Author: Elizabeth

Hi Folks!

I’m really happy with the work we put in this week on Dragonheart and Super Mario! These will be focus pieces for next week’s rehearsal as well. (Three rehearsals before our first performance!)

We’re now moving back to our regular location. All remaining rehearsals will be Bourkevale Community Centre – 100 Ferry Rd. Rehearsal from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Thursdays.

We have also booked our final gig for the season! We will be performing on Thursday, August 20 – 7 pm (call time: 6:30 pm) – Concordia Village, 1125 Molson St. (The appropriate website pages have been updated to reflect this).

And now is a good moment to mention our band polo shirts. If you would like to purchase a polo shirt, they will start coming to rehearsals with us next week. The cost is $25. You can also reach out to us at info@mbmillenniumband.com to make arrangements to have a shirt reserved for you (or, if you’re getting this post to your email, you can just reply and we will receive that!) You do not have to purchase a shirt – we prefer forest green on top (or black) and black on the bottom.

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Please take a moment to check out: Administrative Operations if you haven’t already done so. This page contains information about the way we operate as an organisation (the binders, attendance expectations, concert wear, etc).

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Our rehearsal will be drawn from the following list of pieces (not in order):

• 21 – A Disney Spectacular
• 35 – Roseland Tango
• 59 – Super Mario Brothers – recording
• 60- Dragonheart
• 75 – Fanfare for the Unsung Hero
• 78 – Baba Yetu – recording
• 79 – Zoolantis!
• 81 – A Gathering of Eagles
• 82 – Hymn to Freedom – recording
• 83 – cross-fire

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For some listening this week, I encourage you to spend some time with the Super Mario Brothers recording (above).

Also, here are a couple of links for Dragonheart that might help:

This link is a performance of the arrangement we have as written (not the revised ending. I think you’ll understand why we perform the revision!) It is not professional studio musicians.

I would also recommend that you listen to the orchestral version. Here’s the version from the soundtrack (which is the one I’m most familiar with and my source for the revised ending).

This link is a performance conducted by Randy Edelman (the composer) and is a bit of a different arrangement, but I always find it educational to watch the composer conduct.

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See you on Thursday!

Elizabeth.

Hi Folks!

Our last rehearsal went very well. We are making really good progress on our repertoire and I’m confident we’ll be ready for our first performance (4 rehearsals to go!)

This week will be our last week at the Legion Branch #252 – 426 Osborne St –Thursday at 7 pm. Since our rehearsal falls within their hours of operation, no funny door business will be required. We will be rehearsing upstairs (stairs are on the right when you enter).

We will continue trialing the new seating arrangement, so be prepared for that! (I’ve received some positive feedback, so we’ll continue as an experiment for now).

Some issues can be fixed by surprising corrections. (Kind of like that time my father had pain in his right shoulder and when he went to see his doctor, he was diagnosed with a crooked right toe and prescribed orthotics! That fixed it. See, the toe angle was throwing off his alignment at the right knee, which made him hold his left hip funny, which twisted his spine, and poof! Sore shoulder). A few years ago, we moved from two rows to three, effectively making us narrower. This allowed folks to hear one another much better (and see the baton more easily) and it improved our sound immediately. Another change I made (personally) was realising people struggled to see the baton when I wear light coloured tops, so I’m very aware of my sartorial choices when I’m conducting. As I discussed last week, I experimented with my baton position when I’m giving prep beats and that went well so I’ll keep on and see how it goes.

All this to say, look for the easy wins in your own sphere. Try out some seemingly unconnected things – get your eyes checked, try a different stand height or angle, experiment with different chairs (my personal preference is to sit on a piano bench when I play. It’s a good height for me, it feels really stable, and without a chair back, I have no choice but to rely on my own posture for support). Try copying your music onto a different paper colour (just a one-pager at first to see if it help!) Test a different way of connecting with your mouthpiece. PLAY. Experiment. You are the only user of your own body, and what works best for you may not be the “approved best” way. A word of caution when it comes to posture -tread carefully – you don’t want repetitive stress injuries.

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Please take a moment to check out: Administrative Operations if you haven’t already done so. This page contains information about the way we operate as an organisation (the binders, attendance expectations, concert wear, etc).

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Our rehearsal will be drawn from the following list of pieces (not in order):

• 21 – A Disney Spectacular
• 35 – Roseland Tango
• 59 – Super Mario Brothers – recording
• 60- Dragonheart
• 78 – Baba Yetu
• 79 – Zoolantis!
• 81 – A Gathering of Eagles
• 82 – Hymn to Freedom
• 83 – cross-fire
• Jazz Jubilee

I intend to focus more heavily on Super Mario and Dragonheart this week.

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For your listening pleasure, I would also draw your attention to the following recordings of Baba Yetu. I shared them last season but I think they’re worth a listen:

• Here’s the link to the recording of the arrangement we’re playing.
• Here’s the link to the Civilization IV trailer, featuring Baba Yetu.
• Here’s a link to the video of a performance conducted by Christopher Tin in 2017 in Wales (full orchestra, choir, and soloists).

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I’m also including some listening links to Hymn to Freedom (since I’m on a roll this morning!)

• Here’s the link to the recorded arrangement we are playing.
• Here’s the link to the choral version (that our version accompanies). This recording does feature our version accompanying the choir (although I think the choir was absolutely helped by mixing in the editing room!)
• Here’s the link to a 1964 performance by Oscar Peterson himself. I strongly encourage you give this one a listen! (If you watch Mr. Peterson closely, he’s singing along!)
• And, to demonstrate a more modern take (it’s a little long, but worth it), here’s this link.

And I think that’s probably enough for this week!

See you on Thursday!

Elizabeth.

Hi Folks!

We were reduced in number, with many gaps, but we managed to pull out a very productive rehearsal this week!

We aren’t able to get the hall, so our next two rehearsals will take place at the Legion Branch #252 – 426 Osborne St on Thursdays at 7 pm. Since our rehearsal falls within their hours of operation, no funny door business will be required. We will be rehearsing upstairs (stairs are on the right when you enter).

I would like to test out a new seating arrangement next week to see if that will make a difference, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to be located in a different spot. The details are still being finalised.

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Please take a moment to check out: Administrative Operations if you haven’t already done so. This page contains information about the way we operate as an organisation (the binders, attendance expectations, concert wear, etc).

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Next week’s rehearsal will be drawn from the following list of pieces (not in order):

• 21 – A Disney Spectacular
• 35 – Roseland Tango
• 59 – Super Mario Brothers
• 60- Dragonheart
• 63 – Hallelujah
• 78 – Baba Yetu
• 79 – Zoolantis!
• 81 – A Gathering of Eagles
• 82 – Hymn to Freedom
• 83 – cross-fire

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Please take a moment or two to listen to this recording of Super Mario Brothers (this is the arrangement we have) to get a feel for the rhythms. Listening while following along with your part will help!

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I have also promised (and promptly forgotten!) to send out the lyrics to Hymn to Freedom:

Hymn to Freedom
(Words by Harriette Hamilton; Music by Oscar Peterson)

When every heart joins every heart and together yearns for liberty,
That’s when we’ll be free.
When every hand joins every hand and together moulds our destiny,
That’s when we’ll be free.
Any hour any day, the time soon will come when men will live in dignity,
That’s when we’ll be free.
When every man joins in our song and together singing harmony,
That’s when we’ll be free.

See you on Thursday!

Elizabeth.

Hi Folks!

Welcome to Transition Week! This is a short week for us as we are moving to Thursdays effective immediately. That means, our next rehearsal is in a few short days on June 4.

And we have a new (I mean familiar) rehearsal location! We will be back at Bourkevale Community Centre – 100 Ferry Rd. Rehearsal from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

We are expecting to be lower in numbers this week. (Our rehearsal conflicts with at least one other band’s dress rehearsal for their final concert). This provides us with an excellent opportunity for some more personalised attention. It’s also likely to be more focused on spot-work (rather than putting things together as a whole). It promises to be productive regardless!

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Please take a moment to check out: Administrative Operations if you haven’t already done so. This page contains information about the way we operate as an organisation (the binders, attendance expectations, concert wear, etc).

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Next week’s rehearsal will be drawn from the following list of pieces (not in order):

• 21 – A Disney Spectacular
• 35 – Roseland Tango
• 59 – Super Mario Brothers
• 60- Dragonheart
• 68 – Jazz Chaconne
• 78 – Baba Yetu
• 79 – Zoolantis!
• 81 – A Gathering of Eagles
• 82 – Hymn to Freedom
• 83 – cross-fire

Please take a moment or two to listen to this recording of Super Mario Brothers (this is the arrangement we have) to get a feel for the rhythms. Listening while following along with your part will help!

See you on Thursday!

Elizabeth.

Hi Folks!

Well. the month has just flown by! I can’t believe we’re already at our final Saturday rehearsal of the season!

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Please take a moment to check out: Administrative Operations if you haven’t already done so. This page contains information about the way we operate as an organisation (the binders, attendance expectations, concert wear, etc).

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252 Legion Logistics:

• There is a parking lot at the back of the Legion – entry to the building is through the front door on Osborne.
• The Legion is not open on Saturday morning, so the doors are locked. We will station someone at the door to allow entry until 9:55 am. If you arrive later, there will be a sign posted including a phone number to call for entry. (There are a lot of signs on the door, so you may need to look for it, but we’ll try to identify ours as best we can). If you do not have a cell phone and will be later arriving than 9:55 am, please email info@mbmilenniumband.com before 9:30 am (the lag time is to allow for email accounts to sync).
• We are rehearsing upstairs and there are no windows in the space. Due to the laws of thermodynamics, heat rises. Be prepared. Dress for a warm room.

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Next week’s rehearsal will be drawn from the following list of pieces (not in order):

• 21 – A Disney Spectacular – we’ll work primarily on “Friend Like Me” (the last section)
• 25 – Blue Orchid Tango
• 35 – Roseland Tango
• 59 – Super Mario Brothers – we’ll be looking at the first section
• 78 – Baba Yetu
• 79 – Zoolantis!
• 81 – A Gathering of Eagles – we’ll be looking at the middle (the flowing, more exposed section)
• 82 – Hymn to Freedom
• 83 – cross-fire
• 86 – Jurassic Park

Please take a moment or two to listen to this recording of Super Mario Brothers (this is the arrangement we have) to get a feel for the rhythms. Listening while following along with your part will help!

I have also managed to figure out how to export the MIDI file from MuseScore so I can share it with you. (Fair warning: it is what it is).

See you on Saturday!

Elizabeth.

Hi Folks!

There’s more information to be shared this week! One change (I hope it’s an improvement!) I’ve instituted is, rather than randomly try to make all the same announcements many times over the summer (I try to cover them all when we have an intake of members as well as a periodic reminder), I’ve collected all the usual administrative suspects into a page on this website.

Please take a moment to check out: Administrative Operations

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252 Legion Logistics:

• There is a parking lot at the back of the Legion – entry to the building is through the front door on Osborne.
• The Legion is not open on Saturday morning, so the doors are locked. We will station someone at the door to allow entry until 9:55 am. If you arrive later, there will be a sign posted including a phone number to call for entry. (There are a lot of signs on the door, so you may need to look for it, but we’ll try to identify ours as best we can). If you do not have a cell phone and will be later arriving than 9:55 am, please email info@mbmilenniumband.com before 9:30 am (the lag time is to allow for email accounts to sync).
• We are rehearsing upstairs and there are no windows in the space. Due to the laws of thermodynamics, heat rises. Be prepared. Dress for a warm room.

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Next week’s rehearsal will be drawn from the following list of pieces (not in order):

• 21 – A Disney Spectacular
• 25 – Blue Orchid Tango
• 35 – Roseland Tango
• 59 – Super Mario Brothers
• 78 – Baba Yetu
• 79 – Zoolantis!
• 81 – A Gathering of Eagles
• 82 – Hymn to Freedom
• 83 – cross-fire
• 84 – Night Dances
• 86 – Jurassic Park

Please take a moment or two to listen to this recording of Super Mario Brothers (this is the arrangement we have) to get a feel for the rhythms. Listening while following along with your part will help!

See you on Saturday!

Elizabeth.

And with that, we’re off to the races! We were few, but mighty during out kick-off rehearsal. I am really looking forward to what we’ll be able to accomplish this season!

We read through our new arrangements, tried some more complex pieces (even with large gaps in instrumentation) and reviewed some pieces from last season to see how much we’ve retained.

Expect a weekly blog entry that will include: a list of pieces from which I’ll draw in the next rehearsal, announcements or reminders related to logistics/administration (e.g. rehearsal location change, concert information, etc). I’ll try to get these sent out within 48 hours of rehearing (so, on Mondays in May, on Saturday thereafter). Fair warning: I usually start out strong (look at me go – within 24 hours this week!) and flag later in the summer.

This week, owing to us inching our way into the season, there are not many announcements.

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252 Legion Logistics:

It’s been a hot minute (pun intended) since we last rehearsed at the 252 Legion on South Osborne so there are some quirks that I was remiss in bringing to your attention in advance. Please accept my sincere apologies for the oversight.

• There is a parking lot at the back of the Legion – entry to the building is through the front door on Osborne.
• The Legion is not open on Saturday morning, so the doors are locked. We will station someone at the door to allow entry until 9:55 am. If you arrive later, there will be a sign posted including a phone number to call for entry. (There are a lot of signs on the door, so you may need to look for it, but we’ll try to identify ours as best we can). If you do not have a cell phone and will be later arriving than 9:55 am, please email info@mbmilenniumband.com before 9:30 am (the lag time is to allow for email accounts to sync).
• We are rehearsing upstairs and there are no windows in the space. Due to the laws of thermodynamics, heat rises. Be prepared. Dress for a warm room.

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Now, on to the nitty gritty!

Next week, rehearsal will be drawn from the following list of pieces (not in order):

• 21 – A Disney Spectacular
• 35 – Roseland Tango
• 59 – Super Mario Brothers
• 78 – Baba Yetu
• 79 – Zoolantis!
• 81 – A Gathering of Eagles
• 82 – Hymn to Freedom
• 83 – cross-fire
• 86 – Jurassic Park

I hope everyone has a lovely week!

Elizabeth.

Just your friendly, neighbourhood Millennium Executive reminding you that our 2026 season kicks off on Saturday, May 9 at 10:00 am!

This summer, our Saturday rehearsals (and a couple of Thursdays) will be at the #252 Legion at 426 Osborne St – NOT the St James Legion!

Another item of note: you will need to bring your own stand to all rehearsals and performances. We do not rehearse in music-dedicated spaces, so the only stands available are the ones we bring.

The Librarian has also asked me to include the following: If you would like to receive a digital copy of your part for the new pieces (not all music is available digitally), please reach out to us at info@mbmillenniumband.com.

You can find the rest of the details here.

We’re looking forward to seeing you!

Hi Folks!

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re all set to kick off the 2026 Millennium Band season!

Everyone is welcome, so please tell everyone you know and even those who you don’t know about it!

Without further ado, here are the season details, as we know them now (You can also find these details linked on the site’s landing page, as well as under the Members page):

Dues: $25.00

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Rehearsals:

May 9 –  Saturday – 10 am – 12 pm – Legion Branch #252 – 426 Osborne St – if possible, please try to arrive a wee bit early so that we can get music assigned and begin the fun as close to 10:00 as possible! 

May 16 – Saturday – 10 am – 12 pm – Legion Branch #252 – 426 Osborne St

May 23 – Saturday – 10 am – 12 pm – Legion Branch #252 – 426 Osborne St

May 30 – Saturday – 10 am – 12 pm – Legion Branch #252 – 426 Osborne St

The following rehearsals will be held at Bourkevale Community Centre – 100 Ferry Rd. Rehearsal from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Thursdays unless otherwise specified. Free parking available.  Rehearsal space doors will be open 30 mins before start and 30 mins after the end. Help with arranging chairs is always appreciated!

June 4

June 11 – Legion Branch #252 – 426 Osborne St

June 18 – Legion Branch #252 – 426 Osborne St

June 25

 July 2

July 9

July 30

August 6

August 13

August 20

August 27

Gigs

Call time is 30 minutes prior to performance time indicated below.

Thursday, July 16 – 7:00 pm – Lindenwood Terrace -490 Lindenwood Dr E

Thursday, July 23 – 7:00 pm – The Parkway Retirement Community – 100-85 Paget St

Saturday, August 8 – 1:30 pm – Holy Family Home, 165 Aberdeen Ave

Please bring a music stand to all gigs!

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Wind up Barbecue – August 29

We planning to have a wind-up barbecue (friends & family welcome) at the end of the season. More details will be provided as planning continues.

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Stay tuned! This section to be updated as information becomes available!

Looking forward to seeing those who can make it out on May 9!

Sincerely,

Your MB Millennium Band Executive

Hi Folks!

This snuck up on us fast! (Before long, it will be time to look towards our next season!)

I just wanted to remind you that one of our bandmates’ musical theatre production is next weekend!

Here are the details I had posted at the end of the summer:

As in other years, one of our percussionists and his brother are involved in a musical theatre production in November. This year, it will be Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (music by Andrew Lloyd Webber).

I would encourage everyone to support our bandmate if you are able. (He made a great narrator for Zoolantis! so we know he’s got talent! I’m expecting a fun show!) It really does mean a lot to have friendly faces in the audience! I’m tentatively planning to attend the Saturday matinee if anyone is interested in sitting together!

Here’s the information that was shared:

About Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Told entirely through song with the help of a main character Narrator, the musical follows the preferred son Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family.

Rating: G – Joseph is fun for the whole family!

Approximate Runtime: 2h with intermission

Shows: Thursday, November 20, Friday, November 21, and Saturday 22 at 7 pm, or 2 pm (Matinee).

Location: Jubilee Place at MBCI, 173 Talbot Avenue. There is accessible seating at the corners of the theatre and also platform seats after Seat 12 for those who are unable to do stairs.

Tickets: $25 for Adults, $15 for Children – If you purchase tickets directly via our bandmate, processing fees are waived.

Although there is no canteen, as the school doesn’t allow food or drinks inside the theatre, there will be a 15 minutes intermission, so feel free to bring a drink, water, and snacks for yourself if you need them.

If you’re interested, please reach out to info@mbmillenniumband.com and we will connect you with the individuals involved.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth.