill the job.

I wonder if this would lead to the eventual demise of the Willson 2900 (small bell with medium shank) concept of sound that has been popular in the US?

[highpitch]

[QUOTE=superted;145715]I wonder if this would lead to the eventual demise of the Willson 2900 (small bell with medium shank) concept of sound that has been popular in the US?[/QUOT]

As a horn bigot, one can only hope...

Dennis

[davewerden]

This is a surprise, but certainly great news for the USA euphonium scene and for UNT in particular. I wonder how he'll balance the time with his professional commitments and his teaching at the Royal College (which I assume will continue).

[JakeGuilbo]

I can't wait for the opportunity this affords brass bands in the USA. There aren't many bigger names than Childs for Brass Bands and the British Euphonium sound. One hopes he develops the UNT Brass Band into a featured ensemble that he even brings to NABBA. His Euphonium sound is also so distinct. He's had so much success as a Brass Band MD with Flowers and developed a star pupil in Grant Jameson. There could not be a more exciting hire.

[davewerden]

One hopes he develops the UNT Brass Band into a featured ensemble that he even brings to NABBA. His Euphonium sound is also so distinct.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!

His Euphonium sound is also so distinct.

I don't see it quite that way, but it's a matter of words. I would say his sound is terrific, so he's unique in that regard. But I find his sound more "neutral" than Steven Mead's, for example. If I had to choose between the 2 for a USA professorship I would choose David's sound. He has a British tone, but he has a more universal style to my ears, so he's quite compatible with our American surroundings.

[JakeGuilbo]

Sorry Dave - I only meant that his sound is so original it is unique - and thus is distinct. I agree that I like it more than Steven Mead's but that is also like choosing between two fine dishes at a 3 star Michelin restaurant - not between that restaurant and McDonalds