Congratulations, David!

I just have to take a moment to brag about my big brother, David, who just landed an Adjunct Faculty position at the University of Utah! He will be teaching private saxophone and improvisation lessons starting Fall semester. Little did mom know (in 1966) that her boy would someday teach at her own Alma Mater.

David is very well known in Utah, but especially the Salt Lake area for his incredible jazz musicality. With 10+ private students (not including those he'll have at the U), teaching at the Music School in American Fork, playing at various concerts, clubs, corporate events, weddings (including mine), maintaining and constantly improving his band, Fat Soul, doing studio work, and pursuing his Masters in Jazz Performance, Composition/Arranging, and Education at the U of U, this man has very little free time. In 2003, he created his own record label, Lone Peak Sound, and has since produced or co-produced six albums. His saxophone work has been featured on the soundtrack to CBS's Touched By An Angel, the NBA theme on ABC, a Corona Light commercial, and the movie, Charly. He has also made an appearance on an episode of WB's Everwood, and performed the National Anthem at two Utah Jazz playoff games. He taught jazz, band and percussion at Park City High from '06-'07, taking the Varsity Jazz Ensemble to the next level. He's performed with many internationally recognized musicians like Josh Groban, The Temptations and Wynton Marsalis, received countless honors and awards, and is currently one of the most in-demand saxophonists and clinicians in the Mountain West.

Even amidst his busy life, which has pretty much always been busy, however, he has remained the amazing big brother and friend I've always remembered. We lived together the year before Neil and I got married, and while we had our moments, I think we'd both agree the experience taught us a lot about each other and ultimately strengthened our relationship. I know seeing him day in and day out practicing, attending late night gigs and then rising early the following morning to catch his classes made me realize and appreciate the hard work and discipline that goes into being a true musician! I always felt so proud going to his BYU concerts or Border's, where he performed weekly, and introducing myself as David Halliday's sister. His music has blessed our family and many others, and I know this opportunity at the U is going to open endless doors for his reputation and career!

So call me a big bragger if you will! Either way, a huge CONGRATS to David Halliday!

...And GO UTES! (Neil, you didn't just read that.)