Jay C. Batzner is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida where he teaches theory, composition, and technology courses as well as coordinates the composition program. He holds degrees in composition and/or theory from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, the University of Louisville, and the University of Kansas.
Jay's music is primarily focused around instrumental chamber works as well as electroacoustic composition. His music has been recorded on the Capstone, Vox Novus, and Beauport Classical labels and is published by Unsafe Bull Music.
Jay is a sci-fi geek, an amateur banjoist, a home brewer, and juggler.
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8/18/2007
5th Festival of Contemporary Music - initial report
I'm in San Francisco for the 5th Festival of Contemporary music. I had an all-day faculty shoot-out on Thursday so I was unable to get to Thursday's concert (which featured, among others, the Collected's superstar Philip Scheussler). Mike McFerron, of EMM fame, is also on the ground and on tonight's concert. I know or have met at least 50% of the folks at this festival at previous things, which is one of the first times that has happened. Cool.
While I didn't get to hear the music, I still have reports to give. Last night I met up with Philip, Adam Fong, the Collected's local representative, and a bass clarinet/composer friend of Philip's whose name is escaping me at the moment (jet lag). We went to the Stinking Rose, a touristy garlic-themed restaurant, then we grabbed some pastry a few blocks up and talked. It was great. I was exhausted from all-day plane travel and it was great unwinding and talking shop with the guys last night.
The hotel is probably the biggest news. It is nice and close to everything, but leaves many amenities to the imagination. No phone (I don't have a cell), internet only in the lobby, the doorknob to my bathroom fell off, etc. It has all the charm of a Soviet bloc dorm room. At least it has its own bathroom and is within walking distance of damned near everything. The bed is comfy, which is also a plus. I'm not spending a lot of time in there, so it is a minor detail at best.
Today, I'm meeting up with McFerron and hitting the town. The gang last night told me that Amoeba Music is a must, so I must. I'm looking forward to the concert tonight. If you are in the area, swing by. I'll report more when I have more.
posted by Jay C. Batzner
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