The Concordia Village concert this week goes down in the books as a success. There were a few minor hiccups, but we held it together really well and I’m so proud of you!
Holy Mars, Batman!!! We did it!! NO ONE played in the gaps for the first time ever!! Did you hear how COOL that was??? Let’s do that every time!
One thing I’ve been on your case about, and it was pretty obvious in Michelle/Eleanor Rigby/Yesterday, is making sure that we get our dynamic level DOWN to start a crescendo. In Eleanor Rigby, we didn’t do that as well as we have at rehearsals, and we had some tone issues because of it. I’m mentioning this for several reasons: it will help save your chops (mission critical with Victoria Beach looming on the horizon), it will be more dramatic, and it will keep us from having that spready, blatty, out of control tone. You know – the one we all cringed at during Wednesday’s concert.
I also wanted to commend you on a job well done in Eine Kleine Rockmusik. When the Eine Kleine theme returned, you remembered to keep it nice and light, and that was so effective! (Next project: matching quarter note length in that section). Also, the balancing – particularly with solo trumpet – was exactly where it needed to be!
Windjammer sounded really good! Awesome trumpet work – it sounded effortless! And I also wanted to again, express my appreciation for that final crazy section, where we have to main themes playing over an ostinato rhythm (aka the waves). I heard BOTH themes clearly, so the waves did an awesome job at carrying us without overwhelming, and the opening melody came though really nicely with a full, open tone. I can’t ask for more!
I was approached by several audience members who asked me to convey their appreciation to the band. One hopes we’ll be back next summer, another commented on how evident it is that we love what we’re doing and how it got her heart pumping. Job well done!
So. I’m sad to announce that our rehearsal on Wednesday is the very last one of the season. While sharing what we’ve worked so hard on with an audience has a very important role and is generally good and fun to do, my heart is in the rehearsing. I love pulling things apart and getting into the nitty-gritty. I love what happens to our pieces when we rebuild them, knowing about a cool inner part or the way a line dovetails into a different instrument. Also, it’s at this point that I start to feel more like a traffic director (and an empty nester) than anything else – you are as prepared as I can help you to be. And you are prepared!
This is another dress rehearsal – this time for our big gig at Victoria Beach!
We have some administrative details to work out – I’ll be doing a count at rehearsal, so this is for the people who ARE going to Victoria Beach but are NOT able to attend rehearsal:
Car Pooling
The band will be covering the parking fee for members (your membership dues at work!), so we are strongly encouraging as much car-pooling as possible. Please consider whether you are willing to go with someone else, or if you’re willing to drive others. We’ll try to get people paired up on Wednesday. (If you need or can provide a ride but can’t make rehearsal, please let us know in the comments or by email).
Post-Event Social Time and Meal
The concert on the 26th will be followed by a meal and fellowship at the Woolisons’ cottage. This year, we’re doing Roast Beef on a Bun – and I believe we’re asking for $5/person to help defray the costs (I’ll confirm this on Wednesday). It is BYOBeverage. You are welcome to bring others – of the significant or family variety. But, since we have to procure the victuals, we need a count. Once again, I’m taking the official count on Wednesday, but if you can’t be at rehearsal, please let me know in the comments how many of you and yours are dining with us.
Practise Self-Care
Make sure, along with clothes pins/plexiglass/other music fastening devices, that you pack the following: sunscreen, a hat, insect repellant, and VERY importantly, plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Music
This is about the time we have some final departures. Please do not forget to turn in your binders. Also, if you know you can’t attend a concert, please make sure you leave your binder with the library – it will be at all gigs. If you have rearranged any music, please ensure it’s put back in its original place in the binder before you turn it in. This saves our librarian a LOT of effort!
This is our long concert – it’s two sets with a short break in between. The intention for our rehearsal is to spot-check as needed, but really we’ll be spending more of our time on the pieces we haven’t been rehearsing so much (italicized below).
TENTATIVE Concert Programme:
11 – Cartoon Symphony
64 – Bolero
4 – Standard of St George
58 – Les Miserables
59 – Super Mario
2 – Michelle/Eleanor Rigby/Yesterday
22 – The Stripper
INTERMISSION
17 – Eine Kleine Rockmusik
9 – Arabian Dances
1 – The 80s
40 – Windjammer
25 – Blue Orchid
63 – Hallelujah
36 – Space and Beyond
Finally, if you are NOT able to attend the September 9 gig (at Bourkevale), and you have not already let me know, please do so as soon as possible (either in the comments or via email) so that I can make sure we have parts covered.
For those among you who have concluded your playing season with us, I’m sorry to see you go, but so pleased that you were able to join us! We’ll miss you as we continue our shenanigans!
Happy playing!
Elizabeth.
I will not be able to attend September 9 concert.
I’m away on vacation and will miss the concert in Victoria Beach and Bourkevale. I’ll turn in my music at Wednesdays rehearsal.
I’ve really enjoyed the rehearsals. Thank you to all and volunteers who do so much organizing, chair placing and all that goes into being part of a band. Special thanks to Elizabeth for the support and unstoppable enthusiasm.
– Morgan