Happy Summer, everyone!
I hope this has been an enjoyable and easy-going summer for everyone. I’m writing with some quick news items.
Please welcome the newest member of WSW!
Join me in congratulating Jessica and Joe on the birth of their daughter, Ella Jean Natale! She arrived a little early on July 19, weighing 7lb 14oz! Everyone is doing well as they settle into life with a newborn.
Rehearsals resume September 8
Please plan for our first full fall rehearsal on Monday, September 8 at 7:30 pm at TMH. The full schedule of confirmed performances and tentative rehearsals can be found here. Our Board meets this coming week and will confirm the rehearsal schedule at that time. The parts for Pines of Rome are ready, and eager beavers can access those parts here.
Keep in mind that we’ve committed to reprise the Caramoor 2025 program (without the vocal numbers) at Rev Fest 250 on Sunday, September 28, call at 12:30 pm and performance at 1:30 pm. This will be a major fund-raiser for us, and provide outstanding exposure at the perfect time before the concerts for the season begin.
Additional details and links to all the music folders will be sent out later this month.
Upcoming Open Houses at Laubin Oboes!
This information was just sent out to our Double Reed Ensemble oboes and English horns from 2023. If you have a student oboist looking for a quality, affordable instrument that is not as costly as the top-of-the-line professional models, consider attending one of these open houses later in the month. RSVP directly to Jim Phelan at the address referenced below.
I’m Jim Phelan, owner of Laubin Oboes and English Horns. I would like to invite you to an open house at the Laubin campus to try the new Armstrong-Werth oboes.
Where: Laubin Campus, 3888 Rt 52, Holmes, NY 12531
When: August 23, 24, 30, and 31 from 12 noon to 4 pm
Years ago, I had the opportunity to work alongside John Armstrong, an oboist and instrument maker originally from Melbourne, Australia. John earned a scholarship to study oboe at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he supported himself by working at Howarth. After graduating, he continued at Howarth, further developing his oboe-making skills.
He later returned to Australia and won the English horn position with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Alongside his performing career, John continued refining his oboe designs with a clear goal in mind: to craft high-quality instruments for beginning and advancing students. AND, at an affordable price! In Sherry Sylar’s words, they are “a fantastic value.” You can view the popular Pan model here:
https://alaubin.com/product/pa
Of course, the real test is how they play. That’s why I’m hosting four open houses this month at the Laubin campus in Holmes, NY. You’ll be able to try several of John’s instruments, enjoy refreshments, and take a tour of the Laubin workshop.
If you’re interested in attending, please email me, jim@alaubin.com. I’d love to meet you and hear your thoughts on these remarkable instruments.
Sincerely,
Jim Phelan