There’s no snow! So I think we’re ready to roll! See my notes below about the sound check tomorrow, which must start promptly at 6:00 pm.

I thought the Zdechlik, Gjeilo, Villa-Lobos, de Meij, and Williams sounded great on Wednesday. But between the curve balls we had with the stage preset for a film, and the head-on realization of playing all three movements altogether, it was not an ideal dress rehearsal for the Reed. Yes, it’s a long, involved, and complex work, but so well written, and so deserving of what this ensemble brings to it. So I have posted a specific plan for 8 sections in La Fiesta that I want to review during the sound check. Please check that plan so you’re prepared for the work we still need to do. Two of these sections ask for you to sing rather than play, as I am conscious of how your chops are affected right before a concert.

The TMH staff is pulling the piano, setting up risers/shells, and bringing up all chairs/stands and percussion. I’ve asked that the crew have everything in place by 5:00 pm for us to finalize the setup and prepare. If you can, please arrive early to help finalize the setup. But I’d like to ask everyone to be in the Hall by 5:45 pm, so everyone can warm up effectively without rushing, and facilitate our downbeat start at 6:00 pm. Please remember to allow plenty of time to park. Having the bank lot open again will certainly help, but don’t assume a space will be waiting for you lat minute. To be honest, we do not have a good track record for having 100% of players in seats and ready to play at the announced sound check time — so let’s change that with this concert.

Enjoy the day — see you tomorrow. We’re going to have an amazing concert!