Critical rehearsal Monday at UUFNW

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Monday, December 8 at UUFNW

As discussed last week, on Monday, December 8 we will have a full rehearsal at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Westchester (UUFNW), 236 South Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. Everyone must bring their own music stand — thank you.

Take a look at www.uufellowship.org/ to see details about the church. The purpose of this rehearsal is to audition the space as a possible long-term rehearsal site. We also need to assess the space they’ve offered for storage of our percussion equipment. They are looking for a consistent weekly long-term tenant, and our contact at UUFNW has attended several of our concerts, so WSW fits the bill.

I found UUFNW right away on my first trip there. GPS worked well using the Bedford Road address, which is 1.0 mile west of Exit 4 off I-684. When you pull in, there’s a large parking lot ahead of you, beyond the drop-off circle. From the parking lot, take the path on the right side of the building to the main entrance at the far end of the path.

Percussion/large instruments – You’re welcome to use the secondary entrance on the other side of the building, which leads directly into the Sanctuary. I’ll ask our host to open that door as well. See the building map here. “Hand carry percussion” is the rule of thumb for the evening, much like when we’ve rehearsed at Knights of Columbus.

The rehearsal plan is posted. I’m also posting the UUFNW Rehearsal Audition form here now. We’ll take some time together at the end of rehearsal to give you time to share thoughts and feedback, but please also use the form to share your reactions.

Leaving TMH

Monday, December 15 is our final Monday night rehearsal at TMH. Regardless of where we land for future Monday night rehearsals, we must get the music stands out on December 15. Please plan ahead for that date:

  • Please come to rehearsal in a vehicle in which you can take two stands at the end of the evening.
  • Horns: We will ask you to take your sound reflector in place of one of those music stands.
  • Percussion: We’re asking everyone to take more than one stand so you don’t have to. You’ve got enough on your plate with percussion equipment. Eric has a plan.
  • Everyone: The idea here is that everyone will help to store the stands until February, then bring them to TMH for the dress and concert. We’ll repeat the same plan in May.

Our WSW-owned chairs and risers will remain at TMH, and their crew will store them in the annex building until needed for the February and May concerts.

Volunteers needed on December 20

Eric has booked a truck for Saturday, December 20. We’re looking for volunteers to help that day at 1:00 pm to help load the remaining percussion out of TMH, follow the truck, and help unload at [destination TBA] for upcoming rehearsals. Speak to Eric or me to volunteer.

Matt Podd concert

Matt, who we first met at Caramoor in 2014 and was our accordion soloist in 2022, asked me to share this information about his concert coming up on December 14 at 5:00 pm in Manhattan. Matt and his friend Darnell White have put together a vibrant program with a fantastic choir and band. (Ironically, as you can see, the concert is being held at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church on Madison Avenue in Manhattan.)

Also, Matt & Mimi Hilaire were booked by Caramoor for a set of Afternoon Teas in December. All performances have sold out, but I wanted you to know anyway!