I am sure that all of you have received wonderful commendations for your performance on Saturday night. I want to share one special email, sent by Jeff Elliot, who played trumpet with us in the antiphonal brass. It is a beautiful tribute to your success.

I want to thank you for inviting me to participate in the 25^th anniversary WSW concert. I enjoyed playing the Kalinnikov again. What a great anniversary piece! Claudia, I’m not sure where you found all the antiphonal brass players, but I can say that those around me on Stage Right were really fine musicians, and it was an honor to be included among them.

From where I sat in the balcony, the concert was outstanding. While I would like to think that we sounded that good during my tenure with the band (years 2-19 maybe?), I doubt that was the case. I do not intend to cast any aspersions on those who participated back then; rather I applaud the fine work of the current WSW. The ensemble, intonation, dynamics all were first rate. (Actually, I can cast one aspersion – we never did dynamics!) As enthused as I was to play, it was equally exciting to listen to such a fine band.

As one among several who for many years advocated for a permanent home for the band, so that neither the band nor its sponsors needed to deal with location from one performance to the next, I am delighted that you have found one at Tarrytown Music Hall (although I still wonder how the fire marshal certifies the venue!). The acoustics were superb. And to play before a full house… Who can top that?

I also want to comment on the musical program. As one who often advocated (wrongly in hindsight) for simpler programming consisting of marches, show tunes and the like, which would find more mass appeal among audiences, I am delighted that the program did not stoop to that level (not that there is anything wrong with lighter fare). But you showed how really good pieces of music performed by outstanding musicians can delight a crowd.

And a final comment on the printed program. What a nice touch to include in the Personnel section the occupation and years of membership. Coupled with the history of WSW and the discussion of the founders, it was a very personalized touch emphasizing the “home grown” nature of the band. A very positive impression indeed.

Thanks again. Enjoy your summer,
Jeff

Jeffrey M. Elliott
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Iridian Asset Management LLC
Westport, CT