Hey everyone! Great job last Monday night - the open practice was a huge success. However, bear in mind that we have another performance coming up on March 13th - the Talent Show at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. We have a half hour to play at the end of the event, and plan on performing some of the set we've done before...
Intersecting Lines
Nostalgia in Times Square
Theme from Sesame Street
Begin the Beguine
...though not in that order. Also, make sure that you take a look at Straight, No Chaser; we're going to be focusing on the new pieces more, especially after the 13th through the end of April. We have four pieces to learn (some of which we've worked on, some we haven't) to supplement the music we already have. Looking forward to a productive spring!
Showing posts with label Intersecting Lines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Intersecting Lines. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Abington Junior High School Jazz Festival
Hello all! I have the details here for the Abington Junior High School Festival, and if I get any more I will update this exact same post so you only need to refer to one for information.
The call time at Abington Junior High School is 8:30 PM in the gymnasium for warm-ups and tuning. The address of the school is:
2056 Susquehanna Rd.
Abington, PA 19001
We will be playing some time around 9:15 PM, as the exhibition band while the judges are tallying their scores and after awards have been handed out. The pieces we will be playing include: Malaguena, Nostalgia in Times Square, The Incredibles, Intersecting Lines and Theme from Sesame Street. The encore number, if needed, is Samba Ti Kaye.
Keep your eye on this post for more information, but directions are straightforward with any use of MapQuest, Google Maps or your GPS. Looking forward to this Friday's upcoming performance, and see you all there!
The call time at Abington Junior High School is 8:30 PM in the gymnasium for warm-ups and tuning. The address of the school is:
2056 Susquehanna Rd.
Abington, PA 19001
We will be playing some time around 9:15 PM, as the exhibition band while the judges are tallying their scores and after awards have been handed out. The pieces we will be playing include: Malaguena, Nostalgia in Times Square, The Incredibles, Intersecting Lines and Theme from Sesame Street. The encore number, if needed, is Samba Ti Kaye.
Keep your eye on this post for more information, but directions are straightforward with any use of MapQuest, Google Maps or your GPS. Looking forward to this Friday's upcoming performance, and see you all there!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Performance Info: Abington Junior High School Jazz Festival
Hey everybody! We have a new performance coming up (based on everyone's availability) which will be at Abington Junior High School on Friday, February 11th at around 9:15 pm, and the call time will be 8:30 pm. More details to come on this performance, but be prepared to play the following:
Malaguena
Nostalgia
::judges give out awards::
we close with...
The Incredibles
Intersecting Lines
Theme from Sesame Street
ENCORE: Samba Ti Kaye
Expect to practice the latter four charts since we have been working Nostalgia and Malaguena so well in recent weeks. Plus there is the possibility that we will have a second practice next week on the 9th which is completely voluntary (due to work schedules, etc.) but would be useful to anyone who wanted to attend and work on those charts some more.
Malaguena
Nostalgia
::judges give out awards::
we close with...
The Incredibles
Intersecting Lines
Theme from Sesame Street
ENCORE: Samba Ti Kaye
Expect to practice the latter four charts since we have been working Nostalgia and Malaguena so well in recent weeks. Plus there is the possibility that we will have a second practice next week on the 9th which is completely voluntary (due to work schedules, etc.) but would be useful to anyone who wanted to attend and work on those charts some more.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Performance Details: First Friday: 2 July 2010
Alright everyone, here's the informational post with event details for First Friday in Doylestown. Please make sure you read this post carefully, and if anyone has any questions, you know how to reach the band leaders.
1. As stated at rehearsals, First Fridays, especially in the summer, are extremely busy. Not only is there live music in (now) up to three different venues, but businesses do special deals/promotions, etc. in anticipation of the public turnout, and small business (some home-run) put up tables in the central square to sell small arts and crafts. Due to the popularity of the event, it is known that in past years the idea has circulated about blocking off the streets. That being said, the streets were not blocked off in June, and don't expect them to be blocked off on Friday the 2nd.
This information means that if you are driving into Doylestown right before call time at 7:30 (and yes, call time remains 7:30), do not expect to find parking in the immediate vicinity of the performance area; if you do, you're just "lucking out." Furthermore, if you arrive in town at 7, when the events are underway, expect many pedestrians at all crosswalks and many more crossing the street wherever they may feel the need. This will also block up traffic, but for precaution's sake, take extra care driving around the center of town.
If you are parking a few blocks away (I'd recommend Harvey Ave., Oakland Ave., or if you're running late, the parking garage by the Court House. It's more of a hike, but it's a guaranteed spot.) There is a parking lot behind Starbucks - it's closed off when the events start. There is parking lot behind the Doylestown Bookshop/Madame Butterfly's - it's now a performance area and also closed off. Also, when walking around town, please be aware of when you are crossing the streets, as aggravated driver's trying to get through town in the maze of First Friday activities, may be extra aggressive. I know this, as I was almost run down last month at First Friday when crossing on the correct signal and in the crosswalk. Again, exercise caution. It's a lot of people in a smaller area.
2. When you arrive, you may store any personal belongings and instrument cases in Class Harlan Real Estate, directly adjacent to the performance area. Class Harlan is graciously allowing us to do this due to connections with the band (Lewis Graham, the trombone player, works there). This is a special advantage we have over all the other performing groups. Class Harlan will be closed, and during the performance, all cases and belonging will be locked up and secure in that building. As soon as they allow, which I believe will be around 6:30 or 7 PM, we will be able to store the instruments and/or warm up and tune.
3. The music organizer for First Friday, Thomas Phillips, has informed us that there is a pa system in place as well as two microphones. Additionally, should there be light rain, there will be a tent set up over the performance area. However, it is not currently expected to rain on Friday, and the forecast is calling for temperatures around 80 degrees.
4. Make sure you stay hydrated. All will be done to provide water bottles during the performance, but make sure you are comfortable before arriving. Dress is the same as usual, but with even more emphasis on comfort. Look at the temperature forecast on Friday and use your best judgment. And if you absolutely don't want to wear black, khakis will be fine.
5. Town will be well lighted - it doesn't get dark until pretty and there's a lot of ambience from the street lights and nearby buildings. However, it can't hurt to have a battery-operated book light on your stand if you want to precaution against getting a shadow on your stand, or what not. These can be easily found at bookstores for cheap, so do what you will.
6. The church is graciously allowing us to use their stands for the performance, so we have twelve there, but if you know that you have had to use your own stand at practices, bring it along. I will have three collapsible stands just in case at the performance. Again, if it's not a pain to bring it, the best advice is just to bring the stand anyway.
7. The rough performance order for pieces (and I know this is what everyone's been waiting for) is the following:
In the Stone
The Incredibles
Ride the Wind
Begin the Beguine
But Beautiful
Samba Ti Kaye
Intersecting Lines
Georgia On My Mind
Malaguena
Georgia On My Mind will be handed out prior to the performance, and I believe we can handle this piece even though we have only played through it about two to three times. But Beautiful is another pretty filler chart that works as a rest point from Begin the Beguine. In the event we need to repeat anything, it will likely be In the Stone. However, I believe these nine charts listed in the order above will easily fill an hour's worth of playing, taking into account the small periods of time between pieces and ones with extended solo sections. Remember that there will now be three solos in Ride the Wind, and two in Intersecting Lines, not to mention the drum solo in that one.
I look foward to seeing everyone on Friday, again, feel free to contact band leaders for additional information you may want, and I believe that this will be a fantastic performance which the audience will love.
Note: The rhythm section has special instructions for setup as equipment is much larger, etc. All who can get into town early to help set up are appreciated. And if there's any downtime, there's always Starbucks ;)
1. As stated at rehearsals, First Fridays, especially in the summer, are extremely busy. Not only is there live music in (now) up to three different venues, but businesses do special deals/promotions, etc. in anticipation of the public turnout, and small business (some home-run) put up tables in the central square to sell small arts and crafts. Due to the popularity of the event, it is known that in past years the idea has circulated about blocking off the streets. That being said, the streets were not blocked off in June, and don't expect them to be blocked off on Friday the 2nd.
This information means that if you are driving into Doylestown right before call time at 7:30 (and yes, call time remains 7:30), do not expect to find parking in the immediate vicinity of the performance area; if you do, you're just "lucking out." Furthermore, if you arrive in town at 7, when the events are underway, expect many pedestrians at all crosswalks and many more crossing the street wherever they may feel the need. This will also block up traffic, but for precaution's sake, take extra care driving around the center of town.
If you are parking a few blocks away (I'd recommend Harvey Ave., Oakland Ave., or if you're running late, the parking garage by the Court House. It's more of a hike, but it's a guaranteed spot.) There is a parking lot behind Starbucks - it's closed off when the events start. There is parking lot behind the Doylestown Bookshop/Madame Butterfly's - it's now a performance area and also closed off. Also, when walking around town, please be aware of when you are crossing the streets, as aggravated driver's trying to get through town in the maze of First Friday activities, may be extra aggressive. I know this, as I was almost run down last month at First Friday when crossing on the correct signal and in the crosswalk. Again, exercise caution. It's a lot of people in a smaller area.
2. When you arrive, you may store any personal belongings and instrument cases in Class Harlan Real Estate, directly adjacent to the performance area. Class Harlan is graciously allowing us to do this due to connections with the band (Lewis Graham, the trombone player, works there). This is a special advantage we have over all the other performing groups. Class Harlan will be closed, and during the performance, all cases and belonging will be locked up and secure in that building. As soon as they allow, which I believe will be around 6:30 or 7 PM, we will be able to store the instruments and/or warm up and tune.
3. The music organizer for First Friday, Thomas Phillips, has informed us that there is a pa system in place as well as two microphones. Additionally, should there be light rain, there will be a tent set up over the performance area. However, it is not currently expected to rain on Friday, and the forecast is calling for temperatures around 80 degrees.
4. Make sure you stay hydrated. All will be done to provide water bottles during the performance, but make sure you are comfortable before arriving. Dress is the same as usual, but with even more emphasis on comfort. Look at the temperature forecast on Friday and use your best judgment. And if you absolutely don't want to wear black, khakis will be fine.
5. Town will be well lighted - it doesn't get dark until pretty and there's a lot of ambience from the street lights and nearby buildings. However, it can't hurt to have a battery-operated book light on your stand if you want to precaution against getting a shadow on your stand, or what not. These can be easily found at bookstores for cheap, so do what you will.
6. The church is graciously allowing us to use their stands for the performance, so we have twelve there, but if you know that you have had to use your own stand at practices, bring it along. I will have three collapsible stands just in case at the performance. Again, if it's not a pain to bring it, the best advice is just to bring the stand anyway.
7. The rough performance order for pieces (and I know this is what everyone's been waiting for) is the following:
In the Stone
The Incredibles
Ride the Wind
Begin the Beguine
But Beautiful
Samba Ti Kaye
Intersecting Lines
Georgia On My Mind
Malaguena
Georgia On My Mind will be handed out prior to the performance, and I believe we can handle this piece even though we have only played through it about two to three times. But Beautiful is another pretty filler chart that works as a rest point from Begin the Beguine. In the event we need to repeat anything, it will likely be In the Stone. However, I believe these nine charts listed in the order above will easily fill an hour's worth of playing, taking into account the small periods of time between pieces and ones with extended solo sections. Remember that there will now be three solos in Ride the Wind, and two in Intersecting Lines, not to mention the drum solo in that one.
I look foward to seeing everyone on Friday, again, feel free to contact band leaders for additional information you may want, and I believe that this will be a fantastic performance which the audience will love.
Note: The rhythm section has special instructions for setup as equipment is much larger, etc. All who can get into town early to help set up are appreciated. And if there's any downtime, there's always Starbucks ;)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Practice Recap: 24 May 2010
Hey guys - good job at practice last night. I know it's been a long weekend for some and an even longer weekend for others, especially those who play and practice with other jazz groups. However, I really think we got some positive work done last night, regardless of the long weekend prior to rehearsal.
It's unnecessary to chat much about what needs to get done; I think we all know what needs to be worked on in the individual parts. There's a lot of technical stuff for Sing, Sing, Sing and focus on articulations, dynamics, etc., for Begin the Beguine and Intersecting Lines. Plus now we have our heads around The Incredibles and we should all know how to practice accordingly.
Memorial Day is next Monday, May 31st, and as such (and especially after a poll at practice) it has been decided that there will be no practice next week. So enjoy the holiday, get some work done on your parts on your own, and we will resume practices on Monday, June 7th. That being said, do not hesitate to bring up any questions or concerns about the music over the next two weeks.
It was also mentioned at practice that there is some interest in three specific pieces, and they are:
1. Channel One Suite by Buddy Rich Band
2. Prodigal Son Revisited by Wayne Horvitz
3. Nostalgia in Times Square by Charles Mingus.
I foresee a vote in the future for one of these charts (though this is not an exclusive list), and will be posting links to sample recordings soon. Please take the time to listen to the pieces over the next couple of weeks and decide which one you like most (though they are all awesome). The change jar is almost there for a new chart...
It's unnecessary to chat much about what needs to get done; I think we all know what needs to be worked on in the individual parts. There's a lot of technical stuff for Sing, Sing, Sing and focus on articulations, dynamics, etc., for Begin the Beguine and Intersecting Lines. Plus now we have our heads around The Incredibles and we should all know how to practice accordingly.
Memorial Day is next Monday, May 31st, and as such (and especially after a poll at practice) it has been decided that there will be no practice next week. So enjoy the holiday, get some work done on your parts on your own, and we will resume practices on Monday, June 7th. That being said, do not hesitate to bring up any questions or concerns about the music over the next two weeks.
It was also mentioned at practice that there is some interest in three specific pieces, and they are:
1. Channel One Suite by Buddy Rich Band
2. Prodigal Son Revisited by Wayne Horvitz
3. Nostalgia in Times Square by Charles Mingus.
I foresee a vote in the future for one of these charts (though this is not an exclusive list), and will be posting links to sample recordings soon. Please take the time to listen to the pieces over the next couple of weeks and decide which one you like most (though they are all awesome). The change jar is almost there for a new chart...
Monday, May 24, 2010
Rehearsal Tonight and Performance Recap
Great job last evening at Southampton! The small audience was extremely appreciative of the music, and there is no doubt in my mind that those who left after William Tennent played are hearing from friends that they really should have stuck around one more half hour... Anyway, I've only heard compliments about the performance, and we played some great (emphasis on great in the sense of masterpiece) charts, and there's really nothing better than that. As Pete said in a facebook post a few hours ago, this music is a total joy.
At any rate, there is practice tonight and we will be putting together all the work we've done on Begin the Beguine and Intersecting Lines, as well as diving into The Incredibles and Sing, Sing, Sing (both parts).
See you all at practice tonight, and if I was amazed at the performance yesterday, I am psyched for rehearsal wen we get to lock in all that hard work we've been doing the last couple of weeks on the new charts.
:)
At any rate, there is practice tonight and we will be putting together all the work we've done on Begin the Beguine and Intersecting Lines, as well as diving into The Incredibles and Sing, Sing, Sing (both parts).
See you all at practice tonight, and if I was amazed at the performance yesterday, I am psyched for rehearsal wen we get to lock in all that hard work we've been doing the last couple of weeks on the new charts.
:)
Monday, May 3, 2010
New Charts! (a.k.a. "Practice Tonight!")
Hey everyone! Great job on Saturday - I think we really wowed the crowd even if they didn't get out of their seats - but with the weather I think perhaps they may have become plastered to them, so that's not on us.
At any rate, we made it through "The First Circle," which is something in itself, and "Malaguena" sounded good (we'll just take it faster next time, I promise!). (Pete, did you get that? It's the George Lucas instruction: faster and more intense = awesome. I added that last bit. About the awesomeness.)
Now, even with Sunday, May 23rd as the next upcoming performance, though, we are switching gears and looking to some of the new charts. Be ready to start work on "Begin the Beguine," "Intersecting Lines," and "But Beautiful," and be assured: "Sing, Sing, Sing" is on the way.
But yeah, great job on Saturday and let's have fun tonight as we look to some new stuff. After all the hard work and some recent tedious practices with Metheny, I look forward to these practices where we start some new charts.
At any rate, we made it through "The First Circle," which is something in itself, and "Malaguena" sounded good (we'll just take it faster next time, I promise!). (Pete, did you get that? It's the George Lucas instruction: faster and more intense = awesome. I added that last bit. About the awesomeness.)
Now, even with Sunday, May 23rd as the next upcoming performance, though, we are switching gears and looking to some of the new charts. Be ready to start work on "Begin the Beguine," "Intersecting Lines," and "But Beautiful," and be assured: "Sing, Sing, Sing" is on the way.
But yeah, great job on Saturday and let's have fun tonight as we look to some new stuff. After all the hard work and some recent tedious practices with Metheny, I look forward to these practices where we start some new charts.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
New Charts and Updates
The new charts handed out at Monday's practice are for some time in the future, with the exception of "But Beautiful."
"Begin the Beguine" and "Intersecting Lines" are for the summer, and it is recommended to start looking at those charts on your own time until work starts with them in mid-May. There are various recordings online of these charts, "Intersecting Lines" being available as a sample at www.marinamusic.com and through iTunes. Northwestern University had a solid performance of "Begin the Beguine" and it can be watched on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3sagWZsfts&feature=PlayList&p=A76C7ECD1ED69DE7&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=11
as well as at www.marinamusic.com.
"Rhythm of Our World" is probably for the fall, and it will take multiple listens to the music to get somewhat comfortable with the various grooves, so it would not be suggested to attempt to figure it out without listening to it - there's are samples of this song online as well.
Therre is an update on the pedestrian who was struck by the SUV outside the church on Monday night, and the news is reporting that he is in fair condition at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia (so he probably was flown down from Doylestown Hospital that night). Hopefully he will be okay.
Again, call time is 6:30 PM at the Church on Sunday and 6:50 PM for the french horns. Be ready to get set up and dress has already been covered. You know who to contact if you have any questions. Feel free to invite whomever you wish to the performance, but just let them know to be quiet when entering and to head to the Sanctuary, bypassing the other activities in the Parish Hall (the gym/auditorium to the left after you enter).
This week there are some other concerts in the area. Up at West Chester University on Friday, April 9th, there is the WCU Criterions Jazz concert starting at 7:30 which is free and open to the public (see www.wcupa.edu for more information) and the Delaware Valley College Jazz Band will be playing in the student union building on the DVC campus at 3 PM on Sunday, April 11th.
"Begin the Beguine" and "Intersecting Lines" are for the summer, and it is recommended to start looking at those charts on your own time until work starts with them in mid-May. There are various recordings online of these charts, "Intersecting Lines" being available as a sample at www.marinamusic.com and through iTunes. Northwestern University had a solid performance of "Begin the Beguine" and it can be watched on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3sagWZsfts&feature=PlayList&p=A76C7ECD1ED69DE7&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=11
as well as at www.marinamusic.com.
"Rhythm of Our World" is probably for the fall, and it will take multiple listens to the music to get somewhat comfortable with the various grooves, so it would not be suggested to attempt to figure it out without listening to it - there's are samples of this song online as well.
Therre is an update on the pedestrian who was struck by the SUV outside the church on Monday night, and the news is reporting that he is in fair condition at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia (so he probably was flown down from Doylestown Hospital that night). Hopefully he will be okay.
Again, call time is 6:30 PM at the Church on Sunday and 6:50 PM for the french horns. Be ready to get set up and dress has already been covered. You know who to contact if you have any questions. Feel free to invite whomever you wish to the performance, but just let them know to be quiet when entering and to head to the Sanctuary, bypassing the other activities in the Parish Hall (the gym/auditorium to the left after you enter).
This week there are some other concerts in the area. Up at West Chester University on Friday, April 9th, there is the WCU Criterions Jazz concert starting at 7:30 which is free and open to the public (see www.wcupa.edu for more information) and the Delaware Valley College Jazz Band will be playing in the student union building on the DVC campus at 3 PM on Sunday, April 11th.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Practice Recap and Performance Info
Hey everybody! Great job at practice last night. The cold run-through (though there were longer than normal pauses between charts last night) went (musically) verywell, and then I thought that we cleaned up some key spots, especially in In the Stone and Ride the Wind.
Making it all of the way through "The First Circle" was exhilarating the first time, and now that we know we can do it, we just need to: a.) learn to do the opening minus the bass drum, and b.) clean, clean, clean followed by c.) polish, polish, polish. We have April to finish this, because we intend to perform this monster chart on May 1st.
To reiterate it here, call time is at 6:30 at the church on Sunday and dress is conservative concert attire, meaning white, black or solid colors for tops and black for pants, etc. or all black attire (if women want to wear dresses). Know that a good third of the members of the band will be coming over from the DVC jazz band concert at 3 and will no doubt be in white/black apparel already. Just use your common sense.
Also, remember, and I can't stress this enough (and I know I have at this point), to not make any sound upstairs, especially when you're coming in and setting up. When you walk in the doors (by the time 6:15 rolls around), be aware that right to the left of the church entrance there is a performance going on. Quietly talk or whisper and head downstairs, and then stay quiet. If you are warming up downstairs, you must keep it at a piano/pianissimo level, play only when the door is closed, and only in groups of less than three. We know how bad that room echoes, and we know how the sound carries. I'm not trying to be strict here, but we need to be disciplined and give all the respect to the performers upstairs that we can.
Next week we will be focusing on cleaning "The First Circle," so we need to keep the focus up (I think I will be saying this for all time) and the non-musical chatter to a minimum. With the acoustics of our practice room, everything that is said is amplified and so, whenever directions are being given from whoever is giving them, the sound level needs to drop. We're usually very good about this, so I'm not really that concerned, but it's something we want to keep in mind.
I think we can all look forward to the performance on Sunday, but just bear in mind the above information, and look for a post later this week with links to the recordings of the new charts. Remember, the only one we will play through soon is "But Beautiful" as it is not an advanced chart, and that "Begin the Beguine," "Intersecting Lines," and "Rhythm of Our World" we will begin practicing in full after May 1st, giving you about a month to take some time on your own with them.
Thanks again for all of your hard work, ethusiasm, and dedication to the group. I think we all know of the value of our players, our mission, and the legacy of the music that we are working. See you all Sunday.
Making it all of the way through "The First Circle" was exhilarating the first time, and now that we know we can do it, we just need to: a.) learn to do the opening minus the bass drum, and b.) clean, clean, clean followed by c.) polish, polish, polish. We have April to finish this, because we intend to perform this monster chart on May 1st.
To reiterate it here, call time is at 6:30 at the church on Sunday and dress is conservative concert attire, meaning white, black or solid colors for tops and black for pants, etc. or all black attire (if women want to wear dresses). Know that a good third of the members of the band will be coming over from the DVC jazz band concert at 3 and will no doubt be in white/black apparel already. Just use your common sense.
Also, remember, and I can't stress this enough (and I know I have at this point), to not make any sound upstairs, especially when you're coming in and setting up. When you walk in the doors (by the time 6:15 rolls around), be aware that right to the left of the church entrance there is a performance going on. Quietly talk or whisper and head downstairs, and then stay quiet. If you are warming up downstairs, you must keep it at a piano/pianissimo level, play only when the door is closed, and only in groups of less than three. We know how bad that room echoes, and we know how the sound carries. I'm not trying to be strict here, but we need to be disciplined and give all the respect to the performers upstairs that we can.
Next week we will be focusing on cleaning "The First Circle," so we need to keep the focus up (I think I will be saying this for all time) and the non-musical chatter to a minimum. With the acoustics of our practice room, everything that is said is amplified and so, whenever directions are being given from whoever is giving them, the sound level needs to drop. We're usually very good about this, so I'm not really that concerned, but it's something we want to keep in mind.
I think we can all look forward to the performance on Sunday, but just bear in mind the above information, and look for a post later this week with links to the recordings of the new charts. Remember, the only one we will play through soon is "But Beautiful" as it is not an advanced chart, and that "Begin the Beguine," "Intersecting Lines," and "Rhythm of Our World" we will begin practicing in full after May 1st, giving you about a month to take some time on your own with them.
Thanks again for all of your hard work, ethusiasm, and dedication to the group. I think we all know of the value of our players, our mission, and the legacy of the music that we are working. See you all Sunday.
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