We’re back at TMH this Monday, March 21. We have rehearsal this week, but none next week, March 28. The rehearsal plan mirrors our work last week, and pulls in the percussion.

The Exchange Committee will soon be sending out information about the Exchange Weekend (June 17-20), including our need to find homestay hosts and airport transfer drivers, combined social activities on Saturday morning, and the concert/reception on Sunday. When sent, we’ll need replies from 100% of the membership in a timely fashion.

I don’t think this early spring snow event will impact us on Monday. Famous last words. But please do check your email just in case after 3:00 pm. See you Monday night!

The University of Minnesota just announced this afternoon that Dr. Emily Threinen (WSW guest conductor in 2013 & 2015) will succeed Craig Kirchhoff as Director of Bands, beginning August 29, 2016.

Emily met her husband, Luke, during their freshman year at Minnesota. This means they will be returning “home” after many years of academia in several other cities. Their first child, Penelope, was born this past November, and will have her first birthday in her parents’ native state.

Click here for the press release from the University of Minnesota.

Please join me in congratulating Emily!

That was a terrific rehearsal last night at Kol Ami! And the reports from the percussion section were also positive. Thank you for your flexibility in moving to the new rehearsal space, thank you to Rachel for helping to acquire it, and a special thank you to Eddie Herko for overseeing the chair setup and re-setup.

We’re back at TMH next Monday, March 21, and then there’s no rehearsal on March 28 for spring break. I will continue to work in-depth with the four major works on the program, dissecting the pieces and sharing the form/thematic analysis that helped to make last night so successful.

To celebrate these great rehearsals, I hope you’ll enjoy this amazing rendition of the March from Holst First Suite, performed by Jordan Moore on ocarinas and euphonium. Yep. Ocarinas and euphonium. (And chest bumps for bass drum.) Enjoy!

The rehearsal Monday evening will be in the Chapel, at the rear of the Kol Ami property. Drive past the main building (where we played in November) and park in the rear parking lot. As you look to the back of the property, the Chapel is the smaller building on the left, while the Gymnasium is the larger building on the right.

We’re setting up in the Chapel. BE SURE TO BRING MUSIC STANDS! I’m hoping the light will be sufficient, but if low light is an issue for you, bring a stand light. The chairs are padded and very comfy, but many have low arms. I don’t see this as a problem, but I do want to make you all aware.

Thanks.