and…. we’re off!!
The 2017 season has officially begun!
Thanks to everyone who came out for our inaugural rehearsal for 2017, and to everyone who let me know they couldn’t make it but definitely ARE playing with us this summer!
I’m really excited about what we have in store, and I’m so pleased at how good everyone sounds already!
One thing I know I didn’t do very well last summer that I want to improve upon is to make sure that each one of you knows that you are welcome. To (poorly) paraphrase an immortal ad, “Aunt Elizabeth wants YOU!” I want you to play with us. I want you to try your best (and maybe even push yourself a little further than you thought you could). We have a vast array of levels of playing and types of musical experiences represented in our band. For some of you, some pieces will be a big challenge – please don’t be discouraged! Just do your best – play what you can today (if that’s only the whole notes, play the most in-tune, supportive, well-shaped whole notes you can play). I promise that next week, you’ll be able to play more. I am confident that you will find someone in your own section, or perhaps even a neighbouring one, who will offer you encouragement or a tip to help you out. Please don’t be shy to reach out to myself, the executive committee, or a smiling face in your section. This really is a band for everyone.
As promised, here are a bunch of lists!
Here are the pieces I plan to draw upon at our June 7 practise, to be held at Bourkevale – 100 Ferry Rd. The baton drops at 7 pm. These are in no particular order:
1 – The 80s
2 – Michelle/Eleanor Rigby/Yesterday
9 – Arabian Dances
36 – Space and Beyond
40 – Windjammer
58 – Les Mis
59 – Super Mario
63 – Hallelujah
64 – Bolero
Here’s a listing of what I think will be programmed this summer – as in, I’m sure we can perform them, so it’s more likely they’ll be on a concert programme than not:
1 – The 80s
6 – It don’t mean a thing OR 7 – Swing the Mood (we’ll discuss)
9 – Arabian Dances
11 – Cartoon Symphony
36 – Space and Beyond
40 – Windjammer
58 – Les Mis
59 – Super Mario Brothers
63 – Hallelujah
And, here are the others that are under consideration – it will depend on how rehearsals go and what else is on the programme:
2 – Michelle/Eleanor Rigby/Yesterday
4 – Standard of St George
17 – Eine Kleine Rockmusik
22- The Stripper
25 – The Blue Orchid
64 – Bolero
Now, on to the listening. I’m including some links below to recordings that I think will help demonstrate the general direction I’d like us to take, or, sometimes, it’s the only or best recording I could find!
Super Mario Brothers – Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra
Bolero – Ravel (arr. Jay Bocook)
Hallelujah – Cohen (arr. Michael Brown)
See you on Wednesday, June 7!
Happy Playing!
Elizabeth.