Our first performance was a smashing success! I received so much positive feedback from the residents at Lindenwoods that I can’t even begin to relay it all to you. The highlight, for me, was being stopped by three men, ages 94, 95, and 97, who just gushed about your playing. The 95 year-old used to dance the jitterbug and was taken back to those days by “Swing the Mood.” The 97 year-old told me that from the first notes we played, he knew our band was something special. (Apparently, this fellow is rather musically inclined – his 95 year-old friend listens to his recordings, and he’s known to put on a bit of a show for the residents, so I’m told).
I am really pleased with our playing. We had a couple of moments, but we recovered very well. It’s tough to play outside – the sound gets sucked right out of us, and it’s very important – more than usual – to rely on me, rather than your ears. So we should be very proud of ourselves! I am especially pleased with your attention to the dynamics all the way through – you remembered your crescendos!! (You can’t see me, but I’m doing a happy dance).
I can’t believe how quickly the summer is passing! We’re now at the break – we all have 2 weeks off – well, those of us who aren’t at Band Camp or performing in Folklorama, that is.
Here’s what’s on deck at our next rehearsal – August 8 at Bourkevale – we’ll be doing a lot of running pieces as this is our dress rehearsal for Victoria Beach.
Here’s what I’ve come up with as a concert programme for Victoria Beach. We will be rehearsing from this list – expect spot-checking rather than running through everything:
(There will be no sight-reading piece this week)
Scales
51 – Entrance of the Gladiators
65 – Moana
64 – Bolero
5 – Broadway Journey
1 – The 80s – TENTATIVE
22 – The Stripper
66 – Arctic Fire
BREAK (At the concert – I have no idea where our break will fall this week!)
25 – The Blue Orchid
68 – Jazz Chaconne
8 – Themes Like Old Times
63 – Hallelujah
54 – The Drunken Sailor
26 – The Rowan Tree
7 – Swing the Mood
Take care of yourselves, have a wonderful time at Band Camp (for those going), break a leg (for those playing at Folklorama), and I look forward to seeing you again on August 8!
PS – I’ll be posting important information about Victoria Beach in a second blog post in a few moments. This is the admin details, so please make sure you take a moment to read it – Spoiler Alert: There is a July 25 response deadline!!!