We’re back at TMH this Monday for our last two rehearsals of 2014. I’ve updated the Rehearsal Plan. Please note that the short time reserved for Tchaikovsky will focus mainly on the piu mosso at m.84-92. Please give some practice time to the new Kabalevsky parts. (I have the English horn, string bass, timpani, and percussion parts which were missing last week, and will bring them Monday.)

I’ve communicated with our trumpet soloists, Bill & Chris; they will be coming on December 15 to work with us on the Carmen Fantasia.

If you did not return your response for the Chicago Exchange trip last week, please download/print a Trip Commitment Form and bring it this Monday. We need a final count in order to make further plans about this exchange.

Please remember that we may no longer use the rear parking lot at TMH. See you in Tarrytown on Monday!

I hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. Please remember that we are rehearsing this week, December 1, at Scarsdale Middle School. See the Rehearsal This Week page for our rehearsal order and directions to SMS.

On Monday, we’ll be handing out the Hunsberger arrangement of Colas Breugnon, and collecting the Beeler arrangement. Please make sure you have the Beeler with you on Monday for the trade.

Please bring your Exchange Commitment Forms on Monday night. As we discussed, if you are unable to absolutely commit by Monday, please indicate your best intention at this point, and give us a date by which you can confirm. If you need another copy of the bulletin or commitment form, click here. We are hoping for as close to 100% participation as possible, which is what we saw in the informal count last year.

I realized tonight that the emergency post about the rear parking lot seemed to have been emailed multiple times. I apologize for this!

One more note – a performance opportunity: John Palatucci, who subbed in on euphonium with us last spring, is inviting players to play for a performance of Pepper Choplin’s “Once Upon A Night” at his daughter’s church.  Details include:

IMPORTANT! It’s very important that no one parks in the rear lot tonight!
Beginning tonight, until further notice, there is no parking available in the rear lot behind TMH, as they prepare to resurface the entire space.
Please plan ahead to park elsewhere.
Spread the word to those who may not check their email in time, and remember that we are setting up to start at our regular time, 7:30 pm.
See you then.

I just heard from Karina at the Music Hall this morning, and the children’s theater booking on Monday night is canceled – therefore, we can start at our regular 7:30 pm time tomorrow night. Please share this information with anyone who doesn’t read their email regularly so we have everyone for an on-time start.

After much ado with the release of our original travel agent, and hiring of Bruce Bevan and World Class Vacations, plus development and editing, I now have our Chicago information ready to distribute. Click here for the November 2014 Exchange Bulletin, which contains information about our itinerary, flights, home-stays, hotel, plus the Commitment Form for everyone to complete and return, and a letter for music educators who need documentation for school administrators to justify the day off on Monday, June 15. (I will be happy to customize this letter for anyone who needs it tweaked.)

Please read this important information and we will answer questions at the break on Monday. We are asking to get commitment replies back by Monday, December 1.

I have also edited the rehearsal plan for tomorrow night to reflect the 7:30 pm start. Please review. I’ll see you then!