That went well.
Our final concert of the year last night was a tremendous success! It’s high up there among the best concerts of the season! (I think I say that about all our concerts – you just keep getting better, though).
I rather liked the drama of losing the big lights and the starting of the fireworks in Eine Kleine Rockmusik (just in time for the 1812 Overture, no less!) Talk about going out with a bang! I’ve been after the committee to give me a Cannon Budget for some time now, but I think I could be satisfied with a Fireworks Budget instead! I’ll spend the winter working on my arguments in favour of adding pyrotechnics to our shows. In all seriousness, you demonstrated amazing professionalism by carrying on without missing a beat despite the explosions and sudden darkness!
The pieces we sight-read didn’t sound that way at all. They sounded very well prepared. Great reading, everyone! I’m so pleased that you’re starting to make those knowledge transfers – listening to what’s happening around you, being deliberate with dynamics, being aware of not only the melody, but also bringing out interesting parts when you have them. In effect, you’re starting to do your own analysis of the piece as you’re playing. This will really slingshot your musical ability to the next level.
And now that I’ve touched on the topic of growth, it has been such a pleasure and an honour to witness everyone’s musical growth over the summer. (It has happened for everyone – including myself). I hear you making different musical choices than you might have earlier in the summer. I can hear people making adjustments in their playing to ensure that key parts come out of the texture when numbers are different or our venue causes certain timbres to fade into the background. These are the types of things the pros do.
I want to extend some acknowledgements to some people who have gone over and above for last night’s hijinks:
- Jim Woolison and Duncan Hasker – who came out an sight-read the concert last night to support our depleted trumpet section. They read amazingly well, and their help is much appreciated!
- Dave Patrick (aka Octo-Dave) who covered so many percussion parts that I couldn’t tell we only had him at the back. I’m still in awe at how he can make concert instruments sound like a drum kit. Dave, you are amazing, and we are so lucky to have your talents among us!
- To the people who helped with set up and tear down – I didn’t catch all of it, so I can’t name any names. But thank you for taking the extra time to help out. This really does matter to our hosts, and the people who have commitments that preclude them from arriving early. We really appreciate your doing the extra work for us!
I would also like to say a very big and very public thank you on behalf of the band to our Executive Committee:
- Dave Patrick – for making sure our finances are in order, that we’re living without our means, and that we’re able to have an awesome day and party at Victoria Beach that is mostly subsidized by the band.
- Tony Purvis – for his passion and enthusiasm, for his encouragement and generosity in sharing his knowledge as we transitioned to a new librarian, and for his continued guidance as a founding committee member.
- Jeff Yakel – for taking on the largely unseen but tremendous job of maintaining the library: collecting wayward music, random requests from band members/me for extra copies of parts, and so forth. It’s not a pretty job, but we’re lucky to have you to do it.
- Bruce Wiebe – for setting up all our gigs. This involves liaising both ways – ensuring that the band has the rather large amount of space we require, that the band is aware of any requirements the audience/site may have, ensuring that we know details of parking arrangements, site access, etc.
- Christina Paul – for providing input as a representative from the band on decisions made on behalf of the band. This fills a very important role your committee works for the good of the band, so the band should have a voice in the direction the committee is steering.
- To all the people who come out early and stay a little later to help with the set up and tear down. It’s very important to our hosts that we leave things as we find them, and of course, we need a general type of set up, so it’s important to us. There are too many to name (and I don’t want to miss anyone), but a thousand thank yous to you for giving of your time this way.
2017 has been a spectacular season. I am so proud of what you were able to achieve. We’ve had overwhelmingly positive feedback from our audiences, and most have extended an invitation to return next summer. You have all put so much effort into making this group something truly unique in Winnipeg. It is an honour to be a part of it.
So, as we disperse for another year, I want to thank each and every one of you for having been a part of this season. I know it may not seem like it, but each one of you brings something special, and we do feel the lack without you.
I hope to see all of you next summer!
Happy playing!
Elizabeth.