testimonials
The HōM Series has been making waves in Norman, Oklahoma, since 2020. Here's just a few personal testimonials from folks who've participated in our numerous past events:
audience
Ford C., Student at the University of Oklahoma
“There aren't many words in the English lexicon that can quite describe how the [HōM Series] has affected my musical career in OU and in general. There is such a low chance that I would be able to meet even less play music with the people that have come through OU with the [HōM Series], and the series has allowed an opportunity to engage with these amazing musicians when I would normally not be able to. These last several years have seen a revolving door of outstanding performers, and I have been able to play music with them, which is a far more extraordinary experience than anything I can describe in words... It’s some of the most amazing moments of my college career and none of it would have been possible without the [HōM Series].”
Aidan E., Student at the University of Oklahoma
“I have attended many of the opportunities presented by the [HōM Series] and there are a lot of them. The quality of artists and musical personalities that have been brought in has truly been an amazing experience... One experience that really stood out to me was playing with (7x Grammy-winner) Sput Searight in the jazz band concert in fall 2022. Sput has played with many artists that I look up to such as Kendrick Lamar and was the drummer on one of my favorite rap albums of all time titled, “To Pimp A Butterfly”. Getting to meet Sput and play with him was an experience I will never forget and will cherish forever.”
Various Submitted Anecdotes from Local Musicians, Students, Faculty, Professional Musicians
“It is amazing that the [HōM Series] is able to provide the students with the ability to interact with musicians who are actively doing what many of us dream to do. A truly special opportunity.”
“I was able to play with him (5x Grammy Winner Alex Cuba) during the halftime of the jazz concert, and his approach to music was so incredibly interesting and I got to experience a new form of improvisation that I had never done before.”
“(Grammy-winning superstar) gave me his handle, (redacted), and I have an open invitation to jam with him the next time I’m in Dallas and he’s not on tour.”
“I’ve gotten VIP passes to meet some of my favorite musicians before but those were for just a few minutes after a show. Having all these big names in our buildings for multiple days at a time, going to lunch with them, and being able to sit down and ask for advice about my own career is something no backstage pass can buy.”
“I have watched (Grammy/Emmy winner) Adam (Neely) on YouTube for a long time now and getting to meet him in person was a surreal experience. I attended almost all of his master classes and lectures he gave while on campus but the most memorable portion of his time here was being able to play with him.”
“He (5x Grammy Winner Alex Cuba) and I played together on the tune “Beulah Witch,” and his presence and advice to the band was extremely valuable information that progressed my musical experience tenfold.”
“When I saw (Grammy-winning composer) Eric Whitacre was going to be on the series, I died. When he showed up, I got resurrected just so I could witness the talk. I'll never forget the gasps from the audience when he made his appearance. When I asked him a question and he gave a 10 minute long answer, I died again.”
“I myself am a bassist, and being able to watch (Grammy/Emmy winner) Adam Neely live, and then play with him was phenomenal for my music career.“
“All of these musicians and more gave valuable advice on how to “make it” in the musical world. It’s some of the most amazing moments of my college career and none of it would have been possible without the [HōM Series].”
arts leaders
Kitt Wakeley, 2x GRAMMY-Winning and 7x #1 Billboard Charting Artist/Producer, Governor of Grammys
“It was truly an honor and privilege to be a featured musical guest of the [HōM Series], its pioneering coordinator Eric Walschap, and the University of Oklahoma. Our community is extremely blessed as it sheds light on the value of the arts and the path that it can lead, and is a brilliant mission that has become a beacon for our industry. Their commitment to excellence and passion for uplifting the arts made the experience incredibly meaningful.”
Jeanette Stanton Director, Oklahoma Film + Music Office
“The level of talent the [HōM Series] is making accessible to local music students, professionals and enthusiasts is astounding, we're thrilled to support this series, which activates and engages Oklahoma's dynamic music industry and furthers opportunities for education, workforce development and business strategy within this sector.”
Patrick Conlon GRAMMY-Certified Producer/Engineer of Onyx Lane
“The [HōM Series] fills a missing role in the artistic landscape of Norman by bringing in the highest level of international music industry leaders and connecting them with our home grown artistic talent. This program is helping grow Norman's stature as an artistic hub and creating fertile ground for the next generation of Oklahoman artists to thrive.”
Mike Pierson Manager, Pioneer Library System West Branch
“The Pioneer Library System is so happy to partner with the [HōM Series]. It's impactful for our customers at the library because they get to directly engage with successful musicians in the industry and poke their brain, all free of charge to the public. At the most recent event, our patrons asked (Musical Director/Pianist for Taylor Swift) David Cook about the nuts and bolts of his job, kids traded friendship bracelets with (Broadway star) Shayna Steele, and proved that the [HōM Series] as a whole to be educational, entertaining, and inspiring for our community.”
Evan Petit Manager, Gilliam Music
“As the local music store for the Norman community and the University of Oklahoma, Gilliam Music is proud and thrilled to support the [HōM Series]. The series brings in wonderful artists and musicians that may otherwise never come to this community. We love the opportunity to provide instruments, services, volunteers, and cash contributions when we can to support the series.”
Matt Chandler, Coordinator of Bands, Norman Public Schools
“We are extremely grateful to have Eric Walschap and the [HōM Series] in our community of Norman. This series brings incredible musicians to our community that our students can have the opportunity to learn from that is outside of our curriculum, yet relevant to their personal interests regarding music.”
Brian Dailey Professor, University of Oklahoma School of Dance
“As a professional musician and professor in the College of Fine Arts at OU, I believe that the [HōM Series] has been an invaluable resource for me, my students, and our community. It provides a unique opportunity to bring highly successful artists to Norman in a public forum where we can all grow and learn together. I hope the [HōM Series] is afforded every opportunity to grow and thrive.”
guests
Paul Shaffer, David Letterman Band Leader, Creator of the Saturday Night Live Band and Blues Brothers Band
"I got to play with both of the wonderful (jazz) bands and wonderful kids - you guys are fantastic. I thank [the HōM Series] for having us... Eric, you have a hell of a program."
David Cook, Current Musical Director and Pianist for Taylor Swift, U.S. Ambassador of Music
"We had such a fantastic time, thanks so much to Eric for reaching out and bringing us here in the first place, running a really fantastic series. Just to be included in the depth and breadth of talent that has come through here as part of the [HōM Series], we are honored and I hope you all know how lucky you are (to have) all these different artists through." (Transcription from Concert on February 9th, 2024)
Nikki Glaspie, Drummer for Beyoncé, Kanye West, Jay-Z, George Michael, Snarky Puppy
“It was great that they have this available in Norman. If this were an option when I was in school, I would've jumped at the opportunity!”
Shaun Martin, Keyboardist for The Weeknd, Kirk Franklin, Snarky Puppy, Erykah Badu
“One of the highlights of such a tumultuous year was being a guest for the [HōM Series]. The students were very inquisitive and very attentive. They'd spent some time listening intuitively and analyzing the music so they were able to ask well informed and relevant questions, which made for a relaxed conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed the passion and enthusiasm and look forward to working with the Sooner Musicians again!”
Philip Lassiter, Band Leader for Prince, Anderson .Paak, Ariana Grande, Hamilton on Broadway
“It was a great opportunity to connect directly with students and talk about the music business, careers, and opportunities that are out there. They had great questions and the whole thing was fun, flowed smoothly, and was stress free. Let’s do it again!”
Eric Whitacre, Composer, Conductor, and Speaker, Pioneer of Virtual Choirs, NASA Collaborator
“This was so fun, thank you for having me! Looking forward to visiting Norman again and working with all of you.”
Alex Cuba, Winner of the 2022 GRAMMY for Latin Pop Album of the Year
“My time at OU was truly amazing, I had an amazing time watching and performing with the Wind Symphony which left a huge impression and inspiration in me.”
Adam Neely GRAMMY/Emmy-Winning YouTube Star, U.S. Ambassador of Music
“The [HōM Series] was a wonderful success, what a beautiful and engaged community of musicians! The concert, masterclasses, jam session, and all of the events went so well. I have nothing but great things to say about the dedicated and inspiring faculty at OU.”
Bobby Sparks, Keyboardist for Prince, Ray Charles, Herbie Hancock, Kirk Franklin, Al Jarreau
“The students were engaging, which made for meaningful dialogue. I left feeling hope filled for the next wave of music.”
Robert "Sput" Searight, Drummer for Kendrick Lamar, Toto, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell, Snarky Puppy
“I had the opportunity to spend time with the Music Department at the University of Oklahoma and it was an absolute blast. One of the highlights was getting to perform with both of the jazz bands. The students in both bands were incredibly gifted and performed with such joy. Had a full day of activities there doing workshops, rehearsals, etc. It was refreshing to see and witness the level of anticipation to receive information from both the students and the faculty and staff there. Just overall an amazing experience.”
Eric Gerber, CEO/President of Royal Artist Group Agency (40+ GRAMMY Winners including Snarky Puppy)
“I've had the pleasure of working with Eric Walschap for many years now, bringing several of my clients to the university. I consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from my artists on the engagement of the students and the attention to detail around their visits.”
