We have two rehearsals this week, Monday (working) and Wednesday (dress). On Monday evening I need to get these head counts:

• Names of WSW members who require a vegetarian or Gluten-free meal
• Names of WSW members who need “early exit parking,” because you do not intend to stay for the fireworks
• Approximate count of total number of cars to be parked (early or regular exit)

From Tim Coffey at Caramoor: This year’s dinner menu includes: Panko Fried Chicken, Black Bean Cakes with a side of Avocado Cream, Watermelon Mint Feta Salad, Macaroni Salad, Green Beans, Caesar Salad, Bread and Butter, and Apple Pie. Sounds delicious!

The rehearsal order for Monday is posted, along with Saturday’s schedule at Caramoor. Wednesday’s full dress rehearsal will be in program order, with as few stops as possible.

Thanks again to everyone who made the Exchange weekend run smoothly and musically. Enjoy this beautiful weekend — but don’t forget to practice!

First, thank you for a hard-working rehearsal Monday night. July 2 is very close. Please do make time for focused practice before next Monday.

I’ll be writing with more specifics about the next rehearsal, but I had to pass this on. I’ve learned that Paul Rosenblum has announced his retirement from Caramoor late in 2017. Paul was the key figure in inviting us in 2014 (after bumping into Dan Harrison in the A&P), and instrumental in our continuing participation there as well. The Caramoor press release even mentions us:

It was he who created Caramoor’s Independence Day “Pops, Patriots and Fireworks” concert, now a beloved annual tradition in collaboration with the Westchester Symphonic Winds,  .  .  .

We are a beloved annual tradition! Wow! This is a major milestone!

Thank you for all the dedicated individual work and sacrifices which have given us this notoriety. This is truly amazing.

More later in the week.

Our guests from Chicago have already begun to arrive. You’ve received the details for Saturday’s social activities, so I won’t repeat them here. I’ve posted all the details for our sound check and concert on the Rehearsal This Week page. Please read and check it carefully.

We do have rehearsal Monday, and the details are included on the Rehearsal page. In order to continue to be a “fan favorite” (Caramoor’s phrase), we have to be in top-notch shape for July 2.

I’m looking forward to our activities tomorrow and concert Sunday!

Monday is our final rehearsal before we host Northshore on June 19 at The Palace. It is, unfortunately, once again a late start evening following Random Farms. Please arrive at 7:15 pm, gather at the marquee, and then move as quickly as possible to set up when we get the all clear. I felt that last week’s rehearsal got off to a lethargic start, and this trickled down through the entire evening. We have much to do, including the combined Sousa marches, and a run-through of every piece. Please plan your evening responsibly to arrive on time and be ready to chip in, both musically and logistically.

We’re rehearsing the marches first, then Mackey, Zare, and Cuong. On Sunday, June 19, please plan to arrive by 10:30 am to hear/support NCB’s soundcheck rehearsal. Our sound check is 12:00-1:00 pm, followed by the combined marches rehearsal, 1:30-2:00 pm. Everything is listed here.

Enjoy the weekend. I’m flying to Chicago tonight to play on Northshore’s 60th anniversary concert on Sunday. I return on Monday afternoon, in plenty of time for our rehearsal Monday evening. See you then.