Dear friends,
What an achievement last night! Several people and I mean “several” told me that our performances just get better and better and I agree. It was a performance where everything settled in. Beethoven said, “A wrong note is forgivable, but to play without passion is inexcusable!” You nailed it! There was a rallentando in America the Beautiful where I stretched out beat 4 that gave me chills. Thank you for your commitment to practice and rehearse responsibly and with passion.
Think about the concept of RISK. Hymn to the Fallen was a risk for us. John Williams’ music is soooo intricate. It takes a mature ensemble to play his music. After the first run through in rehearsal I really questioned it. The second time was a little better. Then Steve did the sectional with the woodwinds and it got a lot better. Last night it settled in on automatic pilot. Well done! Without RISK life is boring. For our next concert we are doing two risky pieces, Procession of the Nobles and Irish Washerwoman. They are very technical. GO FOR IT!
We’re also going to do Haydn Wood’s Mannin Veen. It’s a rather long suite of English folk songs heavy on the clarinets. (I think it’s technically easier than Irish Washerwoman but 3 times as long.) With singers we’ll do The Impossible Dream from “Man of LaMancha” and New York New York a la Frank Sinatra. Entry of the Gladiators, also known as Thunder and Blazes will be our opener. And Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy with singers! Most of this music will be posted soon. That’s my main goal before I leave for Israel Tuesday. Steve will be leading the next 2 rehearsals. Next week and the following.
Many thanks to Danny Moore and our singers for your contribution. Thanks to Daryl Duff, who has become my brother, for your contribution. Special thanks to Steve Williams and our percussion for organizing the transport of the percussion equipment to the academy and back to EC Glass afterwards. To Steve Aiello and the board without whose behind the scenes work last night could not have happened.
Please send me some suggestions for the next concert including another Sousa March.
Love and respect to all of you! You make it happen!
Jim