Last evening was a milestone for our ensemble in many ways:

• The Master Class with Don Batchelder was well-attended, much appreciated, and incredibly profitable in many ways.
• The clarinet section responded quickly and positively to Geoff’s weekend email, and came together to rehearse for a full hour before rehearsal.
• It was a special honor to have Peter Sis visit rehearsal last evening. He was most impressed with the sound of the ensemble, and was clearly moved. He will be returning for our dress rehearsal on February 10 and the concert on February 11.
• The progress we’re making with the Husa is truly amazing. I know I have said this before, but it is so sincere: I am so very proud of your work on this piece, and I am really looking forward to the final product at the performance.

The progress we’ve made with the Husa is considerable. Next week (at New Rochelle) we’ll have Tom McCauley to give his honest and thorough assessment of our progress, and what we still must do to bring this piece to its highest potential.

Percussion – Don’t forget we’re meeting at 5 pm next Monday for the percussion sectional. Please bring a sack meal, and we’ll break to eat between the sectional and full rehearsal.

And here, as promised, is the Big 10 Directors panel discussion about Karel Husa from the conference. (I edited this now so the discussion begins right at the beginning of the track.) Total time is about 55 minutes. If you have the time, it’s truly fascinating.