We WILL have rehearsals after the Mayan calendar ends!
We have one more rehearsal before the Mayan calendar ends and our solar system bypasses the center of the Milky Way galaxy (see NASA article – very interesting).
I have updated the rehearsal plan for tomorrow night. The times are very specific. I need to stay on time, because we need to accomplish a great deal. We will not rehearse Smith or Bellini, but we need to rehearse everything else before the holiday break. Please note that the Poachers canon personnel agreed to come early, at 6:45 pm, to work on the two canons. This includes: Gerould, Geoff, Rachel, Gina, Marc, and Rob (although Rob will be absent, I’ve asked Len to fill in).
I also created a Poachers meter schematic handout to assist members who are challenged by the asymmetrical meters in the third movement of Posy. I think I assumed that a larger majority of players were familiar with this movement. This handout should fill in the gaps. See the shorthand codes at the top of the page for the markings for 1 and 2 simple beats, 1 compound beat, and 3 simple beats (3/4 measures . Please download, print, and mark these measures so we all have a clear understanding of what is going on. If you don’t mark your part, it won’t help, so please follow through on this!
As Jim noted in his email this week, our success is deeply rooted in our professionalism. Please plan your travel time so you arrive with enough time to spare to unpack, greet friends, and warm up. Everyone has emergencies, even me. But most emergencies can, and should, be avoided. I also truly appreciate Jim’s email about respect for the sanctity of rehearsal. Whoever is speaking from the podium — be it conductor, guest conductor, assistant conductor, or George the custodian — that person deserves your quiet attention and respect. We have reached a point where many members have forgotten this. I find it challenging to call out individuals in front of the group without making it sound like a personal affront, so I am stating it here: We need to eliminate the unnecessary conversation, take greater care while moving stands and personal items so there is less room noise, and put the ensemble first at all times. Please do so for everyone’s sake.
Lastly, I want to encourage you to visit our Facebook page. A few members have posted candid photos, taken in rehearsal. These (posted with permission, I would add) help to spark discussion and really personalize the band to the outside world. Post, like, comment — it’s easy to do and very effective.
Be well. See you tomorrow evening in Pelham.