Inertia is an amazing property of physics, and it certainly was in effect last night. From the first sounds of The Star Spangled Banner, I knew “we had them” and that the audience was with us 100% for the rest of the program. But it was the forward energy you created during the performance that was truly amazing. At one point, I had this physical memory of thinking, “This sits squarely on some of the best work this group has ever done!” It was reported that Paul Rosenblum said, “We have to invite you back — you’re a tradition!” The Caramoor audience is refined, sophisticated, enlightened, and (it would appear) totally in love with WSW! I’m not only proud of your performance focus and your ability to (once again) peak at the optimum performance moment, but also so very, very proud of how the audience, the CEO, the collaborating artists, and the crews all respond so positively to you as people. Connecting through music in this way is what the American community band movement is all about, and you certainly fulfilled that goal last night.

No moss grows under my feet — I passed through TSA Pre-check at JFK at 6:06 am this morning for my flight out to San Francisco to attend John Lynch’s wedding. I’m staying in California after the wedding to feed my compulsion for roller coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles, and then I’m off to Temple University on July 11 to teach at Emily Threinen’s conducting workshop (along with Gene Corporon).

I will be finalizing repertoire over the next weeks for our 29th season, and sending out a form for everyone to confirm commitments for concert and dress rehearsal dates next season. I have all the guest and apprentice conductors finalized, and just one more soloist to confirm for the Fall concert. There will be no Exchange concert next year, but I hope that we’ll have a confirmation for Caramoor before too long. Looking ahead, 2017-2018 will be our 30th anniversary year, and my 10th anniversary as conductor. I’ve already planned a key work for that year, Karel Husa’s Music for Prague 1968, as this will be the 50th anniversary of those significant events in Czechoslovakia.

Bask in the glow from last night — you deserve it!

Thank you, Ian Vlahović, for watching NYC Arts on PBS last evening. Because of this, Ian saw a major advertisement for Caramoor and tomorrow night’s concert in particular! Watch this the archived video here. Fast forward to 13:00 for the spot about Caramoor, 13:40 for the mention of WSW!

I’ve updated the rehearsal plan for tonight, allowing for more than enough time for each run through. Remember there is no intermission on Saturday, so we won’t take a formal break tonight either. I will try to keep things moving to keep us on — or ahead of — schedule. Plan ahead for the inserted measure rest and ‘stand up’ portion of Stars & Stripes, and if you haven’t already checked your memorization of that final strain, please do so in time for rehearsal.

Although we don’t have to set up from scratch tonight, we will have to tear down afterwards. This is our final rehearsal of the season, so there will be end-of-season announcements (including library) in addition to final Caramoor info.

See you tonight!