Rehearsal dates/sites
- We have updates to the rehearsal calendar, which includes cancelling all of the tentative Saturday rehearsals (January 8 & 15, February 5). We will, however, retain the Saturday dress rehearsal on February 12.
- With thanks to Kathy Davis and Michael Lucke, we’ve been able to retain White Plains High School for rehearsals on January 10 & 24, when TMH is not available. I’ll send directions/parking info closer to those dates.
New half-ensemble rosters
- We will have half-ensemble rehearsals again starting January 3. I’ll post new rosters next week, which will reflect the personnel changes for the winter cycle.
- I will name these rosters Ben & Jerry, so no one confuses them with the previous Neiman & Marcus rosters. Please check the lists carefully when posted so you know which rehearsals to attend.
- IMPORTANT: Please do not take on other commitments on the opposite Monday nights, as we may need to ask you to play as a sub in the other half-ensemble if the need arises!
- I am not sure when the next full rehearsal will be.
COVID Boosters will be required by January 10
- Based on Dr. Ron MacKenzie’s urging, the board has voted to require the COVID-19 Booster for all currently performing players by January 10. This will give everyone in both half-ensembles the same amount of time to get the booster. If you haven’t gotten the booster yet, please plan ahead and take the needed steps so you’re boosted by January 10.
- When you have your vaccination card updated, please take a photo of it (redact birthdate if you wish), rename the file as LAST, FIRST and send it to David. (Renaming will help us considerably.)
The Midwest Clinic
I’m writing this post from Chicago. Today is the third day of this year’s clinic, and it’s the 75th anniversary this year. I’m so very proud to be connected with the history of this conference, having performed here in 1981 as a member of the Northshore Concert Band, and as a clinician in 2009. I’ve attended some amazing sessions, heard some phenomenal concerts (including Lagrangeville’s own Arlington High School Philharmonia Strings), reconnected with old colleagues, and made new professional connections. I feel very grateful for this experience, and the inspiration that I draw from it.
Sad news
This was sent to New Rochelle HS alums, and I’m sharing it here because Don was a faithful member of this ensemble at the time of its founding.
NRHS WE alums,We are saddened to let you know that Don Perlman (percussion) passed away yesterday. Don was a member of the NRHS Class of 1971, but he was gracious enough to join the NRHS WE for many years following his graduation as a much needed “extra pair of hands” in the percussion section. Don taught percussion privately, founded a percussion instrument dealer, and worked as an audio engineer, among other musical endeavors. Many of the percussionists in later classes, including myself, had the good fortune to learn from and make music with Don. With intensity and a large shock of red hair, Don was a great section member. We will miss him.According to the funeral home, a graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday December 17, 2021 at the Beth David Cemetery, Elmont, New York.If you would like to leave a personal memory of Don on the NRHS WE Reunion website, you can do so at https://www.nrhswindensemble.org/share- with-others.html (password MrWayne) and/or the funeral home’s website https://www. dignitymemorial.com/ obituaries/mount-vernon-ny/ donald-perlman-10488659/add- memory Bud