John Lynch, along with his grad students, Fiona & Alexander, join me at the Opera Bar (next to the Sydney Opera House) after a day of classes at “The Con.”

Sydney has been amazing, simply amazing! During the past week I conducted rehearsals with the St. Aloysius College Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Four Dances from West Side Story), Newington College Wind Symphony (Zdechlik’s Chorale and Shaker Dance), and the Sydney Youth Orchestra Wind Symphony (Holst’s First Suite), plus I spoke at John Lynch’s Basic Conducting class at the Sydney Music Conservatorium. All that happened in just three days! I am very grateful to John for lining up these rehearsal clinics for me. It’s been a whirlwind of events here, but I have really gotten to know and enjoy Sydney very much.

I heard good things about last week’s sectionals and I am grateful to both Matt & Rich for working with you. This Monday, we’re back at TMH, and Tom McCauley will be taking the podium for the full rehearsal. The plan is Bernstein, Lauridsen, and Maslanka. Please come in plenty of time to help set up, warm up, and be ready in your seats for his downbeat promptly at 7:30 pm. Starting on time in my absence when guest conductors come in is especially important to me. Thank you in advance for planning ahead.

We have no rehearsal on Monday, March 30 (Westchester public schools vacation week for Passover/Easter), so we won’t meet again until Monday, April 6, back at TMH. And I’ll be back for that rehearsal!

I miss you all and am eager to share more about the trip when I see you. Have a great rehearsal with Tom!