Dear Band,
Started this earlier this morning, then got busy with vacation errands !!
Just got back from rehearsal and I’m too pumped to go to sleep right away.
Final reminders before next Thursdays concert.
Black everything (and purple band tie for men)
5:40 Call time, front doors of the Academy, instrument storage in the call behind the stage on and below the tables. Be onstage, in your seats and ready for Jim to drop the baton at 6:00 pm sharp.
Water will be provided, stage right near where the singers will be sitting.
Please be on time for percussion moving if you signed up. And we prompt to help after the concert it you signed up to move equipment back to Heritage. Questions? Call Steve Williams at 573-881-8814
Please be on time for stage set up and tear down if you signed up Call Todd with any questions at 717 448 3002
House is approximately 50% sold at this writing. Please get those cards in the hands of friends and colleagues. Please find some of the posts and videos on Facebook and repost them on your social media outlets.
Remember, your free ticket is accessible through the Academy website before you choose your seat, enter BANDMEMBER in the promo box, upper right hand corner and hit the “apply” box.
Now, the fun part !
What I heard in rehearsal tonight!
Amporito Roca was very clean, solid and fun
Russian Sailors Dance …you made it sound easy and I know it’s not.
Sea Songs- most of Vaughn Williams music has some humor and a story behind it. This is fun music; you need to make it sound like you’re having fun!
Sinatra…you all play jazz sooo well. You really swing and Steve finesses the best out of you when you play this style of music.
Reflective Mood – After the bombastic Sinatra ending, this really needs a laid back feel, especially in the beginning. Kevin plays so well, sometimes the band overwhelmed him.
Chattanooga Choo Choo, Well done. Love the little shoulder wiggle, Dr. Hibbard !
Problems heard were well taken care of by Jim and Steve on the remaining pieces.
ENCORE !! For heaven’s sake !!! This is the closer and is supposed to be fun ! Some of you looked like you were in pain when you were singing !!
Sinatra didn’t have much style when he was younger, but had a lovely tone. He didn’t have much voice when he got older, but no one was better has selling a song. After you heard him sing “Chicago” you wanted to visit the windy city. It had to be great !
Luciano Pavarotti was asked by an interviewer how he was able to hit the high notes. He said, “ I open my mouth and squeeze ‘a my butt” Open your mouths, smile, pretend you are Pavarotti, or Leontyne Price (my favorite soprano), and HAVE FUN. Sing ‘law, law, law, etc.” like these are the most important and meaningful words that have ever left your mouth. Convince the audience with your enthusiastic singing that you are having the best time in your lives and they will leave the concert feeling like they had the best time in their lives. If you need an example, look to Eddie Lovelace. That man plays the instrument with his whole body. You can see and feel he is having the time of his life when he plays ! Do that when you sing!
I have a paternal love for all of you…a leftover from my 39 years of teaching.
Have a great concert! I’ll miss being with you all.
Steve Aiello, President
The Lord is my strength and my song…